Details track planning and benchwork with numerous ideas for researching and constructing a fantastic railroad. Includes basic techniques for modeling any prototype line in any scale or gauge.

Includes specific pointers on shelf layouts. Uses examples for N scale, HO scale, and ON30 scale trains. Covers a variety of scales, modeling eras, and room applications.

During the steam era, a total of 128 locomotives saw service on the Clinchfield, ranging from the 39-ton 4-4-0 to the 500-ton Challenger. This pictorial history begins with the Carolina, Clinchfield & Ohio Railway Locomotive Roster (nine pages), complete with number, builder, date, etc. Remarks such as 'retired' and 'scrapped' are noted along with other pertinent information. The final two pages contain a "Locomotive Engineers Seniority List for 1947," which gives dates employed and promoted.

Learn how to model natural land forms, crops, forests, and lakes. You'll be able to apply what you see in real life to your modeling and recreate these scenic elements. Produce impressive signature scenes for your model railroad.

Develop realistic operating sessions and operate your model railroad like a full-sized one. The book covers how to forward cars, move trains, and use signal systems.

N 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. Tells you all you need to know about the different track products that are available and the differences between sectional and flexible track. Provides detailed, yet easily understandable, descriptions of how to lay track, cut it to size, join it, and connect it between baseboards. Explains the terminology of turnouts and the different ways to operate them. Explores the differences between DC and DCC control, and how to get power to the track. Considers wiring for turnouts and isolation sections. Discusses all the types of ballasting and presents comprehensive advice on how to apply and fix loose ballast. Examines ready-to-run rolling stock available in N gauge as well as kit building and conversion of locomotives to DCC. Provides guidance on couplers, from the traditional types to the latest designs such as knuckle couplers and close coupling mechanisms. Covers modelling the railway infrastructure, such as platforms and signal boxes, how to make realistic rural and urban scenery, and how to bring your layout to life by adding details such as people, road vehicles and signs. Lavishly illustrated with 285 colour photographs and 20 diagrams.

Featuring today's newest products and equipment, this photo-packed guide features contemporary images of diesel locomotives and urban settings, plus updates to Dave's trademark scenery "recipes." Includes new chapters on Western scenery and desert modeling, and city scenery and urban settings.

The ultimate guide for train lovers, Field Guide to Trains is fully loaded with pictures and fun facts on all the machines that ride the rails