Click on the link to download the part templates for the log-grasping lift. In the June 2017 Model Railroader, Andrew Taylor describes how he kitbashed an HO scale container loader into a log-grasping lift. Andrew scratchbuilt the claw-like lift from styrene. Click on the link below to download the templates for cutting out the parts. […]
Section: Building Model Trains
Video Step by Step: Expanding the Beer Line – Building a cement truck, Part 1
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader Associate Editor Eric White and MRVP’s Ben Lake join forces to build models of something no one produces in HO scale – a 1940s era cement truck. In this first installment, Eric walks you through the process of kitbashing the chassis […]
Compact diesel terminal online extras
In the January 2017 Model Railroader, Thomas Klimoski describes how he built a compact HO scale diesel service terminal based on a prototype found on the shortline Georgia Northeastern RR. A signature structure on the scene is Tom’s scratchbuilt sanding tower. Download Tom’s template for the sanding tower as well as the handrail bending template […]
Plans for a distinctive trackside shed
Click on the image or link to download plans for this unique trackside shed. Shiplap siding and vertical trim are among the interesting details of this trackside shed. The prototype stood along the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western line in upstate New York. Click on the link below to download scale drawings of the structure for […]
Plans for a small town train station
Click on the link or image to download the plans. The prototype for this railroad depot is a former Buffalo & Susquehanna train station from Rushford, N.Y. The compact depot would make an interesting lineside addition to a model railroad. Harold W. Russell’s article about the station appeared in the September 2016 Model Railroader. […]
Prototype plans: Wood trestle and truss bridge
Download plans for a wood trestle and truss bridge. Don’t miss Don Ball’s article in the August 2016 Model Railroader where he shares how he scratchbuilt a late-1800s wood trestle and truss bridge. […]
Prototype drawings Pennsylvania RR class N5c cabin car
Click on the link to download a pdf copy of the drawings. Don’t miss Kevin Miller’s article in the July 2016 Model Railroader that provides a lettering guide and other information about the iconic Pennsylvania RR N5c cabin car. You can also download scale prototype drawings of a PRR train-phone version of the caboose. […]
Project plans: Steam era interlocking tower
This Lehigh Valley interlocking tower protected a wye and a small yard in New York state. You can read more about the prototype in the April 2016 Model Railroader. […]
Project plans: Build a railroad beam bridge
Download plans for a railroad beam bridge. Learn how modeler Jim Ferenc scratchbuilt this common railroad bridge for his HO scale Colorado & Southern Northern Division model train layout in the March 2016 Model Railroader. Jim used wooden ties and plastic girders on his bridge. […]
Project plans: Build a crossing guard’s shanty
Click on the image to download the plans. Before the invention of automatic crossing gates, railroad crossing guards protected grade crossings. Usually holding a flag, lantern, or stop sign or operating a manual crossing gate, the crossing guard would warn motorists of an approaching train. A simple wooden shanty provided shelter for the crossing guard. […]
Lehigh Valley RR Bloomsbury, N.J., depot drawings
I learned about the LV’s former Bloomsbury depot when researching the railroad’s other wooden depots in Upstate New York. Information came from the Lehigh Valley RR home page (www.lvrr.com). The appearance of the building interested me, and this warranted a special trip to measure and photograph it. When I visited, the building was an Agway […]
Scale model plans for an 1870s railroad water tower
Author Rob Foreman described how he scratchbuilt an 1870s-era railroad water tower from stripwood and styrene in the August 2015 Model Railroader. Get inspired to try a scratchbuilding project on your model railroad. […]