When Lionel introduced its new FasTrack system in 2004, model train enthusiasts quickly warmed to the increased realism—right down to the integrated roadbed and darkened center rail—and the greater ease of use. In this book, the author of The Big Book of Lionel presents the first complete guide to the FasTrack system. Amply illustrated with color photographs and 36 track diagrams, the book instructs readers on every aspect of the system, from assembling and disassembling FasTrack to building a simply oval, planning a layout within various space constraints, building tracks for two trains and reversing trains, and designing unique layouts—even yard layouts.

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.

Covers the essential techniques needed to make electrical connections for a three-rail toy train layout of any size or complexity. Addresses fundamental electrical concepts, wiring and expanding a layout, accessory wiring, automatic train control, and troubleshooting. By Peter Riddle.

This invaluable book is essential reading for all railway modellers, whatever their level of expertise. The author provides an overall understanding of the purpose of making buildings for a model railway and covers their construction, their positioning and how to light them. Topics covered include: Railway and non-railway model buildings, explaining how the latter can also enhance your trains. Modelling attitudes, the use of scale, levels of detail and both regional vernacular and railway architecture. Ready-made buildings that you can buy and demonstrates how you can adapt them to your own particular purposes. Different materials available for building structures and ways of choosing, finding, measuring and recording suitable prototypes. Step by step construction of a cardboard building kit to illustrate the use of basic modelling tools and to explain essential procedures and techniques. Using and modifying 'out-of-the-box' model buildings and explores the subtleties of making model railway buildings from scratch without the use of a kit, or anything more than hand-tools and a few sheets of suitable material. Guidance on the appropriate use of texture and colour, and shows how walls, doors, windows, roofs and chimneys can be created, painted, detailed and finished off. Many aspects of lighting, including external lighting, such as street and platform lights, and the internal lighting of buildings, the problems they pose and how they can be resolved.

Historic North American Locomotives traces the historic development of North American locomotives from the early 1800s through today. Considered a photographic book with the look and feel of fine art, 100 locomotives are profiled using descriptive text and richly detailed and colored photographic imagery. A well-researched introduction provides the reader with a historical perspective. The author/photographer includes high-quality photographs, created through various techniques that vividly capture the distinctive features of the locomotives. From the 1805 Trevithick portable boiler to modern, high-speed locomotives such as the 2013 GE Genesis, the reader will enjoy viewing a variety of locomotives that are not usually shown together in one book.

Includes unique track plans that apply to nearly every scale. Learn how to convert plans to different scales, gain tips on building from a plan, and choose the plan best suited to your space.

This all-new book helps guide model railroaders as they create a room sized layout while still being able to enjoy operating. Whether they are downsizing their layout or have a spare room, they will find all the tips and expert advice to help them build a fulfilling layout while still managing space, time, and resources. Featuring: Track planning strategies. Construction techniques. Room-planning concepts. Tips on operating once their layout is built.

Freight cars are key elements of any model railroad. Modern Freight Cars is an essential reference guide for modelers in choosing what cars are appropriate for an era, region, and industry. (1960s to present) This prototype book explains what various car types carry and how various industries use them. Including: An overview of the modern era of freight as car capacities increased. How various freight cars evolved and grew. Features a variety of cars: intermodal, tank, gondola, hopper, specialty, and more.