In railway modelling, getting the technical components correct is essential for a realistic-looking layout but, unfortunately, these often present the biggest challenges for the hobbyist. Using his own experience as a railway modeller and electronics engineer, Andrew Duckworth provides a guide suitable for all railway modellers, from beginners to the more experienced. With instructions on how and where to use specialist electronic circuits to enhance your layout, this book will help you to achieve a reasonably sophisticated layout. It provides: an overview of the geometry required for building successful model railways; clear explanations of electronics and electrical components; comparisons of direct control and digital command control (DCC); step-by-step instructions for wiring the track, signals, buildings and lighting; reviews of electrical systems, power supplies, wires and cable, control panels and switches and finally, it covers detection, testing and troubleshooting tips.

"Whether you're using traditional, direct current (DC) cab control or the latest Digital Command Control (DCC) system [this] will guide you through the steps of planning and wiring a layout. With ... more modelers choosing DCC, this book will help demystify how it works; clarify the advantages of DCC and what makes it different from DC control; and, teach you how to convert an existing DC layout to DCC. Step-by-step instructions and photos are coupled with clear, color-coded diagrams that will guide you through the process of wiring a complete layout or just troubleshooting problem areas"--

Get started with Digital Command Control (DCC)! This beginning how-to guide covers the basics, with an overview of DCC, track wiring, cab bus wiring, and converting an existing layout to DCC. Written by Mike Polsgrove, Model Railroader's columnist on DCC.

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.

Explains Digital Command Control in a concise and straightforward way. Covers the history of command control, dissects the components of a DCC system, addresses the full range of commercially-available systems, and presents step-by-step projects. Ideal for all hobbyists with an interest in DCC.

Perfect for those who want to incorporate signals and interlockings in their next layout, this all-new book will allow people to understand how prototype systems work, and give them enough information to design a system that best suits their needs.

Learn to use paper to create unique structures, landscaping and background on model train layouts. Includes strategies, tips and step-by-step instructions for creating paper-based scenery in model railroading. Also includes materials and instructions to create six practical projects.

This comprehensive guide helps modelers get the most out of DCC with diagrams and photos showing how DCC works, from wiring to installing decoders in locomotives. Presents an overview of the product lines available and helps modelers select the right system for their plans.