Oooo...A Layout Contest — Over $1500 in prizes! 64 ... - O scale trains
Oooo...A Layout Contest — Over $1500 in prizes! 64 ... - O scale trains
Oooo...A Layout Contest — Over $1500 in prizes! 64 ... - O scale trains
- No tags were found...
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
O ScaleOTra<strong>in</strong>sNovember ’02 • Issue #5 • US $8.00Model<strong>in</strong>gfor theO ScaleCraftsman<strong>Oooo</strong>...A <strong>Layout</strong> <strong>Contest</strong> <strong>—</strong> <strong>Over</strong> <strong>$1500</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>prizes</strong>!Construct a Yard TowerSuperdetail<strong>in</strong>gIM BoxcarsK<strong>in</strong>gsbury Term<strong>in</strong>alO Scale <strong>in</strong> the UKBuild YourselfA CritterCJ O ScalersModular layoutNew Column...Easements for theLearn<strong>in</strong>g CurveNOW<strong>64</strong> Pages!US $8 • Can $10
Announc<strong>in</strong>g The 1947GREAT NORTHERN EMPIRE BUILDER <strong>in</strong> O ScalePrototype collection of Paul C. W<strong>in</strong>ters. Similar to PSC #17365-4 lettered Empire Builder.#17365 1947 Great Northern Empire Builder 8 car set, factory pa<strong>in</strong>ted and lettered EMPIRE BUILDER:(1) RPO/Baggage pa<strong>in</strong>ted #1100, (1) 60-Seat Coach pa<strong>in</strong>ted #1110, (1) 48-Seat Coach #1120,(1) Coffee Shop/Dormitory pa<strong>in</strong>ted #1140, (1) D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Car pa<strong>in</strong>ted #1150, (1) 8-4-4 Sleeper #1160,(1) 16-4 Sleeper pa<strong>in</strong>ted #1170 and (1) 2-1 Buffet/Lounge/Observation pa<strong>in</strong>ted #1190.Prototype collection of Paul C. W<strong>in</strong>ters. Similar to PSC #17365-2 lettered Empire Builder.#17365-1 RPO/Baggage car pa<strong>in</strong>ted Empire Builder colors, #1101, #1102 and #1104.#17365-2 48-Seat Coach pa<strong>in</strong>ted Empire Builder colors, #1121 thru #1131.#17365-3 60-Seat Coach pa<strong>in</strong>ted Empire Builder colors #1111, #1112, and #1113.#17365-4 Coffee Shop/Dormitory car pa<strong>in</strong>ted Empire Builder colors #1141, #1142 and #1143.#17365-5 D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g car pa<strong>in</strong>ted Empire Builder colors #1151, #1152 an #1153.#17365-6 Sleeper 8-4-4 pa<strong>in</strong>ted Empire Builder colors #1161 thru #1166.#17365-7 Sleeper 16-4 pa<strong>in</strong>ted Empire Builder colors #1171 thru #1177.#17365-8 Buffet/Lounge/Observation 2-1 pa<strong>in</strong>ted Empire Builder colors #1191, #1192 and #1193.Prototype collection of Paul C. W<strong>in</strong>ters. Similar to PSC #17365-5 lettered Empire Builder.Precisely handcrafted brass models, pa<strong>in</strong>ted and lettered EMPIRE BUILDER.• Full Interiors with all new PSC tool<strong>in</strong>g • Interior Shades • Complete Detailed Underbodies• Light<strong>in</strong>g System • Sprung and Equalized Trucks • Work<strong>in</strong>g Doors and VestibuleSee your local Hobby Shop and reserve yours today!
Model<strong>in</strong>gfor theO ScaleCraftsmanIssue #5November 2002Editor/PublisherJoe GiannovarioArt DirectorJa<strong>in</strong>i SimonContribut<strong>in</strong>g EditorsBobber GibbsJohn C. SmithGene Deiml<strong>in</strong>gBrian ScaceSubscription Rates: 6 issuesUnited StatesUS$36Canada/MexicoUS$50<strong>Over</strong>seasUS$75Mastercard & Visa acceptedCall 610-321-0858 dur<strong>in</strong>gEastern time bus<strong>in</strong>ess hoursDealers write for terms.Advertisers write for <strong>in</strong>formationor visit our website.O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s ISSN 1536-9528www.o<strong>scale</strong>mag.comPublished bimonthly (6 times a year) byO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s Magaz<strong>in</strong>e,PO Box 238, Lionville PA 19353-0238© 2002 OST All Rights ReservedPr<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> the U.S.A.Contributors: O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>swelcomes your feature articles, photos, anddraw<strong>in</strong>gs. Such material should be sent to theabove address for possible publication. If weaccept, you will be notified immediately. Formore <strong>in</strong>formation concern<strong>in</strong>g article preparationguidel<strong>in</strong>es, please send an SASE to the aboveaddress and request our “Guide For Authors” orvisit our website.COVER: Dusk descends at Ricksburg on DavidStewart’s Appalachia & Ohio RR. The switchtower is the subject of a two part constructionarticle start<strong>in</strong>g this issue.CENTERSPREAD - Pg 32: AClass S1 ErieBerkshire sits <strong>in</strong> the early morn<strong>in</strong>g fog after justtak<strong>in</strong>g on a load of coal. The eng<strong>in</strong>e wasscratchbuilt by Harry Hieke for R. Harris Russo,M.D. The scene was photographed by K JebKriigel exclusively for O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.O OTra<strong>in</strong>sScaleFeatures4 Superdetail<strong>in</strong>g Intermounta<strong>in</strong> Box CarsWoody Mathews shows us how to go from good to great.8 Construct a Yard TowerDave Stewart’s tower will fit on any road. Part 1 of 2.12 Steam Locomotive Cab Curta<strong>in</strong>s & Awn<strong>in</strong>gsHarry Hieke shares more of his superdetail<strong>in</strong>g secrets.18 Design-A-<strong>Layout</strong> <strong>Contest</strong>......and w<strong>in</strong> a whole loy of <strong>prizes</strong>27 Fill ’er Up!A photo collage of Michael Miller’s fantastic gas station30 How I Built My CritterJohn Fryant takes a Euro diesel and makes it pure U.S. honey36 K<strong>in</strong>gsbury Term<strong>in</strong>al RailroadMarshall V<strong>in</strong>e’s “Yankee” pike lives <strong>in</strong> Brita<strong>in</strong>.53 Where The Eagle Meets The ChiefDay 1 of the 2003 O Scale National convention.55 Central Jersey O Scalers Modular layoutPete Hess says it’s all about the modules.Departments15 Easements for the Learn<strong>in</strong>g Curve – Brian Scace17 Narrow M<strong>in</strong>ded – Bobber Gibbs20 OST Dealer List22 Product News & Reviews42 Letters to the Editor44 O Scale Hall of Fame – Roll<strong>in</strong> Lobaugh44 Buy, Sell, Trade Ads46 Crapola From The Cupola – John C. Smith48 Proto48 Model<strong>in</strong>g – Gene Deiml<strong>in</strong>g37 Reader Feedback – Letters to the Editor50 Events List<strong>in</strong>g50 Advertiser Index62 Observations – Joe GiannovarioO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 3
dom<strong>in</strong>ated or Pareto optimal solutions and this set is a solution of the multicriteriaanalysis problem. It can be described as follows:P(Al, f) = {aAL not exist bAL, b dom<strong>in</strong>ates a},where the alternative bAL dom<strong>in</strong>ates aAL if f(b) f(a) andf j(b) f j(a),if f jis to be maximized orf j(b) f j(a),if f jis to be m<strong>in</strong>imized for each j = 1, ..., k.From a practical po<strong>in</strong>t of view, the solution of a multicriteria analysis problem isf<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g of a non-dom<strong>in</strong>ated alternative (alternative, belong<strong>in</strong>g to the set P(AL, f)),which satisfies the DM to the greatest extent.In MKA-1 system an attempt has been made to realize three methods – a weight<strong>in</strong>gmethod, an outrank<strong>in</strong>g method and an <strong>in</strong>teractive method. These methods are respectivelyAHP method [30], PROMETHEE II method [2] and CBIM method [22]. Theyare the most often used methods <strong>in</strong> the three groups of methods. The <strong>in</strong>terface modules<strong>in</strong> the system allow the successful realization of different types of procedures forobta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation by the DM and also for the entry of different types of criteria –quantitative, qualitative and rank<strong>in</strong>g criteria.The system MKO-1, the second part of the system MultiDecision-1, is designedto support decision makers <strong>in</strong> solv<strong>in</strong>g the follow<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>ear and l<strong>in</strong>ear <strong>in</strong>teger problems ofthe multicriteria optimization.To optimize simultaneously the criteria(1) {f k(x), kK}under the constra<strong>in</strong>ts(2) a ijx j b i, iM,jN(3) 0 x j d j, jN,(4) x j <strong>in</strong>tegers, jN', N' N ,where to optimize simultaneously means that some of the functions may be maximized,and the rest – m<strong>in</strong>imized;f k(x), kK, are l<strong>in</strong>ear criteria, f k(x) = c k j x j ;jNx = {x 1, ..., x j, ..., x n} T is the variables vector;f(x) = (f 1(x), ..., f k(x), ..., f p(x)) T is the vector of the criteria;K = {1, 2, ..., p}, M = {1, 2, ..., n}, N = {1, 2, ..., m} andN' = {1, 2, ..., n' n' n} are sets of the <strong>in</strong>dices of the l<strong>in</strong>ear criteria, the l<strong>in</strong>earconstra<strong>in</strong>ts, the variables and the <strong>in</strong>teger variables.Three classification-oriented <strong>in</strong>teractive algorithms [36, 37] are <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong>MKO-1 system, which enable the DM def<strong>in</strong>e not only desired and acceptable levels ofthe criteria (as <strong>in</strong> reference po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>teractive algorithms), but also desired and acceptable<strong>in</strong>tervals and directions of alteration <strong>in</strong> the values of the separate criteria. The first<strong>in</strong>teractive algorithm, called GAMMA-L is <strong>in</strong>tended to solve l<strong>in</strong>ear problems of theMO: The second and the third algorithms, called GAMMA-I1 and GAMMA-I2 re-1 1
<strong>in</strong>dividual supports, as a prototype roofwalk would be mounted.Both these methods are described <strong>in</strong> the kit <strong>in</strong>structions;but for our super detailed model, I strongly recommend thesecond method, for greater realism. Pa<strong>in</strong>t the bottom of theroof to simulate galvanized steel.Note that work on the car <strong>in</strong>terior should be performedbefore <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>g the roof or the underframe. In fact, if youwant to really show off the f<strong>in</strong>ished model, and remember tohandle it carefully, the roof does not have to be permanentlymounted. My experience is that the roof fits snugly enough onthe car to rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> place dur<strong>in</strong>g normal operation. The carcan be lifted by hold<strong>in</strong>g the sides near their bottom edges. Or,with the doors open, the car can be lifted with the f<strong>in</strong>gersthrough the doorways.Most (steam-era) boxcar <strong>in</strong>teriors were l<strong>in</strong>ed with woodtongue and groove boards, until plywood came <strong>in</strong>to use. Photographsof car <strong>in</strong>teriors <strong>in</strong> the old Car Builders’ Cyclopediasshow the l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g typically arranged horizontally along the sidesand vertically on the ends. (My first attempt to l<strong>in</strong>e the <strong>in</strong>sideof a boxcar took place a number of years ago. The model wasthe All Nation wood, outside-braced Rock Island 40’ automobilecar. After glu<strong>in</strong>g about thirty feet<strong>—</strong>actual, not <strong>scale</strong><strong>—</strong>ofstrip wood to the car <strong>in</strong>terior, I decided that if I ever l<strong>in</strong>ed an<strong>in</strong>terior aga<strong>in</strong>, I would do it an easier way!)To simulate the l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for the Intermounta<strong>in</strong> car, I cut piecesof .020" thick Evergreen styrene, scribed at 1 ⁄8" <strong>in</strong>tervals. The<strong>scale</strong> 6" plank<strong>in</strong>g might be a little wider than prototype, butcreates a nice-look<strong>in</strong>g effect, I th<strong>in</strong>k. (I have s<strong>in</strong>ce found .100"scribed sid<strong>in</strong>g, which is just under five <strong>scale</strong> <strong>in</strong>ches and thuscloser to prototype spac<strong>in</strong>g, about 5 1 ⁄4").One could use <strong>in</strong>dividualstrips, or scribe <strong>in</strong>dividual l<strong>in</strong>es onto pla<strong>in</strong> styrene sheet ifdesired, but that strikes me as a lot of work for very little ga<strong>in</strong>.Pla<strong>in</strong> styrene could be used to simulate plywood l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.The sides require four pieces, approximately 4 1 ⁄4" long x2 5 ⁄16" wide (23 boards). Two pieces are needed for the ends,approximately 2 5 ⁄16" square. These dimensions will provide an<strong>in</strong>terior l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g that extends almost to the bottom of the roof,allow<strong>in</strong>g the roof to seat properly when <strong>in</strong>stalled. Once thepieces have been fitted to proper size, pa<strong>in</strong>t the <strong>in</strong>side (scribed)surfaces with a plastic compatible “wood” color. Do the samewith the car floor. After the pa<strong>in</strong>t dries, cement the <strong>in</strong>terior l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gs<strong>in</strong> place.Depend<strong>in</strong>g on how precisely one measures, corner seamsmay be visible at the car ends. If this is bothersome, and fill<strong>in</strong>gthe gaps seems too tedious, cement<strong>in</strong>g lengths of th<strong>in</strong>styrene angle aga<strong>in</strong>st the jo<strong>in</strong>ts would hide the seams nicely, ifperhaps not exactly prototypical.With the <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g use of forklifts <strong>in</strong> freight handl<strong>in</strong>g fromabout the 1940s, greater wear on boxcar floors occurred <strong>in</strong> thedoorway areas. Manufacturers developed re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g plates tooverlay this area of car floors. Commonly, th<strong>in</strong> steel plates,perforated to save weight and allow brac<strong>in</strong>g to be nailed to thefloor, were <strong>in</strong>stalled on many cars.From about the mid-1950s, nailable steel floor<strong>in</strong>g (NSF)was used on some cars, though this was probably more costly.NSF could be simulated with steel color pa<strong>in</strong>t. I’m not surewhat sort of material might be used to simulate the perforatedre<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g plates; perhaps some sort of mesh or speaker grillematerial might be suitable, if such can be located.A couple of notes on pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, while I’m th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g of it. Ihave read that wood car floors were perhaps sealed or chemicallytreated, but not pa<strong>in</strong>ted, either on top or bottom. TheIntermounta<strong>in</strong> car undersides are factory pa<strong>in</strong>ted, usually <strong>in</strong>the body color. The under floor mold<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>cludes crosswisescrib<strong>in</strong>g to simulate the bottom of the wood floor, and varioussteel parts such as str<strong>in</strong>gers, end angle braces, and the upperhalf of the center sill. The underframe mold<strong>in</strong>g is usually coloredblack, which results <strong>in</strong> a “two-toned” underframe pa<strong>in</strong>tjob when the car is assembled.To really dress up a model, the “wood” portions of theunderside could be pa<strong>in</strong>ted the same wood color as used on the<strong>in</strong>terior. The steel portions of the underside could be pa<strong>in</strong>tedblack to match the underframe. It would be best to pre-pa<strong>in</strong>tthe underside before attach<strong>in</strong>g any detail parts. Mask<strong>in</strong>g thesepieces would be quite a chore<strong>—</strong>I th<strong>in</strong>k a f<strong>in</strong>e-tipped brush anda steady hand would be adequate for the task. But be preparedto devote some time to the job. (At this writ<strong>in</strong>g, I have notattempted to pa<strong>in</strong>t any underside wood, though I have pa<strong>in</strong>tedthe underfloor steel parts on a couple of my models.)OK, now that the <strong>in</strong>terior (and perhaps the underbody) ofour car has been super detailed, let’s f<strong>in</strong>ish the job by mak<strong>in</strong>gthe doors work. First, assemble the doors per the <strong>in</strong>structions,but do not <strong>in</strong>stall the door guide pieces. Their bases will needto be modified.Fig. 1aRibsDoor Guide bases: Remove shaded portion. Make surface flushwith door. Lower edge of door may be filed th<strong>in</strong>ner if door b<strong>in</strong>ds<strong>in</strong> lower channel.O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 5
The molded door slide bars are about.030" deep, top to bottom. To make thedoors slide, we will add strips of styrenealong the slide bars, form<strong>in</strong>g channels tohold the doors <strong>in</strong> place. To build up theslide bars, I used styrene strips .020"thick by .060" wide, cut to the samelength as the door slide bars. This sizestrip forms a channel .030" deep to holdFig. 1bEdgeViewFig. 1cEdgeViewDoorInstalledCar SideDoor slide barmolded on carsideDoorDoorRibHoleRemove shadedportionRibDoor GuideBaseDoor GuideAdded styrene strip to form channelthe doors with another .030" of back<strong>in</strong>gfor cement<strong>in</strong>g the styrene strip to themolded door slides.As molded, the door guide bases areflush with the top of the lower door slidebar molded on the car side. To fit thedoors properly, the door guide basesmust be relieved as shown <strong>in</strong> Figs. 1a, b& c. The idea is to th<strong>in</strong> the lower portionof the bases and provide clearanceto allow the doors to slide smoothly <strong>in</strong>their channels. The next step is to partially<strong>in</strong>stall the new slide bars to allowtrial fitt<strong>in</strong>g of the doors before cement<strong>in</strong>gthe door guides on the bottoms ofthe doors.If desired, the styrene strips can bepre-pa<strong>in</strong>ted before <strong>in</strong>stallation, but it isnot really necessary. It is important,however, to cement these strips onlyabout halfway at first. L<strong>in</strong>e the stripsaga<strong>in</strong>st the molded door slide bars, andcement only the areas above and belowthe doorway open<strong>in</strong>g! Apply cement forabout 1 1 ⁄4" from the left edge of thedoorway. The top edge of the upperstrip should be flush with the top edge ofthe molded upper door slide bar, creat<strong>in</strong>ga channel for the top edge of thedoor. The bottom edge of the lower stripshould be flush with the bottom edge ofFig. 2Th<strong>in</strong> shaded portion if top of door b<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>in</strong>upper door channel.the lower molded door slide bar, to createthe channel for the bottom edge ofthe door.After the cement has dried, take thedoor and slide it under the loose halvesof the styrene strips and move it <strong>in</strong>to thedoorway area. Make sure the modifieddoor guide bases properly clear the topedge of the lower door slide channel.The desired result is a nice slide fit withoutany pressure aga<strong>in</strong>st the styrene stripchannel. If there is undue friction at thetop edge of the door, it can be filed th<strong>in</strong>ner(notched) as shown <strong>in</strong> Fig. 2. Aslong as half or slightly more of thelength of the door channels is left loose,the door can be removed and adjusted asneeded.After the door has been fitted to slideproperly, the door guides can be cement-ed to the lower edge of the door. Followthe kit <strong>in</strong>structions here, as one piece hasa latch bar and the other is pla<strong>in</strong>. Theseguides will overlap the outer surface ofthe lower door slide channel. Now slidethe door <strong>in</strong>to position and close it fullyover the door open<strong>in</strong>g. Then, cementthe loose halves of the door slide channelstrips <strong>in</strong>to place, thus trapp<strong>in</strong>g thedoor aga<strong>in</strong>st the car side. The door canslide, but it cannot come off.At this po<strong>in</strong>t, we have a nicelydetailed model with work<strong>in</strong>g doors,which can carry actual loads if desired.(Just like toy tra<strong>in</strong> boxcars and <strong>scale</strong> kitsfrom bygone decades!) In my experience,the empty car, with the factoryplastic trucks and Northwest Short L<strong>in</strong>esteel wheels, weighs enough to operatereliably if coupled towards the rear endsof tra<strong>in</strong>s.Intermounta<strong>in</strong> provides one otherpiece of door detail: The latch bar,which extends horizontally from the leftedge of the door open<strong>in</strong>g and hooksonto a projection molded on the leftedge of the door. I was able to cementthe latch <strong>in</strong>to position so as to actually“lock” the door closed. The latch bar isflexible enough that a slight <strong>in</strong>ward pushon the door at the latch area allows thedoor to slide open.With the door open, the appearanceof the latch is a bit unrealistic, <strong>in</strong> that asa molded plastic part, it rema<strong>in</strong>s horizontal,extend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the door open<strong>in</strong>g.A prototype latch bar would pivotdownward and hang vertically once thedoor is opened, so as not to obstruct thedoorway. Is there a solution for thisdilemma?A couple of thoughts occurred to mewhile writ<strong>in</strong>g this article. It might bepossible to shape a th<strong>in</strong> piece of metal tomatch the shape of the plastic latch barand p<strong>in</strong> it to the edge of the doorway.Or a new latch could be made from th<strong>in</strong>round stock, with the pivot end bent to a6 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
ight angle and <strong>in</strong>serted <strong>in</strong>to a holedrilled <strong>in</strong>to the left edge of the doorway.Either way, such a latch could pivot <strong>in</strong> aprototypical manner. Fabricat<strong>in</strong>g pivot<strong>in</strong>glatch bars would be an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>gproject for scratch builders.Your author hopes that the “food forthought” discussed above will not provetoo <strong>in</strong>digestible. I believe the <strong>in</strong>teriorandunderbody-detail<strong>in</strong>g methods couldbe used on other makes of cars, and thatthe door slide modifications could beapplicable to Intermounta<strong>in</strong> double-doorboxcars as well as their s<strong>in</strong>gle-door cars.◆Text & photos by J W Mathews.Draw<strong>in</strong>gs by Fred Karl from sketches byJ W Mathews.Bottom Views. Top: Factory pa<strong>in</strong>ted blackunderbody with black underframe. BottomUnderbody factory pa<strong>in</strong>ted red. The “steel”parts were hand pa<strong>in</strong>ted black to match theunderframe parts. Note the brake pipe cross<strong>in</strong>gthe center sill to the left of the doorway.The shorter “leg” of the pipe should po<strong>in</strong>ttowards the “B” end of the car.Installation of styrene strips to form doorslide channels. Note upper slide bar is longerthan lower slide bar. Strips have beencemented from left edge of doorway forabout 1 1 ⁄4". Right edge of door has beenpropped up to show how to angle the door<strong>in</strong>to the channels. This is necessary to clearthe door stops molded on the car side at theright ends of the door slide bars.Top: Underside of roof pa<strong>in</strong>ted to simulategalvanized steel. Bottom: Piece of side (horizontalscribed) <strong>in</strong>terior l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g flanked by twoend pieces, pa<strong>in</strong>ted wood color.Door at left on cast<strong>in</strong>g sprue. The semi-triangularparts at top left are the door guides.Door at right has been partially assembled.Door guide bases at bottom edge have beenrelieved as described <strong>in</strong> text and <strong>in</strong> Figure 1.Underside of assembled car. Factory truckshave been equipped with NorthWest ShortL<strong>in</strong>e steel wheels. Empty car weighs eightounces and operates OK at rear of tra<strong>in</strong>s.More weight can be added easily if desired.Closeup of f<strong>in</strong>ished model with door closed.Latch bar at left edge of doorway engageshook molded on left edge of door.Car <strong>in</strong>terior completed show<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g andfloor pa<strong>in</strong>ted wood color.Note door guide bases on bottom edges.Door at left “as cast.” Door at right showsmodified bases (see Fig. 1) Hobby knife orchisel blades are good tools for the job.Underside of car body before <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>gunderframe. (Underframe was <strong>in</strong>stalled fac<strong>in</strong>gthe wrong way and had to be removed.)Note molded “steel” bolsters, center sillbase, angle braces at ends and longitud<strong>in</strong>alstr<strong>in</strong>gers, all pa<strong>in</strong>ted body color. Plastic shimpad <strong>in</strong>stalled for mount<strong>in</strong>g KD couplers.Extreme closeup of doors. Door guide baseat left is "as cast." Bases at right have beenmodified (see text and Fig. 1)Closeup of doorway with door open showslatch bar protrud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to doorway. (See textfor discussion.)O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 7
Construct a Yard Towerby David StewartThe Appalachian and Ohio Railroad’s Willow Creek-Ricksburgyard is a busy place. Besides deal<strong>in</strong>g with through merchandisetraffic and serv<strong>in</strong>g as a sort<strong>in</strong>g yard for two differentlocal switch<strong>in</strong>g turns, it is the ma<strong>in</strong> coal marshall<strong>in</strong>g yard onthe Coal Ridge Subdivision. Empty hoppers return here fromOhio River power plants, as well as from the cont<strong>in</strong>ual bargeload<strong>in</strong>g facility at Millport. The Kayford Branch with its loadersand the Morrison Branch with its huge coal prep plant alsoconnect out of here and receive and disgorge a steady streamof hoppers. Additionally, all coal tra<strong>in</strong>s are ultimately assembledat Ricksburg, with helpers attached for the big push out ofthis valley yard. With this level of traffic, it was obvious that ayard tower was necessary to orchestrate this sometimes frenzied,two-rail symphony.After look<strong>in</strong>g at commercially available towers and scann<strong>in</strong>gfor ideas <strong>in</strong> back issues of various magaz<strong>in</strong>es, I decidedthe A&O needed it own, unique tower. The available spacewas tight so I decided upon an elevated structure mounted on apair of I-beams, leav<strong>in</strong>g the underside for the stairway. I drewa rough sketch with some dimensions and I was on my way.Construction proceeded as follows:Step 1. From my dimensional sketch I cut two floor piecesfrom .040" sheet styrene. This gave me an absolute templatefor wall dimensions. S<strong>in</strong>ce I did not have any appropriatelyscribed styrene for floor<strong>in</strong>g, a straight edge and X-acto knifeFig. 18 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
provided the necessary floor boards. Open<strong>in</strong>gs for the stairwellwere cut us<strong>in</strong>g the technique described <strong>in</strong> step two.(Fig. 1)Step 2. I used Evergreen Novelty sid<strong>in</strong>g for the walls withGrandt L<strong>in</strong>e 8 pane, double hung w<strong>in</strong>dows. S<strong>in</strong>ce visibility isa goal for any yard tower, the walls are a solid row of w<strong>in</strong>dowswith the exception be<strong>in</strong>g the one side where the heat<strong>in</strong>g stovesits between two w<strong>in</strong>dows. The w<strong>in</strong>dow locations were drawnand outl<strong>in</strong>ed with the knife us<strong>in</strong>g the portion of the w<strong>in</strong>dowcast<strong>in</strong>gs that fit <strong>in</strong>to the walls for dimensions. A Nibbler andflat file completed the open<strong>in</strong>gs and wall preparation. At thistime I also cut and fit the necessary number of clear acetatecorner trim pieces A&O red (Scalecoat oil-based NYC PacemakerRed) and the scribed exterior walls, A&O gray (FloquilConcrete). Once they were dry, liquid cement to glue the w<strong>in</strong>dowcast<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> place, be<strong>in</strong>g careful to keep them square withthe sid<strong>in</strong>g.Step 4. S<strong>in</strong>ce the <strong>in</strong>terior of the tower was to be lighted anddetailed, I went to the trouble of cement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terior w<strong>in</strong>dowtrim around each cast<strong>in</strong>g us<strong>in</strong>g Evergreen’s .030x .080 stripFig. 4Fig. 2panels for later w<strong>in</strong>dow glaz<strong>in</strong>g and set them aside. (Figures 2& 3)Fig. 3styrene. A Northwest Shortl<strong>in</strong>e Chopper came <strong>in</strong> handy at thispo<strong>in</strong>t. (Figure 4) Four 9’ <strong>in</strong>terior .125 x .125 corner posts werecemented flush with the edges and one foot up from the loweredge of the end walls to <strong>in</strong>crease glu<strong>in</strong>g surface and wall rigiditywhen assembled. The posts also provide a locat<strong>in</strong>g stopwhen cement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the floor, and the one foot differentialallows for sufficient overhang to cover the later floor I-beams.Step 5. Next, I masked the outside of each w<strong>in</strong>dow and,lay<strong>in</strong>g the four walls flat, sprayed the <strong>in</strong>terior walls Floquil’sPoly<strong>scale</strong> Depot Buff. The tape was immediately removedand, with a small, damp pa<strong>in</strong>tbrush, the w<strong>in</strong>dows were cleanedof overspray so only the <strong>in</strong>side of the w<strong>in</strong>dows conta<strong>in</strong>ed the<strong>in</strong>terior color. Us<strong>in</strong>g water-based over oil-based pa<strong>in</strong>t madethe overspray easy to remove and made this a quick process.(An alternate process would be to spray the <strong>in</strong>terior color onthe cast<strong>in</strong>gs, mask each half of the w<strong>in</strong>dows, and f<strong>in</strong>ally spraythe exterior. This method seemed potentially more time-consum<strong>in</strong>gthan simply wip<strong>in</strong>g away the overspray.)Step 6. The four walls were cemented together us<strong>in</strong>g aCajon Rail Products Squar<strong>in</strong>g Jig. Another means of establish<strong>in</strong>ga square build<strong>in</strong>g is to use a mach<strong>in</strong>ist’s square andclamp the sides to the square prior to apply<strong>in</strong>g the cement.3. Next, I spray pa<strong>in</strong>ted the floor a light wood tone and f<strong>in</strong>gerrubbed black chalk <strong>in</strong>to the floor groves. Then I sprayedthe w<strong>in</strong>dow cast<strong>in</strong>gs and .030x.060 strips for future outsideCont<strong>in</strong>ued next issue...Text and draw<strong>in</strong>gs by Dave Stewart.Color photos of AO Tower by Robert Sobel◆O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 9
A&O Yard TowerFull Size for O ScaleSketch by David Stewart10 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
A&O Yard TowerBill of Materials <strong>—</strong> A&O TowerSheet Styrene.015".020".040"Novelty sid<strong>in</strong>gStrip Styrene.030" x .060".030" x .080".030" x .100".030" x .125".040" x .080".040" x .250".080" x .080".125 x .125"3⁄32" tubePlastruct I- beams1⁄4" x 5 ⁄16"1⁄8" x 1 ⁄4"Grandt L<strong>in</strong>e 8 pane, double-hungw<strong>in</strong>dow cast<strong>in</strong>gs3" x 6" acrylic sheet (Plexiglas)Clear acetate for w<strong>in</strong>dow glaz<strong>in</strong>g400 grit sandpaperSculptamoldSmoke jack (American Model Builders)Assorted detail cast<strong>in</strong>gsFull Size for O ScaleSketch by David StewartO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 11
Steam Locomotive Cab Curta<strong>in</strong>s &Awn<strong>in</strong>gsHarry HeikeIf You’re Yawn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Over</strong> Awn<strong>in</strong>gs And It’s Curta<strong>in</strong>s For Certa<strong>in</strong>,Then Have A Little Class And Make Them Of Brass.Now that I have your attention (or scorn), I’d like to expla<strong>in</strong>how I make very believable cab awn<strong>in</strong>gs and curta<strong>in</strong>s. In arecent bull session with master modeler, long time friend andoldest oldtimer, E. Louis Pardee, I was <strong>in</strong>formed that Joe Fischermade his kitchen table covers out of alum<strong>in</strong>um foil andthen pa<strong>in</strong>ted them. Us<strong>in</strong>g this technique he was able to producethe actual wr<strong>in</strong>kles and cr<strong>in</strong>kles of cloth yet he used asubstance which had longevity and workability. I tried to tellLou that I had thought of this first, but it didn’t work becauseJoe Fischer was do<strong>in</strong>g this before I was a tw<strong>in</strong>kle <strong>in</strong> myfather’s eye. Let me just say that I thought of it <strong>in</strong>dependently.Curta<strong>in</strong>s:The technique I use is to get the th<strong>in</strong>nest brass possible (thisStart<strong>in</strong>gMaterials12 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>sis usually K & S doublezero one). Us<strong>in</strong>g apair of common scissorscut out the variousparts. Cab curta<strong>in</strong>susually ran on tracksfront to rear whichwere hung from thecab roofs. Usually theyhad little eyelets rivetedto the canvas. Which ran along the track, similar to a showercurta<strong>in</strong>. Sometimes the cab curta<strong>in</strong>s ran from side to sideand other time’s cab curta<strong>in</strong>s were rolled up like a blanket <strong>in</strong> aroll above the rear cab open<strong>in</strong>g and were bound with rope orcha<strong>in</strong>, which when released dropped the curta<strong>in</strong> down beh<strong>in</strong>dthe cab.The technique I describe here is applicable to any of thesestyles. However, the simplest, no bra<strong>in</strong>er technique is to usethe type of curta<strong>in</strong>s that go from side to side beh<strong>in</strong>d the rear ofthe cab, k<strong>in</strong>d of like the curta<strong>in</strong> that the little man used <strong>in</strong> theWizard of Oz. If the curta<strong>in</strong>s are hung front to back they usuallyextended down below the deck apron. If they were hungfrom side to side they were shorter <strong>in</strong> length. I always makethem longer then the deck apron plate level because it lookscool that way.The first step is to construct the eyelets. What I do here isusually get an old pair of needle nose and shape the tips upFig. 1with a cut off wheel(Fig. 1). Next I twistthe eyelets withabout a half <strong>in</strong>chstem (Fig. 2). Theseare usually .015”brass wire. Nowcomes the fun part. I takemy brass curta<strong>in</strong>s and cr<strong>in</strong>klethem up <strong>in</strong> horizontally 1/2"and vertically with myhands (Fig. 3). Now, laythem out flat aga<strong>in</strong>. Next, IFig. 2usually solder three or foureyelets on the top ofFig. 3each one. This is a littletricky, because toomuch heat will melt thebrass sheet. Use generousamounts of liquidsolder flux and do oneeyelet at a time work<strong>in</strong>gyour way from one end to the other. Use the smallestdiameterFig. 4SolderTorchpossible (Iuse RadioS h a c k<strong>64</strong>OBB).Next, fanfold thecurta<strong>in</strong>about fourLock<strong>in</strong>g tweezerstimes.Pulltight &twistFig. 5TorchSolder
I usually b<strong>in</strong>d the curta<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> two or three places along its lengthwith “rope” made from strands from about a 2” length of 18gauge lamp wire. Strip off all the <strong>in</strong>sulation, cut the strands,wrap them around the curta<strong>in</strong> a few times. Tie the ends. Applysolder flux and a little bit of solder. Then, cut the twisted portionoff and discard it. It also helps to crimp a “waist” beforeapply<strong>in</strong>g the simulated rope (Fig. 5).Next the trellis bar can beconstructed <strong>in</strong> the shapeshown (Fig. 6). I drill two1/32” holes about 1/4” to theoutside of the rear cab open<strong>in</strong>gand slightly above theopen<strong>in</strong>g. I like to use pianowire. Probably 1/32nd is theFig. 6 best to use, although I’veused 1/<strong>64</strong>th, too. I would notuse brass here, as it is just too malleable. Once the piano wireis bent it reta<strong>in</strong>s it’s shape. Thread the eyelets over the pianowire, make the appropriate bends on the ends of the trellis barand poke the bar through the holes <strong>in</strong> the rear of the cab.Voila! a curta<strong>in</strong> is created. The second right angle bend <strong>in</strong> thetrellis bar provides enough tension to hold the whole th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>place.The way I pa<strong>in</strong>t these curta<strong>in</strong>s is to take the f<strong>in</strong>ished assemblyand prime it with acrylic lacquer primer, as thick a coat as Ican get on there and then pa<strong>in</strong>t it with “concrete” color that hasbeen slightly yellowed. Maybe I add a little bit of weather<strong>in</strong>gat the bottom, but you want it fairly tan so it’s visible aga<strong>in</strong>stthe color of the cab.Awn<strong>in</strong>gs1/16"1/16"I make cabawn<strong>in</strong>gs as follows.Drill 2 holes above1/16"and slightly to theoutside of the cabw<strong>in</strong>dow (Fig. 7).Fig. 7 (Make a fixture soyou get the holes <strong>in</strong> the same place on both sides of the cab.Next, us<strong>in</strong>g 1 ⁄<strong>64</strong>" brass wire bend up the awn<strong>in</strong>g frame asshown (Fig. 8). Then make a top runner us<strong>in</strong>g the modifiedneedle nose pliers and solder it to the awn<strong>in</strong>g frame (Fig. 8).Now cut shimbrass (.001 or .002)about 1/16” shy oneither end of theframe. Make it aboutFig. 8a 1/4” longer than thedistance between thetop and the bottom runner. Next, take the shim brass and moldit <strong>in</strong> a slightly curved shape to fit between the two runners.This will simulate the sagg<strong>in</strong>g of a canvas awn<strong>in</strong>g. If the shimbrass is not already cr<strong>in</strong>kled, cr<strong>in</strong>kle it.Now, fold theshim brass awn<strong>in</strong>gover the two brassrunners as shown(Fig. 9). These endsof the awn<strong>in</strong>gshould be no morethan 1/16” <strong>in</strong> excessand some may have Fig. 9to be trimmed offbefore it is actually soldered. Place it over the runners, f<strong>in</strong>ishbend<strong>in</strong>g the two ends and solder it us<strong>in</strong>g generous amounts ofsolder flux and very th<strong>in</strong> solder.Next, clean it and pa<strong>in</strong>t it as the awn<strong>in</strong>gs were pa<strong>in</strong>ted.Slightly bend the two outer prongs of the mount<strong>in</strong>g p<strong>in</strong>s andpoke them <strong>in</strong>to the holes <strong>in</strong> the cab. Then bend the ends <strong>in</strong>sidethe cab so the awn<strong>in</strong>gs stay <strong>in</strong> place.It’s that simple. The only th<strong>in</strong>g you have to be careful aboutis that these th<strong>in</strong>gs are made of brass so they are conductive. Ifthe curta<strong>in</strong> touches an opposite polarity tender frame, it willproduce a short. This can be avoided by bend<strong>in</strong>g the curta<strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong> such a way that they constantly rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> contact with thecab rear wall.◆Draw<strong>in</strong>gs by Fred KarlAwn<strong>in</strong>gs &curta<strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong>stalled on aUSRA cab.Awn<strong>in</strong>gs & cab curta<strong>in</strong>sready for <strong>in</strong>stallationO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 13
CHICAGOLAND’S “O” GAUGE SPECIALIST!New From St. PetersburgChicago Surface L<strong>in</strong>es"New Pullman"751-1100Limited EditionRef. #40831280 Groesbeck, Fraser, MI 48026Mon-Fri 10-8; Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5• WE STOCK ALL BRANDS IN DEPTH •OPEN 7 DAYS <strong>—</strong> CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTEDInformation 1-586-296-6116 Orders 1-800-874-7443Fax 1-586-296-5<strong>64</strong>2 E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@pdhobbyshop.comALL TRAINS & MODELING ACCESSORIES0 SCALE: 2-RAIL & 3-RAIL and moreBRASS DECALS DETAILING PARTSLOCOMOTIVES ROLLING STOCK STRUCTURESTRACKAGE TRUCKS&COUPLERS VEHICLESThe web site does not list all items that P&D stocks; if you have<strong>in</strong>quiries on other items, please call or e-mail for the latest news.P&D accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express and moneyorders for “Same Day Shipp<strong>in</strong>g.” Allow 2 to 4 weeks for shipment withpersonal checks. Layaways (except<strong>in</strong>g sale items) are accepted with 20%down, balance due with<strong>in</strong> 90 days. Canadian and foreign orders are chargedappropriate shipp<strong>in</strong>g charges, and US orders $6 shipp<strong>in</strong>g charges.Your O Scale headquartersCheck our website atwww.pdhobbyshop.com$395TRACTION HEADQUARTERS FEATURING: •Q CAR •BRONZE KEY •RIVER MODELS •MTM •ST. PETERSBURG •PARTS •BOOKS •VIDEOS & MORE!Chicago & North Western K-L<strong>in</strong>e SeriesCurved BenchworkLet Us Help You BuildYour Railroad Today!Sunset Brass Eng<strong>in</strong>es For SaleEarly Challenger $1595.Early Big Boy $1495.SP AC-6 Cab Forward $1495.Sante-Fe 2-10-2 $995.All models were preped by Gordon Witlockwhen purchased and are m<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> the box.Custom ModulesBuilt to Your Imag<strong>in</strong>ation!Tom Thorpe - 610-485-12363768 Foulk Road, Boothwyn, PA 19061-1802http://www.curvedbenchwork.com$415Chicago Surface L<strong>in</strong>es"Sedan"3322-3381& 6280-6319Limited Edition Ref. #414K-4620G C&NW "THE 400" 21" 4-PAC. reg. $499.95...........$429.95K-4620H C&NW "THE 400" 21" 2-PAC. reg. $249.95...........$214.95K-4620J C&NW "THE 400" 21" 2-PAC. reg. $249.95.......... $214.95Just 15 M<strong>in</strong>. from O'Hare Airport14 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>sHOBBY INC.2 RAIL CONVERSION TRUCKS#4600SP $24.95Gift Certificates AvailableWe Ship U.P.S. Please Add $5.00K-4620C C&NW "THE 400" 21" Gallery Car 4-PACKregular $599.95.......................................$499.95K-4620E C&NW "THE 400" 21" Gallery Car 2-PACKregular $299.95........................................$254.95K-4620F C&NW "THE 400" 21" Gallery Car 2-PACKregular $299.95........................................$254.95LARGEST SELECTION OF “O” SCALE IN THE MIDWEST!•K-LINE •WEAVER •SUNSET •LIONEL •ATLAS •ATHEARN •MTH •KADEE ® •RED CABOOSE•PECOS RIVER •WALTHERS •BACHMANN •INTERMOUNTAINWE CARRY NEW AND USED TRAINSWE BUY AND SELL TRAINS6017 Northwest Hwy. Chicago, Il. 60631 773•775•4848 Fax 773•775•6398Mon - Thur 11-7, Fri 11-8:30, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4:30, Closed Sundays May, June, July, August & Sept.Visit our web site: www. chicagoland-hobby.come-mail: chicagolandhobby@aol.com
Easements for the Learn<strong>in</strong>gCurveBrian ScaceBy way of <strong>in</strong>troduction, this column(doomed to be a regular feature) is orientedto the recently converted (or those contemplat<strong>in</strong>gmak<strong>in</strong>g the plunge) <strong>in</strong> O <strong>scale</strong>. Inmy orig<strong>in</strong>al discussions with the Editor, wethought we’d look at th<strong>in</strong>gs like couplers,track, mechanisms, trucks, benchwork, andthe like. We will, but with a slightly differentbent than orig<strong>in</strong>ally contemplated. Theprice you pay, of course, is your tolerancefor my occasional mus<strong>in</strong>gs. I hope they maybe useful to at least a few. This by no meansimplies that the more advanced modelerwill f<strong>in</strong>d noth<strong>in</strong>g of value here. Quite theopposite is true. For this feature to be a success,we are bank<strong>in</strong>g on you experienced OScalers, for the newly <strong>in</strong>fected need thebenefit of your wisdom, while most arebr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a fresh wisdom of their own <strong>in</strong>return.The term “beg<strong>in</strong>ner” is a misnomer,unless by some cruel twist of fate you arenew to model railroad<strong>in</strong>g and somehowended up <strong>in</strong> the backwater with us. In consider<strong>in</strong>gthe direction this feature will take,I feel that a “primer” may not be appropriate.Most of our newer members are notjo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g us from scratch, but rather fromother facets of the model railroad vocation.Hence, the basics are already known, andthese folks br<strong>in</strong>g a fresh approach we canall learn about from their previous experienceselsewhere. The majority of you arecom<strong>in</strong>g from a different <strong>scale</strong>, the Hi-railcommunity, or some other model<strong>in</strong>gmedia. Either way, “Welcome!”A Little History:Let’s get <strong>in</strong>to it with a little history youshould know. When we use the term “OScale,” we mean a ratio of 1” of the modelrepresents 48” of the real th<strong>in</strong>g, hence 1/48<strong>scale</strong>. This reduces to 1/4” equals one foot,giv<strong>in</strong>g rise to the term, “quarter-<strong>in</strong>ch <strong>scale</strong>”.Because the purpose of this august publicationis such, we further narrow the def<strong>in</strong>itionof O Scale, for the purposes of our discussion,as us<strong>in</strong>g two-rail trackage. O <strong>scale</strong> isone branch of the O gauge family tree.“Gauge” refers to the distance betweenour runn<strong>in</strong>g rails. In antiquity, model railroadtrack gauges were numbered, such as#1 Gauge, #2 Gauge, etc. The higher thenumber, the farther apart the rails were, andthe bigger the models became. When asmaller track gauge than #1 became popularfor <strong>in</strong>door use, it was naturally called #0Gauge. Our O Gauge is really “Zero”Gauge, with a distance, established by theancients, of 1.25” between the rails. Carry<strong>in</strong>gthis further than I should, the term HOcomes from “Half-0”. As we all rememberfrom school math, half of zero is “undef<strong>in</strong>ed”(I’m KIDDING!).Modern O <strong>scale</strong> is one of several outgrowthsof arguably the oldest of the“<strong>in</strong>door” gauges. We po<strong>in</strong>t to almost a centuryof model<strong>in</strong>g history, an evolutionarynature, and an age that pre-dates NMRAtypestandards, so we have a family here,rather than the s<strong>in</strong>gular developmentenjoyed by the HO or N Scale folks. As“Zero” gauge evolved, families spawnedalong the way such that we now have aplethora of different discipl<strong>in</strong>es co-exist<strong>in</strong>gtoday, from t<strong>in</strong>-plate toy tra<strong>in</strong>s to Hi-rail, Q-gauge, 17/<strong>64</strong> <strong>scale</strong>, outside third rail, tworail, and P48. In a future column, we’ll lookat some of that history <strong>in</strong> more detail, how ithappened, and what it means to you.Some of you are com<strong>in</strong>g from other families<strong>in</strong> the tree, such as Hi-rail or the toytra<strong>in</strong> side of the house. Others of you arecom<strong>in</strong>g from the newer gauges, hav<strong>in</strong>genjoyed the benefits of NMRA standardizationfrom the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g. Jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g our sometimesdis-functional family may seem a bitdaunt<strong>in</strong>g, at first, but once you get used to ityou’ll f<strong>in</strong>d it reward<strong>in</strong>g and worthwhile.The Big Lesson:We O Scalers have a reputation. We can’twait to head to the basement and light offthe forges. We are all master craftsmen,work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> exotic metals such as bronze,lead, and depleted uranium. The neighborhoodlights dim and flicker when we fire upour fully equipped mach<strong>in</strong>e shops. Dogshowl, children run, and responsible fatherslock up their daughters when the guys comeover for “operation”. When we run our 6000square foot build<strong>in</strong>g sized railroads, thevibration causes s<strong>in</strong>kholes, limbs to fallfrom trees, and the sea to give up her dead.We still w<strong>in</strong>d our own motor armatures,even though we are all rich beyond reason.Plywood is the ultimate expression ofscenery.There is evidence refut<strong>in</strong>g these allegations(except maybe the part about thedaughters). You don’t need a mach<strong>in</strong>e shop,so don’t worry about it. Modern materialsand adhesives will work just as well for youhere as they did <strong>in</strong> HO. Scenery techniquesare the same. Quite a bit of your Hi-railequipment is readily convertible to goodlook<strong>in</strong>gO Scale gear. A reward<strong>in</strong>g railroadcan be built <strong>in</strong> a reasonable space, so long asyou don’t want to model the entire UP out ofCheyenne. There is a wonderful selection ofplastic cars, reasonably priced locomotives,nice structure kits, flex-track, and severalsizes of ready made turnouts available or <strong>in</strong>the works. Th<strong>in</strong>gs are not as bad as theyseem, and you can enjoy O Scale, no matteryour skill level and abilities. Unless you’recareful, you may even have fun at this,though it’s not considered manly (no genderspecific implication <strong>in</strong>tended) to admit it.The most important th<strong>in</strong>g you need tohelp answer the questions and po<strong>in</strong>t you toall this available loot is an association withother O Scalers. I started <strong>in</strong> O, back <strong>in</strong> thelate Bronze Age, without hav<strong>in</strong>g taken thislesson to heart. When I ended up, as a wardof the State and general Dra<strong>in</strong> on the Taxpayer,<strong>in</strong> the DC area, I happened to fall <strong>in</strong>tothe local O Scale group. These guys, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gthe likes of John Armstrong (Hi, “Dad”!)and the late Ted Stepek, taught me more <strong>in</strong>the first year of that association than I hadlearned by myself <strong>in</strong> the previous twenty. Sorather than this merely be<strong>in</strong>g Scace’s SnappyPatter on a bi-monthly basis, we’re go<strong>in</strong>gto try a few th<strong>in</strong>gs that will, hopefully, maketh<strong>in</strong>gs more <strong>in</strong>teractive and (perish thethought) useful for you.First, if you have a subject near and dearcont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 16...O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 15
Easements for the Learn<strong>in</strong>g Curve...cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 15that you want addressed <strong>in</strong> this column, sendyour suggestion to me care of this magaz<strong>in</strong>e.There is no guarantee that yours will bepromptly addressed, but this will help mepick up on what those jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g our happyband may have issues with, such as couplertypes, chang<strong>in</strong>g wheels on freight cars, ortun<strong>in</strong>g steam locomotive mechanisms. I personallywould like (the Editor doesn’t knowabout this one, yet) to take the best of these<strong>in</strong> a year’s time and designate one issue ayear of this magaz<strong>in</strong>e to entry level questionsand projects. I’ll work on that to see ifhe’ll bite.Second, If you are <strong>in</strong> the middle of aproject and just pla<strong>in</strong> stuck, email me atsarge101st@msn.com. If I can’t help you,I’ll do my best to po<strong>in</strong>t you at someonewho can. If I’m slow, I’m swamped, sobear with me.Third, I propose a mentor system. Shouldyou want to f<strong>in</strong>d someone more experienced<strong>in</strong> O Scale, or an O Scale club, send yourname and phone number to us. We’ll put it<strong>in</strong> this column. You experienced guys whohave stuck with me through this diatribe arethe key to this one. If you see someone listedwhose area code you recognize as local toyou or your organization, call him or her upand (assum<strong>in</strong>g at least tacit good behaviorand promise on their part) take them underyour w<strong>in</strong>g and pollute them as you see fit.We’ll tweak this system as time goes on, butit won’t work to anyone’s benefit withoutvoluntary participation from both the newand veteran O Scaler’s sides of the house.We’ll see if this works. Everyone w<strong>in</strong>s onthis po<strong>in</strong>t, as the best way to learn someth<strong>in</strong>gnew is to arise from one’s chair and seek outothers who share your <strong>in</strong>terest. I can’t stressthat enough, as the Big Lesson of thismonth’s column.Meanwhile, it is also of great benefit foryou to take <strong>in</strong> a couple of the shows (or theConvention) listed elsewhere <strong>in</strong> this magaz<strong>in</strong>e.There you can meet other modelers,get your arms around some of the productsavailable, maybe go for a layout tour or two,and take <strong>in</strong> a cl<strong>in</strong>ic. What you’ll discover isthat th<strong>in</strong>gs aren’t as different as you thoughtthey’d be (given you came from anotherfacet of O or another <strong>scale</strong>). There are noreal surprises or mysteries here.My last tip to all is simple. Read everyth<strong>in</strong>gyou can get your hands on. Scenery isscenery <strong>in</strong> any <strong>scale</strong>, so read about it <strong>in</strong> thegeneric magaz<strong>in</strong>es and published books onscenery. Trackwork and trackplann<strong>in</strong>g arealso pretty ecumenical. Don’t discount thebooks, magaz<strong>in</strong>es, and videos out there justbecause they aren’t O Scale specific. There’splenty of pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>fo out there that is useful.An RS-1 details up for the Pennsy thesame way <strong>in</strong> O as it does <strong>in</strong> HO.Some Part<strong>in</strong>g Shots:In look<strong>in</strong>g at some of the letters <strong>in</strong> Issue#4, I can’t help but remark on a couple ofthem. I th<strong>in</strong>k Mike Pierce sounds an oftstruck chord when he asks about smallerrailroad track plans, track component <strong>in</strong>fo,and the like. I would suggest to Mike that herevisit the Big Lesson of the month for muchof what he seeks. Meanwhile, we will belook<strong>in</strong>g at trackwork and trackplann<strong>in</strong>g subjectshere <strong>in</strong> more detail <strong>in</strong> the future. Don’twait <strong>in</strong> frustration, though. Get out and see!Gary Mathews hits a chord with me, too.I also believe that we are see<strong>in</strong>g yet anotherchange <strong>in</strong> the O Scale world, where thoseth<strong>in</strong>gs taken as ma<strong>in</strong>stream <strong>in</strong> the smaller<strong>scale</strong>s are becom<strong>in</strong>g more evident <strong>in</strong> OScale. Good ready to lay track componentsfrom Atlas, ready to run freight cars andmodestly priced diesels are becom<strong>in</strong>g moreplentiful. The detail is <strong>in</strong>credible on many ofthese new offer<strong>in</strong>gs. Freight car kits <strong>in</strong> theWesterfield mold are com<strong>in</strong>g out fromUltra-Scale and are magnificent. We are see<strong>in</strong>ga lot of <strong>in</strong>fluence from our new “priorHO” members. Meanwhile, our Hi-railfriends are also <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>scale</strong> worldwith, for example, some nice full length<strong>scale</strong> passenger cars from K-L<strong>in</strong>e (<strong>scale</strong>wheel conversion kits are available). I wouldhave never dreamed of a <strong>scale</strong> Empire StateExpress for less than $500 a car ten yearsago, let alone a correct one for someth<strong>in</strong>glike $125 a car! Plastic steam is just nowbecom<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>stream <strong>in</strong> HO. Can O Scalebe far beh<strong>in</strong>d?Folks, we are on the threshold of a newage. We veterans have just as much to learnfrom our newcomers as they have from us.Someth<strong>in</strong>g wonderful is happen<strong>in</strong>g witheach idea that comes with our newest membersas they defect from the smaller <strong>scale</strong>s tothe one and true faith. Let’s go explor<strong>in</strong>g! ◆Subscribe toOScaleTra<strong>in</strong>s...just $36.00 a year!Lucky Strike Herald!CGW 40’ Plug Door Box CarOne-of-a-k<strong>in</strong>d! Nicely weighted. 5 numbers(all <strong>in</strong> the series). Scale and 3-rail.. R-T-R.$36.00 + $9 for optional 3-rail diecast trucksand couplers. $5/$6/$9 shipp<strong>in</strong>g & handl<strong>in</strong>g.Call or email for our In Stock ListANDERSEN’S TRAIN STATION21 Central St Holliston MA 01746Phone 508-429-<strong>64</strong>94 FAX 508-429-7380Email Norm_Andersen@msn.comUNDER NEW OWNERSHIPZ N TT HOn3 HOOn30 S O 1/20.3 G/No.1Send $2.00 for 16" sampleCalifornia RoadbedPO Box 970 • French Camp, CA 95231209-234-9486 Voice • 209-234-<strong>64</strong>87 FAXwww.homabed.comCentral’s Latest ReleasesGP38-2, GP40-2, SD40-2, SD40T-2 & SD45T-2GP40-2The f<strong>in</strong>est <strong>in</strong> modern O Scale Brass. 2 or 3 rail operation. Mach<strong>in</strong>edbrass frames and fuel tanks, Pittman motor with dual flywheels. Yourchoice of gear ratios, wheelsets, detail parts, etc. Custom built toyour specs. Kits $650 - $800. Custom built, pa<strong>in</strong>ted and lettered$1100 to $1400.Central Locomotive Works17525 Alder St Ste 46 • Hesperia CA 92345ph 760-244-9222 • fax 760-244-9322e-mail clw2000@earthl<strong>in</strong>k.netwww.centrallocomotiveworks.comThe 1936 B&O R.R.’s“O” Scale Holiday <strong>Layout</strong><strong>in</strong> C<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>natiA Journey of AmericanaThe “Award W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g” 60 m<strong>in</strong>utedigital VHS video$20 + $5 S&HOhio residents add 5.75% sales taxChecks/Money Order only.Backshop FilmworksP.O. Box 21431Columbus, Ohio 4322116 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
NarrowM<strong>in</strong>dedBobber GibbsO Scale Narrow Gauge Is Grow<strong>in</strong>gThe 22nd National Narrow GaugeConvention <strong>in</strong> Warwick, Rhode Island(September 4-8, 2003) was a howl<strong>in</strong>gsuccess for O Scalers.When the Narrow Gauge Conventionis held <strong>in</strong> the West, there is usually astrong emphasis on the three foot gaugerailroads of Colorado, California andPennsylvania, but <strong>in</strong> Rhode Island, theMa<strong>in</strong>e two-footers were center stageand O Scale shared the spotlight. Therewere four O Scale layouts on the <strong>Layout</strong>Tour. Two were standard gauge and twowere narrow gauge.Among the modular layouts on display<strong>in</strong> the well lit atrium room at thehost hotel, the New England Two-FootGaugers manned their large oval of On2modules with a coastal water theme andsensational scenery and structures. Nextto them, the Little Rhody Modular RailroadGroup ran On30 equipment andwelcomed anyone to operate their tra<strong>in</strong>son their recently expanded Y-shaped layout.I enjoyed runn<strong>in</strong>g my own centercaband coach around a couple of times,although I left there m<strong>in</strong>us the removablediesel cab roof which must havefallen off when I was pack<strong>in</strong>g it away.Brian Fayle showed his On30/7mm“Underneath The Arches” display andthere was an On18 display by ChrisCreighton.In the contest room, there were quitefew O Scale models and Alan Littlefieldwon top honors with his On30 completetra<strong>in</strong>. There were also 40 cl<strong>in</strong>ics tochoose from and it was impossible toattend all of them.In the manufacturer’s rooms, therewere 84 exhibitors and someth<strong>in</strong>g forevery narrow gauger <strong>in</strong> every <strong>scale</strong>.There was an impressive number ofmanufacturers with On30 kits rang<strong>in</strong>gfrom shorty two axle cars to long logg<strong>in</strong>gcars and everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> between.This was my sixth Narrow GaugeConvention and I can recall a time whenSn3 was the new kid on the block andall the talk was about the logical alternativeto O Scale. I got caught up <strong>in</strong> itmyself but eventually turned back toOn3 until I learned about On30, whichis a marriage of HO mechanisms andtrack and O <strong>scale</strong> equipment and structures.At this year’s Rhode Island convention,the talk was all about On30which features what I call “low cost andhigh play value.”One of the new products that particularlycaught my eye was the On30 25ton diesel critter by International Hobbies.While not an exact model, it is similarto the GE 25 ton 150 hp dieselswitcher that was available <strong>in</strong> gaugesfrom 24” to standard gauge. It capturesthe spirit of On30 and will look at homeon any <strong>in</strong>dustrial l<strong>in</strong>e. It is a styrene shellthat fits a Black Beetle mechanism andwhen it becomes available <strong>in</strong> October, itwill also be regaugeable for On3. I’ll be<strong>in</strong>terested to see if the shell can beadapted to the <strong>in</strong>expensive Model PowerPorter Hustler mechanism.There were a couple of dealers whereyou could buy any Bachmann On30freight car for $15 and one dealer wouldsell two for $25. That surely must makeit difficult for the m<strong>in</strong>or manufacturersto sell their kits for $25-30 but the varietyis amaz<strong>in</strong>g and the lore of the “imag<strong>in</strong>ary”30” gauge railroad is the reasonwhy so many modelers are drawn toOn30. I understand that Bachmann hassold 200,000 On30 tra<strong>in</strong>sets featur<strong>in</strong>gtheir f<strong>in</strong>e runn<strong>in</strong>g Mogul so there mustbe a lot of new O Scalers “out there”look<strong>in</strong>g for guidance. The new On30Bachmann Shay is expected <strong>in</strong> the nextfew weeks and they recently announcedthat they will <strong>in</strong>troduce a Climax and adiesel critter next year. I predict that thiswill have an unprecedented and beneficialeffect on O Scale <strong>in</strong> the near future.At midnight on Day Two, a fewhardy members of the On30 Conspiracygot together outside the host hotel(where the flagpole would have been ifit had not been removed for repairs) andperformed the On30 Official Gather<strong>in</strong>gCeremony. In the absence of a fullmoon, (that signifies “O” <strong>scale</strong>) theychose the brightest visible star andoffered a short but spirited howl. Theylearned the secret On30 handshake andthen retired to bed much the better forthe experience. At the On30 SpecialMeet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the even<strong>in</strong>g of Day Three, 44conventioneers stood as one and howledat the great round crystal chandelier onthe ceil<strong>in</strong>g... That is how the Legend ofthe Howl<strong>in</strong>g O Scaler was born, to berepeated with spirit and enthusiasmwherever and whenever O Scalers gathertogether <strong>in</strong> the future.The rest of the convention was a blurand there were only a few O Scale items<strong>in</strong> the auction that ended the Conventionon Saturday night, but my hand went upjust once and I came away with a newAtlas Passenger Station Platforms kit forfive dollars. I wont bother you with theproblems I had at the Canadian Customsdeclar<strong>in</strong>g the plastic pop bottle full ofthose sh<strong>in</strong>y coal-like pellets from thelobby ashtrays of the Crowne PlazaHotel <strong>in</strong> Warwick, Rhode Island...Yup,the 22nd National Narrow Gauge Conventionreally was a howl and O Scalenarrow gauge is grow<strong>in</strong>g.◆O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 17
Design-A-<strong>Layout</strong>The Rules1. The contest will run over three issues: 5, 6& 7. <strong>Contest</strong> closes on March 31st 2003. Thew<strong>in</strong>ner will be chosen and announced <strong>in</strong> theJuly 2003 issue. A panel of three judges willdecide the w<strong>in</strong>ner.Closet(Stay out zone)2. The layout must fit <strong>in</strong> the room shown atleft. The max dimensions are 11 feet wideand 14 feet long. Use only the area of thegrid. Assume the ceil<strong>in</strong>g is 8 feet off the floor.3. The layout may be any style: loop, po<strong>in</strong>t-topo<strong>in</strong>t,po<strong>in</strong>t-to-loop, whatever. Benchworkmay be any style and any height.4. There are two categories.Category 1: Track must be 2 rail code148, standard gauge O (i.e., a <strong>scale</strong> 5 feetwide). M<strong>in</strong>imum radius is 48 <strong>in</strong>ches. Allswitches must be either #5 or #7 1 ⁄2. TheGrand Prizes go to the Category 1 w<strong>in</strong>ner.Category 2: Track gauge is anyth<strong>in</strong>gother than Ow5, i.e., P:48, On3, On30, On2, 2or three rail, whatever. No m<strong>in</strong>imum restrictions.Category 2 w<strong>in</strong>ner receives $250 cashfrom O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.5. All subscribers to O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s Magaz<strong>in</strong>emay enter for FREE. Non-subscribers must<strong>in</strong>clude a $10 entry fee.6. Track plans may be drawn/pr<strong>in</strong>ted onpaper or submitted <strong>in</strong> one of the follow<strong>in</strong>gelectronic formats: PDF, TIFF, or EPS on floppydisk or CD-ROM. Description of the layoutshould be typed double spaced on unl<strong>in</strong>edpaper or sent as an ASCII file. Every page of asubmission should have the author’s name orother form of unique identification on it.7. Submissions must be mailed to O ScaleTra<strong>in</strong>s Magaz<strong>in</strong>e, PO Box 238, Lionville, PA19353-0238 no later than March 31, 2003.8. All submissions become the property of OScale Tra<strong>in</strong>s Magaz<strong>in</strong>e and cannot bereturned.w<strong>in</strong>dowHey! If you can’t draw a straight l<strong>in</strong>e withouta ruler or hold<strong>in</strong>g down the SHIFT key, considerus<strong>in</strong>g track plann<strong>in</strong>g software. Atlas’Right Track software is free. Visit:http://www.atlasrr.com/software/welcome.asp18 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s Magaz<strong>in</strong>e<strong>Layout</strong> <strong>Contest</strong>co-sponsored by<strong>Over</strong> <strong>$1500</strong> <strong>in</strong> cash & <strong>prizes</strong><strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a new AtlasO RS-1!Enter our design-a-layout contest andif you are the grand prize w<strong>in</strong>ner you will receive:• $500 cash from O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s Magaz<strong>in</strong>e• $500 worth of new AtlasO 2 rail track products• A brand new AtlasO RS-1, 2 rail diesel locomotiveA second prize of $250 will be awarded to the bestOn3/On30/On2/whatever non-standard gauge design.<strong>Contest</strong> runs until March 31, 2003Entry Rules are on the fac<strong>in</strong>g pageYes, that’s a 3 rail RS-1 shown but we’regiv<strong>in</strong>g away a 2 rail version.O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 19
OST Dealer ListArkansasHobby Shack1200 John harden DrJacksonville, AR 72076501-982-6836DelawareTra<strong>in</strong>s & Hobbies2622 Capitol TrailNewark,DE 19711302-266-8063MassachusettsModeler’s Junction88 Lowell StMethuen,MA 01844978-683-0885New JerseyBig Little Railroad Shop206 W Ma<strong>in</strong> StSomerville,NJ 08876908-429-0220English’s Model RRSupply21 Howard StMontoursville,PA 17754570-368-2516Mickey’s Model Works611 Court St, Ste 4Conway,AR 72032-5417501-450-9423ArizonaCoronado Scale Models1544 E Cypress StPhoenix,AZ 85006602-254-9650CaliforniaOrig<strong>in</strong>al Whistle Stop2490 E Colorado BlvdPasadena,CA 91107626-796-7791Mitchells’2303 Concord PikeWilm<strong>in</strong>gton, DE 19803302-652-3258GeorgiaRiverdale Station6632 Hwy 85Riverdale,GA 30045770-991-6085IowaCaboose Stop Hobbies301 Ma<strong>in</strong> StCedar Falls,IA 50613800-<strong>64</strong>2-7012Tucker’s Hobbies29 Bacon StWarren,MA 01083413-436-5318MarylandBurrett Hobbies9920 Rhode Island AveCollege Park, MD 20740301-982-5032MichiganP&D Hobby Shop31280 Groesbeck HwyFraser,MI 48026586-296-6116New MexicoTra<strong>in</strong>s West Inc.3351A Candelaria Rd NEAlbuquerque,NM 87107505-881-2322New YorkNiagara Hobby & Craft3366 Union Rd.Buffalo,NY 14225716-681-6060K-Val Hobbies277 H<strong>in</strong>man AveBuffalo,NY 14216716-875-2837G&K Hobbies720 Gordon StRead<strong>in</strong>g,PA 19601-2312610-374-8598TexasPecos River Brass560 E Church StLewisville,TX 75057972-219-0202Virg<strong>in</strong>iaGranddad’s Hobby Shop5260-A Port Royal RdSpr<strong>in</strong>gfield,VA 22151703-426-0700Bruce’s Tra<strong>in</strong> Shop2752 Marconi AveSacramento,CA 95821916-485-5288Tra<strong>in</strong> Shop1829 Pruneridge AveSanta Clara,CA 95050408-296-1050All Aboard Model RREmporium3867 Pacific Coast HwyTorrance,CA 90505310-791-2637Reed’s Hobbies LLC8039 La Mesa Blvd.La Mesa,CA 91941619-4<strong>64</strong>-1672Just Tra<strong>in</strong>s5650-H Imhoff DrConcord,CA 94520925-685-6566ColoradoCaboose Hobbies, Inc.500 S. BroadwayDenver,CO 80209303-777-6766Ill<strong>in</strong>oisDes Pla<strong>in</strong>es Hobbies1468 Lee StDes Pla<strong>in</strong>es,IL 60018847-297-2118Chicagoland Hobbies6017 Northwest HwyChicago,IL 60631773-775-4848Rails Unlimited126 Will ScarletElg<strong>in</strong>,IL 60120847-697-5353Hill’s Hobby Shop10 Prairie AvePark Ridge,IL 60068847-823-44<strong>64</strong>Mike’s Scale Rails3008 N Sterl<strong>in</strong>gPeoria,IL 61604309-682-6792KansasJ’s Hobby Haven5303 Johnson DrMission,KS 66205913-432-8820Ma<strong>in</strong>eNorm’s O ScalePO Box 147S Casco,ME 04077207-655-2550Eureka Tra<strong>in</strong>s1219 Eureka RdWyandotte,MI 48192734-284-0521M<strong>in</strong>nesotaSecond Ave Shops173 2nd Ave SENew Brighton,MN 55112651-633-5722MissouriMarty’s Model Railroads9622 Gravois RdSt Louis,MO 63123-4345314-638-8250North Carol<strong>in</strong>aDry Bridge Station236 N Ma<strong>in</strong> StMount Airy,NC 27030336-786-9811NevadaHigh Sierra Models4020 Kietzke LnReno,NV 89502775-825-5557New HampshireCustom Tra<strong>in</strong>sPO Box 48Bath,NH 03740603-747-3492OhioWestern Hills Photo &Hobby6319 Glenway AveC<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati,OH 45211513-661-214120th Century Models32575 Pettibone RdSolon,OH 44139-5454440-248-3055Term<strong>in</strong>al Hobby Supply10200 Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield PikeC<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati,OH 45215513-326-3613OregonWhistle Stop Tra<strong>in</strong>s11724 SE Division StPortland,OR 97266503-761-1822PennsylvaniaMa<strong>in</strong>l<strong>in</strong>e Hobby Supply15066 Buchanan Trail EBlue Ridge Summit,PA17214717-794-2860Strasburg Tra<strong>in</strong> ShopRte 741 E, Box 130Strasburg,PA 17579717-687-04<strong>64</strong>L<strong>in</strong>’s Junction128 S L<strong>in</strong>e StLansdale,PA 19446215-412-7711Railyard Hobby Shop7547 Williamson RdRoanoke,VA 24019540-362-1714Wiscons<strong>in</strong>Greenfield News & Hobby6815 W Layton StGreenfield,WI 53220414-281-1800Depot Drygoods220 W Wiscons<strong>in</strong> AveNeenah,WI 54956920-725-8854Non-US DealersCanadaGeorge’s Tra<strong>in</strong>s510 Mt Pleasant RdToronto Ontario M4S 2M2416-489-9782SwitzerlandTra<strong>in</strong>master3 Hochweidstr. KilchbergCH-8802 011-411-715-3666United K<strong>in</strong>gdomQu<strong>in</strong>ce Valley Designs17 West StreetWeedon,Northants NN74QU044-132-734-137420 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
Product News & ReviewsDowntown Deco4319 Ra<strong>in</strong>bow Dr.Missoula MT 59803406-251-8005downtowndeco@montana.comNEWS...Downtown Deco’s latest 0 Scalereleases. They are; DD25 Right side ofthe tracks build<strong>in</strong>g set $149.95 retail.DD26 Wrong side of the tracks build<strong>in</strong>gset $49.95 retail. DD27 Madam WongsExotic Oriental Massage $49.95 retail.DD28 Lucky Liquor $49.95 retail.These kits are reissues with brandnew sign sets of long sold out kits. Theyare all limited to just 100 kits, and willnot be re-run when sold out.The kits <strong>in</strong>clude richly detailedHydrocal cast<strong>in</strong>gs, laser cut doors andw<strong>in</strong>dows, full color signs and completepa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>structions. KitsDD25 & 26 come with a coupon for afree set of our sidewalks, a $19.95value. Add $4.00 on direct orders.Scale Three Dimensional Render<strong>in</strong>gs5425 Purpura Drive, Dept. SIndianapolis, IN 36236317-895-9105NEWS...Woody Grosdoff of Scale ThreeDimensional Render<strong>in</strong>gs says he isstart<strong>in</strong>g over once aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the 0 Scalemarket with a l<strong>in</strong>e of new res<strong>in</strong> wallcast<strong>in</strong>gs. Scale Three Dimensional Render<strong>in</strong>gsis sell<strong>in</strong>g a new l<strong>in</strong>e of customfabricated res<strong>in</strong> 0 Scale brick wall cast<strong>in</strong>gsdesigned to be used for a s<strong>in</strong>glestory <strong>in</strong>dustrial build<strong>in</strong>g. There is ablank wall cast<strong>in</strong>g, a freight door wallcast<strong>in</strong>g, an entry door wall cast<strong>in</strong>g, anda double w<strong>in</strong>dow wall cast<strong>in</strong>g. Eachwall cast<strong>in</strong>g is supplied with a splic<strong>in</strong>gpilaster. In addition a corner pilaster setis also available. Where applicable, thecast<strong>in</strong>gs also <strong>in</strong>clude appropriate w<strong>in</strong>dow/doorcast<strong>in</strong>gs by Grandt L<strong>in</strong>e Productsand glaz<strong>in</strong>g material. The walls area <strong>scale</strong> 12’ 10” high x 21’ 6” long. Thesplic<strong>in</strong>g pilaster is a <strong>scale</strong> 1’ 7” wide.Noth<strong>in</strong>g is kept <strong>in</strong> stock. Every orderis custom made so it is a good idea tocontact Woody before you place an order.Multiple cast<strong>in</strong>g orders above 10 receivediscounts. SSAE for <strong>in</strong>formation.Russian River RR Company1712 Parkcrest Terr.Arl<strong>in</strong>gton TX 76012,NEWS...O <strong>scale</strong> cast res<strong>in</strong> detail sets for use asstock <strong>in</strong> stores such as hardware, build<strong>in</strong>ggoods, hay & feed, etc. Most sets<strong>in</strong>clude styrene pallets. Set #306,Eng<strong>in</strong>es and Crates, is shown. Currentlyavailable sets are:301 - Sacked goods302 - Brick and roll goods303 - Insulation and sh<strong>in</strong>gles304 - Hay and feed305 - Tires and drums306 - Eng<strong>in</strong>es and crates307 - Auto junk pile308 - Workbench and detail.RomworksPO Box 242Nevada MO <strong>64</strong>772-0242NEWS...Rod Rom was sitt<strong>in</strong>g at a railroadcross<strong>in</strong>g one day count<strong>in</strong>g hopper carswhen he glanced up at the standard RailroadCross<strong>in</strong>g sign and was <strong>in</strong>spired.Rod, a longtime railfan, is aware of theheightened awareness for security, notonly <strong>in</strong> the airl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>dustry but also <strong>in</strong>the rail <strong>in</strong>dustry these days. So, Rod’sidea was to comb<strong>in</strong>e the standard RRCross<strong>in</strong>g sign with an admonition torailfans to “Railfan Responsibly.” Rodhas made up signs <strong>in</strong> various sizes<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g placemat size, coaster size andtwo different sizes <strong>in</strong> O <strong>scale</strong>. (Bet youwere wonder<strong>in</strong>g where the tie <strong>in</strong> was,huh?) Rod will sell you a lam<strong>in</strong>ateduncut sheet with 24 large or 35 small O<strong>scale</strong> signs for $4.95 (p&h <strong>in</strong>cluded). Ifyou are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> the placemat orcoaster size, send Rod a self-addressed,stamped #10 bus<strong>in</strong>ess envelope and hewill send you back all the details onoptions and postage costs. Rod hopes toget the full sized signs approved by thefeds for use with the real railroads.Dallee Electronics, Inc.246 W. Ma<strong>in</strong> StreetLeola, PA 17540717-661-7041www.dallee.comNEWS...Dallee announces new STEAM22 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
WHISTLE selections for their DC,DCC, Radio, or Stationary operationSound Systems and LocoMatic type3, LocoMatic type 4 Sound & Controlunits for AC and DC operators.Their standard DC, DCC, Radio, or Stationaryoperation Sound Systems andtheir LocoMatic Sound & Controlsystems are now available with theAT&SF or Union Pacific steam whistles.The sounds <strong>in</strong>clude Steam Whistle,Bell, Exhaust Chuffs (auto chuff oroptionally synchronized), Air Pumps,random Air Pumps, random SafetyValve, and selectable Cyl<strong>in</strong>der BlowDown. Prices range from $109.95 to$139.95. See their catalog, web site, orcall for more details.Backshop FilmworksPO Box 21431Columbus OH 43221NEWS...Ron Widman of backshop filmsworks has created a one hour videoshow<strong>in</strong>g the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad’sorig<strong>in</strong>al O <strong>scale</strong> operat<strong>in</strong>g layout.This outside third rail O <strong>scale</strong> layout,built by the B&O <strong>in</strong> 1936, now resides<strong>in</strong> C<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati, Ohio. Each year the layoutis displayed and operated <strong>in</strong> downtownC<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati by C<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati Gas &Electric dur<strong>in</strong>g the holiday season. Theone hour video is available for $20, plus$5 postage and handl<strong>in</strong>g. Checks ormoney orders only, please. Ohio residentsplease add $1.44 sales tax.REVIEW: Prime Mover Model RailroadDecals50 Liv<strong>in</strong>gston AvenueDover, NJ 07801-5412http://www.primemoverdecals.comReviewed by Gene Deiml<strong>in</strong>gPrime Mover Model Railroad Decalshas released two new decal sets for theDelaware, Lackawanna & Western(DL&W) <strong>in</strong> O <strong>scale</strong>. The decals are fortheir 40' milk cars (PMD-032-O $4.50for two cars) and wooden cabooses(PMD-030-O $7.95 for two cars). Thedecals are screen-pr<strong>in</strong>ted and are of veryhigh quality. The artwork was takendirectly from Lackawanna letter<strong>in</strong>g diagramsrather than <strong>scale</strong>d from photos asis often done. The caboose letter<strong>in</strong>g iswhite and the milk car is a yellow-goldcolor that is correct accord<strong>in</strong>g to Lackawannaexpert, Mike DelVecchio.Prime Mover is consider<strong>in</strong>g the productionof passenger car decals for themaroon, gray and yellow scheme usedby the road from the late 1940’s to itsmerger with the Erie.REVIEW: MATCHBOX 1:48th ScaleHighway TrucksAvailable onl<strong>in</strong>e from Diecast Directhttp://www.diecastdirect.comReviewed by Gene Deiml<strong>in</strong>gMatchbox Toys has produced two1:48th <strong>scale</strong> heavy-duty trucks for therailroad scene. They are 1948 DiamondT tractor (#MC 35216 $14.95) and a1939 Peterbilt tractor (#MC 35217$14.95). The models are made fromdiecast metal with plastic detail parts.The come prepa<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> a smooth andeven coat. You should be able to add letter<strong>in</strong>gdirectly to the pa<strong>in</strong>t f<strong>in</strong>ish and dosome light weather<strong>in</strong>g before plac<strong>in</strong>gthe models on your layout. It is nice thatthey have chosen vehicles that are clearlyanchored <strong>in</strong> the steam era. The modelsare made <strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>a, as are most of theready-to-run items <strong>in</strong> our hobby. Thetrucks seem to be about the right sizeand look good along side the legendaryRevell plastic kits.REVIEW: San Juan Car CompanyWestern Pacific/ SacramentoNorthern boxcar kit.SAN JUAN CAR COMPANY P. O. Box1028 Durango, Colorado 81302970-385-5256Photos on page 25Reviewed by Gene Deiml<strong>in</strong>gSan Juan Car Company has releaseda new O <strong>scale</strong> boxcar kit that is composedmostly of <strong>in</strong>jection-moldedstyrene and eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g plastics. Youcan purchase the kit with letter<strong>in</strong>g forthe Western Pacific <strong>in</strong> either standard Ogauge or Proto48 (#124 or #124P for theProto48 trucks) or the SacramentoNorthern version Sacramento Northernversion (#125 or #125P for the Proto48trucks). The kit retails for $49.95 andcomes with Andrews trucks, AAR Type-E couplers and Micro<strong>scale</strong>-producedcustom decals. You need only supplypa<strong>in</strong>t and adhesives. The kit is basedupon a Mt. Vernon Car Company prototypeused by the Western Pacific andSacramento Northern. The car was firstconstructed for the WP <strong>in</strong> the early1900s. The car is a classic doublesheathedwood design with a deep fishbellyunderframe and a reversedDreadnaught end. The WP ran thesecars <strong>in</strong>to the 1950’s, as did the SacramentoNorthern. Many of them endedup <strong>in</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of way service. SanJuan has announced a wooden end versionwith K brake system that will coverthe pre-WWII era quite nicely. San Juan<strong>in</strong>cluded a small booklet prepared andpr<strong>in</strong>ted by Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e Models on the prototype.Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e had recently releasedthe same car <strong>in</strong> HO so the O <strong>scale</strong> communitygets a well-researched history onO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 23
Product News & Reviewsthe cars.This is the second standard gauge carproduced by San Juan. The first wastheir legendary D&RGW Fowler Patentboxcar. This car is at least its equal. Thekit is composed of <strong>in</strong>jection moldedstyrene and eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g plastic parts fornearly all of the kit. The kit <strong>in</strong>cludeswire for the tra<strong>in</strong>l<strong>in</strong>e and for grabirons.San Juan has provided a nifty little wirebend<strong>in</strong>gjig to assist <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g the grabirons.The <strong>in</strong>structions are mostly composedof isometric draw<strong>in</strong>gs render<strong>in</strong>geach of the steps that need to be taken.The underframe is the first step. There isa left and right fishbelly center sill. Payattention to the <strong>in</strong>structions to ensurethat the parts are oriented properly.Remember to form and fit the tra<strong>in</strong>l<strong>in</strong>e<strong>in</strong>to the cross members before glu<strong>in</strong>gthem together. You will notice a m<strong>in</strong>orproblem when you go to <strong>in</strong>stall thetrucks. The body bolsters plate rubsaga<strong>in</strong>st the truck sideframe. You willneed to trim off about a <strong>scale</strong> four <strong>in</strong>chesto allow the truck to rotate on the bolsterproperly. Don’t add washers to the bolsterto raise it up s<strong>in</strong>ce it will throw offthe coupler height. The trucks areAndrews style and are available separatelyfrom San Juan <strong>in</strong> either O orProto48. I replaced the plastic wheel setswith some old Grandt L<strong>in</strong>e ribbed-back33"wheels.San Juan has shot the brake system<strong>in</strong>terconnect<strong>in</strong>g pipes <strong>in</strong> styrene and arethese are rather fragile. I broke m<strong>in</strong>e onthe first try so reverted to us<strong>in</strong>g .019"wire.The next step is to assemble the bodyparts. There is a m<strong>in</strong>or problem with thedoor open<strong>in</strong>g be<strong>in</strong>g too wide. CharlesMorrill [designed] the kit and came upwith a good suggestion for fill<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> theopen<strong>in</strong>g. I have copied a portion ofCharlie’s email he sent out on Yahoo.“The prototype car had 6' wide dooropen<strong>in</strong>gs. The San Juan sides have a<strong>scale</strong> 6'-6" open<strong>in</strong>g that is the same asthe door width. A 1-1/2" wide rabbetstrip on the left side (where the closeddoor fits) and the 4-1/2" wide door poston the right side are miss<strong>in</strong>g. Even ifyou <strong>in</strong>tend to build the car with thedoors closed, you should put styrenestrips here to support the door. Trim thefloor boards extensions at the doorwayto fit the reduced open<strong>in</strong>g.”Fabricat<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>g the grabirons is time-consum<strong>in</strong>g at best. The jigprovided by San Juan does aid <strong>in</strong> bend<strong>in</strong>gthe grab irons. Nearly all of the grabirons are straight with the exception ofthe bottom rung on the end ladder thathas a “L” shaped bend. You need tobend an 0.030" jog <strong>in</strong> the grab iron. Thebottom grab irons is a drop-style ratherthan straight like the rest of the side grabirons.The kit has a novel cast brake wheeland staff. It is one-piece and is cast <strong>in</strong> aflexible eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g plastic. The staff isapproximately 9 <strong>scale</strong> <strong>in</strong>ches too short.The staff can be easily lengthened at thelower bracket below the end sill. I used apiece of 0.030" square styrene but youcould use a round styrene rod. The brakewheel should be 14'6" above the railhead.The roofwalk should be 13'0"above the rail.The rest of car body assembly wentsmoothly with all of the f<strong>in</strong>e detail partsfitt<strong>in</strong>g. I would suggest that you notwork on the car with its side contact<strong>in</strong>ga hard surface like the workbench. Use asoft cloth or soft foam rubber to cushionthe f<strong>in</strong>e detail.I pa<strong>in</strong>ted my model us<strong>in</strong>g Accu-pa<strong>in</strong>tby SMP us<strong>in</strong>g their Oxide Brown (AP-12). The pa<strong>in</strong>t produces the smoothestf<strong>in</strong>ish of any pa<strong>in</strong>t available today. It hasa high gloss f<strong>in</strong>ish that is just perfect forapplication of the Micro<strong>scale</strong> decalsprovided. Seal the decals with SMPclear gloss before apply<strong>in</strong>g Dull Coat orany lacquer-based flatten<strong>in</strong>g agent. Mycar is weathered with Kuras “Rustall”us<strong>in</strong>g their rust and black color.Hopefully, we will have many moreexcellent San Juan kits <strong>in</strong> the future.REVIEW: InterMounta<strong>in</strong> USRAComposite GondolaINTERMOUNTAINP.O. Box 839Longmont, CO 80502-08391-800-472-2530Photos on page 26Reviewed by George LosseIntermounta<strong>in</strong> Railway Company hasreleased another f<strong>in</strong>e freight car kit toadd to their l<strong>in</strong>e of kits and ready to runcars. Their newest release is of theUSRA 50-Ton Composite Drop BottomGondola. The model is be<strong>in</strong>g released asboth kits and ready-to run cars. Themodel <strong>in</strong> this review was one of the kitslettered for the Pennsylvania Railroad.The freight car design is one of thestandard designs developed by the UnitedStates Railroad Adm<strong>in</strong>istration <strong>in</strong>1918.This is the second of the standarddesigns that Intermounta<strong>in</strong> has producedas a kit, the 55-ton steel tw<strong>in</strong> hopper carbe<strong>in</strong>g the first. In March of 1918 theorders were placed the car were delivereddur<strong>in</strong>g 1918-1919. A total of 25different railroads received the cars.AB&A 150ACL 300B&M 1500C&A 500CN&W 1000CB&Q 1000CI&L 300CSPM&O 200EP&SW 250GA RR 100HV 500IC 2650KCS 200L&N 1000MC 1000M&StL 250MP 3000M&O 100NC&SL 200NYC 1000NS 50PRR 750SLSF 1000SOU 2000W&LE 100024 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
Some of these cars ran <strong>in</strong>to the fifties<strong>in</strong> their composite construction. Cars ofthe MC and NYC were rebuilt with steelsides dur<strong>in</strong>g the late thirties. Cars on thePRR were rebuilt with steel sides by1939 and re-classed to G24a. So, if youare a modeler who is concerned aboutprototype correctness and model <strong>in</strong> theforties or fifties, you might want to considera decorated car of a road other thenPRR or NYC, as both of those roadsrequire some modification to the kit <strong>in</strong>order to model the cars accurately.The kit consists of a plastic body withwooden sides and floor. The cast<strong>in</strong>g isvery nicely done. Although, it measuresout a little short aga<strong>in</strong>st the draw<strong>in</strong>g thatappeared <strong>in</strong> Ma<strong>in</strong>l<strong>in</strong>e Modeler <strong>in</strong>July/August 1981, it comes up ten <strong>in</strong>chesshort over the strikers and 6 <strong>in</strong>chesshort from corner post to corner post.This will not matter to most modelers.The car goes together well follow<strong>in</strong>gthe <strong>in</strong>structions. They are underweightso extra weight should be added beforethe floor is glued <strong>in</strong>. This is clearlycalled out <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>structions.I found the <strong>in</strong>structions rather clearuntil you hit the grab iron stage. Thenthe <strong>in</strong>structions could use some helpthere. There are four different types ofgrabs, and they belong <strong>in</strong> differentplaces. You could take the easy route outand just replace all of them with wiregrabs. I chose to look at the prototypephotos to identify which ones belong <strong>in</strong>which places.I’m still work<strong>in</strong>g on the grabs at thetime of this writ<strong>in</strong>g. There were a coupleof broken grabs on the spur, so I’m wait<strong>in</strong>gfor replacements to come <strong>in</strong> fromIntermounta<strong>in</strong>. Their customer service isgreat, and they will replace broken partsquickly.These cars were built with a 50-tonUSRA Andrews truck under them. Thekit supplies a type of Bettendorf truck. Iam putt<strong>in</strong>g a San Juan 50-ton Andrewsunder my car.<strong>Over</strong>all, the car is a f<strong>in</strong>e model of acar that saw service for many years onmany roads. For those who don’t wantto enjoy the pleasure of glu<strong>in</strong>g up the<strong>in</strong>dividual grab irons, Intermounta<strong>in</strong> willbe releas<strong>in</strong>g ready to run cars <strong>in</strong> additionto the kit that I was build<strong>in</strong>g. I did have achance to exam<strong>in</strong>e a R-T-R Gondolathat were available at the convention. Itwas well constructed and had weightadded dur<strong>in</strong>g the construction and metalwheel sets.◆San Juan Car CompanyWestern Pacific/ SacramentoNorthern boxcar kit.(photos by Gene Deiml<strong>in</strong>g)O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 25
Intermounta<strong>in</strong> USRAComposite Gondola(photos by George Losse)26 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
Fill’er Up!Diorama built by J. Michael MillerPhotos by Ted LeachThe gas pumps are 1/43rd models <strong>in</strong>tended for the die-cast market. The base of the island is made from a piece of the sidewalk cast<strong>in</strong>g fromthe build<strong>in</strong>g kit. The light pole and lamp shades are fabricated from brass.This diorama was built by J. Michael Miller of GlenBurnie, MD. The ma<strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g is from a Korber ModelsAcme Dye Company kit. This started life as a two storeybuild<strong>in</strong>g but Mike cut it down. It was built over a period of 3months of even<strong>in</strong>gs. Additional note: The signage on thebrick-work is from Letraset dry transfers. These were aga<strong>in</strong>applied to decal film and placed on the model; one letter at atime.It won 2nd place Structures at the O Scale National, Chicago.Dogs and fire hydrant from Berkshire ValleyThe derelict truck is a Solido model based on aWW 2 Dodge 1-1/2 ton design. This truck wascreated by the late W.W. Dalrymple of Frederick,MD. It is heavily weathered with Rust-All and hasflattened tires; <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g that is hasn’t gone anywherefor a long time. (Supposedly the owner ofthe gas-station bought the truck surplus after thewar with the idea of convert<strong>in</strong>g it <strong>in</strong>to a tow truck.He just never got around to mak<strong>in</strong>g the conversion;thus the “Rust In Peace” sign...)O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 27
The tow truck is a model unto itself. It began life 1/38 <strong>scale</strong>cheap plastic toy by a company called K<strong>in</strong>smart. (Yes, Iknow it’s too big, but if it’s not sitt<strong>in</strong>g next to another vehicleyou don’t see how large it really is.) The prototype is a 1953Chevy wrecker. Mike re-detailed the truck with a scratchbuiltthe w<strong>in</strong>ch and front bumper pad and cha<strong>in</strong>s. In the rearof the truck you’ll see a Berkshire Valley shovel, scratchbuiltrake and toolbox. The doors on the cab open and there arew<strong>in</strong>dow cranks and door pulls. The letter<strong>in</strong>g is from drytransfers applied to decal film and the Texaco emblem camefrom Woodland Scenics. The antenna is from music wire.The roof is covered with gravel. The boards are there to protect theroof <strong>in</strong> case someone needs to walk on it. The antenna base is an<strong>in</strong>verted Evergreen Styrene light shade and the antenna is made frommusic wire for durability.Signs are scratchbuiltfrom basswoodframed withEvergreen styrene.The letter<strong>in</strong>g isfrom WoodlandScenics dry transferson decal film.28 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
The service bay doors were cut out of the wallcast<strong>in</strong>g and open<strong>in</strong>g doors were scratchbuilt ofEvergreen Styrene.The ice chest and wooden soda case are fromBerkshire Valley cast<strong>in</strong>gs. (Note the spilled soda onthe ground.) The trash can is from Selley.The lift was scratchbuilt of K&S brasswith Plastruct treads. Notice the lift controlson the side wall of the garage. Theoil drums on the scratchbuilt rack arefrom a cheap 1/43 diecast truck.The corner sign is scratch-built from frombrass tub<strong>in</strong>g and flat brass wire. The Texacoherald is from a refrigerator magnet that wasphoto-copied onto pla<strong>in</strong> paper.O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 29
How I Built My CritterBy John L. FryantMa<strong>in</strong>eville, OhioLittle <strong>in</strong>dustrial diesel switchers,especially those with side rod drives,have always fasc<strong>in</strong>ated me. Some yearsago, AHM marketed a plastic O <strong>scale</strong>“critter”<strong>—</strong>a model of a four-wheeledV20002 German switcher with jackshaftand side rod drives. It was made by PolaMaxi <strong>in</strong> (then) West Germany. AHMoffered it <strong>in</strong> the U.S. pa<strong>in</strong>ted maroonand silver with a PRR logo on the cab!These can still be found occasionally attra<strong>in</strong> shows; that’s where I picked upthree of the little beasties, although notall at once.I thought it would be a challeng<strong>in</strong>gproject to convert one of these <strong>in</strong>to abelievable look<strong>in</strong>g American <strong>in</strong>dustrialloco. I really wasn’t <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> model<strong>in</strong>ga specific prototype; a generic locowould do, as long as it looked like it had30 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>sbeen built <strong>in</strong> the U.S.The first step was to do someresearch. The Second Diesel SpottersGuide, by Jerry A. P<strong>in</strong>kepank, plus aXerox copy of an old Vulcan LocomotiveWorks catalog provided many usefulphotos and data on these little locos.There were certa<strong>in</strong>ly many differentvarieties of them produced.The next step was to completely disassemblethe AHM loco. I decided thatthe cab had to go, so the model wascarefully “decabitated” with a f<strong>in</strong>e toothrazor saw. After eyeball<strong>in</strong>g the hood fora while, I decided that it was a bit toolong, so a 9 ⁄16" long section was sawn offthe cab end. The three European styleheadlights were also removed from theforward end of the hood. A small cyl<strong>in</strong>dricaltank was made from styrene rodto conceal the V20002 number cast <strong>in</strong>tothe lower front of the hood.I designed a new slightly higher cabbased on several photos <strong>in</strong> the SpottersGuide. This was fabricated from 1 ⁄16"frosted acrylic and .015" white EvergreenStyrene sheet. The acrylic is sold<strong>in</strong> art supply stores as non-glare “glass”for picture fram<strong>in</strong>g. The sidewalls andends were cut from the clear and thenduplicate pieces with w<strong>in</strong>dow open<strong>in</strong>gswere cut from the white styrene. Rivetdetail was embossed <strong>in</strong>to the styrenebefore cement<strong>in</strong>g it over the clear, whichproduced f<strong>in</strong>ished walls with glazedw<strong>in</strong>dows. Square styrene rod was usedfor roof braces and .030" styrene sheetfor the roof. Styrene strip and rod werealso used for the roof vent, drip rails,door frame, h<strong>in</strong>ges and w<strong>in</strong>dow sills.The deck, end sills and underbodydetails were a one-piece cast<strong>in</strong>g. I carefullyremoved everyth<strong>in</strong>g but the end
sills, sav<strong>in</strong>g the brake shoe hangers forreuse. The end sills had some cast ondetails which were also sanded off. Newfoot-boards were soldered up from brassangle and strip and glued to the plasticends. Grandt L<strong>in</strong>e bolt heads werecemented to the support strips. New ladderswere made from brass ladder stockand cemented to the underside of thedeck. Air tanks and pip<strong>in</strong>g were madefrom Evergreen styrene rod and tube.The orig<strong>in</strong>al coupler mounts were filedoff and the open<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> the end sillsenlarged to accommodate a pair ofKadee #6 short couplers.The shorter cab-hood unit left a“veranda” at the cab end of the deck.This, and the other side deck areas neededa realistic look<strong>in</strong>g tread-plate surface.I simulated this by cutt<strong>in</strong>g pieces ofScale Scenics Alum<strong>in</strong>um Micro-Meshf<strong>in</strong>e screen wire to fit over these areasand attach<strong>in</strong>g them with spray adhesive.The deck areas were then pa<strong>in</strong>ted grimyblack and when dry were lightly sandedwith #600 paper. This removed the pa<strong>in</strong>tfrom the screen wire leav<strong>in</strong>g a nice worntread-plate look.Of course the model needed to be remotored.One of my little sub-hobbies iscont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 34...The Public Delivery TrackLocomotives - 2 railAtlas..New..RS-1..NH, NYC, Rut. PRR, LIRR..$309-$349Dash 8's..CSX, NYSW, SF, BNSF, CR, Amtk....$299-$349SD-35's...B&O, SOU, CNJ, N&W, UP, WM......$299-$349SW's..Raritan, B&O, CG, LV, Rdg, Susq, NKP...$200-$249Weaver....C-630, E-8's, SD-40's...................$299-$429...2-8-0 Consolidation..Rdg, PRR, NKP, N&W, WM...$469...U25's..LV, Rdg, D&H, EL, BN, MILW, NYC...$179-$239...RS-3/RSD-5..Rdg, Erie, NH, CNJ, WM, D&H, B&M..$239...RS-11/RSD-12..C&O, PRR, NYC...............$239-$249...GP-38's..C&O, CP, CSX, ICG, L&N, RDG, B&M..$239...Shaft drive FA/FB's..PRR, RDG, D&H, NH...$99-$149...GP-38..D&H, LV, RDG;.....RS-3's..RDG, CR, EL, PRR...MTH Premier.....PRR K-4...$795, Centipede...$895Weaver, Williams Brass..Steam loco's, GG-1..callPassenger Sets w/InteriorsWeaver..New..Pullman-Bradley "American Flyer" cars-..NH, LV, B&M, CNJ, PRR, RDG..$419. 2-car add-on $219MTH..CNJ, B&M, Erie, LV, PRR, NYC, NH, Amtk..$189-299K-l<strong>in</strong>e..CP, DLW, Read<strong>in</strong>g, NYC, LIRR, Amtk..$299-449K-l<strong>in</strong>e 2 rail passenger trucks $20-$25/pairBox Cars - 2 railAtlas..50'..ACL, BAR, L&N, MILW, RG, SAL, SF..$55-$60Wood Sheathed..B&O, CNJ, NYC, PRR, Rdg, WM.$45-$5040'..MEC, BM, PRR, MILW, NYC, Erie, 20 more..$25-$3050' plug..PMA, FEC, IC, CNW, Pur<strong>in</strong>a, BN, MP..$30-$5060'..DTI, MKT, NS, CSX, B&O, EL, RG, Sou, NW..$30-$45Pecos River..Erie, NKP, KCS, CBQ, NYC, WAB..$39New..C&O, B&O, WM; 50' w/end door SF, UP, NYC..$44Weaver..40' & 50'..ACL, ACY, ARR, ATSF, BAR, B&O,B&M, CBQ, CGW, CIRR, CNJ, CN, C&O, CP, CV, CR,D&H, DTSL, EL, GN, GT, IC, LNE, LV, L&N, MP, NYC,NH, NP, NYSW, PC, PLE, PRR, Rdg, Rut, SCL, SOU, SPTPW, UP, WM, WP, Pur<strong>in</strong>a, McCloud, more.....$25-$30Refrigerator Cars - 2 railWvr/Crown..PFE, CV, CN, NYC, BM, BAR, REA..$25-$3257' Mech..PFE, SF, NP, MILW, BN, FGE..$28. w/snd..$38Whitehse, Hoods, Sq Peanuts, Pyramid, Monarch, DubuqueSchlitz, Century, Edelweis, many more beer cars..$27-$30W. Indies, Rath, Op'heimer, Swift, Nrn Refrig, BN..$27-$30Atlas..Erie, MDT, Niblets, WP, B&M, Kraft, more..$50 & upCovered Hoppers - 2 railWeaver PS-2.. Bakers, Jack Frost, Wayne Feed, Pur<strong>in</strong>aRevere, Goiden Loaf, BN, CBQ, CNJ, CNW, CP, CR, CSXDLW, DTI, EL, LV, NH, NYC, PRR, Rdg, WAB, UP,...$25-$30Wvr C'flow or Gra<strong>in</strong>..CR, CP, ONT, LV, NYC, PRR,Sask, Sunbeam, Amoco, Sclair, Shell, Dupont, Hercules,Ra<strong>in</strong>bow Pgmt, ONT, BN, UP, SP, RI, CNW, MNS..$25-$30Atlas..BN, B&O, CR, IT, CR, WRGrace, GN, WAB..$30-$50Airslide..LV, D&H, CSX, PRR, UP, Brach, Jfrost..$35-$44PS-4427..BN, SF, MILW, LV, BNSF, W Fd, Cont..$50-$60Coal Hoppers - 2 railAtlas..ACL, CNJ, C&O, D&H, LV, NS, Rdg, WM.. $45-$55Weaver..ACL, CBQ, Chess., Cl<strong>in</strong>ch'fd, CNJ, C&O, DLW,ICG, CR, NH, NYC, NW, PRR, Rdg, UP, VGN, WM..$25-$28Composite..B&O,C&O, D&H, NKP, PRR, Rdg, WAB..$25Tank Cars - 2 railWeaver..BN, GULF, Herc., Trusweet, Allied, ADM, ArmyEthyl, Diamond, Hooker, DuPont, W/hse,Bakers..$29-$35Atlas..Sub. Propane, ACFX, CNTX, Union Tex, .$35-$55Flat Cars & Other Stuff!Atlas..New..89' flats..TTX, etc..$65. Auto Carrier..$89Pulpwood flats..ACL, C&O, D&H, Frisco, IC, L&N..$45-$49Front runners..VTR, Xtra, CSX, Burl, City series..$59-$65Weaver Flats..B&O, CSX, CR, Erie, LV, BN, UP..$20-$30Stock..CNW, Armour, UP, RG, PRR, Rdg, Erie, etc..$29MTH Premier..Snow Plows..CR, PRR, NYC...$30-$40Schnabel, Cranes, Jord. Spreader, dump cars etc....callK-L<strong>in</strong>e Diecast Dbl-Stack $49.95. Coil cars.....$35--$4016 wheel flat w/load..B&O, NH, Rdg, EL, PRR, UP..$54-$59Gondolas - 2 railAtlas/Petersen..CNJ, N&W, PRR, GN, Rdg, C&O,...MP, UP, NYC, Chessie, CBQ, B&O, WM.........$30-$32Cabeese - 2 railWeaver..CP, B&M, IC, NH, NYC, Erie, LHR, LV,..................D&H, Rdg, MMID, L&N, WM, CR, PRR..$20-$35Atlas..BN, N&W, CR, DH, DMIR, RG, MEC, SF..$52-$60Weaver diecast tks..$12.50, <strong>in</strong>stalled add $8.95K-l<strong>in</strong>e 2-rail freight and Psgr trucks $15-$25The Public Delivery TrackPO Box 1035 • Drexel Hill, PA 19026610-259-4945 • pdt@gis.netO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 31
How I Built My Critter...cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 31collect<strong>in</strong>g small DC motors, this due tomy long <strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong> <strong>scale</strong> R/C shipmodel<strong>in</strong>g. I’m cont<strong>in</strong>ually search<strong>in</strong>g forthe ultimate motor - the one that producesgobs of torque while draw<strong>in</strong>g noamps at all! In my treasure trove ofmotors was a little German Faulhabergear motor that looked like it would dothe job. Install<strong>in</strong>g one of these hi-techgear motors <strong>in</strong> an old AHM plastic locois somewhat ak<strong>in</strong> to putt<strong>in</strong>g a Rolls-Royce eng<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> a VW Beetle, but thearrangement ultimately worked out verywell.With the proper mount the Faulhabermotor would fit nicely with<strong>in</strong> the sidewallsof the loco frame. In this case, theproper mount proved to be a short sectionof PVC water pipe! The motor wasan exact fit <strong>in</strong>side the pipe section. Flatswere filed on each side of the PVCmotor mount so that it slid tightlybetween the frame sides. The model’sdrive system consists of a series of identicalplastic spur gears connect<strong>in</strong>g thejackshaft and drivers. Power is transferredfrom the motor by a p<strong>in</strong>ion andcrown gear. The p<strong>in</strong>ion proved an exactfit on the Faulhaber’s output shaft, so Ireta<strong>in</strong>ed this arrangement. However, thefirst trial with the new motor resulted <strong>in</strong>very slow runn<strong>in</strong>g speed. Remov<strong>in</strong>g oneof the spur gear sets from the drive tra<strong>in</strong>and re-position<strong>in</strong>g the motor and crowngear <strong>in</strong>creased the speed just enough.The model now ran at a very realisticspeed and the gear motor gave the drive34 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>sa nice flywheel effect.With f<strong>in</strong>al adjustmentsmade, the motor andits mount were fixed<strong>in</strong> place with fivem<strong>in</strong>uteepoxy.The loco neededlots of additionalweight, so I l<strong>in</strong>ed the<strong>in</strong>side of the bodywith lead freight carweights. Lead was also <strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>in</strong> theopen areas at each end of the frame.This <strong>in</strong>creased the total weight to aboutone pound and the loco is capable ofpull<strong>in</strong>g about 12freight cars on leveltrack.A new exhauststack was made fromEvergreen Styrenetube. The headlights,bell and horn camefrom Trackside Specialties,as did theEMD handrail stanchions.I turned alum<strong>in</strong>umreflectors to fit <strong>in</strong>side theheadlight hous<strong>in</strong>gs and fitted them witha M<strong>in</strong>iatronics headlight revers<strong>in</strong>g unit.The grab irons are extras from Intermounta<strong>in</strong>boxcars and the brake wheelcame from my parts box.I pa<strong>in</strong>ted the eng<strong>in</strong>e with Polly ScaleRail Box Yellow. The frame and underbodydetails are grimy black while thecab roof, exhaust stack and sun visorsare flat alum<strong>in</strong>um. Headlights and w<strong>in</strong>dowsills and cab <strong>in</strong>terior are gray. Rail<strong>in</strong>gs,grab irons, brake gear, bell frameand horn are gloss black. To br<strong>in</strong>g outthe cast-on details of the plastic body, Ismeared a black oil-base antiqu<strong>in</strong>g glazeover the yellow body, then rubbed it offwith tissues and cottonswabs. This left a residue ofthe black glaze <strong>in</strong> the louversand corners and aroundthe rivets, which poppedthese details out. A bit ofadditional weather<strong>in</strong>g wasdone with powdered chalks.To complete the detail<strong>in</strong>g, a length ofcha<strong>in</strong> and a re-rail frog were hung belowthe deck on the loco’s right side. As Ihad no photos of cab <strong>in</strong>teriors for thesetype eng<strong>in</strong>es, I didn’t do any detail<strong>in</strong>gthere. I probably should have made theeffort, though, as the frosted w<strong>in</strong>dowsdo not hide as much of the cab <strong>in</strong>terioras I thought they would.As I had no layout when I built theloco, it was only test run over a coupleof three-foot track sections. Now I havediscovered that due to the deep flanges,it bumps a bit over some of my turnouts.So a future shop project is to turn downthe flanges a bit.<strong>Over</strong>all, I’m very pleased with theloco’s looks and performance. I feel thatit is a good example of what can be donewith cheap, used equipment plus a littleresearch and <strong>in</strong>genuity.I lettered my “critter” for the DuckCreek Industrial Railroad, a fictitiousl<strong>in</strong>e that has trackage rights over myequally fictitious Ohio Valley Railroad.Now, the management of the <strong>in</strong>dustriall<strong>in</strong>e is th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g seriously of build<strong>in</strong>g aroad switcher us<strong>in</strong>g the other twoV20002 German switchers on hand.Hmmm... Maybe a center-cab unit withtwo swivel<strong>in</strong>g side-rod drive trucks. ◆
Modelers ShelfAnother view of the scratchbuilt Erie S-1 Berkshire. Model owned by R. Harris Russo. Built by Harry Hieke. Photo by Jeb Kriigel.NEW O SCALEUSRA DROP BOTTOM GONDOLA• Laser Cut Wood Sides and Floor• Kit or Assembled• O Scale or Hi-Rail•New Roadnames Monthly• Kit, PRR $34.95 • Kit, Undec. $29.95 • Assembled $49.95Another Work of Art from InterMounta<strong>in</strong> Railway CompanyP.O. Box 839, Longmont, CO 80502-0839For photos and complete list of InterMounta<strong>in</strong> products visit our Web Site: www.<strong>in</strong>termounta<strong>in</strong>-railway.comFor <strong>in</strong>formation call: 1-800-472-2530 or Fax: 303-772-8534. E-Mail: <strong>in</strong>termounta<strong>in</strong>@<strong>in</strong>termounta<strong>in</strong>-railway.comO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 35
K<strong>in</strong>gsbury Term<strong>in</strong>al RailroadAn O Scale American Quart <strong>in</strong> a British P<strong>in</strong>t Pot!Marshall V<strong>in</strong>e Kent, EnglandHere <strong>in</strong> the old country, modell<strong>in</strong>gthe American scene <strong>in</strong> O <strong>scale</strong> is fraughtwith problems that you over there canonly imag<strong>in</strong>e! To beg<strong>in</strong> with, there areno suppliers of American O <strong>scale</strong> modelsand materials here, so everyth<strong>in</strong>g hasto be bought by mail and shipped acrossthe Atlantic. This not only takes time, upto a couple of months <strong>in</strong> some cases, butis expensive. The cost of shipp<strong>in</strong>g, plusthe <strong>in</strong>evitable Customs Duty on arrivalhere, can easily double the f<strong>in</strong>al cost of asimple boxcar kit! But the biggest problemis that of size and space.Our small island has relatively smallrailways when compared with those ofthe USA. The load<strong>in</strong>g gauge is smallerfor a start, while the standard Britishrailway “wagon” was for many yearsless than a third the size of a forty footboxcar. Locos, too, were smaller, andalthough there were a few 2-10-O locos,and even a handful of Garrett articulatedeng<strong>in</strong>es, a 2-8-O was generally thoughtto be a large eng<strong>in</strong>e and many 4-4-O’slasted <strong>in</strong> daily service right up to the endof steam <strong>in</strong> some areas. Modern dieseland electric locos are similarly smallerthan most used <strong>in</strong> the States. It all makesth<strong>in</strong>gs easier though when it comes tofitt<strong>in</strong>g model railways <strong>in</strong>to our houses,which are also generally a great dealsmaller. For modell<strong>in</strong>g purposes ourhome railways are ideal.So the British modeller of the Americanscene <strong>in</strong> O <strong>scale</strong> has everyth<strong>in</strong>gstacked aga<strong>in</strong>st him, and this probablyaccounts for the relatively small numberof enthusiasts who attempt it. Largeeng<strong>in</strong>es and cars, and long tra<strong>in</strong>s, reallyneed the basement empires we readabout, but as basements are someth<strong>in</strong>gelse not oftenfound here, youcan beg<strong>in</strong> to see theproblem.I have been collect<strong>in</strong>gsmallAmerican O <strong>scale</strong>locos for someyears and wasoften asked to displaythem at someof the many modelrailway exhibitionswe have nearly every weekend somewhereor other over here. When I didtake them along, they all looked verynice just sitt<strong>in</strong>g there, and caused a bit of<strong>in</strong>terest, but it was obvious that theywould look better do<strong>in</strong>g what they werebuilt for, so the “K<strong>in</strong>gsbury Term<strong>in</strong>alRailroad” was born.This is not a model railroad <strong>in</strong> thenormal sense, and if you are easilyoffended you should stop read<strong>in</strong>g now,because on the “K<strong>in</strong>gsbury,” anyth<strong>in</strong>ggoes! Although supposedly set <strong>in</strong> theK<strong>in</strong>gsbury area of Chicago, the layout isno more than a stage on which a varietycont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 38...36 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
New! O Scale Read<strong>in</strong>g Brass Locomotive & Passenger CarsAccurate Read<strong>in</strong>g Series 2000 TurtlebackBlimp Passenger Cars: Perfect companions forthe G3; Authentic Read<strong>in</strong>g Colors <strong>in</strong>side andout; Fully detailed and lighted <strong>in</strong>teriors withyour choice of <strong>in</strong>terior seat colors; Detailedundercarriage, Prototypical trucks.Set of 1 Grill car & 4 coaches... $1199 .95Match<strong>in</strong>g 2 car club & lounge... $479 .95Available August 2002.Don’t Wait! Order Now!The Read<strong>in</strong>g G3 Pacific <strong>—</strong> The last Pacific made<strong>in</strong> America! All brass construction, Pittmanmotor; Blackened drivers withBoxpok center; Choice of cab# (210 or 219);Directional light<strong>in</strong>g & lighted cab.2 rail... $899 .95 ; 3 rail w/sound... $999 .95Available September 2002.Also available: Factory Weather<strong>in</strong>g!SGL L<strong>in</strong>es • 4017 Cory Lane, Chesapeake VA 23321 ph/fx 757-465-5566O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 37
of locomotives can be seen at work, and“variety” just about sums it up. Thediverse mix of locos and roll<strong>in</strong>g stockwhich are used on the layout may seemwrong to all of you used to the Americanscene, and <strong>in</strong> reality most wouldnever have been seen together. Some arenot even of the same era! But you mustremember that camelbacks and articulatedlocomotives are virtually unknown tothe British public, while Shays, Climaxesand similar are just beyond belief!While runn<strong>in</strong>g a Shay at one of ourmajor shows recently I was actuallycomplimented on “<strong>in</strong>vent<strong>in</strong>g” it, toldwhat a brilliant idea it was and that Ishould patent it!! So basically, anyth<strong>in</strong>gfrom a W<strong>in</strong>nan’s camelback onwardmay appear, and <strong>in</strong> general, from thepo<strong>in</strong>t of amus<strong>in</strong>g the visitors, the moreodd the loco, the better!There is noth<strong>in</strong>g unusual about the38 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s“K<strong>in</strong>gsbury” layoutitself exceptthat it is perhaps abit smaller than isusual for O <strong>scale</strong>.Many magaz<strong>in</strong>elayout descriptions<strong>in</strong>clude a tour ofthe layout. It oftentakes the form ofan imag<strong>in</strong>ary tra<strong>in</strong>ride round the layoutwhile the ma<strong>in</strong>features are po<strong>in</strong>tedout. This will not be necessary forthis layout as it can be best appreciatedby stand<strong>in</strong>g on an imag<strong>in</strong>ary pack<strong>in</strong>gcase placed <strong>in</strong> the middle of the yard.The only other unusual feature is that itcomes apart <strong>in</strong>to easilytransportable pieces. Thedemands of the exhibitioncircuit mean that thelayout, plus roll<strong>in</strong>g stockand operators, have to fitcomfortably <strong>in</strong> a car, sofor transport<strong>in</strong>g, the twoma<strong>in</strong> boards bolt togetherfac<strong>in</strong>g each other,mak<strong>in</strong>g a large box withthe layout surfaces protectedon the <strong>in</strong>side. Onre-assembly, each boardis held to the next byh<strong>in</strong>ges with the permanentp<strong>in</strong>s replaced by removable ones.This is not onlyquick, it alsogives an automaticalignment tothe tracks acrossthe board jo<strong>in</strong>ts.Multi-p<strong>in</strong> plugsand sockets takecare of theelectrics. All thismakes it easy andquick to assembleand dismantle thelayout, and it canbe up and runn<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> about thirty m<strong>in</strong>utes if we’re reallypushed. But exhibitions do tend to bevery social affairs so with all the chatt<strong>in</strong>gthat goes on, it usually takes a goodbit longer!Only 12'6" long by 2'3" wide, the layoutrepresents a small switch<strong>in</strong>g yardsurrounded by high build<strong>in</strong>gs, most ofwhich are rail served <strong>in</strong>dustries of onesort or another. These were carefullychosen to offer the maximum variety ofroll<strong>in</strong>g stock and they range from a fruitand vegetable distributor, to a heavyeng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g works with a large overheadcrane. There are actually seven possible“dest<strong>in</strong>ations” for cars, (at one of whichhopper cars can be loaded), plus a shortloco lay by spur where a small switcheris usually stabled. As can be seen fromthe plan a small fiddle yard, (stag<strong>in</strong>gyard to you over there), is built <strong>in</strong> at oneend. It is hidden from the public side bya factory flat and two more sid<strong>in</strong>gs,(spurs), one of which serves the eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>gworks with its crane.Once up and runn<strong>in</strong>g, there is nooperat<strong>in</strong>g pattern as such, we just runwhichever locos we feel like at the time,and as spare locos usually sit on displayat one end of the layout, exhibition visitorswill often ask for a particular one tomake an appearance. There are def<strong>in</strong>itestars of the show, the most popular be<strong>in</strong>gan MTH four truck Shay. This has oftenspent whole weekends push<strong>in</strong>g carscont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 40...
THE ANNIVERSARY SERIESNORTHERN PACIFIC Z-5 “YELLOWSTONE” 2-8-8-4foOWNA PIECEHISTORORYOCTRELEASE2002CTOBER2002ELEASE DATETEPRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLEThe Second Series release will knock yoursocks off! Watch out EM-1 and move overAllegheny - here comes the “Brute”. Never beforehas an “O” Scale model been produced with theaccuracy and detail level of this Yellowstone atsuch an affordable price.Sunset Models is rais<strong>in</strong>g the bar with unbelievabledetails: work<strong>in</strong>g turret hatches, cab roof vents andtender water hatches, perforated runn<strong>in</strong>g boardsand so much more...There will only be 175 3 rail models and 75 2 railmodels produced. Order your Anniversary SeriesZ-5 now before this very limited edition issold out. Release date of October 2002.Offered at an early buy price $1699.95FEATURES:· All brass construction with strong, super detail<strong>in</strong>g· Fully detailed cab <strong>in</strong>terior with pa<strong>in</strong>ted dials· "Quiet Drive" mechanism, ball bear<strong>in</strong>g gearboxes· Numerous open<strong>in</strong>g doors and hatches with detailedparts <strong>in</strong>side· Pip<strong>in</strong>g detail that doesn't miss a beat· Full complement of lights· 9000 series Pittman motor with skewed armature forsmooth low speed operation· Sprung drivers made from co<strong>in</strong>ed brass centers andblackened carbon steel tires (traction tires <strong>in</strong> 3 rail)· 60” Radius or larger O <strong>scale</strong> track· Full 1/48th <strong>scale</strong> sizeSUNSET MODELS INC.37 South Fourth Street · Campbell, CA 95008 · 408-866-1727 · fax to 408-866-5674 · www.3rdrail.com
ound the layout by popular demand.The other geared locos are almost aspopular, followed by the articulateds.The more normal locomotives generallycome well down the runn<strong>in</strong>g order. Imake no apologies for this. If the NewYork Central could run a Shay <strong>in</strong> themiddle of New York, then I can run oneon K<strong>in</strong>gsbury!The locos generally used cover thewhole spectrum of O <strong>scale</strong> models overthe past fifty years or so, and just aboutany sort, or make, of model is represented.As well as those already mentionedthere is a prewar Lobaugh switcher, aplastic AHM Indiana Harbour Belt O-8-O, modern models by Weaver and Sunset,and all sorts <strong>in</strong> between. There areeven a few small diesels which makeoccasional appearances. Some semblanceof realism is usually ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>edby the larger locos only br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong>to the yard then leav<strong>in</strong>g the smallerswitchers to distribute the cars, whilecare is taken (usually) to put cars <strong>in</strong> theircorrect places. No reefers <strong>in</strong> the eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>gworks for <strong>in</strong>stance. Because ofthe layout’s small size, tra<strong>in</strong>s are necessarilyshort, only two or three cars,although a smart operator can lengthenthem by add<strong>in</strong>g extra cars as the front ofthe tra<strong>in</strong> leaves the fiddle yard! Wequickly decided to dispense withcabooses, (cabeese?), assum<strong>in</strong>g that thelayout is part of a larger yard justthrough the bridge.But it is thelocos that mostpeople want tosee and it is notunknown to run alarger loco <strong>in</strong>tothe yard on itsown, “just to visitthe water tower”.On one memorableoccasion, atthe Gauge OGuild NationalConvention, weeven ran a “BigBoy.” It wasn’t exactly a success thoughas it all but filled the runaround loop onits own and wouldn’t take the four footradius po<strong>in</strong>t offthe throughtrack! I’m afraidI couldn’t resistthe Sunset MalletCamelback, sothis makes theodd appearance.If the MTH Virg<strong>in</strong>ianTriplexever becomesavailable <strong>in</strong> tworail, the “smallloco” policymight f<strong>in</strong>d itselfstretched even more!!A “Soundtraxx” Steam sound systemis available for use with those locoswhich are programmed <strong>in</strong>to it, and itworks very well. Sound is not oftenfound on layouts over here, so whenit is <strong>in</strong> use, it usually causes a greatdeal of <strong>in</strong>terest and adds a lot to therealism of the scene.Like the locomotives, the roll<strong>in</strong>gstock is also a real mixture. It rangesfrom the basic Atlas cars, throughIntermounta<strong>in</strong> and Weaver, up to severalof the old craftsman type kitssuch as Quality Craft and Ambroid.Putt<strong>in</strong>g one of these kits together cankeep me amused for weeks and fortunatelyI’ve got several <strong>in</strong> hand not yetstarted. There are even a few scratchbuilt cars to add to the variety. The carthat causes most <strong>in</strong>terest is one of these,and it is also by far the smallest, a ScaleTest Car. It came about because I feltthat one of the smallest layouts shouldhave an example of the smallest piece ofroll<strong>in</strong>g stock. It was more trouble tobuild than a more normal, larger car. Fora start I had no draw<strong>in</strong>gs, so a Walthers’HO car was carefully measured and<strong>scale</strong>d up. Then when construction startedthe lack of any proper chassis complicatedth<strong>in</strong>gs considerably as didgett<strong>in</strong>g enough weight <strong>in</strong>to the t<strong>in</strong>y bodyto keep it on the rails! The car makesfrequent appearances on the layout and,if the proper rules are observed when itis moved, can make even a simpleswitch<strong>in</strong>g movement very much moredifficult!Electrically, the layout is arranged so40 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
K<strong>in</strong>gsbury Term<strong>in</strong>al RailroadAmerican 'O' Gauge -Hidden FiddleYardLoad<strong>in</strong>gHopperWTGantryCranethat two locos can operate at the sametime, one on the front part of the layoutand one on the back. This always looksquite impressive, but does need a highdegree of co-operation by the operators.It can be done s<strong>in</strong>gle handed but is notrecommended for the fa<strong>in</strong>t hearted!Trackwork is code 125 rail solderedto pr<strong>in</strong>ted circuit board ties. It is a commonlyused system over here and aretailer <strong>in</strong> Sheffield who supplies thematerials, even lists correctly sized tiesfor the American enthusiast along withcomplete switches to match. The track isall glued on to 1/8” cork sheet afterwhich it is ballasted or buried <strong>in</strong> varioustypes of ground mix. The switches areoperated by push/pull rods sunk <strong>in</strong>to theground and end<strong>in</strong>g beh<strong>in</strong>d the layout. Itis about as simple a system as can beand very cheap! The usual Kadeeuncoupl<strong>in</strong>g magnets are sited whererequired by the normal operat<strong>in</strong>g patterns.They are not disguised because weStatic loco displaytrack on bridgehave a habit of dragg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terested spectatorsbeh<strong>in</strong>d to operate the layout, and ithelps them to be able to see the magnets.(I used to be a teacher so occasionally anobviously <strong>in</strong>terested youngster will be<strong>in</strong>vited, and they are <strong>in</strong>variably verycareful and responsible, but I willalways treasure the look on the face ofone mum when she learned that her offspr<strong>in</strong>gwas play<strong>in</strong>g with a £1000 locomotive!)The layout is out somewhere or otherabout twelve times a year. It would beconvenient if this were once a month,but the British exhibition circuit doesn’twork like that! There are many monthswhen noth<strong>in</strong>g happens, then a rush all atonce. This com<strong>in</strong>g November for<strong>in</strong>stance, it should be out every weekend,each succeed<strong>in</strong>g trip tak<strong>in</strong>g it furtherand further from home!!By the end of this year “K<strong>in</strong>gsbury”will have attended nearly fifty shows, soa little while ago, with a view to itsName: K<strong>in</strong>gsbury Term<strong>in</strong>al RailroadType: Freelance Switch<strong>in</strong>gLocale: K<strong>in</strong>gsbury area of Chicago, Ill.Period: 1940-1955 (but with muchlicense)Size: 12' 6" x 2' 3"Benchwork: 1x2 frame with 1 ⁄2" <strong>in</strong>sulationboardRoadbed: 1 ⁄8" corkTrack: Code 124Switches: Markway, mostly #6sM<strong>in</strong>. Radius: 48"Control: Cab control for 2 locos. OneBritish Codar, One Soundtraxx IR.retirement sooner or later, another layoutwas started. So many people had commentedon the small size of this orig<strong>in</strong>allayout that a deliberate attempt wasmade to make the next one even smaller!A bit of bloody m<strong>in</strong>dedness thencrept <strong>in</strong>, with the result that, with a bit ofcareful plann<strong>in</strong>g, the new layout, whilestill <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to operate <strong>in</strong> a more orless prototypical manner, is now <strong>in</strong>be<strong>in</strong>g at only just over seven feet long!But that, as they say, is another story. ◆Norm’s “O”RETAIL STOREP.O. Box 14741 Roosevelt Trail (Rt302)S. Casco ME 04077Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>sMAIL ORDERPhone: 207-655-2550Fax: 207-655-8550Web: www.normso<strong>scale</strong>,comemail: <strong>in</strong>fo@normso<strong>scale</strong>.comBuy, Sell or TradeAll O <strong>scale</strong> 2 rail brassSend for our latest price list as well as new announcements.Visit us onl<strong>in</strong>e at WWW.NORMSOSCALE.COMO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 41
Reader Feedback<strong>Contest</strong> IdeaIt was with great amusement that Iread your lamentation about design<strong>in</strong>gfor that huge 17x46 foot basement youseem to be stuck with. You’ll certa<strong>in</strong>lyget no sympathy from me. But yourcomment made me th<strong>in</strong>k of someth<strong>in</strong>gmore useful that you could do for O-<strong>scale</strong>rs. Have a contest for design<strong>in</strong>g alayout for a spare bedroom, say 12x15feet, or a similar sized chunk of a familyroom. After all, Kalmbach holds contestslike that on a regular basis, exceptthat their offer<strong>in</strong>gs have only been <strong>in</strong>HO or N. With Atlas track and othernew products com<strong>in</strong>g out, folks new toO <strong>scale</strong> need to be able to see what canbe accomplished <strong>in</strong> the modest spacethat most of us have.Carl Barna(Ed.: Hey Carl, you’re right! Checkout the new contest on pages 18 & 19.)May Come Back to 2 RailI have read about half the magaz<strong>in</strong>e#3 and have enjoyed it very much. As Istated to you on the phone, I am more<strong>in</strong>to 3 rail toy tra<strong>in</strong> operat<strong>in</strong>g but look<strong>in</strong>gat your magaz<strong>in</strong>e br<strong>in</strong>gs me back to theprototypical model<strong>in</strong>g I did for manyyears <strong>in</strong> HO. It has put a little fire back<strong>in</strong> me and I may try some true O <strong>scale</strong>model<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the near future. Keep up thegood work.Al DubielNot Pleased At AllI recently was able to purchase yourmagaz<strong>in</strong>e O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s. After tak<strong>in</strong>g ithome and read<strong>in</strong>g it, I felt left-out anddisappo<strong>in</strong>ted. Allow me to tell you why.When I went to my local tra<strong>in</strong> store,it was mentioned that a new O <strong>scale</strong>magaz<strong>in</strong>e was com<strong>in</strong>g. The thought wasthat I was go<strong>in</strong>g to get issue #1. What ashock it was to f<strong>in</strong>d that the first issuewas #4. Go<strong>in</strong>g back to the store, I askedwhy #4. They said they didn’t knowabout the magaz<strong>in</strong>e until a man fromout-of-town asked if they had it <strong>in</strong> stock.Of course they said no.From read<strong>in</strong>g OST, one would getthe impression that the magaz<strong>in</strong>e wasfor all O Scalers, but <strong>in</strong> reality it is foronly close friends. Aga<strong>in</strong> why did wehave f<strong>in</strong>d and wait for the magaz<strong>in</strong>e?As for promot<strong>in</strong>g O Scale, 2 rail, neitheryou, [the] manufacturers/importers,nor O Scale K<strong>in</strong>gs are do<strong>in</strong>g a good job.I already mentioned you. Now aboutmanufacturers/importers. A model ofthe SW8/9 switcher has been offered fora long time from Atlas. Accord<strong>in</strong>g totheir ad a person needs to visit his/herlocal hobby shop. Well, I tried to get aSW-8/9 s<strong>in</strong>ce it was first announced.First, I was told it was not available yet.Then it was no longer available. Hence,we have not seen the model SW-8/9. Ifpeople who [are] newcomers to thehobby took the advice of Atlas and visitedtheir local hobby shop, they wouldcome [away] with Atlas but it will beeither HO or N gauge.Another is K-L<strong>in</strong>e. S<strong>in</strong>ce last Marchwhen they advertised their 2-rail trucksfor passenger cars, I had my local hobbyshop [try to order them]. First I was toldit will be June when the trucks arrive.June came, no trucks. Then it wasAugust. August came, no trucks. Nowit’s October. Do you th<strong>in</strong>k I believe K-L<strong>in</strong>e? No way. I called them and the personat K-L<strong>in</strong>e said that I had to wait till Igot to the top of the list. What list?But it seems some shops get specialtreatment. From the ads, Atlas prefersNorm’s “O” Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s and K-L<strong>in</strong>edeals with only Chicagoland”s “O”Gauge Specialist. Am I go<strong>in</strong>g to dealthose shops and pay more than if mylocal hobby shop had received theitems? That’s a big “No.” S<strong>in</strong>ce they arego<strong>in</strong>g to treat us like a pile of manure,that’s the way we’re go<strong>in</strong>g to treat them.This br<strong>in</strong>gs me to the O Scale K<strong>in</strong>gs(OSK). In your “Observations” of issue#4, you state that, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the numbers:(1). The promotion of O Scale toother modelers <strong>in</strong> the model railroadcommunity <strong>in</strong> other <strong>scale</strong>s and 3-rail.(2). The promotion of O Scale to thepublic who might be ready to become amodel railroader, but have not yet madea <strong>scale</strong> decision. (3). The promotion ofO Scale to the manufacturers, giv<strong>in</strong>gthem direct access to <strong>in</strong>formation onwhat products that the O Scale communitywants to buy. In return giv<strong>in</strong>g the OScale manufacturers a direct access totheir already exist<strong>in</strong>g market.” What aJoke!Let’s look at number 1 first. Also,let’s look at a letter <strong>in</strong> issue #4 from Mr.Tom Grimason. He states that “the 3-railcrowd” is a much larger audience.” I’ve[been] <strong>in</strong> O Scale for more then 30 yearsand I’ve noticed that was always true. Ididn’t become a 2 rail modeler becausesomeone else [was]; it was because itwas what I wanted to do. A letter fromMr. Gary Matthews compares O Scalewith a super-sized HO. Claim<strong>in</strong>g thatHO is only Ready-To Run equipment.He must go to the hobby shop withbl<strong>in</strong>ders on. I went to my shop and mostof the HO were kits, [not R-T-R].Now for number 2. How can the publicwho wants to be a model railroaderf<strong>in</strong>d out about O Scale when there isn’tany th<strong>in</strong>g to show. Magaz<strong>in</strong>es would benice, but they limit themselves. Hav<strong>in</strong>gmodels would also be nice, but how canthey be shown when they can not begotten?Purpose #3 is the worse. You say anymanufacturer is welcome to jo<strong>in</strong>. But42 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
OSK show that they discrim<strong>in</strong>ate. OSK prefer plastic ready-torunor expensive brass. Take note of Mr. John C. Smith ofPRB. He’s cry<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong> and try<strong>in</strong>g to blame others for his mistakes.Go<strong>in</strong>g back to Mr. Grimason’s letter. He mentions thatMTH can sell the [same] item as <strong>Over</strong>land Models at a lowerprice. <strong>Over</strong>land Models claims they go to GM and GE fordata. Doesn’t anyone else? I mean those of HO, N, and othergauges. The fact is those models that <strong>Over</strong>land make are tooexpensive to attract new people to O Scale.I notice that the companies that make brass models usuallyrely on one modeler for ideas. Well, if that modeler likes theextra-large locomotives, then that is all that will be made. Themodeler will be happy. Maybe a few more modelers will alsobe happy. But no one else.And what those other companies? You know! The Americancompanies that make O Scale models. You don’t supportthem. Neither does OSK. Neither does the O Scale NationalConventions. Those kit models aren’t that hard to put together.A magaz<strong>in</strong>e that really helped O Scale was O Scale Railroad<strong>in</strong>g.Put out by the Jones family, it went out to anyonewho was <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> O Scale or soon to be a modeler.You and the <strong>in</strong>dustry have a long way to go before succeed<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> reach<strong>in</strong>g that goal.William J Lubert, New MexicoA New Canadian FriendHav<strong>in</strong>g been a closet O <strong>scale</strong>r for many years I was look<strong>in</strong>gfor a magaz<strong>in</strong>e that would shed light on many aspects of o<strong>scale</strong>, scratch build<strong>in</strong>g, loco detail<strong>in</strong>g, etc. I could never f<strong>in</strong>dany magaz<strong>in</strong>es at our local rag stand until you guys camealong. It’s a super detailed, nice, all around magaz<strong>in</strong>e which Ican get just as easy as Model Railroader. Keep up the goodwork.Your new found friend <strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g the O <strong>scale</strong> light bright.Steve Sansome, Trenton, Ontario, Canada.An Ed Bommer FanI picked up your magaz<strong>in</strong>e at a news cafe <strong>in</strong> New York. Iwas surprised and excited by Ed’s beautiful model of a StatenIsland Alco S-2. I am glad to see that this sadly under-modeledB&O branchl<strong>in</strong>e is f<strong>in</strong>ally gett<strong>in</strong>g some attention. I likethe magaz<strong>in</strong>e, O is a great <strong>scale</strong> and needs more coverage.Better models are f<strong>in</strong>ally appear<strong>in</strong>g and O is expand<strong>in</strong>g. Imodel N, but love to read about other <strong>scale</strong>s and of course seegreat photos. I like the fact that O does not only mean Lionel,but actually a large spectrum of products and accurate models.Thanks for a great issue.Best of luck, Marc PitanzaI th<strong>in</strong>k all of us O Scalers have been watch<strong>in</strong>g your magaz<strong>in</strong>egrow and bloom. You seem to have a w<strong>in</strong>ner go<strong>in</strong>g ! I personallyenjoy the “open nature” of your magaz<strong>in</strong>e. Tak<strong>in</strong>gsuggestions and criticism with an open m<strong>in</strong>d. There isn’t a personthat doesn’t say they have an open m<strong>in</strong>d... till it comes to asuggestion. “Slam!” But I notice OST is us<strong>in</strong>g those suggestionsto better your magaz<strong>in</strong>e.And thanks for not try<strong>in</strong>g to make a buck from every opportunitythat comes along. Mak<strong>in</strong>g your out-of-pr<strong>in</strong>t issues availableon the web, for <strong>in</strong>stance. I for one will say, “Thank you.”I’m sure there will be people that will wait the year-plus till theycan get an issue for free. But there are plenty more people thatwill appreciate the comraderie. After all there are many OScalers on a fixed <strong>in</strong>come and can’t afford a yearly subscription.That aside, I’d like to ask if you’d be <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> an articleto build O <strong>scale</strong> modules? Our club has been work<strong>in</strong>g on ourmodules s<strong>in</strong>ce 1998. And before that, the Southern New Englandclub used a closely similar design for their modules yearsbefore that. I have draw<strong>in</strong>gs and reason<strong>in</strong>g beh<strong>in</strong>d the specificationthat we researched <strong>in</strong> depth.Let me know if you would be <strong>in</strong>terested.Jimi Smith - Metrowest O Scalers, President[Ed. – We took Jimi up on his offer and you will be see<strong>in</strong>gO Scale SignalsHighly detailed, accurate, affordable. Made <strong>in</strong> the USA.Assembled and hand-pa<strong>in</strong>ted by a model RR craftsman.Double Semaphore Tra<strong>in</strong> Order Board3-Color Block Signal w/Equipment Box3-Color Block Signal w/Standard MastDwarf Signals (2/pack)cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 49...$59.95 + p/h$49.95 + p/h$49.95 + p/h$39.95 +p/hGet RealProductions11 Out of BoundsRoad, Palmyra, VA22963-2318434-589-2660fx434-589-489kjkriigel@aol.comLikes Our Open M<strong>in</strong>dednessO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 43
O Scale Hall of FameRoll<strong>in</strong> LobaughOctober 1895 - February 1965Roll<strong>in</strong> Lobaugh was one of the pillarsof the O <strong>scale</strong> community. He startedhis model bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> 1931. By 1941Lobaugh offered an astound<strong>in</strong>g 11locomotive kits rang<strong>in</strong>g from a 4-4-0to a 4-6-6-4 Challenger and just aboutevery wheel arrangement <strong>in</strong> between.Lobaugh also offered over 120 freightcar kits. Lobaugh offered a “Warranteeof F<strong>in</strong>e Craftsmanship: Any purchaserof Lobaugh equipment who is not satisfiedwill, upon return of the equipmentwith<strong>in</strong> thirty days, receive a refund ofthe full purchase price, plus a refund ofall transportation costs paid by the purchaser.”Mr. Lobaugh liked to boast thatno one had ever taken him up on hisoffer. Compared to today’s importsmany Lobaugh locomotives may seemcrude, and they were <strong>in</strong> regard to f<strong>in</strong>edetails, but they were mechanical masterpieces.Many are still runn<strong>in</strong>g today.Lobaugh produced models from 1931through 1965, first under Mr Lobaughhimself and then under Earl Allison, thechief eng<strong>in</strong>eer and designer after Mr.Lobaugh’s death. S<strong>in</strong>ce then theLobaugh l<strong>in</strong>e has passed through manyhands over the years, gett<strong>in</strong>g split hereand there. It currently is divided amongthree concerns, Locomotive Workshop,Trackside Specialties and StevensonPreservation L<strong>in</strong>es. This last company`probably has the most extensive collectionand has resurrected the LobaughSP Mikado kit.Roll<strong>in</strong> Lobaugh was elected to the OScale Hall of Fame <strong>in</strong> 1995 at the Onationals <strong>in</strong> New Jersey. In 1996, hewas enrolled <strong>in</strong> the Model RailroadIndustry Association (MRIA) Hall ofFame.Though long gone, Lobaugh rema<strong>in</strong>s apillar of the O <strong>scale</strong> community both <strong>in</strong>material presence and <strong>in</strong> spirit. ◆Buy, Sell,TradeBuy-Sell-Trade ads are $5 for 30 words plusyour address <strong>in</strong>formation. Additional wordsare $0.25 each. Subscribers are permitted onefree ad per subscription cycle. All B-S-T adsare prepaid. You may send ads by postal servicewith a check or money order. Ads sent byemail or called <strong>in</strong> must use a credit card. Seeour contact <strong>in</strong>fo on page 2.FOR SALE: Nickel Plate/48: models, decals,parts for NKP O-Scalers. War baby cabooses,NKP-WLE 60 ton offset side hoppers byYoder, NKP-C&O hoppers, NKP Passengercars. Sign on for newsletter/mail<strong>in</strong>g list. MDavid Vaughn, 13732 Lakeside Dr,Clarksville, MD 21029-1345WANTED: Espee Steam, MG, USH, Sunset,<strong>Over</strong>land, Westside, Precision, Lobaugh, etc.Any condition. Also brass diesels, small tolarge, old and new. Email:hotrod57ford@hotmail.com, Albert EEsp<strong>in</strong>osa, 316 E Camden Ave, El Cajon, CA92020-4504FOR SALE: Brass Central Locomotive Workskit for SD 40-2. Pittman can motor & dynamicbrake pods <strong>in</strong>cluded. $275, plus $5 shipp<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> the lower 48. Phone: 713-690-2184Tom W Campbell, 9011 Eldora Dr, Houston,TX 77080-1720WANTED: <strong>Over</strong>land ALCO S-2/S-4, <strong>Over</strong>landearly F-3’s, PRR Broadway Ltd. coachand Pullman, Key RS-3, PSC PS-1 w/6’ door,PSC 8 or 10 hatch covered hopper. Phone503-452-2336 Frank Hillman, 10007 SWBalmer Cir., Portland, OR 97219-6374FOR SALE: PSC Railbus, $399, PSC X-29CP LNE $195, PSC 8000 Tanker CP Mobil$175, SS PRR PB-54 FP $249, PAC N&B boxCP $249. Will trade. Phone: 503-452-2336.Frank Hillman, 10007 SW Balmer Cir., Portland,OR 97219-6374WANTED: Scale drive units for <strong>Over</strong>landMILW EF-3 and Oriental GN Z-1 freight boxcabunits. Will trade dummy for power unit.Email: RRand 4449@aol.com44 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
Buy/Sell/TradeWSM PRR Q2 4-4-6-4, C/P, OB Ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,500.00OM NKP 2-8-4, N/P, Excellent, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,675.00USH UP 4-8-4, C/P 2-Tone Gray, Wtd, NOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,495.00USH PRR K4 4-6-2, Late Run, C/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,250.00USH NYC L4b,Klienschmidt Drive,C/P,OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,195.00MG B&O 2-8-8-4,C/P,NOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,450.00PSC C&O J3 #603,F/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,795.00SS N&W J 4-8-4,Rebuilt w/sound,C/P,OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,700.00MG PRR E6 4-4-2, C/P, NOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,475.00MG SP MT4 w/Icken Gears, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,895.00ALCO PRR StrL<strong>in</strong>ed K4, N/P, OB, M<strong>in</strong>t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,275.00OM NP A5 4-8-4, C/P, M<strong>in</strong>t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,895.00OM #0166 NP Z Class 4-6-6-4, C/P, M<strong>in</strong>t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,995.00USH AC12 4-8-8-2, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,595.00LOB SP MK-6 2-8-2, Built, Ptd, w/PSC Tender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,795.00PSC PRR B-6, 0-6-0 w/Straight Cyl<strong>in</strong>ders, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,450.00SS PRR I1 2-10-0, LN, 2-Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each 1,150.00OM #04291 Amtrak F40PH, Ph 1, F/P, Not Ltd, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .650.00OM ATSF FT AB passenger set,N/P,OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,395.00CW H16-44 , C/P ATSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,495.00OM #0561 ATSF FM “Erie Built” AB Set, F/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,095.00OM #0561 ATSF FM “Erie Built” A Unit, F/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,795.00(Above <strong>in</strong> ABA Set $4,550.00)MOM #0289/0291 F# AB Set, C/P D&RGW, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,495.00USH(KTM) GP35, Poor Pa<strong>in</strong>t, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375.00USH(KTM) FP45, C/P Amtrak, Fair Pa<strong>in</strong>t, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .555.00USH SD45, C/P SP, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .725.00Layaway AvailableJim HackworthMODEL TRAINS(and Subsidiary JH Consult<strong>in</strong>g)2631 Edgevale Road, Columbus OH 43221-1113Phone:614-4514517 Fax:6144514557E-mail: jhmtra<strong>in</strong>s@msn.comLSASE for Complete ListShipp<strong>in</strong>g 6% - $6.00 M<strong>in</strong>., $12.00 MaxOhio Residents Add 5.75% Sales TaxGet Real ProductionsPrototypical Model Railroad PhotographyThrough the use oflight<strong>in</strong>g, smoke, fog,and steam, our photographsproject specialmoods andportray the romanceof the rails. Ourartistic images areall photographed <strong>in</strong>our studio and areunretouched foradded realism.• Pr<strong>in</strong>ts • Calendars • Posters• Greet<strong>in</strong>g Cards • Postcards • Custom OrdersCall or write for our color brochure.“Our photos make model tra<strong>in</strong>s look real!”Get Real Productions11 Out of Bounds RoadPalmyra VA 22963Voice: 434-589-2660 • Fax: 434-589-4898 • kjkriigel@aol.comConsignmentsSS FM Tra<strong>in</strong>master, C/P SP Bloody Nose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,395.00OL GN 2-D-2 #5001/5002 Set, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,495.00OM #0543 UP SD60M, F/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,095.00Duddy PRR GG1, C/P Green 5-Stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .775.00PSC#15011 2-Bay OS Side Hopper, C/P, Wtd, C&O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195.00OM#0020 50' Flat, C/P ATSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295.00PL#300 PRR R-7 Reefer, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295.00Priester C/Built Morrell Reefers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each 159.00MG #120 TT Flats,C/P PRR w/USH RB Tks (30 available) . . . . . . . . .each 129.00PRB 60' Greenville Boxcars, Various Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each 300.00PRB 62' PC&F Boxcars, Various Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each 300.00SS Chessie Bay W<strong>in</strong>dow Caboose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.00OM #0717 Read<strong>in</strong>g Caboose, LN, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285.00OM#0752 NP Caboose, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375.00Alco PRR N6a, C/P or N/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each 225.00PSC #15283 40' Boxcar, C/P State of Ma<strong>in</strong>e,OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295.00ALW ATSF Chief Pullmans/D<strong>in</strong>er/Observation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each 475.00OM #0025 Bi-Level Auto Rack, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .495.00PRB Flats, Tanks, Plastic Boxcars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Call4-Car CB PRR MU set, Klienschmidt5 Car CP Passenger Tra<strong>in</strong> w/MG 4-4-014 Car SS Congressional Limited Complete13 Car Lionel Smithsonian NYC 20th Cent Set12 Car PRB SP Daylight SetLionel Smithsonian NYC Streaml<strong>in</strong>ed 4-6-4Writeor callformore<strong>in</strong>foEstates/LiquidationsCollection ReductionsO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 45
Crapolafrom theCupolaJohn C. SmithPecos River BrassChapter VMy first steam loco was about to become areal adventure. I wanted everyth<strong>in</strong>g to be perfect.I wanted a great model at a great price. Iwanted a sellout. Until now, most projectswere cost<strong>in</strong>g about $10 – $20K to produce.This would cost me about $45K. On the otherhand, the other projects were mak<strong>in</strong>g meabout $5 - $10K each and this would makeme $20 - $40K if it sold out like all the otherprojects had done. This project would put me<strong>in</strong> a position to f<strong>in</strong>ance my own projects andnot be dependent on the bank. That is what Iwanted and that is what the bank wanted.I did my market research. I really didn’twant another Santa Fe project as there werealready over 75 Santa Fe steam locos produced<strong>in</strong> HO Scale. I was tired of be<strong>in</strong>g “theSanta Fe guy” and wanted to expand. Truth is,I knew the Santa Fe, or knew where I couldget the <strong>in</strong>formation and I had thought that theSanta Fe had not gotten the respect that it wasdue. Sales proved me right there. My Santa Feprojects sold out every time. However, I wantedsometh<strong>in</strong>g different.It was to be a T&P 2-10-2. Other importershad done T&P locos <strong>in</strong> the 250 quantity rangeand sold out immediately. All the way from 2-10-4s to 0-6-0s and they were a sellout. The 4-6-2 and 4-8-2 were done and these beautifulpassenger locos didn’t even have any passengercars to pull. The T&P modelers wouldlove a mid size freight loco. It had the topmounted Elesco that was so popular amongT&P modelers and collectors. It was perfect. Iput my draftsman, Jim Nance on the projectand he was ready.I contacted a friend, Neil Dahl, who notonly was a T&P modeler, but a real pro at46 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>smechanisms and drive systems. I wanted thisto be perfect the first time. He got togetherwith my store repairman, Al Lautenslager, andwe came up with what we wanted. It tooksome time to get the plans drawn and dur<strong>in</strong>gthis time, we were not idle. I worked with Junat GangSan as he was quite eager to get <strong>in</strong>toHO steam. That was where the money was forhim, too.This is one of the best learn<strong>in</strong>g experiencesI have had. There was so much I didn’t know.When I get letters or comments from modelerstell<strong>in</strong>g me about the <strong>in</strong>accuracies of amodel, I must go back to this to expla<strong>in</strong>. It isimpossible to build a perfect model, 100%accurate to the prototype. Jun faxed me on thisloco and told me that very th<strong>in</strong>g. I had to makea choice. Did I want correct size drivers, correctsize flanges, or correct spac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> theframe? If you do <strong>scale</strong> flanges, the loco willnot stay on the track. If you oversize theflanges, and the drivers are the correct size,they will touch each other, unless you spacethem <strong>in</strong> the frame further apart. OK, thenwhich of the 5 drivers do you want <strong>in</strong> the correctposition? Do you want the first driver <strong>in</strong>it’s position and all others spaced back? Thenthe fifth driver might be under the cab. Do youwant the last driver <strong>in</strong> it’s proper position?Then the first driver might touch the cyl<strong>in</strong>ders.I just asked Jun to make a wise decision andhe did. In the model build<strong>in</strong>g process, thereare some th<strong>in</strong>gs that you want to accent bymak<strong>in</strong>g them larger, and some th<strong>in</strong>gs youwant to dim<strong>in</strong>ish or the model will lookwrong. This is only experience talk<strong>in</strong>g, but Iwill discuss this po<strong>in</strong>t many times.I remember very well the day the modelsarrived. The excitement here was high. I tookdelivery and we went right <strong>in</strong>to them, unpack<strong>in</strong>gand start<strong>in</strong>g to test. The excitement turnedquickly to depression. The first 11 modelswould not run. I was so depressed I could onlylay my head <strong>in</strong> my hands on the counter whilemy staff scurried to try and f<strong>in</strong>d one thatworked. We soon discovered what was wrong,and many of them were a quick fix. We fixedthe problem and started to ship to customers.Unfortunately it didn’t take long to fill ordersbecause all the market research we did musthave been <strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong>. We did 250 models and lessthan 100 sold <strong>in</strong> advance. Many of the majorhobby shops <strong>in</strong> the states where a T&P locowould sell, refused to carry the model. Saleswere terrible.I often hear “just build the model, it willsell. I know a dozen guys that want one or twoof those.” I want to pop the guy <strong>in</strong> the noseevery time I hear those words. Fact is, if itdoesn’t sell <strong>in</strong> advance, it won’t sell off theshelf. <strong>Over</strong> the years it will sell, but you can’tmake any money tak<strong>in</strong>g 8 years to sell out aproject.This was the project to make me $30-40Kand allow me to f<strong>in</strong>ance my own projectswithout the bank. I didn’t take <strong>in</strong> enoughmoney to pay the builder the $45K buildersprice, not alone customs and shipp<strong>in</strong>g, so Ihad to borrow from the bank. I ended up$20K <strong>in</strong> the hole, big debt for the first times<strong>in</strong>ce I started bus<strong>in</strong>ess. It was a beautifulmodel but a sales disaster.In h<strong>in</strong>dsight, I was offered to do only 150models at $195 each, or 250 models at $175each. I really believed that $20 FOB (about$40 retail) would make a difference. Besideseveryone else did 250 T&P models and soldout. I should have done 150 models. The factthat we had problems with them here shouldmean noth<strong>in</strong>g. I am judged by the models Iship out, not the models I get. The f<strong>in</strong>al productout of PRB was f<strong>in</strong>e. About 70 models hadto go back to Korea to be repaired, but aga<strong>in</strong>,that did not affect the model I shipped out ofPRB.I can tell you what others told me. Youth<strong>in</strong>k you have all the answers. You th<strong>in</strong>k youknow what will sell. You start out and producea few models that sell out <strong>in</strong>stantly, and youth<strong>in</strong>k you have conquered the bus<strong>in</strong>ess. It isnot a matter of “if” you will make a wrongdecision, it is a matter of “when” you willmake a wrong decision. Then it matters ifyour pockets are deep enough to survive thatpoor choice. It matters as to how thick yoursk<strong>in</strong> is. I will also tell you that you have to facethe music and be accessible. You have to go toshows and listen to the good and the bad. Youcannot hide from your customers and theircompla<strong>in</strong>ts. If they cannot see you, they willstart rumors about you and that is worse thanthe truth.◆
kit #18105 conta<strong>in</strong>s the tipple, headhouse, power house, storage shed, reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>garacter for $549.95! The tipple is approximately 45 x 90 <strong>scale</strong> feet with the overallabout 24" x 48". Not all details are shown <strong>in</strong> the photo!Years of79P O Box 561Seffner, FL 33583Phone: 813-<strong>64</strong>3-1105Fax: 813-681-7326Web: www.btsrr.comwww.master-creations.comE-Mail: bill@btsrr.comS.A.S.E. for price list.$6.00 s&h on all US orders.Full Catalog - $5.00O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 47
Proto48 Model<strong>in</strong>gGene Deiml<strong>in</strong>gThe challenge of model<strong>in</strong>g a m<strong>in</strong>ority<strong>scale</strong> is try<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong>formation on whatis available. Certa<strong>in</strong>ly any leap <strong>in</strong>to a newgauge such as Proto48 requires somethought and understand<strong>in</strong>g beforehand.Even standard O gauge presents a challengeto buy supplies <strong>in</strong> some areas of thecountry. As a primer to Proto48, it is appropriateto show the “what and where” as faras parts are concerned. We will focus onthe essentials like wheels, trucks and locoparts first.WHEEL SETS:Currently, Northwest Short L<strong>in</strong>e(NWSL) and Protocraft are sell<strong>in</strong>g wheelsfor cars and locomotives. They are available<strong>in</strong> several diameters and with differentaxle styles. The Protocraft wheels all comewith a blunt axle end as shown <strong>in</strong> thephoto. NWSL has both the po<strong>in</strong>ted-endand the blunt axle style.NORTHWEST SHORTLINE (NWSL)P. O. Box 423Seattle, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton 98111-0423Phone: 206-932-1087Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@nwsl.comWebsite: http://www.nwsl.comNWSL offers wheel sets <strong>in</strong> 30" , 33",36"and 40" <strong>in</strong> both blunt and po<strong>in</strong>ted-axlestyle. They are offer<strong>in</strong>g special axle lengthsto fit Atlas (Ch<strong>in</strong>a-made) cars, RedCaboose trucks, San Juan and others.NWSL also sells geared wheel assembliesfor the conversion of older style Weaverdiesel drives, Car Works brass diesels (withWeaver drives),P&D Hobbies F-unit andGP-9 drives, Red Caboose GP-9, Roco(Atlas) F-9 diesels and the Atlas SW-8/9diesel. The axle assemblies are well eng<strong>in</strong>eeredand the models can be convertedwith only a few simple tools like a screwdriverand such. The NWSL wheels andaxles are mach<strong>in</strong>ed steel with hard plastic<strong>in</strong>sulator. The wheel profile is with<strong>in</strong> thetolerances for Proto48 on flange height andtire width. The wheels are flat-backed lack<strong>in</strong>ga prototype contour. The wheel sets arewell made and accurately gauged. You canpurchase the wheel sets through a localhobby shop or by order<strong>in</strong>g via the Internetat some of the shops that offer secureservers for order<strong>in</strong>g. NWSL does acceptdirect orders and credit cards.WHEEL SETS & TRUCKS:PROTOCRAFT3165 California StreetSan Francisco, California 94115Phone: 415-563-1771Email: norm@protojournal.comWebsite: http://www.protojournal.comProtocraft offers a wide range of steelwheel sets all produced by Steve Grabowski.The wheels have a full front and rearcontour with tapered axles. They are veryrealistic look<strong>in</strong>g and are “dead-on” Proto48specifications. They are available <strong>in</strong> ablunt-ended axle only. Protocraft’s owner,Norm Buckhart, has produced wheels andaxle assemblies for convert<strong>in</strong>g steam locolead and trail<strong>in</strong>g trucks as well as Weaverdiesel drives and their derivatives such asP&D, Car Works and the older styleWeaver diesels with the s<strong>in</strong>gle motor. Protocraftare available direct only.Protocraft is currently offer<strong>in</strong>g fourmetal Proto48 trucks (Archbar, Andrews,AAR Double Truss and a T-section truck)that were orig<strong>in</strong>ally produced by ChoochEnterprises many years ago. Norm purchasedthe masters and had them completelyreworked by a master patternmaker. They are available <strong>in</strong> brass andwhite metal. The brass versions come completewith brake rigg<strong>in</strong>g. Protocraft alsosells a conversion kit for the brass P&DBlomberg diesel trucks. The kit is composedof new lost wax cast brass part toshorten the bolster permitt<strong>in</strong>g proper spac<strong>in</strong>gof the truck sideframes and geared 40”axle assemblies. The conversion takes a bitof time to do but the net result is worth theeffort.SAN JUAN CAR COMPANYPO Box 1028Durango, Colorado 81302Phone: 970-385-5256San Juan is currently offer<strong>in</strong>g five differentfreight car trucks <strong>in</strong> Proto48 (Archbar,Andrews, Dalhman, T-Section and AAR48 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
Double Truss [Bettendorf]). The trucks aremade from <strong>in</strong>jection molded styrene andeng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g plastic. They are fully detailedwith brake rigg<strong>in</strong>g and separate journallids. San Juan trucks are available throughretail hobby stores and can be ordered onl<strong>in</strong>efrom Caboose Hobbies.RICH YODER MODELS7 Edgedale CourtWyomiss<strong>in</strong>g, PA 19610Phone: 1-610-678-2834Email:richyoder@richyodermodels.comWebsite:http://www.richyodermodels.comRich Yoder is a new entry <strong>in</strong>to the worldof Proto48. He is import<strong>in</strong>g two fullyassembled brass trucks with mach<strong>in</strong>edsteel wheels. Yoder offers both 50-ton and70-ton versions of the AAR Double Trusstruck. They are well made and matchProto48 specifications on the gauge andwheel profile. You can order them directfrom Rich’s website. These are real timesaverss<strong>in</strong>ce they are fully assembled andpa<strong>in</strong>ted.I have not covered some of the goldenoldies like Grandt L<strong>in</strong>e 33” ribbed-backwheels, Henn<strong>in</strong>g/ Clouser steel wheels orthe venerable Lee Klaus brass trucks.Just over the horizon, Keystone Modelsis expected to release <strong>in</strong> brass and plasticPennsylvania Railroad 2DF8 50-ton freightcar trucks. This truck is the PRR’s mostcommon truck used on nearly all X-29,GLa, GLCa, and others.◆Reader Feedback...cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 42the metroWest O Scaler’s modules <strong>in</strong> afuture issue.]More on The Importer RoundtableI’m <strong>in</strong> Erie, PA and issue #4 was <strong>in</strong>the mailbox last Friday. Good job so far!It’s obvious that your post-Chicagoshow roundtable notes as to the future ofO <strong>scale</strong> have been very thought-provok<strong>in</strong>g.My own <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ations are similar towhat was written, i.e., upon see<strong>in</strong>g andpurchas<strong>in</strong>g the current generation ofAtlas products, it begs the question“Why would I ever spend $200 + for abrass car when this is available?”Of course there will always be thoseexceptions that crop up, but if you lookat what Atlas has done to the entire market...the way they have driven Weaver,K-L<strong>in</strong>e, MTH, and even Lionel to addmore fidelity to prototype (to wit: I justbought one of their new PS-5 drop-endgondola). And also the proliferation ofready-to-run from (especially) Intermounta<strong>in</strong>and Red Caboose where formerlythere were only kits available, onesuspects that the prices of (for example)Max Gray brass (like the offset hoppersor mill gons for around $150 unpa<strong>in</strong>ted)will need to adjust significantly if theyare to be sold at all.But then aga<strong>in</strong>, I could be entirelywrong! It just seems that the market isbe<strong>in</strong>g driven by different dynamics afterso many years without much change.And it will be very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to seewhat effects the new 2-rail Atlas trackwill have on the hobby.Your magaz<strong>in</strong>e came along at a goodtime and I like your format. Nice to seeGene Deiml<strong>in</strong>g’s work gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> front ofmore pairs of eyes. He’s a good writer andopenly shares a lot of useful techniqueswith anyone who shows an <strong>in</strong>terest.Best regards, Bob RothrockComments on Locomotive ReviewsA comment re: Harry Heike’s review,which you may feel free to forward tohim if he has email. I agree that it is notnecessary to give “laborious details oncurrent consumption,” as he put it, but itwould be nice to know the 12-volt speed<strong>in</strong> <strong>scale</strong> mph. This is not hard to determ<strong>in</strong>e,if one can measure eleven feet oftrack and has a good watch or stopwatch. Just divide the number of secondsto go that distance <strong>in</strong>to 360 andanswer is <strong>scale</strong> mph. (Eleven feet is 1 ⁄10<strong>scale</strong> mile and 360 is 1 ⁄10 the number ofseconds <strong>in</strong> an hour. Travers<strong>in</strong>g 11 feet<strong>in</strong> six seconds equals 60 <strong>scale</strong> mph, 12seconds for the distance divided <strong>in</strong>to360 equal 30 <strong>scale</strong> mph, etc. Simple.)There were a couple of typos whichcrept <strong>in</strong>to Harry’s review. The prototypeRDG tra<strong>in</strong> was the “K<strong>in</strong>g Coal.” (“K<strong>in</strong>gCole” was a nursery rhyme character, Ibelieve!) I am glad that Harry stated thedriver diameters matched the draw<strong>in</strong>ghe had. I have about 20 of these draw<strong>in</strong>gswhich were given to me by a friend(s<strong>in</strong>ce deceased) who lived <strong>in</strong> Yakima,Wash., and was an O <strong>scale</strong> modeler aswell as a live steamer <strong>in</strong> 7 1 ⁄2" gauge.It is very important, <strong>in</strong> my op<strong>in</strong>ion, tomention driver diameter <strong>in</strong> <strong>scale</strong> <strong>in</strong>chesfor the steamers which are derived from3-rail models, because several modelshave been made with undersized drivers.A couple of <strong>scale</strong> <strong>in</strong>ches off correctdiameter I can tolerate as equal to an<strong>in</strong>ch of tire wear, but go off by three<strong>scale</strong> <strong>in</strong>ches (= 1 ⁄10 <strong>in</strong>ch) and even myeyes can notice that much discrepancy.Weaver’s RDG Crusader used 77"drivers, which has made me leery oftheir two new unstreaml<strong>in</strong>ed Pacifics,because I am guess<strong>in</strong>g they used thesame chassis as the Crusader. I was wonder<strong>in</strong>gabout the G3, as it might havecome from the same builder as Weaverand perhaps used same chassis as well.Best regards, Woody Mathews ◆O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 49
EventsNovember 20022nd, Pennsylvania, W<strong>in</strong>d GapEastern O Scalers Swap Meet, Pla<strong>in</strong>fieldFire Hall, <strong>64</strong>80 Sullivan Trail, 9:00am to 1:00 pm. Info: EOS, PO Box1781, Bensalem, PA 19020; 215-639-38<strong>64</strong>; [www.EasternOScalers.com].2nd & 3rd, Ill<strong>in</strong>ois, Rockford9th Annual Midway Village & MuseumCenter Model Tra<strong>in</strong> Show, 6799 GuilfordRd, Noon to 5:00 pm. Info: 815-397-9112; email [Fsm1019@aol.com].9th, Kentucky, Carrollton,Kentucky Flyer RR Ltd Model RR Show &Swap Meet. Conference Center Hall,General Butler State Park, 10 Am to 4PM. Info: Chris Pape, 48 Tatum Rd, SulphurKY 40070, 502-743-541416th, Delaware, HartleyHartly Fire Co. Fall Model Tra<strong>in</strong> & ToyShow. Info: J. Allen Metheny, Sr., POBox 28 Hartly DE 19953.17th, Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaTCA Atlantic Division Tra<strong>in</strong> Meet,Pa<strong>in</strong>ter’s Union Hall, 2980 SouthamptonRd. Info: Bob Lubonski, 8 PheasantDr., Mt. Laurel NJ 08054. 856-608-9265.29th & 30th, Michigan, HollyDetroit Model Railroad Club, Inc.Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g Open House, 104 N Sag<strong>in</strong>awSt, Noon to 5 pm; $3, seniors $2,children 5-18 $1.50, children under 5free. Info: Edward MacDowell, DMRC,104 N Sag<strong>in</strong>aw St, Holly, MI 48442;(248) 634-5811.16th, Ohio, StrongsvilleAnnual Western Reserve O Scale Meet,Holiday Inn Select, Strongsville (one exitsouth of turnpike on I-71 and OhioRoute 82), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Info:Bob Boeddener, 32165 Hickory Ln,Avon Lake, OH 44012; 440-933-7169.December 20027th, New Jersey, Pleasantville2-Rail O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong> Show sponsoredby the Tuckahoe O Scalers at theEpiphany Lutheran Church Hall, Frankl<strong>in</strong>Blvd & Tunis Ave - Sale 10 am to 4 pm;Cl<strong>in</strong>ics; $3, family $5; tables $15 for1st table, $12 for each additional table(supports O Scale <strong>Layout</strong> Project at nearbyTuckahoe Railroad Museum; dealerschecks payable to John P. Dunn, Sr.).Info: John P. Dunn, Sr, 38 E Revere Ave,Northfield, NJ 08225; (609) 484-8125;email [JDUNN8888@aol.com].14th & 15th, Pennsylvania, GettysburgDouble Show: The Great Scale ModelTra<strong>in</strong> Show & The All-American High-Rail& Collectors Show at Gettysburg College.In the <strong>scale</strong> Show <strong>—</strong> Everyth<strong>in</strong>grelat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>scale</strong> model railroad<strong>in</strong>g fromZ to G or bigger plus books, scratchbuild<strong>in</strong>gsupplies, railroadiana, videosand electronics. In the Hi-Rail Show <strong>—</strong>all the above plus toys and anyth<strong>in</strong>gtra<strong>in</strong> related. Info: ECSMRA, 5236 ThunderHill Rd, Columbia, MD 21045;Howard Zane, (410) 730-1036; emailhzane1@hcomcast.net www.gsmts.comFebruary 200314th & 15th, California, Santa ClaraO Scale West 2003 will be held <strong>in</strong> theWest<strong>in</strong> Hotel Santa Clara <strong>in</strong> SantaClara, CA. There are some meet activitieson Thursday, February 13. <strong>Layout</strong>sare also open before and after the meet,<strong>in</strong> addition to dur<strong>in</strong>g the meet. Info: call650-329-0424 or visit http://www.rodmiller.com/osw2003.htmlAndersen’s Tra<strong>in</strong> Station 16AtlasOIBCBackshop Filmworks 16BTS 47California Roadbed Co. 16Central Locomotive Works 16Chicagoland 14Curved Benchwork 10Get Real Productions 43/45Jim Hackworth Model Tra<strong>in</strong>s 45Harry Hieke 45InterMounta<strong>in</strong> 35Mickeys Model Works 22NCE Corp 47Norm’s O Scale 41O Scale K<strong>in</strong>gs 44Advertisers IndexIn MemoriamHarry A Hieke, Sr.March 21, 1921 <strong>—</strong> July 31, 2002Devoted Pennsy railfan andextraord<strong>in</strong>ary O/HO <strong>scale</strong> modeler.Survived by his wife, twosons and a daughter. He madesure his family rode everymajor name tra<strong>in</strong> on everyClass 1 railroad <strong>in</strong> the U.S. andCanada <strong>in</strong> the 50’s and 60’s.His early HO and O <strong>scale</strong> modelswill be preserved by hisfamily. The purchase of acraftsman kit for a fledgl<strong>in</strong>gteenage modeler was alwaysaccompanied by an admonishmenttoward excellence.Dad, may you always ride <strong>in</strong>the fancy draw<strong>in</strong>g room <strong>in</strong> theobservation car, may your locoalways have cat’s whiskers andmay your position lights alwayshave cat’s eyes.Harry Hieke, Jr.O Scale National Convention 52O Scale Realty 21P&D Hobby Shop 14Pecos River BrassBCPrecision Scale Models IFCPRR Brass 21Public Delivery Track 31Red Caboose 37Rons Books 54Rich Yoder Models 52Russ Briggs Design 17SGL L<strong>in</strong>es 37Stevenson Preservation L<strong>in</strong>es 21Sunset Models Inc. 39T Bone Models 21Whitehall 5150 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
C6"FCar side sheetA6"10" 12" 6" 9" 18" 16""Carmer" Uncoupl<strong>in</strong>g LeverE.F. Bommer 9/6/02"Carmer" Uncoupl<strong>in</strong>g Lever UpdateBDC/L Coupler'A' Depth of mount<strong>in</strong>g depends ondepth of car end sill.'B' Measure to clear brake shaft andreta<strong>in</strong>er l<strong>in</strong>e by 4" m<strong>in</strong>imum.'C' Measure to clear car end sill by 6"m<strong>in</strong>imum.'D' End of lever must fall 4" below carside sill for clearance.'E' Coupler must be cleared by 4" m<strong>in</strong>imum.'F' <strong>Over</strong>all length is determ<strong>in</strong>ed bywidth of car. Push end of lever is evenwith car side. Coupler end is even withcoupler p<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> extreme right position.All dimensions shown are approximatefull <strong>scale</strong>.Whitehall HobbiesSpecializ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Brass Locomotives1431 W<strong>in</strong>drush Circle, Blacklick, Ohio 43004Voice: (614) 861-0018 - Fax: (614) 861-3034JWTra<strong>in</strong>s@aol.comEEditor’s Note: Several people wrote totell us that the diagram <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> thelast issue for the Carmer cut lever was<strong>in</strong>sufficient to figure out its shape. So,we asked author Ed Bommer to do us abetter sketch. Here it is. Also, check thephoto on page 48.C&LS C&O H6 2-6-6-2 Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted Rd#1492 TRO New (M<strong>in</strong>t) $3,250.00Key D&RGW L-105 4-6-6-4 Post-War Version 3710 Class Fly<strong>in</strong>g Rio GrandeExhaust Steam Injector Air Radiator Smoke Consumer and <strong>Over</strong>fire JetsFactory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted - Green Boiler Box Pox Driver Road No. 3711 New $3,495.00OMI N&W J-1, 4-8-4 “War Baby”, As Built 1943 Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted Black,Lettered, Lights Road Nos. 605, 607, 608, 610 Double Side Rods, $2,200.00OMI N&W J, 4-8-4 Streaml<strong>in</strong>ed, As Built 1941-1945 Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted Black,Lettered, Lights Road Nos. 600, 603 Double Side Rods, $2,200.00OMI N&W J, 4-8-4 Streaml<strong>in</strong>ed, Excursion Version Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted Black,Lettered, Lights Road Nos. 611 S<strong>in</strong>gle Side Rods, $2,200.00OMI SP&S 28 4-6-6-4 Unpa<strong>in</strong>ted Very Little Tarnish TRO New $3,200.00PFM D&RGW C-48 2-8-0 Custom Ptd Rd#1168 Lights - Coal Load $1,595.00PSC SP AC-9 2-8-8-4 Coal Version 222 R-1 Tender Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted - BlackBoiler New $3,195.00PSC UP Bull Moose 2-8-8-0 Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted as 1940’s Version Road Nos.3551 and 3553 New $3,295.00PSC UP Bull Moose 2-8-8-0 Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted, 1950’s Version Road Nos. 3519and 3560 New $3,295.00PSC N&W Z1a 2-6-6-2 Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted Road No. 1394 Serial No. 5 of 8 New$2,975.00PSC N&W Z1b 2-6-6-2 Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted Rd#'s 462 or 1438 New $2,975.00PSC NYC S1a 4-8-4 Custom Pa<strong>in</strong>ted by Bernie Beedy Crown Series New$3,995.00PSC UP Challenger 4-6-6-4 “Crown Series” Unpa<strong>in</strong>ted New (M<strong>in</strong>t) Very Scarce- Real Collector’s Item $5,500.00Westside Western Maryland Shay Three Truck Unpa<strong>in</strong>ted New (M<strong>in</strong>t - TestRun Only) $1,850.00Diesel and Turb<strong>in</strong>e Locomotives OMI UP No. 80 Coal Turb<strong>in</strong>e UP FactoryPa<strong>in</strong>ted Lettered, Lights Road No. 80 $4,760.00OMI 120 Ton Crane Open Cab Version Industrial Brownhoist Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>tedBlack, Unlettered OMI No. 0027.1 New $1,195.00OMI N&W Five Car Passenger Set Powhatan Arrow Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted New$4,600.00Key NYC K3q 4-6-2, Factory Pa<strong>in</strong>ted, Rd# 4615, New $2550.00Key NYC K3n 4-6-2, Factory pa<strong>in</strong>ted, Rd#4740, new $2550.00Key B&A K3n 4-6-2, Factory pa<strong>in</strong>ted, Rd#506, New $2550.ooBLW D&RGW M-<strong>64</strong> 4-8-4, factory pa<strong>in</strong>ted Black, Rd#1701, New $1650.00Kohs & Co. NYC J3a 4-6-4, Factory Ptd, Rd#5426, Late version Pt4 Tender,Scull<strong>in</strong> Disk drivers, regular rods $4000.00Kohs & Co. NYC J3a 4-6-4, Factory Ptd, Rd#5447, Late version Pt4 Tender,Boxpok drivers, roller bear<strong>in</strong>g rods $4000.00O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 51
F<strong>in</strong>e Quality O Scale Brass ModelsRich YoderModelsUSRA 70 ton Steel Sided,46 ft Mill GondolaFive Versions - NYC (Shown) RDG, PRR, and B&OOur model will feature all brass construction, fullunderbody detail, drop ends, drop brake staff andKadee couplers.pilot modelC&O 90700 SeriesWood CabooseVISA andMaster CardNow acceptedOur model will feature all brass constructionand Kadee couplers. The caboose is availablefactory pa<strong>in</strong>ted, lettered (four numbersavailable), with trucks and couplers for $275. Itsalso available undecorated for $260 orunpa<strong>in</strong>ted for $245.pilot modelwww.richyodermodels.com7 Edgedale Court, Wyomiss<strong>in</strong>g, PA 19610 - Phone: 1-610-678-2834Where The Eagle Meets The Chief!2003 O Scale National ConventionSheraton Grand at DFW Airport • Sunday, June 8 thru Wed, June 11Hosted by Pecos River Brass, The Prime Time Model Railroaders & The DFW O ScalersContact the hotel at 972-929-8400. Ask for the O Scale national room rate of $92 sgl/dbl.NO park<strong>in</strong>g charges. Room rates good for 3 days either side of the convention.Rates – Full fare (spouse & children under 16 free): $45 • Sale tables: $40 • Banquet: $45Activities – Trade Show/Flea Markets • Cl<strong>in</strong>ics • Model <strong>Contest</strong> • <strong>Layout</strong>s • ToursFor more <strong>in</strong>formation contact John C. Smith, Pecos River Brass, 560 E Church St,Lewisville TX 75057 USA • 972-219-0202 • john@pecosriverbrass.comPhotos by Dick Kuelbs52 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
Where The Eagle Meets The Chief!2003 O Scale National Convention PreviewJune 8, 2003 - Day IWhy would anyone want to come to Texas <strong>in</strong> June? This isthe question I often hear when I ask someone if they will becom<strong>in</strong>g to the O Scale National <strong>in</strong> Dallas next June. Well, letme help you with that. Dallas is 5 hours from any coast, orlarge body of water. We are a semi-arid climate and experiencetemperatures <strong>in</strong> the low 80s <strong>in</strong> early June. This is no warmerthan many other parts of the country <strong>in</strong> the Summer. Now <strong>in</strong>July-August, this might be another story, but we are talk<strong>in</strong>gabout early June. And, yes, just about every square foot of<strong>in</strong>door space is air conditioned <strong>in</strong> our modern city. If I can visitChicago every chilly March, certa<strong>in</strong>ly folks up North can visitDallas <strong>in</strong> June.In a series of 4 articles, I hope to give you lots of reasons tokeep the “round rob<strong>in</strong>” O Scale National alive, and come visitus <strong>in</strong> Texas. I’m go<strong>in</strong>g to start with DAY 1. Yes, we do th<strong>in</strong>gs alittle different <strong>in</strong> Texas (even though I am a native Iowan) andour convention runs from Sunday through Wednesday. Mythoughts are “When you are on vacation, every day is Saturday.”We got a better hotel rate of $101 a night (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g taxesand park<strong>in</strong>g) by keep<strong>in</strong>g their Saturday night open for wedd<strong>in</strong>gsand other functions. The host hotel is the SheridanGrande on Highway 114 <strong>in</strong> Irv<strong>in</strong>g, Texas, just out of the northside of the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, and the hotel has shuttlesto get you from and to the airport. So, <strong>in</strong>stead of hav<strong>in</strong>g aweekend to travel home from the national, you have a weekendto travel to the convention. Also, the Sheridan will grantyou the convention room rate for three days on either side ofthe convention dates for those of you who wish to stay a littlelonger.Perhaps some of you will come <strong>in</strong> on Saturday to savesome airl<strong>in</strong>e travel expenses, and we welcome you early birds.All pre-registrations will be sent letters with th<strong>in</strong>gs to do <strong>in</strong> thearea from Six Flags <strong>Over</strong> Texas, to museums, golf courses,shopp<strong>in</strong>g, theaters and many f<strong>in</strong>e restaurants. There will besome layouts open early, and we will send you a railfan mapof the area if you wish to chase tra<strong>in</strong>s.Registration will start on Sunday, June 8, 2003. Dealerswho order tables can start to set up for the show, and get readyfor three days/20 hours of trad<strong>in</strong>g and sell<strong>in</strong>g. The modularrailroads can set up and track test your layouts. We are plann<strong>in</strong>gon hav<strong>in</strong>g On3, P48, standard gauge, and perhaps hi-railmodular railroads on site. We are also hop<strong>in</strong>g to start the firstO Scale National O-Track Modular system where we canhook up modules from all over the USA <strong>in</strong> one large O Scalelayout to make all those N-trackers envious. If you would likemore <strong>in</strong>formation about jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g this group and build<strong>in</strong>g andbr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a module to the convention, contact Pecos John atjohn@pecosriverbrass.com or call (972) 219-0202.One of the advance extra fare activities will be on Sunday,June 9, a ride on the Tarantula Steam Tra<strong>in</strong> [http://www.tarantulatra<strong>in</strong>.com]from Grapev<strong>in</strong>e, TX (about 2 miles from thehotel) to the Fort Worth area Stock Yards. This is a revivedtourist area where you can buy some boots and a hat, go honkytonk<strong>in</strong>’ and play cowboy for a while or just watch the othersilly tourists do it. The tra<strong>in</strong> returns at approximately 6:30 PMand we’ll have a good old fashion Texas BBQ d<strong>in</strong>ner (alsoextra fare.) You won’t go to bed hungry, and there will be nosushi (bait) served.Later on Sunday even<strong>in</strong>g, Bob Courtney and Dick Kuelbs,represent<strong>in</strong>g the two host clubs, the Prime Time O Scalers andDFW O Scalers, will give you a professional slide show thatyou won’t want to miss. I realize that some of you Pennsymodelers don’t know much about Southwest railroads, butDallas/Ft. Worth is “Where the (T&P) Eagle Meets the (SF)Chief.” Both Bob and Dick have been tak<strong>in</strong>g photos of tra<strong>in</strong>sfor many years <strong>in</strong> this area and they are putt<strong>in</strong>g together a slideshow with music that is a must see. Every time I attend one oftheir shows, I see slides of cars and locomotives that I nevereven knew existed before. And s<strong>in</strong>ce Texas is off the beatenpath for O Scale Conventions, I doubt if you have seen themeither.Well that is Day 1, of our four day convention. I realizethere are great O Scale meets around the country, because Ihave been to most of them. These are great swap meets. Someeven have great cl<strong>in</strong>ics, and great layouts to see. But the OScale National is a social event. We will have a trade show,cl<strong>in</strong>ics, <strong>in</strong>fomercials, tours (watch for Day 2), layouts, ladiesevents and more, but you are go<strong>in</strong>g to eat some great food,meet some really nice people, and see some th<strong>in</strong>gs that youcan’t see anywhere else but here <strong>in</strong> the DFW area. You mightnot sell or buy as much as you would like, but you’re gonna gohome with a smile on your face and a full tummy. We’regonna have a party like you’ve never had before, so plan onstay<strong>in</strong>g right on through the Wednesday night banquet andbr<strong>in</strong>g your wife... or girlfriend... or both! Have you been to[http://www.pecosriverbrass.com/band/] and listened to theband yet?More to come next issue...◆O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 53
Check our updated,fully secure Web site regularly forspecials available only on the web:www.ronsbooks.come-mail us at:ronsbooks@aol.com101 Projects for Model Railroaders . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.25A Companion to Canadian Nat’l Pass. Equipment 49.50A History of Railroads <strong>in</strong> Western New York - Dunn31.50A Photo History of the Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Edward Island Ry . .23.25Along the ET & WNC Vol 1 or 2 each . . . . . . . . . . .27.25American Car & Foundry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65.00American Streaml<strong>in</strong>er Postwar Years . . . . . . . . . . .42.00Appalachian Coal Hauler-Interstate RR . . . . . . . . . .27.00Atlanta Birm<strong>in</strong>gham & Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33.00Atlantic Coast L<strong>in</strong>e-Standard RR of the South . . . .32.00Baldw<strong>in</strong> Diesels <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 1 A-G or 2 H-P each 48.00BNSF 2002 Locomotive Review & Freight Car Dir. 35.00Boston & Ma<strong>in</strong>e City & Shore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72.00Boston & Ma<strong>in</strong>e - Forest, River Mounta<strong>in</strong> . . . . . . . .72.00Boston & Ma<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> the 19th Century or 20th Century .ea18.25Bridges 3000 Years of Defy<strong>in</strong>g Nature . . . . . . . . .18.25Bridg<strong>in</strong>g the Hudson-Poughkeepsie (NY) Bridge .s/c 22.25Budd Passenger Cars Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 . .each 36.00Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh - Pietrak . . . . . . . .23.25Burl<strong>in</strong>gton Route - Early Zephyrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.00California Trolleys <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 1 San Diego & LA .48.00Canadian National Motive Power Review as of 6/30/99 29.25Canadian National Railway (Del Grosso) . . . . . . . . .35.00Canadian Trackside Guide/Trackside Guide (2 books) 35.50Classic Railroad Advertis<strong>in</strong>g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36.00CNW F<strong>in</strong>al Freight Car Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59.00Const. <strong>in</strong> K<strong>in</strong>gston-Canada Loco Co’s 1854-1968 60.00Critters, D<strong>in</strong>kys & Centercabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26.25CSX Transportation Freight Equipment . . . . . . . . . .23.25E-Units: Electro-Motive’s Classic Streaml<strong>in</strong>ers . . . .20.25Evolution of New York City Subways . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Freight Term<strong>in</strong>als & Tra<strong>in</strong>s (Droege) S/C . . . . . . . .40.00Ghost Railroads of Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25The Green L<strong>in</strong>e- C<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati, Newport & Cov<strong>in</strong>gton Ry .50.00Hamilton’s Other Railway (Cooper) . . . . . . . . . . . . .56.00History of J.G. Brill Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Ill<strong>in</strong>ois Central Color Pictorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.00Images of America - Hoboken - Colrick . . . . . . . . .18.00Interurban Electric Locomotives (Baldw<strong>in</strong>) . . . . . . .30.00Lake Shore Electric Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54.00Landmarks on the Iron Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36.00A Logger’s Lexicon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Logg<strong>in</strong>g Railroads of the Saco River Valley . . . . . .23.25The Magor Car Company (Kam<strong>in</strong>ski) . . . . . . . . . . .51.25Mil. Rd Depots 1856-1954 Photo Archive . . . . . . .27.25Milwaukee Road Olympian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36.00NEB&W Guide to HO Freight Cars Part A . . . . . . . .27.00New Haven Color Pictorial Vol 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00New Haven Power - Staufer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72.00New Haven RR Old Colony Div/Boston Div-(2 books) 26.50New Haven Roll<strong>in</strong>g Stock Vols 1 & 2 (2 books) . . .28.50New York Central <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 1 -Doughty . . . . . . .48.00New York Central Color Pictorial Vol 1 45.00 Vol 255.00New York Subway Cars R1 - R110 - Greller . . . . . .45.0054 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>sRon’s BooksP.O. BOX 714, HARRISON, NY 10528YOUR ONE STOP BOOK AND VIDEO SHOP(914)967-7541 11AM to 10PM EST; FAX (914)967-7492 24HRSpecial Offer - DVD’s For RailfansAmerican Railroad Collection DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.25B & O Odyssey Vol 1 or Vol 2 DVD each . . . . . . . .25.25Extreme SP DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26.25Go<strong>in</strong>’ to Kansas City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25.25Milwaukee Road I, II, & III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25.25New York Central Indiana Division DVD- (Herron) CallNew York Central Reflections DVD-(Herron) CallThe Rock Tra<strong>in</strong>s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.25Union Pacific Big Boy Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32.25Western Pacific V<strong>in</strong>tage West DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.25Oldies But Goodies - Limited QuantitiesAlong the East Broad Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.50American Diesel Locomotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.00Birm<strong>in</strong>gham Southern Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39.00Classic Freight Cars Vol 4 Open & Closed Hoppers . . .27.00Classic Locomotives Vol 1, 2 or 3 each . . . . . . . . . .33.00Louisville & Nashville Passenger Tra<strong>in</strong>s . . . . . . . . .35.00Pool Power West -ATSF/BN/SP/UP/AMTRAK . . . .45.00Queen of the Sea Routes - Baltimore Frt & Pass (Nautical)34.00Rights of Tra<strong>in</strong>s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.00Sawmill Model<strong>in</strong>g (1850-1960) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20.25Seaboard Air L<strong>in</strong>e- Griff<strong>in</strong> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35.00Steam’s Camelot - Southern/Norfolk Sou. . . . . . . .36.00Steel Rails to the Sunrise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.00Trackside Maryland - Gallagher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Union Pacific Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Cars - Barger . . . . . . . . . . .45.00West Side Pictorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48.00Work<strong>in</strong>g on the Western Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.50“WHAT’S NEW?”A. C. Gilbert’s Postwar Amer. Flyer-S-Gauge Ref Man. 23.25A Colorful Look at Erie Lackawanna . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25Anglo-Chilean Nitrate & Railway Company . . . . . . .28.00Antofagasta (Chili) & Bolivia Railway-FCAB & Locos . .28.00Appalachian Conquest- C&O, N&W, VGN, & Cl<strong>in</strong>chfield . .27.00Atlantic Coast L<strong>in</strong>e D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Car Book . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25Baldw<strong>in</strong> Diesels <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 3 Q-Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48.00BNSF Northwest, BNSF RY <strong>in</strong> the Pacific Northwest . .45.00Boston’s Red L<strong>in</strong>e - Bridg<strong>in</strong>g the Charles. . . . . . . . .19.25California High Country Narrow Gauge Railroads .36.00Canadian Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24.75Capitol Transit-Wash<strong>in</strong>gton’s Streetcars 1933-1962 . .60.00Central Railway of Peru & Cerro de Pasco . . . . . . .28.00Chesapeake & Ohio <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 1-Plant . . . . . . . . .48.00Chicago & Alton Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Chicago Burl<strong>in</strong>gton & Qu<strong>in</strong>cy <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 4 - Spoor . .48.00Chicago Tunnel Story - Explor<strong>in</strong>g 40 Ft Below-Moffat .49.50Climax Locomotive -Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61.50Comprehensive Guide to Industrial Locos 3rd edition .23.50Connecticut Whistle Stops- Greenwich to New Haven 18.25Daylight Tra<strong>in</strong> 98-99 - Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112.50Duluth Missabe & Iron Range <strong>in</strong> Color- Schauer . .48.00EMD Classic Cowl Units-Graham-White . . . . . . . . .55.00Evolution of New York City Subways . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Field Guide to Modern Diesel Locomotives . . . . . .26.25Florence & Cripple Creek RR - 40 Miles to Fortune 54.00Great Northern Pictorial Vol 6 Freight Operations .58.50Great Northern RY Ore Docks of Lake Superior . . .27.25Ill<strong>in</strong>ois Central Photo Archive 1854-1960 . . . . . . . .27.25In Search of Steam Donkeys h/c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49.50Island Timber - Comox Logg<strong>in</strong>g Co.-Vancouver Is. . .36.00J.L. Cowen’s Postwar Lionel Tra<strong>in</strong>s-O Ga. Ref. Man.1 27.25Light Rail & Short Ties Through the Notch-Stony Clove & Catskill Mt.RR . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.50L<strong>in</strong>coln Funeral Tra<strong>in</strong>-F<strong>in</strong>al Journey & Nat’l Funeral . . .25.25Loco Facilities CNW & CSt.PM&O Vol 1 -40.50; Vol 2 44.50Milwaukee Road 1928 - 1985 -Scribb<strong>in</strong>s . . . . . . . .54.00Monon <strong>in</strong> Color-Lewnard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48.00Monon Route - Hoosier L<strong>in</strong>e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Narrow Gauge <strong>in</strong> theSheepscot Valley Vol 1-35.00; Vol II 30.00New York Central Facilities <strong>in</strong> Color -Doughty . . . .48.00New York City Trolleys <strong>in</strong> Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48.00New York Harbor Railroads Vol 1-44.00; Vol 2 . . .48.00Norfolk & Western .as I Knew It - Thieme . . . . . . . .59.50Official Railroad Equipment Register Jan, 1943 . . .45.00Passenger Cars # 2 - Streaml<strong>in</strong>e Cars - Carstens .30.00Pennsy Pass Equip. Vol.1 Coaches/Vol.2 Sleepers 27.00Pennsy’s P-5 Electrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25.25Philip R. Hast<strong>in</strong>gs: Portrait of the Pennsylvania RR . . .45.00PRR Diesel Loco Pictorial Vol 7 . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25PRR Triumph V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58.50Rahway Valley Railroad - Maxton . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.25Railroad Cities - Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield, MA/Providence, RI (2 books) .27.50Railroads of Hoboken and Jersey City - French . . .18.25Rails Remembered: V 4 The Tale of the Turb<strong>in</strong>e- Newton .55.00Rails Across the Mississippi - Hist. St. Louis Bridge40.00Rails Under The Mighty Hudson s/c 18.00; h/c . . .27.00Railway Prototype Cyclopedia Vol 7 . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25Railways of Lat<strong>in</strong> America <strong>in</strong> Historic Postcards . .32.00Rio Grande Color Pictorial Vol 1 1930’s - 50’s . . . .55.00Rockville Bridge- Rails Across the Susquehanna .27.25Royal Blue L<strong>in</strong>e - Harwood s/c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21.25Sacramento Northern Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26.25Santa Fe Heritage Vol 3 - Priest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.00Santa Fe Steam Vol 4 1200 series 4-6-2’s . . . . . . .23.25Santa Fe Steam Vol 5 2-10-4 Texas Type . . . . . . . .23.25Seaboard D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Car Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25So. Pacific Freight Cars Vol 1-Gondolas & Stock Cars 60.00So. Pacific <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 2 - Black Daylights-Black Widows .48.00SP Vol 19 Mallets & Articulateds . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25St. Louis Union Station, MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19.00Steam Loco Coal<strong>in</strong>g Stations & Diesel Fuel<strong>in</strong>g Facilities18.25The Eng<strong>in</strong>e’s Moan - American Steam Whistles . .36.00The RGS Story Vol. 2 (Repr<strong>in</strong>t) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65.00The Steam-L<strong>in</strong>ers Streaml<strong>in</strong>ed Steam - Holland . .27.00Trackside Along the New Haven 1950-1956with Arthur E. Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48.00Tra<strong>in</strong>s & Technology Vol 1 55.00; Vol 2 . . . . . . . .60.00U<strong>in</strong>tah Railway Pictorial Vol 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49.50Uncle Sam’s Locomotives - USRA . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Wheel<strong>in</strong>g & Lake Erie - Ohio Coal Hauler Vol 2 . . .27.00Wired for Success- Butte, Anaconda & Pacific 1892-1985 29.00Discount Prices & Never a Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Charge with<strong>in</strong> the U.S.New York, Susquehanna & Western <strong>in</strong> Color . . . .48.00Northern Pacific Color Pictorial Vol 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .60.00Pacific Fruit Express-Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68.00Passenger Cars # 1 Plans & Pictures, Wood & Hvwt. .30.00Pennsy Electric Years <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 2 . . . . . . . . . . . .48.00Pennsy Power - Staufer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Pennsy Power III - Staufer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68.00Pennsylvania RR Color Pictorial Vol. 1 or 2 each .45.00Pennsylvania RR Steel Open Hopper Cars . . . . . . .21.25Pere Marquette Revenue Freight Cars . . . . . . . . . . .32.00Pittsburgh & Lake Erie RR <strong>in</strong> Color Vol 1 1976-1992 .48.00PRR Color Guide to Frt. & Pass. Equipment Vol 3 .48.00PRR Diesel Loco Pictorial Vol 6 EMD & ALCO Cab .23.25PRR Triumph I, II, III or IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each 58.50Railroad Atlas of No. America: The Northeast (Revised);New England & Maritime Canada; Texas; Prairies West;CA&NV; GLW; So. East; PNW; GLE; CO&UT; AZ&NM;Appl. & Pied.; Mtns & Pla<strong>in</strong>s; So. States . . .each 23.25Railway Ma<strong>in</strong>tenance Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25Ry Prototype Cyclopedia Vol 1,3-5 ea 19.25; Vol 6 . . .20.25Read<strong>in</strong>g Company Cabooses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Remember<strong>in</strong>g Midwestern Alcos - Olmsted . . . . .29.00The RGS Story Vol 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 ea. . . . . .65.00Rio Grande’s La Veta Pass Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Santa Fe Heritage Vol 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.00Santa Fe the Chief Way (softcover) . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25Santa Fe to Phoenix - Railroads of Arizona vol 5 . .58.50Santa Fe Waycars- Priest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.00Set Up Runn<strong>in</strong>g-Life of PRR Eng<strong>in</strong>eer 1904-49 . . .36.00Shay Logg<strong>in</strong>g Locos at Cass, WV 1900-1968 . . . .25.00So. Pacific Pass. Tra<strong>in</strong>s Consists & Cars 1955-58 36.00Southern Pacific’s Coast L<strong>in</strong>e Pictorial . . . . . . . . . .58.50Southern Pacific Historic Diesels Vol 5 - 8 each . .23.25Southern Pacific San Joaqu<strong>in</strong> Valley . . . . . . . . . . .50.00SP Pictorials Volumes 11 thru 18 each . . . . . . . . . .23.25Standard Guide to Athearn Model Tra<strong>in</strong>s . . . . . . . .23.25Steam <strong>Over</strong> Palmerston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.00Streetcar Days <strong>in</strong> Honolulu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.00Sudbury Electric & Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53.00Sunset on the Sandy River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30.00This Tra<strong>in</strong> is Bound For Glory- Chapel Cars . . . . . .44.00Trackside Around New York City 1953-68 . . . . . . .48.00Travel<strong>in</strong>g on the Pennsylvania Railroad - Rao . . . .45.00Trolley Buses 1910-2001 Photo Archive . . . . . . . .27.25Two Feet to Tidewater - WW&F expanded edition .54.00Union Pacific Locomotive Directory 2002-2003 . .23.25Union Pacific’s Turb<strong>in</strong>e Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00West Virg<strong>in</strong>ia’s Coal & Coke Railroad . . . . . . . . . . .27.00Western Maryland Trackside With George Leilich .48.00Western New York & Pennsylvania Ry - Pietrak . .23.25Western Pacific Color Guide to Frt & Pass Equip . .48.00Western Pacific Color Pictorial Vol 1-45.00 Vol 2 .55.00When the Railroad Leaves Town h/c 36.00 . s/c23.25When the Steam Railroads Electrified . . . . . . . . . . .58.50Wood & Iverson: Loggers of Tiger Mounta<strong>in</strong> . . . . .27.00World’s Greatest Steam Locos-C&O,N&W,&UP . .27.00RON’S COLLECTOR’S CORNERBeg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs of the New York Central RR-Stevens 100.00Cajon- Rail Passage to the Pacific - Walker . . . . . . .95.00Centennial Historyof the Pennsy RR.-Burgess & Kennedy 100.00Century of Pullman Cars 2 vols. - Barger . . . . . . .225.00Century of Southern Pacific Steam Locos-Dunscomb175.00Dawn of the Diesel Age - Kirkland . . . . . . . . . . . . .135.00Daylight Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160.00Electric Way Across the Mounta<strong>in</strong>s - Ste<strong>in</strong>heimer275.00Fogg & Steam h/c - Clodfelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250.00Great Railroad Photos w/slipcase -Beebe . . . . . . .250.00Heisler Locomotives - Kl<strong>in</strong>e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245.00Keep<strong>in</strong>g the Railroads Runn<strong>in</strong>g (NYC) - Borntrager . . .50.00Milwaukee Road Remembered - Scribb<strong>in</strong>s . . . . . .85.00Mr. L<strong>in</strong>coln’s Military Railroads- Meredith . . . . . .100.00New York Central Color Photo-Nowak 3 vols w/slipcase175.00Portrait of a Silver Lady - w/slipcase-MacGregor .125.00Rails <strong>in</strong> the Mother Lode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125.00Rails Through the Orange Groves Vol 1 & 2 . . . .120.00San Diego & Arizona - Hanft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85.00Santa Fe Trails 2 -Olmsted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70.00Superpower-Mak<strong>in</strong>g of a Locomotive-Weitzman .50.00The Q - History of B&O Q Class Mikado . . . . . . . .150.00Union Pacific History 2 vols - Kle<strong>in</strong> . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00Wreck of the Penn Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00We have many more titles <strong>in</strong> stock.Please send us your “want” list.Send $2.00 for latest list. All orders must be paid <strong>in</strong> U.S. funds. NY residents please add correct sales tax. Pr<strong>in</strong>t your name, address and phone number. Creditcard users add card number and expiration date. Allow 4 weeks for delivery. For delivery outside of USA please add $8.00 for the first book and $3.00 for each additional book.Make checks payable to Ron’s Books. Only <strong>in</strong>quiries which <strong>in</strong>clude a SASE will be answered. Prices subject to change.WE BUY COLLECTIONS
Central Jersey “O” ScalersModular Railroad<strong>in</strong>gA shot of the ma<strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with a double headed Pennsy freight pass<strong>in</strong>gHelena on CJOS' Pete Hess' modules.Pete HessSO WHERE’S THE THIRD RAIL?I have been display<strong>in</strong>g O <strong>scale</strong> to thegeneral public for over twenty years.The first operational O <strong>scale</strong> layout I builtwas the famous John Allen Switch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Contest</strong><strong>Layout</strong>, fully landscaped with build<strong>in</strong>gs,trees and populated with assorted people andautos. I built it specifically for the first-everBedford NH BOOMERS model railroadopen-to-the-general-public Exhibition (now<strong>in</strong> its twentieth year). My “layout” was a bighit at the show, as it was the only two-rail Orepresented and it seemed most folks hadnever seen the <strong>scale</strong> before. I set it up sothose guests, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the kiddies, wereable to operate the All-Nation NW-2 switcherI had used.The old Newark (NJ) Model Club hadbeen do<strong>in</strong>g modular layouts far longer than Ihad. They built a portable layout <strong>in</strong> the early70’s that they displayed <strong>in</strong> malls and at localmodel railroad shows for many years, longbefore ‘modular layouts’ became the vogue.Follow<strong>in</strong>g the club clos<strong>in</strong>g, the late JimPirkey, a former member, acquired the oldlayout and brought it to New Hampshire.Jo<strong>in</strong>ed by Russ Kress, a New Jersey residentand a former member of the Newarkclub, we upgraded the layout and displayedit at the annual BOOMER show and localNew England model railroad shows. Especiallyhelpful, we always made an effort toset up next to a Lionel portable layout wherefolks could compare the model<strong>in</strong>g possibilitiesand advantages of two-rail O.Now the po<strong>in</strong>t of all this is that over theyears it became pretty obvious to us thatthere was a great deal of <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> our <strong>scale</strong>from advanced modelers but also the laypublic. Hav<strong>in</strong>g just relocated, I jo<strong>in</strong>ed Russ<strong>in</strong> the Central Jersey O Scalers round-rob<strong>in</strong>group. Now that the old Newark portablelayout was retired, we decided to come upwith a way to show off our <strong>scale</strong> while permitt<strong>in</strong>gothers to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>. Hav<strong>in</strong>g seen theadvantages of HO modular layouts, wedecided to develop our own modular system.We learned that a colleague, Bill Driscoll(Custom Tra<strong>in</strong>s, Bath, NH), was build<strong>in</strong>g amodular layout and together with his sons,was display<strong>in</strong>g it at various railroad shows <strong>in</strong>the northeast with great <strong>in</strong>terest and success.Our first two six-foot modules were constructedto match up with Bill’s layout andwere shown at the annual Amherst Society,Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield, Mass. “Big Tra<strong>in</strong> Show” <strong>in</strong> thew<strong>in</strong>ter of ’96. Shortly after, several membersof the Eastern O Scalers developed an <strong>in</strong>terestand began build<strong>in</strong>g modules to jo<strong>in</strong> us.S<strong>in</strong>ce then, we have greatly expanded themodule system and regularly set up at localO and non-O <strong>scale</strong> shows and meets. <strong>Over</strong>the years we cont<strong>in</strong>ued to jo<strong>in</strong> with Bill atthe annual Amherst Show and most recentlyat the 2001 National O Convention <strong>in</strong> Stamford,Conn., the 19th annual BOOMERExhibition <strong>in</strong> November and aga<strong>in</strong> at theFebruary 2002 Amherst Show. At the latter,we <strong>in</strong>troduced our new yard modulesdesigned to permit stag<strong>in</strong>g of tra<strong>in</strong>s andsome added switch<strong>in</strong>g activities. It reducedRuss Kress’ Weaver GG-1 with its heavyweight varnish on BillDriscoll’s yard modules.the need to manually handle equipment.As you look at the accompany<strong>in</strong>g photographs,the first th<strong>in</strong>g you might notice isthat we do not construct ANY barriersbetween the railroad and the visit<strong>in</strong>g public.Nor do we wear ear phones to communicatewith each other. This <strong>in</strong>vites free conversationwith the public to answer questions(and there are plenty) and to promote 2-railO <strong>scale</strong>. <strong>Over</strong> the past twenty years we havenever had any difficulties with public <strong>in</strong>terferencewith our tra<strong>in</strong>s, even though we cont<strong>in</strong>ually<strong>in</strong>vite youngsters for a closer view,often <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g them <strong>in</strong>side the layout. Afterall, the youngsters will be the O <strong>scale</strong> modelersof the future.Needless to say, we know that show<strong>in</strong>gO to an O <strong>scale</strong>r is like preach<strong>in</strong>g to thechoir. We feel we have to do more to <strong>in</strong>troduceour <strong>scale</strong> to the non-O <strong>scale</strong>r. Recogniz<strong>in</strong>gLionel and Hi-Rail groups have forsome time displayed at shows like TheGreat American Tra<strong>in</strong> and the Greenberg“toy” shows, we have decided to beg<strong>in</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>gup our module system at these localevents. This should provide us with the ultimateexposure to <strong>in</strong>fluence the experiencedmodeler as well as the general public.Can I <strong>in</strong>terest you <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g O <strong>scale</strong>modules? Visit our web site at:[http://home.att.net/~prr-k4s], take our layouttour, see our modules <strong>in</strong> action and followour modular construction specifications.Once you build your first module you cancome jo<strong>in</strong> us and help us answer the proverbialquestion: “So where’s the third rail?”O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 55
Why do Kids count the cars?? Youngster enjoy<strong>in</strong>g herself at theCJOS modular layout at the Bedford BOOMERS (NH) annualExhibition.Up close and enjoy<strong>in</strong>g the pass<strong>in</strong>g of Russ Kress’ GG-1 and BuzzBurnley’s Pennsy 0-6-0.CJOS’ Chris Bond and Ammonoosuc Valley’s Bill Driscoll at our setup at the Amherst Society’s annual Spr<strong>in</strong>gfield, MA “BIG TRAINSHOW”.CJOS’ Russ Kress & Bill Chaplik discuss the merits of O modules atthe 2001 National Convention.CJOS’ Chris Bond mak<strong>in</strong>g a last m<strong>in</strong>ute check of the modular set up.CJOS’ Bill Chaplik makes a po<strong>in</strong>t over Bill Driscoll’s yard modules.<strong>Over</strong>all view of Pete Hess’ town of Helena module at the 2001 O National.56 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>sA shot of Tuckahoe, NJ O Scalers’ John Dunn’s module set up withthe CJOS modular layout at the 2001 National. That’s Pete Hess’ B&MP-4 under the coal<strong>in</strong>g tower.
The usual modular crew: Left to right-Bill Driscoll, Pete Hess, RussKress and Chris Bond.Pete Hess’s Weaver G-5 and 3rd Rail Long Island Rail Road Coachesstand ready on the module yards. Pete repa<strong>in</strong>ted, re-lettered andweathered what was a Pennsy G-5.CJOS’ Chris Bond and Russ Kress sett<strong>in</strong>’ up the system.Kids and family enjoyment. This is what it is all about. After all, Kidswill be the O <strong>scale</strong>rs of the future.Bill Driscoll levels it all out.Pete Hess’ <strong>Over</strong>land B&M P-4 Pacific steams on the ready track.Bill Johnson, Bill Driscoll and Russ Kress secur<strong>in</strong>g the f<strong>in</strong>al rail jo<strong>in</strong>er<strong>in</strong> place-f<strong>in</strong>ally ready to go!Chris Bond check<strong>in</strong>g the tie-downs on two of the CJOS modules.O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 57
Modeler's ShelfA modified Lionel Hudson with K-L<strong>in</strong>e cars on a scratch built viaduct on the Youngstown Model Railroad Club layout.Photo by Bud Brock.Michael Luczak (OST#2) kitbashed acouple of Downtown Deco 2 stalleng<strong>in</strong>e houses <strong>in</strong>to a 6 stall roundhouse.This is an <strong>in</strong>terior view.58 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
Left: These Atlas F9 AA’s were repa<strong>in</strong>ted anddecaled by Pete Trunk for his free-lanced O<strong>scale</strong> “Philadelphia & Erie RR”. The decalswere custom made by his friend Tom Picirrillo.The Geep (immediately below) also belongs toPete.Right: An ACL Class R-1 4-8-4. This model wasscratchbuilt from brass by Ron Dettmer of OrangePark, Fla., as one of 3 locos built for 2 other people.Above: More models by Ron Dettmer. A pass<strong>in</strong>gtra<strong>in</strong> shows an REA express refer that was madefrom a Lobaugh kit. The second car is IC 519 analum<strong>in</strong>um extrusion to which he added ends andunderbody details. The prototype cars were built tohaul Time-Life Magaz<strong>in</strong>es out of Chicago. The farcar is a Walthers kit pa<strong>in</strong>ted for Atlantic Coast L<strong>in</strong>e.Both photos by David Wiggs.O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 59
Right: And more models by Ron Dettmer.This is a Kas<strong>in</strong>er Observation with full<strong>in</strong>terior and under body. This particularw<strong>in</strong>dow arrangement was not produced <strong>in</strong>the prototype with fluted sides, but ratheronly as smooth sides.Photo by Dave WiggsLeft: One more time: A shot of the <strong>in</strong>terior of RonDettmer’s round house. The men had not yet hada chance to hang the fire hose on the bracket theblacksmiths were mak<strong>in</strong>g. The build<strong>in</strong>g is scratchbuilt with a lot of Keil L<strong>in</strong>e and Berkshire Valleydetail parts. Photo by Dave WiggsRight: USH NYC H10bdetailed and pa<strong>in</strong>ted by SamShumaker, Ohio.Left: This water tower is part of a scene created byMark Poorman on a module captur<strong>in</strong>g the flavor ofthe AT&SF <strong>in</strong> steam at Cajon Pass. The water towerused to be part of Beat Hug’s Diablo Valley RR. Beatwas also the proprietor of Old Pullman Models.Photo by Walter Horlacher.60 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
Above: One of two Mopac Berkshires built from scratch by RonDettmer <strong>in</strong> Florida. This particular model, #1125, is one of thelocos the MP converted to oil. Photo by Dave Wiggs.Above: Another shot on MarkPoorman’s AT&SF module.Left: Marty Iftody’s photo was<strong>in</strong>spired by an article <strong>in</strong> RailClassics magaz<strong>in</strong>e about NightPhotography. John Bottonscratchbuilt the work tra<strong>in</strong>s basedon a Canadian Pacific prototype.Both John and Marty hail fromToronto, Ontario. The photoswere taken at the East DivisionEng<strong>in</strong>e Term<strong>in</strong>al at the ModelRailroad Club of Toronto.Right: AT&SF 3198 waits <strong>in</strong> the “hole”for the ma<strong>in</strong> to clear on MarkPoorman’s AT&SF moduleO Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 61
ObservationsJoe Giannovario, Editor/PublisherWelcome to issue #5! The BIG news, of course, is our layoutcontest. I’d been th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g about a contest almost fromissue #1 but I had <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d a much larger space, like my basement.In one of my email newsletters, I mentioned the contestidea and Carl Barna gave me no mercy for wh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g about sucha large space (like, 17' x 42' – See Carl’s letter <strong>in</strong> this issue).So, we “downsized” the concept to a second bedroom, 11' x14' of useable space.Then we went hunt<strong>in</strong>g for a co-sponsor. I have to thank thegreat folks at AtlasO, and <strong>in</strong> particular Kate Hannet, for stepp<strong>in</strong>gup to the plate. Not only did they agree to supply $500worth of their new 2-rail track products, they also offered tothrow <strong>in</strong> a brand new RS-1 diesel. Wow! This is gonna be agreat contest.So, all you have to do is follow the simple rules on page18of this issue and send <strong>in</strong> a layout. You might w<strong>in</strong> the grandprize. Subscribers can enter for free. Non-subscribers mustpay a $10 entry fee, but, hey, if you’re that serious about OScale, you should be a subscriber anyway.We’ve added a couple new features this issue and we’relook<strong>in</strong>g for feedback on them. First, I’d like to welcome BrianScace to the editorial team. Brian’s bailiwick will be “beg<strong>in</strong>ner’s”issues. Now, as Brian says <strong>in</strong> his first column, most peoplearen’t exactly novices when the migrate to O <strong>scale</strong>, sowe’re not do<strong>in</strong>g basics here. Brian will, however, cover areasthat O <strong>scale</strong> “newbies” need to be aware of. And, he’ll do it <strong>in</strong>a way that will make you laugh. We hope you like his style asmuch as we do.A second new feature is the Dealer List. All the shops thatsell O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s magaz<strong>in</strong>e are now listed and we encourageeveryone read<strong>in</strong>g OST to patronize these dealers. We need tokeep them all <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess.The third new feature is an Auction List. I’m really keen onauctions. I’m lucky enough to live close to the Ted Maurerauctions and go every time there is O <strong>scale</strong> on the block. I alsobuy and sell on Ebay. Auction sales data is important if youare look<strong>in</strong>g to buy or sell O <strong>scale</strong> equipment. It helps yougauge the market. I don’t know yet if we will have an AuctionData file every issue; that’s up to you. Let us know if this is<strong>in</strong>formation you’d like to see regularly.The fourth new feature will be with us every issue until thenational <strong>in</strong> June and that’s “Where the Eagle Meets the Chief.”O Scale National Convention chair, John Smith, will provideus with a day by day description of the plans for the national<strong>in</strong> Dallas this year.I wanted to add a Classified Ad section for dealers andadvertisers, but we just ran out of room. Oh, yeah, I forgot.We’re up to <strong>64</strong> pages this issue, too.We also did a favor for a friend. We’ve run an Obituary forHarry Hieke, Sr., at the request of Harry Hieke, Jr. The latter isthe master model builder who crafted the Erie S-1 that gracesour centerspread this issue. The former is Harry’s dad whopassed away <strong>in</strong> July. Seems like Harry not only lost a parent,but a friend and mentor. We grieve with you Harry.Okay, now for someth<strong>in</strong>g on a lighter note. You’ll note,please, Pete Hess’s article on the Central Jersey O Scalersmodular layout (page 55). It seems like everywhere I look,there are O <strong>scale</strong>rs do<strong>in</strong>g modules. Well, you can expect to seemore on modules <strong>in</strong> future issues of OST. There’s a letter <strong>in</strong>this issue Jimi Smith and he will be provid<strong>in</strong>g us with modulematerial. Local modeler, George Losse, started an O <strong>scale</strong>Free-Mo mail<strong>in</strong>g list at Yahoo this summer and we will publishsome of those discussions, too. If you’re <strong>in</strong>terested, go to:[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OScale_Free-Mo/] and signup. If enough people build O Scale Free-Mo modules, theycan hook up at regional and national meets.I’ll give you a peek at issue #6. We will feature a smallbasement sized layout based on the C&O. Roland Marx willshow us a stunn<strong>in</strong>g K-L<strong>in</strong>e three rail to two rail diesel conversion.John Sauers has a new scratchbuild<strong>in</strong>g project, and...well, if I tell you everyth<strong>in</strong>g, there won’t be any surprises.As always, we want your feedback on what you like anddon’t like. We’re always open to submissions on any subject,as long as it relates to O <strong>scale</strong> model<strong>in</strong>g. If you have a project<strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, or a new piece of equipment that you’d like to shareyour thoughts on <strong>in</strong> a review, or even if you simply have photosof models you’d like to see <strong>in</strong> the magaz<strong>in</strong>e, contact us. Wepay for articles on acceptance, not after they’re published.Keep high ball<strong>in</strong>’!◆Errata from Issue #4The cover of issue #4 and all the West Tennessee Centrallayout photos were taken by Phil Bowden, of Collierville,Tenn. Bob Anson pa<strong>in</strong>ted the Milwaukee F7 Hudson on page4 com<strong>in</strong>g under the bridge, the Missouri Pacific E8 “Eagle” onpage 7 and the centerspread of #6059 Missouri Pacific SD40-2(reworked by Stu Kle<strong>in</strong>schmidt) <strong>in</strong> UP colors which are correctfor this eng<strong>in</strong>e out of Little Rock, Ark. Thanks to Bob forsett<strong>in</strong>g the record straight.We also apologize to Rich Madonna for the column mix upon his article on page 52. Columns 2 and 3 were reversed.62 • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s
DESIGNING A LAYOUT?Put Atlas O's NEW 2-Rail Scale Track <strong>in</strong> Your <strong>Layout</strong> Plans!With talent and imag<strong>in</strong>ation, the nation's most dist<strong>in</strong>guishedtrack manufacturer has developed the only U.S. prototypeTrack SYSTEM to come to O Scale. Each track section is precisionmoldedwith quality craftsmanship and exquisite detail<strong>in</strong>g. And justlike our 3-rail track, we use a solid nickel silver T-rail for extra stabilityand of course superior electrical conductivity.Featur<strong>in</strong>g:• Code 148 Solid Nickel Silver Rail• American prototype ties and tie spac<strong>in</strong>g with correct spike, and tieplate and bolt details• Dark brown tie strip• Turnouts feature highly detailed metal <strong>in</strong>sulated frogs and po<strong>in</strong>ts• Metal frog can be powered if desired• UV compatible: great for both <strong>in</strong>door and outdoor use(Item #7025)TRACK PIECES COMING THROUGH 2003!TURNOUTSITEM # DESCRIPTION7021 #7.5 Left Hand Turnout7022 #7.5 Right Hand Turnout7024 #5 Left Hand Turnout*7025 #5 Right Hand Turnout*7074 Wye TurnoutSTRAIGHT SECTIONS7050 10" Straight*7051 4-1/2" Straight*7052 1-3/4" Straight (4 pk)7056 40" Flex Track*CURVED SECTIONS7011 40.5" Radius Full Curve7012 40.5" Radius 1/3 Curve (2 pk)7062 36" Radius Full Curve*7063 36" Radius Half Curve*TRACK ACCESSORIES7090 Term<strong>in</strong>al Jo<strong>in</strong>ers*7091 Nickel Silver Rail Jo<strong>in</strong>ers*7093 Insulated Rail Jo<strong>in</strong>ers*7098 Left Hand Switch Mach<strong>in</strong>e*7099 Right Hand Switch Mach<strong>in</strong>e*CROSSINGS7080 90 Degree Cross<strong>in</strong>g7081 45 Degree Cross<strong>in</strong>g*First pieces are available now!Look<strong>in</strong>g for layout ideas? Fivenew 2-Rail layouts are featured<strong>in</strong> the NEW Atlas HO, N and OScale Track & AccessoriesCatalog. For your copy, pleasesend $5.00 to the address shownbelow.O Track SystemATLAS O, LLC378 Florence AvenueHillside, NJ 07205www.atlasO.com(Item #7051)O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s • 63
Pecos River ABS Plastic AAR 50’ DoubleDoor Auto Box Car NEW ROAD NAMESIn O Scale (2 rail)and O Gauge (3 Rail)Spr<strong>in</strong>g deliveryLIMITED QUANTITYRESERVE NOWDealers AcceptedReady to Run w/DiecastTrucks and Couplers (3 rail)and Diecast Trucks (2 Rail)2 Road numbers / road namePre-Chessie Set0119 Chesapeake & Ohio0120 Baltimore & Ohio0121 Western Maryland0122 Pierre MarquetteIn Addition:0123 Pennsylvania0124 Union Pacific(models and photos by Phil Camp)IN PRODUCTION NOW FOR NOVEMBER ETADRGW 1951 PROSPECTOR& ROYAL GORGENOW WITHLIGHTS &INTERIORSCALL NOW FOR RESERVATIONS.VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES.Check out our website at http://www.pecosriverbrass.comPecos River Brass<strong>64</strong> • O Scale Tra<strong>in</strong>s560 E. CHURCH • LEWISVILLE, TX 75057Phone and Fax: (972) 219-0202john@pecosriverbrass.com • visit our NEW website at http://www.pecosriverbrass.com