Learn how to plan a model railroad using layout design elements: prototypical models of towns, yards, terminals, industries, and other realistic building blocks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bring your layout to the next level with a complete overview of modeling railroad scenery from modeler and Model Railroader Video Plus host Kathy Millatt. In this "scenery makers bible" you'll learn how to use the latest techniques and materials, as well as time-tested "classic" methods for modeling mountains, rivers, forests, railroad rights-of-way, towns, and cities that occupy any modeler's layout. Perfect for everyone from a beginner to an expert modeler, this book includes: Step-by-step photo sections to show different methods used to build scenery. Details about techniques and materials to advance your modeling. Unique insights, tips, and tricks into layout detailing. And more! Take your layout from bare plywood or foamboard to a detailed scene that will surround your model trains!

Instructions for benchwork, the framework for model trains, covering tools and materials, framework for permananet layouts, joists, risers and cleats, roadbed construction, backdrops, fascia boards, scenic support and benchwork for special situations.