On Paper
In preparation...
Our passion for model railways can help bring models to life through the careful and heart felt observation of prototype, understanding of process and a gentle approach to colour using just a few basic paints and tools. In this new book the author explores the subject through worked examples and case studies.
'Ribbons - a compendium of creative Railway Modelling' picks up the baton from 'Compendium' and as such it will be a 40 page collection of thoughts and ideas explored through a series of essays. A safe place to escape the digital monolith, tactile and grounding.
Find out more about the project :: here ::
1st print run sold out - taking pre-orders for a 2nd.
£10 including UK Delivery.
Due in in 2026 - expected RRP £18.50 (TBC)
To be published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
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This third 'Companion' continues to be a celebration of all that is the wonderful art of model railways.
Curated by James Hilton, the works include British, European and North American and Australian examples, each shared by the modeller in their own words and photographs.
Due early 2026 - RRP £14.50
Limited print run.
To be published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
Limited print run.
To be published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
Available now...
'Ribbons - a compendium of creative Railway Modelling' picks up the baton from 'Compendium' and as such it will be a 40 page collection of thoughts and ideas explored through a series of essays. A safe place to escape the digital monolith, tactile and grounding.
Find out more about the project :: here ::
1st print run sold out - taking pre-orders for a 2nd.
£10 including UK Delivery.
Published by James Hilton Custom Model Railways, printed in the UK. Available from Light Railway Stores and The Titfield Thunderbolt.
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Following on from the first book (below) this paean to small layouts describes how James actually creates his small layouts, before treating us to another 27 all new layout ideas, complete with track plans, sketches, photographs and accompanying words. As in his first volume, the themes and prototypes considered are wide ranging, covering narrow gauge, industrial and some North American and International subjects.All written in a clear and accessible style, full of encouragement, inspiration, information and ideas.
RRP £17.50 (buy from ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ bookshop)
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
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Following on from the first book (below) this paean to small layouts describes how James actually creates his small layouts, before treating us to another 27 all new layout ideas, complete with track plans, sketches, photographs and accompanying words. As in his first volume, the themes and prototypes considered are wide ranging, covering narrow gauge, industrial and some North American and International subjects.All written in a clear and accessible style, full of encouragement, inspiration, information and ideas.
RRP £17.50 (buy from ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ bookshop)
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
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A second collection of impactful images, indulgent, striking, all great examples of the art of railway modelling. The subjects range from small to large layouts and cover British, Continental and North American subjects, each accompanied by words from their creators. Some layouts you will be familiar with, although the images as presented in this book are unlike any you will have seen in print before, allowing full immersion into the subjects portrayed.
RRP £14.50 (buy from ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ bookshop)
Limited print run.
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
RRP £14.50 (buy from ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ bookshop)
Limited print run.
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
____________________________________________
In this book, James 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". 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.
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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 Arendt.
RRP £17.50 Third print run now in stock (buy from 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' bookshop)
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
Out of print…
RRP £18.50 (buy from 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' bookshop)
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
____________________________________________
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 Arendt.
RRP £17.50 Third print run now in stock (buy from 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' bookshop)
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
Out of print…
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.
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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. The format will be the same as the first - perfect bound magazine with 40 pages, art paper with card covers.
Sold out - Limited to 60 copies.
£15 including UK Delivery.
Published by James Hilton Custom Model Railways, printed by Blurb in the Netherlands.
____________________________________________
Sold out - Limited to 60 copies.
£15 including UK Delivery.
Published by James Hilton Custom Model Railways, printed by Blurb in the Netherlands.
____________________________________________
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. The format will be the same as the first - perfect bound magazine with 40 pages, art paper with card covers.
Sold out - Limited to 60 copies.
£15 including UK Delivery.
Published by James Hilton Custom Model Railways, printed by Blurb in the Netherlands.
____________________________________________
The third Compendium is another 40 page collection of thoughts and ideas. This edition continues the personal reflections on my relationship with the hobby as I work through some of the darker days of winter.
Sold out - Limited to 60 copies.
£15 including UK Delivery.
Published by James Hilton Custom Model Railways, printed by Blurb in the Netherlands.
____________________________________________
Sold out - Limited to 60 copies.
£15 including UK Delivery.
Published by James Hilton Custom Model Railways, printed by Blurb in the Netherlands.
____________________________________________
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. The images 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.
Sold out - Limited print run.
RRP £14.50
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
Thank you for your support, if you enjoy my website please consider buying me a coffee.
Sold out - Limited print run.
RRP £14.50
Published and printed in the UK by Wild Swan.
Thank you for your support, if you enjoy my website please consider buying me a coffee.