Build your own model railways

Imagine everything becomes miniature size, and moves fast while you are standing beside as if you were a giant! No, I’m not talking about the book Gulliver’s Travels or the movie Godzilla.  I’m talking about model railways. In this list, you will find resources for building vivid New Zealand sceneries, train tracks, wiring, and much more.

Also you can read the monthly Model Railroader and The Railway Magazine for free with your library card, via our Overdrive eMagazine collection.

Model railway detailing manual : a source book of period photographs from the steam age / Postlethwaite, Alan
“Railway modellers constantly refer to photographs for details of real scenes. Here, a whole library of useful illustrations is brought together to give a single reference source, arranged in over 70 themed mini chapters. The most popular period for modellers are the last days of steam on British Railways, 1958 to 1967, and the 300 previously unpublished photographs were taken during those years.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

The big book of Lionel : the complete guide to owning and running America’s favorite toy trains / Schleicher, Robert H
“In 1900, Joshua Lionel Cowen invented his first toy electric train, and within a few short years Lionel layouts became a part of American living rooms at Christmastime. In this officially licensed guide, veteran hobby industry writer Robert Schleicher presents an illustrated treasury of practical advice for the Lionel enthusiasts or beginners. Contains comprehensive information for prototype railroads, including track plans, scenery and structures, wiring and track how-to, and maintenance and restoration techniques.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

The railway magazine.
“The Railway Magazine has been published since 1897 and is now the UK’s best-selling general interest rail title. Every month, The RM provides enthusiasts and professionals with authoritative and informed news coverage of the following: – Network Rail and the train operating companies – Locomotives, multiple units, carriages and wagons – Steam, heritage and the preservation world, inc narrow gauge- Metro and underground systems – In addition, the magazine carries frequent items of overseas interest. ” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

The model railway design manual : how to plan and build a successful layout / Freezer, Cyril John
“Before beginning construction work on a model railway it is essential to have a workable design. The plan needs to take into account the space, time, budget and personal skills available, as well as the type of railway to be modelled. Here, Cyril Freezer draws on more than 50 years experience in designing and building model railways to explain how each stage should be undertaken. Includes 150 specially-drawn track layout diagrams.” (Catalogue)

Hornby magazine yearbook. No. 5
“This is a digest of popular features from the Hornby magazine, plus a whole range of new and informative articles covering topics of interest to the broadest range of model railway enthusiasts.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Gorgeous garden railways / Horovitz, Marc
“This book features large portraits and informative text on garden railroad landscaping, trains, infrastructure, ponds and water features, and other landscape challenges. Marc Horovitz, editor of Garden Railways, and Pat Hayward, horticultural editor of Garden Railways offer details that both model railroaders and garden enthusiasts will appreciate.” (Catalogue)

 

A train is for life / Waterman, Pete
“This is a photographic portrait of Pete Waterman’s fantastic model railway collections, packed with photographs revealing the enormous skill of the model makers.” (Catalogue)

 

Scenery for your model railroad / Danneman, Mike
“Create a more realistic scene around your model railroad and add the finishing touches that give a railroad character! This book shows you how, from creating a backdrop to adding ground cover, trees, water, and more.” (Catalogue)