Product Description
Make your railroad more true to life and interesting, by adopting realistic operation principles. Covers the history, practice, terminology, and benefits of operating realistically. Guides you through the steps leading to realistic operation, and includes pictorial examples of working model railroads and realistic operating sessions…. More >>
#1 by John A Lee III on July 2, 2010 - 6:30 pm
Many people find themselves fascinated by railroads and get caught up in the hobby of building model railroads but are hampered by one big problem. They don’t know how the real thing operates. If the act of building is the fascination, then this poses no problem but if you actually want to do anything with the trains besides watch them go around and around, you need to learn something about the real thing. That’s where this book comes in handy.
It explains various aspects of how railroads operate in the real world and then explains how enthusiasts have modeled those operations. The book is readable and clearly written. Even so, so material may take a few readings to properly understand. It is a worthwhile investment.
Rating: 4 / 5
#2 by Midwest Book Review on July 2, 2010 - 7:33 pm
Realistic Model Railroad Operation: How To Run Your Trains Like The Real Thing by Tony Koester is a complete and “user friendly” guide to realistic model railroad operation. Readers will be provided with a quick-start guide to realistic operating sessions complete in a single evening; diverse schemes for forwarding cars and moving trains across a model railroading layout; explanations of sign systems as they apply to model railroads; and an appendix of precise railroading terminology. Superbly enhanced with previously unpublished color photography of tony Koester’s HO scale Allegheny Midland Railroad (along with other great model railroads), Realistic Model Railroad Operation is a seminal and core addition to any dedicated model railroaders reference shelf. Model railorading enthusiasts are encouraged to send for the free Kalmbach Publishing catalog for a complete listing of their titles.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Robert W. Johnson on July 2, 2010 - 9:10 pm
Mr. Koester’s work is uneven in my opinion. One of his books, I believe the focus was on his Layout Design Elements concept, did not seem to work very well (or maybe I am just dense). This book, however, is extraordinary and reflects his passion for and extensive experience with model railroad operations.
I have no operations experience and always thought of myself as a modeller first and a model railroader second. However, this volume has me thinking of building a layout which focuses on operations first, with addition of scenery and structures afterward.
Covers a variety of operational methods, how to set up and run operations sessions on your layout, and much more. A very thorough treatment and enjoyable to read. Highly recommended.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Norman Wolf on July 2, 2010 - 10:43 pm
Tony Koester does a great job of explaining many things that most entry-level model railroaders never even think of.
First, he explains why you would want to operate a layout versus watching a train go ’round in circles. Then he leads you, both pictorally and with engaging text, on a journey of learning how to operate like the Prototype (aka Real) railroads do, starting with the very basics. Tony talks about some basic design considerations when building or expanding a layout, what you’ll need, and how easy it is to start and add in those facets of real railroading that YOU the builder & owner of a layout would like. And, if you’re just an armchair modeler, Tony shows you how to enjoy other people’s layouts, operating on club layouts, and even having operations on a small switching layout, if you’re tight on space.
As a former editor of Railroad Model Craftsman, the author of several other books, and countless articles in Model Railroader Magazine Tony has hit a homerun with this book. It is a must-have for any novice or experienced model railroader.
Rating: 5 / 5