Model Railroading with MTH by Rob Adelman is an outstanding resource for a beginner!
(Actually, this book contains quite a few tips for the experienced modeler too - the kind of tips that one usually learns through the school of hard knocks.)
If you are a Lionel fan, don't let the MTH in the title scare you away, the vast majority of what the author writes is very applicable to getting started with any brand of trains. The specific MTH product numbers and specific instructions on MTH's command system are just icing on the cake if you decide to go with MTH products.
The chapter titles tell the story:
* Planning Your Model Railroad (The author discusses pros and cons of space, size, location, themes, eras, etc.)
* Designing Track Plans Using RR-Track Layout Design Software (This software is considered by many to be the industry standard in computer software for track planning and the author explains the software in a way that even beginning computer users can enjoy.)
* Constructing A Table/Platform For Your Layout (The author provides step-by-step directions for a 4'X8' platform with clear text and pictures)
* Track Laying and Backdrop Construction (Boy, I wish I had the tips on "planning for engine overhang and tunnel portal clearance" and the "how-to" pics for applying a backdrop when I first started my layout.)
* Creating Realistic Scenery (The author shows how to use specific Woodland Scenics products. Many consider Woodland Scenics to be the industry standard for scenery products.)
* Train Control Using MTH Digital Control System. (This potentially difficult topic is explained clearly and with the number of pictures, drawings and how-to tips, you almost can't go wrong!)
* Detailing Your Layout (one of my favorite topics and very nicely done!)
* The Dispatcher Game (a multi-level "game" which shows one how to operate even a small pike in a "real" railroad fashion. this help prevent boredom from setting in after the layout is completed and the trains have run a couple of hundred laps around the layout)
I especially enjoyed the author's inclusion of dozens of color photographs of each step of his construction of this 4' X 8' layout. Between the photographs and the text, it would be hard to go wrong...
The author also included many sidebars (usually identified by yellow boxes) in which he supplies definitions of pertinent terms, safety tips to help avoid injury during construction/operation, construction hints for easier building, brand name products he used and even the specific part numbers of products he used. A beginner will find these sidebars to be an invaluable resource!
Lastly, the first couple of chapters deal with the history of MTH Electric Trains. For someone eager to get started on building their own layout, I suggest you just jump ahead to Chapter Three - Planning your layout and begin working. You can always go back, at some later date, to read all about the history of MTH if you'd like.
This is a great resource!
