Making a start in N gauge Railway Modelling provides a comprehensive introduction to modelling in 2mm scale. Richard Bardsley is a key member of the N Gauge Society and editor of its Bi Monthly journal, so he knows the 2mm world intimately. The book gives a very good overview of the advantages and disadvantages of modelling in N and covers a number of topics in a good level of detail.The book is suited to experienced modeller and beginner, and is especially useful if you are contemplating a switch to N gauge modelling. The book is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics
- Choosing a prototype and designing a layout that makes best use of N gauge.
- Baseboards construction with detailed examples and lots of pictures of the construction process
- Track systems, turnout types and operation, and track ballasting. This covers set track, flexible track systems and the pre ballasted systems that have appeared in N over recent years
- DC and DCC control, with practical insight on implementing DCC in very small scales
- Modelling the railway infrastructure and making the railway part of the landscape; this is a particularly important area for the modeller switching to N gauge from a larger scale, and covers how to make the most of viewing angles in N and the increased slice of landscape that ends up being modelled in the smaller scale.
In the back of the book there is also a list of resources and suppliers which I found really useful.
Richard Bardsley is an experienced layout builder and show exhibitor in N gauge and 00 gauge. Richard demonstrates and promotes N gauge model railways at shows and also designs and produces his own N gauge wagon kits. This is Richard’s second book for Crowood, his first being the highly acclaimed Planning, Designing and Making Railway Layouts in Small Spaces.