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Structures - Trackside Articles

A Boxcar Shanty on the Ground

The author built this MOW building from a spare body made by Smoky Mountain Model Works. Includes a couple of photos.

A Collection of "Railroady Atmosphere"

Drawings of things one could find near the tracks, such as signs, small structures, and a well-water handpump.

A Few Things You Can't Live Without

Various details that are needed to make a more complete layout, such as instrument houses (B.T.S.) and staircases (Kaw Valley Designs).

A Kitbashed Switch Tower

The author combines a Plasticville and Monster Model Works kit to create a unique tower.

A Manual Signal That Protects a Crossing

This article describes the construction of a hand-operated interlocking device to protect a shortline junction near Caledonia, N.Y. Includes scale drawings and prototype photos.

A Rare Re-platforming Through Paoli

The history and current status of the Paoli Interlocking.

A Small Brick Multi-use Structure

The author describes how he built this building that could be used as either a yard office, crossing watchman's shelter, or a scale house. He draws bricks on cream-colored file folders. Includes scale drawings and step-by-step instructions.

A Small Handcar Shed

This structure is typical, but it is not based on any prototype. It roughly measures 16 by 8 by 10 scale feet (l x w x h). Includes a scale drawing.

A Small Industry

An unloading ramp with a chain link fence enclosure at Southern Pacific trackage in the southeast sector of Sacramento, California. Includes prototype photo and a track plan of the area.

A Small Industry

A belt elevator that moves material from below-the-track up on to something else. The one described here was found along the Southern Pacific rails, in Sacramento, California. Includes prototype photos.

A Small Industry

A small platform and a storage tank are placed next to a spur to allow a tank car with anhydrous ammonia to fill the tank when needed. Includes 4 prototype photos and instructions for how to model the scene in S.

A Tall Tale Making Tell-tales

The author describes how he built his model out of brass.

A Wood Loading Rack for Tank Cars

The author describes how he built a wooden loading rack.

Adena, OH Coal Loader

Prototype photos and scale drawings are included in this article about a small coal loader in Adena, Ohio. The loader was on a spur of the Nickel Plate Road, and the photos were taken around 1970.

Alleghany VA Signaling Project

After covering prototype information about this tower at the summit of the Alleghany Mountains, the author describes how he simulates the signaling on his layout, including using Arduinos. In addition to prototype and model photos, the article also includes his Arduino code for controlling the signaling.

An Elevated Watchman's Shanty

A brief article with a prototype photo and scaled drawings of the shanty in Erie, Pennsylvania.

An Interlocking Tower

The author kitbashed a switch tower and a tool house kit by Bachmann into one cohesive structure. Model photos only.

An Old Trackside Barn

Building a trackside barn to house food for cattle transportation. The building is made from coffee stir sticks.

An operating mail crane

How to model a working mail crane, used by passenger trains to quickly grab the local mail without slowing down or stopping.

An Operating Windmill

The author describes how he built an operating windmill in both HO- and N-scale using the HO-scale Campbell windmill kit. The design is to use vibration to cause the windmill's blades to spin.

AR Tower Part 3

Prototype photo of the interior of the tower. Modeling the switch levers and their cabinet, track diagram, and the completed interior detailing.

Baltimore & Ohio Privy

Drawings of this structure.

BK Tower

Randy told Dick Karnes about how he built the P&LE Beck's Run (BK) tower, and why. Includes model photos.

Blueprints

Diagrams and photos of the C&O coaling station at Thurmond, West Virginia.

Boston & Maine Railroad Crossing Tower

Drawings of the tower that was found in Lincoln, Massachussetts.

Box Car Out Buildings

How the prototype uses box car for track-side buildings. Includes many prototype photos.

Build a Pedestrian Overpass

Scratchbuild a multi-track pedestrian bridge. Includes scale drawing, parts list, and lost of construction photos.

Building a Simple Line-side Structure: Milk Station

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this small milk shed structure and platform. Includes drawings, and construction photos.

Building a Tool and Section Car House

Prototype and model photos, scale drawings, and construction details accompany this article about how to build this simple structure.

Building a Track Scale

The author goes through the steps in which he builds a scale complete with divergent rails.

Building a Trackside Shed

The author describes how he built this Motrak Models' kit and added many details to it. Includes several construction photos.

Building a Working Train Order Signal

The author describes how he built this working train order signal. It is a model of a unit that is not attached to the structure itself. It uses two Tortoise machines to operate the two blades. Construction photos and diagrams are included.

Building Blocks

Creating blocks of wood which are then covered with scale strip wood, door and roof treatments. Simple and effective. Includes step-by-step photos.

Building Burnsville Jct.'s Service Platform

The author describes how he built this platform used to service engines. Includes materials list, and prototype and model photos.

Caboose Stove-oil Tank

Prototype and model photos of a gravity-feed caboose oil storage tank filler.

CNS&M Flagstop Shelter

This article describes a small shelter found along the Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee railroad tracks. Includes prototype photos and scale drawings (just the prototype information, no modeling notes or photos).

Coal Storage Bunker Part 2

In this installment of the series the author actually describes the construction of this structure as found in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Includes many construction photos and drawings.

Coal Storage Facility

The author converted a gondola into a yard coal storage bin by cutting it in half, adding a fake bottom, and several details. Prototype and model photos included.

Coal Yard Scale and Office Building

This structure belongs to the coal storage bunker covered in the January and February 1972 RMC issues. It has a covered scale building connected to a small office. The office building is still being used (at the time of the article). Prototype photos from most angles, and scale drawings accompany the article.

Common Standard Section Tool House

Original scaled drawings of a Union Pacific standard section house. Drawing is pretty low-quality and there is no text with it.

Compact Covered-hopper Loader

The modern-day loader is located on a farm and is used to load corn and soybeans into hoppers. Consisting of not much more than a duct and the structural members to hold it up, it makes a small track-side industry to model. Includes many prototype photos and scale drawings.

Conditions of ex-PRR Tunnels Becoming Critical

Salt water damage done to the Hudson River tunnels due to Hurricane Sandy and causing their rapid deterioration.

Conrail Track Scale and Switchman Shanty

Includes prototype photos and scale drawings for both structures. They are modeled after the ones found in the Coxton Yard of the Lehigh Valley RR in Coxton, Pennsylvania.

Cork Tower, Lancaster Pa., Pictorial

Photos of this tower.

Detailing the Right-of-way 3

In this installment the author covers trackside communication systems, safety, and maintenance equipment.

East Stroudsburg Interlocking Tower

This article about the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western RR includes a couple of prototype photos, a model photo, and scale drawings.

Elevated Crossing Gate Tower

These small raised shanties are used near busy road crossings over track. Includes a prototype photo and scaled drawings.

Enhancing an N-scale Tower

The article describes how to upgrade a Dimi Trains kit to make the model look like the prototype tower along the Northeast corridor, which the author photographed. Includes drawings of the changes made to the stock kit. Includes tips on how to create the corbels and how to build scale stairs.

Erie RR Gantry Crane

Small cranes like these could be found at medium to large freight stations on team tracks. They were used to unload materials from flat or gondola cars onto other flat or gondola cars or onto local freight trucks. The prototype model described here was found at the Erie RR track at the Calumet Iron Works. Scale drawings and overhead truck design diagrams are included.

Gardners, PA (Reading) 2-hole Outhouse

Photos and drawings of a two-stall outhouse.

GO Tower on the MR&T

The author describes how he built this freelanced generic interlocking tower for the Kalmbach club layout. It includes construction photos, drawings, a bill of materials, and track placement.

Hartland Mill and Elevator

The author converts an HO-scale Life-Like "Supply House" kit into an S-scale model. Includes several photos of the finished model.

Hobo Signs

How to model hobo signs on the layout.

Hobo Signs & Symbols

The sign "language" that hobos use to communicate with each other. Includes several common signs.

How to Scratchbuild a Handcar Shed

The author describes how he built this Duluth, Missabe & Northern Railway shed. Includes finished-model photos and scale drawings.

Illinois Central Interlocking Tower

Modern-day photos of the IC tower south of Chicago in Kankakee, Illinois. Includes a scaled drawing.

Illinois Central Scale House

Prototype and model photos accompany this article about a very small structure which is vital to the financial success of the yard operations of a railroad. Also included are scale drawings.

Instrument Cases and Where to Find Them

The author describes these devices, how they are constructed (via exploded diagrams), and where they would be located on the prototype.

Instrument Houses

Instrument houses are larger versions of the structures described in the June 1981 issue. In addition to describing their purpose, the author also includes prototype photos and detailed drawings of several versions of these small buildings, with tips on how one can model these.

Interlocking Towers

Thoughts on how the author built his interlocking tower for his layout.

John Street Tower

Prototype photos and scale drawings of the tower found on the CN and CP main lines in Toronto.

Kitbash a Log Loader

This steam-powered McGillicuddy is all you need for a bare-bones logging operation. Includes model and prototype photos, as well as scaled drawings.

Kitbashed Wood Loading Ramp

Using an Accurail Rural Timber Overpass bridge, the author created the end-of-spur unloading ramp that appears to be made out of heavy timbers, much like the prototype.

Kitbashing a Coal Loader

Taking part of the Walthers New River Mine kit to build a truck coal dump loader for a siding. Includes a scale drawing for a weight house, the weigh scale, and the coal truck dump. There are also several photos of the author's model.

Kitbashing a PRR Tower

Starting with an Atlas O-scale signal tower to create this PRR tower. Fully detailed interior is visible via the removable roof.

Kitbashing an O&W-based Crossing Shanty

The article includes a prototype photo, model construction photos, and a parts list. The author build the model from a set of plans for a standard NYO&W shanty. Scale drawings are included for this simple project.

Lackawanna Wheel Crane

This small crane was once used by the Lackawanna railroad in a small car-repair facility near a large yard. Includes one prototype photo and scaled drawings.

Large Scale Shed

Building a structure in a different scale is a good experience, especially one that is destined to go outdoors.

Lighting the Way

The author describes how he built his own illuminated signal lights, purely for scenic effect. Includes a photo and construction diagram.

Loading Ramps

This article describes a TOFC ramp and a team track ramp, with a prototype photo of each as well as scaled drawings.

Mail Crane and Catcher

After a brief description and history behind the mail crane and its hook, the author provides suggestions for how to model them in various scales. Included are prototype photos and several drawings.

Midnight Modeler

Quick tips on how to build a wayside ramp/loading dock.

Midnight Modeler

Drawings for a track inspection speeder shed. A drawing for a paper version is available on page 27.

Mileposts and Scale Miles

Various prototype photos and ways that miles are delineated along the tracks.

Milwaukee Road Water Tank

This article contains photos of the Mid Continent Railway Museum's (in North Freedom, Wisconsin) Milwaukee Road water tank. The article also includes drawings of the structure.

Milwaukee Road's Water Tank at Straw, Montana

One prototype photo and scale drawings accompany this one-page article about the water tank.

Model Mechanical Interlockings

This article describes how to model the piping and infrastructure for the controls of an interlocking tower. Includes lots of close-up detail photos and diagrams, including a detailed drawing of a prototype turnout point mechanism.

Modeling a Heavy-equipment Loading Ramp

The article contains drawings and scale diagrams for a ramp to load heavy equipment onto flat cars.

Modeling a Temporary Yard Office

This article covers how to build a model trailer that is used a temporary yard office. Includes several prototype and model photos.

Modeling Grade Crossings

The article covers all the parts that make up a grade crossing, with prototype spacings and distances between the various components. Scale drawings are included for the crossing signals and gates.

Modeling HO Pennsylvania Railroad Position Light Signals Part 5

This installment covers building a two-arm bridge signal. Includes prototype and model construction photos as well as scale drawings.

Modeling HO Pennsylvania Railroad Position List Signals Part 3

This installment covers some variations on the basic single-arm PL mast signal. Includes model and prototype photos, wiring diagrams, prototype engineering drawing of the signal head, and some model construction photos.

Modeling Telephone Poles

Step-by-step instructions on how the author builds his own telephone poles.

Modeling Track Scales

How to build a model of a narrow gauge track scale. Includes how to glue down track using Walthers Goo.

Montpelier & Wells River RR Water Tank

Scaled drawings and prototype photos of the water tank still in use at Steamtown, PA.

More Structures from Railroad Cars

Prototype photos of railroad cars that now serve a second life as office buildings and storage facilities.

Moving Targets

This article describes how the author built moving switch stand targets. The only restriction is that the targets are not on the turnout's headblocks. It includes construction diagrams and photos.

News From the North

The describes how he converted a Bachmann Plasticville tower into a more accurate S-scale model.

Oil Transloading Platform

Photos, drawings, and a parts list on how to build an oil transloading platform.

Pennsylvania RR's J Tower

The 110-year old Pennsylvania RR's J Tower was moved from Lemoyne, Pa.to the grounds of the Strasburg RR near Lancaster, Pa.

Prototype View - Hancock Yard

This photo essay includes a basic drawing of the Hancock, West Virginia/Hancock, MD yard of the Baltimore & Ohio. The prototype photos are of yard track, the former passenger station at Hancock, MD, four-track signal bridge, a handcar shed, the Hancock Tower, and the old freight house.

PRR Coaling Tower in Renovo Placed on Pennsylvania "at Risk" List

The tower was placed on the at-risk list, meaning that it will get funding and attention to attempt to preserve it. Includes two photos of the tower.

Quick And Easy Loading Dock

The author describes how he scratchbuilt one of these structures using various parts. Includes prototype and model photos, as well as a scale drawing with parts list.

Recycling Rolling Stock That Rolls No More

This article covers railroad equipment without trucks and couplers being used by the railroad, or other owners, in a capacity for which it was not designed. The author shares photos of prototype equipment he found while traveling off the main highways.

Retaining Walls

Bob describes various retaining walls, how to model them, and the article is accompanied by three model photos.

Route to the Redwoods Part 71

In this installment the author describes how he built two Dolbeer Donkeys. These were used to move extremely large logs around in the woods. Include prototype and model photos.

Saltillo Water Tank

Photos and drawings.

Scrap Building a Water Tank

Using some common household items, the author builds a water tank. Includes many construction photos as well as prototype photos.

Scratchbuilding a Shallow-relief Model Based on the Crowl Store

The author took the photos taken by Robert Mohowski (shown in the article in this same issue) and built this shallow structure. Includes model and prototype photos, scale drawings, a parts list, and detailed information on how to build the more complex parts, such as the curve window tops.

Scratchbuilding a Standard PRR Tool House

The author scratchbuilt the entire structure from wood. Includes scale drawings and model photos.

Scratchbuilt Sanding House for a Small Railroad

A brief article about the prototype and construction of the model. Includes one photo.

Short & Easy

The author describes how he modeled an electrical building. Includes a model photo and diagrams.

Short & Easy

The author scratchbuilds a small track-side crossing shanty that he found along the Alaska RR track. Includes one model photo and diagrams.

Short & Easy

The author builds a loading ramp for fork lifts at the loading ramp. Includes a model photo and a diagram.

Short 'n' Easy

Scratchbuilding corrugated-siding and wooden sheds. Includes drawings.

Short And Easy

Ernie Horr shares his design idea for a wooden retaining wall.

Short and Easy

A small whistle-stop station, with a sketch and a photo.

Simple Coal Unloader

The author describes how he built a portable coal unloader scene on his layout. Includes one prototype photo and several layout construction photos.

Simple Crossing Gates

This brief article discusses how to use N-scale crossing gates in an HO layout.

Slow-action Crossing Gates Part 2

This installment covers command control and DC bi-directional circuitry necessary to have a realistically operating crossing gate. It also covers the gate, LED, and bell circuitry, the power supply, and the finishing touches to complete the installation.

State Tower (1937-2016) Closed

State was an ex-PRR main line interlocking tower. Includes a schematic of the area over which it had control, and two interior photos.

Storage Shed & Scenery

Scratchbuilding a storage shed and a scale house. The author's Abingdon module is also starting to get some scenery.

Structures: Simple Construction

How to build a simple track-side structure or shed.

Tankcar Fuel Facility for Ed Sauers' Layout

The author describes how he used an old A.C. Gilbert tank car body to build a freelanced, trackside re-fueling station.

The Atlas Switch Tower

This is an easy-to-build kit. The author did some kitbashing, and added a LED light.

The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Co. Standard Cattle Guard

The title of the scale drawing doesn't match what the actual drawing shows, which is a 20-ton coal house.

The General Store at Crowl, Pennsylvania

The author describes his visit to the general grocery store that sat right at the PRR track, visiting with the current owner reminiscing what it was like back in the day. Includes old and new photos.

The Lowly Shed

Description for building a handcar or storage shed. Two different models are shown in the photos.

The Stiff Leg Derrick at Incline

This is a follow-up article to the author's May/June 2006 Gazette article where he modeled the foundation of this derrick.

The Tower Handcar

Prototype information and the construction of a model that was used to maintain PRR catenary.

Train Order Holder

Drawings and prototype photos accompany this article which describes how the train order holder was used.

Upgrading a Bachmann Coaling Tower

Using the Bachmann kit, the author enhanced the scene building a foundation and bunker, the hoist and drying house, the sand bin, adding tipple details, and concludes with painting and weathering the models.

Utility Poles

Describes how Gary built his telephone and telegraph poles. The article includes typical prototype sizes for the pole and the cross arms and how to simulate the insulators (using beads). Includes step-by-step construction photos.

Warehouses and Rails Part 2

The installment covers the McCracken Van & Storage Co. It includes historical description, prototype photos (old and recent), and scale drawings.

Water Tower

The drawings are in N-scale, but the model built is in HO-scale. Also includes a tools list. The article is basically a construction photo essay.

Wawa Tower in S-Scale

Model photos of this structure.

West Jersey Railroad Freight Dock

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a freight dock. Includes photos and scaled drawings of the model.

What's on Your Workbench Today?

The author shares photos of his construction of the Monster Model Works tower kit for a B&M tower.

Yard Office - Supply Shed

This structure is a freelanced building that could function as a yard office and a supply shed for a small railroad yard. Includes finished model photos, scale drawings, and close-up detail drawings.