The World Guide to Model Trains is a guide to international railways and ready-to-run railroad models.  The book is compiled by Peter McHoy and edited by Chris Ellis.  The color pictures of model railroad models of Steam locomotive, diesel engines, electric powered engines, passenger cars, are in color and very well done.  

The first chapter of The World Guide to Model Trains is an introduction to the different gauges of model railroading from Z to G gauge.  There is an explanation of each gauge and information on the measurement and availability of equipment and accessories.   Chapter 2 discusses the types of couplers available that connect the engines and cars.  Chapter 3 discusses how the gauges are powered. Then it explains the differences between AC and DC, 2 rail and 3 rail tracks, DCC (digital command control) and overhead wiring to power your model railroad.  Chapter 4 4 contains and extensive glossary of model railroading terms.  

The next group of pages in The World Guide to Model Trains are photographs of equipment used by the different gauges.  The remainder of the book illustrates, through color pictures of railroad models, the railroad models available by country.  With each group of pictures by country, is a shore explanation of how the railroads are organized in that country.  The exception is the railroads of North America.  The color photographs in this section are broken down by railroad.  Each railroad has an explanation about the that railroad and short history and what territory it covers in North America.  There is a whole page in this section listing the railroads and their abbreviations.  For example, the CNW stands for the Chicago & North Western Railway.    

If you are starting in model railroading or you just would like to get some information about railroad and model railroad equipment available throughout the world, you will love leafing through The World Guide to Model Trains.