Resource Book

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Toolbelt

Toolbelt

Well-Known Member
What is the "go to" resource/reference book which covers the basics of model railroading, but goes into enough depth of all the facets of the hobby as to not be a "read it once" kinda deal? Something that covers everything from layouts, tracks, switches, DCC, scenery, modelling, weathering and such. Surely there must be 3 favorites that everybody here would recommend. Is this on that list?


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Toolbelt said:
I have no doubt I'll have a library of books at some point, so for starters I ordered this one as it was about 30% less than all similar books on Amazon. Likely just an appetizer. More to follow, lol.

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Hopefully it wasn’t 30% less because it only had 30% of the content. You’ve gotta start somewhere, though, and if you don’t know what you don’t know…
 
bnsf971 said:
Hopefully it wasn’t 30% less because it only had 30% of the content. You’ve gotta start somewhere, though, and if you don’t know what you don’t know…
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The funny thing about this hobby is the more you learn, the more you realize you have more to learn. Because of my earlier (1980's) MR and modelling experience, I'm familiar with a lot of the concepts, so I'm looking for a more advanced "Starter" book that goes into some depth. At the same time, because I'm limiting my layout to 4 x 8, I won't need 12 pages devoted to truss bridge construction or even DCC switching. It can become a very addictive hobby. :)
 


Well I received the book (should say booklet). It's literally the size of a Reader's Digest. Flipping through it fast, there are maybe 5 photos/illustrations (all black and white), and a number of QR codes to scan for more photos/illustrations (not really my thing). I haven't looked at anything in detail yet but it appears to be written in point form. Maybe it will surprise me but I'm not holding my breath.

Edit: It's more a glossary of terms with only a single page devoted to DCC, which is just a brief overview of the basic terminology and benefits. This book'let' (or pamphlet) uses a larger font which means each page contains less info than normal. The good news is, when I started the online return through Amazon, I had the choice to either return it and apply its value against a limited selection of similar books, or get a full refund and keep the book. I'm not even sure if free was a good value on this one. lol
 
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Toolbelt said:
I will confess to watching one YouTube after another and suddenly realizing that's 4 hours I will never get back. 😁
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And exactly why I don't do videos.

My starter was Practical Guide to Model Railroading. I read it until the cover fell off. Then the first and last page went. then the 2nd page turned to dust etc. Totally dated by today's standards for the specifics, but still good on the "general" stuff. I continually reference stuff from this book.

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Track Planning for Realistic Operation. I bought the First Edition while in High School, and read it cover to cover twice. The book was so good, that when I hired on the PRR in 1967, it helped me transition into a railroader. Somewhere along the way, I lost it, and ended up buying the Third Edition (That Mike pictured, and Willie referenced). Updated, but still has a wealth of information.

Not for nothing, it's worth buying a copy, if you are serious. Pretty much still pertinent today.
 
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