Being not to new to the hobby, I want to know if there is or has ever been a resource book for all the different types of railroad parts. One that shows the differences in doors, end panels, brake handles and so on. I want to be able to really see the differences in the various parts.
Also since I really like steam, how to see the differences in many of the added on parts.
My goal is to keep gettig better as a modeler, so I think this type of information would really be usefull.
Thanks all for your help.
The best source I’ve found for pictures (and some descriptions) is the Walthers catalog. If you haven’t seen one, you can get them at most MRR Hobby shops. Everything they carry is not pictured, but most items are. I use that as a reference and once I’ve found what I want I usually buy somewhere else if I can because Walthers prices are pretty steep, but then the whole hobby is pretty steep (lots of fun though).
I am not aware of any one source of all that information. Kalmbach published “locomotive cyclopedia 1941” which has quite a bit of detail information. you’re looking at in excess of $50.00 for the book though. Comparing photos of the prototype to photos/drawings of scale parts, as in the Walthers catalog, will also help.
Model Railroader Cyclopedia-Volume 1
Steam Locomotives is a good first reference and more resonably priced which I see is now $49.95.
I like steam too, enjoy the journey.
Bowser and Cal-Scale (one and the same) has a on-line catalogue that should help you. You can also order direct from them.
Fergie