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**to see book reviews and comments scroll to bottom of page**

The book is written for beginning tuners. While instructional, its also entertaining. From the user-friendly spiral binding to the large sharply focused photos in the text the reader was kept in mind.  Placed on the workbench for easy reference or read in a comfortable easy chair, it will explain how and why.  This book will be a welcome addition to any modelers library.

BOOK REVIEWS:

SHORT LINE & NARROW GAUGE GAZETTE    MAY/JUNE 2007 PAGE 91

     The Author of this Book rebuilds MDC HO gauge Climaxes commercially.  Ron LaFever has rebuilt some 200 of these models to make them run smoothly.  Once these locomotives are fine tuned, he calls them "LaFever Climaxes." This book is divided into 59 sections, showing you, in detail each step to take in rebuilding a MDC Climax the way Ron does. The clear, precise text is accompanied by many photos and diagrams. The tools needed are listed along with hints on using them. The photos and text show you where to drill holes, where to solder wires, and how to modify and balance the motor. There is information on truing the wheels, polishing the wheel treads, making better pickups, working with flywheels, testing your mechanism, adding details, and adding and balancing weights. There are pages of exploded views of a MDC Climax, a parts breakdown, and an exploded view of a truck. There is even a scale miles per hour chart.

Dont be put off by the fact that the "centerpiece" of this book, the HO MDC Climax, is no longer sold.  The author begins by reviewing seven basics, applicable to making any model locomotive run better.  He just uses the MDC Climax to illustrate how he puts these basics into practice and states that his book is " really a primer for tuning any locomotive." Bob Brown, editor.

RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN - May 2007 issue - top of page 30.  Reprinted here courtesy of RMC.

"Tuning for Beginners: Building the LaFever Climax, by Ron LaFever (149 NW 30th St., Paris, Tx. 75450), is a new, self-published book written for modelers interested in learning how to improve a locomotive's performance by striping it down and fine tuning the chassis. The 8.5" X 11" 60 page, spiral-bound volume is written in a step-by-step format and is illustrated with large photo's. It sells for 12.50, plus 2.50 for shipping in the U.S. For more information see the author's website....."

Note: Media Mail has been running 4-6 weeks delivery. First Class is 2-5 days delivery for almost the same price.  The correct zip code is 75460.

MODEL RAILROADER - June 2007 issue, page 16 under BOOKS.  See page 17 for manufacturers contact information.

COMMENTS:

Tom Bailey

"Ron: you asked what impressed me? The thoroughness of what you do. You left nothing that I can think of unexamined, with explanations on how to check it and what to look for. Specifically, I really liked the listening part. Im familiar with the technique for big stuff, but it never occurred to me to try it with models. You have put together more good tips and techniques for tuning then Ive seen anywhere else, and there have been numerous tuning articles in the 50 or so years Ive been reading about it. You done good".

NOTE: Toms two-part article on "Customizing a generic model for a specific prototype: Part 1 & 2 appeared in the August and September 2006 issues of Railroad Model Craftsman.

Remo Bianco

"Hello Ron - Have been reading the book. Busy time to start any modifications. Just want to say as a retired technical writer and publications judge I am impressed with the composition, layout and graphics. Looks like a good job. Sincerely, retired writer but life time judge Remo Bianco"

Al Reibel

Hello!  I got the book today and I'm impressed! I've never seen such a thorough study, not to mention all the great advice.  If you decide to do a tune up book for steam locomotives, put me first on the list!

Thanks,  Al Reibel

Al - most of what's in my book also aplies to steam locos.  The same techniques and tips apply to any loco.  The one big technique exclusive to steam is "Quartering". And that is not "Tuning for Beginners".