Model railways Books

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Book SynopsisA model railway layout is greatly enhanced by a good back scene. If a modeller is prepared to go to great lengths to achieve realism in the locomotives, rolling stock and buildings, this should be carried through to the scenics. This book is a comprehensive guide for both railway and diorama modellers to create convincing back scenes. It covers choosing the right materials; rural and urban back scenes; traditional painted back scenes; producing back scenes with camera and/or computer; the correct use of forced perspective and scale reduction; getting the transition from layout to back scene right and, finally, lighting and presentation.

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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 SynopsisMuch has changed in this region since the first edition of this Atlas was published in 2016, notably the confirmation of the route of HS2 and extensions to the West Midlands Metro. As a consequence, a completely revised edition of this masterly cartographic portrayal of the railways and tramways of the West Midlands by leading railway cartographer, Joe Brown, is particularly timely.The Atlas covers the entire West Midlands continuous urban area of Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, West Bromwich, Stourbridge and Dudley. It also features the towns and cities surrounding this core area. This includes Stafford, Lichfield, Tamworth, Nuneaton, Coventry, Rugby, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster. As well as dealing with the complex railway system that served the area, the entire historic passenger tramway network of the region is mapped with opening and closing details provided in an Appendix. This is brought up to date with the current West Midlands Metro system and future extensions to it which have been announced as well as the planned Coventry ''Very Light Rail'' system.Intricate and finely drawn mapping shows individual track and platforms for all lines whether open and closed, as well as stations, changes of station name and opening and closing dates, and much, much more. Many of those both interested in both transport and local history will already be aware of the superb quality of Joe Brown''s cartography and will wish to add this new and much enhanced edition of the Birmingham and West Midlands Railway Atlas to their libraries.

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Book SynopsisFirst widely introduced from the early 1950s onwards, the diesel multiple-unit represented an attempt to produce a vehicle that would replace steam traction on the country''s branch lines and secondary routes at a time when the railway industry was in desperate need of a cheaper alternative to steam in order to improve the finances of these increasingly unremunerative lines. Over 4,000 vehicles were ordered from both BR works and private manufacturers as part of the BR modernisation plan of 1955.Following refurbishment from the early 1970s onwards, many first generation DMUs were to survive in service until the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although most were scrapped after withdrawal, a significant number of these vehicles have been preserved on the nation''s heritage railways.This updated and expanded edition of Hugh Longworth''s classic book on the subject records the great variety of DMU types constructed as part of the programme. Each is covered in detail with information about construction, technical specifications, entry into service, formations, allocations, withdrawal and final fate. This new edition makes full use of colour throughout with many additional photos included. The diagrams have been redrawn and a new section showing the unit formations has been added.Comprehensive in its coverage, this book will be sought after by all those modellers, preservationists and historians seeking a detailed reference work on the history of first generation DMUs.

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Book SynopsisPlanning, 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.

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Book SynopsisThe BR diesel locomotive types, that under the TOPs renumbering scheme became Classes 44s, 45s, and 46s, are best known by their nickname of ''Peaks''. This is derived from the first ten locomotives being given the names of British mountains. These machines originated under the Modernisation Plan of 1955 as BR''s Type 4 design. The Class 45s and Class 46s had slightly more powerful engines compared to the Class 44s, with the Class 46s having Brush rather than Crompton Parkinson Ltd electrical equipment.The Class 45s became the main motive power on the Midland main line for many years, while the Class 46s were used heavily on cross country services between the North East and South West. The Class 44s were at first employed on the West Coast main line but were latterly were relegated to freight duties mostly being based at Toton depot in Nottinghamshire.This new study covers the three types from their design and inception through to withdrawal and preservation. It draws extensively on original source material from a number of archives, and is lavishly illustrated with over 200 black and white and colour photographs almost all of which are being published for the very first time.

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Book SynopsisModel engineering was popularised by pioneering steam enthusiasts, and rapidly grew into an exciting world-wide hobby for amateur engineers. This book describes how model steam engines work, outlines the development of the machine tools used to build the models, and investigates the seven different categories of model engines.Table of ContentsIntroduction / Steam Engines / How a steam engine works / Problems and practicalities / Pioneers of model engineering / Model engineering firms / Conclusion / Further reading / Places to visit /

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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 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 SynopsisMany railway modellers include an engine shed somewhere on their layout. However, all too often the shed is squeezed into a quite improbable location and is little more than a place to 'park' engines when they are not in use. This well-illustrated and comprehensive book, written by an experienced railway modeller, helps even the beginner to develop a far more realistic approach and to capture the unforgettable grimy but exciting atmosphere of the locomotive shed in the steam era.

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Book SynopsisThis informative book provides a step-by-step account of the construction, from scratch, of a model railway called Dovedale. The model is operated like a real modern railway and was built entirely by the author within a strict low budget, using, wherever possible, recycled materials. Moreover, Dovedale is based on a specific prototype that exists in Buxton in Derbyshire, where freight trains run into an interchange siding, the locomotive runs round the train and then departs to a different destination. Some model railways are operated somewhat chaotically and are characterized by frequent derailments and locomotives that stop arbitrarily. If you wish to move away from this kind of layout and construct a model railway that operates realistically and reflects more closely the way that railways actually work in the second decade of the 21st century, then this is the book for you. Whilst constantly emphasizing realistic operation, the book covers layout planning and construction, controllers, point motors, power supply, cables and connectors, ways of operating traffic flows, signalling, track droppers, control panels and wiring, control and interlocking, lighting, sequence and block bells, the use of closed circuit television, and much more.

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Book SynopsisModelling the East Coast Main Line in the British Railways Era follows the construction of an East Coast Main Line layout in 00 gauge, based on the Little Bytham prototype. Little Bytham, nestled in rural Lincolnshire, is the station nearest to where the fastest steam exploits in the country were achieved. Nearby, the Flying Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to reach 100 miles per hour, Papyrus broke the world speed record for a non-streamlined locomotive, and Mallard set the current world speed record for a steam locomotive. This practical guide escorts the reader through all aspects of constructing an East Coast Main Line layout and topics include baseboard construction, track laying and ballasting; wiring and making signals; modelling scenery, buildings, locomotives, carriages and wagons and how to plan an operation sequence.

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Book SynopsisWhether in a rural or urban setting, the addition of railway infrastructure can transform a train set into a railway layout. Modelling Tunnels, Embankments, Walls and Fences for Model Railways demonstrates how to build these essential features and place them into a railway layout. It describes the unique challenges, techniques and materials for each element, and provides plenty of practical advice on how to realistically model these crucial aspects of a landscape. Topics include: incorporating topographical features into a layout, from planning to execution; the importance of baseboard construction and track laying when modelling a landscape; practical considerations and techniques for building tunnels; the use of vegetation, animals and small buildings to bring layouts to life and finally, the use of ready-to-plant items, and kit- and scratch-building techniques.

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Book SynopsisRailway 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 the 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.

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Book SynopsisIf anything, interest in Britain''s railways and their history is increasing rather than diminishing. Many now deeply regret the mass closures of the late twentieth century and there are campaigns in many parts of the country to reverse some of these and restore lines that were prematurely closed. That railways are unquestionably an environmentally friendly form of transport is also part of this narrative.Interest in exploring disused railways is also growing among different groups. Nature lovers relish the flora and fauna of abandoned embankments and cuttings, industrial archaeologists delight in discovering viaducts, tunnels and old artefacts, while social historians may focus in uncovering the lives of those who lived or worked on the railways. For others, old railways simply invoke nostalgia for those not too distant halcyon days when a now-slumbering line was busy with passenger and goods trains hauled by steam locomotives of varying shapes and sizes.This book takes a detailed look at many of the ''lost'' railways of the North-West of England. It examines how they have fared since closure and what is still around to see and visit. The post-closure history of the line includes track lifting, demolition of buildings and structures, changes of ownership and access and the current condition of the railway in question today.As well as looking at what remains of a line, its original purpose is also explored; why was it built, what did it carry, why did it close? Comparisons are also made with lines that have survived and adapted to meet the demands of the modern passenger and freight transport. This book will appeal, not just to railway enthusiasts, but also to a wide range of readers beyond that community.

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Book SynopsisN gauge is the most rapidly expanding of all the model railway formats and if you want to take advantage of its huge potential, then this is the book for you. The author explains exactly what N gauge is, its history, its advantages and some of its possible disadvantages. He begins with a train set and progresses through choosing a prototype and designing a layout, to a practical demonstration of how to build a baseboard, to designs for open-topped baseboards and fiddle yards.

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Book SynopsisFirst published to critical acclaim in 2006, enlarged and revised editions of the London Rail Atlas followed, the most recent being in 2018. This latest fully revised sixth edition reflects the dynamic and evolving railway network in the capital and will include additions such as the Elizabeth Line finally due to open in 2022 after many delays, and the Battersea Power Station extension of the Northern Line which opened in 2021.The Atlas presents detailed mapping of all the lines which traverse the city, including those of London Underground, the DLR and Network Rail. Each map also illustrates the geographical relationship between overground and underground lines. The maps on the large format pages show all tracks and platforms. London Rail Atlas features all the lines in the capital, both open and closed, stations, changes of station name and station opening and closing dates.The maps are drawn to a high degree of accuracy and include detail on industrial railways. The coverage reaches beyond London to include places such as Tilbury, Gravesend, Windsor and Redhill. In addition to the wealth of information, the Atlas is a superb achievement in terms of the clarity of its cartography. As a reviewer in Railway Magazine wrote of a previous edition, ''the maps are akin to works of art, so detailed and finely drawn are they''.

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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 SynopsisHave you ever dreamed of building a model of a favourite railway station for your layout, whether it be a modest branch line station, or a large town terminus? 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 almost anybody, regardless of their modelling skills, can construct a pleasing and presentable model railway station in even a quite limited amount of space. Six specific UK stations, some real and some fictional, are selected as modelling case studies and the author provides detailed, practical information about different aspects of their construction. Throughout the book the author provides step-by-step guidance and illustrations and emphasizes how - with patience- modelling skills, confidence and ambition can all be improved over time. Moreover, he is ever mindful of how costs should be kept down to reasonable levels and reveals how materials and tools can often be the most simple and inexpensive of everyday household items.

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Book SynopsisIn this book long-time model maker Stan Bray describes the construction of a range of uncomplicated miniature steam engines, for construction by the model engineer.

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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 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 SynopsisThe 00 gauge train set was the ultimate ‘boy’s toy’ of the 1950s and ’60s. Electric 00 gauge trains were introduced by Trix and Hornby Dublo in the mid-1930s, but the Second World War quickly halted production. However, they burst back onto the post-war scene with great success, and 00 quickly became the dominant scale in Britain, and was taken up by other large manufacturers including Tri-ang. Whilst the components of the sets themselves were often basic, they could be transformed into astonishing landscapes in the hands of imaginative builders. The sheer number of box sets, locomotives, rolling stock, buildings and accessories gave everyone the ability to form a bespoke layout. This beautifully illustrated introduction to the heyday of clockwork and electric 00 gauge trains tells their story up until 1975, when finer detailing and changing trends led to them becoming enthusiasts’ models rather than children’s toys.Trade ReviewI feel like a gap in my education has now been filled... an interesting and informative read. * MODEL RAIL *Table of ContentsForeword by Richard Lines Introduction The Beginning to 1945 Post-war Austerity: Smaller Companies Post-war Hornby Dublo and Trix The Giant Awakes: Enter Tri-Ang European HO Gauge in Britain Tri-Ang Hornby and Hornby Railways 1966–75 Beyond 1975 Appendices: Accessories; Retailers; Bertram Otto Places to Visit Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisThere are more than 400 miniature railways in Britain. Some are hidden away and privately owned, others are parkland attractions, and some – such as the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch – are large commercial enterprises. They come in an array of gauges (from 5 inches up to 15 inches and sometimes beyond), but their most definitive characteristic is that they can carry passengers, whether sitting astride the rolling stock or inside enclosed carriages. In this colourfully illustrated guide, David Henshaw offers a concise history of miniature railways from the nineteenth century to the modern day, including a whistle-stop tour of the most notable examples open to the public – including the Ravenglass & Eskdale and Eastleigh Lakeside railways – exploring their layouts, engineering and rolling stock.Trade ReviewRecommended. * Ffestiniog Railway Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction The 5-inch Railway 7¼-inch Gauge 8-inch to 12-inch Gauge 12¼-inch to 15-inch Gauge Further Reading Places to Visit Index

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive book is aimed at all those railway modellers who wish to create a realistic model of a branch line. First of all it examines the origins, developments and future of branch lines in Britain and then provides useful insights into how to select a suitable branch line to model. It discusses in detail how to create scenic realism and an appropriate setting for the model, with reference to the landscape, the infrastructure, the lineside and the use of authentic colour. Detailed information about a selection of several real, and some fictitious, branch lines are presented in order to inspire the modeller and help him to select a suitable subject to lovingly recreate. Finally, track plans and superb drawings of the whole scene are shown which provides the modeller with a visual intepretation of what the completed model should look like.

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Book Synopsis0 gauge (scale 7mm to the foot) is the 'senior scale' and it has existed for almost as long as the hobby of railway modelling itself. With the advent of high-quality ready-to-run 0 gauge locomotives and rolling stock, it is enjoying a huge surge in popularity. This fascinating book covers the history and the benefits of 0 gauge; discusses the various prototypical gauges that can be successfully modelled in 0 gauge; examines making a start in this gauge and practical layout planning and it also shows the modeller how to successfully create scenery and model buildings.

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Book SynopsisThis lavishly illustrated book provides guidance on how to transform your model from its bare structure to a realistic finish. This new book provides: a guide for both beginners and the more experienced, covering all scales and gauges; advice on the selection of airbrushes, compressors and essential tools; a simple three-step process to clean and prepare your model for painting; guidance on dealing with faults and paint problems; instruction on the pros and cons of the different ways to produce lines; tips to help you produce consistent fine lines with a bow pen; how to get the best out of transfers and the different types available, and finally, basic weathering techniques using a variety of methods. With over 500 colour photographs it will help even the beginner to produce a realistic life-like model.Trade Review" For a modeller carrying out a simple identity change to finishing off a kitbuild project, these are wise words, professionally expressed, and as such will be of great value to new and experienced builders alike. " * Railway Modeller *" If you enjoy putting those final touches to your model, this is an excellent guide to most of the aspects that you will need. " * Gauge O Guild Newsletter *

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Book SynopsisBritish Railways was created in 1948 when the Great Western, the London, Midland & Scottish, the London & North Eastern and the Southern were taken into public ownership. BR inherited all their locomotives, passenger and goods rolling stock. Whilst much has been published on BR locomotives and passenger stock, accurate and detailed coverage of the large inventory of vehicles used to convey the huge volumes of goods traffic carried by the railways at that time, is less readily available. This series sets out to provide that information. Written by David Larkin, one of the acknowledged experts on British railway wagons, each volume is heavily illustrated throughout.Starting with an overview of the categories of vehicles covered, this fifth volume explores the huge fleet of open general merchandise wagons, of various sizes, acquired from the ''Big Four''. The wagons are generally dealt with in relation to the companies that built them. The types of wagons covered in this volume includes three-plank mostly dropside opens and the more common general merchandise five-plank versions. It also deals with all the wagons which were produced with shock absorbing equipment from the 1930s onwards, low sided 20-ton capacity all-steel aggregate wagons and PW open wagons used for ballast and general loads.This series is an essential work of reference for all those interested in BR''s huge wagon fleet and a valuable reference tool for railway modellers.

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Book SynopsisThe Hornby Magazine Yearbook is always eagerly anticipated and features the very best of the UK's colourful railway modelling monthly. Concentrating the highlights of the previous 12 months into a 132-page package, the yearbook offers a variety of features in all major scales and gauges.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisWritten by an acknowledged expert, this practical book is essential reading for all those railway modellers who wish to build a bridge or a viaduct for their layout. This new book contains in-depth descriptions and photographs of real-life bridges located around Britain (and one in New Zealand), ranging from the small to the monumental, from which the modeller can gain ideas and draw inspiration. As an essential aid to modelling, the constituent parts of the bridges are described as well as the engineering principles that make them 'work' and the materials from which they are built. Step-by-step instructions and photographs depict the construction in plasticard of five models: a simple girder bridge; a truss-girder bridge; a masonry arch bridge; a plate-girder bridge; and a viaduct. Covers prototype research, taking measurements, modelling materials and tools.

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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 SynopsisDo 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 explanations 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.

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Book SynopsisJohn Ryan's model railway at Over Peover, Cheshire is a story on continual development. He first became interested in model railways at the age of five when his father took him to see A4s, A2s and A1s hurtling through Doncaster railway station on the East Coast Main Line. At Christmas 1955, he acquired his first train set a Hornby-Dublo three-rail `Duchess of Montrose'. Other train sets were acquired and layouts constructed - all OO gauge - until the fascination for O gauge took control. This was in the early 1980s and when, a little later, success and finances became available all his OO gauge locomotives and rolling stock were sold or swapped for O gauge models and he began constructing one of the largest layouts of its type in the country. The switch to O gauge coincided with his teaming up with Norman Solomon, an expert track-builder, who has been involved in the various stages of John's present enormous layout. Other people have supplied stations, goods sheds, coal hoppers, viaducts etc. John runs models of the locomotives he saw whilst a youngster in Doncaster during the 1950s and many are illustrated here. He also has a keen interest in the LNER locomotives built at Doncaster so that the layout can be operated in two periods - 1930s and 1950s. Carriages and wagons also fall into these two periods. Some of John's most impressive carriages include the `Silver Jubilee', `Coronation' and Pullman sets. Text within the book follows the development of model railways in Britain, Doncaster Plant Works' association with locomotive, carriage and wagon building, John's various railway layouts as well as touching upon his business interests. Photographs in the book show in fine detail and from different angles all aspects of the layout to such an extent that the viewer almost believes they are part of a real railway.

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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 SynopsisComprehensive in its coverage, Modelling the Southern Region - 1948 to the Present presents an historical overview of the post-war Southern Region of British Railways before guiding the reader through a series of detailed modelling projects, illustrating all of the techniques and equipment required, from building freight, locomotives and architecture, to modernization, electrification and the third rail. These projects make use of the best available commercial model-making products and provide an introduction to scratch-building your own lineside items. Each project is supported by a short historical background section and suggestions as to how each project could be further developed. The result will be a set of models that sets the modeller on track for a first-class model of the Southern Region.

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