How-to books?

[DSchmitt]

Kalmbach's "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" by John Armstrong would give you the basics needed to design a layout.

Kalmbach also has excellant books onspecifically on benchwork, wiring and scenery.

If you can only get one book look at there "start to finish" layout books. Each of them covers most aspects of the hobbt.

[Anonymous]

I've looked at Barnes & Noble and Borders before and I think I saw one Kalambach book once. The regular book stores don't seem to stock them. A hobby shop is the way to go I would think.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Just for fun, let us know what you find, you've got me curious now.

My guess is that a large book store might have some, but the hobby store will have the full selection. Did you get a chance to check the titles here on line?

[liquidcross]

Actually, I'm going to a large bookstore tonight, and the hobby store this weekend. I'll be sure to check both. Thanks for the help!

[Hawks05]

ya i forgot to mention that. what i said will be at the hooby shop. most likely all that say Barnes & Nobles would be good for is a calender and some stuff on the different railroads or the history of trains. you'd have to go to a hobby shop if you want how to books.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Are you going to the book store or the hobby store? The selection may be very different. The ones that Hawks is talking about are more commonly found in the hobby store, I've never looked for them in the bookstore, and am not sure if you will even find them there.

The Kalmbach books that you want are mostly soft cover, and have subjects on every major topic of the hobby. Do you have a train set yet, or are you starting from scratch? If you want to see a list of the titles , it is here on this site somewhere, but I'm not seeing the link this second, but look around here first for ideas. Start here.
http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/model-railroading-books.html
Have fun.[:)][:)]

[Hawks05]

i'd suggest anything by Kalmbach is good. since you are a newbie, do you have any benchwork? if not i'd suggest getting a book on how to build different types if you can find one. are you interested in weathering and painting your own locomotives, if so i'd suggest getting a book on that subject. find something with track plans if you don't already have an idea. look for the beginner stuff. i bought something called the Beginning HO or something like that. it has a red cover with a family on the cover, pretty helpful.

[liquidcross]

I'm hitting the bookstore tomorrow night...can you folks recommend some good "how to" books on model railroading for a newbie?

Thanks in advance...