During the twenty years in which Britain's nationalized railway operated mainline steam locomotives, a vast array of individual designs complemented the British Railways 'Standard' machines, built up to 1960. Such was the variety of motive power to be seen on the network that this 'early' period of BR's existence has proved to be the most enduring amongst enthusiasts and modellers. The ready-to-run market has reflected this popularity in terms of models and liveries available off-the-shelf. Despite constantly rising levels of detail, finish and performance, r-t-r models can never cater for every variation in components, equipment or livery that invariably arose within large and long-lived fleets. Nor can they offer particular running numbers and names to satisfy every customer, while older products may also require work to bring them up to the standard of contemporary offerings. Therefore, being able to change factory-applied decals, add period or individual locomotive-specific details, modify a livery or create an authentic weathered finish can prove vital to achieving a heightened sense of realism and individuality within our traction fleets. Aimed at modellers of all abilities and serious model railway enthusiasts, this book gives details of a wide range of techniques, materials and tools and is lavishly illustrated wtih 400 colour photographs.

The late steam and steam-to-diesel transition era remain very popular with model railroaders. This book offers modelers a single reference guide for upgrading, detailing, modifying, and maintaining their steam locomotive models. Covered topics include: An overview of steam locomotives: types, history, and how they work. Upgrading and repowering older plastic and brass models. Adding DCC and sound; weathering; and modifying details to reflect various prototypes.

Featuring off-the-shelf trackwork and ready-to-run trains, this guide will teach you how to add basic scenery, structures, and details to your layout. In his new book, Building a Ready-to-Run Model Railroad, author Jeff Wilson provides you with easy-to-follow instructions for adding structures, scenery, and details to the featured 4' x 12' HO layout. You'll learn how to build simple benchwork and design a track plan; create scenery with grass, trees, and more; assemble structure kits; add roads, signs, and vehicles; and select trains and get them going in no time.

In this companion to Detailing Freight Cars, author Jeff Wilson shows you how to improve the appearance and realism of your diesel locomotives.

Comprehensive 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. Contents include: full listings of all tools and materials; an explanation of the techniques used and possible alternative methods; step by step instructions from simple to more advanced projects; a detailed but easily digestible approach to building both ready-to-run and kit-built items; techniques and ideas on how to construct those items not yet available from the model trade. This is an essential reference for all those who wish to build a model railway based on the post-war Southern Region of British Railways and is fully illustrated with 237 colour photographs detailing modelling techniques.

Learn the history, spotting features, characteristics, and operation of diesel locomotives, plus how to determine appropriate eras, and details and features.

The airbrush is an essential tool for modelers striving for professional-looking results. It can greatly enhance the quality of your modeling output, whether applying a full livery scheme or simply blending in areas of new paintwork. A good airbrush will offer unparalleled levels of finish and consistency, as well as the chance to create unique effects such as weathering and stenciling. This book reveals how anyone can use an airbrush effectively, provided that a few basic rules are followed. All of the necessary techniques are described, along with a wealth of practical guidance and detailed advice on choosing a spraying set-up to match your own needs and budget.