A great prototype photo can often be a wonderful source of inspiration for a model. This was the case for my Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic 50-foot double-door boxcar. When I saw the black-and-white inset photo of a well-worn DSS&A boxcar, I immediately decided to paint the car’s discolorations and markings on an HO model. […]
Bill Hildebrand used scale drawings and inexpensive hardboard material to construct an O gauge model of the famous Hoboken Terminal. Ornate architecture, magnificent concourses, and a seemingly endless parade of people and trains are just a few of the characteristics that make large passenger train terminals just as captivating on toy train layouts as they […]
Richard Van de Kieft formed an impressive O gauge passenger terminal out of two MTH structures. Photos by Michael Raynor 2. A motor tool with a cutting disk quickly removes a tapered support along the interior ledge. 3. Use a razor saw to cut the ledge and separate the walls. 1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver […]
1. A Southern Pacific 2-8-4 Berkshire with a Vanderbilt tender takes a freight train over the bridge. Nothing in the picture suggests that this garden line is actually built up on benchwork. Bill Hook 2. Full-size trees and the lake in the background can be seen in this dramatic view from behind the railroad. The […]
Name: Glenwood & Sierra RR. Layout designer: Sy Diamond Scale: N (1:160) Size: 7′-6″ x 13′-0″ feet Theme: freelanced Locale: various locations across North America Era: 1950s (steam to diesel transition) Style: around the walls with aisle Mainline run: 75 feet Minimum radius: 17″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: 2.5 percent Click on the […]
Name: Milwaukee Road, Morton Branch Layout designer: Eric Williams Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 9 x 11 feet Prototype: Milwaukee Road Locale: Morton, Wash. Era: 1945 to 1950 Style: Around-the-walls Mainline run: 34 feet Minimum radius: 32″ (visible), 24″ (staging) Minimum turnout: Peco medium radius Maximum grade: 4 percent Click on the link to download the […]
Name: Shadowton Ridge NorthernLayout designer: Matt HewittScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 30 x 45 feetTheme: freelanced subsidiary of the Norfolk & Western Ry.Locale: West VirginiaEra: 1956Style: multilevel walkaroundMainline run: 325 feetMinimum radius: 32″Minimum turnout: no. 6Maximum grade: 1.6 percent (in helix) Click on the link to download the PDF of this track plan. […]
In the September 2010 issue, I showed how I rejuvenated a postwar Lionel No. 2458 boxcar. It’s one of several cars I bought from my local hobby shop’s bargain shelf. Here are photos of a few more cars I worked on, along with comments on what I did to improve their appearance. Sunoco tank car […]
Trackwork at the Hoot Valley complex shows #8 limestone gravel roadbed underlying the #9 limestone ballast. The near track is the mainline and the other is the lumber-yard and engine-service siding. (The mainline runs through the train-storage shed in the background.) Don Parker Now it’s time to get that track onto prepared roadbed […]
In the October 2010 issue, Charles McMillan shows us his brass Oscar 2 locomotive. Download the article that inspired him to build this impressive engine. […]
Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. Despite our best […]
Name: Connecticut Co. Layout designer: Les Lewis Scale: O (1:48) Size: 23′-6″ x 39′-6″ Prototype: Connecticut Co. Locale: freelanced, inspired by New Haven, Conn. Era: 1930s to ’40s Style: modular Mainline run: 110 feet Minimum radius: 12″ Minimum turnout: 12″ radius Maximum grade: none Click on the link to download the PDF of this track […]
