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04 September 2006
HO Gauge Railroad You Can Build
1 of 1 found this helpful Few would realize it at the time this volume came out, but this book became the seminal and benchmark work on several model railway techniques and--even though it it not currently in print--it is an essential addition to any serious model railroader's library. Why? Furlow is among the first to thoroughly discuss lightweight foam scenery and the diverse opportunities it affords. He takes the scenery and structure techniques of Dave Frary and Bob Hayden (arguably the best in contemporary times) and incorporates them into easy-to-understand terms than even beginners can utilize.
What's more is that this is all done in the creation of a total NARROW GAUGE layout (...some might say the inspiration for dozens of Narrow-Gauge, Colorado-type, somewhat run-down, heavily weathered mountain RR's that have become so popular to model). Some of the color pictures are literally breathtaking (to me, comparable only to John Allen, George Selios or Hayden and Frary themselves) and well worth the price just to see the absolute epitome of what can be done in 1/87 scale. That the rolling stock actual manages to hang onto the precipitous, spindly trestles and high mountain cliffs just adds credence to his masterwork as a modeler.
As mentioned before this is a layout that you could actually build and put in your basement. He methodically goes through every conceivable facet step-by-step and--in many cases--his children are right there actually doing the modelling of several crucial scenic features (trees, etc.); showing that, indeed, it IS a model railroad that anyone can put together if they follow his lead. His lead takes you through a myriad of skills (electricity, wiring, ground-breaking benchwork techniques, modelmaking for both structures and rolling stock, and scenery, to the point where he has an artist's eye). I have nearly 300 books in my Model Railroad library, collected over 40 years, and I can truthfully say that I would probably rate this in the top ten for actual hands-on instruction. I remember when it came out (over 20 years ago) thinking: "...wow, what a beautiful layout..." and having just acquiring a copy on EBay (at a ridiculously low price) I have the exact same impression.
Yeah, even if you don't like Narrow-Gauge steam in the Rockies every serious modeler should at least take a look at this to see the details, the general shape and form and the overall feeling that an exquisitely put-together should have. That Furlow actually DID this in a pretty limited time is almost unbelievable; that he says he can TELL YOU HOW TO DO IT, STEP-BY-STEP is a reason to grab this book wherever and whenever you see the chance. A good friend saw one at his local library, took it and had it color photocopied (probably breaking a string of Federal Copyright laws) and says he'd do it again in a heartbeat--it's one of his favorites. I know it is mine.
Robert C. Hobson
Chicago, Illinois
2 September 2006