Customer Reviews

Basic Model Railroad Benchwork: The Complete Photo Guide (Model Railroader)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Basic Model Railroad Benchwork: The Complete Photo Guide by model railroading expert Jeff Wilson, is thoroughly "user friendly", step-by-step guide illustrated with numerous full-color photographs on building the foundation and layout for a model railroad hobbyist. From choosing the proper tools and using them with the utmost regard to safety, to meticulously measuring and crafting a sturdy benchwork (perhaps mounted on the wall to save space), to crafting smoothly integrated backdrops and more, Basic Model Railroad Benchwork is a highly recommended "how-to" book for devoted woodworkers and model railroading enthusiasts.

In simple terms, I could not have asked for a more easy to understand compilation of explanations and pictures!! As well as being highly detailed it is very easy to understand for the beginner, the intermediate, as well as the more highly sophisticated model railroad builder, which in my opinion covers all three bases in one book. I highly recommend "Basic Model Railroad Benchwork" to anyone who is considering starting to build a model railroad layout, or to the the builder who is thinking of extending his current layout, or the person who would like to become involved into the more serious layout techniques such as adding a Helix to your current layout. All of the methods are well documented in words and pictures within this book.

Jeff Wilson really goes to town on the various styles of model railroad benchwork, including the pluses & minuses, then focuses a large chunk of the book on getting benchwork up in the grid style and L-girder. Jeff also explains the way to do a wall-mounted backdrop, fascia, double decking AND duck-unders, swing-outs for door openings, and all the tools you'd need to get any of these styles done. It is a MUST HAVE for any Model Railroader who wants to build the layout of his dreams!

One of the most important parts of a reliable model railroad is the unseen benchwork that underlies it. This book is an excellent introduction into how that benchwork is built. It covers several different styles and shows how they can be integrated together, each doing what it does best.

It is a good introduction and all that most people will ever need but I like Linn Wescott's book on the same subject better.

This price has to be a misprint. Either that or anybody who has paid this kind of money for a book on model railroading needs to get out of their basements and get some fresh air.. or lay off the model glue fumes. No disrepect to Jeff Wilson intended.

Whether you are an novice or expert this book covers the fundamentals to ther complexities of wood working for model railroad applications.
Very well presentedin simple language and with very nice coverage on the subject, has adequate photos and good detail.

Using the illustrations in this book, I was able to build a pretty descent train platform. This is saying something seeing as I am "unhandy". It has simple designs all the way to the more complex. The author lets you know beforehand the materials and tools each project needs, which is handy. Overall a very good book.