Realistic Railway Modelling: Steam Locomotives

Iain Rice is one of Britain's best-known model railway authors with 18 books to his credit, his most recent being Railway Modelling: The Realistic Way, published by Haynes. He is a regular contributor to British and American model railway magazines, and lives in Devon.

*Selecting your locomotive 'stud': different locos for different jobs; striking the balance between types; limitations (curves, loops, turntables); etc. * Locomotive facilities: servicing facilities for the layout: water and watering points, coaling; cleaning the fire (ashpits, ash handling); etc. * Locomotives: selecting and improving RTR models to achieve a common standard; tailoring locomotives to the layout; adding essential detail; creating models with individuality and character; etc. * Reworking RTR models: adapting RTR models to differing standards; aftermarket chassis kits; etc. * The kit-built loco: white metal and etched brass kits; detailing and finishing; etc. * Maintaining and fine-tuning model locos: cleaning wheels; lubrication; brush gear and pick-ups; etc. * Digital command control: best practice; things to avoid; configuration variables; etc.