"How To" book recommendations

[pcarrell]

Yeah, and I look like I might be edjecatered walking into a building like that and then walking out WITH books! [:D]

[jacon12]

Thanks for those recommendations. PCarrell, I like the library idea.. thanks!
Jarrell

[pcarrell]

Hey Jarrell,

I have found that my local library has a decent selection of model railroading books. The also have some books on doing dioramas for model cars, ships, planes military stuff, you name it. The beauty of it is that you can check them out, read them through, photocopy anything worthwhile, and send it back without it costing you a penny!

Might be worth a shot, eh?

[Anonymous]

The book by D. Frary covers scenery very well. There are also separate books on building buildings and detailing buildings, kitbashing buildings, etc. You LHS should have a couple of these on hand. Look them over before deciding which addresses your specific needs.

[jacon12]

Let me apologize for not being more specific. I meant to say I'm looking for a good book on building layout scenery, not wiring or benches etc.
I appreciate your answers and Ray, thanks for the compliment on photography.
Jarrell

[rrinker]

There are at least 3 editions now of "Track Planning for Realistic Operation". I wore out my copy of the second edition and bought a copy of the third. Having both, I would hold out for an older copy at a train show - unless you really want the chapter on modern railroading. The Third Edition has TONS of composiiton erros - they adjusted te chapter numbering, and removed some plan ideas, and moved the complete design walkthru to an appendix. In the processe there are a LOT of mistakes referencing figures withthe wrong numbers - the Second Edition numbers nt the new changed ones. It can get confusing. Dog-eared though it is, I prefer my older copy to this new one.
Also see if you can find a copy of "Creative Layout Design" also by Armstrong - or the second printing when they changed the title to "Creative Model Railroad Design" for some unknown reason. These two books together are my primary references to designing.

--Randy

[SpaceMouse]

BTW: Have you listed out your givens and druthers yet?

[IRONROOSTER]

There have been several attempts over the years to write a single book - "The Complete Book of Model Railroading" comes to mind. The hobby changes and the book becomes partially obsolete. Also, we have several people who are very good at one part of the hobby, but not necessarily an expert at other parts.

My suggestion would be to start with one of the beginner books such as "Basic Model Railroading: Getting Started in the Hobby" from Kalmbach and then add other books as your interest deepens. Pick books specific to areas where you want more information. "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" by John Armstrong should be an early purchase.

Model Railroading is too broad and complex a hobby to be completely covered in one book.

Enjoy
Paul

[SpaceMouse]

I feel your pain. I know you have Armstrong's book. For me it took 3 complete read throughs before I started getting it. I don't know if it's still in print, but I picked up a 3 volume set called The Model Railroading Handbook by Robbert Scheicher. I'm half way through book two and already it has covered aspects of construction, weathering, operations (how to, not design).

Model Railroading, Getting Started in the Hobby might be a little too basic for you. It is a series of articles on different aspects of the hobby. The ABC's of Model Railroading is a similar book, but seems to go into more detail.

As for design, it seems to be a matter of caught not taught. Once you caught it, the theory makes more sense. I'm really enjoying Mid-sized and Manageable Track Plans by Iain Rice. He gives his philosophy in the fist chapter or two, then gives you some great track plans that might be workable--or some portion there of--for your space. another book that I've hit a couple times is The model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards by Andy Sperandeo. I've also been reading some Tony Koester, but this is not beginning material. He suggests extreme research into your prototype and modeling as exactly as possible. Although it pushed me into more research on my prototype (which is still yet to be determined,) I doubt I'll end up following him too far down the realism path.

[ATSFCLIFF]

There are a few good 'how to do' books published by Kalmbach which are good buys and used as a reference. I found "How to Build Model railroad Benchwork" by L.H.Westcott and "How to Build realistic Model railroad Scenery" by D. Frary very helpful. These books may have been revised with new features, just check your MR.

Cliff

[rayhippard]

Jarrell,

First let me say that your photo skills are excellent. Really top notch.

Buy John Armstrong's " TRACK PLANNING FOR REALISTIC OPERATION " .
It will answer a lot of your questions and lead you to think of a layout plan for what you want to do. It is packed with ways to model real railroad practices. I still refer to it even as I am planning and building my ninth layout.

Ray ------ Great Northern fan.

[claycts]

All the John Armstrong Books are great. There are design books that are well printed and written like 48 top notch plans. I have all the books from MR including the beginners stuff and learn something every time I look at them.
Knowledge is always required and getting it is never a waste of time.
George P.

[2021]

There are many good books on the subject. Look at the list of Kalmback books in MR magazine. You can find everything you need. If you are like most of us, you will end up with at least a dozen books on everything from layouts to wiring to scenery. The info out there is endless and covers all levels from begginers to experts. Good luck.
Ron K.

[jacon12]

I need a good book on layout building. I have one that is about 3 or 4 years old and frankly its not very well written and the black and white photos are horrible. Have you ever seen books like that where the contrast etc in the photo is so bad that you really can't see the detail the author is talking about? Thats this book. So if you know of or have a good book on the subject, a well written one with great illustrations, please let me know. Preferably one that covers A to Z.
Thanks,
Jarrell