Introduction

Model Railroader readers are continually amazed that Frank Taylor actually builds all the projects he describes in print. Build them he does, and not only that, but he experiments with various construction methods and works out the best ways for the average amateur to do each portion of the job on hand. Then and only then is he ready to describe the methods to be used. Perhaps that’s why his articles are so popular. At any rate, it explains why thousands of model railroad fans, with varying degrees of experience, all have equal success building Taylor-described box cars, signals, trestles, and other items of structures or equipment.

The author of this book used to build models for a hobby—ship models, airplane models, all kinds of models. Then, with the first stirrings of model rail- roading, he went into 0 gauge. Later he went into the model business as one of the HO gauge pioneers, sold that business and worked for several years as designer for one of the largest American model railroad firms. He came to THE MODEL RAILROADER in 1937, originated the idea of shop-tested projects, and has been with us since, as editor, technical advisor and also as art director.

It is our wish that this book be practical to you, that from its pages you build many a successful car or other item for your layout, and that you find the in- structions explicit and easy to use. Suggestions are always welcome in our oflice.

A. C. Kalmbach

Publisher, The Model Railroader.