Model Trains: Creating Tabletop Railroads

Model Trains: Creating Tabletop Railroads is part of Crabtree’s series titled “Model-Making Mindset”. In the introduction to Model Trains, author David Jefferis states, “Making worlds in miniature requires patience as you recreate every detail of a tiny scene, as well as the grit and determination to see your project through, from start to finish”. Recent research has identified benefits in cognition, focus, dexterity, and other skills for model-makers of all ages. Introducing young readers to this hobby can be the beginning of a life-long passion that is good for you.

Model Trains includes chapter topics such as “Scales and gauges”, “Aiming for realism”, “Electronic control”, “Scenic worlds in miniature” and “Bridges and tunnels”. One chapter, “Garden rail” looks at an outdoor garden layout.

Beyond electric garden rail, there is the world of steam, where size can be almost as big as you wish. Bigger garden steamers may be powerful enough to haul some passengers. A popular type of track is raised off the ground, so that people can sit along passenger cars.

Model Trains: Creating Tabletop Railroads is a good entry point for beginning model-making fans and is packed with lots of information well-supported by engaging photographs. I can imagine a friend who was an avid model train hobbyist might have gotten his start from a book just like this.