Experienced modeler Jeff Wilson examines the essential areas of the hobby, highlights basic modeling techniques and provides additional resources. In this book, you'll learn these basics (and more): selecting the right scale, designing a layout, constructing benchwork, wiring and laying track, operating trains, building structures, adding scenery.

"This all-new how-to book is perfect for anyone getting started in model railroading or looking to build a simple, compact layout. Build Your First Layout features the small, easy to build Northspur & Tiburon Railroad from experienced modeler and Model Railroader author Peter Vassallo. You ll get step-by-step instructions and all the basic techniques needed to build an operating layout including: Benchwork, Tracklaying, Scenery and Structures."--Amazon....

Bring your layout to the next level with a complete overview of modeling railroad scenery in this scenery makers bible from modeler and Model Railroader Video Plus host Kathy Millat. You'll learn how to use the latest techniques and materials, as well as time-tested classic methods for modeling mountains, rivers, forests, railroad rights-of-way, towns, and cities that occupy any modeler's layout. Perfect for everyone from a beginner to an expert modeler,...

Learn how to enhance your layout with lighting effects, crossing gates, and simple signals. You'll learn the basics of installing and wiring light bulbs and LEDs, how to iluminate structure interiors and scenes, and add lighted signs. Other projects walk you through building control panels to allow pushbutton or toggle-switch control of turnouts while still allowing control via DCC stationary decoders. You'll also see how adding phone communication...

This is the one-source guide modelers need to learn to install trackwork properly for smooth operation in any scale.

"Smooth-running, realistic locomotives, freight cars, and passenger equipment are the backbone of any model railroad. Noted modeler Cody Grivno shows how to keep rolling stock and locomotives operating well. Cody also explains how prototype locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars evolved from the steam era through today, providing a guide for which models are appropriate for various eras. You'll also find information on how models have evolved,...

"As the production and consumption of commodities like grain, coal, lumber, coil steel, cement, and more have evolved over the years, so have the railroad cars that haul them. Commodities by Freight Car shows you which cars carried which cargoes in the era you model. In this book, you'll learn: how all-purpose boxcars, gondolas, and flats gave way to a dizzying variety of specialized freight cars for coil steel, lumber, flour, sugar, auto parts, and...

"The Model Railroader’s Guide to Bridges & Trestles is your one-stop source for information on real bridges. This book will guide you through the history of the various bridge types from the first days of railroading through today, showing older bridge types still in use, older bridge types that are now obsolete, and new concrete and steel designs.This all-new book includes: The history of various types of bridges. How bridges have evolved...