Iain Rice

Finescale Factotum
Carpenter’s Cottage
18 New Street
CHAGFORD
TQ13 8BB

Iain Rice, a beloved and influential figure in the model railway community, passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, inspiration, and dedication to the hobby. His contributions have had a lasting impact on model railways, and his work continues to inspire enthusiasts around the world.

Career and Contributions

Iain Rice’s journey in model railways was marked by his exceptional creativity and commitment to excellence. Known for his innovative layout designs, Rice demonstrated that even small and medium-sized layouts could be operationally rich and visually stunning. His designs often showcased a deep understanding of railway operations, combined with an artistic touch for scenic detail.

Publications

Rice was a prolific author, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for model railways through numerous books and articles. His works are celebrated for their clarity, practicality, and inspirational quality, making them accessible to hobbyists of all skill levels. Some of his most notable publications include:

• “Small, Smart & Practical Track Plans”
• “Railway Modelling: The Realistic Way”

In addition to his books, Rice contributed regularly to esteemed model railways magazines such as Model Railway Journal and Model Railroader. His articles often focused on layout design, construction techniques, and the creative processes behind building realistic model railways.

Layout Designs

Iain Rice’s layout designs are revered for their thoughtful planning and meticulous execution. He had a unique talent for maximising the use of available space while maintaining operational interest and scenic beauty. His layouts incorporated intricate track plans, realistic scenery, and detailed structures, creating immersive and engaging model railway experiences.

Professional Services and Consultancy

Beyond his writings, Rice offered consultancy services, helping hobbyists bring their dream layouts to life. His expertise and personalised approach made him a sought-after consultant in the model railway community. Rice’s ability to tailor his designs to the specific needs and preferences of his clients earned him a reputation for excellence and reliability.

Public Engagement

Iain Rice was an active and engaging member of the model railway community. He frequently presented at conventions, workshops, and events, where he shared his extensive knowledge and passion. His presentations were well-regarded for their informative content and engaging style, making him a popular and respected speaker.

Legacy

The passing of Iain Rice in 2022 is a significant loss to the model railway community. His innovative designs, comprehensive writings, and dedicated consultancy work have left an indelible mark on the hobby. Rice’s practical yet creative approach set new standards for layout design and construction, inspiring countless hobbyists worldwide.

Books

• Rice, Iain. Plastic Structure Kits: Making the Most of the Wills Scenic Series. Wild Swan Publications, 1988.
• Rice, Iain. Whitemetal Locos: A Kitbuilder’s Guide. Wild Swan Publications, 1989.
• Rice, Iain. An Approach to Model Railway Layout Design: Finescale in Small Spaces. Wild Swan Publications, 1990.
• Rice, Iain. Etched Loco Construction. Wild Swan Publications, 1990.
• Rice, Iain. An Approach to Building Finescale Track in 4mm. Wild Swan Publications, 1991.
• Rice, Iain. Light Railway Layout Designs. Wild Swan Publications, 1991.
• Rice, Iain. Detailing and Improving Ready to Run Wagons. Irwell Press, 1993.
• Rice, Iain. Getting the Best from Plastic Wagon Kits. Irwell Press, 1993.
• Rice, Iain. Locomotive Kit Chassis Construction in 4mm. Wild Swan Publications, 1993.
• Rice, Iain. Detailing and Improving Ready to Run Locos. Irwell Press, 1994.
• Rice, Iain, editor. An Introduction to 4mm Fine Scale Railway Modelling. Hawkshill Publishing, 1995.
• Rice, Iain, editor. Newton Abbot: 150 Years a Railway Town. Hawkshill Publishing, 1996.
• Rice, Iain. A Pragmatic Guide to Building, Wiring and Laying PCB Track. RailModel, 1997.
• Rice, Iain. Small, Smart & Practical Track Plans. Kalmbach Publishing Co., 2000.
• Rice, Iain. Devon Firefighter: A Century of Courage and Service. Halsgrove, 2000.
• Rice, Iain. Designs for Urban Layouts. Atlantic Transport Publishers, 2002.
• Rice, Iain. The Book of Chagford: A Town Apart. Halsgrove, 2002.
• Rice, Iain. Mainlines in Modest Spaces. Atlantic Transport Publishers, 2003.
• Rice, Iain. Mid-Sized & Manageable Track Plans. Kalmbach Publishing Co., 2003.
• Rice, Iain. Railway Modelling: The Realistic Way. J. H. Haynes & Co., 2007.
• Rice, Iain. Shelf Layouts for Model Railroads. Kalmbach Publishing Co., 2009.
• Rice, Iain. Realistic Railway Modelling: Layout Design. J. H. Haynes & Co., 2010.
• Rice, Iain. Realistic Railway Modelling: Locomotives. J. H. Haynes & Co., 2013.
• Rice, Iain. Modelling with Plastic Structure Kits: Getting the Best from the Wills and Ratio Ranges. Wild Swan Publications, 2014.
• Rice, Iain. Compact Layout Design. Kalmbach Publishing Co., 2015.
• Rice, Iain. Creating Cameo Layouts. Wild Swan Publications, 2016.

Magazine Articles

• Rice, Iain. “Neilson Box Tanks.” Model Railways, vol. 7, no. 6, June 1978.
• Rice, Iain. “Tregarrick Yard.” Model Railways, vol. 8, no. 6, June 1979.
• Rice, Iain. “Hercules.” Model Railways, November 1979.
• Rice, Iain. “Progress Report.” Model Railways, December 1979.
• Rice, Iain. “Tregarrick – A Brief History.” Model Railway Constructor, May 1980.
• Rice, Iain. “Essays in Etched Engineering: Beginning The Barnums.” Model Railways, vol. 8, no. 664, May 1980.
• Rice, Iain. “Tregarrick Regained.” Model Railways, January 1981.
• Rice, Iain. “Tregarrick Regained 2.” Model Railways, February 1981.
• Rice, Iain. “The Walrus and the Carpenter.” Model Railways, June 1981.
• Rice, Iain. “Tregarrick Tribulations.” Model Railways, February 1982.
• Rice, Iain. “The Bringewood Tales 1 – The Surveyor’s Tale.” Model Railways, vol. 12, no. 698, February 1983.
• Rice, Iain. “The Bringewood Tales 2 – The Contractor’s Tale.” Model Railways, vol. 12, no. 699, March 1983.
• Rice, Iain. “The Bringewood Tales – The Ganger’s Tale, Part 1.” Model Railways, vol. 12, no. 701, May 1983.
• Rice, Iain. “The Bringewood Tales – The Ganger’s Tale, Part 2.” Model Railways, vol. 12, no. 702, June 1983.
• Rice, Iain. “Bringewood Tales – The Linesman’s Tale.” Model Railways, vol. 12, no. 703, July 1983.
• Rice, Iain. “The East Suffolk Light.” Model Railways, May 1984.
• Rice, Iain. “The Virginia Teardrop.” Model Railroad Planning, 1999.
• Rice, Iain. “Fitting the Layout into the Room.” Model Railroad Planning, 2000.
• Rice, Iain. “The Peterboro Project.” Model Railroad Planning, 2000.
• Rice, Iain. “A Case For A Good Dose Of Sky.” Model Railroad Planning, 2001.
• Rice, Iain. “4 x 8 Feet On The Water.” Model Railroad Planning, 2002.
• Rice, Iain. “Short Lines in HO and N.” Model Railroad Planning, 2003.
• Rice, Iain. “Expandable Track Plans.” Model Railroad Planning, 2006.
• Rice, Iain. “Shelf Layout Design Tips.” Model Railroad Planning, 2007.
• Rice, Iain. “4×8 With Wings.” Model Railroad Planning, 2011.
• Rice, Iain. “Versatile Room-Size Layout.” Model Railroad Planning, 2012.
• Rice, Iain. “2 Shadowbox Plans for On2½.” Model Railroad Planning, 2013.
• Rice, Iain. “The Case for Cameos.” Model Railroad Planning, 2019.