Meisterschule Modellbahnbau — Stein, Augustus 1993

📖 Meisterschule Modellbahnbau: Vorbildtreue Gestaltung von Bahn und Landschaft by Bernhard Stein (1993, Augustus Verlag, Augsburg) — A comprehensive German-language masterclass on building realistic model railway layouts and landscapes, written by one of the world’s most prolific model railway builders.

QUICK FACTS

• Author: Bernhard Stein, professional model railway layout builder and world record holder with approximately 250 layouts and dioramas
• Publisher: Augustus Verlag GmbH, Augsburg (distributed by Weltbild Verlag)
• Year: 1993, first edition, printed in Germany
• Format: Hardcover with pictorial boards, teal cloth spine
• Pages: 168+ | ISBN: 3-8043-0147-9
• Condition: Full report below

THE STORY

Bernhard Stein brings an unusual path to model railroading: trained as a church painter and restorer (passing the Meisterprüfung), he studied journalism, then became a professional pilot — a background that gave him a literal bird’s-eye view of landscapes to recreate in miniature. In the 1980s he built exhibition layouts for Faller and Märklin, many still on display today. He has also contributed to Roco and Märklin track plan books and developed the Heki-Dur scenery board system. At around 70 years old he remains active as an industry consultant.

This book distills decades of professional technique into ten structured chapters, covering the full arc from motif selection and scale planning through track layout, construction, landscape design, and finishing touches. With over 270 color photographs and technical diagrams, it serves as both a step-by-step tutorial and a reference work for serious hobbyists pursuing realistic, exhibition-quality results.

THIS EDITION

The 1993 first edition from Augustus Verlag, Augsburg. Set in Rockwell type by Cicero Lasersatz, Augsburg; produced by Neue Stalling, Oldenburg. Cover design by Bine Cordes, Weyarn; editing by Manfred Braun. Original retail price DM 39.90. All photographs by the author, taken from layouts built at the Atelier Bernhard Stein.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Einleitung (Introduction, p. 7) — Motif selection, observation, the golden ratio, scale and proportion, layout themes, historical epochs, style errors, layout location, basic layout forms, model railway system selection
• Die Anlagenplanung (Layout Planning, p. 33) — Track plan concepts, passenger and freight stations, hump yards, locomotive depots, final track plan drawing
• Der Anlagenrohbau (Layout Construction, p. 49) — Frames, transferring track plans, structural framework
• Die Bahnkörpergestaltung (Track Bed Design, p. 57) — Laying tracks, ballasting, weathering rails, loading gauge, tunnel construction, retaining walls, bridges, viaducts, catenary installation
• Die Anlagensteuerung (Layout Control, p. 82) — Train control, signals, automatic operation, block operation, route control
• Die farbige Anlagengestaltung (Color Design, p. 96) — Light and color theory, color mixing, harmony, application techniques
• Die Landschaftsgestaltung (Landscape Design, p. 101) — Terrain modeling, rock structures, mountain building, vegetation, roads, water bodies, winter landscapes
• Spezielle Gestaltungstips (Special Tips, p. 134) — Polystyrene construction, weathering buildings, background design, layout lighting
• Stichwortverzeichnis (Index, p. 155)

ILLUSTRATIONS

Over 270 color photographs and technical diagrams by the author. Interior images show detailed model railway layouts featuring Alpine village scenes with red trains on viaducts, mountain tunnels carved into rocky terrain, village stations with buildings and roads, and complete track plan diagrams with symbol legends. The photography demonstrates professional-quality model scenery including realistic rock formations, vegetation, water features, and architectural weathering.

WHY IT MATTERS

• Bernhard Stein holds the world record for the most model railway layouts and dioramas built by a single person (approximately 250)
• The book covers the complete workflow from initial concept to finished, exhibition-ready layout — a scope rarely found in a single volume
• Stein’s professional background (church painting, aviation) brings unusual artistic and observational perspectives to miniature landscape creation
• Still referenced by the German model railway community as a foundational technique guide for realistic scenic modeling

FREQUENTLY ASKED

What edition is this? This is the 1993 first edition, published by Augustus Verlag, Augsburg. A second edition appeared in 2001 (ISBN 3-8043-0986-0).

What condition is it in? Very good — full report below.

Is it in English? No. The text is entirely in German. However, the 270+ photographs and diagrams are largely self-explanatory for non-German readers.

FOR COLLECTORS

This copy is a well-preserved example of the 1993 first edition with pictorial boards retaining vivid original color and a tight, sound binding. The book’s combination of comprehensive technique coverage, extensive photography, and the author’s unparalleled professional credentials make it a useful reference for any serious HO-scale modeler working with German prototype layouts.

Condition Report

Overall Grade: Pictorial boards retain vivid original color with board corners lightly bumped.

Text Block & Pages: Pages are crisp and clean on off-white paper. Color photographs, diagrams, and text blocks remain well-preserved without markings.

Binding: Square and tight binding with sound hinges.

See accompanying images for full condition details.

Will ship promptly, carefully packaged.

HFB-SEO-v1: 2026-08-03

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