Learn how to plan a model railroad using layout design elements: prototypical models of towns, yards, terminals, industries, and other realistic building blocks.
Acquire more space for scenery and longer mainline runs with multiple decks. Tony Koester walks you through design options, lighting and wiring considerations, and the all-important construction process and techniques.
As model railroaders began demanding ever-greater realism, Lionel responded in 2004 with its FasTrack system featuring an integrated roadbed, scale-sized ties, and a less-obvious center rail. Veteran hobby author Bob Schleicher follows up his The Lionel FasTrack Book with a closer, more detailed look at Lionel’s revolutionary O-gauge system. This guide gives enthusiasts a deeper sense of how to take advantage of the FasTrack’s ease of use and unprecedented realism in large-scale model railroading. The book includes 150 color photos and track diagrams for 10 scenicked FasTrack layouts ranging from 6x6-foot tabletop models to an 11x30-foot scale-size empire. Schleicher also provides instructions for building tables to support the layouts, advice for creating both rural and urban scenery, and an appendix of recommended suppliers.
Featuring today's newest products and equipment, this photo-packed guide features contemporary images of diesel locomotives and urban settings, plus updates to Dave's trademark scenery "recipes." Includes new chapters on Western scenery and desert modeling, and city scenery and urban settings.
Covers the essential techniques needed to make electrical connections for a three-rail toy train layout of any size or complexity. Addresses fundamental electrical concepts, wiring and expanding a layout, accessory wiring, automatic train control, and troubleshooting. By Peter Riddle.
Learn how to model natural land forms, crops, forests, and lakes. You'll be able to apply what you see in real life to your modeling and recreate these scenic elements. Produce impressive signature scenes for your model railroad.
Covers freight and passenger operations, route design, and contemporary railroading operations. The step-by-step design techniques and operation-oriented track plans also make it easy to create your own realistic model railroad.
Develop realistic operating sessions and operate your model railroad like a full-sized one. The book covers how to forward cars, move trains, and use signal systems.