Railway Modelling Skills

Do you enjoy running model trains but want to improve your layout? Do you want to gain expertise over a wider range of railway modelling skills and acquire the confidence to tackle modelling tasks that you have previously shied away from? If so, this is the book for you. Brimming with advice and tips, this well-illustrated book covers a wide range of modelling skills, including designing a layout, choosing the right scale, building baseboards, selecting the right track, controlling the trains, building the landscape, making realistic grass and weeds, and adding figures. Particular attention is paid to more modern techniques such as DCC train control, laser cut and downloadable kits, and the use of hard foam in baseboard construction. Step-by-step explantions of many techniques are provided accompanied by over 400 instructional colour photographs. Information is provided about the tools and materials required and the extensive range of commercial railway modelling products that are now available.

The landscape through which railways run is often the inspiration and reason why people choose to model a particular line. Therefore creating a realistic setting in which to operate your railway is an essential aspect of modelling, yet it is often overlooked or left until the last moment. Creating authentic and believable scenery without spending a fortune or buying it 'ready made' is a skill that, with patience and understanding, can be achieved by anyone. In Creating Realistic Landscapes for Model Railways, highly skilled landscape modeller Tony Hill shows you, through step-by-step photo sequences and clear instructions, how you too can re-create a realistic landscape for your model railway. With chapters on modelling trees, grass, water, fences, rock, walls and hedges, this book will tell you everything you need to know to design and create a unique and special setting in which to operate your model railway. Superbly illustrated with 395 colour photographs.

Have you ever wanted to re-create a beautiful station that you have seen at a railway modelling exhibition, or in a magazine, and felt that you needed a helping hand? If so, this is the book for you. Ian Lamb, a modeller of enormous experience, demonstrates how anybody, regardless of their modelling skills, can construct a pleasing and presentable model railway station in a limited amount of space.

This beautifully illustrated and practical book covers a wide variety of materials and processes, and tells you everything you need to know about building model railway coaches. Master modeller George Dent guides the reader through the necessary techniques and skills, covering all aspects of the subject, from kit building in metal, plastic, resin and wood; through soldering, weathering, painting and lining; to 3-D printed kits and components; and adding passengers to the carriages. Also includes upgrading off-the-shelf models; kit assembly, scratch-building and finishing. He provides important advice on choosing the right tools, materials and adhesives, covers kit building in metal, plastic, resin and wood and presents many ideas for detailing, modifying and converting ready-to-run and kit-built coaches. With essential step-by-step guides to soldering, weathering, painting and lining, this will be of great interest to all railway modellers, particularly those with some experience. Superbly illustrated with 604 colour photographs.

Ambitious model railway enthusiasts who enjoy honing their skills will find this book inspirational. Written by a railway modelling masterbuilder and packed with specially commissioned photographs, it aims at nothing less than perfection. It covers the construction of locomotives to the highest standards of accuracy and finish in fine-scale, mainly gauge 0. Next in this series is a book about painting locomotives and rolling stock.

This invaluable, well-illustrated book is essential reading for all those who are interested in developing their modelling skills and creating realistic models of country houses, cottages and farm buildings for their railway layouts. The author encourages and inspires the reader and, moreover, emphasizes that railway modellers can achieve their objectives without purchasing expensive materials. Indeed, all the materials recommended in the book are either recycled or can be obtained quite cheaply.Topics covered include: The materials and equipment required to build models; Modelling methods and construction techniques; Painting, weathering and finishing; Creating a sympathetic setting for your models; Improving kits and 'off-the-shelf' models. The author presents in detail three different rural, scratch-built projects and , in a separate appendix, provides a colour reference guide, thus enabling the modeller to apply the correct colours and shades in order to create authentic and convincing-looking model buildings. An invaluable guide which provides all the information required to create convincing models of rural buildings. Aimed at all those interested in railway modelling whatever their level of ability, and those interested in modelling in general rather than in just railway modelling. Materials and equipment, modelling methods and construction techniques are covered. Superbly illustrated with 320 colour step-by-step photographs and diagrams. David Wright is a professional artist and model maker and provides hands-on experience at railway modelling workshops.

Railway layouts often depict a branch line in a rural or urban setting, with the majority of locomotive models available representing passenger trains. However, increasingly, ready-to-run models of industrial locomotives are becoming available, providing a unique opportunity to place them into an industrial context. This highly illustrated book provides all the guidance and inspiration needed to begin placing these models in their natural, industrial environment. The book defines heavy industry and considers real-world examples from 'inside the fence', and describes the tools, materials, parts and fittings most suited to the construction of very large structures. It goes on to provide step-by-step descriptions of several build projects including a gas holder, a cooling tower and an open hearth melting shop, and shows how to make the most of resin buildings, kits and scratch-building. It also demonstrates the construction of industrial structure models in a variety of scales and explains the development of an industrial locomotove fleet, specialized rolling stock and road vehicles with which to populate an industry. Suitable for railway modellers of varying abilities and in any scale, and fully illustrated with 281 colour and 26 black & white photographs.

Planning, designing and laying the track for a model railway layout can be challenging, especially if you have never done it before. This book provides a step-by-step guide to the techniques required and methods used in track design and layout. With content suitable for those who are new to the hobby through to the more experienced modeller, and some 200 images, it includes: an overview of the various forces that act on prototype railways and which determine the design of trackwork. The planning and designing of layouts, including the pros and cons of different domestic locations are covered along with baseboard construction for both portable and permanent layouts. There is a review of the track systems available and how to lay tracks, the tools and skills required, and problem solving. Wiring up both analogue (DC) and digital layouts (DCC), with diagrams are given and scales and gauges are discussed. Finally, there are hints and tips on ballasting and weathering track.