Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Magazine Authors
Magazine Articles By John Armstrong
Layout Plan for a Santa Fe Branch Line
Magazine:
Model Railroader 2006-08
Page:
56
Category:
Layout Design
Scale:
HO
The late author discusses how he developed a track plan for a client, Jared Harper, to model the ATSF Alma District in a 13' by 19' space.
Mainline Through the Mountains
Magazine:
Model Railroader 2005-04
Page:
61
Category:
Layout Design
Scale:
HO
The master of track design discusses how he met his client's requirements for modeling a portion of the Southern Pacific's Shasta Route. The article includes diagrams for the mushroom-style, 22' x 45' layout.
Meet the Mushroom
Magazine:
Model Railroader 1987-10
Page:
80
Category:
Layout Design
This article introduces the now famous mushroom design where both levels on a double-deck layout are at an ideal height simply by having a step-up platform for the higher elevation. The solution is embedded in an article about how he designed a large layout for one of his clients.
Signaling and Operation on the Canandaigua Southern
Magazine:
Model Railroader 1996-09
Page:
98
Category:
Signaling
Scale:
O
The late John Armstrong describes how he built and manages the signals on his O-scale layout. The article includes a trackplan of his layout, several photos, and construction drawings for the signals he uses. He then describes how they use a computer during operating sessions.
The Appalachian Southern
Magazine:
Model Railroader 1982-06
Page:
93
Category:
Layout Design
Scale:
HO
A double-deck HO-scale layout for a medium-sized room.
Towards Reliable Operation
Magazine:
Model Railroader 1979-09
Page:
72
Category:
Track
Tips on what to do to keep trains on the tracks. Topics include flange profiles (prototype vs. model), trucks form a triangle for stability, lateral-to-vertical wheel force ratios, car weighting, and fool-proof wiring.