Featuring more than 30 projects from the experts found in Model Railroader magazine, this book focuses on laying and weathering track and creating the realistic lineside details that are found alongside it.

Don't get derailed! Get up to speed on the latest advancements in trackwork with the one book that focuses solely on proper track installation, Basic Trackwork for Model Railroaders, 2nd Edition. Freshly updated to showcase the newest products, current manufacturers, and the latest techniques, this new edition shows you how to: *

For the model train hobbyist, this incredibly detailed book features 81 model track plan options. Each project description includes technical advice and prototype photos that will inspire any model railroad enthusiast. Projects feature likely obstacles that might be encountered during construction and helpful tips for getting it right the first time. Line art diagrams, layout routes, dimensions, and even photographs of the finished layout are included. The book is organized into six sections - The Best Plans for Your First Layout, Shelf Style Layouts, Bedroom-Size Track Plans, Track Plans for Larger Spaces, Staging Yards and Holdover Tracks, and Modular Model Railroad Plans.

Design a freelanced or prototype-based model railroad by selecting a time period, modeling geography, creating a roster, using graphics, and following paint schemes.

ABOUT THE BOOK Model railroading is an activity that captivates people of all ages and genders. There is something endlessly fascinating about trains, and miniature trains are the most fascinating of all. It's a great pastime that provides a creative outlet, a lot of enjoyment, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. Model railroading is a very adult pastime that makes you feel like a kid again. Best of all, it's a hobby that you can enjoy as a family, parents and children together. It really is the world's greatest hobby. Many are attracted to model railroading but don't know where to begin. You may have seen the impressive layouts created by model railroad enthusiasts and worry that you don't have sufficient space or resources to create something similar. Having sufficient know-how to assemble track, build scenes, or keep electronic components in good working order may also seem like a deterrent. Cost can also be a factor. However, you don't have to be an expert to build your first model railway. Model railroading has a very large support community. It's easy to find an answer to virtually any question you may have about building and maintaining a model train collection, both in person and on the Internet. EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Scale refers to the relationship between model trains and the real thing. O scale used to be called 1:48, with HO scale at 1:87, but measurements have changed somewhat. For the novice, it's best to not get too mired in scale details. Suffice it to say that O scale is the largest model train, and is not very common as it requires more space than most people can allot. HO scale is the most prevalent and the standard for most model railroaders, having the most product selection availability. N is smaller than HO, and although there is a good selection, many hobbyists prefer HO since N requires a higher degree of detail and ability to work with miniature parts. Much depends on individual preference. If you just want miles and miles of track and lots of trains going around, N is great. If you want to re-create an elaborate scene with buildings, people, and geographical features, HO is better. If you get into model railroad building in a big way, you may eventually want to explore other scales, but most model train hobbyists are happiest with HO or N... Buy a copy to keep reading!

Starting with benchwork and ending with realistic scenery, this practical, no-nonsense guide provides insight into the fundamentals of model railroading in the hobby's most popular scale. Features up-to-date techniques and references many significant new products.

Featuring off-the-shelf trackwork and ready-to-run trains, this guide will teach you how to add basic scenery, structures, and details to your layout. In his new book, Building a Ready-to-Run Model Railroad, author Jeff Wilson provides you with easy-to-follow instructions for adding structures, scenery, and details to the featured 4' x 12' HO layout. You'll learn how to build simple benchwork and design a track plan; create scenery with grass, trees, and more; assemble structure kits; add roads, signs, and vehicles; and select trains and get them going in no time.