Books

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...

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:...

On any model railroad, vehicles are important in establishing the era and location of the layout. In Building Vehicles for Model Railroads, expert modeler Jeff Wilson covers the many facets of modeling vehicles in HO scale with accuracy and realism. •...

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:...

A comprehensive guide to railroad intermodal equipment and operations.

If you’re thinking about modeling a layout that will be easy to move, Pelle Søeborg offers how-to advice for building sectional benchwork, laying track, and much more! Well-known author and modeling expert, Pelle Søeborg, introduces the sectional...

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...

Keeping locomotives in good condition is critical to smooth operation on a model railroad. In the newest Essentials Series book by Cody Grivno, Beginner’s Guide to Locomotives and Rolling Stock, modelers will learn: • How to choose, buy, and maintain...

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...

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...

This book contains all-new material from a star-studded roster of Model Railroader authors - Tony Koester, Mont Switzer, Cody Grivno, Jeff Wilson, James McNab, Keith Kohlmann. In 25 Freight Car Projects, modelers will find a wide variety of modeling...

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...

Model railroading is an easier hobby to join than ever before. This new book by Jeff Wilson helps modelers get started with the basics. It provides enough information for beginners to confidently build a layout, and it equips them with the knowledge to...

If model railroaders could own one book about wiring, this would be the best choice. In Wiring Your Model Railroad, Larry Puckett provides a helpful overview of all things wiring, including traditional wiring and DCC. This is the first wiring book any...