Model railways Books

Book SynopsisIn railway modelling, getting the technical components correct is essential for a realistic-looking layout but, unfortunately, these often present the biggest challenges for the hobbyist. Using his own experience as a railway modeller and electronics engineer, Andrew Duckworth provides a guide suitable for all railway modellers, from beginners to the more experienced. With instructions on how and where to use specialist electronic circuits to enhance your layout, this book will help you to achieve a reasonably sophisticated layout. It provides: an overview of the geometry required for building successful model railways; clear explanations of electronics and electrical components; comparisons of direct control and digital command control (DCC); step-by-step instructions for wiring the track, signals, buildings and lighting; reviews of electrical systems, power supplies, wires and cable, control panels and switches and finally, it covers detection, testing and troubleshooting tips.Trade ReviewPut simply, if there's something you think you could electrify on your layout, then this book will show you how to do it * Model Rail Magazine *

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Book SynopsisOnce seen as a niche practice, the craft of weathering has now become firmly rooted in the railway modelling mainstream. Not simply a means of rendering models in layers of dirty paint, weathering involves a myriad of techniques aimed at improving realism, including distinctive surface textures, highlights and shading, burnishing and peeling paint finishes. The weathering process beings out the best in a model, making moulded relief or a lustrous livery really stand out. As well as replicating the real world more closely, weathering also helps a model to look at home within a scenic setting. Aimed at modellers of all abilities and eras, this book is an essential guide to creating the most realistic locomotives and rolling stock in any scale.

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Book SynopsisThis book demonstrates the many different modelling techniques used in the creation of realistic historical buildings and convincing imaginary or fantasy structures. Aimed at the railway and diorama modeller, it includes photographs of existing structures, detailed illustrations and plans, followed by step-by-step photographs of the various stages in their creation; practical tips and constructive advice are provided alongside. Special emphasis has been placed on the use of scrap and low-cost materials. It gives guidance on modelling imaginary buildings and structures, with an example project presented from start to finish and also a complete fantasy-based model railway diorama, from concept and design through to the completed layout is covered. The author has written this book to inspire the modeller to try something innovative, and to attract new entrants to this creative hobby. Drawing on his own experience, he shares practical guidance to help the reader to produce models they will be proud of.Trade ReviewThis book is as inspirational as it is informative, and we rather hope that the author continues to delve into the historical and imaginary in his future projects. If he does, we’ll certainly be eager to see what’s next on his hobby table! -- James Griffiths * Wargames Illustrated *

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Book SynopsisAlthough most people have heard of laser-cut and 3-D printed model railway parts and kits, most modellers have little knowledge or experience of them. This fascinating and well-illustrated book describes in non-technical language how these machines work and how railway modellers can use them to produce remarkable models for their layouts. With reference to the different modelling scales, the author discusses in detail the advantages and disadvantages of different types of machines, and the materials they employ. He also shows how beginners can install and use 'Sketchup Make', a free CAD (Computer Aided Design) program from the Internet. With step-by-step instructions and accompanying photographs, the author takes the modeller through the early stages of using this program before providing many examples of how to design model railway related items such as laser-cut roofing tiles, palisade fencing, brickwork, and the detailed elements of station awning. In addition, he demonstrates how to create 3-D printed furniture, barrels, packing crates, guttering and down pipes, rivet heads, and a workman's hut.

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Book SynopsisThis fascinating volume tells you everything you need to know about how to build an 00 gauge Tilbury Tank locomotive or, indeed, any similar type of tank. Written in an engaging, encouraging and easily understable style, this new work is a worthy successor to the author's first book, Scratch-Building Model Railway Locomotives, which was short-listed for the Ian Allan Railway Book of the Year Awards in 2014. Containing scale diagrams, step-by-step photos, sketches and specially commissioned artwork, the book celebrates the history of Tilbury Tanks and demonstrates a range of different techniques that will prove invaluable in constructing models of these charismatic little locomotives. If you have not yet taken the plunge and begun scratch-building, or if you want to complement your growing scratch-building skills and knowledge, this is the book for you.

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Book SynopsisDespite modern appearances, colour light signalling has been around since the 1920s and is just as full of subtle details and variations as 'traditional' semaphore signalling. The inclusion of a working signalling system within a model railway layout is technically challenging but adds realism and 'wow' factor. This new book contains a brief history of the development and deployment of colour light signalling in the UK; a basic explanation of how track design influences signalling design; an overview of the different types of point motor and, finally, descriptions of the different components that make up a signalling system and how these components are used and controlled. It is an extensive guide to developing and adding realistic colour light signalling to a model railway layout.

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Book SynopsisDesigned specifically for modellers of the modern scene, this new book provides a comprehensive reference to all the livieries that have come and gone on the network since the wholesale privatisation of the mid 1990s.It is now more than 70 years since the first DMUs made their first appearance on the British railway system and more than 50 years since DMUs were introduced onto the BR network in large numbers. From the late 1950s onwards several thousand DMU vehicles were brought into service as replacement for steam services over branches and secondary routes and from the mid-1980s onwards this first generation of DMU was gradually replaced by a second-generation of DMU although the final elimination of the first-generation units did not occur until the first years of the 21st century. On the privatised railway of the 21st century, virtually all non-electrified passenger services are now operated by DMUs of one design or another and, on the preserved railways, many examples of the firs

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Book Synopsis_Building the Wooden Fighting Ship_ is a fascinating account of the building of an historic ship, as well as a vivid and often surprising account of life and labour in the eighteenth century. In an age before industrialisation, the warship was the most complex object built by man and employed the most advanced technology of its time. Naval vessels of the period were, not surprisingly, so expensive to construct that meticulous records were kept, from the purchasing of timbers to the last details of their furnishings and armament, including even the individual names of some of the shipwrights and craftsmen. By carefully studying these records, the authors have reconstructed, in extraordinary detail, the building of HMS Thunderer -a two-decked, 74-gun ship-of-the-line. In words and specially drawn illustrations, contemporary prints and paintings, the authors show every stage of the building of this ship, from the purchase and cutting of timbers right through to the launch in 1760\. There are descriptions of Woolwich dockyard where she was built and details of all the skills and trades involved in her construction. First published in 1984, this book is a beautiful and highly informative work on a significant aspect of the Royal Navy and will appeal to enthusiasts, modellers, historians and anyone with an interest in traditional crafts.

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Book SynopsisWeathering is not just about making something look dirty. Rather, it should be seen as an artistic endeavour, with the aim of making a model appear as lifelike as possible. It also helps to blend a range of separate structures into a cohesive scene. Careful weathering brings out the best in even the most mundane model, drawing attention to moulded relief and enhancing surface textures. In this latest volume, expert modeller George Dent shares his theories and practices on the art of weathering buildings, motor vehicles, ships and all manner of scenic features.

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Book SynopsisBob Reid's Railway Revolution describes the life and career of the first Bob Reid, always known as Bob Reid One, and the history of the railways since nationalisation. It shows how the organisational changes he forced through when Chief Executive from 1980 to 1990 turned British Rail into one of the best railways in Europe. His reforms, described as revolutionary, saw Inter-City become profitable, the creation of Network SouthEast and for the first time in 30 years, a growth in passenger numbers and freight.

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Book SynopsisThis 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. All aspects of the subject are covered from kit building in metal, plastic, resin and wood; soldering, weathering, painting and lining; 3-D printed kits and components; adding passengers to the carriages; upgrading off-the-shelf models; kit assembly, scratch-building and finishing.

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Book SynopsisModel railway baseboards are like the foundations of a house, and failure to build a rigid baseboard that has no movement will inevitably lead to problems. Accordingly, this invaluable, well-illustrated book is essential reading for all those who wish to be guided through the potential pitfalls of making a baseboard and who require practical information about the different kinds of boards and how to construct them properly. Describes in detail how to build several different types of baseboards from the simple box frame, through the monocoque flat board, the drop board and insulation board, to multi-level boards and the helix. With the less adept modeller in mind, the author also explains how to make a baseboard with only a drill, a screwdriver and glue.

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Book SynopsisEuropean railways are characterized by a huge and contrasting range of locomotives, liveries, rolling stock, stations and infrastructure. In addition, the network incorporates standard, narrow and broad gauges, private and nationalized railways, high-speed corridors, single-track branch lines and rack systems. If that was not appealing enough for the railway modeller, these fascinating railways are also located in dramatically diverse landscapes ranging from the industrial Ruhr to the majestic Alps. If you wish to explore the new and exciting railway modelling opportunities that Europe has to offer, if you need a helping hand and information about where to go, what to read and what to buy, then this is the book for you.

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Book Synopsis From the bestselling author of Everything Is Beautiful, comes an utterly heartwarming new novel, about what it truly means to belong to those you love.''A warm-hearted, emotional read'' Daily Mail''Gripping, endearing and thought-provoking, this beautifully woven novel championing family, solidarity and friendship is full of warmth and heart. A joy from start to finish - one not to miss'' HOLLY MILLER''Joyful and tender'' Woman''s Own''The Art of Belonging is just the loveliest, uplifting novel and fills the soul with joy'' LORNA COOK''A delightful, big-hearted story of family and forgiveness'' Good Housekeeping''Heartfelt and heartwarming, this uplifting read is full of characters to cherish and cheer for'' PHAEDRA PATRICK ................................................ Sometimes you need to ope

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Book SynopsisWith colour photographs and 30 diagrams, this book takes the beginner through the necessary stages and processes in painting a model engineering subject. It includes: selection and making of equipment, paint, preparation, spray and hand painting, fixing blemishes, lining, transfers, tips on how to look after the paintwork, and a list of suppliers.Trade Review"This is quite simply the best practical book for model engineers we have seen for decades. Model Engineer Magazine - 2007 This book will not only appeal to locomotive builders but to the builder of ANY model that requires a decent paint finish. A MUST HAVE book if ever there was one. Engineering in Miniature Magazine - 2007"Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 Equipment & Making a Spray Booth; Chapter 3 Paint; Chapter 4 Preparation; Chapter 5 Spray Painting; Chapter 6 Hand Painting; Chapter 7 Fixing Blemishes; Chapter 8 Lining; Chapter 9 Transfers; Chapter 10 Looking After the Paint; Summary A Quick Reminder; Appendix 1 List of Suppliers; Appendix 2 Glossary.

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Book SynopsisOne man's remarkable model railway, and how it came to be. Lavishly illustrated, this book will delight any modeller.

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Book SynopsisDemonstrates detailed build processes in image and text. Provides a suggested structure to your decision making. Covers a variety of projects and material types. Allows the reader to get under the covers of model construction. Includes upcycling and saving older models.

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Book Synopsis''Great fun. Railway travel without leaving your armchair!'' Chris TarrantA jam-packed puzzle and trivia book about Britain''s iconic railways. The Big British Railway Puzzle Book is a must-buy gift book for puzzle book fanatics, train and travel enthusiasts, history buffs, and the people up and down the country who love their heritage and their regional identity! Featuring a treasure trove of puzzles about railways and locomotives, using maps, old routes and tracks, original posters and all things that delight train lovers, the book also includes mind-boggling brainteasers, navigational tests, word games, code-crackers, anagrams, crosswords, mathematical conundrums and more. As well as having over 100 mind-bending puzzles, the book also contains historical facts and figures, trivia and introductions to each section authored by Dr Thomas Spain, a research associate at the National Railway Museum, about the history of the Br

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Book SynopsisInformative Text & all classes covered

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Book SynopsisEarly Railways A Modellers Guide will encourage and support the modelling of the earliest period of railway history, from the very beginnings of steam traction at the start of the nineteenth century, up to about 1880; a period which for British modellers has scarcely been covered in book form. Over these few decades the railways evolved from something, which at the start was markedly different, into a scene that any present-day railwayman would recognise. It is a time with much to commend it from a modellers point of view. The trains were much shorter and therefore easier to fit into the limited space most of us have available as, correspondingly, were the station layouts, especially at the beginning of the period. Instead of at least 12 or 13 feet for a modern steam express, and a minimum curve radius of 6 feet, an 1840 express of a loco and a dozen carriages might be no more than about 6 feet long and, behind the scenes at least, can take curves of no more than 2 or 3 feet radius, as well as being able to instantly catch the eye of the viewer.

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