Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-08
Articles Listing

The Southern

This large 32' by 24' basement layout continued to grow over the years. It includes two yards and quite a bit of mainline. The scenery is stunning. The layout is freelanced but based on the Chesapeake Bay area in Maryland or Virginia.

Making Ponderosa Pines

The author starts by growing his own seedlings for one or two seasons. They are baked when harvested, then prepared. The article covers in detail how he decorates the trunk and applies branches and greenery.

Using Vehicles Effectively

Using vehicles to identify the time period modeled, even for non-model railroading visitors.

Kitbashing Prairie Skyscrapers

The author bought four Walthers Valley Growers Association grain elevator kits to build this one building as he photographed and studied it in Alma, Kansas. Includes prototype photos and scale drawings.

Sound and Motion

The author discusses some ideas for adding sound and animation to the scenery, and how not to overdo it.

Detailing a M&St.L 1937 AAR Boxcar

Includes model and prototype photos of this car modeled in HO-scale. Also includes several historical scale drawings.

Modeling the Reading's Bethlehem Branch

This article discusses this branchline. The author presents two track plan designs (one 22' x 22' and the other 11'' x 22'). Included are prototype photos and prototype track diagrams.

Ann Arbor 2480: Customizing a Generic Model for a Specific Prototype Part 1

The author will describe in this multi-part article how he converted a Mantua (Tyco) Mikado into this model. Includes prototype and model photos, and historical scale drawings. This installment covers the mechanism, boiler, cab, tender, and boiler jacket.

Essential Freight Cars Part 33

This installment covers the Santa Fe's rebuilt USRA reefers. Includes prototype and model photos.