The Art of Railway Modelling

Following on from his earlier book, Small Layout Design Handbook, in this book James develops and discusses his ideas about the artistic side of what we are all about, proposing perhaps a new way of presenting, looking at and talking about our model railways. Lead Actors and The Stage are two of the chapter headings, while the final section of the book takes these ideas and applies them to a new selection of layout ideas under the heading of The Stage Set. As previously, these ideas cover prototypes and ideas from both sides of the Atlantic. The visuals and photographs are strong and James has also illustrated his ideas throughout the book with thought provoking Tricks of the trade, together with several Case Studies from different modellers. Not everyone will agree with everything James says, but I do think this book has something a bit different to say, and offers ideas and thoughts that are relevant to all of our own models, be they large or small.