Many years ago when I first got bitten by model train bug I started to collect reference materials. At the time Dave Frary had been building model railways for 30 years. I am thankful that I found these titles eary on. They saved me a lot of time.
Model Railway Books by Dave Frary
- How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery, 2nd Edition, Dave Frary (There might be a forth edition) “Water-soluble techniques that are quick, easy, and trouble free.” Model Railroad Handbook # 16
- 222 Tips for Building Model Railroad Structures, Dave Frary “Proven Techniques for Improving Wood, Plastic, Metal, and Plaster kits” Model Railroad Handbook # 34
- 303 Tips for Detailing Model Railroad Scenery and Structures, Dave Frary and Bob Hayden “Improve the realism of your Buildings and scenery!”
That is a useful three-book progression: establish the terrain, get the structures proportioned correctly, then add the details that make the scene read as a place. One practical step before using any of the structure tips is to write the layout scale at the top of the plan, convert the key prototype dimensions once, and test a doorway, figure and vehicle together. It catches scale drift before paint and scenery make corrections expensive. I work with Muncle Mikes, where we publish a model-train scenery and scale reference, and Dave Frary's separation of scenery, structures and detailing is a sound way to organize a build.
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