Big Book of Model Railroad Track Plans
"For the model train hobbyist, this incredibly detailed book features 81 model track plan options. Each project description includes technical advice and prototype photos that will inspire any model railroad enthusiast. Projects feature likely obstacles that might be encountered during construction and helpful tips for getting it right the first time. Line art diagrams, layout routes, dimensions, and even photographs of the finished layout are included." ~ Motorbooks International
"Few Live Steam modelers who have written for Live Steam magazine have had greater impact on the hobby than Kozo. His clever and ingenious methods of design and fabrication have made it possible for even the novice machinist/modelers to create engines that are beautiful, and that function with power and predictability.
Even if the reader chooses not to build the Climax locomotive, there are wonderful lessons to be learned about machining, and approaches to simplifying a job in the shop.
With the Climax locomotive project, you can now fabricate every single part of your engine from raw stock, and not have to purchase any (potentially) expensive pre-made parts. There are no castings to fool with either, just clear and concise directions for making each part, simply and correctly, often from material you can pull right out of your scrap box.
Kozo's drawings and photographs provide you with firm stepping-stones to a complete, operating model in ¾", 1", or 1½" scales. He even shows you how to create your own screw bevel gears and pressure gauge."x ~ Village Press Inc.
Building the Shay
"Live Steam Shay Locomotive Building For the Beginner" - (review by Pat Young)
"First of a series of three books by the author, he goes thru a step-by-step process in building a live steam, scale model for a medium size shay locomotive. Many drawing of each step in the construction assists the reader in building the engine and is considered by many in the hobby as one of the definitive book to date. In the back of the book, there is a discussion of tools, techniques and assorted related subjects for the beginner machinist. This book is meant for any earnest, young or old adult who wants to spend many enjoyable hours in getting into the hobby of live steaming."
Brown Book of Brass Locomotives
A catalog of HO scale brass model locomotives imported into the United States through about 1992.
DCC Made Easy: Digital Command Control for Your Model Railroad
"With the help of more than 230 photos and diagrams, author Jeff Wilson reveals hundreds of tips and techniques to make model locomotives more realistic Topics covered include removing cast-on details, adding horns, grab irons, hoses and more, painting and weathering and changing trucks and sideframes"