The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards (Model Railroader Books) [Paperback]

Andy Sperandeo (Author)

Book Description

Series: Model Railroader Books

HO and N scale illustrations and prototype and layout photos introduce modelers to the principles of designing, constructing and operating a realistic freight yard. Covers the operations of a prototype freight yard, including receiving, classifying, cleaning, and more; outlines the basic structures; and offers techniques for modeling a freight yard on a layout of any size or era.

• Perfect for intermediate and skilled beginning modelers • Written by Andy Sperandeo, executive editor of Model Railroader Magazine and author of the popular Kalmbach's Easy Model Railroad Wiring

Product Details

• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Kalmbach Publishing Company (December 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890245762
• ISBN-13: 978-0890245767
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Could Have Been Better, September 27, 2006

By 

John A Lee III "jal3" (San Antonio, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards (Model Railroader Books) (Paperback)

I was a bit disappointed by this book. It started off very well but then wandered off in a direction I did not want to take.

It does a fair job of introducing the various trackage to be found at many yards, explaining the routing and usage. There were a few topics, such as gravity or hump yards, which were missing but the general introduction was well done. After that point, though, it bogged down.

Most of the book is spent looking at real yards and explaining how they were adapted for modeling purposes on various layouts. This would seemingly be a very good idea since the purpose of the book is to teach the reader about how to model yards effectively. In execution, though, it leaves a bit to be desired. It reads like a transcript of a running commentary on a model operating schedule. This accomplishes the basics of the purpose but makes for dry and uninteresting reading.

Something that helps the book is the addition of sidebar articles on various topics. These address specific issues and are, on the whole, well written. They address such issues as saving space with yard ladders, throat design and even the look and feel of a yard. A final section on cards and waybills is also well written.

After his excellent treatment on passenger equipment and operations, I expected more. The information is in there but it takes some effort.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not quite what I needed, January 16, 2008

By 

B. Cooke "-BC" (Rowley, MA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards (Model Railroader Books) (Paperback)

I didn't find much of value in the book. The one chapter explaining the different parts of the yard was okay but I was looking for some help in designing my own model railroad yard and was disapointed. I closed the book thinking I would need a large garage sized layout to build anything of value. Nothing smaller is considered in the book. The examples of actual model railroads didn't add much (and they were all huge too) The book also reads pretty quick. In half an hour I was done with nothing more to be gained. I found much better information on a couple of personal websites. I was looking for options and I was only given one - build big.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful Guide, June 1, 2007

By 

James P. Talbot (Argyle Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards (Model Railroader Books) (Paperback)

Excellent guide to setting up yards on your model railroad. This book covers how yards are used, what tracks go where and why and also has a section on staging yards. Even has yard layouts that you can use as is or modify them to fit your layout. Small, medium and large yards are all represented. I used this as a guide to set up a staging yard on my layout and fell confident that I will have a yard that not only looks good but will function well. I will also us this to set up the other yards on my layout.