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

The author describes how he used the peel method for heavily weathering the building.

"Milwaukee Union Terminal Railroad" & "Milwaukee Electric Lines" O Scale Layout Part 1

The Allis Station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin houses the Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee's layout. Includes many photos of the layout, as well as a track plan of the entire layout (really two layouts).

"Milwaukee Union Terminal Railroad" & "Milwaukee Electric Lines" O Scale Layout Part 2

This installment covers the expansion that took place when the layout was revamped. There are lots of photos included. A short sidebar on Del-Aire brand switch machine controls. There are also track drawings of sections of the layout.

1:48 Lackawanna Caboose

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this caboose.

2 Rail a Rail King-MTH Tank Car

The author converts an MTH tank car, designed for three-rail use, into one that is compatible with two-rail track.

2015 O Scale National Convention Roundup

The author shares many photos from the The 2015 O Scale National Convention held in September in Indianapolis.

2017 Fall Spokane Train Show

A few photos taken at the event.

2018 O Scale West Wrap Up

Photos, with captions, taken at the show.

2019 O Scale West

A photo essay of the show.

2021 Denver National Contest Winners

Photos of the contest winners' models.

25 Years And Counting

The author visits Bob and Elizabeth Jakl's celebration party of the 25th anniversary of their layout. Includes many construction photos from 1990.

3 Great Scratchbuilding Ideas

The author describes techniques for how he scratchbuilds windows and doors, making styrene walls with openings using the snap-and-glue techniques (breaking the walls up into sections), and how to model asphalt shingle siding (using heavy bond, or manila folder, paper).

A Christmas Tradition to Share

What started as a simple annual display of Department 56 buildings has evolved into a three-level Christmas layout display. The article includes lots of photos and a track plan for each of the levels.

A High End Build

Bob describes how he built a super-detailed, high-quality stock car to Proto 48 O-scale standards.

A Load of Scrap for Your Railroad

Replacing plastic wheels for metal ones, the author kept the old plastic ones and now shows how he converted them into a realistic load.

A Modeler-Friendly Approach for Upgrading the GGD 1938 Super Chief Part 1

Making some improvements to the Super Chief trains by Golden Gate Depot.

A Modeler-Friendly Approach for Upgrading the GGD 1938 Super Chief Part 2

This installment covers how the author upgraded the interior of the GGD Super Chief set.

A Pictorial of the Rockford O Scalers

A photo essay of the club's layout. The layout has many mini scenes, which are highlighted in the photos. Includes a track plan.

A PSC Harriman Goes Western Pacific

The author describes how he converted a Precision Scale Southern Pacific Harriman 60' baggage car into a head-end car for "The Exposition Flyer" train he is building. Includes lots of model and prototype photos.

A Rebirthing Operation: Converting Narrow Gauge Cars to Standard Gauge

The author describes how he had an On3 layout, but due to a move switched to traction modeling. Not using the On3 equipment, he started converting some of equipment into traction models, which is what he describes in this article. Includes many photos of the model he has converted.

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 Tale of Two Rail & Tie Cars

This installment of the article describes how the author scratchbuilt the a steam/transition-era rail and tie car. These cars were used to haul ties and rail to the track laying work site. Includes a drawing of the various parts and a parts list.

A Tale of Two Rail & Tie Cars Part Two

In this installment the author describes how he built the car out of styrene. Includes some drawings and construction photos.

A Tall Tale Making Tell-tales

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

A Tour with Weaver and OGR

For more than ten years, the attendees of the annual York train show could take a bus ride to the Weaver Quality Craft Models factory for a tour of their facilities, which lasted until Weaver closed its doors. After an introduction by George Seil, the author discusses the limited-run, special cars that could only be purchased on those tours. The cars were made at their U.S. factory. Photos of the cars are included in the article.

A Trio of Structure Details

Vacant building that has "for rent" soaped into the windows. Clothes hanging on a line. Exterior hanging plants.

A Vacation and O Scale West

A report and photos of the show.

A Work Train that Actually Works

The author describes what makes a work train, how to convert an MTH operable dump car to DCC, and upgrading them to "scale" appearances. Includes many photos.

Aberfoyle Jct: One Layout, Two Railways

The layout started as a 32' by 32' layout built by two couples. Eventually a new space was found for the current 83' by 32' space. All but the hidden track is hand-laid. The photos are beautiful, including the night scene which reveals the interior detailing done to the structures.

Adding Depth and Life to the Layout with Shallow Structures

The author shares some of his models that are no more than 1/2" to 6" deep.

Adding Weights to Cars

Describes the NMRA-recommended weights for cars, and what kind of weights the author used to bring his cars up to spec.

Aging Boxcar Out On The Line

The author bought a used MTH 34' box car that he converted into a more accurate model.

Alberta Prairie Resource Railway

A visit of Bill Yancey's layout. Includes several photos of the layout.

All About Kasiner O Scale and O Gauge

Kasiner Model Hobbies produced aluminum passenger cars with wooden floors starting in 1947. Includes a listing of the kits they manufactured and many photos.

All Tracks Lead to Strasburg, PA

Information about the Eastern PA 2 Rail O Scale Train Show and Swap Meet held in Strasburg, PA. Includes several photos taken at the event.

Assault on the Alleghenies

ATSF Unit Train Hopper

The article describes how the author build jigs to enable him to build a large number of hoppers for his unit trains. Includes prototype photos, scale and detail drawings, and drawings of the jigs.

Attalee Taylor's Small Portion of the PRR

The layout measures 20' x 12.5'. It is an around-the-room. The article covers compromises the owner has made to fit a large mainline layout into a small space. Includes many photos and a track plan.

Aurora's Model Railroad Magnate

This is a large layout fitting in a 18' by 50' building built by Dr. Gordon Fessler. The layout was started in 1979.

Autumn Treetops

How to make trees with a focus on the Fall season.

Backshop

Installing scene panels (printed background scenes by Walthers called Instant Horizons) to your layout. Includes many photos.

Backshop Solutions

The author describes how he simulates grease on freight car wheels.

Backshop Solutions

The author describes how to form grab irons, using a handful of jigs. Includes straight and drop grab irons.

Backshop Solutions

Creating and applying details to a GP7 model. Also covers making bolsters for a covered hopper.

Backshop Solutions

What are "RPM" shows? Photos and information about models shown at the Prototype Rails 2020 show.

Backshop Solutions

The author reports that his SW1500 has a functioning motor now. The remainder of the article is a photo essay of a Proto:48 module under construction.

Backshop Solutions

Apply details, weathering decks, installing LEDs in tall switch stands, 3D-printed details, and trackwork for modules.

Backshop Solutions

So far the author has been working on building a P:48 turnout with a #7.5 frog. The article also covers visiting a resin manufacturer.

Backshop Solutions

The author describes building the next module which has a mainline track and a siding.

Backshop Solutions

The author tackles a task he has been dreading, soldering brass handrails to this model.

Backshop Solutions

The author offers comments and photos of his progress on the model since the last issue.

Backshop Solutions

The author shares what he has been up to in the past 4 months

Backshop Solutions

Tools and building a master.

Bay Ridge Harbour Railroad

This Australian author models a U.S. railroad in a 25 by 25 foot addition to the house. Includes photos of flat backdrop industries, a scratchbuilt car float bridge, track plan of the number "9"-shaped layout. Article also includes "lessons learned".

Bill Leider And His Union Pacific Layout

A large around-the-walls shelf layout featuring the owner's talented backdrop paintings.

Bird House to Carriage House

The author found a bird house at the Jo-Ann's Fabrics store that was about the right size for an O-scale small barn. He modified it and shares his changes.

Black Fork Railway

The author describes changing his existing HO-scale layout and morphing it into an O-scale one.

Blue Ridge Midland Railroad

The author describes how he met Art Selby and visits his layout. This John Armstrong-designed layout fits in a 36' x 25' space. Includes many photos of the layout.

Bob's Machine Shop

The author describes how he built this kit by an Australian manufacturer called Walker Models.

Boxcar Ken

O scale catalog.

Build a Bromine Car

The author described how he scratchbuilt this short tank car. The article contains lots of construction photos and diagrams, as well as a parts list.

Build A Car Float

This article builds on the float bridge from the last issue. Construction details and photos accompany this article of a car float that can hold 10 cars.

Build a Small Gas Station

This small gas station was very common before the era of freeways and can still be found even today. Includes a prototype photo, model photos, and a scale drawing.

Build a Stumptown Shack

After building the Bar Mills Shack Pack structure, the author decides to place the model on a series of tree stumps since it would be sitting on uneven terrain.

Build a Wooden Water Tank

In O-scale a Quacker Oats box is almost the perfect size for matching the prototype model of the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (now Soo Line) one in Marquette, Michigan. Includes construction photos, and detailed and scaled drawings of the model.

Build an Early Steel Drop Bottom Gon

The model is based on a 1900, American Car and Foundry all-steel drop-bottom gondola for the Pittsburgh Coal Company. Includes diagrams, and model and prototype photos.

Build an O Scale Streetcar

The author used this project as an introduction to model in O-scale. It is based on the Connecticut Car Co. streetcar as built in 1910. Includes scaled drawings, construction photos, and a sidebar on how to handle the internal wiring for picking up power from the overhead wiring.

Building a Barrel Car Kit

This article covers how to build the Ye Olde Huff n' Puff barrel car kit.

Building a Berkshire Valley Models 1934 Tank Truck

The author describes how he set about building three of these car kits.

Building a Center Cab Diesel Part Three

In this installment, the author builds the chassis for the model. He modified the P&D Hobbies gear boxes and builds the frame out of brass. Includes photos and drawings.

Building a Fire Station

Prototype photos of various small-town fire stations accompany this article that describes the construction of this 40 x 26 foot, 27 foot tall building. A materials list is also included.

Building a Freelanced Sandhouse

The model was based on W. J. Ewell's plans as published in the Jan/Feb, 1990 issue of the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette. Although freelanced, it is models the D&RGW Durango sanding facility. The article includes photos of the completed model, several construction photos, and several scale and detail drawings. A parts list is also included.

Building a Pittsburgh Railways Co Brill 3700 Interurban

The author covers the history of the 3700 trolley, and then describes how he scatchbuilt his model.

Building a PRR B8a 0-6-0 Part 1

These engines were built between 1903 and 1917 and were re-classified to B8a to be used as yard switchers. The article describes how the author built this engine. Includes scale drawings.

Building a PRR B8a 0-6-0 Part 2

This installment covers the construction of the cab, the rear deck, bunker, steps, boiler, cylinders, front pilots, and interior details.

Building A Resin Gondola Kit

The author describes the process of building a Funaro & Carmerlengo O-scale NYC gondola kit.

Building a Rustic Split Rail Fence

The author shows how he makes these fences. Includes many prototype and model 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 Small O Scale Layout Part 15

This installment starts a series of articles on how to build grade crossings. Several close-up photos of prototype grade crossings and modeled grade crossings are included. This installment covers the construction of a timber-based grade crossing, with step-by-step photos.

Building a Small O Scale Layout Part Six

This installment discusses ground cover. The article includes fantastic photos of grasses growing in between the tracks. A step-by-step set of photos show how the author modeled that on the layout.

Building a Small O Scale Layout Part Sixteen

This install covers how to model paved roads, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, and painting roads.

Building a Western Scale Models O Scale Machine Shop & Radial Drill Press

The author mostly followed the instructions of Western Scale Models' engine shed, but instead made it a machine shop. The detail parts are by the company. The author discusses how he made the belt-driven machines appear to work. Includes detailed photos, parts list, and tools list.

Building Amtrak Superliners

The author shares how he resin-cast parts to build models of the 1970s-era Amtrak cars.

Building an Alco S-2 From a Lionel 3-rail Dummy Model

This French modeler put the parts together to build this engine to fit his layout. Includes many construction photos.

Building an FJ&G Boxcar

The author super-details a Reynolds 40-foot box car to make one for the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville RR. Includes a drawing of the underbody details, side skirts, steps, ladders, grab irons, doors, tack boards, ends hardware, poling pockets, brake platform, and brake details. Also includes a prototype photo.

Building an Interurban Combine

The author describes how he built a Labelle kit of an interurban combine car, with some construction photos and a parts list.

Building Pennsy Stone Walls - With Lego Bricks

The author describes how he uses Lego bricks to build a long Pennsy stone block style retaining wall. The bricks are covered with joint compound to hide their smooth sides.

Building the Ellisville Elevator

In this installment the author actually builds the model. Construction photos accompany the article. There are also scale drawings included, as well as a sidebar on the inner workings of a grain elevator.

Building the Ladysmith Tank

Modeling a small water tank in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Includes prototype and model photos, and scale drawings.

Building the Milwaukee Road in a 23'x32' Basement

The author describes how he is building his layout. Includes a hand-drawn track plan, and photos of the construction methods he has used.

Building Traction Flat Trailers Part 2

The author describes how he builds a flat car for traction.

Buy a Battleship, Build a Railroad Around it

Rick Yost bought a real-world 15-foot O-scale model of a battleship, and decided to build a model railroad around that monster. Includes many photos of the ship and his layout.

Caboose Stove-oil Tank

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

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision

The author shares the Jean-Pierre Rheaume Memorial bridge, an Atlas truss bridge built by its name-sake, and donated to the author. He describes how he integrated the bridge into his own layout, even though the bridge was too short. Includes the construction of the abutments.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision

The author describes his dream workshop, which he built two years before starting his layout. He shares the layout diagram, and several photos of his workshop.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision

The author shares his layout's construction progress, a track plan, and many photos.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision

This article covers how to convert MTH and Atlas locomotives equipped with "China drive" systems to DCC. This is a step-by-step guide with plenty of photos.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision

The author shares updates and changes he has made to his layout over the past year.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision

The author shares his progress on his layout, specifically due to a restriction in the availability of hobby funds. He covers installing fascia, backdrop photos, adding a 3D-printer, scratchbuilding a large bridge, and expanding his fleet.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision

The author provides a review of what he accomplished on his layout over the past year. It includes the purchase of a CNC machine to build a bridge.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision Part 1

The author tackles the most difficult part of building a layout, which is creating and installing a working signaling system. This installment covers the basics, his layout's track plan, and types of signals.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision Part 2

Building the CTC machine. Includes many construction photos.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision Part 3

The author describes how he scratchbuilds his signals, with a large part of the article covering how to create your own etching setup. Includes many construction and final-installation photos.

Canadian National Railways Sanmore Subdivision Part 4

The author describes how he put the whole system together on his layout, including the physical installation, and the wiring of the system.

Card Stock Modeling Part 1

The owner of Clever Models describes how to build card-stock based models economically. Includes topics on paper choices, tools needed, (The free kit mentioned in the article is no longer on the web site, so the link associated with this entry takes you to the kits that are freely available on their web site; however, the article contains the content of that free kit.)

Card Stock Models

Printing your own parts, the author show how he built a basic cabin using card stock. Several other projects are shown as well.

Cast an Abandoned House

The author describes how he modeled a collapsed house by casting the walls, then carving the individual bricks on them.

Cast Your Own Urban Structures

The author describes his inexpensive technique for making molds to build repetitive large structures to model the urban tall buildings. Step-by-step photos show how to make the mold and then pour the castings from Hydrocal.

Chicago 2010 March Meet Contest Photos

Photos of the models that won.

Chicago March Meet 2022 Contest Results

A photo essay of the winners at the show's contests.

Chicago March Meet 2022 It's Back!

A brief intro to the show, and then lots of photos taken at the event.

Chicago March Meet Model Contest Results

Photos of many of the entries that won awards at the Chicago O Scale Meet 2016.

Chicago O Scale Meet 2016

The people and new products at this annual show.

Chipping Paint on a Wooden Car

The author describes how she was able to achieve a faded-paint look on a Rails Unlimited CB&Q SM-16 stock car kit that she built. So, the focus isn't so much on how to build the kit, but rather on proper priming of the resin kit, painting it, and making it look weathered. Includes lots of step-by-step photos.

Cleveland 2-Rail O Scale Train Meet

Photos taken at the show; no text.

Cleveland Flats

The author describes his 2-rail O-scale switching layout that fits in a 11'6" x 19" shelf space, modeling the Flats Industrial Railroad in the Flats District of Cleveland, OH.

Cleveland O Scale Show

A review and many photos of the show.

Confessions of a Hi-railer

Reports on what was seen at the 2007 York train show.

Constructing the Float Bridge on the Bay Ridge Harbour RR

This photo essay shows how the author built the car float bridge for his layout.

Construction of a Scratch-Built Truss Bridge

The author shows how he designed and built a truss bridge for his small layout.

Construction Update - Train Wreck

The author shares his progress on his layout, which was not as much as he had expected, impacted by the government lockdowns of the past year. The majority of the article is a photo essay of the changes made.

DCC for Traction Layouts

Installing a DCC decoder in a trolley.

Decoder Installation into an Atlas SW Locomotive

The author describes upgrading four of his Atlas SW engines with LOKSound ESU 58429, using Tang Band speakers and TCS KA2 Keep Alive. Includes many construction photos.

Denver Society of Model Railroaders

The "Colorado Midland" layout is kept in the basement of the Denver Union Station. It's been there since 1936. The article fully describes the 75' x 90' layout that is open to visitors. It includes many photos and a track plan. (The Society was evicted in 2013, so it, and the layout, no longer exist.)

Detailing an Intermountain Tank Car

The author describes what he did to superdetail this car and setting it up to the Proto:48 standard. Includes model photos and a parts list.

Dismal Creek Bridge

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a very basic timber bridge, modeling, with actual sticks and branches, just what the prototype did.

DIY Displacement Screw Terminal Strips

The author how he created PVC terminal strips to simplify the wiring of his friend's Lionel O-scale layout. Includes photos and step-by-step instructions.

Eastern PA 2 Rail O Scale Train Show and Swap Meet Strasburg, PA

Photos and a review of the train show.

Eastern PA 2 Rail Scale Train Show Strasburg, PA

A review of the show held on October 15, 2016. Includes photos of the show, as well as the nearby Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

Edendale Creek Diorama Part 1

The author built a diorama in proto:48 for a scratchbuilt Fairmont Railway Motors weed burner. The article contains lots of photos of the diorama under construction and the finished model.

Eric Bronsky Photos

This article is a collection of photos taken by Eric Bronsky of Ed Halstead's Chicago and Utopia Electric Railway. He has a YouTube channel under the name of "Electropickle Productions", which includes videos of Ed's layout.

Excellence in O Scale

One of the members of the Twin City Model Railroad Museum describes their layout. Photography done by Bob Werre. Includes a track plan of this 45' x 57' layout. The layout uses two-rail hand-laid track.

Feed Store

Step-by-step instructions on how to build the structure, with lots of close-up construction photos.

Finishing Touches for the Pioneer Valley

The author covers adding automobiles, figures, utility poles, detail castings, chain link fences, junk, scratchbuilt details, signs, and signals to his layout. A sidebar article talks about the cabinets the author built for the layout, including parts list and diagram. There is another sidebar on the signals and signal driving circuit he added to his layout.

Free-rolling Steam Locomotive Drive

The author converted an NYC Mohawk such that it can be pushed down the track by hand. The conversion included building a multiple-thread worm, thrust ball bearings, and a coreless motor. The idea is that if you can easily push the engine down the track, when it receives track power, it will run very smoothly. Detailed photos and diagrams are included.

Freelancing in O Scale

The author describes his Ausemy and Eastern Railway, a short-line carrier based in the town of Ausemy, located somewhere in the upper Midwest. Includes photos of the layout, the unique "floating shelf" look, and a track plan diagram.

From Four to Six Axles

Converting an MTH 3 rail Premier Line Dash 8 to 2 rail. He made castings of the correct trucks. Includes many model photos, including construction photos, and a parts list.

Gary Schrader's Improvement Wonderland

Gary Schrader is an expert in repairing O-scale models, especially Key Imports models. The article has many photos of models that Gary has reworked.

General Store

The author describes how he scratchbuilt this small store. The interesting challenge was the two large windows right next to the front door, because that leaves a very weak wall.

Grand Dreams in 50 Square Feet

Includes prototype narrow gauge photo from 1909.

Having It All Colorado Style

This article describes Richard Miller's O-scale standard and narrow gauge Denver & Rio Grand Western. Includes a track plan.

Holsteins and Heavy Freight

A fictional story about a small scene at an SP siding, with several close-up photos.

How Deep the Valley

The author describes how he built a swing-away platform to act as a valley bottom in a duck-under area of his layout. Includes many photos.

How To Bring Old Lionel Locomotives Back to Life

This article shows how to remove the motor, take apart and replace the worn parts of the motor, lubricate the motor, re-install the motor, and test the engine. Includes step-by-step instructions and photos.

How to Convert a Weaver Troop Kitchen Car to Close Coupling and Narrower Trucks

The author describes and shows how he did the conversions for this car. Includes close-up photos.

How to Scratch Build "Genesis"

The author bought one Overland P42 Amtrak "Genesis" locomotive, but wanted a second one. Since he couldn't find another, he decided to build one from scratch. He built the body out of a product called "Alu-Dibond", which is easier to work with than brass. The article describes how he built the model, accompanied by many photos.

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.

Improving Weaver's 53' Flat Car

The author describes the details he improved on this car to make it a better representative model of a UP 70 ton Commonwealth Steel
Castings flat car.

In Memoriam

Information about Gary W. Engle's passing and photos of his layout.

In Memoriam

Information about Pat Mucci, owner of P&D Hobby Shop in Fraser, MI, with several photos of him.

In Memoriam - Harmon Monk

This article reviews O-scale brass modeler Harmon Monk's projects.

In Memoriam Gregory Anderson

A brief note Greg's passing. Includes a photo of him with his layout.

In Memoriam Louis Bartig

A talented designer and model builder passed away.

In Paul Larson's Honor

The author describes scratchbuilding a stock car after the one that his model railroading hero built and documented in a 1967 RMC article, but this time with modern products.

Interurban Classic

The author shows how he built this model of the J.C. Brill Combine 7 owned by the United Railways System. Includes parts list, many construction photos, and scale drawings.

Joseph Fischer

This article, written by his daughter, describes Joseph's life and his passion for custom-building O-scale cars under the name of "Fischer Railroad Models".

Keeping Track of History

The 8 by 25 foot permanent display of an O-scale layout in the Los Altos History Museum helps visitors to view the past of the local area. Includes a track plan and many photos.

Kimpei Sofue's Life

The story of the life of Mr. Sofue who built brass engines for KTM, Max Gray, both O- and HO-scale.

Kitbashing a GN Boxcab Switcher

The author describes how he built this engine using lots of junk parts and an Atlas WDT switcher.

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 a Rock Island Mixed Train Caboose

The author converted a San Juan Car Company's D&RGW boxcar and convert it into this caboose, similar to what the prototype did in 1915. Includes model and prototype photos, and scale drawings.

Kitbashing a Seven-ton Shay

The author describes how he used the HO-scale MDC Shay kit to build a replica of the Gilpin No. 1 Shay. The article includes model photos, various diagrams, scaled drawings, and a parts list. Includes a sidebar by Wayne Weatherstone on mastering the infamous MDC Shay mechanism.

Kitbashing Four O Scale City Buildings

Taking four identical kits and transforming them into unique buildings.

LaserKnife-Laser Cutter

Using the Micro-Mark LaserKnife 2525 laser-cutting machine and CorelDRAW, the author creates a laser-cut kit for himself of a simple "shotgun" house.

Layout at the Ice House

The "Ice House" is not quite a club, but a group of people who enjoy the 2-rail layout set up at a former ice house and feed store in Cleveland. The layout and building is owned by one man who invites people to come over and help maintain and run the layout. Includes lots of photos.

Lee Hart's PRR Birdsboro Division Eastern Ridge & Chestnut Branch

A visit to Lee (and his brother Larry) Hart's 24'x36' 2-rail O-scale layout. The article includes many layout photos. No track plan.

Let's Build Something

The author describes how he built an Intermountain O-scale box car. Includes lots of progress photos.

Let's Build Something

The author describes the kit and how he built the Sylvan Scale Models 1929 CNR 40' single-sheathed box car.

Let's Make Some Coal Loads

The author describes, in a step-by-step manner, how to use insulation foam as the base for creating hopper and gondola coal loads.

Linfield Northern & Southern RR: Northfield Yard

The author describes how he built his 2' by 6' switching layout to take to shows for only about $275. Includes photos of the layout (including an overhead one that shows the track plan). The idea is that larger layouts aren't necessarily better; it's all in what you enjoy.

LionChief Plus Lackawanna 4-6-0 Camelback

Review and photos of the model.

Living with Decal Rivets while Finishing a Pittsburgh Interurban Car

The author shares his experiences and solutions to using the Archer 3D resin rivets and how he applied them to an interurban car.

Looking Backwards to Move Forwards

When it is difficult to remain motivated, the author thinks about his past successes and find the energy to work on the current project. He is building a traction layout. Includes photos of his past On3 layout, and his current efforts.

Madisonville & Jamestown Railroad

The author, a retired professional railroader, describes how he built a layout in a 17' x 19' garage in Australia. The MJRR is a fictitious short line set in the Midwest of the USA operating from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. The article includes a track plan, and construction photos.

Make a DCC Wrecking Crane

The author describes how he converted a Lionel wrecking crane from 3-rail TMCC system to 2-rail DCC.

Make It Run As Good As It Looks

Using a Lionel GP-30 body, a Des Plaines Hobbies GP-30 brass frame, and P&D drives, the author completes this model, but not without some trouble. This article is about how resolved the issues to get the engine to actually run well.

Making Frames

The author has his steam locomotive frames made from CAD drawings in a computer-driven machine. This article describes how that is done.

Making Ponderosa Pines

The author starts by growing his own seedlings for one or two seasons. They are baked when harvested, then prepared. The article covers in detail how he decorates the trunk and applies branches and greenery.

Making Some Dumpsters

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a number of different industrial trash dumpsters from styrene.

March Meet End of an Era

The Hill family are stepping away from the March Meet, which has been the largest O-scale show in the US. Most of the article is a photo essay of the 2020 March Meet people and models.

March Meet Model Contest

2020 March Meet contest model photos.

Martin's Garage: Gutting It and Studding It

The author opened up the Fos Scale Limited kit to show a full interior, including studding of the walls, and interior details common for small gas stations.

ME Ry Gons and Flats with Interchangeable Loads

The author describes how he built several flat cars and gondolas, but most of the article is about building the various loads.

Memories of My Dad, Bob Jakl

In addition to the obituary, the article also covers their large O-scale layout that the family constructed.

Mike Culham's Great Central Railway

This is an L-shaped 32-foot long layout that measures only 30 inches wide. It offers lots of switching.

Milwaukee Electric's Snow Sweepers

Prototype photos and scale drawings. Includes notes of the author's model.

Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club

Many photos and a description of the club. A photo-location sketch is included for both the lower level and the upper one. There is also an elevated level that has the old Standard Gauge track on it, with a huge bridge.

Modeling Western Pacific's Pullman Boxcars

The article is about using 3D-printing technology to design and build this model.

Modifying a Sunset Rio Grande F7

The author super-details his A-B-B-A set, which are fully documented in accompanying close-up photos.

Modifying an International Model Gon

The author improves an undesirable brass gondola from the early-1960s. Includes how to make a gravel load.

MTH Premier Class H9 Heavy Consolidation

Review and photos of the model.

My First Two Steam Locomotive Kits

The author builds the pilot beams for two Stevenson Preservation Lines New York Central switch engine kits converted to Nickel Plate class B-11 switchers.

My First Two Steam Locomotive Kits Part 1

After some history, the author describes the Stevenson Preservation Lines New York Central 0-6-0 locomotives that he converted into Nickel Plate class B-11b switchers. This installment covers the basic model and the tenders.

My Windy River Timber Co. Engine House

Model photos accompany this article of how the author built this two-stall engine house. He won a prize with it at the 28th National Narrow Gauge Convention.

Narrow Minded

Why narrow gauge? O-scale narrow gauge is more fun and allows for more space, argues the author.

Narrow Minded

Bachmann's Forney

New Haven Rail Fences

This article shows how to model track fences made from old rail, as still found along the Amtrak Northeast Corridor. These were used to keep people from accidentally wandering onto the high-speed track.

New to the Wonderful World of Two Rail O Scale

The young author shares his journey into O.

New Track

Interviews with Korber Models, Right-O-Way, Specialty Track Services, Carolina Craftsman Kits, Wiseman Model Services, Larry Burk (On30), Allen Littlefield, Kevin Spady (On30). The confusing article continues with several other unrelated topics.

New Tracks

Clubs can be a source for mentors (photos of their layouts). Several individuals are interviewed.

New Tracks

Contest sponsored by Clever Models.

New Tracks

Creating models using card-based materials. Several models are shown, but not all are O-scale. Several individuals are interviewed, not many related to O-scale.

No Kit? No Problem!

The author scratchbuilt the Louisville & Nashville depot in Limestone Springs, Kentucky. Construction of the windows and the odd-shaped roof are shown in close-up photos. Includes a materials list and a prototype photo.

O Scale Adobe Buildings From Balsa Wood

The author describes how he built this adobe blacksmith shop.

O Scale National Convention All Rails Head to Denver!

This article covers the author's visit to the annual convention, this time held in Denver, CO. Includes a couple of photos taken at the event. The actual photo essay starts on page 15 of this issue.

O Scale Ohio DE 400 Crane

The author builds a crane, but the article is really about what it takes to work with brass, and he uses no lathe or mill.

O Scale South

A visit of 5 layouts that were open during the O Scale South hosted by the Southern O Scalers in Atlanta, Georgia.

O Scale X29 Kit

A quick review and a couple of photos of the O-scale kit produced by Des Plaines Hobbies.

O&S Scale Midwest Show

Photos and a summary of the show.

Observations

With this "golden" issue, #50, the publisher reflects on its accomplishments, and he announces "OST Publications Inc." that he co-owns with Mike Cougill.

OGR Digital Library Plus Extra Pages

Many additional photos of layouts covered in this issue.

On Building Bulletproof House Cars

The author shares his techniques for making freight cars relatively quickly, to be relatively sturdy, and to have a good amount of detail. Includes many project photos.

One for Gasoline Alley

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a scale 20'x28' old-style, single-pump gas station. He provides some sage advice for building structures in this article, to make sure it lasts. Lots of construction photos included.

Pennsylvania & Pacific RR Modern Engine House

The author takes you through his design process for making a three-stall engine house that actually fit his large engines, and then shows how he scratchbuilt the model.

Pennsylvania 1893 Heater Boxcar

These PRR cars were used to transport perishable items during the winter. A heater under the floor prevented the contents from freezing. The author scratchbuilt his model from wood and plastic details. The article also includes a scaled drawing, model photos, construction detail drawings, and a parts list.

Pine Tree Route RS-2

Modeling and painting this Alco Main Central model in O-scale.

Planning and Building A Freight Car Fleet For John Armstrong's Canandaigua Southern

The author acquired lots of John Armstrong's layout's items and in this article he talks about how he tried to organize the equipment to be run like a real railroad, and how he restored some of the items. Includes many photos of the equipment.

Proto:48 A New Dimension in 1:48 Modeling

This article describes the new true-to-scale Proto:48 designation, and how and why it was developed. Includes photos that show the difference between Proto:48 and normal O-scale materials.

Pulp Log Business for the Mountain Electric

The author shares how he built these cars.

Quick 2 Railing a Weaver GP38 using Stanton Drives

The author had bought a Weaver GP38 and a pair of Stanton drives, and put them together to make an old locomotive run again. He shares a few photos of how he did that.

Quick and Easy Interiors

Using magic markers, styrene, and other assorted materials to quickly give the illusion the interiors of stores and homes are populated.

Quincy Mining Co. Machine Shop

Blocks cast to look like stone were used on the prototype structure, which is located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the model faithfully captures the architecture and texture of the original. Includes model, construction, and prototype photos, and scaled drawings.

Railroading with a Purpose

The author describes how his layout is designed for realistic operations with 3-rail O scale. Includes many photos, and track plans. His Pennsylvania & Western layout is included in a segment of the OGR's "Great Layout Adventures, Volume 11" DVD.

Ralph Pirtle's Ozark Valley Lines

This is an O-scale traction line layout in a bedroom measuring 15' by 10'. Color and black-n-white photos of this beautiful layout accompany the article.

Recap of The 48th O Scale National Show in Indianapolis

A review of the show, including many photos. Also discussed is that the owners of O Scale Resource magazine have decided to buy this annual train show, and rename it the "Indianapolis O Scale Show and S Scale Midwest Show". Photos include Jim Canter's layout (previous owner of the show).

Redesigning for Better Operation

The first time this layout, the Great Western RR, was featured in this magazine was in October 1992. This follow-up article talks about all the changes the author made to his layout based on lessons he has learned since then.

Remembering the Reading with Lionel

Although 3-rail track is used, the layout looks finished and realistically designed. Three loops of track cover this 6' by 16' layout for continuous action.

Restoring a Vintage Tank Car

The author describes how he restored this old tank car.

Robert Poole's Southern Pacific Coast Line

Bob's layout models the SP in 1956. It is built in a five-car garage, with the layout measuring 30' x 50'.

Rockford O Scalers Open House Saturday November 4, 2017

A description and photo of the event, which is held several times throughout the year.

Rounding Out a New Roundhouse

This article covers the support structures found near a roundhouse that the author added to his layout. Includes many close-up photos of the details.

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.

Sand Hoppers For the RD&S Railroad

The author transforms a Weaver PRR H30 and a N&W HC-1 covered hopper as sand service models for his layout. Includes lots of construction photos.

Santa Day at Lane Press

Lane Press, a magazine printer in South Burlington, Vermont, sets up an annual employee family Christmas scene, complete with a working O-scale layout. Includes several photos.

Saving Our Scale

The author is trying to drum up support for two-rail O-scale modeling, by creating a blog.

Scale-changed Gas Light

The author describes how he converted an HO-scale lamp for his O-scale layout, and how a similar change could be made for modeling one in S-scale.

Scene Around the Layout

Just a single photo with caption of Jim Harper's The SP Palos Verde Division.

Scene Around the Layout

The author describes how he finished these poultry cars and the 100+ chickens in them.

Scene Around the Layout

Using the HO-scale Walthers Particulate Dust Cyclone used in O-scale.

Scene Around the Layout

Turning N- and HO-scale styrene strips into scrap piles.

Scratch Building A Fuel Tank Pt 2

The author continues to work on the brass fuel tanks for the Weaver model of an Alco RS-3.

Scratch Building A Fuel Tank Pt 3

This installment covers detailing the RS-3's fuel tank. Lots of construction photos.

Scratch Building My Steam Locomotives Pt 2

This installment covers the spring rigging and frame assembly. Includes many construction photos.

Scratch Building My Steam Locomotives Pt 3

This installment covers the cylinder assemblies. Includes lots of step-by-step photos.

Scratch Building My Steam Locomotives Pt 4

This installment covers the cross heads, guide bars, and crosshead hangers.

Scratch Building My Steam Locomotives Pt 5

This installment covers the construction and installation of the fire box, motor mounts, and boilers. Includes many construction photos and diagrams.

Scratch Building My Steam Locomotives Pt 6

This installment covers the construction of the rear end beam and cab supports, the cabs, the domes, and the exhaust stacks. A sidebar covers some of the tools the author finds the most useful.

Scratch Building My Steam Locomotives Pt 7

This installment covers the construction of the lead trucks and pilots.

Scratch Building My Steam Locomotives Pt 8

This installment covers the valve gear.

Scratch Buildings

The author describes the basic starting principles to scratchbuilding your own structures, and takes you through the major steps. Several example photos are included.

Scratchbuild a Chesapeake & Ohio High Side Gondola

This article describes how the author built a 1953 50-ton gondola from brass, styrene, and paper (for the rivets). Includes cutting diagrams, step-by-step photos, and a parts list. There is also a sidebar on how to create the rivet lines.

Scratchbuild a Sandstone Station

The author built a New York Central-flavored passenger station by casting the walls and then carving each of the individual blocks. He describes how he built the molds, cast them, and then carved the blocks. Also covered is how to stain the plaster casting, inserting the windows, building the corbels, and adding the final details. Included are model and construction photos, scaled drawings, and an assembly exploded 3D drawing.

Scratchbuilding a Milwaukee Road Snowplow

MILW X900109 is shown in this article using prototype photos and modeled in O-scale. Includes many scaled drawings.

Scratchbuilding a Mixed-train Combine

This car has a baggage compartment in the center and two segregate passenger compartments. Includes parts list and many detailed construction photos and scale diagrams.

Scratchbuilding a Small Wooden Freight Station/Platform

The article includes completed model photos, scale diagrams of all sides. Includes a full description of how the author created the large advertising posters on the model.

Scratchbuilding a Standard PRR Tool House

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

Scratchbuilding NWP's Bell Springs Depot

This article describes the model of a very small depot found along the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. Scale drawings, one prototype photo, and several model close-up photos accompany the article.

Shooting an OGR Video

The behind-the-scene stories for the OGR's "Great Layout Adventures, Volume 11" video shooting sessions. Includes several set-up photos.

Signaling and Operation on the Canandaigua Southern

The late John Armstrong describes how he built and manages the signals on his O-scale layout. The article includes a trackplan of his layout, several photos, and construction drawings for the signals he uses. He then describes how they use a computer during operating sessions.

Sleeper Service on the Mountain Electric

A sleeper car for a traction line.

Smooth Operators

Exploring the idea of adding operations to a "loop-runner" layout for added interest in the hobby.

Southern Pacific Coast Line Update

A layout update photo essay.

Starting Over Part 3

This installment covers the demolition of the previous layout, preparation of the room, and the beginning of the construction of the new one.

State of Two-Rail O Scale, an Update

This article covers efforts related to the future of two-rail O-scale modeling. Includes several photos taken at train shows.

Steam Country

Photo essay of steam locomotives set in the 1940s of the Chicago & Illinois Midland. Many close-ups of scenic details as locomotive come through the layout.

Steel Rails to the Sunset

A description of the upcoming 2010 O Scale National Convention in Santa Clara, California.

Strasburg 2 Rail Train Show

Photos taken at the April 2022 show.

Street Running in Bridgevue

In a follow-up visit, the author describes the changes he has made to his layout since the June 2014 issue article, which includes "street running". Includes many photos, and a track plan of the area.

Styrene to Streamliner

The author takes a step-by-step approach as he describes how he scratchbuilt a Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis' 4-roomette, 5-bedroom, 1-compartment, 4-section sleeping car Florida Sunset (Pullman-Standard floor plan no. 4196, built in December 1954). Includes lots of detailed photos and part drawings, as well as a parts list.

Suburban Station Renovation

The author (the general manager of Micro-Mark) takes a simple Atlas O-scale structure and turns it into a DL&W station in Berkeley Heights, N.J. This kit is also available in HO and N-scale.

Superdetailing a Pacific Coast Shay 1

The author starts his series on how he built and then superdetailed the O-scale Sunset Models Pacific Coast Shay, a standard gauge engine. The article contains prototype photos, completed model photos, parts photos and diagrams, and construction detail drawings.

Symmetrical Tilting Mechanism

The author describes how he developed a system by which the car will tilt on bad track, simulating the real-world rocking-and-rolling that equipment does.

Taking it to the Streets

Adding details to roadways, including cracks, a construction site, and junk.

Taming Woodland Scenics Field Grass to Model Wild Grass

The author shares the various tools and methods he has tried to create realistic field grass, but he eventually developed a method he is happy with. Includes many prototype and model photos.

Telegraph Poles - One Last Time

This article delves deeply into the design and construction of telegraph poles and how to make detailed scale models.

Texas & Pacific No. 300 Baggage Dormitory Car Part 1

This is the first installment of a series describing how to build this car. This installment covers the prototype research, and includes prototype photos.

Texas & Pacific No. 300 Baggage Dormitory Car Part 2

This installment covers the tools and materials needed, and the start of the construction phase. The author is a professional model builder.

Texas & Pacific No. 300 Baggage Dormitory Car Part 3

This installment covers the construction of the car body. The article starts off with how to determine dimensions from a photograph when starting some known dimensions, such as a truck.

The "Gerrysburg Five"

Link to a YouTube video where the author visited 5 layouts in the Gettysburg area.

The 2016 Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show

The author describes his visit at this show, with lots of photos focusing on O-scale products and layouts.

The Art of Finescale

How to install feeder wires to track without them being visible later on.

The Basic Buildable and Complete Railroad

Designing a workable layout. The author takes the reader through the steps of designing a layout.

The Before and After Photos of My Restoration of a Late 40s Sheet Tin O Scale Rail Craft Panel Side Hopper

(this article has got to have the longest title ever!) A photo essay of how the author severely weathered the car.

The Blue Smoke RR

Moving to more realistic track gave the author the desire to continue to build a large Lionel layout.

The Brian Scace Experience

Daniel and Amy Dawdy visit with the layout's owner, covering how he came up with his layout design. Includes many photos of his layout.

The Carolina & Western RR

The author describes how he changed from HO to O-scale, even though he was firmly rooted in HO. The new layout measures 13.5' by 36'.

The Chicago & Utopia Railway

The author was there for the last run of Ed Halstead's layout (they are moving to a smaller home). In addition to many photos of the layout, the article covers Ed's youth, and how he got to eventually building this traction-based layout.

The Country Crossing

This is a design for a 15'x42' layout that features more rural scenes.

The Erie F7's and the John Armstrong Story

The engines that are the topic of the article were owned by John Armstrong, and when John passed away in 2004, his family gave them to the author.

The Great Northern Pacific Railroad

The author describes his 16' by 32' layout, its equipment, and some of the facilities on the railroad. Includes a track plan.

The Helper Engine

With the upcoming winter months (the article was written in September 2015), the author reviews the state of his tools and supplies, to see if anything needs to be renewed, refreshed, or replaced to work on his kits.

The History of The Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee

The club was formed by several people, including Al Kalmbach and Bill Walthers, in 1933. The article covers the permanent location of the club, operating the layout, the birth of the NMRA.

The Ironbound Railroad

This shelf layout goes around three walls of the author's two-car garage. The article describes how he got into O-scale, and how he constructed this, his second O-scale layout. Trains are run using on-board radio-controlled, battery-powered engines. Although the layout is used for operations, the many detailed scenes is really the author's joy in the hobby. Includes many close-up photos and a track plan.

The Jawn Henry in O Scale

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a model of the Norfolk and Western steam turbine "Jawn Henry" (a one-off experimental engine).

The Maumee Basin Lines

This article covers the P:48 layout of Mona and Warner Clark. Includes many photos.

The Maumee Basin Lines Redux

Rich Bougerie helped with the layout's construction.

The Milwaukee Road EP 3 Quill Part 1

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a The Westinghouse motors, Class EP-3s, electric locomotive. This first installment covers the prototype information (with drawings), starting the body, and starting the sideframes.

The Modern Image

Heavy-lifting cranes, and how to find models of them on eBay.

The O Scale Addison Tie & Timber Company

A very-well detailed and award-winning diorama of a store with a backshop.

The O Scale Resource State of O Scale Survey

The results of the survey done earlier in the year.

The Quarry Powerhouse: A Model with Sound & Lights

The author scratchbuilt the structure and installed DCC-controlled sound and lighting. The construction of the building isn't the main focus of the article, but the electronics installation is. All items are neatly laid out and attached to the roof of the structure, including the speakers.

The Quitman Depot

This article describes how to make an MTH plastic structure look like weathered wood.

The Recycled RR

Building a 4' by 6' layout for Christmas, made up entirely of items found in garage sales, rummage bins, and train shows. Half of the fun is in fixing up old things to make them work again.

The Southern

This large 32' by 24' basement layout continued to grow over the years. It includes two yards and quite a bit of mainline. The scenery is stunning. The layout is freelanced but based on the Chesapeake Bay area in Maryland or Virginia.

The Story of Adams & Son Model Foundry

The "Son" part of the company describes the story of the company as he grew up learning the tasks his father did. Includes several photos of the original models.

The Ullian Machine Shop

The author describes how he built a diorama of buildings in O-scale despite being a dedicated HO-scale modeler. One building is made out of hydrocal simulating stonework.

The Virginian, N&W, and Seaboard Railroad

The background story of Claud Abernathy and his layout. Includes many photos.

The West Tennessee Central

Louis Ertz's 26' by 53' O-scale layout. It is a walk-in layout with generous curves, beautiful structures, and nicely painted backdrops. The whole room is finished with carpet and wood skirting to the floor.

The Willoughby Valley R.R. Adventure

This 027 layout includes lots of details and mini scenes. Part of the purpose for the layout is as a setting for children's stories for videos.

The Workshop

This column focuses on making a small modification to install Kadee couplers on an Atlas SW switcher.

Tips & Tricks

Creating a clearance gauge.

Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Gas-Electric No. 301

The author kitbashes a kit to produce a unique model.

Traction Action

The author describes various ways to model where the Sacramento Northern meets the Key System at 40th and Shafter in Oakland, California. Includes a track plan idea.

Traction Cabeese

Traction lines rarely used cabooses, but the author chose to scratchbuild one modeled after the Illinois Traction System caboose. Includes model photos and a drawing.

Trainland U.S.A.

Iowa farmer, Red Atwood, with the help of full time and seasonal "employees" turned his basement into a Lionel museum, which is still open during the Summer season. The article includes a trackplan, and many photos.

Trap & Garnet Ridge Railroad

The author describes how Mike Hurlburt got into model railroading, getting started in modular N-scale modeling, and then switching to O-scale. Includes photos of the layout, as well as a track plan. Operations is important to Mike. An interesting solution to a lift-up bridge is shown.

Two New Cabooses for the Wisconsin Southern

The author started with two Atlas bobber cabooses to kitbash these models. Includes construction photos and detail diagrams.

Two-stall Engine House Part 1

The author shares how he started this project, by building the walls, the doors, and how to weather the walls.

Two-stall Engine House Part 2

This installment completes the construction of the engine house by building the interior trusses, center beams, and lighting.

Using Worn Effects

This article shows how to model heavy paint chips wearing on a Japanese Navy airplane.

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.

Vicki's Cabin Woodstock Kentucky

The author built two models of her neighbor's cabin. This is a brief how-to article, showing both the model and the real building.

Warner Clark's Maumee Basin Lines

Modeled after the Nickel Plate's Clover Leaf District, this two-level layout measures 26.5' by 19' in an L-shape. A hinged-gate provides access to the interior of the layout. All track is handlaid code 138 and 125 and controlled via DCC. Includes track plan and close-up photos of excellent scenery.

What Doing?

The author describes building and installing a set of grain storage bins to his feed mill scene.

What's Happening O Scale 2 Railers April 2020

Announcing that the O scale Kings now doing business as the O Scale 2 Railers. Coverage of the Chicago O Scale train show.

What's happening with the O Scale Kings, October 2020?

The O Scale Kings is a two-rail group promoting the scale. This article updates everyone on what the group is up to.

What's on Your Workbench Today?

The author shows the work he is doing on an O-scale steam engine.

What's on Your Workbench Today?

Appel & Sons building in Coolidge, Arizona before the city was so named.

What's On Your Workbench Today?

A photo of the Overland 350-ton UP coaling tower after having received its primer paint coat.

What's On Your Workbench Today?

The photographer is working on a two-stall engine house, and a water tower.

What's on Your Workbench?

In progress photo of a Denver and Salt Lake 400 series Mikado the author is building.

What's on Your Workbench?

The author shows the bridge he is building the weathered abutments he made.

What's On Your Workbench?

The author describes his process for turning a Woodland Scenic's model into something that looks more like a true model.

What's On Your Workbench?

Converting an Atlas RS-1 to DCC. Weathered model Show. Brady McGuire shows photos of his AP Post Oak structure.

What's On Your Workbench?

The author shares photos of his continuing work on his BN diesel servicing facility.

What's on Your Workbench?

The back-story behind the pre-WWII diesel engine the author is building.

What's on Your Workbench?

A quick article about converting an Ambroid caboose kit. Also covers how he improved the running of a brass 44-tonner.

Who Says O Scale is Big?

The author describes how he built a Whitcomb battery-powered 18" gauge electric mining locomotive.

Woodbourne Substation

The author describes how he researched and then scratchbuilt this large substation. The article includes plenty of prototype-based drawings, and model photos.

Working Windows, Hatches & Doors Part 1

This series of articles will cover how to making working windows, hatches, and doors for steam locomotives. This first part covers the typical tools you need.

Working With Older Brass Diesel Locomotives Part 1

The author describes what he did to upgrade a brass Fairbanks-Morse model, H-20-44, imported by The Car Works in the 1990s. He covers how to disassemble the model, provides hints for how to upgrade the motor, how to prepare to install a DCC decoder into the model, and how to paint it.

Working With Older Brass Diesel Locomotives Part 2

Converting an older brass engine to DCC is not as simple as it may sound. This installment continues with painting the shell, and adding glass and details. LEDs and the decoder installation are next.

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.