The Art of Railway Modelling £18.50
Wild Swan Books Ltd
ISBN 9 781912 038558
The Art of Railway Modelling” by James Hilton is a very different look at the captivating world of railway modelling. James, an experienced modeller himself, shares his passion, and insights, on elements of artistically interpreting our world of model railways.
The book delves into the evolution and development of the art of modelling railways, offering valuable insights, with threads or paths for those seeking a deeper artistic approach to railway modelling. As such it’s not a traditional track or layout planning book, and I have no doubt that some modellers won’t get the artistic processes, or thoughts discussed. That’s not a bad thing, after all we’re all wired differently. This book isn’t a technical manual, it’s much more a recognition of the art form itself. Like the earlier Small Layout Design Handbook it’s printed in landscape format, and has the typical excellent production values we associate with a Wild Swan publication. The book is particularly well illustrated with photographs and James’s distinctive and engaging artwork.
One of the book’s standout features is the author’s choice to use illustrated examples of other modellers work, and asks them to provide a paragraph or two in their own words, on why they chose their approach to model their particular examples. Those examples cover a range of scales, eras, genres and geographical areas, for me making this all the more interesting for its inclusion of these different styles and approaches.
Following the discussion using James’s own models and guest examples, there are plenty of good track and layout ideas to inspire, (see the content listing image above). Co-ordinating with the guest examples these cover a similar and good selection of scales, genres etc. The design section layouts look at each location and prototype including considering artistic elements.
Within the text James explores observation of the chosen prototype, inviting modellers to bring their modelling to life with their own artistic interpretation. The plans provide plenty of ideas for inspiration and motivation, to create personal and distinctive layouts.
In conclusion, James Hilton’s “The Art of Railway Modelling” provides a different and perhaps a bit ‘left field’ resource, for both beginners and experienced modellers alike. It asks questions, and provides some answers. Importantly, in an interesting and engaging manner, it has the potential to encourage readers and modellers to explore a wider range of influences in their layout building and planning. As such it’s another good value book from James Hilton and Wild Swan, and I consider well worth adding to the library.
I have to declare a small interest here in that James asked myself and Chris Mears to contribute a few words for the foreword (which is a rare privilege),as we have done previously for James’ Small Layout Design handbook. Both of us were fortunate too, to be asked to provide examples within the publication. If you follow this blog, Chris’s and or James’s you’ll almost certainly be on a similar wavelength and will enjoy this book.
Albion Yard 
Wonderful notes on the book. I was already unbearably excited to see a copy of this and your notes make it all that much more so. I simply can’t wait.
-Chris