[Dale_the_Noob]

I was wondering if you could do a guide in the magazine for some good books for those starting of in model railways. I have 5 or 6 C J Freezer but looking for some more books. I'm looking for inspirational track plans and I've seen a few books out there, but no idea if they are any good.

 

[alastairq]

http://layoutdesigns.com/

any use?

http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index...amp;#entry44838

is a good book, plenty of meat....but not really the 'chipboard and 2x1 framing' type.

what sort of plans were you looking for?

or is it a case of inspiration needed?

or even,
http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=66

 

[Dale_the_Noob]

Some good plans there (not found those before), but you need to have an idea of how things work to design a good layout, so would like to learn more about how railways operate (diesel era).

 

[dwb]

As there is an Ian Allan logo at the foot of the screen it seems appropriate to suggest you check out these book titles on their website:-

Freight Train Operation for the railway modeller

Passenger Train Operation for the railway modeller

Railway Operation for the modeller

I'm not sure if the operations described in these books are "modern" enough for your tastes. You might get a better match by visiting the Ian Allan site and doing a search on "Operation" and see what turns up. For recent operational practice (say the last 20 years) you might be better to find someone to talk to.

It may be possible that your local library has access to these books or similar ones and could order them for you to take a look at.

I would suggest trying the British Film Institutes double DVD series of British Transport Films re-issues but even they closed down before you were born.

One thing to be said in favour of the operation books is that although they are from way before the period you are interested, they do explain where railway operation came from.

David
Who's not old enough to remember steam either.....

 

[Mike Wild]

Hi

Ian Allan Publishing produces a range of railway modelling titles in its relatively new Aspects of Modelling series including Digital Command Control, Baseboards and Road Vehicles - these three are all by HM writer Ian Morton.

More books are planned for this series including one on layout plans by Anthony New - the same author that produces the track planning articles in Hornby Magazine. I don't know exactly when this book is due out, but it won't be long from what I understand.

Hope that helps.

Mike Wild.

 

[Chinahand]

One book which I can thoroughly recommend is the new one from Iain Rice entitled Railway Modelling The Realistic Way.

I read a review of the book elsewhere on this forum and, based on that, ordered it from Amazon. I have not been disapponted as it covers just about all aspect of railway modelling in language that even I can understand.

Cheers,

Expat

 

[7113]

Another source of books could be a local exhibition, often the clubs themselves or traders have both new and second hand examples for sale. I have acquired several titles in this fashion. Plus it's a good excuse to go to the show!)

Regards

 

[John Webb]

I've picked up some useful books at exhibitions too. One of these is the "PSL complete Guide to Model Railways" by Michael Andress, published by PSL (Patrick Stephens Ltd.) in paperback in 1986. It's actually a compilation of eight separate volumes published by PSL betwen 1979 and 1982. There are minor instances of repetition due to being eight books bought together. The seventh part is called 'Modern Railways' and may be of particular interest to you.

Regards,
John Webb

 

[Dale_the_Noob]

QUOTE (Mike Wild @ 5 Sep 2008, 07:49) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi

Ian Allan Publishing produces a range of railway modelling titles in its relatively new Aspects of Modelling series including Digital Command Control, Baseboards and Road Vehicles - these three are all by HM writer Ian Morton.

More books are planned for this series including one on layout plans by Anthony New - the same author that produces the track planning articles in Hornby Magazine. I don't know exactly when this book is due out, but it won't be long from what I understand.

Hope that helps.

Mike Wild.

Cheers Mike

I want to find out more about freight in the railfreight era, I can buy a load of hoppers or bogie tank wagons or vba wagons and have them trundle around the layout, but i have no real idea about the process from start to finish for the freight, ie where it would be loaded, where it goes from there to its destination.