How To Books

[Hawks05]

What maybe 2-4 good how to books? i'm going to a show tomorrow and want to get a book or 2 to start my collection. i'm just starting so nothing to advanced. if there are any new books out that are really good please post them.

Thanks

Jim

[Anonymous]

I am kind of new to this so bear with me.
Get a book about layout design, benchwork , wiring, doing scenery.
I have found these out there at many shows.

[Anonymous]

Books, I thought computers had made them obsolete? The little Woodland Scenics Landscape manual is good. Some of the books on wiring and bench building are so old they really are out of date (and touch). The best thing to do in my opinion is to find a hobby shop or bookstore that has old used model railroading mags and buy 20 or 100. The one I use sell them for 50 cents each, so you can get 40 mags, about 4 years worth, for the price of one book. I think the mags will have more usable info in them. FRED

[eastcoast]

Hi Hawks05,
You ask some of the most intelligent questions for wanting to start
in this hobby. That is a sign of who you are. I am always happy to assist
you with answers .
I think the first responder said it plainly but I like to elaborate a little.
[}:)]
May I suggest the following to you, most are put out by MR mag authors
and/or Kalmbach .
In order , start with " Getting Started in the Hobby" HO scale. Very basic for
beginner level.
"A Guide to Track Planning" is good reading.
How-to-" Model Benchwork" is probably the best there is in picture,
diagrahm , and simple explanation.
The Atlas" Guide to Wiring" is also a good choice.
Never forget about " Maintaining Model Railroad Equipment" , keep that
fleet running into the year 3000.
Look for "A Guide to Model Scenery" and learn different methods to
do when that time comes.
Another good one is "Structure Building Like a Pro" or "City Scenery"
These are just a FEW of the ENDLESS books out there waiting ,
screaming, calling your name,PICK ME, PICK ME. [:o)]
[8D]
MY PERSONAL LIBRARY has taken me most of my life to find and purchase and read all about. I suspect that in your hobby career that you will walk by a shop or
look in magazines and see good publications by virtually every type of opinion or
author on many subiects. Trust your heart and get the books that you are ready for
and read them cover to cover before putting muscle behind action. You will find that
a better quality product will be produced. And your results will make you happy and
proud of what you have achieved for yourself. I AM PROUD OF YOU, to just talk to you
this way ( internet ) I can tell you are probably a good student and have a good head about you. I wish you tons of luck this weekend and beyond. Go live your dreams.
Happy Railroading Hawks.
ken_ecr [:p]

[Anonymous]

There are also a number of "start to finish" books by Kalmbach that (roughly) follow a layout building from beginning to end. They are often lighter in the details, and might include some things that you aren't interested in (such as diesel service areas, if you are all steam).
To add to FRED;'s recommendation...
In order to keep things really cheap (sorry, inexpensive...) you might try looking for back issues of Model Railroader. My local train shop has them for 50 cents each. Model Railroader has for the past few years run a "build this layout" series from January to April. Reading a few of those series is a good place to start.

Andrew

[Jetrock]

It's pretty hard to go wrong--just look for folks selling books and magazines cheap, say 50 cents to $1, and spend ten bucks on the dozen or so most interesting-looking subjects. Don't be afraid to grab books that aren't for "beginners"--there really isn't much of a learning curve when it comes to books.

When I was getting back into the hobby I went to a train show and found a fellow selling back issues for ten cents each--I had to do some digging but was able to expand my MR library quite expansively for less than I'd spent on a hot dog for lunch!

[Anonymous]

My favorite four favorite recommendations for books for new modelers are as follows.

1. HO Layout from Set to Scenery.
2. HO Layout from Start to Finish.

The above two books cover the same objective, building a beginner’s 4X8 model railroad but, using different techniques, allowing the beginning modeler to preview more options.

3. The ABCs of Model Railroading.

An oldie but a goody with lots of advice on several topics of model railroading.

4. The Practical Guide to HO Model Railroading.

One of Kalmbach's many Model Railroader compilation volumes. This book reprints many old articles in model railroader that I find help me generate ideas and recovers many basic techniques

These books have been out many years. It is almost a sure bet that you can find second hand copies at your local train show for a decent price.

One more book I would like to recommend is "Detailing Tips and Techniques" This is again another compilation volume of old Model Railroader articles that cover how to add interesting little details to your model railroad and is my favorite Kalmbach Book I own. My two favorites from this book are the guy flying the kite scene, and modeling the painting from Edward Hopper titled "Nighthawks"

[Hawks05]

QUOTE: Originally posted by eastcoast

Hi Hawks05,
You ask some of the most intelligent questions for wanting to start
in this hobby. That is a sign of who you are. I am always happy to assist
you with answers .
I think the first responder said it plainly but I like to elaborate a little.
[}:)]
May I suggest the following to you, most are put out by MR mag authors
and/or Kalmbach .
In order , start with " Getting Started in the Hobby" HO scale. Very basic for
beginner level.
"A Guide to Track Planning" is good reading.
How-to-" Model Benchwork" is probably the best there is in picture,
diagrahm , and simple explanation.
The Atlas" Guide to Wiring" is also a good choice.
Never forget about " Maintaining Model Railroad Equipment" , keep that
fleet running into the year 3000.
Look for "A Guide to Model Scenery" and learn different methods to
do when that time comes.
Another good one is "Structure Building Like a Pro" or "City Scenery"
These are just a FEW of the ENDLESS books out there waiting ,
screaming, calling your name,PICK ME, PICK ME. [:o)]
[8D]
MY PERSONAL LIBRARY has taken me most of my life to find and purchase and read all about. I suspect that in your hobby career that you will walk by a shop or
look in magazines and see good publications by virtually every type of opinion or
author on many subiects. Trust your heart and get the books that you are ready for
and read them cover to cover before putting muscle behind action. You will find that
a better quality product will be produced. And your results will make you happy and
proud of what you have achieved for yourself. I AM PROUD OF YOU, to just talk to you
this way ( internet ) I can tell you are probably a good student and have a good head about you. I wish you tons of luck this weekend and beyond. Go live your dreams.
Happy Railroading Hawks.
ken_ecr [:p]

dude thanks a bundle. i'm making a list tomorrow. i need to get the latest Trains and Model Railroader Magazines for sure then a few books.

yes i am a good student to you coudl say. A average. thanks the kind comments. its people like you that make me want to continue with this hobby. i haven't had the chance to look at the Nov. MR but i will tonight probably.

thanks for all the help guys. i really enjoy coming to this site and reading comments by people who are willing to help.

Thank You again

Jim