WILD SWAN BOOKS

Geoff Holt    108 pages    Softback    2012

This book, it seems to me, is both a practical guide to the business of model locomotive construction and also an interesting account of how the hobby has changed and developed since The Second World War. Geoff's own model building "career" started with a chance friendship with a like minded German prisoner of war and has since involved him with many of the leading names in the hobby. Very well illustrated throughout with colour photography and numerous sketches and line drawings, the book starts with a more or less general introduction to tools, materials and techniques before embarking upon a "signature model", the Great Central's "Immingham" class 4-6-0. Two of these are to be built in 7mm scale, one from scratch and the other from a kit, and this first volume will take us as far as the rolling chassis, with part two due next year taking us to the completion of the job. Well written, informative and a novel approach to its subject, all as well produced as you would expect from Paul Karau and Wild Swan.

Geoff Holt    144 pages    Softback    2013

The second part of Geoff Holt's personal approach to locomotive building, getting down to the "nitty gritty" of actual building from the running plate and upwards, through to traction testing and painting, with a final chapter covering the basic use of a lathe. Geoff sadly passed away just after having completed the proofs for this second volume, but this and the earlier volume on his art and craft form a very fine and fitting tribute to the man and the beautiful railway models that he created. As well produced as you would expect from Wild Swan, with more colour than has been usual and all very clearly and informatively laid out.

Iain Rice    64 pages    Softback    1989

In his inimitable and readable style, Mr Rice explains how to extract the best from the various qualities (!) of whitemetal kits, including the remedying of faults and detailing.