Twenty-six track plans in a variety of scales incorporate prototype lines such as Western Maryland's Thomas Subdivision, Chesapeake & Ohio's Chicago Division, Utah Railway, White Pass & Yukon, and more.

Covers freight and passenger operations, route design, and contemporary railroading operations. The step-by-step design techniques and operation-oriented track plans also make it easy to create your own realistic model railroad.

Do you want to take your modeling to the next level? With Realistic Layouts you'll learn how to blend various elements so they all work together to create a feeling that your models are part of and connected to the real world. This book features: How to apply different techniques and ideas to your layout in order to improve realism. Many techniques including creating realistic backdrops and blending them with scenery, integration of structures, using bridges to suggest changes in elevation, using mirrors to expand apparent space, and much more. Outstanding model railroad photography and a variety of layouts.

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.

As model railroaders began demanding ever-greater realism, Lionel responded in 2004 with its FasTrack system featuring an integrated roadbed, scale-sized ties, and a less-obvious center rail. Veteran hobby author Bob Schleicher follows up his The Lionel FasTrack Book with a closer, more detailed look at Lionel’s revolutionary O-gauge system. This guide gives enthusiasts a deeper sense of how to take advantage of the FasTrack’s ease of use and unprecedented realism in large-scale model railroading. The book includes 150 color photos and track diagrams for 10 scenicked FasTrack layouts ranging from 6x6-foot tabletop models to an 11x30-foot scale-size empire. Schleicher also provides instructions for building tables to support the layouts, advice for creating both rural and urban scenery, and an appendix of recommended suppliers.

8 Realistic Track Plans For Small Switching Layouts provides easy to follow track plans for building small but fun model railroads that will fit in a typical spare room. Each plan is designed to be visually inspiring, easy to build, and fun to operate. Included are port railroads, modern era themes, and themes for the 1950's.

Design a freelanced or prototype-based model railroad by selecting a time period, modeling geography, creating a roster, using graphics, and following paint schemes.

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.

Railway modelling offers a unique opportunity for the modeller to construct and operate an authentic simulation of the real thing. When one creates a model railway, one should strive to embed the sense of purpose from the real railway into their model. Simply moving trains around aimlessly around a layout may be enjoyable, but it doesn’t reflect how the real railway operates. There is much focus on absolute accuracy with regards to locomotives and rolling stock but far fewer modellers in general pay attention to prototypical accuracy and replicating authentic railway operations in miniature. Operating your layout in a realistic fashion is not only more authentic, but it can also be an enjoyable pastime in its own right. It gives purpose to the movement of every train on the layout and, if it involves co-operation between more than one operator, involves teamwork and good communication which can be immensely satisfying. Finally, realistic operation is supported by many other factors, a sense of time and setting, sensible track layout, correct placement of signals, the proper formation of trains, realistic civil engineering, and layout ‘clutter’. These all add to the overall atmosphere and setting of a real or fictional railway, tying it to a time and place, and making the whole ensemble more authentic and thus making the whole experience feel more ‘real’. This book is intended to help those with an interest in the BR Blue (TOPS) and Sectorisation eras present their layout in a realistic manner using easy-to-understand sketches and drawings, previously unpublished period photographs and source material from the era. This book will give the reader ideas to help their N Gauge model railway come to life.

This notable designer has contributed to Model Railroader magazine since the 1950s. This exciting book features easy-to-follow layout designs for sophisticated layouts. Ideal for intermediate and advanced model railroaders.