Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Magazine Articles by Scale
N Articles

#1125 Weathering Technique

The author describes his techniques for applying weathering to an SW9 diesel switcher.

#20 Crossover

The author shows and describes how he built a #20 crossover track using code 55 rail and sections of flextrack.

10 Easy Steps to Simple Trees

The author shows how he makes conifer trees using a drill to spin wire around rope fibers.

36-ton Shay

Converting the Atlas Shay into a light-weight wood-burning unit. Includes many close-up photos of the cosmetic changes made.

8,000 Gallon Tank Car

The author shows how he detailed the Intermountain car and applied some realistic weathering to it.

A Balsa Foam Primer

American Art & Clay Co.'s Balsa Foam is a dense, rigid plastic foam made from phenolic resin that "carves like butter and paints like wood," as their slogan says. The author shows his use of this material to carve bridge abutments, a concrete underpass, a concrete loading platform, and signaling mast pedestals.

A Beginner's Guide to Weathering

Weathering freight cars using both dry-brushing and airbrushing.

A Building for a Century

An unusual article about how to move a building through 100 years of use and disuse, and how to model that.

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.

A Fistful of Details

Adding people, business marketing signs, street signs, backyard details, and products of industry.

A Focal Point for the Harbor

Creating a convincing model ship for this author's harbor scene.

A logging Train Elevator

Building a series of switchbacks that feed an elevator, so that the layout can simulate a loads-out/empties-in kind of scenario.

A Module in Memory Of...

Taking over a friend's module who has passed away.

A Northern Michigan Sawmill in N Scale

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this imposing structure. There are many diagrams, and special construction steps.

A Small Modular Home Layout

Two 3' x 3' end caps and a 2' x 6' NTRAK module make for a nice basic home layout. The track is a folded dogbone.

A Trio of N Scale Switchers

The author describes how he painted and detailed three Life-Like SW9 models. Includes model and prototype photos, and materials lists.

A View Inside

Modeling a building such that the front-facing wall is removed, so that the viewer can see inside.

A Visit to Micro-Trains Line

A pictorial tour of the Micro-Trains Line facilities.

Abingdon Freight House

The author's quest to build a replica of the Abingdon area continues with the construction of the freight house. Prototype photos, scale drawings, and many construction photos accompany the article.

Abingdon Freight House

Learning how to cast round window treatments using Castolite.

Adjusted Ops for My New Layout

Operations and updates on the owner's layout.

Adventures in Urban Model Railroading

Modeling the Milwaukee Road's Kingsbury Branch which makes for lots of street-running trains. Includes lots of photos, and track plans.

Alive and Well In Southern California NTrak

The article gives a heads-up of the various clubs involved in the N-scale Convention in San Diego, CA in August, 2005. It also includes the proposed module layout plan, and photos of several modules.

Alvard's Landing Part 3

This installment covers how the author built and installed his turntable and pit.

Alvard's Landing Freight Depot

N-scale drawings of a freelanced freight depot.

An Easy Tortoise Soup Up

How to install a Tortoise switch machine by first installing a metal plate to it.

An N Scale Depressed Center Flatcar

The author uses the GHQ pewter depressed center flat car to model a C&NW car as built in 1928. A prototype photo and several model photos are included, as well as a materials list. This list is necessary, because this article also describes how he built the large transformer load from scratch.

An N Scale Erie Empire on a Door

The author describes his 3x7-foot layout that encompasses all the things he had been wanting to model in a layout. Despite its small size, it has a lot of operating possibilities. Track plan is includes, as well as a side-bar on how he controls his turnouts via music wire rods mounted into a the toggle of a switch.

An N Scale Mikado and Consolidation

The author took a Bachmann 2-8-2 and a 2-8-0 and converted them into good models for his Rocky Coast Line layout.

An N Scale Wagontop Covered Hopper

Using a Fine N-scale Products wagontop box car, the author built a B&O class N-34 two-bay hopper. Includes model, construction, and prototype photos, as well as a parts list.

An Operating Windmill

The author describes how he built a working windmill that provided water to railroads or farms. Includes a collection of very detailed drawings for the construction of this model.

Angels Camp Diorama on Pine Ridge Railroad

An N-scale diorama integrated into an HO-scale layout.

Animation Follow-up

This article is a follow-up on the September/October 2000 issue on animating a semaphore. The Basic Stamp has been discontinued so this brief article describes what you need to change to use the Stamp from Parallax instead.

Appalachian Central

Ballasting, scenery, painting the backdrop, tree-covered hillsides, roads, ground cover, rocks, fascia, structures, and weathering.

Aspens

Using insulated wire to simulate the Aspen tree trunk.

Badger-Mid-Western Railroad Co. "The Sawtooth Road"

A thorough description of Paul Hillmer's layout. Includes over 100 photos(!), and track plans.

Bending Jig for Grabirons

A simple jig for forming grabirons of different widths.

Better Train Storage

Various ideas for storing equipment.

Better-running N Scale Switchers

N-scale 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 steam switchers can be very troublesome to run, especially over insulated frog turnouts. The author describes how he adds wipers to the middle set of drivers on these engines (Model Power, Life-Like, and Atlas). His experience show a dramatic improvement in the running characteristics of these engines.

Bill Pearce on Ballast

Step-by-step instructions on how the author ballasts his flextrack. There are also lots of prototype photos included with the article.

Bingo's Pool Hall

Making a distinctive structure from Design Preservation's Cricket Saloon.

Birth of a Model Railroad

The author provides a series of photos showing the current progress on his new layout. He talks about the skyboards and the insulation foam used to start the basis of his scenery.

Birth of a Model Railroad Part 5

This installment covers building, installing, and painting the backdrops.

Black Rock & Marmot

Built into a 14' by 14' room, Ken Lass models both seashore and desert areas set in the 1960s.

Blinking Barricades

This article shows, in great detail, how to construct a scale barricade with a blinking LED. Also includes information about making some changes to the circuit to obtain different results.

Boxcars for the Fun of It

The author describes how he built a fleet of boxcars from blocks of wood. Several variations are presented. Includes construction photos, detail drawings, parts list, and completed models photos.

Brake Wheels for N Scale Freight Cars

How to model and install the correct brake wheels in N-scale.

Bridging Teton Gorge

This article on how to create concrete piers and erect a deck-girder bridge on top of them has parts lists, detailed drawings, and close-up construction photos.

Build a Better Bridge

The author scratchbuilds a through-girder bridge. The article has step-by-step photos, prototype photo, and diagrams.

Build a Carolina Planing Mill

This group of N-scale structures is patterned closely after a planing mill in Carrboro, N.C. The mill belongs to Fitch Lumber Co., which has a large, modern lumberyard several blocks away. Includes prototype photos, scaled drawings, and some construction photos and diagrams.

Build a Hulett Ore Unloader

The author seems to have accurately modeled this large structure. The article includes a description of a hulett, how he constructed his, several scale diagrams, some construction photos, and a materials list.

Build a Pedestrian Overpass

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

Build a Working N-scale Crossing Signal

This article describes the electronics necessary to make a working Bachmann crossing signal, including operating gates.

Build an N Scale Chesapeake & Ohio Alco RSD-5

The author used an Atlas RSD-12 frame and a RS-3 shell to model this engine. Includes a parts list and a prototype photo.

Build N-scale Switch Stands

The author describes how he built tall switch stands to fit the Peco turnouts.

Build the N-scale Appalachian Central

Complete article from benchwork to wiring.

Building a Small N Scale Layout Part 1

The author describes building a small N-scale layout that he had originally wanted to build when he was in his teens.

Building a Small N Scale Layout Part 2

In this installment, the author focuses on scenery.

Building a Small N Scale Layout Part 3

In this installment, the author adds water and ground cover.

Building a Small N Scale Layout Part 4

With this installment, the author completes the construction of the layout, which includes lighted buildings, water features, installing trees, creating a fascia, and adding details.

Building a Streetlight Part I

The article describes how to build a replicate of the platform light appearing at the City of Vancouver train station in Washington. Scale diagrams, parts list, and construction photos are included in the article.

Building an LED Streetlight Part 2

In this installment the author completes the construction of the street lamp, installs the LED, and paints the unit. Full details are given on how to work with the extremely small LED.

Building Semaphores in 14 Easy Steps

14 steps to building a working semaphore. Detailed photos accompany the text. Instructions support both upper quadrant and lower quadrant type of semaphores.

Building the Covipan Intermodal Yard

Planning and constructing an intermodal yard for this modern-day layout, from start to finish. Includes a track plan for this 11' x 12' U-shaped layout.

Building the IGN Depot

Detailed, step-by-step instructions for how to build the Micron Art 1888 Capital City Passenger Station.

By The Tracks

Building a small scene that might be used as a play area for city kids.

Canadian Pacific Railway Number 1 Oil House

N-scale drawings of an oil house.

Casting Junk

The author describes the "damage" he does to his gondolas, and then talks about how he casts loads for them.

Central Montana

Photos and a description of the author's layout. No track plan.

Chain Link Fencing

Using wedding veil to make fencing. Include step-by-step photos and construction methods.

Changing 3-Axle Sideframes

Converting a 3-axle EMD sideframe to a GE sideframe, as part of placing a Bachmann Spectrum CW40-8 shell on a Kato SD40-2 mechanism.

Circus Trains

Modeling a circus train in N-scale. Includes prototype information, model photos, and a drawing of an elephant car.

Classification Lights

The author installs marking lights on an Intermountain SD40T-2 Snoot. Includes materials list, decoder settings, and close-up photos of the installation.

Clay Rock Construction

This article shows how to create shallow-profile rock cuts.

Close Coupling Ore Cars

Mounting MT 1060/1065 body mounted couplers to the Atlas ore cars for close-coupling, while still allowing the cars to be uncoupled. Shows construction photos.

CNW 3-bay Hopper From MDC's N Scale Kit

The author describes how he created coal loads for the hoppers. Other changes he made to the MDC cars are installing Z-scale couplers and replacing the trucks with Micro-Trains ones. He also describes how he weathered them.

Coal Mining on a TOMA Module

The author describes his plan for building a module, and how he might integrate that into a future layout. Includes track plans.

Coal Train Power

Modeling modern Canadian Pacific coal trains.

Colorado & Southern

The author describes how he painted and weathering a 40-foot single-sheathed box car.

Come Fly With Me

N-scale airplane. Cut a model airplane in half and glue it to the backboard.

Comme-n-tary: A Mountain from a Cardboard Box

Building large mountains using cardboard strips, applying scenery base, and installing trees.

Computer Generated Windows

How to create delicate window pane structures for scratchbuilt buildings using transparency film.

Conifer Trees

Using cedar shingles and caspian branches to make conifer trees.

Constant Directional Lighting for N Scale Steam Engines

The author describes how he installed directional lighting in a Model Power 0-6-0. Includes construction photos and drawings.

Covered Hopper Detailing

Bringing older models up to the standard of the new hoppers that are being released.

Craig Goodwin's Commerce City Industrial Loop

A group of guys built a layout that features a modern-day, busy industrial scene built into a garage, while still allowing access to the car.

Crash Barriers

How to build crash barriers to protect the grade crossing signals.

Creating an Urban Scene for a Stub-ended Yard

This article describes how the author built a removable section of scenery that hides, but yet remains accessible, a set of storage tracks.

Creating Realistic Roads

Making scale roads using styrene or joint compound, and then painting and striping them.

Creating Realistic Roads

Using plexiglass to make realistic-looking roads. Includes tips on how to weather the road surface.

CSX Legacy: Rare Ancestor GP40s

The author created six different models from the Atlas GP40 to add "color" to his CSX standard roster. Includes photos and descriptions of each.

D&M Brothers Bicycle Factory

Shows model, construction, and prototype photos of this rather large building. The author used DPM modular wall system templates and cardboard to mock-up the building first.

Danny Dodson's N Scale Mississippi Valley Railroad

The author describes how he designed and built this layout, which consists of NTRAK modules that are integrated into his home layout. Includes photos and a track plan of the layout.

Dean Ferris' Oregon Joint Line

In this interview-style article, the layout owner describes how he got started in the hobby, how he got into N-scale, what his visitors like about the layout, how he settled on a track plan (included), and things he didn't like about his layout.

Depressed Center Flat Cars

This article describes how the author weathered the C&NW # 48567 GHQ depressed center flat car.

Desert Railroading on the Santa Fe

Point-to-point with large hidden staging that serves as continues loop running also.

Designing & Building the Emey Falls Module

The Swedish author shares how he built the two-meter long set of modules. Includes track plans and many model photos.

Detail a Classic Passenger Train El Captain

This article describes how to build the famous El Captain train in N-scale. There are many detail, close-up photos of the changes made to the cars and locomotives, including diaphragms, fiber-optic lenses, and battery installation.

Detail N Scale Santa Fe PAs

Covers removing molded-on grab irons, installing stirrup steps, adding m.u. receptacles and hoses, installing grab irons, painting, and weathering the Kato PA-1 and PB-1 units. Includes a parts list.

Detail Your Roundhouse

Adding small details to clutter up the roundhouse area.

Detailing a Milwaukee Road 65-foot Mill Gondola

The author describes how he detailed an Athearn gondola. Includes a prototype photo, and a description of how to adjust the bolsters to support the Micro-Trains or Fox Valley Models trucks.

Detailing Micro-Engineering Trestle Tower

Adding gussets, lattice bars, and rivets to improve a decent basic structure. Includes a side bar on embossing rivet heads in styrene using a pounce wheel. Article includes prototype photos.

Detailing Rooftops

Many photos of ideas for rooftop accessories to structures.

Devine Freight Car Loads

Making loads for flat cars and gondolas, such as pipes, telephone poles, scrap metal, gears, steel plates, storage tanks, plate girders, lumber, structural steel, boxes, and the "flat car load that was there".

Diaphragms Made for Curves

How to make passenger car diaphragms that flex as the cars pass through curves.

Diesel Dirt

Weathering diesel locomotives using fingerprint powder.

Dining Table Layout

The author describes how he built a dining room table that has a layout built into it, modeled after a prototype scene.

Downe & Owite Division

A visit to Ben Pearlman's layout.

Drop-in Street Scenes

Creating small street scenes on a piece of styrofoam insulation so that it can be easily dropped into a layout.

Duluth Missabe & Northern Roundhouse

The article includes prototype and model photos of the roundhouse the author built for his NTRAK module. It also includes scale drawings of the various key parts to allow modeling of this large structure.

Eastern Seaboard Models N-Scale PRR G26 Mill Gondola

This is a product review of the model. It includes a brief history and prototype photos.

Easy Cedars

Using the foxtail grass-like weed to model N-scale cedars.

Easy Ditch Lights

Installing ditch lights in an Atlas Dash 8.

Easy Fencing for Your Layout

Various quick ways to build a fence from scratch.

Easy N Scale Pole Loads

The author models a load of cedar poles used by power and utility companies for his N-scale gondola and a flat car with stakes. A prototype photo is included, as well as a parts list for the styrene cradle used to hold the poles during transit.

Easy Prairie Grass

Using felt to simulate prairie grass.

Easy Street, Paved with Styrene

Creating roadways from 0.040" styrene. Article includes step-by-step instructions and photos on cutting and scoring the styrene, installing the streets and shoulders, painting, and finishing the scene.

Easy-to-make Trucks

Modeling small trucks in less than an hour. Detailed photos, weathering, and design diagram for painting wheels are included.

Electric Flywheel

Locomotives come to an instant stand-still when they loose connection with the track on DCC. The author shows how he installed an Uninterruptible Signal Processing unit by Lenz to work with their decoder. This provides up to 4 seconds of power to the engine should it loose contact with the rail. He installed it in a Kato Mikado.

Electrifying N Scale Signals

This article is about an easy and inexpensive way to make working three-aspect signals in N-scale, but the electronics will work for any scale. Includes diagrams for signal construction, a mast drilling jig, the control circuit, and a typical interlocking installation.

EMD GP35 Phase 2

Starting with an Atlas GP35 Phase 1, the author built a GP35 Phase 2. Shows model photos, modification diagrams, and close-up detail photos.

EMD SD28

The author converted an Atlas SD35 and replaced the shell with one from an Atlas GP38. Includes a prototype photo of this rare locomotive.

End-of-train Device

This article shows how to install an end-of-train device in a boxcar. An on/off switch and battery power the LED.

End-of-Train Protection Part II

This article shows how to power the LED in the caboose using the Richmond Controls' EZ-LITE N-scale Caboose Lighting Model EZ41. Included are installation of the axle wipers and the metal wheels.

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.

Evolution of an Operational Railroad

The author describes how his 9' x 26' N-scale layout is operated, the changes he had to make to improve for operations, and the lessons he had to learn.

Express Reefer from Troop Sleeper in N

The author creates a postwar express car from a Micro-Trains troop sleeper, much like the prototype did. Includes prototype photos and detailed instructions about how to do the conversion.

Federal Grain Limited Fertilizer Shed

Includes N-scale drawings and 3D perspectives, but not much descriptive text.

Fixtures & Molds

How to use some common household items as forms for that poured-concrete look.

Flat Car Loads

The author describes how he built a log load, and a tarp-covered load.

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers as were found in the 1970s

Fooling the Eye on the Royal Gorge

Using an invisible helix to make the track gain elevation at the end of the peninsula. Also describes how fool the viewer into thinking the train goes somewhere when in reality it goes into a hidden tunnel for staging.

Forest Modeling

Modeling pine tree forests. Detailed instructions, photos, and diagrams for building foreground sisal pine trees.

Four Corners and Five Lakes

The author describes the freelanced layout set in the Four Corners region which he operates with his two sons. It is a large L-shaped layout with hidden returns loops in the staging area, and a hidden helix to allow for two-level running.

Fred Without Limits

Installing Richmond Controls' circuits in a materials handling car, a center beam flat car, and a well car.

From Main Line to Branch Line: Two Locomotives in One

The author converts a Bachmann 2-8-2 into a 2-6-2 Prairie.

Front Coupler for an N Scale BLI M1A

Using close-up photos, the author shows how he replaced the non-functioning front coupler with one from an Intermountain tank car.

Fuel Truck Kitbashing

The author took a stock Con-Cor Tractor and some additional parts and created a fuel truck. Includes a prototype photo and a parts list.

Going On The Road With N Scale

The author describes how a built a six-sided portable home layout. Includes construction diagrams for cutting the removable tops and the legs. Includes a track plan.

Gondola Details

The author describes how he built several different loads for gondolas.

Gorre & Daphetid in a French Mirror

The layout is an N-scale version of John Allen's first table layout. The size is 24" by 40".

Got Milk Cars?

Parts list and constructor photos accompany this article on how to scratchbuild three of these cars.

Grab Iron 101

Using his company's machine bent grab irons, the author shows how he installs them on a locomotive.

Grain Era Authenticity

Kevin Domrois builds a grain door for an N-scale Micro Trains Line 40' box car and N-scale laser etched wood box car grain door panels from Great Lakes Models. Includes step-by-step photos and instructions.

Great Northern Sand Cars

How to kitbash a hopper into a yard's sand car.

Great Northern's NW5

A kitbashing an Atlas RS1, modifying the mechanism, the body, and painting.

Great Western Rail & Mining Part IV

Installing the electrical wiring and train control for these modules.

Harrytown, Santa Alicia & Santa Elena

Building a small pre-1900s practice layout before building a large layout.

Heavy-Duty Cranes

Building a scale crane using parts from various companies. Includes a discussion about properly sizing and using the crane to match the modeled circumstances.

Hollywood Goes N Scale

A very large scene built specifically for a key scene in the "Flight of the Intruder" movie.

Holyoke Street Railway Company Trolley Car

After doing much research regarding the Holyoke, Massachusetts trolley, the author scratchbuilt one, which includes DCC. Includes construction and prototype photos.

How To Scratchbuild a Bridge

Detailed instructions and photos of how to build a deck girder bridge.

Improving Bachmann's Amfleet Cars

Replacing Rapido couplers with a close-coupling drawbar.

Improving Electrical Performance

Improving the electrical contacts on Con-Cor SW1500 and Kato SD45.

Improving the Con-Cor Auto Rack

Improving the Con-Cor auto rack model because it sits too high above the trucks.

Innovative Diorama

Shows the incredible detail of a rear-building loading dock, with a single LED lighting the entire area. The author has a company called Ngineering.

Installing an N Scale End-of-train Device

Installing a Richmond Controls' EZ-26 kit in a Kato Amtrak MHC.

Installing DCC Decoders

The article describes the author's experience installing an HO-scale decoder into the dummy B unit of a set of Life-Like's PA/B units. Shows close-up photos of the actual modifications and installation.

Introducing the N Scale Burlington Northern Part 1

The first part of this series covers how the decision was made to build this N-scale layout, who was involved, and what was to be modeled. Includes a track plan, many photos of the layout and some prototype photos of the area.

Introducing the Wisconsin Central in N Scale Part 1

The Model Railroader magazine's staff is starting a new project. The article discusses who worked on the project, research information about the prototype (including prototype photos and a map of the modeled area), what key features they wanted in the layout, and a diagram of the 9' by 16' layout.

Iron Mountain Mine

The author describes how he built his mine structure, based on the O-scale Western Scale Model design that was published in the NGSL Gazette in 1995. Includes dimensioned drawings and model photos.

Jeff Ashby's Chesapeake & Ohio Part II

This second installment covers how Jeff deals with real coal in his coal-hauling layout, and how he hand-lays code 40 rail using glue.

Kato Contest

For winning the Kato contest a Japanese High School team got to travel to the 2016 Trainfest show in the U.S., and show their winning module. Includes several close-up photos of the model of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

Kato EMD SD80MAC and SD90/43MAC

After a bit of history about these engines, the author reviews the Kato N-scale model.

Kitbash a PRR X42 Mail Storage Car in N Scale

The PRR merged two box cars into one 60-foot car with two doors. The author built his model from two Intermountain 50' box cars.

Kitbashing a Erie-Lackawanna Caboose

The author takes an Athearn bay-window caboose to create a caboose for the EL.

Kitbashing a Micro-Trains 89' Flat Car

Modifying this car into a 75' Pennsy Truc-Train car, including shortening the car, installing wood planking, creating square mounting holes, and modifying the trailers on the car.

Kitbashing a Newsstand

An unused, odd-shaped space on the author's N-scale layout was a perfect spot for a newsstand made from a B&O passenger shelter kit. Includes construction photos and how he made the magazine covers.

Kitbashing an Erie Stillwell Coach in N Scale

The author took Model Power heavyweight passenger cars and converted them into these uniquely-shaped cars for the Erie. One prototype photo and many model photos are included, as well as a materials list. No scaled drawings.

Kitbashing an Erie-Lackwanna GE U36C

The author describes how he modeled this engine from a Kato C30-7. Includes a prototype photo, and several construction photos, as well as a parts list.

Kitbashing an NA Cabin Car in N or HO

Using a Bachmann bobber as a starter, the author built an N-scale model of the PRR NA cabin car. Using the same starter car in HO-scale, this model can be built in that scale too. The article includes step-by-step photos.

Kitbashing for Beginners

This article covers the basics of taking an existing kit and transforming it to a one-of-a-kind structure.

Kitbashing the Walthers N Scale Truss Bridge

Using the Walthers double-track truss bridge, the author built in three different ways, depending on the amount of time one desires to invest in the project. Includes constructions details.

L&N Cumberland Valley Division

A 32" by 80" hollow door was the foundation for this beautiful layout. The layout integrates the author's found memories from when he was young.

L&N's H-29

The author describes how he converted two Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 locomotives to match the Louisville & Nashville H-29 Consolidation. Includes several prototype photos, many construction photos, and includes DCC conversion. An exploded parts diagram of the model is shown on page 54.

Layouts Should Be Seen and Heard!

This article covers self-contained sound systems, sound-effect CDs, interactive sound modules, under-layout sound decoders,

Level Crossing Bell

Using a conventional door bell as the ringer for grade crossing warning signal.

Life-Like GP18 Upgrade

Putting a GP18 shell on a GP20 mechanism. Shows frame and shell modification needed to complete this project.

Lightweight Layout

Using only foam board to build a complete module. Include information about how to make a handy straight-line cutter.

Log Cabin

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a log cabin. Includes a prototype photo of one.

Louisville Union Station

Constructing the roof and final details.

Louisville Union Station Part 1

A brief history of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad station in Louisville, Kentucky. The structure was started with cardstock frame, covered with Hogate & Reynolds vinyl sheeting, and includes cast resin windows.

Lowering InterMountain N-scale Boxcars

Made-Rite Shoes

Using a Fine Scale Miniature's HO-scale model for inspiration, the author scratchbuilt an N-scale replica. Includes scale drawings and several model photos.

Maine Central U25Bs in N Scale

Using an Atlas U25B as a starting model, the author describes the modifications and painting he did to model two of these engines. Includes model and prototype photos.

Maintenance Road

The author shows how he built a dirt road into existing mountain scenery without doing too much damage to the layout.

Making Brass Railings

The author shows how he makes railings (for really any use) using brass wire, a jig, and a soldering iron.

Making the Scene with RTV

Room Temperature Vulcanizing casting using Micro Mark's products.

Manual Turntable

Building a safe length of covered board to turn an entire train. The table can also be used as a display case. The article shows how to form plexiglass to be used as the protective cover.

Marker Weathering

After building the West End Shack (#0901) by GCLaser, the author used Prismacolor markers (also sold by GCLaser) to apply weathering to the building.

Michael Kuehn's Railroad

This is a 9-year-old's article on how a 4'x7' layout was transformed into a three-wall, around the wall layout was formed.

Milwaukee-N-Southeastern

The Milwaukee-N-Southeastern (MNSE) N-scale layout resides in the basement of a building located in Cudahy, Wisconsin. The article includes many photos, and a rough trackplan of the layout (with photo locations identified).

Mini-Quad Couplers

Modifying Rapido couplers to create I-beam couplers to permanently couple ore cars. The prototype did it that way also. The article shows before, construction, and after photos.

Model a Ready-mix Cement Plant

The author describes how he built a structure around the 2x4 post he uses to hold up the end of his peninsula.

Model Photography with Helicon Focus Depth of Field Software

The author describes the use of the software and includes several photos that compare results, including how to add smoke to a scale steam engine.

Modeling a Low Level Arch Bridge

Build the bridge on a diorama and install it on the layout afterwards.

Modeling a PRR I1 Class 2-10-0 in N scale

This N-scale Pennsy I1 was kitbashed from a Kato 2-8-2 and a GHQ L1 conversion kit. Minitrix and Con-Cor parts were used for the tender. In this installment the author discusses the prototype engine, the basics of the construction, the mechanism and drivers, the frame modifications, side rods, making blind drivers, and brake shoe hangers. Includes many prototype, and model construction photos.

Modeling a PRR I1 Class 2-10-0 in N scale

In this installment the author covers the construction of the boiler and adding details. Includes two prototype photos, and lots of close-up detail photos of the model under construction.

Modeling an H6SB in N-Scale

This article is a step-by-step photo documentation of how to take an Atlas 2-8-2 chassis and a Minitrix B6sb shell to build this engine.

Modeling an N-scale Corn Crib

The article describes how to build round metal corn cribs (used to store corn to feed the farm animals).

Modeling for Beginners

The author covers building the Walther's Red Wing Milling Company structure, including painting and weathering it.

Modeling Foreground Trees

Creating realistic scale trees using a Super Tree starter kit from Scenic Express. The author describes his step-by-step process to preparing, soaking, painting, and adding foliage to these trees.

Modeling the Clinchfield RR. Part 1

This is the introductory part of a three-part article on how the Model Railroader staff built a portable 6' x 13' N-scale layout, based on a prototype railroad. This introduction talks about how they got started, the prototype research they did, layout design, equipment selection, how the layout is to be operated and controlled, and provides lots of photos of the layout itself. There is a column in the back of the issue to talks about the behind-the-scenes set-up for photographing the layout.

Modeling the People

Painting tips and tricks for painting N-scale figures.

Modeling the Wilburton Trestle

The author is attempting to build a full-scale model of this bridge, with correct topography. Prototype photos and scale drawings are included. Trestle bent construction photos are included also.

Modeling Two C&NW Cabooses

Includes prototype and model photos and materials list. The cars modeled are numbers 10908 and 10357.

Modeling Water

The author describes how he models small streams, creeks, rapid water, springs, stagnant sloughs, and small ponds.

Modeling Wilburton Trestle

Shows how the author built the bends and starts assembling the bridge. Includes prototype photos.

Modeling Wilburton Trestle

The author continues to build the 6-foot model of this large bridge. The bents are complete, so he shows how he is putting them together to create the bridge.

Modern Rocky Mountain Railroading - Colorado Style

The "Colorado & Eastern RR" is a 15' x 14' N-scale layout that features long mainlines set in the modern era.

Modifying a Caboose

Modeling a wood DM&IR caboose. Includes a scale drawing, prototype, and construction and finished model photos.

Modifying the Con-Cor SW1500

How to improve the appearance and the running characteristics of this engine. Includes body shell modifications, end platforms, side handrail stanchions, and painting.

Module Joiner Track Tips

How to make joiner tracks for modular set-ups.

More Scenery Details

Various topics are covered, including water-worn rock edges, culverts, farm fences, small gates, and tree stumps.

Mountain Division Track Height

Why the mountain division track is 3-1/8" high.

MOW Hi-Rail Truck

Follow-up supplement to an article by Jake Schultz in the September/October 1999 issue of N-Scale magazine. The article shows how to build a running maintenance-of-way truck.

Mud Bay & Southern Part III

Photos and description of the author's layout. The layout features a very nice car ferry, a log dumper, a large lumber company, and other industries.

Multi-Purpose Shed

Instructions, photo, and drawings of a generic shed building.

N Scale class G41a

The author describes the Rail Yard Models' kit of this car. Includes one prototype photo and drawing.

N Scale Express Car

The article kitbashes a Con-Cor 80-foot standard baggage car into a 60-foot NYC express car. Includes cutting diagrams, and construction photos.

N Scale FP45-to-F45 Conversion

The author took a AHM FP45 model, shortened the model, added and removed details, and converted it into the first F45 BN unit acquired after the merger with the GN. Includes model and prototype photos, scale drawings, and some construction details.

N Scale Helix Helper

Shows how to build a helix out of plywood using the slot method.

N Scale Milwaukee Road Ribbed-side Boxcars

The author kitbashed some 40-foot boxcars to include the horizontal rib configuration.

N Scale Mountain Action

This article describes the D&RGW's climb over Soldier Summit in Utah, and how he modeled it. Scale track plan is included, as well as several prototype photos.

N Scale U30CGs

Includes prototype and model photos, and covers repainting the Minitrix models.

N Truss Bridge Set

In addition to the review, this article contains diagrams for the various bridge pedestals and how to model them.

N-scale Atlas Shay DCC Decoder Installation

Installing a Lenz LE0511W decoder in the Atlas Shay. The article includes lots of close-up detail photos and drawings of how to do this conversion.

N-Scale Class N6A Cabin Car

The author took some old N-scale Minitrix UP cabooses and converted them to PRR class N6 cabin cars. Includes some model construction photos.

N-trak Tips

The author covers the basics of how to lay N-scale track on a module or a layout.

Nicole Leach's N Scale Railroad

A short article written by a 9-year-old who built an N-scale layout with a little help from her Dad.

Northern Pacific #65618

The author built a 89'4" flat car with stake pockets from a cast metal flat car by JnJ Trains. Photos only show the finished product.

Ntrack at Dearborn

A photo article showing some of the NTrak modules at the recent NMRA show.

NTRAK Airport

This module shows a 1950s airport, with lights, buildings, mirror, airplanes, and much vertical scenery. Includes a road with bridges that goes under the track.

Ntrak Sets a World's Record

On November 11, 1990 twelve Ntrak clubs got together and build a 21.3 scale mile H-shaped layout from 176 modules. Shows an overall photo and several modules.

Ntrak Today

Photos of modules accompany this article where Jim covers the history of NTrak, how it influenced modular layouts in other scales, and why NTrak has been so successful. A sidebar about Jim Fitzgerald honors the man who spearheaded the NTrak movement.

Office Furniture For Just Pennies

The author describes how to make some common, scaled office furniture pieces from styrene.

Oil Storage Tanks that Cost Next to Nothing

Using the cap from an aerosol can to make an oil storage tank.

Oil Transloading Platform

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

Oiler's Ready-Mix & Building Supply

The article describes not so much how to build the buildings, but how to make space for them in already established scenery. Includes many photos.

On the Banks of the Mississippi

A 6' x 4' module made to show the mainline running on an embankment along the east shoreline of the Mississippi river. It has hidden staging, and can be run automatically. The scenery and water are very realistic looking.

One Module Challenge

The author designs two modules based on the One Module approach, and shows various diagrams about how they would fit into a larger layout. Includes lots of diagrams, and a materials list.

Open House at Fletcher's Field

Building a diorama scene of a RC airfield.

Open Loads of Fun

Various tips on how to make loads for hoppers, gondolas, and flats cars.

Operating Loader

The author describes how he built an operating coal loader. Include one small photo of the finished structure and a materials list (no construction photos or diagrams).

Out of the Rubble

This 20 by 22 foot layout is set in 1950 following the Raton Pass of the Santa Fe's New Mexico Division. It has just under 300 feet of mainline running. The layout was started after the owner couldn't one turnout to work on his previous layout. He wound up tearing it all out and starting over again.

Pennsylvania, Allegheny & Western RR

11' x 14' U-shaped layout features nice mountainous scenery and a curved trestle bridge.

Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines

A two-level layout in a 12' x 16' area. Close-up photos of various industries.

Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines in N Scale

A 9x11 room is used for this U-shaped layout. The author describes how he got back into the hobby

Perfectly Prototypical

The article discusses recent releases of N-scale automobiles, including photos of some.

Pete Laier's N Scale B&M

A roughly U-shaped layout with continuous running taking up about 13 by 10 feet. Lots of photos of this very busy layout (28 industries).

Petley

A 2-foot by 4-foot, two-level layout of a busy downtown area.

Photographic techniques with Helicon Focus

Using this software application to compose one image from several images taken at different fields-of-depth, so that the final result is an image where the whole subject is completely in focus.

Pocket Switcher

Modifying the typical Japanese-looking electric engine into an Americanized diesel switcher. Includes installing a decoder. They are part of the Kato Pocket line.

Pomona General Store

The author describes how he built this general store. Includes drawings, prototype photo, and lots of model photos.

Power to the "B" Unit

Installing power into a Life-Like E6/7/8 B unit. The article includes preparations for making the model ready for a DCC decoder, but it is also useful to those who don't use DCC.

Prefabricated Streets

Using mat board to simulate streets and sidewalks, including manholes, curbs, and parking spots.

Published Photo To Model

The author shows how he built a model of the general store at Nella, North Carolina.

Puget Sound Tie Replacement Train

Creating a collection of cars needed for tie replacement, including a GHQ Backhoe.

Puget Sound Tie Replacement Train Part II

Building models for a tie replacement train.

Putting Together a Station Scene

The author shows how to build a small passenger station and position it on the layout (on curved track). Includes step-by-step photos.

Rails to Richford

The author presents a 3' x 12' layout that can be modeled in a small space.

Realistic Control for Grade Crossing Flashers

A complete description of an electronic circuit you can build to drive grade-crossing LEDs, triggered by a block occupancy detector.

Realistic N Scale Pole Lines

Using Atlas telephone poles as the basis for a six-arm telegraph pole.

Realistic N Scale Signals Part 2

This installment covers how to make the signal targets, how to build the mast, base, platform, and ladder, and how to form and install the LEDs.

Realistic Trees Made Easy Part One

Scale drawings of various trees. Preliminary work includes collecting the "leaves" and covering the armatures. Detailed instructions for Sassafras, Gray Poplar, and Eastern Cottonwood trees.

Realistic Weeds

Making a special tool to easily insert weeds into a foam-based scenery base.

Reefer Roof Revamp

Scratchbuilding metal roofs and hatch platforms. Includes many detailed photos of the projects.

Repowering Atlas N Scale Diesels

The author replaced the factory motor with a Sagami motor to reduce its top speed, and added weights to increase its pulling power.

Rix Uncoupler Tool

Improving the Rix uncoupler tool by making one end into a manual turnout thrower. The article also shows how the tool can be inserted into the layout (where it is needed) as look like a smoke stack.

Rob Carey's Colorado & Southwestern

This 13' by 16' basement layout features a lot of scenery and long trains. Under the layout, Rob built his children's O-scale Lionel layout.

Roller Coaster in N Scale

Through experimentation, the author figured out how to build a working N-scale roller coaster.

S2 Gearing Improvement

The Arnold/Rivarrossi S2 apparently has problems with their gears breaking. This article covers how these problems can be fixed. This will also reduce the noise of the gears.

Santa Fe Citrus Line in a Garage

The author discusses the design of his double-deck layout.

Scale Ballast

After discussing what he has learned from prototype ballast, the author describes how he sifted and filtered his own using Woodland Scenics fine ballast.

Scenery Layers

Building scenery in layers to create 3-D effects.

Scratchbuilding a Rotary Car Dumper Part I

In this installment the author describes the overall operation, and starts the project.

Scratchbuilding a Rotary Car Dumper Part II

Scratchbuilding a Rotary Car Dumper Part III

This is the last installment of the article (part II was in the March/April issue of this year). It covers the motor guide system, and installing the contraption in the layout.

Scratchbuilding Midland City Part 2

This installment includes completing the structure, including weathering, painting, and adding details.

Scratchbuilding N Scale Passenger Cars

The author describes and shows how he built passenger cars using sheet brass stock. Includes construction diagrams, how to form the shapes, interior details, and a scale drawing of the Milwaukee Road Lake Pepin car.

Scratchbuilding the Great Falls Station

The author describes how he modeled the station. A sidebar on how he makes circles with punches is included.

Self-aligning Modules Using T-slot Extruded Aluminum

The author describes his solution for aligning FreeMo-based modules, which is to use aluminum T-slot components.

Shay Improvement

This article covers modifying the couplers to look more prototypical, installing the DCC decoder (with lots of close-up photos on the modifications made), and making some minor cosmetic improvements to the engine.

Sierra & Southwestern RR

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

Signs of Life

Photos of completed junk pile, pump-house, and abandoned site.

Simple Beginnings

How to begin in scratchbuilding structures.

Simple Upgrades for Bowser's PRR Cabin Cars

Upgrading Bowser's N5c cars with grab irons, trainphone antennas, Z-scale couplers, better window glazing, and weathering them.

Small Oil Facility

Built from various kit parts, the author describes how he built this structure.

Snow at Condor Pass

Creating a scene in a portion of the author's layout separated by a view-block. The author discusses how he created "winter trees".

SP&S 4-6-2 in N Scale Part 1

After covering the history of this locomotive, the article discusses the plan-of-attack, the re-motoring, the frame/chassis modifications, and the trailing truck changes.

SP&S 4-6-2 in N Scale Part 2

In this installment, the author covers the construction of the cab, the pilot, the basic boiler, the smokebox front, and the walkways.

SP&S 4-6-2 in N Scale Part 3

This installment covers making the tender body and underframe, installing the light, and building the drawbar.

SP&S 4-6-2 in N Scale Part 4

This installment covers making the boiler and tender detailing.

Special Run Cars

This article is a quick guide to how to create your own custom cars by interacting with model manufacturers. The author talks about his club's experiences so far.

Steel City N Gauge Model Railway Club

An office basement layout that was open for the NMRA National Convention in Toronto in July 2003. Article includes a handful of photos.

Storage Shed & Scenery

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

Stretch Your Main Line With a Virtual Interlocking

The article describes how the layout owner built a closet to give the illusion of a great distance travelled by the trains. A wall-mounted photo serves as indicator board for timing the duration of the stay in the closet.

Sub Modules

Shows how to build small 5" x 5" (or multiples thereof) dioramas that can be interchanged on an NTRAK module so that the same module will look differently from time to time.

Super-detailing an Atlas Rio Grande GP35

Close-up model photos, prototype photos, parts list, and detailed instructions.

SW1200 Worm Gear Replacement

Shows how to replace the plastic worm gear on a Life-Like SW1200 with a brass worm gear from Kato. Includes a drawing of the jig used to remove the worm from the motor shaft.

T-TRAK Modules

The authors describe the new standard based on the Japanese idea of super-small modules that can be put together to build a large N-scale layout.

Tell-tales

How to build tell-tales for single- and double-track. Includes prototype track diagrams.

The Abingdon Depot

Fixing a gable roof mistake and adding many details to the structure.

The Abingdon Depot Part I

The project starts with the roof.

The Abingdon Depot Part II

Start of construction: building walls, windows, and casting small details.

The Abingdon Footbridge

Full discussion, scaled drawings, prototype photos, and detailed model photographs of the construction of the Abingdon, VA footbridge as it was after WWII.

The Art of Steam

Improving an Atlas 2-8-8-2.

The Art of Steam

Taking a Kato Pacific Japanese 4-6-2, converted with GHQ's W-3 conversion kit, to build a NP Pacific.

The Art of Steam

Converting a NP Q-5.

The Art of Steam

SP 2-10-2 F-4 and F-5

The Art of Steam Part 2

Model the tender for the Pennsylvania Railroad I1 Class "Decapod". A styrene model was built and then cast into polyurethane. Details were added, including a water scoop, and the model was painted. Includes how the author created eight-wheel trucks.

The Art of Weathering

The author describes his process for weathering equipment, and includes lots of photos of weathered box cars, hoppers, gondolas, and engines.

The Atlas Switch Tower

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

The Belmont Shore Railroad Club

This is a 20' x 30' club layout features large, tall mountain scenery and 200-car trains.

The Big Lift

Building a self-supporting lift-up section for a modular layout so that walking through the layout is easier.

The Boats of Foggy Harbor

Photos of N-scale 1940s and 1950s boats.

The Central Vermont in N-scale

The Cumberland Valley System

The Reid brothers' famous N-scale layout is documented in this article. This would be a proto-freelanced layout in today's terms, mixing several railroads including the PRR. The article includes many layout photos, and a track plan.

The Dakota Northern Railroad

This around-the-wall with a peninsula layout has lots of space for staging, switching, and continuous loop operations. It fits in a 12 x 13 foot space in Fort Worth, Texas and models the Northern Dakota area set in 1975.

The Essence of Daylight

The author converts a Bachmann Northern to model the Southern Pacific's GS Daylight. Model modification drawings and some construction photos are included.

The Expanded Cumberland Valley System

After introducing the Reid brothers' layout, the author describes the layout's track plan, how the various railroads modeled are integrated, how the brothers tune the performance of their equipment and their track, and how trains are operated on the layout. The article includes lots of photos, a track plan, and a train-sequence diagram.

The Fairbanks-Morse "Universal" Cinder Conveyor

The curved rails in this model required the author to learn how to make parts using home-made etched-brass pieces. So, even though this article shows how he built this structure, a large part of it describes how he learned how to make etched-metal parts.

The Great Northern in N Scale

Scenery dominates this professional artist's rendition of the Montana Rockies in a 11' by 13' room. The photos and the topic of the photos are amazing.

The Idaho Eastern

The Mohawk & Hudson RR

This article is about a layout built into a coffee table. It measures 30" wide and 7' long.

The N Scale Burlington Northern Part 4

Laying track and building hills. Includes the track wiring diagram, how to lay track and deal with easements, preparing turnouts, and creating bridges

The N Scale Burlington Northern Part 5

Description of the structures used on this layout, with emphasis paid on a feed mill, modern plant, an Inn, a bar, and a 3M plant.

The N Scale Cumberland Valley System

Andy visits this landmark N-scale layout with updated photos and a brief overview of the layout (first covered in the August 1981 issue).

The N Scale Fitchburgh & Southbridge

This 4'6" by 10'8" layout features a continuous-running mainline and several branches with a main yard for lots of switching. Despite its size, the overall photos show an impressively grand view of the layout, with tall mountains. The photos are all in black&white, but the shots are dramatic.

The N-scale Grand Road

Two-level, small bedroom layout with impressive control panels, representing western Colorado in modern times.

The Onyx Division

Close-up photos of the three of the 14 modules that make up the authors' layout.

The Silver City Central

Jim focuses on building the cookie-cutter benchwork for this 3.5' x 8' layout. Includes benchwork diagrams and trackplan. Looks like a nice design that can later be integrated into a larger layout.

The Virginia & Truckee in N Scale

Model Railroader magazine invited people to submit their track plans for an N-scale layout that was no larger than 5- square feet and fit in a 12' by 16' area. This article is by the person who won the contest. The layout design is set in 1876 and models the shipping of gold and silver found in Nevada.

Tie Down That Load

Track Cleaning

Description of an extensive MOW train that includes at least 6 track cleaning cars to maintain a club's layout.

Transfer Caboose

In the real world these cars were usually built by using a cabin from a box car and a flat car with steps. The author built his model from an old MT caboose. Small diagrams and model photos accompany the article.

Transfer Table

Building a transfer table that can also be flipped down so as to be out of the way. Many construction photos, a diagram, and descriptive text.

Truck Painting Jig

A jig that helps the author to paint his wheelsets.

Tualatin Valley NTRAK

Building modules with a visual continuity modeled after the Pacific Northwest as part of the club.

Turning the Corner at Kanawha Falls

8' x 8' corner module.

Urban Street Trackage

The author describes how he built track that is embedded in streets. Includes lots of model photos.

Using DCC on NTRAK Modules

This one-page article describes how to wire NTRAK modules for DCC and includes a basic diagram. The real purpose of the article is to reference the web site that maintains the NTRAK DCC standard: http://trainweb.org/nrmrc

Vancouver's Diesel Inspection Facility Part II

Building a 225-foot inspection pit, with the overhead structure necessary to support diesels. Includes step-by-step photos, as well as finished model photos.

Vehicle Building

This vehicle building is loosely based on the prototype of Consolidated Concrete located on the Canadian Pacific in Calgary, Alberta.

Vic Butterworth's N Scale Railroad

This U-shaped layout placed inside of a ten-foot square building area features beautiful scenery. The Enport, Rogue River & Thataway has all scratchbuilt structures.

Victoria NTRAK Club Layout

The article includes photos of the module, as well as a track plan drawing.

Walthers Coal Mine Part II

This installment shows the converting the mine to a common, transition-era coal mine. Many detailed construction photos.

Walthers' Coal Mine Part 2

This article finishes up the support assembly.

Weathering Figures

Painting and weathering people and animals.

Weathering Hoppers

Weathering black hopper cars so that their detail shows up better in photographs.

Weathering with Artist's Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are thicker, but the author describes how he uses this on his N-scale models, as well as larger scale models. After covering the basics, he then describes how to weather a box-car red car, a yellow reefer car, weathering over decals, how to weather in layers, and how to simulated spilled lading.

Welcome to Oakville

A large, three level layout set in the modern times.

Wet Weathering

Airbrushing with paint thinner to manipulate wet paint.

Wheel Cleaning Made Easy

Shows how to build a dedicated wheel cleaning station with handy clips to hold the paper towel in place for wheel cleaning, without getting caught by coupler trip pins.

When Boxcars Were Red: Painting and Lettering in N-scale

Modeling the variations on the standard 40-foot boxcar. Includes some prototype and many model photos. There are also step-by-step photos on how to letter cars.

Wipe Out Freight Car Wobble

Explains how to get rid of wobble in N-scale cars.

Wiring a Peco Electrofrog Crossing for DCC

The article covers reversing modules to handle the polarity changes encountered in crossings.

Zero 1 for N Scale

The author describes how he managed to get command control into his N-scale engines. He used the Hornsby Zero 1 system.