Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Model Railroader 1991-01
Articles Listing

The New Poco Valley

Reclaiming the space used by his children's layout, the author expanded and completed the basement before building this "E"-shaped layout. The article briefly describes the construction process, but its focus is on operations. Includes photos, trackplan, and operations sequence and forms.

Port of Los Angeles Project Railroad part 2

This module has lots of track and serves at least five industries. This installment covers cutting up commercial turnouts to make them fit, how to deal with rail size differences (code 100 to 83), wiring, switch stands, how to make roads, and how to have track buried in pavement.

Sierra & Southwestern RR

A hobby shop display layout in 24 by 58 inches, that features fantastic scenery and several industries.

The Spokane International RR

This article describes the railroad that ran between Spokane, WA, through Idaho, up to the Canadian border. Trackplan for several towns are drawn, and many prototype photos are included. The article also includes photos of several of the industries along the line, freight cars, bridges, as well as their steam engine roster. In 1949 they added eleven Alco RS-1s. The U.P. eventually bought the line. Finally, a possible HO two-level trackplan to model the line is also included.

Building a Foam Core Board Layout

The objective of this project was to build an HO-scale layout that uses only simple construction techniques, no messy materials, no power tools, lightweight materials, and all materials must be transportable in a small car. This installment covers the construction of the table, the "legs", and installing Unitrak track.

Build a Southern Pacific SW1500 in HO Scale

In addition to the brief history of the engine modeled, the article describes how the author used a Athearn SW7 and an SW1500 body cast to build this model. Includes several diagrams, close-up photos, and prototype photos.

Kitbash the Offices of The Sun

The author describes how he built an accurate model of the structure found in Lowell, Mass. It is ten stories tall and has a wonderful external fire-escape staircase, which he modeled. Includes prototype, model, and construction photos.

Mirror Magic

The author placed two mirrors at a 90-degree angle from each other to make a mirror image of the road he modeled, but in such a way that the cars in the mirror image are actually placed on the correct side of the street.

The Christmas Challenge

The author and another modeler were asked by a wife to build a model railroad that shows off some of the industries owned by her husband... no monetary restrictions. They designed and built a 43" by 10' 4" layout in just three months, which included scratchbuilt structures.

A Visit to The Train Shop

This store is located in a 5,000-square foot former grocery store in Santa Clara, California. The three partners discuss their store and their philosophy about the store and the model railroad industry. It provides some insight in to the business of this hobby.

Portage Potpourri

An interesting switching puzzle, with the solution on the next page.

Action Red GP38

This article covers modeling a CP Rail GP38. Includes construction details, and a parts list.

Once-a-year Layout

Why go through all the effort to make benchwork, when you can lay all the track on a wooden floor in a spare room. The author describes how he helps his son build a track plan that can have multiple trains running.