There are numerous books available for model railroading. It would be very helpful for new people entering this hobby, or, for old timers getting back into the hobby from loooong ago, to have a critique of these books from the experts. Some seem to be more illustrative than others, while other books are more words than pictures of what they are trying to tell us. One could spend a small fortune on books, and as many of us do not have a LHS, we cannot check out the book that looks great by title but really doesn’t cut it when we get it in the mail. Now don’t be shy guys and gals, you really DO qualify as experts to any newcomer!![;)]
Well, the books that really got me started were the following, although they may be out of print now; “Model Railroading Handbook” written by Robert Schleicher and “How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery” by Dave Frary. At this point, I don’t think you could go wrong with any “getting started” book published by Kalmbach or any of the other reputable publishers of model railroad magazines . I don’t think I’ve ever picked up a book that did not offer some good useful pointers.
*** If you can afford shipping I can afford to send you a few great DCC books and *** I do not need anymore. I bought them for reference when I did my first layout here. I never needed much of them but here are the list I will send to you or anyone who wants them
1.Basic Model railroading Getting started in the Hobby Paid $14.95 for you FREE
2.The Atlas Beginners Guide to HO model railroading book #9 Paid ? For you FREE
3. DCC made easy by MR Paid $12.95 For you FREE
4. Atlas Seven Step-by-Step HO Railroads item #13 Paid about $5-10 For you FREE
5. Atlas HO layouts for every Space LEvel 2 Book #11 Paid $4.95 for you FREE
Thats what I have and I will love to pass them on to someone who is in need of learning the beginning stages of Model Railroading. If you want them email me at
a2thamayo@wmconnect.com
Oh as for shipping. Forget it. I will cover that too!! Dont sweat it. I got it.
Track Planing for Realistic Operations by John Armstrong. This is a must have.
I agree. This one’s the best. I built my first layout using a plan from this book.
“Creative Layout Design”, also by Armstrong is also good, but I think it’s out of print. Add in a couple of track plan books for more ideas. I would then add a couple of books based on what you think you need: benchwork, wiring, etc. Kalmbach books are always good. Unfortunately, the one’s I started with are out of print so I can’t give specific recommendations. Every couple of years MR does a project railroad which covers basics see if your local library has back issues.
Enjoy
paul
Thanks guys, I may have a chance to pick some of this up at the BigE in 21 days.