Model Railroading from Prototype to Layout

While you seek realism in their layouts, the process can often be time-consuming. Model Railroading from Prototype to Layout shows how to capture the flavor of a real railroad without getting sidetracked by detail. Using Tony Koester’s expert advice before and during construction of a layout, modelers can sharpen their focus, saving time, money, and even space. Topics include choosing a prototype, setting the time period, planning structures and scenes, selecting locomotives and rolling stock, designing the layout, and planning rail operations.

• A great reference book to guide and inspire modelers of all levels
• Shows how to take signature elements of a railroad and adapt them to one’s own layout
• Written conversationally by one of the most respected names in model railroading

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Author: Tony Koester
Softcover; 8 1/4 x 10 3/4; 96 pages; 25 black and white photos; 200 color photos; ISBN: 9780890247976

Tony Koester has written eight books focusing on his life-long hobby of model railroading. He is currently working on a multi-deck HO layout that depicts the Nickel Plate Road's St. Louis Division from 1954. Tony is a contributing editor to Model Railroader magazine, writing feature articles and the popular Trains of Thought column. He also edits Model Railroad Planning, a special annual issue of Model Railroader.

Introduction

Chapter 1: What is “prototype modeling”?
Achieving a balance between prototype accuracy in model building and operations

Chapter 2: Choosing a prototype to model
Desire does not always equate to feasibility

Chapter 3: What time is it?
Tight time parameters are liberating, not limiting!

Chapter 4: Structures and scenes that look the part
Ensuring that the base prototype is abundantly evident in your modeling

Chapter 5: Putting the (iron) horse before the cart
Is a key model available? Is it accurate? Will it do the job? Can you afford it in quantity?

Chapter 6: Modeling jobs
Prototype modeling also replicates many jobs performed by professional railroaders

Chapter 7: Prototypical approach to layout design
Practical considerations as you string layout design elements end-to-end into a railroad

Chapter 8: Coping with space constraints
Good prototype modeling doesn't require a gymnasium-size basement

Chapter 9: Prototype modeling sampler
A visual sampler of inspirational prototype modeling

A model railroad is the labor of love. Model Railroading from Prototype to Layout is a guide for model railroad enthusiasts who favor realism and authenticity in their work. With tips on drawing from reality with a how to guide to simulate historical and modern railroads with quickness and excellency, Tony Koester translates his own love well into a read full of advice and makes for an invaluable resource for model train realists. Model Railroading from Prototype to Layout is a core addition to community library railroading collections.
-The Midwest Book Review

While model railroaders seek realism in their layouts, the process can often be time consuming. Model Railroading from Prototype to Layout, published by Kalmbach Publishing Co., shows how to capture the flavor of a real railroad without getting sidetracked by detail.
Using Tony Koester’s expert advice before and during construction of a layout, modelers can sharpen their focus, saving time, money, and even space. Topics include choosing a prototype, setting the time period, planning structures and scenes, selecting locomotives and rolling stock, designing the layout, and planning rail operations.
Tony Koester has written eight books focusing on his life-ling hobby of model railroading. Tony is a contributing editor to Model Railroader magazine, writing feature articles and the popular “Trains of Thought” column. He also edits Model Railroad Planning, a special annual issue of Model Railroader.
-Model Railroad News