Basic Trackwork for Model Railroaders: The Complete Photo Guide Paperback – January 1, 2004

This book is just what the title claims it to be. It is an introduction to laying track for model railroaders. It does a good job of teaching that subject.The author considers such subjects as roadbeds, sectional track, flex track, turnouts (switches), specialty track, painting and detailing track and provides a buyer's guide. Within each of these subjects, he explains the basic skills that everyone should know in a step by step manner accompanied by lots of photographs. He is a good teacher.This is not exciting reading but it is informative.

I got this book as I recently got into model railroads and wanted to educate myself on trackwork. This is good for the beginner and intermediate modeler. It doesn't get into hand laying track but talks about Track Basics, Roadbed, Sectional Track, Laying Flex Track, Turnouts, Crossings and other special trackwork, Painting Track, Ballasting and detailing track. I have seen author Jeff Wilson on other Model Railroader articles.

Having always used track with built-in roadbeds, I decided I would lay my own design this time. This seemed like an obvious choice, and I'm glad I did. I found everything I needed in this the guide to allow me to procede with confidence. It had plenty of suggestions that I would not have otherwise even know about.I can definitely recommend this book if you share my situation, and most likely even if you have experience.

This is just what I needed. Don't pay attention to the negative reviews. The book is written so anyone at any level experience can understand it and put the techniques to work right away. I inherited a large HO collection and just retired so I was looking for a book that would help me get started correctly on track. This is the one, photos are prefect and the instructions are written so they can be put into action.

Fast shipping, book was in new condition. This book was great for someone that has no knowledge of how to work with or set up a model railroad. As a Christmas present for my 3 year old I built a trainboard that comes out every Christmas and he loves it. The tips and advice in this book are great and provide a good general overview of what is involved in setting up and maintaining a model railway.

Okay, I guess this does a fair job of covering the basics of track work..... Very basic. Perhaps a decent introduction for those new to model railroading, but gives startlingly short shrift to hand-laid track and turnouts ("beyond the scope of this book") and only treats the gluing of flex and sectional track to roadbed as a sort of "alternative" to using track nails. (I've never known an experienced model railroader who used track nails.) The chapters on painting track and ballasting are pretty good.I'm sure it was not the prime motivation for this book, but (at least after Kalmbach got through editing it) it comes off as a bit too much of a promotion piece for buying expensive stuff from those companies that (coincidentally?) advertise in Kalmbach's Model Railroader magazine.

Best book I could find on laying track for the novice. If you are new and wanting to start this is the book to buy. He makes the instruction easy to understand and doesn't try to talk you into buying a lot of tools that only a master would need.

Very thorough, does not quite cover all the bases. Discussion of hand laid track and needed wiring and building switches could be developed more in the book. .

Good basic info. Most can be found in their other books if you have read them already

Book was exactly as described, received in good condition, good value