Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Magazine Authors
Magazine Articles By Jeff Johnston

Bringing a Logging Locomotive Back to Life

The author describes the changes he made to an old NWSL locomotive. Includes many construction photos.

Build a Ground Foam Applicator

The author describes how Bob Hensler built a scenery duster by connecting two rubber tubes to a lid of a jar that contains the ground foam. Blowing in one tube allows the other tube to direct the placement of the ground foam, including in difficult-to-reach areas and vertical spaces.

Building Blocks

Creating blocks of wood which are then covered with scale strip wood, door and roof treatments. Simple and effective. Includes step-by-step photos.

Getting Real

How does one decide on what the colors were when one models a time period before color photography was in common use?

Kitbashed Logging Flats

The author converted some 40-foot Athearn flat cars to better fit his pre-1930s era. Drawings and close-up photos show all the work he did to do this conversion. A prototype photo of the Minarets & Western flat car is included.

Making Rock Molds

Step-by-step text and photo guide on how the author makes his rock molds. He shows two methods, one using a single large rock and one using a board full of smaller rocks (to make a vertical rock wall, for example).

Nut-Bolt-Washers

This article covers how to better install the NBW castings.

Traction Test Stand

The author describes how he built a test stand to measuring a locomotive's traction capabilities using a precision dynamometer gauge.

Upgrading the MDC Shay Part I

The author states that the model runs very well if as built, but adding an NWSL metal gearbox and a Sagami motor with flywheels really makes it purr. Also discussed are contact wipers, side rods, and universal shafts

Visiting Fred Carlson's Gladstone & North Houghton

The article describes Fred's layout set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which measures 26' by 25' in an L-shape. It covers the layout's construction and design, operating, and plans for the future. Many photos and a track plan are also included