Can anyone recommend a good book on detailing and weathering flat cars and box cars for a beginner?

I'm starting to assemble my collection of circus train and wagons I collected over 20 years ago. 

I've found articles years ago using scale wood and the like, but I cannot find any of that now.

Thank You

Dave

I'm an old dog trying to learn a new trick. I've always used L girder construction now for my garage sized project I want to go with dominoes. I plan on using 3/4 birch ripped into 3" strips for the frame and legs, but I wonder about using butt joints with screws or nails going into the edge of the plywood. For some reason it seems weak, even if I reinforced it with wood glue where possible.

Am I missing something obvious, or am I worrying needlessly? Also what size screws work best in this case, or can I just use me nail gun and glue?

I see that the Central Valley ties are supposed to work with code 83 and code 70 rail.  Has anybody tried using them with code 55?  Specifically, I'm thinking of using Micro Engineering rail.

I recently acquired a logging caboose for my freelanced logging line, the Two Hats Lumber Company, from Emmett at loggingcars.com. It was the first car I got from him, and it's a terrific model. I also got a water tank car, and the detail is wonderful. The cars come fully assembled, but unpainted, raw wood. I removed the trucks, and spray painted and weathered the caboose. The base color is caboose red. I then repainted the detail parts. Finally, I lettered it with custom decals and weathered it with an air brush.