Time-Saving Techniques for Building Model Railroads

Tony Koester

Kalmbach Publishing

Building a model railroad – especially a room- or basement-sized layout – takes a lot of time. In his new book, Tony Koester shares many invaluable time-saving tricks he’s learned over the decades as an accomplished modeler and author.
Topics include:

• Using LDEs (Layout Design Elements) with staging.
• Efficient layout construction tips and techniques.
• Time-effective methods to get a layout built and operating.

 

Table of Contents:
Introduction - What's the point?

Chapter 1 - Goals based on time, space, and budget
Finding ways to consume fewer resources

Chapter 2 - What to do ahead of time
Things to do before layout construction consumes almost all of your spare time

Chapter 3 - Looking to the prototype
No sense reinventing the wheel

Chapter 4 - Shortcuts to layout construction
Paper templates, narrow shelves, hand-throws, and lighting

Chapter 5 - Doing scenery in layers
Progress promotes progress; foam construction; trees vs. forests

Chapter 6 - Time-saving structure tips
Kitbashing pros and cons; modeling the boondocks; flats; photo walls

Chapter 7 - Improving engines and rolling stock
The handsome USRA fleet, stand-ins, quick weathering tips

Chapter 8 - Tips from the masters
So how do they get so much done?