John Ryan's model railway at Over Peover, Cheshire is a story on continual development. He first became interested in model railways at the age of five when his father took him to see A4s, A2s and A1s hurtling through Doncaster railway station on the East Coast Main Line. At Christmas 1955, he acquired his first train set a Hornby-Dublo three-rail `Duchess of Montrose'. Other train sets were acquired and layouts constructed - all OO gauge - until the fascination for O gauge took control. This was in the early 1980s and when, a little later, success and finances became available all his OO gauge locomotives and rolling stock were sold or swapped for O gauge models and he began constructing one of the largest layouts of its type in the country. The switch to O gauge coincided with his teaming up with Norman Solomon, an expert track-builder, who has been involved in the various stages of John's present enormous layout. Other people have supplied stations, goods sheds, coal hoppers, viaducts etc. John runs models of the locomotives he saw whilst a youngster in Doncaster during the 1950s and many are illustrated here. He also has a keen interest in the LNER locomotives built at Doncaster so that the layout can be operated in two periods - 1930s and 1950s. Carriages and wagons also fall into these two periods. Some of John's most impressive carriages include the `Silver Jubilee', `Coronation' and Pullman sets. Text within the book follows the development of model railways in Britain, Doncaster Plant Works' association with locomotive, carriage and wagon building, John's various railway layouts as well as touching upon his business interests. Photographs in the book show in fine detail and from different angles all aspects of the layout to such an extent that the viewer almost believes they are part of a real railway.

For nearly thirty years, John Haining (under the pen name 'Countryman's Steam') contributed a vast range of designs and constructional articles to the pages of Model Engineer magazine. These covered all types and sizes of engine:- steam traction engines for the road and field and standing engines, and the way they worked with ploughs, cider mills, elevators and threshing machines. The articles were always popular with those seeking steam experiences away from the railways, and as a result the author built up an authoritative reputation for the extent of his knowledge in this area. As a technical consultant to Model Engineer, the author built up an enviable reputation for the extent of his knowledge and the immense trouble he took to reply fully and clearly to readers' queries and problems. This book was originally written in 1982 to expound on some of the problems encountered by engine owners, both in full size and in small scale. It places particular emphasis on design and construction, and the care of steel boilers, with formulae and data used by the top firms. A new and enlarged edition was extended to cover more fully the design, construction and care of steel boilers in general, with formulae and data used by firms of repute. An extra chapter was included covering the author's designs of three vertical boilers, the Sentinel, the Caradoc and a 3 inch scale version.

While the LEGO company's official line of trains is one of their most popular themes, official sets can be limiting-and expensive. Many model railroad fans want to build custom creations without the confines of official LEGO sets. For these serious fans, The LEGO Trains Book offers a comprehensive, photographic journey with building instructions that is sure to feed their passion. With full-colour, step-by-step instructions on building specific trains, track layout, and advanced aesthetic techniques among many other things.

Although most models of railway locomotives are produced in a pristine condition, in reality the external condition of most locomotives quickly deteriorated as operation and weather took their toll. Of all the skills associated with railway modelling, that of weathering of locomotives is perhaps one of the most difficult. It is very easy to spoil an otherwise beautiful model by the careless application of paint but as increasing numbers of modellers seek to create an ever more authentic feel for their layouts, information on the best methods of application becomes all the more important. This informative new volume provides the modeller with a guide to the principles and practice of weathering locomotives, providing modellers of all levels and abilities with a step by step guide to the skills involved and the pros and cons of undertaking such work on models. Following the same format as the rest of the 'Aspects of Modelling' series, the book includes instructive text alongside detailed colour illustrations. Examples of weathering include multiple-units as well as steam, diesel and electric locomotives.As well as the popular 4mm scale, the author also includes examples of 7mm and 2mm scale models.

Designed specifically for modellers of the modern scene, this new book provides a comprehensive reference to all the livieries that have come and gone on the network since the wholesale privatisation of the mid 1990s.It is now more than 70 years since the first DMUs made their first appearance on the British railway system and more than 50 years since DMUs were introduced onto the BR network in large numbers. From the late 1950s onwards several thousand DMU vehicles were brought into service as replacement for steam services over branches and secondary routes and from the mid-1980s onwards this first generation of DMU was gradually replaced by a second-generation of DMU although the final elimination of the first-generation units did not occur until the first years of the 21st century. On the privatised railway of the 21st century, virtually all non-electrified passenger services are now operated by DMUs of one design or another and, on the preserved railways, many examples of the first generation of stock continue to earn their living. Although initially ill-favoured, as the years passed, so the humble DMU has attracted an ever-growing army of enthusiast fans and this is reflected in the number of web-sites devoted to the subject, to the increasing number of models that are emerging - a reflection of the fact that virtually no model railway covering the BR scene post 1955 can avoid operating DMUs. Fully illustrated throughout, this is the perfect volume for all serious modellers!

Focuses on the development of the scenic landscape.

Whether you are just starting out in the hobby of scenic railway modelling, or are more experienced and are revamping an existing layout, this invaluable instructional volume will guide you through the art of using basic materials to create wonderful model scenery. Brimming with practical advice and tips, the book shows you how to create realistic cuttings, natural rocky outcrops, grassy hillsides, steep cliff faces, waterfalls, streams and lakes, as well as weeds, plants and foliage. Containing over 300 step-by-step colour photographs, this remarkable volume covers the tools and materials you will need and fully explains the modelling techniques that are required.

If a model of your favourite steam locomotive isn't available, you have two choices - build it yourself from scratch or wait for a manufacturer to produce one. This text presents an alternative by taking an existing similar ready-to-run model and transforming it, by a series of selective modifications.

This fascinating volume tells you everything you need to know about how to build an 00 gauge Tilbury Tank locomotive or, indeed, any similar type of tank. Written in an engaging, encouraging and easily understable style, this new work is a worthy successor to the author's first book, Scratch-Building Model Railway Locomotives, which was short-listed for the Ian Allan Railway Book of the Year Awards in 2014. Containing scale diagrams, step-by-step photos, sketches and specially commissioned artwork, the book celebrates the history of Tilbury Tanks and demonstrates a range of different techniques that will prove invaluable in constructing models of these charismatic little locomotives. If you have not yet taken the plunge and begun scratch-building, or if you want to complement your growing scratch-building skills and knowledge, this is the book for you.

Including more than 160 photographs, plans and diagrams, this practical manual for the small-space modeller looks in detail at types of layout in all the popular gauges and how to accommodate them.

The Hornby Magazine Yearbook is always eagerly anticipated and features the very best of the UK's colourful railway modelling monthly. Concentrating the highlights of the previous 12 months into a 132-page package, the yearbook offers a variety of features in all major scales and gauges.

Includes a selection of projects for economical and easy-to tackle conversions of ready-to-run models to transform them into unavailable loco classes and variants.

Many children spend hours enjoying their first train set - but imagine that the hobby never runs out of steam and the train set develops into a lifelong hobby. That first set conceivably could have been made by Tri-ang ( (c) Hornby Hobbies Ltd), a member of the Lines Bros group of companies. Following a brief history of Tri-ang from its formation to the present-day Hornby, Dave Angell provides an enjoyable account of the overall range in general, covering some of the classic models in detail, and providing an overview of changes that were made over the years, as well as the kinds of details that collectors should look out for when sourcing rarer items. This book takes a wide look at collecting Tri-ang, including the tools and parts available from Tri-ang's network of service dealers, and some of the compatible systems that Tri-ang made to complement the railway system. Learn also where to buy items and discover the wealth of advice and enthusiasm in the social community that has grown up around collectors, both online and 'for real'; but above all, look through these pages and enjoy the happy childhood memories they are sure to conjure up!