Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Magazine Articles by Scale
Sn3 Articles

"Chama", the PBL Display Layout

This 2'x20' Sn3 layout travels everywhere where P-B-L goes. Locomotive distances covered are measured in actual miles! Includes a couple of photos.

0-4-0T Porter Part III

The author continues his construction series on this Backwoods Miniatures locomotive, completing the work, and painting the model.

2015 National Narrow Gauge Convention

The author reports about the event held in Houston, Texas. Includes photos of Sn3 models and layouts.

2016 Narrow Gauge Convention

The author describes his visit to the National Narrow Gauge Convention in Augusta, Maine in September, 2016. There was quite a bit of S, Sn3, and Sn2 at the show. Includes several photos taken at the event. More photos can be found on page 34 and 35 of this PDF version of this issue.

29th Annual Sn3 Symposium

The author reports about this event in Dallas, Texas. Includes many photos.

31st Sn3 Symposium

The author relates his trip to Florida to attend this event, and what all happened there. Includes two pages of photos.

7th Annual Sn3 Symposium

A review of all the activities as the show. Photos are shown starting on page 61.

A Layout Is Never Finished

The author describes various details he is now adding to his fairly complete layout, such as bottle-brush-style grass clusters, tie piles, rail pieces, pallets, tools, coal bin, tree stumps, and building foundations. He also describes how he built two spools of steel cable, one enclosed and one exposed. A sidebar covers his use of various chemicals to age and weather things on his layout. There are lots of ideas for enhancing your layout in this article.

A Visit to PBL

The text describes the author's visit to PBL, while the photos cover the company's Sn3 layout set up in the showroom.

A Wood Passenger Car

Since the author is building a 10'x20' Sn3 logging layout, he needed some wooden passenger cars, so this article describes how he built one. Includes construction photos.

Along the Line

A photo of a K-37 rolling onto a turntable.

Along the Line

Rio Grande Southern's "Galloping Goose" motor car no. 4, as modeled by Joe Brooke.

An Auxiliary Water and Coal Car for OX

To complete his M.O.W. train, the author built a coal and water car from a brass tender. The article covers modifying the car, installing couplers, adding a realistic pile of coal (with debris), and finally painting, applying decals, and weathering the model.

An Inexpensive Easy-To-Build Sn3 Shay

Using the MDC's HO standard-gauge two-truck kit #360 and the V&T Shops kit #S-19, the author describes how he built his Sn3 Shay model. Includes photos of the completed model and the kits' parts.

An Inexpensive Narrow-gauge Heisler From Commercial Parts

This article covers how to convert an HO-scale AHM Heisler, using a V & T Shops conversion kit into an Sn3 model. Includes photos and detail drawings.

B.T.S. Car Shop's West Side/Swayne Skeleton Log Car

A review of the brass model. Includes two photos.

Building Cimarron Canyon Trestle

The author shows how he constructed a Howe truss bridge that spans a small canyon. Includes construction photos and design diagrams.

Building the Berlyn Locomotive Works C&S Type II Coal Car

The author briefly covers the prototype car, then reviews what can be found in the Berlyn kit, and finally describes the actual building of the kit. Includes model and construction photos.

Building the Railmaster C-19

The author describes how he builds these kits, providing lots of tips along the way. Includes some construction photos.

Building the Timberline No. 1 Mine Part I

The author describes building the head house and mine building. Includes lots of construction photos of the model.

Building the Timberline No. 1 Mine Part II

The author continues with his project by construction the conveyor and ore bins. Includes lots of construction photos.

Castings and Kits

The author describes how he builds his own molds to cast a number of items. Includes are photos of his logging camp building and logging flat cars of which he needed a number for his Sn3 layout.

Chama Yard

The 3'x48' layout models the Chama Yard, which was the first layout the author built after switching from On3 to Sn3. Includes a track plan, and several photos. The article continues on page 59 of the issue (not so indicated in the article's lead).

Commentary

Although the entry is not accredited an author, there is an opinion piece in the back of the magazine where the author believes that modeling in a minority scale, such as S, and more specifically Sn3, is a perfect scale for those who wish to not be tempted into "buying" their way into a nice layout, but rather be "forced" to have to build the things he or she wants for the layout.

Creating a Landslide

The author described how he dealt with the dark shadows formed by the mountain on the layout's backdrop.

Dave Woodrell's Sn3 Rio Grande Southern

The author describes Dave's Rio Grande Southern layout, which was started in 1991 in an 18' X 33' space in his new basement. The article includes the layout's track plan, and lots of close-up photos.

Denver & Cat Canyon Western

The author describes his freelanced Sn3 layout set in the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. Includes many layout photos

Denver & Rio Grande Western

The author describes his layout, which is centered around the town of Coffee Creek, a freelance town that grew to serve the area's Coffee Creek Lumber Company. Includes one photo and the point-to-point layout's track plan.

Denver, Rio Grande & Southern Railroad

The 12'x18' layout room, intended for an HO-scale layout, was filled with an Sn3 layout after catching the narrow-gauge bug. Includes many photos, a track plan, and a listing of engines found on the layout.

Detroit Yukon Mining Co.'s Porter No. 4 in Sn3

The author built a Backwoods Miniatures 7-ton 0-4-0 into an 0-4-0T Porter. Includes two model and two prototype photos.

E.B.T. in Sn3! Part II

In this installment, the author covers his design and planned operation for the new S/Sn3 EBT-based layout. Includes a two-page track plan, and several prototype photos.

East Broad Top Shops at Orbisonia/Rockhill Furnace

A photo essay of the author's layout as he models the EBT.

From the Observation Lounge

The author is considering adding Sn3 to his interests.

Gary Waite's San Juan Extension

A brief description and a pictoral tour of Gary's Colorado-themed layout.

Getting Better Performance from Your MDC Shay

The author converted a Model Die Casting HO-scale two-truck Shay kit to Sn3 using one of the V&T Shops conversion kits. The kit requires a bit of work to get it to operate well, so he describes what he did to improve the engine.

Here Comes The 7th Annual Sn3 Symposium

Preliminary information about the Sn3 Symposium in San Diego, CA in February 1992.

Joel Shank's Sn3 Rio Grande Southern

The author talks about how Joel went about building a 34'x44' building (from scratch itself in 1987) after literally burning his HO-scale layout in 1984. The article includes many photos of this highly-detailed layout, as well as a track plan.

Kitbashing the Kerosene Refinery at Rio Dell

The author started with mock-up parts and then eventually built this model of several small buildings that fit a vacant part of this layout. Several close-up photos are included.

Manufacturers Build an Sn3 Layout

This article covers the layout that a group of manufacturers, who produce products for S and Sn3, built within a year, in time for the 1989 NMRA Convention in Houston, Texas. The layout is called the Durango, Rico & Northern RR. The L-shaped layout consists of a corner module that contains a wye, and four 5-foot modules, one on the short end of the "L" and three on the long end. Eighteen companies provided product and/or worked on the layout. The article includes photos of the layout and a track plan.

Model of the Month

Two photos of the work Jim did to super-detail the D&RGW 2-8-0 #268.

Modeling the E.B.T. in Sn3 Part I

After introducing the East Broad Top narrow-gauge railroad in Pennsylvania, the author describes how it can be modeled in Sn3. The EBT also used standard-gauge equipment on narrow-gauge trucks, as well as stub-turnouts, so there is lots to model. Includes several pages of prototype photos.

Narrow Budget Narrow Gauge

Why would we want to model a narrow gauge?

Narrow Budget Narrow Gauge

The author kitbashes Model Die Casting's HO-scale three-bay hoppers as reasonable models of the EBT Sn3 cars.

Narrow Budget Narrow Gauge

Scratchbuilding a freelanced Sn3 flat car. Includes construction photos, diagrams, and a parts list.

Narrow Budget Narrow Gauge

Modified flat cars that were used for hauling logs, based on the scratchbuilt car documented in the February 1995 issue of this magazine.

Narrow Gauge Industrial Railroads

A small industrial switching area with a turntable can be easily built to hand-switch cars in an industrial complex. Includes two photos.

Narrow Gauge Narrow Budget

Russ Haigh's 20"-gauge mine tram is covered in this article, which uses N-scale power. Includes several photos of the briefcase-sized layout.

Narrow Gauge Through the San Juan Mountains

28 x 38 free-lanced mountain railroad set in New Mexico and Colorado. Has a sidebar on painting backdrops that are slightly out of focus to keep attention on the 3D models.

Narrow Visions

The author introduces himself and tells about how he made his way into modeling in Sn3, and what he plans to accomplish with this column.

Narrow Visions

The author lists the finalists for the model contests held at the 9th National Narrow Gauge Convention in Durango, Colorado.

Narrowgauge

The author describes a stand-alone logging layout's design that fits in a 4' x 8' space utilizing Sn3 track and equipment.

Ninth National Sn3 Symposium

A report and some photos taken at the event.

Notable Models at Narrow Gauge Northwest

A photo essay of the interesting S-scale models found at the show in Seattle in August 1991.

Notes on the TSM Hi-side Gondola Kit

The author built two of these older kits to show that they are still relevant, and they allow variations.

One Day (Really?)

The author covers the idea of building a small structure from scratch in one day. The building in question is an S-scale small storage shed.

P.B.L. U.T.L.X. Narrow Frame Tank Car

The author does a review of the construction of this kit.

Pete Smith's Loon Lake Navigation & Railway Co.

An interview-style article about the owner of the layout, how he got into Sn3, and how he designed and built the layout. Includes many photos and a track plan.

Possibilities

Sn3 needs an affordable steam locomotive to attract modelers that are turned-off by the high cost of brass models.

President's Message

How can we reach the large number of Sn3 modelers to become members of the NASG?

Publisher's Message

Disappointment in the lack of Sn3 available at the 1990 NASG Convention.

Revisiting the Denver & Rio Grande Southern Railroad

Photographed by Bob Werre, this revisit to the layout showed the tremendous amount of progress Roger Russell had made to his layout, with lots of trees and lots of details added. The article includes a track plan of the 12'x27' layout.

Riding the "Cookie Box" Extra

The story and model are based on the adventures of two railfans to the RGS in 1950.

Rio Grande Northern Railway

The author describes his layout built in a space of 10' x 12' with a yard addition of 2' x 10'. The track plan allows for continuous running or point-to-point operation over 90 ft. of main line trackage. It is open during the 1st annual Narrow Gauge Convention in St. Louis. Includes two photos.

Rocky Mountain Narrow Gauge

Ken models the Colorado rockies in the 1930s in his 15'x19' layout.

Sage of the Square Footer

Bob tells the story of how his wife competed in the 2014 National Narrow Gauge Convention's Square-Footer contest and won second place. The model is of an old engine being pulled out of a shed, modeled in Sn3.

San Juan Southern

The author briefly describes his point-to-point layout representing railroading in southwest Colorado during the late 1920s. The layout is built in an L-shaped space and measures 23' x 50' x 12'. It is open during the 1st annual Narrow Gauge Convention in St. Louis. Includes two photos.

Scratchbuilding a Boiler Flue Storage Rack

The author details how he built this unique storage rack, with tips on how to install it and weather the pipes. Includes prototype and model photos, and detail and scaled drawings.

Slim Gauge Observations

The author shares an introspective about the direction of his current layout.

Slim Gauge Observations

The author shares a good number of photos of models are older ones in his collection.

Slim Gauge Observations

An update about the author's layout, since it will be open before and after the 2013 NASG Convention. Includes an updated track plan.

Sn3 Box Cars From HO Kits

The author describes converting older MDC box car and reefer kits into good facsimiles of Sn3 box cars. Includes several construction photos.

Sn3 How It Got Started Big Time, What is its Future?

Bruce Blalock is asked to detail the history of Sn3. Includes a group photo of Houston-area narrow-gauge modelers who met in 1970. Includes photos of models that Bruce built early on. Also, briefly covered is Sn3 modeler Don Wilde.

Sn3 Reviews

This review is of three Pacific Fast Mail 4-6-0 wheel arrangement steam locomotive motive power. Made in Korea by Ski, the three new models include the Rio Grande Southern Nos. 20, 22, and 25.

Sn3 Rio Grande Southern C-17 2-8-0

The author reviews the Railmaster Exports of New Zealand's narrow gauge engine, which is a mostly white-metal kit. Additional resources are highly recommended as the kit's instructions are spartan. A ready-to-run model was also available.

Standard's Chairman Visits the Sn3 Symposium in Phoenix

Stephen Hatch's Rio Grande Western

A visit with the Steve covers how he has always been an S-scale modeler, how he is building his current 20'x20' garage layout, and how he built his vertical landscapes. Includes many photos of the layout under construction, and a photo of his hand-drawn track plan.

Stoner, Colorado, May 31, 1947 in Sn3

Photos of Bill's scene which measures 3'x6'.

Straight & Narrow

A review of the 25th Sn3 Symposium, held February 24-27 in Houston, Texas.

Superdetailed Layout Built for Travel

Not having enough space at home for a permanent layout, the author build a sectional layout, so that he only has the section in the house that he is currently working with. The other sections are stored in the garage or the purpose-built trailer. He takes the mostly-scratchbuilt 6'x24' layout to local train shows. His 1929-1935 Silverton Central is not modeled after a specific prototype. The simple oval track plan (with only two turnouts) makes it easy to run the layout at a show.

Tampa Bay Area S Scale Module Group

The authors meet at a local show, and proceed to set up an Sn3 modular layout. Includes several photos of close-ups on the layout, as well as a track plan.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

After the author introduces himself, he reports on the 1995 National Narrow Gauge Convention held in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. S-scale was well represented in the model contests at the convention.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

After explaining what Sn3 is, the author describes the benefits of Sn3 over HOn3.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

This is a product review for the Berlyn Locomotive Works Sn3 car kit, a C&S Type II box car. Includes a photo. Part of the article got chopped off during editing of the magazine; the text is included in the next issue's column.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author describes how he built his Sn3 Heisler, by converting an IHC HO standard-gauge Heisler. There is a sidebar to includes the remaining text from the previous issue's article that got chopped off.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author looked to the EBT prototype to figure out how to move coal on his layout between standard- and narrow-gauge.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

In this column the author covers various non-S-scale kits that can be used to model Sn3 cars. Includes photos of some of those projects.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

Covers how goods were transferred between narrow-gauge and standard-gauge cars. Also covered are how to have two identical cars, one with each type of truck to simulate transferring the car by swapping the trucks (includes photos).

The 'S'traight & Narrow

In this article the author describes how he converted a 4-6-0 Mantua HO-scale locomotive into an Sn3 model. Includes a parts list, and a couple of construction photos.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

Prototype and model information about dual-gauge track and turnouts.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

How to model in other narrow gauges other than 3-foot in S-scale (Sn2, Sn42).

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author reviews the B.T.S. EBT flat car kit.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

Prototype information about diesel locomotives used on narrow-gauge railroads.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author takes an HO-scale Atlas U36C mechanism, re-gauged it for Sn3, and mates it with an S-scale American Model GP35 shell. Includes one photo of the final model, as well as photos of powered box cabs and an Sn3 critter.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author suggests trying to build an interchange between standard- and narrow-gauge tracks. The article also contains information about an Sn2 discussion list.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author shares his research into prototype narrow-gauge steam locomotives. He also briefly describes the Sn3 models produced up until that time. Two prototype photos of locomotives are included.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

How to build a reasonable selection of freight and passenger cars for narrow-gauge trains.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

This column covers outside frame locomotives, Sn3 2-6-0 availability, achieving a "family look" among your equipment. Includes prototype photos of a Cumbres & Toltec K-36 outside frame 2-8-2.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

This column covers how to model a rotary snowplow in Sn3. Includes several model photos.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author shares the track plan and a full description of his multi-gauge, 25'x33' layout (S, Sn3, Sn2).

The 'S'traight & Narrow

Narrow-gauge lines kept their rolling stock lettering to a minimum to save on money. Also covered are the possibility of kitbashing an HO-scale Bachmann Shay, and how an On30 Bachmann engine might be better suited for S-scale standard-gauge as a kitbash.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author provides tips and a bit of a product review of the Railmaster Exports 4-4-0 kit. Includes a model photo.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The history of the Rio Grande Southern, and ideas on how to model it in S-scale. Includes several prototype photos, and a bibliography of published materials on the RGS.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

This column discusses narrow-gauge curves, grades, clearances, and rail.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

How to model the EBT in S-scale. After a brief introduction, the column covers motive power, freight cars, passenger cars, cabooses, standard-gauge cars, and structures. Includes several prototype photos, a map, and an example timetable.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author reports on the 2002 National Narrow Gauge convention in Providence, Rhode Island.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

A report about the NASG's booth at the Sn3 Symposium in St. Louis.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

A recent move has prompted the author to start a new narrow-gauge-focused layout. In this column, he reviews the things he learned from his previous layout, and the plans for the new one. A track plan is included.

The 'S'traight & Narrow

The author moved again, so the previously-shared layout design is revisited with some new ideas. Includes the new, new track plan.

The 'S'traight & Narrow Part II

The author continues with how to model an interchange between standard- and narrow-gauge tracks.

The Auburn Extension of the Rio Grande Southern

This article covers how Bob Hogan got started in Sn3, and his current layout at the time. At the time of the article he had completed a 20'x30' dedicated building for his next layout. Includes many photos of the layout.

The Berlyn Locomotive Works' Sn3 C&S Type II Stock Car Kit

A review of the construction of this kit.

The Crested Butte & Northern

The author describes his 10'x23' layout set in 1938.

The D&RGW Pasquinel Branch

A photo collage of Jerry Boudreaux' 10'x11' bedroom layout. Includes a track plan.

The Gas Electric Known as M-1 Part 1

The author describes the prototype and the Railmaster Exports kit of the East Broad Top's gas-electric motorcar. Includes several prototype photos and model construction photos, with copies of the instruction sheet's drawing.

The Layout as Art

A 2.5' x 19' switching layout represents a logging diorama, which won an award at the 1987 National Narrow Gauge Convention. At the time of the writing, this layout was being integrated into a larger garage layout.

The Loon Lake Railway & Navigation Company

The author's retirement layout is a freelance one set in 1938. It follows a folded-dog-bone design, but it is operated as a point-to-point during operating sessions. He covers the layout's construction, how he made his trees (it is a logging railroad), and how he made the harbor scene with water using Golden's "Soft Gel (gloss)".

The New Mexico Northern Railroad

Chuck Thurman's 14'x28' layout is described in detail in this article. This Sn3 layout is shaped like a "G" and uses mostly hand-laid code 70 rail. The article includes a track plan and several photos.

The Northbound Local

The layout fills most of the 22' by 46' basement, and this narrow gauge line is set in 1895 in California. The article's photos take you on a tour of the layout.

The Pelican Bay Railway & Navigation Company

This layout article was inspired by the author's friend purchasing a new digital camera "that had to be tested". Includes a description and lots of close-up photos of the author's 1895-era layout set in Northern California.

The Penn Western's Sn3 East Broad Top Addition

Another photo essay about the EBT section of his layout.

The Prescott, Dewey, and Eastern

The author describes his switch from O-scale to Sn3 in the same 14-foot square space as before. A basic track plan and photos are included with the article.

The Rio Grande Southern at Dolores: an Sn3 diorama

After deciding on standards among the local Sn3 club, the author describes how the informal group built 24 feet of modules to model the RGS. In addition to photos, there is also a track plan for how the sections are set up.

The Sixth Annual Sn3 Symposium

A review of the show in Phoenix, Arizona, with a couple of photos.

The Sn3 Manufacturers' Co-op Display

The display layout was conceived and built by Jon Stetz of Finestkind Models to promote S-scale to the general public, and to show that several manufacturers can work together to create the layout. Nothing was scratchbuilt. The manufacturers are listed in the article. Also included are several photos and a track plan.

The Sn3 Re-Birth of the DR&N Railroad

The author describes the history and construction of his 11' x 24' D&RGW, RGS layout. Includes many photos and a track plan.

The Straight & Narrow

The author continues his layout design ideas for an East Broad Top-based Sn3 layout (see June 2002 Dispatch). Includes a map, several prototype photos, and several track plans.

The Straight & Narrow

The author reviews the 2005 Sn3 Symposium. Includes several photos.

The Straight & Narrow

The author and his wife manned the NASG booth at the 25th National Narrow Gauge Convention in Dearborn, Michigan. He offers a complete review of the show, from an S-scale perspective. Includes several photos.

The Straight & Narrow

A basics article on "scale" vs. "gauge", what is narrow-gauge, how and where the various narrow gauges were used, and the history of narrow-gauge prototype railroads.

The Straight & Narrow

This article is a review of the 24th Sn3 Symposium held in Clearwater, Florida from February 25th to the 28th. Photos of some of the narrow and standard gauge layouts that were open during the show are included.

The Tenth Sn3 Symposium

A report of the Sn3 annual show in Arizona. Includes manufacturers' reports and some photos.

The Upcoming 23rd Annual Sn3 Symposium

Photos of layouts open for the tour accompany the information about the Sn3 convention to be held in St. Louis, Missouri.

The West Side Lumber Co.

In this is a 10' x 10' layout set in the late 1950s, the author attempted to capture the feel of a set of specific scenes of Tuolumne, California. In addition to covering the construction of the layout, he also talks about how all the structures had to be scratchbuilt, which locomotives he uses, and how he built the scenery. Included are lots of photos of the layout, and a track plan.

There Is Always Something New

A layout visit with Norm "Chic" Hartert. After a full history on Chic, the article covers how he discovered Sn3 through a P-B-L ad. There are lots of photos of the layout. Part of which is being rebuilt.

Through the Portals and Into the Darkness

Modeling the interior of tunnels.

Timber Trestles on the C&TT Railroad

The author revisits the various larger bridges on his layout, using better photographs, and showing the additional work he has done to improve their settings. Includes many overall and close-up photos of the bridges.

Tomalco's Sn3 Turnout

Trackside Photos

A full-page-plus photo of Bob's Sn3 layout featuring a high trestle bridge running two P-B-L C-16 class D&RGW engines.

Trackside Photos

A single photo of the author's Canyon & Rocky Mountain RR featuring engine #452, Denver & Rio Grande Western class K-27 Mikado, crossing the Animas River bound for Silverton.

Trackside Photos

A photo of Jon Addison's Sn3 Silverton Central modular railroad, which took first place in the individual module category, best module group, and best of show at the 2002 National Model Railroad Association national model contest in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Trackside Photos

Ken's Sn3 Pandora & San Miguel RR is a good example of narrow gauge modeling. This photo shows Rio Grande Southern 4-6-0 #20 departing the Ophir depot with a passenger train.

Twelfth Annual Sn3 Symposium

The author provides a report and photos of this annual event.

West Side Lumber Co. Circa 1940

The 15'x21' layout is set in the late 1930s-early 1940s, and is loosely based on the WSLCo prototype. Includes a couple of photos of the layout, including a full-page one of the trestle bridge, and a track plan.

West Side Lumber Co. Circa 1960

The layout measures 20'x2' and is set in 1960, and is based on a fictitious version of the WSLCo. Includes a couple of photos and the track plan.

West Side Lumber Co. Coffin Tank Car No. 5

The author describes how he built this V&T kit. Includes two photos of the completed model.

What About Narrow Gauge?

The author makes a case for why one might consider changing to modeling in Sn3.

Window Glazing for a Tender's Dog House

The author shows how he installed glass (acetate) in his P-B-L K-37 tender's dog house (which is soldered in place). The special technique is how he installed the acetate without removing the dog house from the tender.

WSLCo/Swayne Log Car

A product review of this P-B-L kit.