Realistic Model Railroad Operation: How to Run Your Trains Like the Real Thing (Model Railroader Books) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "One thing's for sure about "operation": It's a lot more fun to do than to read about..." (more)
Key Phrases: load from west, staging tracks, staging yard, Allegheny Midland, South Fork, Western Maryland (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"Realistic Model Railroad Operation" is a Model Railroader Book / from Kalmbach Books. / Author: Tony Koester / / FEATURES: Paperback book with glossy-type pages. / Learn the basic principles, goals, and benefits of operating a / model railroad as if it were a real, full-sized railroad! / The chapters are arranged to guide you thru the steps leading to / realistic operation and include: / -A quick-start guide to realistic operating sessions in / one evening / -Various schemes for forwarding cars and moving trains / across your layout / -Explanation of signal systems as they apply to model / railroads / -Appendix of precise railroading terminology / -Previously unpublished color photos of Tony Koester's heralded / HO scale Allegheny Midland Railroad, along with other / great model railroads / Take your layout to the next level of realism! / / INCLUDES: 96 Pages / / SPECS: Size: 8-1/4" x 10-3/4" / (209mm x 273mm) / kr6/19/03

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Kalmbach Publishing Company (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890244189
• ISBN-13: 978-0890244180
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #284,234 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fills a Needed Niche, August 6, 2006

By	John A Lee III "jal3" (San Antonio, TX) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Many people find themselves fascinated by railroads and get caught up in the hobby of building model railroads but are hampered by one big problem. They don't know how the real thing operates. If the act of building is the fascination, then this poses no problem but if you actually want to do anything with the trains besides watch them go around and around, you need to learn something about the real thing. That's where this book comes in handy.

It explains various aspects of how railroads operate in the real world and then explains how enthusiasts have modeled those operations. The book is readable and clearly written. Even so, so material may take a few readings to properly understand. It is a worthwhile investment.

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readers will be provided with a quick-start guide, April 18, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Realistic Model Railroad Operation: How To Run Your Trains Like The Real Thing by Tony Koester is a complete and "user friendly" guide to realistic model railroad operation. Readers will be provided with a quick-start guide to realistic operating sessions complete in a single evening; diverse schemes for forwarding cars and moving trains across a model railroading layout; explanations of sign systems as they apply to model railroads; and an appendix of precise railroading terminology. Superbly enhanced with previously unpublished color photography of tony Koester's HO scale Allegheny Midland Railroad (along with other great model railroads), Realistic Model Railroad Operation is a seminal and core addition to any dedicated model railroaders reference shelf. Model railorading enthusiasts are encouraged to send for the free Kalmbach Publishing catalog for a complete listing of their titles.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any serious model railroader, August 21, 2009

By	Norman Wolf "N.D. Wolf" (Fredericksburg, VA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Tony Koester does a great job of explaining many things that most entry-level model railroaders never even think of.
First, he explains why you would want to operate a layout versus watching a train go 'round in circles. Then he leads you, both pictorally and with engaging text, on a journey of learning how to operate like the Prototype (aka Real) railroads do, starting with the very basics. Tony talks about some basic design considerations when building or expanding a layout, what you'll need, and how easy it is to start and add in those facets of real railroading that YOU the builder & owner of a layout would like. And, if you're just an armchair modeler, Tony shows you how to enjoy other people's layouts, operating on club layouts, and even having operations on a small switching layout, if you're tight on space.

As a former editor of Railroad Model Craftsman, the author of several other books, and countless articles in Model Railroader Magazine Tony has hit a homerun with this book. It is a must-have for any novice or experienced model railroader.