N Scale Model Railroad That Grows

Shows how to build an N scale railroad in a few easy steps. Includes instructions on constructing framework, laying track, building scenery, and assembling structures that result in an outstanding layout.

Author: Kent Wood, Ric LaBan
Perfect-bound softcover; 8 1/4 x 10 3/4; 96 pages; 150 black and white photos; 35 color photos; 30 illustrations; ISBN: 9780890242230

Kent Wood got his first train set – Lionel HO gauge – in 1962, which led him to build two different layouts during the 1960s. But it wasn’t until the mid-1080s, when his wife bought him a Bachman 440 Old Timer set for Christmas, that he got the train bug again. Kent is a registered biological photographer. His credits include a Life magazine cover featuring on of his favorite subjects, lightening. He now specializes in photography though the microscope. IN the early 1990s Kent began to work in the fild of architectural and landscape model-building. This experience, as well as his love for model trains and his knowledge of teaching, photography, illustration, and writing, come together in this, his first book. When he’s not working, Kent also enjoys the martial arts.



Ric LaBan has been interested in N gauge model railroading since its early commercial beginnings in the mid-1960s. His favorite model trains are anything Union Pacific. Professionally, Ric has held a number of jobs, including brick mason and architectural and golf-course landscaper; but in the 1980s he gave up everything to work with bicycles. IN 1988 he began LaBan’s Custom Bicycles, a frame-building business where he has custom-designed, fitted, build, and painted hundreds of frames, some for well-known cyclist.

Introduction 4
Stage 1: Building the Main Line and Industrial Switching Yard 7
Building the Foam-Core Trainboard
Laying Out the Track Plan
Roadbed and Some Basic Scenery Techniques
Electrical Wiring Principles, Power Packs and Couplers
Laying Track and Wiring the Block Control Panel
Ground Cover and Building the First Plastic Structure Kits
Stage 2: Building the Steam Siding and Main Street 42
Finishing the Trackwork in the Industrial Switching Yard
Building the Steam Siding
Building Enville's Main Street
Stage 3: Building the Passing Siding, Freight Spur, and Shortline Loop 58
Laying track for the Passing Siding, Freight Spur, and Shortline Loop
Ballasting the Trackwork
Creating Trees
Stage 4: The Highline Loop and Mine Spur 72
Laying the Trackwork for the Highline Loop and Mine Spur and Making Templates
Adding Rockwork to Oro Mountains
Building the Mountain with Tunnels
Excavating the Lake
Stage 5: Details, Details, Details 92
Index 95