The Lego Trains Book - by Holger Matthes (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Whether you're a diehard LEGO trains fan or you've been a model railroader since the days of Lionel Trains, you're going to love this complete, illustrated guide to the world of LEGO train building. Sure, the LEGO company has an official line of train models, but official sets can be somewhat limiting -- and expensive. Why not build your own, custom creations without the confines of official LEGO sets? You'll begin with a walkthrough of the official LEGO train systems to get the lay of the land and a feel for its characteristic details and styles. Next, you'll learn how to integrate the style of different sets in your own models, and how to combine standard LEGO building styles with advanced aesthetic techniques (like SNOT -- studs not on top) to create more realistic models. Author Holger Matthes, a star in the LEGO train community, discusses the model-making process, including how to choose scale, wheels, and motors and how to build flexible track, track layout, and essentials like doors, windows, and track intersections."--Goodreads.com.

Book Synopsis

Learn the model-making process from start to finish, including the best ways to choose scale, wheels, motors, and track layout. Get advice for building steam engines, locomotives, and passenger cars, and discover fresh ideas and inspiration for your own LEGO train designs.

Inside you'll find:
-A historical tour of LEGO trains
-Step-by-step building instructions for models of the German Inter-City Express (ICE), the Swiss "Crocodile," and a vintage passenger car
-Tips for controlling your trains with transformers, receivers, and motors
-Advice on advanced building tech­niques like SNOT (studs not on top), micro­striping, creating textures, and making offset connections
-Case studies of the design process
-Ways to use older LEGO pieces in modern designs

For ages 10+

Review Quotes

"A really great resource for anyone that is interested in LEGO trains, whether you're just getting into the hobby or have been interested in LEGO trains for quite a while . . . I cannot recommend this book enough."
--Adam King, Adam's Brick Junction

About the Author

Holger Matthes is a hobbyist who has been building with LEGO since 2000. He was involved in the creation of various official LEGO projects such as the Hobby Train set #10183 and frequently presents his models and gives workshops at LEGO exhibitions worldwide.