Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Model Railroader 2006-09
Articles Listing

Big Tools for Big Jobs

Large lifting and wrecking cranes are needed to deal with problems on the railroad, and with railroad construction. This article describes the various hooks used. Includes one prototype photo.

Workshop

Tips for kitbashed structure credibility. Using layout "junk" to breathe new life into models. Handy glue applicator. Weathering a PRR GG1. Finding a substitute paint for 410M line of paints.

Add a Cornfield to Your Layout

The author shows how he made a convincing cornfield from a Busch kit.

Great Operation: Expert Advice

Techniques the Model Railroader staff employs to maintain great operations. Covers smooth roadbed, trackplanning, wiring, coupler standards, leveling benchwork, keeping freight car rolling smoothly, planning for access, ballasting turnouts, and tuning commercial turnouts.

Narrow Gauge in a Garage Part 3

This installment covers installing DCC, installing roadbed on the new layout, and installing Tortoise switch motors using the NCE decoders.

A Developing Basement Empire

Monroe Stewart's Hooch Junction was covered in an Allen Keller video several years ago. Now it is covered in print. This large layout offers plenty of action.

Automated Interchange

Using hidden staging to automatically move a train forward delivering new cars once a set number of cars have been removed from the interchange track. It magically appears like the real foreign railroad delivered new cars.

Layout Planning Fundamentals

This introductory article covers how to design your own trackplan. It discusses dealing with curve minimums, turnouts, track centers, grades, clearance, and using templates.

Build Great-looking Structures

The author shows his construction techniques as he builds a track-side warehouse.

Keeping the Pennsy's Spirit Alive

This 24' by 32' layout represents the PRR's Middle Division in the late 1950s. It is a one-and-a-half level around-the-walls design with a long center peninsula. The author describes the building that houses the layout, how he built the layout, constructing the scenery, and operations. Includes photos and trackplan.

Using DCC to Match Locomotive Speeds

The article covers speed matching, manipulating CV2, 5, and 6 to set a basic speed curve, and developing a method for locomotive speed matching.

Seamless Removable Scenery

Using a strip of fabric to hide the seam of a piece of removable scenery (to access hidden tracks, for example).