Customer Reviews

How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery, Third Edition (Model Railroader Books)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

I'm a beginner model railroader and this book has been exceptionally helpful. It's absolutely full to the brim with brilliant advice and easy to follow techniques. Full of clear photos of unbelievably detailed scenes.

Dave Frary makes adding scenery to your model railroad a fun project. You'll find simple ways to perform this and often uses materials found in or around your home. This book is a must for modelers. Highly recommended.

This is THE book for any type of model scenery even though its main focus is model railroading. I've used the techniques in the book and can say the materials are easy to come by, the techniques are tolerant of mistakes, and clean-up is easy; soap and water. Highly recommended!

Very good advice. excellent Step by step approach. The book tries hard to keep up with the latest technology and trends. I have the first edition, which I believe to hold a better overall perspective of scenery construction and color theory, which seems to be missing from the current edition. The two editions do complement each other quite well however. This edition goes into a great deal of detail of realistic rock outcropping construction. it would be nice if other aspects of scenery creation were treated with as much detail and finesse, such as trees, water, ground cover and prairie grass.

-BK

The information is organized in sections reflecting the stages of construction. For each stage, multiple techniques are illustrated, reflecting the Author's long experience, so that the reader may choose the one that he feels more comfortable with. For each technique, indication of appropriate tools, materials and quantities is provided. Many good quality pictures help understanding.

The third updated edition of Dave Frary's How To Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery is a 'must' for any model railroad builder who would produce professional-quality scenery. From planning the scenery and building forms and shells to support it to choosing materials and colors, adding depth and texturing, and understanding the logical progression of construction, How To Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery is packed with color photos of successful projects and provides plenty of tips for overcoming common problems.

I have Mr. Frary's other two editions of this book. I bought the first one years ago when I got interested in my trains again around 1982. So much had changed and I never was very good at scenery that I needed "something" to help me improve my lay-out. Mr. Frary's first edition helped me do a very credible job of building scenery on the lay-out at that time with his "water soluble method."

Fast forward--after another hiatus from model trains, I came back, yet again, to my model work and read a mention somewhere that referred to this "third" edition. Like many folks, I thought this would be just an up-dated book with a few changes and maybe a new suggestion or two.

WRONG! Mr. Frary has managed to put together a whole new book--new pictures, new techniques, new "everything! Wow! I don't know where to start, but I know my scenery is going to take a giant leap forward. It's still "water-soluble," but he's added all kinds of new equipment and supplies to create marvelous landscaped vistas in miniature!

If you are new to model trains, if you are trying your hand at building scenery that will be the envy of your friends in the hobby, or outside the hooby, get THIS book--the third edition! Get it even if you have the first or second edition--you need this book to learn about the latest techniques in building "knock-your-eyes-out" scenery that could fool Mother Nature!

Oh, and don't worry if you don't think you are "very artistic"--Mr. Frary will fix that, if you follow his instructions and advice! You might surprise yourself and have a TON of FUN!

Still unsure? Look around and find his dvd on building scenery! Between this book and his dvd, I bet you become the "scenery expert" in your group of hobbyists!