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Model Railroad Philosophy Articles

A Different Perspective

Using HO-scale structures in the background in deep corners can yield an effective forced-perspective.

A Little Philosophy

The author discusses how the hobby has progressed in terms of product quality over the decades and how scratchbuilding is viewed from different perspectives.

A Perfect Shot in the Foot

The author's observations about the behavior of long-time S-scalers.

ABC's of S

The President of the Train Collector's Association shares his views of S-scale.

Are You In The Mood?

Consider period music to put you in the mood for modeling, or to enhance the overall experience of your layout.

Bill's Boiler Wash

The author covers some info about changes within the NASG organization. The majority of the article is about the incorrect use of "gauge" vs. "scale" within S-scale and the industry in general. Gauge is the distance between the rails, and scale is the ratio to the prototype that we are modeling.

Commentary

Although the entry is not accredited an author, there is an opinion piece in the back of the magazine where the author believes that modeling in a minority scale, such as S, and more specifically Sn3, is a perfect scale for those who wish to not be tempted into "buying" their way into a nice layout, but rather be "forced" to have to build the things he or she wants for the layout.

Consider Narrow Gauge

The author describes narrow gauge modeling and compares it to standard gauge modeling.

Crossing the Line

Thoughts about realizing that there's only a limited amount of time to accomplish the modeling work one can accomplish in life.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

What kinds of questions are faced by those who enter the model railroading hobby?

Did We Forget Something?

The author's vision of the future with regard to S hasn't come true, yet.

Do You Consider Yourself A Craftsman?

Calling oneself a "craftsman" is more than just putting together an expensive "craftsman" kit; it is about creatively using every-day items to build realistic scenes. The article covers topics that will help the reader become more of a crafts-person. Includes many photos of scenes the author has built, and a sidebar on using paints.

Expand Your Horizons

Tips and ideas on how to get out of a modeling rut.

Food For Thought

The term "craftsman" implies a level of workmanship that may present a barrier-to-entry for most people, which the author wishes to dispel in this article.

From the Observation Lounge

The author makes a case for how S-scale is affordable.

From the Observation Lounge

Concepts that bridge the gaps between narrow-gauge, scale, and hi-rail modelers.

From the Observation Lounge

Consider using parts from HO- and O-scale kits to make the buildings you want, outside of scratchbuilding.

From the Observation Lounge

Comparing the current (1995) state of S-scale to the 1950s state of HO-scale. What caused the growth in S-scale in the 1970s? Is there really a superior scale to model in? Why would someone choose modeling in S-scale over any of the other scales?

From the Observation Lounge

The author describes the concept of creativity in modeling.

From the Observation Lounge

The author describes how model railroading is more of an art, so he compares the typical art world and how that applies to our hobby.

From the Observation Lounge

The author is considering adding Sn3 to his interests.

Geno's Corner

Finding a your spot along the prototype-adoption scale, but don't be afraid of not being a rivet-counter.

Getting Real

Why prototype modeling? Several other Yosemite Valley modelers are asked why they chose to model a prototype.

Getting Real

Why prototype modeling? The author explains that he likes doing the prototype research.

Getting Real

Why prototype modeling?

Getting Real

Why prototype modeling?

Growing S Scale

The editor opines that the way to grow S-scale is by making products available, and not to rely too heavily on limited-runs.

Growth of the Scale

The author suggests that our primary audience for switching to S-scale should be the HO-scale modeler.

Imagineering Column

The author shares ideas, using his home layout as an example, of how he has broken the model railroading rules to make a unique layout.

In Defense of Freelancing

The author makes the point that even those who claim to be building prototype layouts are still freelancing. He says that those people are really freelancers working within a prototype theme. The article discusses the unfortunate compromises we all have to make to fit a layout in our given space.

Is Convenience The Key to Growth?

The author postulates that the growth of the scales other than S has been due to the convenient availability of ready-to-run product, of which S seems to have always lagged behind a bit.

Is Model Railroading A Dying Hobby?

The author discusses several topics to help determine if the hobby is dying. If not, what is it that we can do to help bring in new blood?

Is Prototype Modeling for You?

How does one decide where on the freelance-to-prototype scale one decides to model? The author leans toward more prototype fidelity.

Jeff's Junction

The author proposed the idea of promoting S-scale as the "last builder's scale".

Jeff's Junction

What should be defined as the "standard S-scale modeling" at this point in time? Associating S-scale with A.C. Gilbert in the late 1990s makes no sense, since the company has been gone for many decades. The author proposes code 125 hi-rail as the current default definition of what S-scale is.

Jeff's Junction

What should be defined as the "standard S-scale modeling" at this point in time? The author continues with last issue's discussion covering track and coupler default standards.

Jeff's Junction

Consider the idea of quality over quantity, e.g. building a smaller layout, especially if you are new to S-scale.

Jeff's Junction

The idea of introducing both idealism and humor into our model railroads.

Jeff's Junction

The author describes the "pros" for modeling the transition era, and the "pros" for modeling the modern era, and answers the question of whether the transition era is still #1.

Jeff's Junction

The visual appeal of S-scale models becomes apparent when seen in person.

Jeff's Junction

The author answers the question: Is S-scale still a scrounger scale? With Lionel and American Models much more is available.

Jeff's Junction

Why do we procrastinate working on our model railroading projects?

Jeff's Junction

How do we go about promoting S-scale to the hi-rail modelers?

Jeff's Junction

Keeping "model" in model railroading. The hobby still requires model building.

Lessons Learned

The author asked several modelers about what they consider to be top lessons learned in their decades of modeling, and he summarizes them in this article. Includes photos of the layouts built by these modelers.

Limited Modeler

How to stay motivated when you are in between layouts.

Looking Backwards to Move Forwards

When it is difficult to remain motivated, the author thinks about his past successes and find the energy to work on the current project. He is building a traction layout. Includes photos of his past On3 layout, and his current efforts.

Mentoring

The author indicates that mentors are available for helping someone to build a layout in S-scale.

Midgage Mumblings

Show enthusiasm for our scale.

Midgauge Mumblings

We are all collectors at heart, or so the magazine's editor postulates.

Mini-projects

The author describes moments he grabs here and there to get a little bit of progress done on some of his larger projects. Over time this adds up and suddenly you have a finished model, or a complete scene.

My Two Cents Worth

Although S tinplate layouts are fun for small kids with all their animations, does it really inspire the more serious model railroaders to leave their current scale and model in true S scale? That is the question the author poses.

Narrow Budget Narrow Gauge

Why would we want to model a narrow gauge?

Narrow Minded

Why narrow gauge? O-scale narrow gauge is more fun and allows for more space, argues the author.

Narrow Minded

The author answers his own questions he posed in the previous issue's column about what he enjoys most in the hobby.

New Orders

Dealing with aging and doing what you can still do to enjoy the hobby.

On With Stumpy Stone

The author makes notes of how different people like to do different things within the hobby and don't like other things, resulting in things done well and other not so well. It is important to enjoy yourself and recognize your talents.

On With Stumpy Stone

The importance of road names, and being creative in choosing your own.

On With Stumpy Stone

Ideas on stretching hobby funds.

OS from S Tower

The author answers the question, "Why do I like the oddball scale S?" (having switched from many years in HO-scale).

OS from S Tower

The author proposed ideas for the main S-scale manufacturers to implement.

OS from S Tower

What kind of modeling can one do during a period of economic recession? The author provides a list of ideas that cost little or no money.

OS from S Tower

The author captures his thoughts on how far you are willing to compromise on your layout to model the real world, and what is the definition of "good enough".

Playing or Creating?

The editor describes how he interacts with those who might perceive the hobby of model railroading as being associated with something only adolescents are involved with.

Possibilities

Sn3 needs an affordable steam locomotive to attract modelers that are turned-off by the high cost of brass models.

Practice Makes Perfect

Hardly anyone is born with model-building talent, so we all must learn how to do it. What else is required?

President's Message

Is critiquing a brass model in a public forum a good idea before consulting with the manufacturer first?

President's Message

Why has S-scale not grown at the rate the N-scale and G-gauge has done since their introduction?

President's Message

Constant promotion is the key to bringing in new modelers.

Procrastination

How to handle it, and how to overcome it by pushing projects along just a little at a time.

Publisher's Musing

Should "dream layout" be removed from our vocabulary?

Publisher's Musings

The author speculates on what he would do differently if he were starting a new layout.

Respect Through Knowledge

So, why doesn't model railroading receive the same level of respect as other pastimes?

S in the Future

After briefly reviewing the history of S, the author proposes that we latch onto Lionel and MTH as the main drivers for the future of S-scale modeling.

S Tracks

Sam has come to the conclusion that we tend to criticize our own and even others' layouts. This article reminds us that this is just a hobby and that model railroads are because we enjoy the act of creating and enjoying the results.

S Tracks

Stress is a killer, and model railroading, in moderation, can be the cure, or so the author proposes.

S Tracks

Keeping notes about your layout in a three-ring binder, even if some information is stored in a computer program, because you can bring a notebook with you when visiting friends. Keeping information such as the background story, track plans, prototype info, operating scheme, etc.

Sage Advice

Bob provides lots of tips and suggestions.

Saving Our Scale

The author is trying to drum up support for two-rail O-scale modeling, by creating a blog.

Scale Scene

The author discusses philosophies held by some S-scale modelers, and things he would like to see be manufactured in the scale.

Scale Scene

This is the author's second-to-last column, and he provides his views on the current state of S-scale and what he has learned since he started writing the column.

Size is the Key

It is the size of S- and O-scale equipment that attracted the author to S-scale.

State of Two-Rail O Scale, an Update

This article covers efforts related to the future of two-rail O-scale modeling. Includes several photos taken at train shows.

Straight & Narrow

Is Sn3 able to compete with the other scales' narrow-gauges? The author describes what happened with Bachmann introducing their On30 product line.

Switching Eras is Almost Like Switching Scales... Almost

What it is like to change modeling eras, especially going back in time. The author switches from 1950 to 1924.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

After explaining what Sn3 is, the author describes the benefits of Sn3 over HOn3.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

This is a product review for the Berlyn Locomotive Works Sn3 car kit, a C&S Type II box car. Includes a photo. Part of the article got chopped off during editing of the magazine; the text is included in the next issue's column.

The Dreaded Nitpicker

Avoid being a nitpicker, so that you can enjoy the hobby.

The Great Layouts

What makes a layout "great"?

The Last Stop

The author was asked to predict the future of S-scale.

The Straight & Narrow

The author makes an argument for why one might want to model in narrow gauge.

Things Evolve in Your Modeling

The author shares his personal story about how he evolved in his modeling interests, and how some well-known S-scale modelers are doing something similar now.

To Clutter or Not?

Should we add clutter to our layouts and dioramas?

What About Narrow Gauge?

The author makes a case for why one might consider changing to modeling in Sn3.

What I'd Like to Have in S

The author has a large model train collection, as well as a large AF layout. However, there are still things he would like to see manufactured, so he shares his thoughts on that subject.

Where's the Leading Edge?

Of what would a layout consist to be considered to be on the leading edge of model railroad philosophy?

Which Comes First?

Are we are railfan first or a model railroader? The author shares his life's experiences.

You Can Do It!

Learning how to go beyond our comfort zones to grow our skillset.