Customer Reviews

Realistic Model Railroad Design: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Unique Operating Layout (Model Railroader)

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This is not a book of track plans nor is it a book that spends much time on how to lay track. Instead, it attempts to teach broad design considerations to make a model railroad operate better and seem more realistic. It considers such matters as modeling an imaginary line as opposed to one from the real world. It talks about making scenes plausible in their context; this is not always the same as real. It considers how to pick rolling stock and how to choose graphic and model elements to make the miniature model world more like the real one. Most important, though, it tries to teach how to make a layout reliable.

None of these objectives is specifically accomplished but the book goes a long way in teaching things to consider. It is a book about design philosophy as opposed to design criteria. It is worth the time.

Realistic Model Railroad Design by Tony Koester is a methodical, step-by-step guide to crafting a captivating, original layout for an impressively presented model railroad. Full color photography and meticulous attention to the little tweaks that make great environments stand out make this practical, in-depth guide for dedicated hobbyists a top of the line resource. Special attention to drawing inspiration and atmosphere from real-life railroad locations, complete with sample images, distinguishes this above par dedicated model railroading hobbyist instructional accessory.

This is one of those books that you need to read, read and read again to really pick up all of the details. I can see right now I will wear this copy out as I keep referring to points as I design my new layout.

If you're looking to build a realistic looking layout, this is another must have book, to use over & over. Following on his successful book detailing how to conduct realistic operations on your layout, Tony gives you a tour of what it takes to think through building a plausible and realistic looking model railroad layout, whether you're following the real (prototype) runners, or making up your own (freelancing). He gives you resources, brings in experiences of other top modelers and points you in the right direction on what will look believable, overall, not just look good as an individual structure.

As I'm in the midst of designing a layout based on a real location and railroad, this one stays on the night table by my bed, and is used frequently!
Norm W.