Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Railroad Model Craftsman 2012-01
Articles Listing

50 Years of Excellence: Dick Elwell's Hoosac Valley

How Dick got started in model railroading. A run-through his layout. How he built the scenery for his layout. Includes a track plan of this 34' x 64' layout. A sidebar is includes on Dick's friendship with Bob Van Gelder of South River Modelworks.

LED Layout Lighting

Using new LED ribbon strips to light the layout under a shelf.

Kitbashing a Pittsburgh Railways Interurban Car

The author describes how he designed and had custom-made the sides for this car, and then used a LaBelle car kit for the remaining parts.

The Cheltenham Granary

The author describes how he modeled a granary that used stone walls for the lower half and exposed cribbed wood walls for the upper half. Includes a sidebar on crib joints are made. Includes many construction photos.

Train Set Gazette

This special section of the magazine describes some train sets in G, HO, and On30. It then describes how to build a basic 4'x8' trolley layout on two levels. It also describes some special accessories and how to model in narrow gauge.

Modeling Less-common Tank Cars

Kitbashing and scratchbuilding were needed to build a unique tank car. Details construction photos accompany the article, as well as a parts list.

A Thumbnail Switcher

Using a Toma Model Works kit, the author built a very small four-wheeled Nn3 industrial switcher, which includes a DCC decoder! Includes detailed instruction photos.

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).

Details, Again

Bob's history as a detail manufacturer, balancing between buying and making your own details, and how details bring a scene to life.

The Scenery Clinic Pt. XIX

In addition to using cut up leaves for modeling fall leaves, the article also describes how to model patches of snow.

Detailing a Model for an Operating Layout

The author provides tips on how to super-detail your locomotives, but yet still allow for longevity when those engines are used during operating sessions.

PRR H30 Covered Hopper

Product review of the HO-scale by Rail Shop, which starts off with prototype information about this car, and then covers the construction of the kit.

The 2011 RPM Conference

Photos and a review of this year's show, and a listing of several shows coming up in 2012.