Hi, I am a new train fan and I would like to learn how to start my first layout. Can you recommand a few good ModelRailroader books to start? I already have:
Building a Model Railroad step by step.
How to build realistic Model Railroad scenery.
Thanks for your help!
So what is lacking in those two books that you need help with or want to learn more about?
Some books I used when getting back to the hobby, all from MR:
My primary items I’d say are:
101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders
Basic Model Railroad Benchwork
Basic Trackwork for Model Railroaders
How to Build Realistic Reliable Track
The DCC Guide
Secondary (for me) but quality items include:
I haven’t tackled scenery yet, but had purchased Basic Scenery for Model Railroaders (Complete Photo Guide) and How to Build Realistic MR Scenery. Then also purchase one that some said was their favorite: Essential model Railroad Scenery Techniques (by Pelle Seeberg).
Also, suggest look at the Virginian project MR videos on this site as it covers many of the aspects of layout start to finish. There is a series of related MR articles in early 2012.
There’s also a track plan library on the MR site.
Good luck. Ask specific questions when they arise.
I just received those two books so I didn’t have the time to read them so far but I just want to know if I should buy also other books to be able to build my first layout or if I’m well equipped with those two?
I’m a totally newbie in model railroading.
Thanks peahrens for the info. I will take a look at those books.
Welcome!
Sounds like you are off to a good start, reading and asking questions here. Keep it up and don’t be in too much of a rush and you should have a successful model railroading experience.
Plenty of folks here ready to answer your questions. You will find there are often several ways to do some things. You will have to look at all the information and choose the best method for YOU. Experimenting is a great teacher and redoing is often done in this hobby.
Good luck,
Richard
Hellwarrior:
First, welcome to the hobby and to the forums!![#welcome]
Please don’t be offended by Texas Zepher’s response. He was having a bad day![swg]
The books you have chosen will give you a good start. I would recommend that you also get a copy of John Armstrong’s ‘Track Planning for Realistic Operation’. If you are like most of us you will have a concept in your mind of what type of model railroading you want to do. Armstrong’s book will go a long way towards helping you actually achieve the type of operations that you envisage. I thought I had the ultimate perfect track plan (typical newbie mistake) but when I read Armstrong’s book I quickly realized that my plan was pretty disfunctional.
Please fill us in on the details of your plan, i.e. era, layout size, scale, DCC or DC, what equipment you already have etc.
You have chosen a great hobby and a great forum to share your interests on!
Dave
By the way, I suspect that you might be a gamer given your choice of moniker![(-D]
HELLWARRIOR, one of the best places to look of info on getting started is right here. Everyone here has the experience to help, we all learned by asking others. A lot of the guys have learned the hard way just like I did, we can help you with what will work and what won’t work. I think we all have a lot of experience in what won’t work. So just ask.
Read what you have and lay some track. Some people (Yes Paul I am talking about you) are to worried about making a mistake and all most never get started.
Reading is fine, but hands on will teach you much more than reading. After Paul finally got started he realized he was making a Mountain out of a Mole Hill.
When you make a mistake, we are here to help. God knows I made about every mistake there was to be made! But the good folks here helped me though the learning curve.
Cuda Ken
If I had to recommend a book for a new model railroader I would not hesitiate to recommend “The layout that grows”.
For someone’s first layout I cannot think of a better book to learn from.
hi gentlemen,
Though 101 Track Plans is not a bad book, it has some issues especially for beginners. The book contains plans, just plans, most of them are never built. Impossible grades and trackwork only possible by handlaying can be found on many of its plans. The book was published in the 50’s so are the plans.
The newer 102 Realistic Track Plans is IMHO a better option. All plans are from railroads that are really built.
Having a book to help you actually build a railroad might be a great first step.
Both links will connect you with Byron Henderson’s amazing webside. Very worth reading!
Smile
Paul
I think one of the single most important books to get is John Armstrong’s “Track Planing for Realistic Operations”. Even if you have no intent on actually operating your railroad in a realistic manner, what Mr. Armstrong discusses is very useful information.
I also liked John Olson’s book “Building An HO Model Railroad with Personality” and Malcom Furlow"s “HO Narrow Gage Railroad you can Build”. Although both these last books are out of print, They can be found at places where older books can be found. I liked them because the show the process of building a small model railroad in it’s entirety.
There are many specialty books that cover a lot of specific information that are also great additions to your library. They can be added as the need arises and may also be available, digitally.
Good luck and most importantly, have fun!
Beyond the books don’t forget the track laying and ballasting tutorials on you tube.These will probably teach “how to” far better then a book will.There are many modeling tutorials on you tube.Google can be your friend as well for layout plans.Hey,we even got guys here that will help you plan your layout…[tup]
Also,remember model railroading isn’t rocket science 101 so,don’t think you need to buy and study a library of books.You don’t.Keep your money for bigger and better things.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions…There are some top notch modelers here that can help you.
Also,don’t be afraid to get started–remember help is always available here 24/7.
Wow, thanks for all the information guys.
I forgot to tell you that because the small size of my room I would like to have a N scale layout. My room is 11’, 6" and 10’, 8".
Thanks again!