Top Model Trains and Accessories for Hobbyists

The best Model Trains includes Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2025, Model Railroader's Handbook by Gerry Leone, Realistic Model Railroad Scenery Building Guide and many others as mentioned below.

1

Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2025

  • Comprehensive guide for Lionel train collectors.
  • Includes 512 pages of valuable information.
  • Over 3,000 updated price entries available.
  • Features prewar, postwar, and modern-era trains.
  • 800 Lionel Corp Tinplate items listed.
  • Detailed box section with 1,400 listings.
  • More than 16,000 modern products included.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.99
2

Model Railroader's Handbook by Gerry Leone

  • Comprehensive guide for model railroaders of all levels.
  • Well-organized for easy access and quick reference.
  • Written by renowned Model Railroader contributor Gerry Leone.
  • Includes charts, photographs, and helpful illustrations.
  • Features a detailed cross-index for quick information retrieval.
  • Topics cover track, electricity, painting, scenery, and more.
  • Perfect workbench companion for essential modeling information.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.47
3

Realistic Model Railroad Scenery Building Guide

  • Comprehensive guide to model railroad scenery.
  • Learn modern and classic modeling techniques.
  • Step-by-step photo instructions included.
  • Expert insights, tips, and tricks provided.
  • Ideal for beginners and experienced modelers.
  • Transform layouts from basic to detailed scenes.
  • Focus on mountains, rivers, towns, and cities.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.50
4

Modeling Shortline Railroads by Tony Koester

  • Explore classic and modern shortline examples.
  • Learn about older locomotives' new life.
  • Create realistic layouts inspired by prototypes.
  • Understand holding companies operating multiple shortlines.
  • Discover simplified track arrangements for easy modeling.
  • Gain insights from experienced modelers' techniques.
  • Recreate unique railroads with less frequent operation.
  • Price Range: $20.45
5

Layout Command Control 2025 for Model Railroads

  • Comprehensive guide for beginners and experts alike.
  • Explains basic and advanced LCC concepts clearly.
  • Step-by-step instructions for easy setup.
  • Detailed examples from real model railroads included.
  • Covers signaling and embedded logic for trains.
  • Includes advanced devices and their applications.
  • Enhances model railroad control using LCC methods.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $34.95
6

Wiring Your Model Railroad Essentials Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for wiring model railroads.
  • Includes both traditional wiring and DCC techniques.
  • Ideal for beginners and experienced modelers alike.
  • First major wiring book in 15 years.
  • Reliable and current wiring information available.
  • Written by expert Larry Puckett.
  • Your essential reference for model railroad wiring.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.75
7

DCC Model Railroading Guide by Allan Gartner

  • Explains DCC systems and components clearly.
  • Guidelines for choosing and installing DCC systems.
  • Instructions for installing and programming decoders.
  • Wiring layouts properly for DCC compatibility.
  • Convert DC layouts to DCC seamlessly.
  • Upgrade locomotives with sound decoders easily.
  • Control trains using smartphone or tablet apps.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.45
8

Basic DCC Wiring Guide for Model Railroads

  • Perfect for beginners in model railroading.
  • Comprehensive guide to Digital Command Control (DCC).
  • Covers track wiring and cab bus wiring.
  • Explains converting layouts to DCC systems.
  • Written by expert Mike Polsgrove.
  • Includes essential fundamentals for model railroaders.
  • Enhance your model railroad experience with DCC.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.05
9

N Scale Railroading: Your Complete Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for N scale railroading enthusiasts.
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced modelers alike.
  • Learn to expand layouts into railroad empires.
  • Step-by-step projects for building and improving models.
  • Explore DCC systems for enhanced operation.
  • Tips for creating realistic layout scenery effectively.
  • Compact size allows hobbyists to save space.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.60
10

Designing Model Railroads: A Complete Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for designing model railroads.
  • Practical tips for effective layout planning.
  • Helps avoid common design mistakes.
  • Guidance on benchwork and aisle space.
  • Transform ideas into workable track plans.
  • Detailed instructions for realistic model construction.
  • Build confidence from design to execution.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.99
11

Gears and Gear Cutting for Home Machinists

  • Practical guide for home machinists.
  • Learn to cut gears on lathes and mills.
  • Simple, non-technical language for easy understanding.
  • Covers tooth forms, sizes, and gear types.
  • Includes diagrams and photos for clarity.
  • 12 comprehensive chapters with detailed information.
  • Authored by experienced gear-cutting expert Ivan Law.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.99
12

Realistic Weathering for Models: Rolling Stock & Structures

  • Enhance realism in model trains and structures.
  • Suitable for beginners and advanced modelers.
  • Learn traditional and modern weathering techniques.
  • Utilize common tools like chalks and paints.
  • Advanced techniques with airbrush for detailed effects.
  • Step-by-step guidance for effective weathering.
  • Transform your models into realistic masterpieces.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.99
13

Airbrushing Techniques for Scale Modelers

  • Comprehensive airbrushing guide for scale modelers.
  • Expert tips from author Aaron Skinner.
  • Techniques for armor, aircraft, and automobiles.
  • Hundreds of detailed step-by-step photos.
  • Essential skills for all scale model enthusiasts.
  • Practical advice for various modeling projects.
  • Improve your airbrushing skills exponentially.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.12
  • Color: 3 positive
14

Designing and Operating Yards by Dave Abeles

  • In-depth insights on railroad yard operations.
  • Author Dave Abeles shares expert knowledge.
  • Examples from Onondaga Cutoff model railroad.
  • Features layouts by Tony Koester and Bill Darnaby.
  • Ideal for intermediate to advanced modelers.
  • Understanding past and present yard operations.
  • Enhance your model railroad experience effectively.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.10
15

101 Model Railroad Track Plans Handbook

  • Over 100 classic track plans included.
  • Suitable for N, HO, S, and O scales.
  • Designed by master model railroader Linn Westcott.
  • Convert plans for different scales easily.
  • Guidance on layout building from plans provided.
  • Helps choose ideal plan for your space.
  • Back in print due to popular demand.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.99
16

North American Railroads: A Historical Guide

  • Comprehensive overview of North American railroads.
  • Features over 170 railroad systems across three countries.
  • Includes detailed maps and historical context.
  • Information on mergers and predecessor lines included.
  • Ideal for history and train enthusiasts alike.
  • Richly illustrated for an engaging reading experience.
  • Perfect reference for railroads in North America.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.03
17

Commodities Freight Car Industry Guide

  • Learn cargo types by era and freight cars.
  • Explore specialized freight cars for various commodities.
  • Understand freight handling changes over the years.
  • Discover safe handling of hazardous materials.
  • Review successful and failed experimental car designs.
  • Gain valuable modeling tips for accurate representation.
  • Enhance your modeling with historical context and insights.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.45
18

Electronics Wiring for Model Railways eBook

  • Essential guide for all railway modellers.
  • Clear explanations of electronics and components.
  • Step-by-step wiring instructions provided.
  • Comparison of control systems: direct vs DCC.
  • Reviews of power supplies and electrical systems.
  • Troubleshooting tips for effective layout management.
  • Enhance your model railway's realism with expert advice.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.53
19

Lionel FasTrack Track Plans Guidebook

  • 25 creative track plans for Lionel FasTrack.
  • Ideal for small and mid-sized train layouts.
  • Expertly curated from Classic Toy Trains magazine.
  • Includes new track plans and tips.
  • Comprehensive overview of FasTrack features.
  • Enhances your Lionel train operating experience.
  • Perfect for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
20

North American Steam Locomotive Guide

  • Comprehensive guide to steam locomotives in North America.
  • Includes detailed rosters and specifications.
  • Explains wheel arrangements and streamlining features.
  • Features captivating photos of historical locomotives.
  • Summarizes key facts and stories behind each locomotive.
  • Perfect for enthusiasts and historians alike.
  • Enhances understanding of steam engine technology.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.99
21

DCC Model Railroads: Digital Train Control Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for DCC model railroading enthusiasts.
  • Bridges traditional DC and modern DCC systems.
  • Detailed guidance for beginners and experienced modelers.
  • Covers electrical fundamentals and system transitions.
  • Includes cutting-edge automation techniques and tips.
  • Features dual measurement standards for clarity.
  • Up-to-date brand recommendations for informed choices.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
22

Lionel FasTrack Model Railroads: Easy Realistic Layout

  • Detailed guide for Lionel FasTrack enthusiasts.
  • Includes 150 color photos for visualization.
  • Track diagrams for 10 unique layouts provided.
  • Instructions for building supportive tables included.
  • Advice for creating realistic scenery offered.
  • Suitable for both rural and urban layouts.
  • Appendix of recommended suppliers for materials.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.11
23

Model Railroader Starter Track Plans

  • Designed for beginners and small spaces.
  • Features HO and N scale track plans.
  • Emphasizes simplicity and flexibility in design.
  • Buildable layouts for easy construction.
  • Encourages interesting operational experiences.
  • Affordable options for model railroaders.
  • Part of the Model Railroader Books Essentials Series.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.95
24

Modern Era Switching Layouts Guide

  • Comprehensive guide to modern switching layouts.
  • Step-by-step industry selection process.
  • Understand characteristics of various industries.
  • Align layout choices with personal interests.
  • Create a balanced and realistic layout composition.
  • Includes detailed case study for practical application.
  • Perfect for both beginners and experienced modelers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.90
25

How to Build Structures by Lance Mindheim

  • Learn realistic structure building techniques.
  • 112 pages of detailed guidance by Lance Mindheim.
  • Focus on flat finishes and subdued colors.
  • Tips for cutting, gluing, and painting techniques.
  • Enhance models with effective weathering effects.
  • Advice on modifying structure sizes and kitbashing.
  • Perfect for both beginners and experienced modelers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.99
26

Build Your First Lionel Layout Guide

  • Step-by-step guide for beginners.
  • Learn track laying and wiring techniques.
  • Select the best train cars for your layout.
  • Customize scenery for a unique experience.
  • Helpful tips for troubleshooting common issues.
  • Inspires creativity in model train building.
  • Perfect for Lionel enthusiasts of all ages.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $5.38
27

Basic Model Railroad Benchwork Kit [1 Pack]

  • Essential support for tracks and scenery.
  • Guidance for building smooth-running layouts.
  • Updated techniques for all model railroad sizes.
  • Advice on selecting the right building materials.
  • Portable layout design for easy transport.
  • Construction tips for permanent and shelf-style layouts.
  • Compatible with any scale model railroad.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.99
28

LEGO Train Projects: 7 Creative Builds

  • Build 7 unique LEGO train models easily.
  • Step-by-step instructions for all skill levels.
  • Clear, full-color illustrations enhance building experience.
  • Perfect for LEGO enthusiasts and train lovers.
  • Encourages creativity and imaginative play.
  • Ideal gift for builders of all ages.
  • Enjoy hours of fun with LEGO trains.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.95
29

Crocheting Log Book: Track Patterns & Progress

  • Track projects with dedicated pages for organization.
  • Record patterns, modifications, and sources effortlessly.
  • Manage yarn stash with detailed inventory features.
  • Keep tools organized with comprehensive lists.
  • Inspire creativity with motivational quotes and boards.
  • Plan budgets for yarn, patterns, and tools.
  • Enhance crochet skills and achieve mastery easily.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $4.96
30

Build Your First Model Railroad Layout

  • Ideal for beginners in model railroading.
  • Step-by-step instructions for easy layout building.
  • Features Northspur & Tiburon Railroad design.
  • Covers essential techniques: benchwork and tracklaying.
  • Includes tips for scenery and structures.
  • Compact layout perfect for limited spaces.
  • Written by experienced modeler Peter Vassallo.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.99