The books

Model Railway Companion

Something a little different and a bit of a publishing "experiment" from the publisher and author's point of view. An indulgently illustrated collection of a wide ranging selection of model railways, each accompanied with limited words from their creators that seek to "distil the essence" of what each creation is about. Subjects really are varied, and a few of the compositions have even moved away from the "minimum size" sorts of essays that James himself is well known for. There are quite a lot of James own creations here (nothing wrong with that), in a way this is to "get the ball rolling" as it is hoped to produce similar volumes in the future featuring the work of others in this fabulous hobby of ours. It has been produced to a high quality to the same format as James earlier books, and the print run is limited as the book may be seen as a bit "niche" by some. The images speak for themselves I think, they show some really creative approaches to different subjects and offer views and angles of model railways that you just do not get in any of the current mainstream magazines.

RRP £14.50 (buy from the ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ bookshop)

Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.

The Art of Railway Modelling

In this book, James Hilton develops the ideas and themes of his earlier "Small Layout Design Handbook" around the notion that we could, or perhaps even should, consider and talk about our model creations in terms of their being "art". He starts off by explaining what he means and then considers how we construct and approach our models from an "artistic" perspective. Over half the book consists of newly developed layout themes, considered here as "stage sets", covering a wide range of prototype themes, including North American ideas and prototypes.

RRP £18.50 (buy from 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' bookshop)

Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.

Small Layout Design Handbook

In this book James Hilton takes a fresh look at small layouts and how to design them. Profusely illustrated with photographs, sketches and plans, the book takes us through completed projects, design considerations and sources of inspiration before presenting 24 practical layout ideas to either follow or provide inspiration for your own ideas. Themes and prototypes considered are wide ranging, covering narrow gauge, industrial and some North American and International subjects too. A thought provoking read, thinking as widely as Iain Rice and with ideas as novel and inspiring as those of the late and much missed Carl Arend. This book really does demonstrate that small in size does not mean small in ambition or enjoyment! This is a very minorly revised reprint of the original book.

RRP £17.50 (buy from 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' bookshop)

Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.

Compendium

The Compendium is a 40 page collection of thoughts and ideas, a series of modelling essays. A safe place to escape the digital monolith, tactile and grounding. Not quite a greatest hits, not a regular magazine but somewhere to put meaningful ideas, as much for myself as to share with you all.

Sold out - Limited to 60 copies.

£15 including UK Delivery.

Published by James Hilton Custom Model Railways, printed by Blurb in the Netherlands.

Compendium 2

A collection of material taken from my more recent writing and I feel tells a story of my relationship with model railways as well as reflections on my own mental health and how it has helped nurture and guide me through some challenging times - indulgently illustrated with my own modelling. As with the first it is hoped you will find it a safe place to escape the digital monolith, enjoying its tactile nature and finding the experience grounding. The format will be the same as the first - perfect bound magazine with 40 pages, art paper with card covers. 

Sold out - Limited to 56 copies.

£15 including UK Delivery.

Published by James Hilton Custom Model Railways, printed by Blurb in the Netherlands.

In preparation…

Rail-way Magazine

A new magazine - an exciting new project, and one I look forward to sharing with you all very very soon.

Small Layout Design - Construction

This book, currently in preparation, will re-visit some of the themes of my first book with fresh eyes. It will discuss practical details of cameo layout construction and operation and contain around 30 new layout design ideas from my scrapbook. 

Expected Q2 2025.

RRP £TBC 

Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.

Model Railway Companion 2

A follow up to the successful first edition, a collection of more inspiring and wonderful model railways from across the globe with diverse subjects from British period branchline to the plains of North America. 

Expected Q3 2025.

RRP £TBC 

Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.

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