How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery (Model Railroad Handbook) [Paperback]

Dave Frary (Author), Michael Emmerich (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Model Railroad Handbook | Publication Date: November 1991

A cookbook approach to creating scenery like an expert that delivers predictable results every time. Teaches how to design, build, model, and finish backgrounds, mountains, hills, trees, bushes, water, dirt, and much more. Features detailed photos, techniques, and product information.

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Kalmbach Publishing Company; Revised edition (November 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890241244
• ISBN-13: 978-0890241240
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #205,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dave Frary has been an active professional model railroad builder, author, photographer, and instructor for more than 45 years.

His photos, plans and stories have appeared in Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman, Classic Toy Trains, Great Model Railroads, The Short Line & Narrow Gauge Gazette, FineScale Modeler, Model Railroading, Toy Update, 009 News, and many other publications. His industrial photos have been used by model manufacturers, by N.A.S.A. and in dozens of non-railroad brochures, annual reports, record album covers, and advertisements.

Dave's model railroads have toured the USA, are located in Tokyo Disneyland, several museums, retail stores, private homes, and have been used in TV and motion picture productions.

Dave has authored seven books on scenery building, model building and model photography, and has produced seven DVD's. His web site is www.mrscenery.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent hands on book, September 16, 2006

By 

Will Kalif "StormTheCastle" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery (Model Railroad Handbook) (Paperback)

I have owned this book for several years and refer to it often. It is not just for model railroaders. It is perfect for anyone that wants to build dioramas of any type that look realistic. I build fantasy dioramas of castles, knights, dungeons etc. and this book is perfectly suited for that.

One of the best things about the book is that it is oversized which makes it comfortable to handle while building and allows for lots of pics and info on one page which is very helpful in this type of hobby and it covers all the major bases of diorama building from the landscape shell to waterscenes.

One of the best things about this book, which few people consider, is that it is all about "water soluble techniques". Which means the easier to master techniques and the safer techniques.(no toxic chemicals or fumes)which is important especially if you have children in your household.

This book taught me how to make fantasy scenery -Highly recommended. This is the book to get if you only get 1 of this type.

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE book on model railroad scenery, August 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery (Model Railroad Handbook) (Paperback)

Dave takes you through the whole gamut of scenicing, using his 'water soluble' method, which is easy and very realistic. I've used it and it produces a great effect. Works well with the Woodland Scenery line of products.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scenery made easy!, November 8, 2006

By 

Ryan Boudreaux (Wake Forest, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery, Third Edition (Model Railroader Books) (Paperback)

This is it; this is the one to get! Dave Frary has put under one cover all the tips and tricks, formulas, and product recommendations for every facet of model railroad scenery. I enjoyed reading the book, and have already applied some of the techniques he describes, such as background painting techniques. If you already have a skilled scenery technique, then the formulas and proportions listed in about every section of the book would be enough of a reason to get this book.
Formulas, proportions, and techniques include mixing plaster, harder plaster, Sculptamold, tinted Sculptamold, textured Sculptamold, tinted joint compound, thinned white glue, matte medium bonding solution, wet water, acrylic color selections, basic paint formula, light earth tone paint, earth wash for tinting rocks, rock shadow color, grass textures, fall grass blend, summer grass blend, tree truck color, toothpick pine trees, making streambeds, backdrop colors, and many more