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Nov 11, 20231 min read
New Model Railroad Scenery Book
For the switching layout folks in the group, especially those modeling the modern era, I've just published a new book on the subject,...
283 views
Nov 7, 20232 min read
"Partially Complete" Custom Model Railroads
Example of a partially complete layout based on a midwestern branch line theme. The customer will complete the rest himself. "Partially...
497 views
Oct 2, 20231 min read
"Fine" N Scale Standards
The switcher pushes an idler car towards the car float on this "Fine" standard N scale layout based on the Brooklyn waterfront in WW2. ...
621 views
Sep 1, 20232 min read
3 Additional Ways to Enjoy Structures
I always wanted to model this Los Angeles Junction Railway engine house but didn't have a space for it on my layout. I built it anyway...
834 views
Jun 19, 20233 min read
Picking the Right Pace
Getting most of the mechanical portion of a layout done early is vital to maintaining morale. It's equally important, however, to slow...
1,228 views
May 23, 20231 min read
A New England Branch Line Track Plan Design
Topic: Model Railroad Branch Line Track Plan Design Imagine faded RS-2's pulling short trains through the river valleys of Vermont or...
1,807 views
May 17, 20231 min read
Crossing 12th Avenue
The local runs down the switchback to pick up an empty at the Miami Produce Center on my personal layout based on The Downtown Spur in...
797 views
May 1, 20233 min read
Adding A Second Layout
My "second" layout is a simple, two turnout affair, in the corner of my office. It's based on the Los Angeles Junction. Structures are...
1,504 views
Mar 9, 20232 min read
Model Railroad Track Plan Design of the Day - Big Space, No Free Time
Prairie-themed layouts lend themselves well to modelers with lots of space but limited modeling time. (Caldwell, ID, 1941, Lee Russell....
1,804 views
Feb 9, 20232 min read
Model Railroad Design Tip of the Day
Creating Visual Symmetry Shown above is a 1940's topo map of Frederick, MD. Note the general sense of order, the ninety degree grids,...
897 views
Feb 3, 20231 min read
Photo of the Day
Having just left Newark Station, and crossed over the Passaic River dock bridge, a northbound Amtrak train passes the tower. This image...
294 views
Jan 31, 20231 min read
Model Railroad Design Tip of the Day
Lift Out Bridge Design Standards Although they have their drawbacks, lift out bridges allow for such far superior model railroad designs...
881 views
Jan 20, 20234 min read
A Model Railroad Design For Passenger Train Enthusiasts
This guy really caught me off guard. One second it was quiet, an instant later he was on me. I know he was going over 100 mph, by how...
1,400 views
Nov 16, 20223 min read
The Hidden Trap of Icon Driven Model Railroad Design
Who wouldn't love to model this grain elevator in Farmersville, IL? The next town has one just as cool, as does the next. However, as...
2,630 views
May 6, 20223 min read
Model Railroad Layout Construction Sequence
When I started building my Downtown Spur layout, I temporarily laid Atlas flex track and placed some cardboard mock ups in place to see...
3,176 views
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