Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Magazine Authors
Magazine Articles By Steve Monson

50,000 Gallon Water Tower Kit

The author summarizes the history of the Lehigh Valley Models kit, which is still available via K&P Brick Co. Included are tips & tricks for building the model as well as construction photos.

A Different Perspective

Using HO-scale structures in the background in deep corners can yield an effective forced-perspective.

A Gas and Service Station

The author describes how he modified a Walthers HO-scale kit to be usable on his S-scale layout.

A Magnificent Old Locomotive Kit

The author describes how he saved up for the Rex 0-4-0 Docksider kit when it first came out. Now, many years later he found another kit, but it has become a collector's item.

An 1890 Bridge Upgrade Inspires a Model

The author details the history of the Lindstorm wooden trestle bridge owned by the St Paul & Duluth Railroad, including prototype period photos. The author shares how he modeled a compressed version of it on his own layout.

Building a Dairy Queen

The author provides drawings and photos detailing how he scratchbuilt his version of a Dairy Queen.

Circus Advance Car

A review of the purpose of this special car, and how the author created an S-scale model of it.

Compact Yard Design for a Branch Line Railroad

The author describes the key features an engine yard typically holds, and how to model that in as small of a space as possible.

Coupler Upgrade

The author shares a couple of examples of upgrading older S-scale models with Kadee couplers.

Easy to Build Turntable

After describing the history and fundamentals of prototype turntables, the author describes in step-by-step instructions how to build a turntable. Includes prototype photos, construction diagrams, construction photos, and a materials list. More photos can be found on page 33 of the PDF version of this issue.

Farming Tips for the S Scale Modeler

The author provides tips on how to improve the look of the steering wheels of Ertl's tractors, painting the tractors, and installing drivers for those tractors.

Freight Car Farm Buildings

Based on seeing these structures in person, the author repurposed, much like the real-world farmers, a box car and a stock car model, put them on a foundation, and covered them with a roof. These made for quick and affordable barn structures for the farm. The article includes prototype and model photos.

Gear Replacement S Helper 2-8-0

The author describes how to replace a split/worn gear in this locomotive using a replacement part from NWSL. He also describes how to add weight to the tender, to keep if from derailing on curves that are a bit too tight for the model.

Ideas for Spectacular Bridges

The author wants bridges, but didn't want to deal with grades. His layout is only 30" deep. He shares his ideas on how to model them effectively given those constraints. Includes construction photos, final photos, as well as prototype photos.

Installing DCC Sound

The author describes how he installed a Soundtraxx Econami DCC sound decoder into a Rex Suburban locomotive. Includes installation photos.

More Storytelling with Our Railroads

Each scene on the author's layout has a story associated with it, whether prototype or fictional.

My Favorite Glues

This is a primer on available glues and which to use where.

NASG Contest Winners

Contest results, and a detailed description of the models, from the 1999 NASG Convention, including some photos.

New Motors for Old Locomotives

The author examines the sources of noise in our steam locomotives, what we can do to improve their running abilities while keeping them quiet, and his conclusions after replacing and testing several motors. He used four different Rex steam locomotives for his tests.

Product Review: Corn Loads

The author reviews the corn load made by Lenny and Rita Leier (available via eBay).

Remote Control or Hands On?

The days of the large control panels are done. The author is building his layout with DCC and radio-frequency throttle.

Sixty Years Building with Wood

The author describes how his preferred model-building material has always remained basswood, and he's built a hundred models using that. The accompanying photos show his first and latest model built.

Small American Flyer Play Layout

The author describes a small (24"x54") layout he built using A.C. Gilbert AF parts. Includes photos and a track plan.

Taking the Locomotive for a Night on the Town

The author describes a historical event that caused an NP steam locomotive to fall into the pit of a turntable. The author built a scene on his home layout to replicate the event.

The Lionel Train Game

A fun board game produced by Lionel in 1988, but may be found online still.

The Wonderful American Flyer Sawmill

The author describes his desire to own one of these since being a young boy, but he finally had a chance to buy one. He describes the workings of the accessory in this article, accompanied by several photos.

Topside Creeper

Using one of these riding tools to get under the layout.

Try Hallmark Cards Oceanside Depot

The author reviews and upgrades the tin model produced by Hallmark Cards in 1999. The model is close to S-scale.

What Powers Our Locomotives?

A good explanation of how our locomotives have been powered from the 1950s (AC, DC) to now (DCC).

Wooden Truss Bridges Built the Right Way

The author describes how a Howe bridge gains its strength. He provides templates and a step-by-step guide to building such a bridge. Also included are construction photos.