Model Trains For Beginners

There's a nostalgia associated with model trains and railroading -- even if it's unspoken. Railroads take us back to an earlier era. A more basic time. When spending a week or more on a train was seen as a luxury -- an event in itself -- not at as merely a mode of transportation. You've probably already scouted some model railroad shows. You've no doubt recognized the camaraderie and the passion these folks have. And yes, you're interested in becoming a part of that. "The Wonderful World of Model Trains" will help you do just that! It's a comprehensive guide to model railroading written for someone who is new to this hobby, starting with some basic "train knowledge" & terminologies, and continuing on to the more detailed aspects of the hobby. And yes, this hobby can indeed get quite detailed. And that tends to be intimidating to some people. The beauty of this hobby is that you can get involved at just the level you care too. You'll discover that every model railroader is in it for the love of the trains and the history. The vast majority of us are not out to make a fast buck from our interests. Here's some of the things you'll learn in "The Wonderful World of Model Trains": - How to create stunning terrain in your scenery with these 3 simple techniques... - Different scales, gauges, standards in the world of model railroading and what they all mean... - 2 simple keys (that are right in front of your eyes) to build your own benchwork... - WARNING: 3 things you should never do when it comes to wiring... - A pennies on the dollar approach to finding model train parts... - How to avoid derailing problems... - 3 proven steps to running multiple trains on one track... - 6 time tested and proven strategies for laying out train tracks... - When to add onto your set with locomotives and rolling stock... - 7 everyday but often overlooked tips and tricks for building the best layouts for your scenery... - How to do general maintenance on your model trains and tracks... - And much more...

Model Railroader's managing editor David Popp tells the complete construction story of his N scale Naugatuck River Valley layout using techniques any model railroader can use! More than 30 short projects from building benchwork to realistic operation.

There have been numerous advances in N scale railroading since the first edition of this book, and the author addresses them all, from track to train control. He takes beginners through step-by-step chapters that show them how to build and operate a complete N scale 4 x 8-foot railroad based on his Androscoggin Central, an interesting and challenging New England railroad. From planning through bringing the layout to life, everything is covered. The book is also beneficial for experienced modelers looking to build a new N scale empire.

The all-new material in Introduction to Model Railroading offers beginning modelers a wealth of information. It begins with choosing a place, era and scale to model. Veteran modeler Jeff Wilson also breaks down the basics of planning a layout and building supporting benchwork. The easy-to-follow instructions and abundance of photographs make this the perfect introduction to scale model railroading.

Starting with benchwork and ending with realistic scenery, this practical, no-nonsense guide provides insight into the fundamentals of model railroading in the hobby's most popular scale. Features up-to-date techniques and references many significant new products.

"Whether you're using traditional, direct current (DC) cab control or the latest Digital Command Control (DCC) system [this] will guide you through the steps of planning and wiring a layout. With ... more modelers choosing DCC, this book will help demystify how it works; clarify the advantages of DCC and what makes it different from DC control; and, teach you how to convert an existing DC layout to DCC. Step-by-step instructions and photos are coupled with clear, color-coded diagrams that will guide you through the process of wiring a complete layout or just troubleshooting problem areas"--

Covers freight and passenger operations, route design, and contemporary railroading operations. The step-by-step design techniques and operation-oriented track plans also make it easy to create your own realistic model railroad.

ABOUT THE BOOK Model railroading is an activity that captivates people of all ages and genders. There is something endlessly fascinating about trains, and miniature trains are the most fascinating of all. It's a great pastime that provides a creative outlet, a lot of enjoyment, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. Model railroading is a very adult pastime that makes you feel like a kid again. Best of all, it's a hobby that you can enjoy as a family, parents and children together. It really is the world's greatest hobby. Many are attracted to model railroading but don't know where to begin. You may have seen the impressive layouts created by model railroad enthusiasts and worry that you don't have sufficient space or resources to create something similar. Having sufficient know-how to assemble track, build scenes, or keep electronic components in good working order may also seem like a deterrent. Cost can also be a factor. However, you don't have to be an expert to build your first model railway. Model railroading has a very large support community. It's easy to find an answer to virtually any question you may have about building and maintaining a model train collection, both in person and on the Internet. EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Scale refers to the relationship between model trains and the real thing. O scale used to be called 1:48, with HO scale at 1:87, but measurements have changed somewhat. For the novice, it's best to not get too mired in scale details. Suffice it to say that O scale is the largest model train, and is not very common as it requires more space than most people can allot. HO scale is the most prevalent and the standard for most model railroaders, having the most product selection availability. N is smaller than HO, and although there is a good selection, many hobbyists prefer HO since N requires a higher degree of detail and ability to work with miniature parts. Much depends on individual preference. If you just want miles and miles of track and lots of trains going around, N is great. If you want to re-create an elaborate scene with buildings, people, and geographical features, HO is better. If you get into model railroad building in a big way, you may eventually want to explore other scales, but most model train hobbyists are happiest with HO or N... Buy a copy to keep reading!

Step-by-step instructions and illustrations take the mystery out of constructing benchwork. Covers the materials and tools for making benchwork for any layout.

From Model Railroader magazine, these simple layout designs are ideal for beginners. Features full-color plans and construction techniques for HO and N scale starter layouts.