Books

Tony Koester provides an overview of prototype narrow gauge railroading. This one-stop book is an ideal entry point for any modeler interested in building a narrow gauge layout. Kalmbach Guide to Narrow Gauge Modeling - Tony Koester Road Name: Road...

This comprehensive guide helps modelers get the most out of DCC with diagrams and photos showing how DCC works, from wiring to installing decoders in locomotives. This book presents an overview of the product lines available and helps modelers select the...

In this book, popular author Aaron Skinner provides a comprehensive guide to airbrushing. Inside this indispensable tool, scale modelers will find: •    Advice for modeling armor, aircraft, automobiles, figures, ships, and more. •    600+...

Any modeler who wants to paint, decal, or weather locomotives, rolling stock and structures will find plenty of in-depth, how-to techniques in this updated edition! New prototype photos, current manufacturers, and the latest products are featured along...

Model Railroads Go to War is the only book that covers a large scope of model railroading wartime scenes. Written by veteran author Bernard Kempinski, it spans the American Civil War through Operation Iraqi Freedom. This guide provides detailed modeling...

Don’t get derailed! Get up to speed in trackwork with the one book that focuses solely on proper track installation, Basic Trackwork for Model Railroaders, 2nd Edition. This book shows you how to: • Lay flextrack • Handlay track • Install...

Realistic structures are an essential component of any successful model railroad layout, so hobbyists will appreciate this collection that guides them step by step through various structure modeling processes. They’ll learn to complete simple and...

Acclaimed modeler Chris Mrosko explains how to build dioramas that showcase models and create dramatic scenes, as well as offering expert modeling tips. Focusing on a step-by-step, how-to approach, modelers will learn the fundamentals of construction and...

Model Railroader Associate Editor Cody Grivno compiles insider tips and projects from Model Railroader as well as favorite projects from his ‘Cody’s Office’ online feature into one exciting volume. Easily recognized as an expert in the model...

This second volume of articles from Model Railroader offers modelers more tips for building bridges and trestles on their layouts. New information and how-tos include modeling a highway underpass, building a viaduct, creating a stone arch bridge, and...

Delve into the history of the meat packing industry and trace the role of railroads in hauling livestock and meat products. Livestock traffic, stockyard operations, dedicated meat train operations, regulations, and scheduling are just a few of the topics...

This completely redesigned edition helps modelers use today’s technology to add interest and action to their model railroad layouts. Enthusiasts learn how to install streetlights and building lights, use fiber optics, and simulate neon sign lighting. A...

The title may say “basics,” but this book covers a full range of skills and materials. Beginners building a small table or shelf layout up to experienced modelers assembling the benchwork for a basement empire will find what they need in this...

Simple, affordable, straightforward – the track plans in Starter Track Plans for Model Railroaders have one thing in common – they’re eminently buildable. Perfect for small spaces and beginner layouts, this mix of HO and N scale track plans...

New detailing projects from Jeff Wilson, plus favorites from the pages of Model Railroader, help modelers add the finishing touches to their layouts and create a higher level of interest and realism. Projects range from adding weeds to creating signs and...

Follow Pelle Soeborg as he completely rebuilds his Daneville model railroad. He takes all the lessons learned from his first layout and applies them to this project. Using the latest materials and technology, modelers will learn valuable new techniques...

With its dramatic scenery and challenging operations, mountain railroading is an appealing theme that crosses many regions and all eras. Respected author Tony Koester offers insight into layout and track planning, and compares narrow gauge with standard...

More than a dozen easy weathering and detailing projects will show you how to add realism to rolling stock and locomotives. Well-illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions make this book suitable for beginning model railroaders. Author: Pelle K. Søeborg...

Get started with Digital Command Control (DCC)! This how-to guide covers the basics, with an overview of DCC, track wiring, cab bus wiring, and converting an existing layout to DCC. Written by Mike Polsgrove, Model Railroader’s columnist on DCC...

Featuring plans from Model Railroader magazine from three decades, each of the 101 track plans has a newly written, informational description of the design. The track plans range in size from simple 4 x 8 foot and smaller layouts to room- and...