, 255 full color photographs, color-coded schematics, tables, color-coded boxes for summary information.GETTING STARTED IN MODEL RAILROADING is another valuable book in Kalmbach's Essentials Series. Authored by Jeff Wilson, well known in the field and author of numerous titles for model railroaders, GETTING STARTED is specifically designed to help those new to the hobby make a comfortable entry into all of the basics. Mr. Wilson ties everything together very neatly, enabling the reader to get a clear picture of each of the essential areas of modeling, thus, preparing him or her for any further researches that may be warranted.GETTING STARTED IN MODEL RAILROADING is a nice companion to INTRODUCTION TO MODEL RAILROADING, another Kalmbach stalwart by Jeff Wilson. GETTING STARTED picks up somewhat where INTRODUCTION leaves off. The latter has a much broader approach to the hobby. Its focus is on introducing the new hobbyist to all aspects of model railroading, whereas GETTING STARTED focuses primarily on HO and N scale modeling.In GETTING STARTED, Jeff Wilson provides enough information to help beginners build a layout with confidence. It equips them with the knowledge to understand all of the steps to construct a layout. Some of the topics include extensive chapters on modeling in HO and N scales; essential insights on purchases, such as the trains themselves, track, scenery, structures, and the other critical components that are the glue that holds it all together. Additionally, GETTING STARTED includes information about current trends and technology, such as ready-to-run models and DCC. With all this the author leads the hobbyist through steps that include designing a layout, constructing the benchwork, wiring and laying track, operating trains, building structures, and adding scenery to the whole affair. He doesn't miss a thing. The handy figures accompany the text to heighten the strong pedagogy, assuring that the reader will get all the pertinent information, the tools and techniques, and the finish, all with handy tips and precise instructions that is designed to illustrate just how to get to a crisp, clear concluxion.Jeff Wilson is the author of a variety of books on railroads and railroading. He spent ten years as an associate editor at Model Railroader magazine. He now works as a photographer and freelance writer, contributing articles to railroading magazines and photographing real and model railroads.

• Chapter 1. Basics of Model Railroading
• Chapter 2. Layouts and Track Plans
• Chapter 3. All About HO Scale
• Chapter 4. Introduction to N Scale
• Chapter 5. Building Models
• Chapter 6. Locomotives and Freight Cars
• Chapter 7. Benchwork
• Chapter 8. Track and Roadbed
• Chapter 9. Control and Wiring
• Chapter 10. Basic Scenery
• Model Railroading Suppliers