Dick Christianson and John Grams offer tips and techniques for building a more realistic and fun toy train layout, compiled over years of observing some of the best toy train layouts ever built. Their wise and easy-to-follow advice on planning, electrical work, trackwork, scenery, and operation is presented with all-new photos from Dick's O gauge layout. 

Author Bio

Dick Christianson, founding editor of Classic Toy Trains Magazine and former editor-in-chief of Kalmbach Books, and John Grams, veteran book author and frequent Classic Toy Trains contributor

Table of Contents

4  Introduction

7  Planning the Layout: It's all in your head
11  Track Planning: Map your territory
17  Benchwork: Build for the ages?
23  Trackwork: From the paper to the plywood
31  Control/Wiring: ZW or TMCC or DCS?
45  Scenery and Structures: Everyone can be an artist
55  Detailing: Where the fun really begins
63  Rolling Stock: It looks better when it's all the same height
69  Maintenance: Keeping the good times rolling
73  Operation: A brave new toy train world

80  Suppliers