About this book: Railways were constructed over the length and breadth of the United Kingdom in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. To understand the reasoning behind the structures and architecture of these railways and to apply the same reasoning to a model railway, is a vital ingredient for a successful layout, argues author Nigel Digby

In this book, the author gives a background history to railway buildings and their various functions, as well as the typical civil engineering structures to be found on British railways, and explains the hierarchy of application, from the high status routes to the impoverished branch lines. Buildings outside the railway fence are not forgotten either; every model station needing a mix of business types from domestic to ecclesiastical to represent the area it serves. 

From a practical point of view, the book covers the development of a model from first principles, including research, measurement and scale drawing. Suggestions for useful tools and materials are also made, coupled with examples of the author's work to illustrate various techniques. 

The book uses a wide range of photographs and drawings to inspire modellers and to assist in the fulfilment of their own projects