Basic Model Railroading (1998, Paperback)

Have you ever walked into a hobby store or looked at a website that specializes in model trains? And the one word that pops up is “overwhelming!”

Unless you know someone who is a model railroad enthusiast, you may want to take a look at this book. This book is excellent for those who are curious or want to get their feet wet.

To start off, the first chapter is a simple "question and answer" section that answers a lot of basic questions about getting started in this exciting and relaxing hobby. For instance, they would recommend that you use nickel-silver tracks instead of brass tracks. Although both types of metals can oxidize, the nickel-silver oxidation is a conductor while the brass oxidation is non-conductive. These are common sense answers that I bet most of us wouldn’t think about until it is a little too late and we are already assembling the tracks on the layout.

Speaking of a layout, you can get started with a simple 8X4 piece of plywood. And the most used tool you will need is probably the hobby knife.

The next chapter talks about the scale and gauge of the tracks. If you didn’t know anything about the scale of the trains, this chapter makes it very easy for you to understand. They include pictures next to each other to visually show the different sizes with the Z, N, HO, S, O and G scale trains. The definition of the scale is the proportion of the model train in comparison with the real train! And the gauge of the tracks is simply the width of the tracks.

Then the have a list of common model railroad terms so you can speak the language! Now, you may not have to worry about sounding like a dork when speaking with other model railroading hobbyists at the annual convention. Well, maybe you will so sue me…

The next chapter will talk about the tools you should have in your modeler’s toolbox. They are essential tools needed to get the job done.

Other chapters deal with common subjects you will likely have to deal with such as building tracks, turnouts, and switch motors.

I like the next chapter, which will show you how you can easily keep your trains on the track without derailing. Boy, don't you hate it when that happens?!

Learn the secrets of trouble-free operations by keeping the track and wheels of the train set clean.

How about easy tricks to tune up your diesel locomotive to improve its performance around the track? It’s in the book.

The next few chapters will show you how to build the scenery that surrounds your railroad track layout. You can build rocks, trees, bridges and bodies of water!

This book also shows you how to individualize your kit structures so the buildings don’t all look the same. How to add life to your layout with signs, grade crossings and people! If you have a tough time painting small detailed items like figures, this book has some tips for you that should help.

And if you want to create that “weathered” look on your freight cars, you got to get this book.

Toward the end of this book, the Model Railroader Magazine staff (along with the help of their friends) designed and built two layouts. They give you the diagrams, pictures and techniques used to get the effects of the layout.

To sum it up, you don’t have to be an expert or need a lot of fancy tools to build a reliable model railroad but it does require care and patience. And after you do all this… what next? How about two simultaneously running train engines…