The Ho Model Railroading Handbook by Robert Schleicher (1992, Paperback, Revised)

This is a great HO Model Railroading handbook. In fact, it should be on the bench next to your layout so you can refer to it when you have questions...

This book puts model railroading perfectly, "The only difference between a set of toy trains and a real railroad in miniature is your own state of mind."

If you didn't know, model railroading has been around for over 100 years! And it has come a long way. The main point this book stresses for beginner engineers is to keep it simple. Just start with laying the tracks on the tabletop with no fancy upgrades or downgrades for the 1st layout. Just enjoy it Don't think of this hobby as a project with no end. Instead, you can eventually come up with challenges how to make a more exciting layout.

But you really need to raise the layout OFF the floor! This is a beginner's mistake that can come back to haunt you because the dust, dirt and fiber can mess up the internals of the trains. Other than that , don't take this hobby so seriously -- then it becomes a chore and you will lose interest. Just make your railroading dreams come alive in 3-D in living color and action!

Now for some details -- The HO scale is the MOST popular of all the scales. 80% of the hobbyists choose this scale. It is big enough so you can see the details and because of its popularity, there are more variety of HO scale accessories, trains and rolling stock available to make your own unique layout. The next most popular scale is N. This is smaller and is perfect for small areas because you can fit more details in a smaller layout. About 5% of the hobbyists pursue the N scale model trains.

This book comes in sections and breaks them into chapters. The chapters cover everything a beginner (and experienced) model train hobbyist needs to create a fantastic layout and smooth running trains.

1) Gettting started -- History and inspiration of model train railroading.
2) Planning, benchwork, trackwork and wiring -- the nitty gritty of building a layout.
3) Tools and techniques -- basic tools, detailing the rolling stock and train maintenance.
4) Scenery and buildings -- construction of buildings and scenery is almost a hobby within a hobby.
5) Miniature empires in action -- couplings, trains in action and miniature empires to check out.

And there is a glossary at the end so you can brush up or check on common terminology used within the book

All in all, this is a fantastic resource that most model train hobbyists can use in their workshop!