A Firecracker Factory

Railroad Model Craftsman 1980-07 pg. 85     Scale: HO     Author: E.L. Moore

A simple scratchbuild project of an 3.5" x 8" HO-scale model of a small firecracker plant. Scale drawings and model photos are included.

A Movie Theater for Your Town or City Part 1

Model Railroading 2002-11 pg. 30     Scale: HO     Author: V.S. Roseman

Kitbashing a Walthers Power Plant kit into an old or modern movie theater. Includes prototype New York area modern movie theaters.

A Northern Michigan Sawmill in N Scale

Model Railroader 1990-03 pg. 114     Scale: N     Author: Will Jacobs

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

A Tour of the Iron Mountain Stamp Mill

Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-11 pg. 63     Scale: S     Author: Jerry Wilson

The author describes how he kitbashed the Western Scale Models stamp mill to fit his era. Includes lots of close-up photos and discusses the animation he added to the model.

American Small Businesses No. 14

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-08 pg. 72     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers farm implements, manufacturers, and dealers.

American Small Businesses No. 15

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-09 pg. 71     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This article is the second installment of the farm implements, manufacturers, and dealers started in last month's issue.

An Easy Cinderblock Factory Kitbash

Model Railroading 2002-08 pg. 46     Scale: HO     Author: Doug Geiger

Taking several kits and constructing a modern factory building.

An HO Walthers Pier Warehouse Will Do Just Fine

NASG Dispatch 2009-02 pg. 14     Scale: S     Author: Roy Hoffman

The author gives some tips on what he did to make an HO-scale kit look like it fits on an S-scale layout.

Barrett's Mill

Railroad Model Craftsman 1977-08 pg. 46     Scale: HO     Author: Lester Jordan, Jr.

This article contains scale drawings, and close-up and diorama photos of C.E. Barrett's mill in Smethport, PA. The article describes how the author did the research, constructed the walls, applied aging and weathering, and discusses interior bracing, the foundation, the trim, and roofing.

Bonus Building: A Box Factory For Your Layout

Model Railroader 2000-04 pg. 77     Scale: HO     Author: Robert Smaus

Model photo and scale drawing of a simple structure.

Build a Hulett Ore Unloader

Railroad Model Craftsman 2007-10 pg. 78     Scale: N     Author: Garry Lance

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 Modern Concrete Grain Elevator

Model Railroader 2000-01 pg. 88     Scale: HO     Author: Jon Greggs

Includes prototype photo, model photos, scale drawing, and building instructions. Made using styrene.

Build a Sunkist Packing Plant

Railroad Model Craftsman 1991-08 pg. 59     Scale: HO     Author: Robert Smaus

The author details how he built a model of this structure located in Ventura County. Includes prototype, model, and construction photos, as well as scale drawings.

Build an Easy Container Yard Backdrop

Model Railroader 2010-04 pg. 50     Scale:      Author: Joseph Kreiss

Shows how to photocopy commercial containers and then glue them to foam core to simulate a collection of containers that are essentially flats up against a backdrop.

Building Knedler's Mill

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-08 pg. 49     Scale: HO     Author: David J. Leider

Construction of a landmark mill near Prairie View, Illinois includes scale drawings, prototype and model construction photos, as well as a parts list.

Building Lone Star Industries

Railroad Model Craftsman 1994-01 pg. 92     Scale: HO     Author: Bruce Roosa

The diorama is centered around the operation of coal mining operation. It includes moving trucks, loads, and track for some switching work.

Building a Mine Ventilation House

Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-02 pg. 76     Scale: HO     Author: Chuck Diljak

This article covers adding a ventilation house to a coal mine scene. Includes prototype photos of the interior and exterior of the structure, as well as scale drawings and some construction photos.

Bulk Oil Depots

Model Railroader 1990-06 pg. 100     Scale: (none)     Author: Paul J. Dolkos

Prototype and modeling photos and full description of the variety of oil depots.

Butz Milling & Feed Co.

Model Railroader 1978-03 pg. 76     Scale: HO     Author: E.L. Moore

Scale drawings and several model photos accompany this article about how the author built a structure he saw for only about 5 to 10 seconds.

Canadian Prairies Module Part 2

1:64 Modeling Guide 2009 Fall pg. 17     Scale: S     Author: Philippe Coquet

This installment covers painting and weathering the elevator, adding the logo, building the annex building, roof construction and weathering, modeling the terrain, laying track and ballasting, and making realistic vegetation. The module can be seen on the web.

Compound Kitbashing to Produce a Feed Mill

Model Railroader 1978-01 pg. 112     Scale: HO     Author: Edward C. Steinberg

In addition to how feed mills work and what they do, the article includes prototype and model photos, and how the author build his complex using several kit structures.

Curved Tracks and Close Quarters

Model Railroader 1988-02 pg. 110     Scale: HO     Author: Robert Smaus

Building two curved buildings to allow for curved track in between them. A prototype photo is included along with two model photos. Makes for great urban tight-quarter modeling.

D&M Brothers Bicycle Factory

N-Scale 2002-03/04 pg. 26     Scale: N     Author: Philip A Scandura, Jr.

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.

Designing a Hoist House Part 1

Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-01 pg. 63     Scale: HO     Author: Chuck Diljak

Initially the author intended to just build a basic "box" to represent a hoist house, but upon further research decided to fully model one, including an interior. Many prototype photos (mostly of the interior) are included in the article. This installment focuses on the prototype information for such a structure.

Designing a Hoist House Pt. II

Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-02 pg. 64     Scale: HO     Author: Chuck Diljak

This installment describes the interior of the building, the wall construction, the foundation, floor, and machinery. Many construction and close-up photos are included, as well as scale drawings and a materials list.

Designing a Hoist House Pt. III

Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-03 pg. 68     Scale: HO     Author: Chuck Diljak

This installment shows how the author built the roof trusses using jigs, and built the cupola and roof. Construction photos are included as well as drawings and a materials list.

Easy Steps for Making Stairs in Half-inch Scale

Garden Railways 2009-04 pg. 64     Scale: G     Author: Larry Elsenheimer

This photo essay shows to how design and build staircases. The principles described in the article can be applied to any scale.

Erie's 28th St. Freighthouse

Railroad Model Craftsman 2008-10 pg. 76     Scale: HO     Author: Vincent J. Lee

This impressive model of the 400-foot long building was built from 6 Walthers REA Transfer building kits. Includes prototype, model, and construction photos, and a parts list.

Federal Grain Limited Fertilizer Shed

N-Scale 2003-07/08 pg. 40     Scale: N     Author: Patrick Lawson

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

Front of the Layout Vignettes N0. 12

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-04 pg. 81     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment describes condensed milk plants, with several photos of real factories.

Front of the Layout Vignettes No.16

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-10 pg. 78     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This article is part 3 of the farm implements, manufacturers, and dealers of the early 20th Century.

Front of the Layout Vignettes No.19

Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-01 pg. 82     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers more country elevators.

Front of the Layout Vignettes No. 7

Railroad Model Craftsman 2009-11 pg. 86     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers grain elevators. Many period prototype photos are in the article

Front of the Layout Vignettes No. 10

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-02 pg. 54     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers small businesses and lumber yards. It includes a map of Pierce, Nebraska.

Front of the Layout Vignettes No. 11

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-03 pg. 68     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers creameries. Includes numerous prototype photos and several maps showing track around creameries.

Front of the Layout Vignettes No. 13

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-05 pg. 78     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers coal yards. Includes a sidebar on the unloading trestle.

Front of the Layout Vignettes No. 20

Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-02 pg. 76     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers terminal elevators.

Front of the Layout vignettes No. 21

Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-04 pg. 59     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers how railcars were kept cool before mechanical refrigerations via ice houses. This first part discusses using natural ice.

Industrial Gears and Machinery Parts

Model Railroader 2000-02 pg. 119     Scale: (none)     Author: Brian Hutchinson

Using old mechanical parts to create scenery components that might be found around machine shops, factories, or backyards.

Jefmar's Supply Co.

Model Railroader 1991-03 pg. 122     Scale: HO     Author: Gerald Gilliland

The author shows how he super-detailed the interior of this structure. It includes making the cardstock walls look like wood, many scratchbuilt interior details, and a removable roof to admire the work.

Kitbashing Prairie Skyscrapers

Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-08 pg. 60     Scale: HO     Author: Jared V. Harper

The author bought four Walthers Valley Growers Association grain elevator kits to build this one building as he photographed and studied it in Alma, Kansas. Includes prototype photos and scale drawings.

Kitbashing a Lumber and Coal Dealer

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-11 pg. 63     Scale: HO     Author: Jim Zinser

The author built a structure that mimics one of the Fine Scale Miniatures kits which he could not afford to buy at the time the kit was released, and it is now hard to find.

Kitbashing the Kerosene Refinery at Rio Dell

Railroad Model Craftsman 2007-10 pg. 58     Scale: Sn3     Author: Paul Scoles

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.

Kitbashing the Nu-Line Structures Concrete Warehouse Building Kit

N Scale Railroading 2003-01/02 pg. 22     Scale: N     Author: Mark Bridgewater

Creating a larger modern warehouse.

Let's Build a Commissary

N Scale Railroading 2006-03/04 pg. 52     Scale: N     Author: Kirk Reddie

The author used the Walthers modular building kits to create this custom building in a matter of hours.

Loading Coal

Railroad Model Craftsman 2010-04 pg. 68     Scale: HO     Author: Paul Mack

The article covers how to build a modern-day, working concrete coal loader. Includes detailed internal construction photos, wiring diagram, hand-held control panel, and structure building information.

Lumber Kiln and Boilerhouse

Model Railroader 1978-03 pg. 62     Scale:      Author: David S. Busch

These two buildings are part of Charlie Wyman's sawmill complex in western Massachusetts. Includes prototype photos and scale drawings.

McClanahan's Hundred

Railroad Model Craftsman 1979-03 pg. 66     Scale: HO     Author: Jim Findley

The author created a condensed and simplified Western ore mine to fit his layout, while preserving all the features one would find in such a structure. Includes model photos, scale drawings, and detailed construction drawings

Modeling Consumers Fuel

Model Railroader 1990-03 pg. 75     Scale: HO     Author: Jeff Madden

Consumers Fuel Co. is based in Martinburg, W. Va. The author build a selectively compressed model of the collection of structures. A prototype layout plan is provided. Scale drawings and possible trackplans are included.

Modeling a Cotton Gin

Model Railroader 1982-06 pg. 70     Scale: HO     Author: Cyril Durrenberger

HO-scale drawings of the various buildings that make up a complete cotton gin, overhead drawing of the layout of the buildings, and model photos of the completed project.

Modeling a Meat Packing Plant and its Operations Pt 1

Railroad Model Craftsman 2004-10 pg. 62     Scale: (none)     Author: Douglas Harding

Prototype photos and area drawings.

Modeling for Beginners

N-Scale 2005-11/12 pg. 42     Scale: N     Author: Dennis Murphy

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

Modeling the Ibex Tipple

Model Railroader 1989-07 pg. 94     Scale: HO     Author: Eric Lundberg

The author describes how he built the tipple. Includes model and prototype photos, and scale drawings.

Modeling the Matchless Mine

Model Railroader 1989-07 pg. 98     Scale: HO     Author: Eric Lundberg

Modeling a small mine complex. Includes prototype and model photos, including scale drawings.

Moore's Modern Mill

Railroad Model Craftsman 1972-06 pg. 42     Scale: HO     Author: E.L. Moore

The author shows how he built a freelanced feed mill from scratch for very little money. Structure includes a covered driveway, transformer posts and platform, and is accompanied by scale drawings.

Nostalgic Warehouse

Railroad Model Craftsman 1972-05 pg. 39     Scale: HO     Author: Rob Corriston

The author describes how he built this heavy weathered fertilizer warehouse modeled after one in Ringoes, N.J. Includes models photos and scale drawings.

O Scale Adobe Buildings From Balsa Wood

Narrow Gauge And Short Line Gazette 2008-11/12 pg. 28     Scale: O     Author: Jim Gore

The author describes how he built this adobe blacksmith shop.

Oil Transloading Platform

N Scale Railroading 2002-09/10 pg. 48     Scale: N     Author: Brian Morgan

Building a platform using Gold Metal Models' Industrial Stairways.

Old Building, New Techniques

Model Railroader 2006-07 pg. 46     Scale: S     Author: Alexander Zelkin

The author built an S-scale logging supply store copying Earl Smallshaw's HO-scale Perkins Produce. He used foam core board and polymer clay to build this structure.

Old But Still Superior

Model Railroader 1990-01 pg. 116     Scale: HO     Author: Art Curren

The author describes how he kitbashed the Superior Sandwich Factory structure.

Paint and Weather a Blast Furnace

Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-11 pg. 96     Scale: (none)     Author: Lee Vande Visse

Painting the HO and N scale Walthers blast furnace kit.

Photo Buildings Part Two

N-Scale 2006-05/06 pg. 40     Scale: (none)     Author: V.S. Roseman

The article continues with using photos as backdrops of buildings. In this part the photos are glued to various low-relief structures so that they can be mounted to the backdrop. The article concludes with a discussion about how to process photos using your computer.

Port of Erin Industries: Cargill Terminal Grain Elevator Part I

Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-06 pg. 76     Scale: HO     Author: Mike Rose

The author starts off with how he built his silos and sheds. Includes a description of the jig he made to cut round PVC pipe.

Re-working the Brickwork at Georgetown

Narrow Gauge And Short Line Gazette 2008-11/12 pg. 72     Scale:      Author: Harry W. Brunk

The author describes the different technique he learned modeling brick buildings. So much so that he describes what he to build a more accurate model of the Georgetown Stewart & Wing Warehouse.

Roller Mills N0. 8

Railroad Model Craftsman 2009-12 pg. 66     Scale:      Author: David Lambert

This installment covers the roller mill to process the material stored in the grain elevators across the country. This all-prototype article has many prototype photos and one track plan of a roller mill complex in Minot, N.D.

Santa Cruz Portland Cement Part 1

Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-11 pg. 83     Scale: HO     Author: Jim Providenza

History, theory, design, and model of the Portland Cement. Includes prototype and model photos, track plan, and layout photos. Great ideas for modeling track through an industrial complex.

Santa Cruz Portland Cement Part II

Railroad Model Craftsman 2002-12 pg. 99     Scale: HO     Author: Jim Providenza

In this installment the author finishes the immense-looking structure and discusses painting and weathering. Many different angled photos of the final structure are included.

Scratchbuilding Skei Coal & Salt Co.

Railroad Model Craftsman 2003-03 pg. 80     Scale: HO     Author: Al Warren

A modern building that serves the local government with salt for heavy winter days. Includes model and prototype photos, and scale drawings.

Scratchbuilding an HO Factory

Model Railroader 1989-09 pg. 65     Scale: HO     Author: Harvey J. Simon

This article covers building a factory. Included are diagrams, and detailed construction photos of the windows.

Scratchbuilding the Farmer's Gilt Edge Creamery

Railroad Model Craftsman 2003-05 pg. 58     Scale: HO     Author: Gerry Leone

The author built a copy of a midwestern creamery in Steele County, Minnesotta. Because of the complex curves, the structure was built with home-made castings. Prototype and model photos (including close-up construction photos) are included, as well as scale drawings.

Small Oil Facility

Railroad Model Craftsman 1991-01 pg. 70     Scale: N     Author: Julian Cavalier

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

St. Paul Coal Mine in Cherry, Illinois

Model Railroading 2000-12 pg. 24     Scale:      Author: Ray Tutaj, Jr.

This article provides the historical background of this mine (and its 1909 disaster) for the diorama the author built.

Steam Heat Comes to the Cobwebs, Dust & Ashes

Model Railroader 1978-11 pg. 73     Scale: HO     Author: James B. Frye

The author describes how he scratchbuilt a small central heating plant. Includes model photos and scale drawings.

Supplying Fuel Since the Reign of King Coal

Model Railroader 2004-09 pg. 64     Scale: (none)     Author: Harold Russell

Coal trestle and office. This is where coal was delivered via rail to the local areas from where homes and offices purchased their coal. Includes prototype photos, 1:320 scale drawing, and textual description of how to build this structure.

Tank Farm at Chateaugay

Model Railroader 1987-12 pg. 98     Scale: HO     Author: John Nehrich

This article describes combining several kits to build a unique fuel dealership that is serviced by the railroad. This is a structure built for the Rensselaer Polytechnic club's layout.

The Farm Town

Railroad Model Craftsman 1996-03 pg. 77     Scale: HO     Author: Todd McGee

A lot of activity can be modeled in a small farming community, including the Farmer's Co-op, stock pen, and a small depot. Includes photos of the author's diorama.

The Gold King Part II

Railroad Model Craftsman 1991-03 pg. 82     Scale: HO     Author: Jack Dreibus

This installment completes the construction of the gold mine by focusing on the ore bin, roofing, timber bunker, stairway, and trestle. Includes scale drawings and model photos.

The Mill at Saltillo

Railroad Model Craftsman 1996-02 pg. 88     Scale:      Author: Greg Schaumburg

This article describes the small grain mill served by the EBT in Saltillo, Pennsylvania. It includes prototype photos and scale drawings.

The NASG S Scale Aarmco Building

NASG Dispatch 2004-02 pg. 8     Scale: S     Author: Greg Bernston

The author reviews the construction of the prefab metal sided building kit, including the integration of the structure into their club layout.

The O Scale Addison Tie & Timber Company

Narrow Gauge And Short Line Gazette 2007-01/02 pg. 70     Scale: O     Author: Bryan Nolan

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

The Old (Ware) House Part 1

Garden Railways 2008-10 pg. 19     Scale:      Author: Kevin Strong

The Siamese Connection

Railroad Model Craftsman 1994-01 pg. 85     Scale: HO     Author: Dean Freytag

The author describes how he models often forgotten details of facilitating fire fighting of commercial buildings with a Siamese connection (for attaching fire hoses), a wall post indicator valve, and a fire alarm.

The Tilbury Cement Co.

Railroad Model Craftsman 1996-04 pg. 60     Scale: (none)     Author: Harry Bonham

This structure was built in 1962 in Springfield, Ohio. Lots of prototype photos and scale drawings are included with the article.

The Tilbury Cement Co. Part 2

Railroad Model Craftsman 1996-05 pg. 76     Scale: HO     Author: Harry Bonham

This installment covers the construction of the model of this prototype structure. The author shows how he makes the silo's outside wrappers, creates the cone covers, the various structures, and the platforms. Constructions photos and drawings are included.

The Wertz Feed & Supply Co.

Railroad Model Craftsman 1991-11 pg. 72     Scale: HO     Author: Jerry Strangarity

Modeled after a small mill in Wernersville, PA, the author shows how he built this structure. Includes prototype and model photos as well as scale drawings.

Trainstuff LLC's Williamson's Warehouse

NASG Dispatch 2005-06 pg. 16     Scale: S     Author: Gerry Evans

Gerry reviews and describes how he built the kit.

Walthers Coal Mine Part 1

N-Scale 2000-05/06 pg. 54     Scale: (none)     Author: Robert L. Hundman

The article describes underground coal mines, with many prototype photos.

Walthers Coal Mine Part II

N-Scale 2000-07/08 pg. 54     Scale: N     Author: Robert L. Hundman

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

Walthers' Coal Mine Part 2

N-Scale 2000-09/10 pg. 41     Scale: N     Author: Robert L. Hundman

This article finishes up the support assembly.