Hornby Book of Model Railways

Santa delivered this book for Xmas and for those newcomers short on space for a layout it is well worth getting as it covers the construction of several small layouts including a light railway with an oval circuit on a 4ft x 3 ft board. Its a very good read and full of ideas. Did anybody else get the book?

I would rate it 5/5. For £15 its the cost of an item of rolling stock and yet it could provide you with many hours of entertainment if you follow the ideas for scenery and the use of the Skaledale building range and the modifications possible to make them even more realistic.

I did like the brick effect tip for plastic kits. Get your brick embossed plastic kit building and paint the brick effect with white or light grey paint all over. Then remove the paint with a cloth. You are left with paint in the brick joints and a weathered looking brickwork. It creates a stunning brickwork effect for plastic kit builders.

Happy modelling
Gary

Chris Ellis has also written the book below as a follow on to Cyril Freezer's classic "First Steps in Railway Modelling". For those who are "Hornby modellers" then the recent publication is probably the better buy as it does make reference to the Hornby product reference numbers where appropriate. I have got Cyril Freezer's book and for the absolute beginner at modelling my personal view is that the Chris Ellis Hornby book is the preferred choice as it has plenty of good colour pictures. However for those who want more info on planning an extensive layout then Cyril Freezer's book may be better as it has plenty of track plans.

Next Steps in Railway Modelling

Chris Ellis

Take your modelling to a higher level

Continuing the successful tradition of the bestselling First Steps in Railway Modelling, leading modeller and model-railway writer Chris Ellis's long-awaited sequel takes newcomers to the hobby onto the next level of proficiency.

Whereas its predecessor provided an essential basic introduction to modelling for complete beginners, this lavishly illustrated volume will be welcomed for the extraordinary amount of additional information on modelling techniques which it contains.

Among the many topics covered by the book are: issues of gauge and scale; improving and detailing locomotives and rolling stock; layout planning; techniques to build better scenery; electrical wiring; and advice on how to operate your railway in a realistic fashion. Certain to be a much referred-to addition to every railway modeller's library.

Chapters include:
• Model Railways Today
• Getting the Best Performance
• Couplings
• Compact Layout Planning
• Alternative Baseboards
• Simpler Scenics and Quick Fixes
• Track and Ballast
• Research and Reference

Happy modelling
Gary