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Magazine Articles By Dick Karnes

1938 NYC 20th Century Limited in S Scale

The author describes how he had always longed for building this train, and how he was able to do so later in life in S-scale.

3/16" Scale 53' Girder Bridge from Central Valley's HO Kit

Although this kit is designed for HO-scale, it can easily be used in S-scale, which is what the author does as he reviews the construction and modifications of this kit (available in single- and double-track versions). The kit can also be used for narrow-gauge S-scale layouts.

7th Annual Sn3 Symposium

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

A Different Approach to Solving the "Pogo Stick Couplers" Problem

The author shares his experiences to solve the problem, as a follow-up to Michael Fox' December/January article.

A Few Things You Can't Live Without

Various details that are needed to make a more complete layout, such as instrument houses (B.T.S.) and staircases (Kaw Valley Designs).

A Founder's View of the NASG

Dick Karnes is the last remaining original founders of the NASG organization. In this article he reflects on how the organization was formed, and how it has grown over the years. Includes a photo of his original membership card!

A Look at Current S Scale Track Products

After covering some general advice about track laying, the author provides a quick review of the various S-scale manufacturers that produce track products (at the time of the article's writing).

A New Manufacturer Hits a Home Run

The author reviews the first kit, Greg's Grocery, by Grand River Models.

A Simple, Cheap Switch Machine

The author describes how he uses the DPDT switches to control the turnout's throwbar and the polarity to the frog. Includes an installation diagram.

A Trio of S Scale Baggage Cart Kits

The author reviews three different manufacturer's S-scale baggage cart kits.

A Visit With Dave Smith

After a brief introduction on how Dave got into S-scale, there are several pages of photos of his NYC/UP layout, including a full-page photo of his scratchbuilt trestle bridge.

A Visit with Ron Tilton

The author describes Ron and his layout, and shares many photos of the work Ron has done. Ron specializes in scratchbuilding rolling stock.

Add the NYO&W Creamery to Your Layout And a Milk Run to Your Schedule

The author reviews the Laser Art Structures Branchline Trains structure of the creamery kit. Photos are of the completed kit.

Adding Public Transit with Help from PHM

The author reviews the Birney Streetcar kit made by Pennsylvania Heritage Models, and includes photos of the kit parts and the final model.

An Easy Effective GG1 Improvement

The author describes the changes he made to his American Models GG1 to remove the excessive swing of the pilots. Includes close-up photos of the modifications to be made.

Building a CNR Class Z-1-A Boxcab Electric Motor

The author describes and shows through photos how he tackled this scratch-building project.

Building a New Haven EP-3 Electric Locomotive

Three modelers worked together to create this model, with the main body being designed on the computer and 3D-printed. It has quite a dramatic story. Since in the real world the PRR's GG1 was based on this engine, Dick used the American Model's GG1 as the chassis for his model.

Building a Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Berkshire

The project has a long history, and was built from a wide variety of donor projects and some creative modeling. The author provides the history of the Class A-2a P&LE Berkshires, how he built it and the tender, how he painted it, and the parts list.

Building Kits with Dick Karnes

The author describes how he built the Reviresco Gas Station kits (a 1930s-era and a 1950s-era one). These are very inexpensive kits. Finally, the author also describes the AM Models structures, which, too, are very inexpensive kits of shed and a small passenger station.

Cab Ladders For Your American Models GG1

How to add ladders below the cab doors. Includes model photos and drawings.

Central's Sharks

The author describes his experience building the Omnicon Baldwin 'Sharknose' diesel locomotive. Includes construction photos.

Changes and Additions to the Model Contest Rules Are in the Works

The NASG Contest Chair announces new rules that go into effect at the 2019 NASG Convention, which includes processing 3D-printed models.

Couplers for Operational Reliability

The author shares his thoughts on having a trouble-free operating session on your layout, focusing on couplers, uncoupling magnets, and his operating scheme.

Crossing Construction Using the "Lincoln Logs" Method

This article is an expansion of a similar article that appeared in a 2003 issue of the 1:64 Modeling guide magazine. It describes how the author goes about creating a crossing of two intersecting tracks. Includes many photos.

DCC Decoders

How to determine wheel-slip current draw and stall current, so that you can find the appropriate DCC decoder, is described in this article.

Detailing the American Models New York Central Class J-3a HudsonNew York Central Class J-3a Hudson

The author super-details his American Models Empire State Express Hudson locomotive. He describes how to disassemble the model, and then the specifics he modified. Includes close-up photos.

Dick Karnes S Scale History

The author reviews his personal history of how he got into S-scale modeling, and a brief description of the layouts he has built. Includes a photo of his layout in 1952.

Editorial

Dick starts off as the editor of this Dispatch with this issue.

Editorial

The author lists things he would like see manufacturers produce in S-scale.

Editorial

A photo tour to Spokane, WA, and this is the first Dispatch issue with a theme: tracklaying.

Editorial

Dick describes his transition from A.F. to scale. His request is for more A.F.-related materials to be published in the Dispatch.

Electro-Motive FTs

After a brief history of the FT locomotives, the author continues by covering the River Raisin's brass FT models. Includes model and prototype photos, and a table for which railroads to use the parts that come with the model.

End of the Line

Remembering Wally Collins, one of S-scale's pioneers.

Engine Terminal Wiring

Breaking a storage yard into small blocks allows the controlled movement of just one engine in the yard, without the others moving as well.

Engineering Department

This column continues the discussion of how to wire a turnout.

Engineering Department

In trying to assure that your equipment stays on the track, this article covers trackwork, dirt, and center of gravity. Includes an explanation and diagram for the three-point suspension system recommended for cars.

Engineering Department

Information about how to super-detail your turnout using parts appropriate for S-scale. Includes many close-up photos.

Engineering Department

The author covers rock-vs-nut ballast types, when to apply ballast, and how to apply rock ballast.

Engineering Department

Using bridge components from O- or HO-scale works just fine on S-scale, because most are scale-indifferent. A few kits are mentioned in the article. Several model photos of bridges on the author's layout are included.

Engineering Department

Slowly replacing solenoid switch machines with either Blue Points or Tortoise ones. Additional layout progress.

Engineering Department

The author describes how he made a section of his layout such that it could be tilted up so that he could get to the wires and electronics under the layout.

Engineering Department

The author describes the things he has to do to get ready for his monthly operating sessions.

Engineering Department

The author describes how he installed the Blue Point and Tortoise switch machines. Includes many tips that make the process go much smoother.

Freelance Triple Hopper from an On3 Kit

The author built an S-scale standard-gauge 70-ton 3-bay hopper from an EBT hopper kit marketed by CB&T Car Shops. Includes photos and construction diagrams, as well as a parts list.

From the Observation Lounge

The author recommends using the digital camera to study and find error and problems on your layout. He also recaps what happened in S modeling in 2011.

Grade Crossing

Dick shows how he used two different commercial and one scratchbuilt methods to building grade crossings.

Heavy Electric Fan

After introducing his roots in areas where heavy electric locomotives were common in his childhood, the author describes his 1955-era layout, which features those types of locomotives. Includes a model and a prototype photo of a New Haven EP-5.

Hints

The author compares San Juan Shops Evolution (On3), Kadee #802/808 (S), and Kadee #5 (HO) couplers, based on his practical experience.

How About a Bascule Bridge

The author describes the Walthers HO-scale Bascule bridge kit he built. It is plenty big for use in S-scale.

Improving the Tracking of River Raisin's 43R Trucks

The trucks used in the previous article's project looked great but didn't not function correctly. It was discovered that that run had too thick of a paint layer. This article explains how to remedy that.

In Memoriam: Bill Young

The author briefly describes Bill Young's history and S modeling efforts. Includes photos of his layout.

Installing Kadee Couplers On The American Models' Alco PA

The AM PA has padding for the couplers on the trucks, but in this article Dick covers how to install them on the body. Includes close-up photos.

Interior Detail Sets for S Scale Pullman Cars

Introduction of the passenger car interior details made available in a joint special project between the NASG and Palace Car Co.

Introducing Dick Karnes

Dick Karnes signed up to volunteer as the Dispatch's assistant editor for "scale" modeling in S. He gives his history into his involvement with S. Dick is one of the founders of the NASG.

John Ramm's Three-Dimensional Layout

This American Flyer-based layout measures 15'x25' and is 5 feet tall, covering several levels. The article includes several photos of the layout as the Greater Seattle S Gaugers club met at John's house.

Kansas City '89 Convention Overview

The author reviews the 1989 NASG Convention.

Kansas City '89 Manufacturer News

A listing of what was new at the Convention.

Kitbashing an NYC Class DEf 2-D-2 Locomotive

The model, which took Best in Show at the 2000 National Association of S Gaugers Convention, is based on the NYC's first diesel locomotive purchase. The author built it using two spliced-together Precision Scale On3 Forney locomotive frames and brass shapes.

Kitbashing Scale Cars from Toy Bodies

How to convert an A.C. Gilbert American Flyer flat car into a "scale" model. Includes drawings showing how to modify the body, and includes a parts list.

Kitbashing Scale Cars from Toy Bodies Part 2

Taking A.C. Gilbert American Flyer gondola bodies and converting them into credible "scale" models. Includes model photos and cut diagrams. Also covered is the 42-foot hydracushion box car.

Kitbashing Scale Cars from Toy Bodies Part 3

The series continues with converting A.F. cars to scale models, by converting a quad hopper, and a wine tank car. Includes diagrams and model photos.

Kitbashing Scale Cars from Toy Bodies Part 4

The author describes how to create a Virginian-style rotary coal car and a transfer caboose. Includes model photos and diagrams.

Kitbashing: See It Before You Do It

Using paper copies of locomotive diagrams, the author describes how he "paper-dolled" the engine together by cutting out pieces from the diagrams. Includes the "kitbashed" diagram, and a photo of the finished locomotive.

Let's Build a CNJ Boxcab Diesel

The author describes how he built this engine from a Pennsylvania Heritage Models' chassis kit and a Great American Locomotion super-structure kit. Includes one prototype photo, and several model construction photos, as well as a parts list. Note that the article contains an error, in that Alan J. Friedland is identified as the owner of Pennsylvania Heritage Models, but he is the owner of Great American Locomotion.

Life Membership - Then and Now

The author compares what a life membership entailed in 1970, and what a 2003 NASG membership means.

Meet an 'S' Gauger

The author introduces Kent Singer, a Dispatch columnist, to the audience.

Model Contest

A quick review of the contest entries, with plenty of photos. More photos are found starting on page 45 of the PDF version.

Multiple Unit Electrics

The author describes how he built a set of multiple-unit electric commuter cars. Includes photos.

Multiple-unit Commuter Combine

The author describes how he "kit-bashed" this model of a motorized car. Includes photos, drawings, and a parts list.

My S Scale Journey

The author shares how he got started in S. He concludes with his thoughts on the current state of S. The article includes a scan of the two-page ads that Model Railroader magazine used to carry showcasing S.

NASG Launches "Special Interest Groups"

The NASG BOT wants to launch SIGs that represent the three groups of modelers within the S-scale community, similar to the NMRA SIGs.

NASG Model Contest 2017

A description of the contests, and photos of the winning models.

NASG Model Contest Changes

The NASG's Contest Chairman announces the changes made to the contest rules applicable to the contests held at the NASG Conventions.

NASG Pullman Car Project

In this article the author answers questions raised about the joint NASG/American Models/Artist-Aid heavyweight Pullman passenger cars.

New Brunswick '88 Convention Overview

The author reports on his visit to the 1988 NASG Convention. Includes several photos, including most of the contest winners' models.

New York Central Class K-3q Pacific

The author spent 50 years accumulating the necessary parts to scratchbuild this locomotive and tender. He shares how he kept track of the parts, and buy them when spotted in a project or a kit. Includes final and construction photos.

Notable Models at Narrow Gauge Northwest

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

One building Complex You've Gotta Have!

This is a kit review of the Grand River Models' Prince Edward Express structure consisting of a brick building containing offices and loading bays, together with a wood annex ("shed") that abuts its rear. The article includes photos of the kits parts and details, and various views of the completed structure.

Operations on the NYW&B

Dick's layout will be open as part of the 32nd National Narrow Gauge. In this article he covers the design and implementation of his layout which has lots of electric engines, overhead wiring, and beautiful scenery, all done in the minority scale of S.

Oregon S Gaugers Meet

The first meeting of Oregon state-wide S-scale modelers, to gauge interest in a state-wide meeting, and to consider organizing a joint NASG/NMRA convention. People brought models, and John Verser (of Pacific Rail Shops) brought the latest box car model. Includes several photos.

Other Resources Part 1

The author discusses using HO- and O-scale parts for S-scale track, and using techniques covered in other-scales magazine articles that are applicable to S-scale.

Other Resources Part 3

Using larger HO-scale buildings in S-scale layouts.

Other Resources Part 4

More examples of O- and HO-scale structures that can be used on S-scale layouts.

Painting Brass

The author collected information from the Groups.io discussion mailing list covering the topic of "How to paint brass models?". Additionally, the article includes information from Andy Malette and Mike Swederska, two of S-scale's very experienced brass painters.

Preventing Lift Out Disasters

A tip on using a stereo plug to prevent track near a removed lift-out section from continuing to be powered.

Reflections

Having left the East coast in 1964 to move to the West coast, the author's visit to the east has him noticing everything that once was is no more.

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.

RMC/Dremel Kitbashing Award

Starting with an old American Flyer combine, the author describes how he built his MU train.

S Climbs The Alleghenies

Some information about what goes on at an NASG Convention, and detailed information about the upcoming 2005 one. Includes photos of nearby activities.

S Gauge Needs More Promoting

The author identifies the issues involved in trying to promote S-scale to non-S-scale modelers.

S Scale SIG Newsletter

The newsletter is posted to highlight the recent changes made to the S Scale SIG web site.

S Scale SIG Newsletter

The newsletter reports that the S Scale SIG web site is functional, and Ed Loizeaux discusses what's next for the group.

S Scale SIG Newsletter

This newsletter introduces the S Scale SIG.

S-curves

The author describes his view of the 2010 NASG Convention, including the Duluth, Minnesota area, the prototype tours, and the vendor hall highlights. Also covered in this column is NWSL's continued support for S-scale with the new owner.

S-curves

The author lists various companies that make S-scale details for enhancing street and right-of-way scenes.

S-Scale Couplers

The author reviews all of the couplers available to S-scale, including AF-compatible ones.

Short and Easy

How to make license plates for S-scale vehicles.

Smoky's Flat Car Kit a Deadringer of Prototype

The author reviews the Southern Railway 41-foot flat car kit by Smoky Mountain Model Works.

So Here's What I Do

Using lead shot to weigh down locomotives for better traction, and how to determine what is sufficient and what is too much.

So Here's What I Do

The author shares how he creates signs and shows examples of them on his layout.

So Here's What I Do

The author describes methods by which he remotely uncouples cars on his layout.

So Here's What I Do

Dick's layout is very high up, which eliminates the need for some typical details. He uses mirrors to make the layout appear larger than it is, of which he describes a few in this article (with photos).

So Here's What I Do

The author claims he never cleans his layout's track; he uses an oil instead.

So Here's What I Do

The author briefly describes how he indicates to which turnout a fascia knob belongs.

So Here's What I Do

The author shares how he does structure window and other signs.

So Here's What I Do

The author describes how he adds license plates to his automobiles.

So Here's What I Do

The author shares a tip he uses to ensure that various holes line up on the side of a steam locomotive boiler.

So Here's What I Do

The author has moved into a senior living apartment and describes how that has changed his modeling efforts.

So Here's What I Do...

The author had a fully-functional layout when the NASG decided to tighten-up the track standards so that the guard rail was closer to the stock rails. This is the current NASG and NMRA standard for S, but the author was reluctant to relay all of his beautiful track work, so he describes in this article what he did to make it all interoperate anyway.

So Here's What I Do...

The author uses lead shot to weigh down his engines to be properly balanced. He does not add weight to cars, and explains why.

So Here's What I do...

The author describes how he does way freight operations on his layout.

So Here's What I do...

Making a cattle pen more realistic. Includes a photo of one on the author's former layout.

So Here's What I Do...

Replacing the coupler spring to simulate the running out of the slack on a train getting started.

So Here's What I Do...

How practical are operational springs in locomotive and car trucks?

So This Is What I Do...

The author describe how he glues similar and dissimilar materials together.

So This Is What I Do...

Using the Kadee delayed-uncoupling feature of their S-scale couplers, and the adjustments he makes to those couplers to have them work more reliably.

Sometimes You Can Actually Get What You Want...

The author describes his experiences in drumming up support for projects to convince manufacturers to produce the product.

Southern Pacifics S-12 Class 0-6-0

Prototype information, and scaled drawings and photos of this locomotive and its tender.

Standard Gaugers: Meet the Narrow Gaugers

The author describes the various figures available in S-scale.

Stanton Drives for S Scale

This articles describes what NorthWest Short Line's Stanton drives are, what their advantages are, how much they can pull, how to install them, along with plenty of photos.

Steeple-cab An Electric Switcher

The author describes how he built this model using a Hoquat Hobbies S-scale steeple-cab electric locomotive body kit, a powered Athearn HO-scale SW-7 switcher, and a variety of detailing parts from three different scales. Includes close-up photos, construction diagrams, and a parts list.

The 2009 NASG Convention

The author reviews the 2009 National Association of S Gaugers (NASG) Convention, held in St. Louis, MO.

The Coiv's in the Corn...

Details, methods, and ideas the author used to overcome his fear of doing scenery and building more complete scenes.

The Early Years of S Part 1

This article dives into the history of S by covering Cleveland Model & Supply, A.C. Gilbert, Nixon Model Co, Northeastern Scale Models, Exacta Scale Models, Arden Scale Models, Super Scale Models, Robert L. Miller Laborartory, Enhorning Industries, Rex Engineering, Dayton Model Products, Bob Peare Engineering, Atlas Tool Co, Tru-Scale, Midgage, Kansas City Kits, Nord, Ambroid, Kinsman Scale Models, Chester Industrial Arts, and PermaBilt.

The Early Years of S Part 2

The author covers the track system choices available to modelers prior to the 1960s.

The Last Five Inches

The author packed and transported clinic materials for Dave Jasper's presentation at the 2010 NASG Convention, where he put all those parts together to build convincing scenery in just 30-scale feet of layout space (5 inches). He then describes how he used similar methods for his own layout.

The Last Stop

The author was asked to predict the future of S-scale.

The Oregon S Scalers' Portable Layout

The club's modules do not necessarily conform to the NASG's S-MOD standard, but the layout has been set-up a number of times in 1992. Includes several close-up photos.

The Reviewer's Workbench

Reviewed is the Omnicon PRR M1 4-8-2. A number of issues were found with the four review samples, which Omnicon owner, Charlie Sandersfeld offered to correct, but he had become seriously ill at the time.

The Sacramento Improbabillium Mine

A slide by Bob Werre leads the author to go visit and interview Wayne Lyndon, owner of the Whistle Stop Hobbies in Sacramento, California. The S-scale mine is based on the Ophir Tram House.

The Tinplate Road

A visit and tour of Ernie Horr's layout. Includes several photos, some of which are full-page.

The Way Back Machine

The author describes how he got started in S-scale as a young boy.

Trackwork Detailing Part 2

This installment covers rail lengths, rail and turnout details, turnout dimensions for various frog angles, and lots of close-up prototype photos.

Wanna Be An Author

What does it take to become an author for this magazine?

What Are We Gonna Do With All This !#@*! Train Stuff

Preparing for our eventual demise as related to our train collection. The NASG has his Disposition Plan available. Go to https://www.nasg.org/, then click on "NASG", and then click on "Estate Planning" under the "Membership Benefits" sub-heading.

What's Conformity?

Part of the NASG annual contests includes "conformity", which the chairman of the Content committee describes in this article.

Window Glass for Flyer or Seltzer Budd Cars

The author describes his system for getting the window glass to sit flush with the outside of the passenger car body, just like it is in the real world. Includes a couple construction photos.

Wiring a Double-Ended Yard

How to wire double-ended yards for ease of prototypical operation, by using the extra contact points on the switch machines.

Wisps

A more in-depth look at what happened at the 1990 NASG joint Convention.

Wisps

Developing a modular standard for Sn3.

Wisps

Who does the magazine's product reviews, and what criteria does the editor use?

Yard Wiring

This article covers how to wire your layout's single-ended or double-ended yard, including an automatic stopping section. Several diagrams are included to clarify the text.