Books and Magazines

Build Your First Layout from Kalmbach is perfect for anyone getting started in model railroading or looking to build a simple, compact layout. This informative book features the small, easy to build Northspur & Tiburon Railroad from experienced...

In Realistic Layouts: Use the Art of Illusion to Model Like a Pro from Kalmbach Publishing, you'll learn how to blend various elements so they all work together to create a feeling that your models are part of - and connected to - the real world. This...

How much aisle space is needed? How deep can benchwork be? What's a good minimum radius for curves? How do I best use yards and staging tracks? How to Design a Model Railroad by Lance Mindheim will get you from the daydreaming stage to designing and...

Follow along with experienced model railroader Dave Abeles as he delves into signal systems and interlocking plants. Guide to Signals and Interlockings, the newest book from Model Railroader, will give the reader all the information they will need to...

Filled with tons of information and inspiration that you can use today, Modeling Cities and Towns from Kalmbach is a great guide to making your layout more realistic! Noted author Jeff Wilson covers a wide variety of topics including modifying and...

Covered subjects include: Projects: N Scale Red Oak, the Beer Line, and Bay Junction. Prototype and historical information. Construction techniques: Benchwork, wiring, scenery, structures, and more. A variety of layout types using different construction...

This book features 17 projects in all dating back to the steam era to present day - ranging from simple to complex and large to small.  Beginners will learn how to build a kit and integrate it to a scene, while more experienced modelers will learn how to...

Topics include: Using LDEs (Layout Design Elements) with staging. Efficient layout construction tips and techniques. Time-effective methods to get a layout built and operating. Author: Tony Koester Size: 8.25" x 10.75" Pages: 112 Illustrations: 175 ...

Digital Command Control is a great way to run your model railroad, but setting it up and keeping it current can be overwhelming. DCC Projects & Applications, Volume 4 by DCC expert Larry Puckett simplifies the process with the most up-to-date and...

Modern Freight Cars, a new book by Jeff Wilson, provides an overview of freight cars from the 1960s through today. This is an essential guide for model railroaders who model the 1960s through today, as well as railfans and freight train enthusiasts. The...

The late steam and steam-to-diesel transition era remain very popular with model railroaders. This book offers modelers a single reference guide for upgrading, detailing, modifying, and maintaining their steam locomotive models. Covered topics include: ...

Written by Model Railroader's DCC Corner columnist, Larry Puckett, this all-new book focuses on wiring various accessories and devices on your model railroad in contrast to wiring related to train control. Sixteen projects are featured, including:...

In this book by Tony Koester, Space-Saving Industries for Your Layoutwill inspire you to add small- to medium-sized industries and traffic to your layout. You'll also find: Ideas on how to creatively add space-saving structures — whether it's...

A comprehensive guide to railroad intermodal equipment and operations.

Express, Mail & Merchandise Service describes rail express service and merchandise traffic on railroads from the early 1900s through 1960s when railroad personnel handled packages and merchandise ” everything from baby chicks and cornflakes to money...

Tony Koester takes an in-depth look at the time period (and most popular modeling era) when railroads were changing from steam locomotives to diesel during the 1940s and 1950s.

Learn about how the automobile industry and trains have worked together with this book from Jeff Wilson. This book gives you information about Rail and auto traffic history. Open and enclosed auto racks. Auto parts boxcars and how they carried thousands...

This all-new book by Tony Koester explains how steam, diesel, and electric servicing facilities work, with details on the processes and equipment that can be replicated on model railroad layouts. The book includes: An overview of locomotive maintenance...

From the late 1800s to the 1960s, the railroad industry faced a unique challenge: What was the best way to ship fresh produce across the U.S. to prevent spoiling? Produce Traffic & Trains looks at the development of refrigerator cars and how their...

Rail-marine operations are a vital aspect of modern transportation, and Waterfront Terminals and Operations explores this interesting topic in model railroading. This book includes: A historical overview of the railroad-marine interface - the terminal...