Kit Building for Railway Modellers

Locomotive kit building remains the best route to achieving a varied range of motive power in most scales but it also retains a mystique, being associated with expert modellers and expensive tools. In this invaluable, richly illustrated volume, George Dent demonstrates how anyone can successfully assemble working kits with only a modicum of inexpensive equipment and experience. All aspects of assembly are covered in detail including working in plastics, resin and metal; the very basics of working and joining materials; installing ready-made power units and performing more complex operations, such as assembling etched metal chassis frames and intricate valve gear.- Includes a full guide to essential tools, materials and adhesives.- Covers the art of soldering.- Explains the basics behind chassis construction and alignment.- Presents an in-depth guide to the assembly of cylinders, coupling rods and valve gear.- Examines a range of power unit and transmission options.- Demonstrates how to detail and modify kits for extra realism.- Illustrates painting, lining and weathering techniques.- Offers tips on running-in, testing and maintaining mechanisms.

Having grown up on a diet of Airfix and Matchbox plastic kits, George Dent is now editor and in-house model maker at Model Rail magazine, one of the UK's most popular hobby titles. He has built a well-earned reputation as an expert in detailing, painting and weathering models and has a long-standing passion for model cars and trucks. He has writte nine books for Crowood, including Airbrushing for Railway Modellers, Building Coaches, Kit Building for Railway Modellers, Weathering for Railway Modellers and Building Model Trucks.