Tune up turnouts

Checking a turnout with a National Model Railroad Association standards gauge.

Many modelers build their layouts with commercial turnouts with the expectation that these components are ready to install. However, building my HO Ohio Southern has convinced me that most commercial turnouts are really “ready to finish.” They may need a little tune-up to ensure smooth performance and reliable operation. Gauge (the proper spacing of the […]

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Simulate rust with makeup applicators

Athearn HO scale SW1000 weathered with acrylic hobby paints and makeup applicators.

When I asked my wife if we could walk through the cosmetic department at the local drugstore, she gave me a somewhat puzzled look. This part of the store is home to some fantastic weathering tools, including foam-tipped cosmetic applicators. I used these applicators to simulate rust and paint wear on this Athearn HO scale […]

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Add mounting pins to fence sections

Central Valley HO scale fence painted yellow in a yard office scene with BNSF SW1000 no. 3612 and pickup truck.

Central Valley’s HO scale injection-molded plastic fence is a close match for the fence used by the Burlington Northern near buildings in the area of Minnesota that I model, 1. Though the fence looks good, it’s difficult to attach as-is to an extruded-foam insulation scenery base. However, with brass mounting pins, the fence can easily […]

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Painting acetal handrails

Walthers HO scale Electro-Motive Division GP9s with (foreground) and without vertical handrails painted yellow

Slippery engineering plastic requires specially formulated paint that’s flexible and won’t flake off. Fortunately, the paint is most likely available at the same hobby shop where you purchase your trains. Flexible paint designed for remote-control (RC) car bodies is the perfect solution for locomotive handrails. RC paint is offered in a limited number of colors […]

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Modeling with a disability

An HO scale 2-6-0 Mogul steam locomotive passes under a wooden road bridge and past a corrugated metal building.

I’ve had a degenerative muscle condition for 20 years. Because it has been a gradual degeneration, I’ve been able to adjust my modeling over that period. I can still scratchbuild and kitbash buildings. I can also paint and decal locomotives and cars; it just takes longer. At times, modeling has become frustrating. However, I’ve been […]

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Entrepreneur proposes bus-light rail hybrid system

Bus

While hard-hit transit agencies are struggling to find money to keep trains running and undertake construction projects, a Canadian entrepreneur believes he has a new solution. Steve Ostrowski says he’s “in the good idea business.” He’s started companies and developed products ranging from snowmobile shock absorbers to deck awnings, and now he wants to reinvent […]

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Digest: Allegheny Valley Railroad opens transload terminal

gantry crane

Wednesday afternoon rail news: Pittsburgh-area railroad expands rail shipping options Allegheny Valley Railroad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carload Express Inc., received its first rail shipments at its new Glenwood Transload Terminal in Pittsburgh earlier this month. “We are excited to offer this new service to Pittsburgh and look forward to providing continued support for the […]

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