I would highly recommend an introductory level book if the person is new to the hobby. More specialized, theme-specific books can be acquired later. I would also recommend a book that was published not earlier than the 90s given all the changes in the hobby since that date. The introductory book by Jeff Wilson (Getting Started in Model Railroading) seems to fit that criteria, but I have not read it myself. Books that teach you how to build a specific model can also do the job, something like "Building a model railroad step by step" by David Popp. Again, I have not read the book, but I have read similar ones in the past that were useful, but that would be outdated at this point. Maybe some folks here can give their point of views on these.
Anyway, that is my two cents worth.
Simon
How to Operate Your Model Railroad by Bruce Chubb
The Art of Model Railroading pdf by Frank Ellison
Layout Vision website by Byron Henderson (a.k.a cuyama)
Railroad Signalling by Brian Solomon
check for books in your library
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Anything by Jeff Wilson ought to also get added to the library. He provides multiple ways of doing so many aspects of this hobby. I have quite a few of his books. They are easy to read and provide step-by-step techniques.
Being quite new, I bought books as I needed to avoid feeling overwhelmed with all the learning and purchasing.
Lance Mindheim's design, planning, and building books are a good starting point for contemporary shortline modelers.
Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong. Absolutely invaluable, and a good read too. Plus anything else by John Armstrong, John Allen, or Lynn Westcott. For good up-to-date information on model railroad products, the magazines Model Railroader and Rail Model Craftsman. Find a train show in your area and go to it. You can pick up ideas and used equipment at a good price. If you have a favorite prototype railroad in mind, find the historical society and join up. Take your camera and do some railfanning. Your public library may have decent model railroading books and back issues of the magazines.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Here is a good one.
peahrensThose seem to be options in the current MR shop.
Since the internet makes it easy to obtain out of print books, also consider some others that will be inspirational, if perhaps not quite up on all the most fashionable ideas in model railroading. Read them for the insights into how others adapted and solved their needs by interpreting general principles about specific prototypes.
Another John Armstrong, 20 Custom Designed Track Plans, Kalmbach, 1994
And another John Armstrong, 18 Tailor-Made Model Railroad Track Plans, Kalmbach, 1983
Mike Schafer, ed, Railroads You Can Model, Kalmbach, 1976
Mike Schafer, ed, More Railroads You Can Model, Kalmbach, 1978
Don Mitchell, Walkaround Model Railroad Track Plans, Kalmbach, 1991
The ones published after 1990 start edging into multideck designs as tastes and practices changed, although this was not unheard of previously. Also, some of these collections are compilations of older MR articles, but are handy to have on paper all in one place.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I would add two books purely for "inspiration" rather than how-to.
The V&O Story that Carstens reprinted from the series in RMC decades ago.
Linn Westcott's Kalmbach book about John Allen and his Gorre & Daphetid RR, which I believe MicroMark now offers.
Dave Nelson
peahrens- Track Planning for Realistic Operation
IMHO this is the very best book on model railroading. Read this one first. If you can find it, read Creative Layout Design also by John Armstrong.
Books on benchwork, wiring, your first layout etc., buy as you need them or they appeal to you.
Paul
peahrensTrack Planning for Realistic Operation
TPRO is essential. It builds a bridge of knowledge between how the prototype operates and how to conceptualize doing that in miniature via the layout.
I have a distant retired friend serious about building a layout, HO or O. While there is lots of info online and I suggested visiting clubs if around, I also like selective MR books as a resource.
Would appreciate comments on the following or other ideas. Not necessary to get into specifics like scenery until later.
First, are the intro books worthwhile?
- Getting Started In MRing
- Intro to MRing
Then, on layout planning:
- Planning Your MR
- Track Planning for Realistic Operation
Then, on getting to it:
- Building Your MR Step by Step
- Wiring Your MR
- Basuc Trackwork
- DCC Guide
Those seem to be options in the current MR shop. Of course, a few could suffice, so which would you suggest as a start? Also, I note some missing some older ones I have that might be on ebay, such as one on benchwork construction.
All comments welcome.
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent