Would anyone be able to recommend some model train books for an amateur to mid-level modeller ?
You read that right, books.

Yes, I know the Internet is flooded with info, but I'd prefer an old school book and don't mind buying something 2nd-hand from the 70's etc...
My day job is behind a computer and I'd rather flip through physical pages than stare at a screen even more (rubbing my eyes).

I'm planning my first layout and want to get some more ideas before I commit.

Topics in particular that I am interested in are:

Benchwork (especially open grid/frame)
Blocks and signalling
Scratch building/Kit-bashing
Yards and switching

A book/books preferably in N-scale as I model in Z-scale (I could easily translate N into Z scale).
As a bonus, any Z-scale modelling books out there ?

Preferably with ISBN

I have this book in pdf format but at 135mb its a bit big to put on the forum. Maybe you have a Google Drive where I could put it.

I have some of the Kalmbach books as well.

You could start off with this one from Model Railroader - there's some N Gauge layouts featured and there's even a Marklin H0 one.

How to Build a Model Railroad.pdf (11,890kb) downloaded 63 time(s).

A few links to threads I have posted information which may help with model making:

https://www.marklin-user...er-kit-building-services

https://www.marklin-user...yout-model-base-RL-ideas

(See far end of thread)
https://www.marklin-user...sts/t27449-Glue-question

https://www.marklin-user...81-Scalpel-blade-quality

(Basically the same applies whether a vehicle or buildings)
https://www.marklin-user...sts/t47774-Z-gauge-buses

https://www.marklin-user.../posts/t47945-Glass-lift

https://www.marklin-user...um/posts/t47927-Snow-gun

https://www.marklin-user...um/posts/t47910-Ski-lift

https://www.marklin-user...rack-folded-dogbone-loop



Basically if you approach the job as a building developer, architect, engineer & electrician with plans you will be pretty right.

The key thing I would do is a plan of the entire layout to say 1:10 or better stil 1:5 scale for Z gauge. Then draw the plan on tracing paper to actual Z gauge with all your RLs.

Every minute developing plans saves 10 minutes avoiding F-Ups & rebuilding.

1:500 model.

If you are in Canberra at Lake Berley Griffin Exhibition Centre, next to the lake. The round model in the centre of the exhibition space I built about a third of that architectural model, 1:4000 scale.

1:200 model.


1:200 model.


I always used touch up 150g spray cans, you can buy a mixed dozen or 3, about $5 a can.


Car colours are handy or some colours from Eckersley's Art & Craft, all more expensive, but more convenient than mixing paint which I have done.

(Some colours are for my Unimogs, still to be completed, even the procrastination now is getting embarrassing!)

Back in the 1970s I had to do work experience during high school. I got a "job" at the Department of Public Works near Circular Quay, Sydney.

I was so bored to tears over the 2 weeks that I thought why are we being "educated" for a future life.

The pubic servants never clicked off during their numerous breaks. Friday afternoon was spent down almost across the road at the pub, still clocked on.

An eye opener of what to expect when I leave school.

Anyway, being the Public Works, they didn't know what to do with me, so said I could finish off building a model of a jail.

Materials back then we're mostly Balsa wood, so if I needed anything I could buy as needed.

I thought at the time what a dead end brain numbing employment area.

A few decades on by complete accident started architectural model making. It was the opposite of the Public Works where you had to think, work around the clock. No drunken Fridays. I nevertheless enjoyed the many challenges.

When I started working for myself, setup from home, building models & had half a dozen dual xeon computers for a render farm. Back in 2009 the longest render was 3 weeks 24 hours a day, 2.4kW every hour via my 3.6kW UPS with back up additional batteries as we had regular 1 to 2 hour blackouts in our suburb. Neighbours used to come to us wondering why we had light.

Flythrough_055417.mov (16,896kb) downloaded 46 time(s).

(Later I had 2 x 30" + 24" screens)


Temporary set up for the last decade, at least I have some space, just have to pull my finger out to finish the layout.

Thanks Marco, the sample pages look like a good read.
I'm able to read German (albeit at a reduced pace).
I'll go hunting for a 2nd hand copy.

@Manga, let me know if you want the German PDF's .

Marklin 8904, better colours when I bought a pack. But they are last century's design. New cars as a comparison.



New cars parked & custom vehicles on street.


Two Marklin 8904 cars in this photo.