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

Tony Koester (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Make your railroad more true to life and interesting, by adopting realistic operation principles. Covers the history, practice, terminology, and benefits of operating realistically. Guides you through the steps leading to realistic operation, and includes pictorial examples of working model railroads and realistic operating sessions.

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: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #232,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #28 in	Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Accessories
  #32 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Model Trains

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)

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

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

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

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 Great primer on model railroad operations, December 28, 2009

By	Robert W. Johnson (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

Mr. Koester's work is uneven in my opinion. One of his books, I believe the focus was on his Layout Design Elements concept, did not seem to work very well (or maybe I am just dense). This book, however, is extraordinary and reflects his passion for and extensive experience with model railroad operations.

I have no operations experience and always thought of myself as a modeller first and a model railroader second. However, this volume has me thinking of building a layout which focuses on operations first, with addition of scenery and structures afterward.

Covers a variety of operational methods, how to set up and run operations sessions on your layout, and much more. A very thorough treatment and enjoyable to read. Highly recommended.