Cover

All Aboard!

Start With The Basics

Why The Track Is So Important

How Does The Power Supply Work?

Analog and DCC Explained

Layout Options Explained

Locomotives And Rolling Stock

What Should You Start With?

How Do You Create A Good Layout

More On Layouts and LDE

How to Create Realistic Scenery

Explain Weathering Techniques

How To Repair Problems

BONUS SECTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary of Important Terms

Model Railroad Yard Design Explained Step-By-Step

Model Train Layout Track Plans

Garden Railroads

Mastering An Airbrush Step-By-Step

More Model Railroad Resources

More Model Railroad Resources

Trying to find useful resources can be a time consuming task. I know, because I have been surfing the net trying to find some useful sites for you. Believe me, you can waste hours clicking on links that you think might contain useful information, only to discover that all they contain are ads, more ads and links to other sites containing even more ads. It is so frustrating!

So, here are some websites that I thought were worth a visit. I have selected these sites, because, at the time of writing this, they contained useful information. However, I have no control over these websites or their content. Like all websites, they are subject to change from time to time, and may not be active at the time you view them. I’m sure you’ll find some interesting tips and ideas.

Helpful Websites – Click the links to find out more If for any reason clicking the links doesn’t work, you can simply copy and paste the links into your browser to access the correct web page.

Track layouts:

http://www.layoutplans.com/

http://home.wanadoo.nl/reinoud.kaasschieter/

http://www.thortrains.net/modelrr0.htm

http://www.nmra.org/beginner/basicplan.html

Model Railway Electronics:

http://www.atlasrr.com/wiring.htm

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/co_trains/article/0,2033,DIY_13743_2270385,00.html
http://www.gatewaynmra.org/dcc.htm

http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/005/602jkhsl.asp

http://artm-friends.at/rm/train/

Model Train Blogs:

http://modeltrainsetshelp.blogspot.com/

http://www.our-australia.com/blog/

Free Streaming Video Downloads and Train Sounds

http://www.trainpictures.com.au/downloads.html

Model Train Forum: http://www.the-gauge.com/

Scenery and Construction Techniques:

http://rail.felgall.com/wiamr.htm

http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/~smithbf/BFSpages/LDSIGprimer/Construction.html
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/co_trains/article/0,2033,DIY_13743_2270387,00.html
http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/006/115qnpzb.asp?bitPrintable=1
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/co_trains/article/0,2033,DIY_13743_2270352,00.html

http://www.diynet.com/diy/rc_trains/article/0,2033,DIY_14225_2276278,00.html

http://www.stevestrains.com/

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Books – Click the links to find out more (If for any reason clicking the links doesn’t work, you can simply copy and paste the links into your browser to access the correct web page.)

Realistic Model Railroad Design
By Tony Koester
A step-by-step book about creating a unique operating layout. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890245819/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Track Planning for Realistic Operation
By John Armstrong
Book covers aspects of prototype freight and passenger operations, route design, and contemporary railroading. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890242275/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Trackwork and Lineside Detail for Your Model Railroad
By Kent J. Johnson
An introduction to the basics of tracklaying and lineside detailing.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890245711/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Basic Model Railroading
By Kent J. Johnson
The basics of getting started with model railroading.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890243344/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

101 Projects for Your Model Railroad
By Robert Schleicher
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0760311811/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Easy Model Railroad Wiring
By Andy Sperandeo
Easy and reliable layout wiring techniques for wiring a permanent layout.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890243492/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Model Railroad Bridges & Trestles
By Bob Hayden
How to build sturdy model bridges and trestles. Includes construction plans, prototype phtographs, and over 20 sets of scale drawings. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890241287/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

N Scale Model Railroad That Grows
By Kent Wood, Ric Laban
Building your first N scale layout with step-by-step instructions.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890242232/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

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How to Build & Detail Model Railroad Scenes
By Lou Sassi
A practical, photo-driven guide covering the principles and techniques of designing and constructing detailed, realistic model railroad scenes.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890245770/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Scenery for Model Railroads, Dioramas & Miniatures
By Robert Schleicher
With 25 handy tear-out reference cards
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0873417097/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork
By Linn Hanson Westcott
Elaborate carpentry ideas to support model railroad layouts. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890242895/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Building City Scenery for Your Model Railroad
By John Pryke
How to build your own realistic urban setting with modern city-scape modeling techniques.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890243433/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Realistic Model Railroad Operation
By Tony Koester
How to run your trains like the full-sized railroads. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890244189/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

222 Tips for Building Model Railroad Structures
By Dave Frary
Tips and techniques for building plastic, wood, plaster, paper, and metal structures including: roofing, painting, weathering, and detailing information.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890241457/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Your Guide to Easy Model Railroad Wiring
By Andy Sperandeo http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890240604/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

48 Top Notch Track Plans
By Bob Hayden
Track plans designed to work in any amount of space or scale preference, including HO (Hon21/2 and Hon3), O, S, N, and Z scale from Model Railroader Magazine. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890241902/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

One Hundred and One Track Plans for Model Railroaders
By Linn Westcott
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890245126/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

ABCs of Building Model Railroad Cars
By Wayne Wesolowski, Mary Cay Wesolowski http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0830616357/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

HO Railroad from Start to Finish
By Jim Kelly
Photographs, diagrams and helpful construction steps for building a walkaround 4 x 8 layout.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890241554/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

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Magazines – Click the links to find out more (If for any reason clicking the links doesn’t work, you can simply copy and paste the links into your browser to access the correct web page.)

Model Railroader Magazine (and others)
5 different magazines specializing in model railroading. http://www.trains.com/maghomepage/maghomepage.asp?idMagazine=3

Model Railroading
Magazine and information for the model railroad enthusiast. http://www.modelrailroadingmag.com/

Fine Scale Railroader
Includes photography and coverage of realistic scale model building, layouts and dioramas, and prototype plans and articles.
http://www.finescalerr.com/

Railroad Model Craftsman
Model railroading magazine with some excellent links.
http://www.rrmodelcraftsman.com/

Canadian Modeler Railway Magazine
Provides heritage information associated with Canada's prototype railways along with building projects related to Canadian trains and structures. Also includes product announcements, prototype photographs, modeler's photos, Canadian book reviews, and video reviews. http://www.cdnrwymod.com/body.htm

48 ft O Scale News
US magazine for 2-rail O Scale modelers. Website is updated several times a week with a lengthy schedule and dealer list (primarily US & Europe).
http://users.foxvalley.net/~osn/

S/Sn3 Modeling Guide
Model railroad information for the S scale modeler
http://www.modelingguide.com/

Mainline Modeler
Dedicated to providing the model railroad enthusiast with model industry information, technical "how-to" guides, schematics, plans, and prototype information. Published monthly.
http://www.mainlinemodeler.com/

N-Scale
Each issue of N-Scale has the latest news for the model railroad enthusiast including projects, tips, and techniques. A bi-monthly magazine. http://www.nscalemagazine.com/

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Simulation Software – Click the links to find out more (If for any reason clicking the links doesn’t work, you can simply copy and paste the links into your browser to access the correct web page.)

Model Railroad Simulator
By Summitsoft http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00007M9SO/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Railking-Model Railroad Simulator
By Global Star Software http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001GJBSU/interebookmor-20/102-7377713-6780146

Rails USA
Various software programs for model railway enthusiasts. http://www.railsusa.com/links/Model_Railroad_Software/

National Model Railroad Association
Various software programs for model railway enthusiasts http://www.cwrr.com/nmra/Mana-SW.html

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Associations and Clubs – Click the links to find out more (If for any reason clicking the links doesn’t work, you can simply copy and paste the links into your browser to access the correct web page.)

Model Railroad Clubs of the World
International Club Listings
http://www.tfs.net/~jashaw/rrclubs/clubs.html

Rails Canada
Canadian Model Railroad Clubs http://www.railscanada.com/links/Model_Railroad_Clubs/

Model Railroading Associations and Trade Organizations
Various listings of Associations & Trade Organizations http://www.thestorefinder.com/rr/library/rrtrade.html

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Railroad Simulator

If you have no time, or very little money and no space whatsoever for your very own model train “set” in your house...then check this out. Ok, so it’s “technically” not a railroad, but it’s the next best thing! You can take it just about anywhere and it takes up virtually no space!

Have a look here: http://www.auran.com/TRS2004/default.htm

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Conclusion

Model railroading is a truly rewarding leisure activity that will keep you busy and entertained for hours… if not a lifetime. Best of all, it is an excellent way to have fun, continue to learn and to make new friends. So, I am sure you will have enjoyed this book.

There are numerous organizations you can join where you can meet with like-minded people from all walks of life who share your passion for model railroading.

If you would like to e-mail me your suggestions, or comments about how you have applied what you learned, or a testimonial, or you if you have a question you’d like me to answer in the next edition, please email me at [email protected]

If you have a photo of your train set I’d love to see it too!

Please do not expect a reply as I already get far more emails than I can manage… and rest assured I promise to never send you spam!

If you think you might be interested in getting paid

for telling other model train enthusiasts about this book,

then you'll find details here:

http://www.model-train-help.com/affiliates.html

This train is about to pull into the station – I’m sure you enjoyed your journey. So, thanks for reading, take care!

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© 2006 Robert Anderson, Market Leaders Ebooks, all rights reserved