Collection: Model Railroading Books

101 Track Plans For Model Railroaders

Easy-to-use plans in every size, shape and scale -- from tiny card-table layouts to giant garage-size railroads. Demonstrates how to design a railroad to fit any...

Basic DCC Wiring for Your Model Railroad

Get started with Digital Command Control (DCC)! This how-to guide covers the basics, with an overview of DCC, track wiring, cab bus wiring, and converting an...

Basic Model Railroad Benchwork, 3rd Edition

Benchwork is the support system that holds up the track, scenery, and trains that make up the rest of a model railroad. If you want to...

Basic Trackwork for Model Railroaders, 2nd Edition

Don’t get derailed! Get up to speed in trackwork with the one book that focuses solely on proper track installation, Basic Trackwork for Model Railroaders, 2nd Edition....

Build Your First Layout

This all-new how-to book is perfect for anyone getting started in model railroading or looking to build a simple, compact layout. Build Your First Layout features the small,...

Combining Scales for Realistic Dioramas

Add an astounding level of detail to your dioramas by incorporating figures, vehicles, and scenery in varying scales. This how-to style book from master modeler Enrique...

DCC & Model Railroading

In DCC & Model Railroading, expert author Allan Gartner explains the basics of DCC systems and components, provides guidelines for choosing and installing a system, and shows...

DCC Projects & Applications Volume 4

Digital Command Control is a great way to run your model railroad, but setting it up and keeping it current can be overwhelming. DCC Projects & Applications,...

How to Design a Model Railroad

How much aisle space is needed? How deep can benchwork be? What's a good minimum radius for curves? How do I best use yards and staging...

Livestock & Meatpacking

Delve into the history of the meat packing industry and trace the role of railroads in hauling livestock and meat products. Livestock traffic, stockyard operations, dedicated...

Model Railroading in Small Spaces, 2nd Edition

If you have a limited space for your layout, here’s the answer! This completely revised edition of Model Railroading in Small Spaces provides a variety of creative approaches...

Modeler's Guide to the Right of Way

From the track itself, through the roadbed, and out into the weeds at the edge of the right of way, Jeff Wilson shares the details that...

Modeling the Transition Era

In his book, Modeling the Transition Era, expert modeler Tony Koester takes an in-depth look at the time period (and most popular modeling era) when railroads were...

Piggyback & Container Traffic

In his all-new book, Piggyback & Container Traffic, modeling expert Jeff Wilson provides a comprehensive guide to railroad intermodal equipment and operations, tracing the development of piggyback...

Steam & Diesel Locomotive Servicing Terminals

This book by Tony Koester explains how steam, diesel, and electric servicing facilities work, with details on the processes and equipment that can be replicated on...

The Model Railroader's Guide to Bridges & Trestles

The Model Railroader’s Guide to Bridges & Trestles is your one-stop source for information on real bridges. This book will guide you through the history of the various bridge types from...

The Model Railroader's Guide to Steel Mills

The Model Railroader's Guide to Steel Mills makes modeling this archetypical American industry possible for the average modeler. Author and expert Bernard Kempinski explains the industrial process...

Time-Saving Techniques for Building Model Railroads

Building a model railroad - especially a room- or basement-sized layout - takes a lot of time. In his book, Tony Koester shares many invaluable time-saving...