Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Model Railroader 1999-12
Articles Listing

Workshop

Drilling relatively large holes in thin styrene. Pros and cons of a lathe vs. a vertical mill. Completely removing flanges from middle wheels of long N-scale trucks. Dash 8 handrail sets. Sheet lead weights. Scrap bales using aluminum foil using the end of sockets to shape it. Storing models.

Prototype Info

What do diesel names and classifications, such as SD60 and U30B, mean? For what were doghouses on top of tenders used? (contains photo of PRR 2-10-0)

Franklin!

George Selios has made it to the town of Franklin on his layout. Includes lots of great photos and a full trackplan of the layout to-date. George has switched to DCC and sound.

Modeling a Union Pacific Tunnel Motor

Using an Athearn model, the author created a modern version of an SD40T-2. Includes parts identification diagrams, lots of detail diagrams, and a full parts list.

The Beginnings and Growth of HO Scale

The first ad showing an HO-scale freight train.

Metropolitan Transit Authority Part 3

In this installment the article covers installing the paving and scenery of the Boston MTA layout. The street paving is done with patching plaster because of its longer working time. The article also covers ballasting, installing back drops, building landforms, and making culverts and a reservoir. Includes many construction photos.

Build a Small Brick Depot

Using DPM modular wall sections, the author built this small-town depot. Using these wall sections, it is possible to build a number of structures that have the same family "line", while not all being the same.

Build a Magnetic Lift-out Bridge

Using magnets to hold a lift-out section in place and using it to conduct trackpower, so that when the magnets are disconnected, trackpower is removed.

Enhancing an N-scale Tower

The article describes how to upgrade a Dimi Trains kit to make the model look like the prototype tower along the Northeast corridor, which the author photographed. Includes drawings of the changes made to the stock kit. Includes tips on how to create the corbels and how to build scale stairs.

Lighting for Realism

Al Kubicka's HO-scale layout was designed to allow for both day-time and night-time operation. The article describes how he prepared the layout room, and how he does the street and structure lights. Includes lots of tips and tricks for bringing realism into the layout with lighting.

Forced Perspective

Forced perspective can be created by building smaller-than-scale structures and trees.

Black Rock & Marmot

Built into a 14' by 14' room, Ken Lass models both seashore and desert areas set in the 1960s.

Auto-Max Bigger is Better

To be able to efficiently move both sedan as well as SUV automobiles, the Gunderson company designed and built the tri-level, secure automobile transport cars. It has adjustable loading racks. The article includes prototype photos and scale drawings.

Recessed Fascia Panels

To avoid damaging the plugs of throttles, the author shows how he built recessed fascia panels.

Mocking up a Scene

Using cardboard to build the rough shapes of structures to see if they will fit on the layout. It is easier and cheaper to modify them before spending time building the final building.

Where's the Leading Edge?

Of what would a layout consist to be considered to be on the leading edge of model railroad philosophy?

Keeping Kids on Track

Building layouts that cater toward young kids.

Ask Paint Shop

Jim Hediger used reflective tape to model accurate reflective safety stripes on his S4 switcher. Also covered is how to remove tarnish from brass models.