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Magazine Articles By Tom Robinson

Armco Steel Building

A detailed review of this kit offered by the NASG.

Coffee with Tom Robinson

The author describes his 13'x16' AF layout, a 5'x18' portable S-MOD modular layout,

Displaying S Gauge

The author shares his expanded version of his traveling modular layout, now measuring 5'x18'. Includes a track plan and a photo.

Harriman to Nashville the S Gauge Tennessee Central

The author describes his renamed layout (was "Volunteer Central II") layout based on the what-if scenario of the Tennessee Central still existing. This AF-based layout has lots of track, engines, structures, and over 700 figures. Includes several photos.

Kitbashing a Bachmann HO Bus Station to S

Step-by-step instructions, a final-model photo, and drawings are included in this article about how to make the S-scale version.

Operating American Flyer and other S Gauge Trains With TMCC Part I

The author shares his experience with converting a traditional A.C. Gilbert layout to Lionel's TMCC. Includes the layout track plan, and his wiring scheme.

Operating American Flyer and other S Gauge Trains With TMCC Part II

The author shares his experience with converting a traditional A.C. Gilbert layout to Lionel's TMCC. Includes detailed information about Lionel's TMCC system, the components that you need, and several photos of the author's layout.

S Track Survey Part Five

This installment covers the American S Gauge track system marketed by Classic Trains of California. This track features solid code 172 nickel-silver rail, and the ties are made of ABS plastic with wood grain pattern.

S Track Survey Part Four

This article reviews what is available in S-scale track from S-Helper Service, how to mate it with traditional American Flyer track, some negatives about the track system, and a parts list of the track pieces in their product line.

S Track Survey Part One

This article introduces the various track systems available in S-scale. It covers what is available from various manufacturers.

S Track Survey Part Three

The series continues with a review of the American Models track system, how to use their flextrack, limitations of the system, how to make "scale" wheels negotiate the turnouts, and a listing of the currently-available pieces.

S Track Survey Part Two

The author advises against buying/using rusted American Flyer original track, checking the gauge of track you do use, and how to maintain turnouts. He also covers the current crop of Lionel AF track, and the GarGraves track system.

Tennessee Central Railway

The author's Volunteer Central has migrated from a pure AF-based layout, to a hi-rail one, modeling the eastern part of the TCR. He describes the changes he has made to make this change. Includes several photos of his layout, as well as a track plan of the two-level layout.

Tennessee Central Railway

The author describes the things he has added, changed, or replaced on his layout since his last report in the Dispatch. Includes a couple of photos of his layout. The PDF version of this issue has extra photos on pages 33 through 35, and a track plan on page 36.

The Story of the Volunteer Central

The author tells his story of how he evolved from O-scale to S-scale modeling, and how he set about building the U-shaped 12'x8' layout. Includes a track plan and a few photos.

This Is S Gauge Modular Layout Update

The author shares updates he has made to his traveling modular layout. Includes a couple of photos and a track plan. The idea behind the layout is to show American Flyer, but also the new products available in S-scale.

Tom Robinson Builds a Modular-Portable Display Layout

The author describes the modules he built for an S-scale display layout to take to local shows where no S-scale layouts were being set up. Includes photos and a track plan.

Tom Robinson's Tennessee Central

After detailing his history of previous layouts, the author covers his current layout, which includes photos.

Volunteer Central II

The author describes that a move destroyed the original Volunteer Central layout. This new one, an AF/hi-rail layout in a 25'x18' space, is a display-style layout with three loops of track, and lots of switching opportunities on the interior. Includes photos and a track plan of the layout.