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This is a scratch-built model I made and forgot about. It’s called” Cal’s City Transfer, Rail Truck Terminal”, named after my cousin, with our Model Railroad Ballast. First, we laid the track using our 122-yard mix of Ballast. Then, we laid out the ground cover with 101 red cinder powder, 100 industrial dirt, and 1030 … Read more
Railroad men and their families are beginning to gather at the General Managers home early for the big day.
The same pigments I use for scenery and used for weathering all the structures you have seen on this web-site have now been applied on these freight cars. Call this “The Art of Model Railroading” as I wanted to make my weathering very obvious. Someone made a statement recently on the internet that Athearn’s rolling … Read more
Concrete and Asphalt Paving Powders These products are rock powders that will provide a slightly gritty scale texture. They can be applied to any surface that white or yellow carpenters glue will bond to. We have applied the products to Styrofoam, plywood, Homasote, cork, cardboard, matboard, plaster, and Masonite. Why use these products instead of … Read more
Starting a fleet of Semi’s Big trucks and trains just go together on industrial layout building truck kits from George Barrett of Sheepscot Scale Models A couple of the trucks in this scene are Freightliners by Athearn Several trucks are needed to compliment a “Truck Stop” scene now in the planning stages. We will show … Read more
UNDER THE LAYOUT12 TO 16 VOLTS AC FROM A POWER PACK OR RADIO SHACK #273-1352 10 OHM, 10 WATT CERAMIC RESISTOR RADIO SHACK #271-132 BUSS BAR TERMINAL STRIP FOR CONVENIENTLY ROUTING POWER TO OTHER MOTORS CONTROL PANELSP DT TOGGLE SWITCH 2 DIODES Each pair of diodes are reversed and twisted together on one end where … Read more
This is what happens when there isn’t space for a permanent layout. Several of the scenes shown on my web-site are built just for trying ideas. An instead beat up 35 MM Canon camera was fitted with a pinhole for this shot. Do you say too much light? It’s just the hot Arizona sun that … Read more
The Texaco Station diorama is mounted on a 1/4″ Masonite base, 11, 1/4″ X 9, 1/4″Everything you see on this base is included. I moved the billboard to the left side as it gives more room for the outside work area on the right. Next to the building is an upholstered seat for the local … Read more
JL Innovative Design make this gas station kit that fits the era of my other structures on the layout. The kit makes a very small structure that can easily find room such as the space you see at left. I worked at two different Shell Stations while attending Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis MN back in … Read more
I refer to it as “Dropped wandering edge. This system eliminates the traditional fascia board such as Masonite or paneling. I reserve this technique for the more scenic areas of the layout as I’m inherit lazy and want a life for other things. I’ve used this technique in various form all my life in different … Read more
This is one of the easiest kits you could build for a little train action. One could even scratch build it for a few bucks even if you have to buy the scribed siding material. The sand road is a blend of 3/5 th’s #1151 Basalt, 1/5 th of #1031 Black cinder and 1/5 th … Read more
Saez Sash and Door 416-417 are where the lumber was cut, stored, and dried. It really catches your attention. This craftsman kit consists of scale lumber (sugar pine) and is ready for paint and weatherizing. Complete instructions, drawings, and templates are included. This is a laser-cut kit. Campbell Scale Models These Campbell Scale Models structures … Read more
Saez Sash and Door 416-417 are where the lumber was cut, stored, and dried. It really catches your attention. This craftsman kit consists of scale lumber (sugar pine) and is ready for paint and weatherizing. Complete instructions, drawings, and templates are included. This is a laser-cut kit. Campbell Scale Models These Campbell Scale Models structures … Read more
First class trains do very little work on the layout other than run interference to the freight trains or have quick station stops. You can add extra chores such as switching out diners, coaches, sleepers and RPO cars at various locations. I have added an extra element of excitment by perfecting action of catching a … Read more
First class trains do very little work on the layout other than run interference to the freight trains or have quick station stops. You can add extra chores such as switching out diners, coaches, sleepers and RPO cars at various locations. I have added an extra element of excitment by perfecting action of catching a … Read more
Displaying Campbell’s Tall Curved Timber Trestle with 2 kits arranged end to end was my first scenery project for the new layout. Many modelers built at least the single span in the 70’s but rarely seen anymore as the hobby has changed. Kit instructions have templates for a radius up to 36″ of which this … Read more
Model billboard reinforces an event from my experience that I can build a story around. Today is the “billboard” day (11/26/08). I was time to choose a project that has been on the back burner. It happened while cleaning out a shelve. There were some model billboards kits I forgot. These are by J L … Read more
Artist Oils work out best for me Acrylics and I don’t get along. This was done in about a half hour. The idea is to get the basic work done and then come back later and touch up the unnatural. I keep the nearest foreground about a mile away as anything closer requires detail I’m … Read more
Passenger car operation on my previous layouts was impossible with that radius of 24 inches. Now that I run 30 to 40-inch radius curves, those cars at least look better with less overhang. All the cars are being updated with metal trucks, Kadee body mount couplers, and American Limited diaphragms. While I’m at it, some … Read more
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I just had to build a Campbell Scale Models produce shed several years ago. This is how it fits on the layout as if it could be used for receiving loads from a box car such as the one seen here. The loading platform is long enough to place three box cars for unloading. There was … Read more
A while back, I got rid of my plastic Heljan turntable and replaced it with a 14″ Bowser unit. I removed the plywood table top base that comes with the unit as the pit fit perfectly in the hole cut for the old Heljan unit. The motor runs way to fast on 12 volts so … Read more
SANDSTONE CANYON This method creates a “Tough Skin” scenery shell that is lightweight and less messy than plaster. I now use a two-layer process with spray foam between the back and front paper. The foam allows some density for planting trees, fence posts, and whatever for stability. Now and then, at the grocery store, I … Read more
From the Kalmbach book; Bridges & BuildingsArticle by; Frank TitmanThis coal barge was to go with the car dumper that the author built in a preceding article. My model has a cardboard hull, deck, holds, and pilothouse. Strip wood was glued to the floor and used for the other trim. I built it for a … Read more
The hump yard looked like this for over ten years with just ballast for scenery. This would be correct for the dry Southwest and I left it that way so my customers could see the HO “fine” ballast colours of #1222 yard mix and #1152 Empire Builder overlaid in the foreground. This is the first … Read more
You must admit, those brass engines host a lot of detail. I bought one to see what all the ballyhoo was about them. My first curiosity was to compare its performance against those die cast clunkers. Second, is the detail applied neatly? Third, Is it worth the extra money over reworking one of my clunkers? … Read more
Campbell’s kit # 382 Country Barn is truly a western horse or small milking parlor type suitable for a ranch. Its bright red paint has faded to a pale orange and the roof is showing its age. Notice how the siding boards are very rotten next to the ground. The project took about eight hours … Read more
I had an Icehouse, but it was too wide for the available space on the layout. This structure measures 4″ X 18″ and three Reefers can be spotted for icing at a time. The story behind this structure is as follows. My oldest son and I were in Durango Colorado, visiting with Ruth and Leo … Read more
Using photos for a cartoon strip require close ups that keep everything in focus. Flaws in the model work now show up dramatically such as the unpainted wagon spokes, shiny cloths and the right shoulder of the man not glued in place properly. To make the characters larger in the picture box, you need to … Read more
After a couple of years of hiatus, the relocation of Bootjack AZ is underway on my upper level. I keep expanding with scratch-built structures that resemble my extensive line of the Campbell Scale Models buildings. In the view below are six structures with Campbell shingles on the roofs. This water tank and tool shed were … Read more
The model railroad industry has gone in almost complete denial that thousands of us still run with DC throttles. An exception is MRC with its various transistor power packs. They also make a walk around a unit called the CM20 of which I have for my mainline cab and could now use a second one. … Read more
The family of train crews are back together again after a long absents and posed for this picture. Pictured are Engineers, Firemen, Brakemen, Conductors, and dispatchers. I also learned how to make pigeons out of brass with one of them on the Geep cab. Written by Bard Google AI and corrected by Grammarly Weston train … Read more
This is a closeup of the branches of a pine tree using Campbell Scale Models foliage material. This type of foliage gives the tree a wispy appearance that has its’ own appeal to modelers. The openness allows you to see through the forest at whatever there is in or behind a grove of trees. This … Read more
Right now, it’s just a simple loop—but it’s precisely what I need to get started. After years of static displays, every locomotive and freight car finally has a purpose, and I can even blast them at full throttle—the hand-laid mainline sweeps through broad, banked curves that deliver speed and visual drama. Moreover, the track features … Read more
Ours is a Harvey Lunch Room along the mainline and a great place to grab a chair and cup of coffee to watch trains. The railroad financed the construction of the Harvey Co. facilities and the agreement allowed all Santa Fe employees a discount on meals. Our trains frequently stop at such places so the … Read more
Seligman engine service and Work Train sidingWhen the “Work Train” is needed, it will be assighned a number by the dispatcher and run as an “Extra”. Phoenix Junction in AshforkTrain” #220″ is at the end of its run in Ashfork and is positioning passenger and express cars brought up from Phoenix with Engine #301. These … Read more
Us modelers that started in the seventies used the Athearn streamlined passenger cars, and I still do. The problem is that Athearn never followed through and made any sleeper cars. The Santa Fe “Chief” was an all-sleeper car train with an RPO, Baggage Car, possible Dome car, and an Observation car on the tail end. … Read more
I just had to build a Campbell Scale Models produce shed several years ago. This is how it fits on the layout as if it could be used for receiving loads from a boxcar such as the one seen here. The loading platform is long enough to place three box cars for unloading. There was … Read more
A little extra detail upgrades this structure. Roof flashing, Cap on masonry chimney and spark arrester on the metal chimney. The upper floor is cantilevered over the first floor. Notice the flashing around the masonry chimney. A weathered plank walkway surrounds the false front business office. About This kit from Campbell Scale Models #385, Bret’s … Read more
I ordered this kit sight unseen and was delighted with the design when it showed up in the mail on Friday. It took about 16 hours to build, so here it is. It’s referred to as a “Drum” style building that was popular in the forties. I used a 1/8 Masonite base and brushed yellow … Read more
All my models have extra wood on the inside to make them sturdy and keep the walls and roof from bowing. With the roof removed, you can see the plank floor nail detail. Included are my homemade boxes and crates. Variety of three different kinds of roof materials. The paper profile shingles pried up in … Read more
You need one of these on the layout as they were common for Less than Car Load pickups and deliveries. Lots of little building add potential activity to your railroad. I believe the kit comes with those unpainted crates and barrels that I have not detailed yet. One could scratch build this for a couple … Read more
This is imagined to be a “dirt” vacant piece of ground over run with weeds and trash. The color of dirt (one of my products that end in “0” is an earth power. In this case, it’s #1020 Light Earth. Notice that a lot of it shows through. The whole area was covered with it … Read more
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Some cars are old-time antiques and others home-made on this narrow gauge layout. Everyone will be featured separately as I rebuilt them for better running standards. The engine is a brass 0-6-0 that I bought from an old friend in Tucson AZ. about 14 years ago. The purpose of buying it was for this type … Read more
Setting up passenger cars with a marker and interior lights that don’t flicker for the Santa Fe Chief. The lighting system is powered with 2 AAA batteries that put out 3 volts. I use a battery holder from Radio Shack for this. A slide switch is mounted in the car vestibule for turning on the … Read more
An eight-sided gate man’s tower that houses controls for pneumatically operated crossing gates. These octagonal towers were built by the Milwaukee Road found around the city including this one on at 2nd and Commerce in Milwaukee. The authors found this one unique because it leaned to the South. It dates back to the 1900s and … Read more
A fellow could spend a whole day detailing even a small junkyard like this and down the road, I will. Before this happens, a picture helps to decide how it should be done. This end is reserved for the Hot Rod dream cars that I never had time to build in my younger days. There … Read more
The hoist house and shaft house are across a canyon from each other that spreads out the scene. The left rock formation is made in layers set back from each other for a natural effect.
I got an Ayres Scale Models “Box Car Freight House” on eBay. This kit dates back to the early ’60s and is all wood like much the models from that era. My Winslow engine service area was a perfect location for this kit as it goes well with a Campbell loading dock that was already … Read more
Irven wrote an article in the early ’60s with pictures and scale drawing of a Union Pacific rolling or “pull-by” inspection station located in Laramie Wyo. These inspections were performed along with intermediate railroad points at both ends of the yard. Train speed was restricted to ten/fifteen miles per hour while a man stood on … Read more
I don’t believe this was ever a Fine Scale Miniature kit that George built for his layout. You can see what I’m talking about by referring to page 33 in George’s book about his Franklin & South Manchester Railroad. The station also reappears on page 63 in the November Model Railroader. His has red trim … Read more
I’m beginning to favour the technique described below as it gives me more modelling options. At any rate, I don’t end up with overly antiseptic look working with plastic. The cardboard I use is from an old Priority Mailbox because it’s the thickness that works best. Using a carpenters square, I cut my slabs in … Read more
From the Kalmbach book; BRIDGES & BUILDINGS By Gordon Odegard and Dan Rauschenberg An eight-sided gate man’s tower that houses controls for pneumatically operated crossing gates. These octagonal towers were built by the Milwaukee Road found around the city including this one on at 2nd and Commerce in Milwaukee. The authors found this one unique … Read more
Pre-1980’s A long time ago, in the last century, there was a hobby called Craft Model Trains. It received a jump start in the 1930s with the first publication of Model Railroader Magazine. The Craft Train hobby peaked out about fifty years later in the mid-seventies. What are the Craft Trains? First of all, we … Read more
That freight isn’t ready to leave until the conductor turns on the marker lights. I bought an old caboose with a bay window. I place a toggle switch that powers the L.E.D. marker lights and a 3-volt interior bulb. Stay away from those slide switches as they can be unreliable. A toy train becomes more … Read more
This is actually two businesses’ under one roof. The Assay office portion is on the left and the clothing store at the right. Cumber’s earth with driveway gravel. Introduction to the Assay Office The Assay Office served a vital function in early mining communities. It provided scientific testing of metals like gold and … Read more
Logging Repair The Logging Repair / Logging Camp project is on hold for now until it’s placed in a permanent location on the layout. This is my first attempt of the board by board construction with strip wood made on a table saw. The base ground color is #1090 Cumbres Earth, #1183 Oak Creek Orange … Read more
10 OZ. OF DRY ROCK POWDER THAT IS MIXED WITH WHITE OR CARPENTERS GLUE AND WATER to THE CONSISTENCY OF TOOTHPASTE. Spread it out with a bread knife and/or palate knife just like a real concrete finisher would. Breaking away from that sterile plastic look for streets and sidewalks This three-building set came in from … Read more
A couple of wood frame houses Our foreground model was just built and the dwelling to the right was constructed forty years ago. Now does it make any sense to build a brand new abandoned house? Yes, as this is a quirk of a model railroader or any model builder. Next, I’ll install lights and … Read more
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I like the looks of masonry structures for my 1950’s scenes with only a few wood ones as in reality. Most of them burned down by then. This angle of the scene is not appreciated as the viewer. You would have to lean over the layout to see it this way. The streets are laid … Read more
Is this the horrible result of a model railroader that switched from DC to DCC?(My scene was inspired by an article in Trains Magazine published many years ago.) The scene was built in twelve hours including hand laying the track. OOPS! Looks like someone threw a switch the wrong way again. The scene is modeled … Read more
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