Oooo...A Layout Contest — Over $1500 in prizes! 64 ... - O scale trains

O ScaleOTrainsNovember ’02 • Issue #5 • US $8.00Modelingfor theO ScaleCraftsmanOooo...A Layout Contest — Over $1500 in prizes!Construct a Yard TowerSuperdetailingIM BoxcarsKingsbury TerminalO Scale in the UKBuild YourselfA CritterCJ O ScalersModular layoutNew Column...Easements for theLearning CurveNOW64 Pages!US $8 • Can $10

Announcing The 1947GREAT NORTHERN EMPIRE BUILDER in O ScalePrototype collection of Paul C. Winters. Similar to PSC #17365-4 lettered Empire Builder.#17365 1947 Great Northern Empire Builder 8 car set, factory painted and lettered EMPIRE BUILDER:(1) RPO/Baggage painted #1100, (1) 60-Seat Coach painted #1110, (1) 48-Seat Coach #1120,(1) Coffee Shop/Dormitory painted #1140, (1) Dining Car painted #1150, (1) 8-4-4 Sleeper #1160,(1) 16-4 Sleeper painted #1170 and (1) 2-1 Buffet/Lounge/Observation painted #1190.Prototype collection of Paul C. Winters. Similar to PSC #17365-2 lettered Empire Builder.#17365-1 RPO/Baggage car painted Empire Builder colors, #1101, #1102 and #1104.#17365-2 48-Seat Coach painted Empire Builder colors, #1121 thru #1131.#17365-3 60-Seat Coach painted Empire Builder colors #1111, #1112, and #1113.#17365-4 Coffee Shop/Dormitory car painted Empire Builder colors #1141, #1142 and #1143.#17365-5 Dining car painted Empire Builder colors #1151, #1152 an #1153.#17365-6 Sleeper 8-4-4 painted Empire Builder colors #1161 thru #1166.#17365-7 Sleeper 16-4 painted Empire Builder colors #1171 thru #1177.#17365-8 Buffet/Lounge/Observation 2-1 painted Empire Builder colors #1191, #1192 and #1193.Prototype collection of Paul C. Winters. Similar to PSC #17365-5 lettered Empire Builder.Precisely handcrafted brass models, painted and lettered EMPIRE BUILDER.• Full Interiors with all new PSC tooling • Interior Shades • Complete Detailed Underbodies• Lighting System • Sprung and Equalized Trucks • Working Doors and VestibuleSee your local Hobby Shop and reserve yours today!

Modelingfor theO ScaleCraftsmanIssue #5November 2002Editor/PublisherJoe GiannovarioArt DirectorJaini SimonContributing EditorsBobber GibbsJohn C. SmithGene DeimlingBrian ScaceSubscription Rates: 6 issuesUnited StatesUS$36Canada/MexicoUS$50OverseasUS$75Mastercard & Visa acceptedCall 610-321-0858 duringEastern time business hoursDealers write for terms.Advertisers write for informationor visit our website.O Scale Trains ISSN 1536-9528www.oscalemag.comPublished bimonthly (6 times a year) byO Scale Trains Magazine,PO Box 238, Lionville PA 19353-0238© 2002 OST All Rights ReservedPrinted in the U.S.A.Contributors: O Scale Trainswelcomes your feature articles, photos, anddrawings. Such material should be sent to theabove address for possible publication. If weaccept, you will be notified immediately. Formore information concerning article preparationguidelines, 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 starting this issue.CENTERSPREAD - Pg 32: AClass S1 ErieBerkshire sits in the early morning fog after justtaking on a load of coal. The engine wasscratchbuilt by Harry Hieke for R. Harris Russo,M.D. The scene was photographed by K JebKriigel exclusively for O Scale Trains Magazine.O OTrainsScaleFeatures4 Superdetailing Intermountain 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 Curtains & AwningsHarry Hieke shares more of his superdetailing secrets.18 Design-A-Layout Contest......and win a whole loy of prizes27 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 Kingsbury Terminal RailroadMarshall Vine’s “Yankee” pike lives in Britain.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 Learning Curve – Brian Scace17 Narrow Minded – Bobber Gibbs20 OST Dealer List22 Product News & Reviews42 Letters to the Editor44 O Scale Hall of Fame – Rollin Lobaugh44 Buy, Sell, Trade Ads46 Crapola From The Cupola – John C. Smith48 Proto48 Modeling – Gene Deimling37 Reader Feedback – Letters to the Editor50 Events Listing50 Advertiser Index62 Observations – Joe GiannovarioO Scale Trains • 3

dominated 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 dominates a},where the alternative bAL dominates 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 minimized for each j = 1, ..., k.From a practical point of view, the solution of a multicriteria analysis problem isfinding of a non-dominated alternative (alternative, belonging 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 weightingmethod, an outranking method and an interactive method. These methods are respectivelyAHP method [30], PROMETHEE II method [2] and CBIM method [22]. Theyare the most often used methods in the three groups of methods. The interface modulesin the system allow the successful realization of different types of procedures forobtaining information by the DM and also for the entry of different types of criteria –quantitative, qualitative and ranking criteria.The system MKO-1, the second part of the system MultiDecision-1, is designedto support decision makers in solving the following linear and linear integer problems ofthe multicriteria optimization.To optimize simultaneously the criteria(1) {f k(x), kK}under the constraints(2) a ijx j b i, iM,jN(3) 0 x j d j, jN,(4) x j integers, jN', N' N ,where to optimize simultaneously means that some of the functions may be maximized,and the rest – minimized;f k(x), kK, are linear 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 indices of the linear criteria, the linearconstraints, the variables and the integer variables.Three classification-oriented interactive algorithms [36, 37] are included inMKO-1 system, which enable the DM define not only desired and acceptable levels ofthe criteria (as in reference point interactive algorithms), but also desired and acceptableintervals and directions of alteration in the values of the separate criteria. The firstinteractive algorithm, called GAMMA-L is intended to solve linear problems of theMO: The second and the third algorithms, called GAMMA-I1 and GAMMA-I2 re-1 1

individual supports, as a prototype roofwalk would be mounted.Both these methods are described in the kit instructions;but for our super detailed model, I strongly recommend thesecond method, for greater realism. Paint the bottom of theroof to simulate galvanized steel.Note that work on the car interior should be performedbefore installing the roof or the underframe. In fact, if youwant to really show off the finished 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 remain in place during normal operation. The carcan be lifted by holding the sides near their bottom edges. Or,with the doors open, the car can be lifted with the fingersthrough the doorways.Most (steam-era) boxcar interiors were lined with woodtongue and groove boards, until plywood came into use. Photographsof car interiors in the old Car Builders’ Cyclopediasshow the lining typically arranged horizontally along the sidesand vertically on the ends. (My first attempt to line the insideof a boxcar took place a number of years ago. The model wasthe All Nation wood, outside-braced Rock Island 40’ automobilecar. After gluing about thirty feet—actual, not scale—ofstrip wood to the car interior, I decided that if I ever lined aninterior again, I would do it an easier way!)To simulate the lining for the Intermountain car, I cut piecesof .020" thick Evergreen styrene, scribed at 1 ⁄8" intervals. Thescale 6" planking might be a little wider than prototype, butcreates a nice-looking effect, I think. (I have since found .100"scribed siding, which is just under five scale inches and thuscloser to prototype spacing, about 5 1 ⁄4").One could use individualstrips, or scribe individual lines onto plain styrene sheet ifdesired, but that strikes me as a lot of work for very little gain.Plain styrene could be used to simulate plywood lining.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 aninterior lining that extends almost to the bottom of the roof,allowing the roof to seat properly when installed. Once thepieces have been fitted to proper size, paint the inside (scribed)surfaces with a plastic compatible “wood” color. Do the samewith the car floor. After the paint dries, cement the interior liningsin place.Depending on how precisely one measures, corner seamsmay be visible at the car ends. If this is bothersome, and fillingthe gaps seems too tedious, cementing lengths of thinstyrene angle against the joints would hide the seams nicely, ifperhaps not exactly prototypical.With the increasing use of forklifts in freight handling fromabout the 1940s, greater wear on boxcar floors occurred in thedoorway areas. Manufacturers developed reinforcing plates tooverlay this area of car floors. Commonly, thin steel plates,perforated to save weight and allow bracing to be nailed to thefloor, were installed on many cars.From about the mid-1950s, nailable steel flooring (NSF)was used on some cars, though this was probably more costly.NSF could be simulated with steel color paint. I’m not surewhat sort of material might be used to simulate the perforatedreinforcing plates; perhaps some sort of mesh or speaker grillematerial might be suitable, if such can be located.A couple of notes on painting, while I’m thinking of it. Ihave read that wood car floors were perhaps sealed or chemicallytreated, but not painted, either on top or bottom. TheIntermountain car undersides are factory painted, usually inthe body color. The under floor molding includes crosswisescribing to simulate the bottom of the wood floor, and varioussteel parts such as stringers, end angle braces, and the upperhalf of the center sill. The underframe molding is usually coloredblack, which results in a “two-toned” underframe paintjob when the car is assembled.To really dress up a model, the “wood” portions of theunderside could be painted the same wood color as used on theinterior. The steel portions of the underside could be paintedblack to match the underframe. It would be best to pre-paintthe underside before attaching any detail parts. Masking thesepieces would be quite a chore—I think a fine-tipped brush anda steady hand would be adequate for the task. But be preparedto devote some time to the job. (At this writing, I have notattempted to paint any underside wood, though I have paintedthe underfloor steel parts on a couple of my models.)OK, now that the interior (and perhaps the underbody) ofour car has been super detailed, let’s finish the job by makingthe doors work. First, assemble the doors per the instructions,but do not install 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 thinner if door bindsin lower channel.O Scale Trains • 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, forming channels tohold the doors in 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 backingfor cementing 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 in Figs. 1a, b& c. The idea is to thin the lower portionof the bases and provide clearanceto allow the doors to slide smoothly intheir channels. The next step is to partiallyinstall the new slide bars to allowtrial fitting of the doors before cementingthe door guides on the bottoms ofthe doors.If desired, the styrene strips can bepre-painted before installation, but it isnot really necessary. It is important,however, to cement these strips onlyabout halfway at first. Line the stripsagainst the molded door slide bars, andcement only the areas above and belowthe doorway opening! 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, creatinga channel for the top edge of thedoor. The bottom edge of the lower stripshould be flush with the bottom edge ofFig. 2Thin shaded portion if top of door binds inupper 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 into 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 against the styrene stripchannel. If there is undue friction at thetop edge of the door, it can be filed thinner(notched) as shown in 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 instructions here, as one piece hasa latch bar and the other is plain. Theseguides will overlap the outer surface ofthe lower door slide channel. Now slidethe door into position and close it fullyover the door opening. Then, cementthe loose halves of the door slide channelstrips into place, thus trapping thedoor against the car side. The door canslide, but it cannot come off.At this point, we have a nicelydetailed model with working doors,which can carry actual loads if desired.(Just like toy train boxcars and scale kitsfrom bygone decades!) In my experience,the empty car, with the factoryplastic trucks and Northwest Short Linesteel wheels, weighs enough to operatereliably if coupled towards the rear endsof trains.Intermountain provides one otherpiece of door detail: The latch bar,which extends horizontally from the leftedge of the door opening and hooksonto a projection molded on the leftedge of the door. I was able to cementthe latch into position so as to actually“lock” the door closed. The latch bar isflexible enough that a slight inward pushon the door at the latch area allows thedoor to slide open.With the door open, the appearanceof the latch is a bit unrealistic, in that asa molded plastic part, it remains horizontal,extending into the door opening.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 writing this article. It might bepossible to shape a thin piece of metal tomatch the shape of the plastic latch barand pin it to the edge of the doorway.Or a new latch could be made from thinround stock, with the pivot end bent to a6 • O Scale Trains

ight angle and inserted into a holedrilled into the left edge of the doorway.Either way, such a latch could pivot in aprototypical manner. Fabricating pivotinglatch bars would be an interestingproject for scratch builders.Your author hopes that the “food forthought” discussed above will not provetoo indigestible. I believe the interiorandunderbody-detailing methods couldbe used on other makes of cars, and thatthe door slide modifications could beapplicable to Intermountain double-doorboxcars as well as their single-door cars.◆Text & photos by J W Mathews.Drawings by Fred Karl from sketches byJ W Mathews.Bottom Views. Top: Factory painted blackunderbody with black underframe. BottomUnderbody factory painted red. The “steel”parts were hand painted black to match theunderframe parts. Note the brake pipe crossingthe center sill to the left of the doorway.The shorter “leg” of the pipe should pointtowards 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 doorinto 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 painted to simulategalvanized steel. Bottom: Piece of side (horizontalscribed) interior lining flanked by twoend pieces, painted wood color.Door at left on casting 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 in text and in Figure 1.Underside of assembled car. Factory truckshave been equipped with NorthWest ShortLine steel wheels. Empty car weighs eightounces and operates OK at rear of trains.More weight can be added easily if desired.Closeup of finished model with door closed.Latch bar at left edge of doorway engageshook molded on left edge of door.Car interior completed showing lining andfloor painted 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 installingunderframe. (Underframe was installed facingthe wrong way and had to be removed.)Note molded “steel” bolsters, center sillbase, angle braces at ends and longitudinalstringers, all painted body color. Plastic shimpad installed for mounting 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 protruding into doorway. (See textfor discussion.)O Scale Trains • 7

Construct a Yard Towerby David StewartThe Appalachian and Ohio Railroad’s Willow Creek-Ricksburgyard is a busy place. Besides dealing with through merchandisetraffic and serving as a sorting yard for two differentlocal switching turns, it is the main coal marshalling yard onthe Coal Ridge Subdivision. Empty hoppers return here fromOhio River power plants, as well as from the continual bargeloading 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 trains 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 looking at commercially available towers and scanningfor ideas in back issues of various magazines, 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, leaving 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. Since I did not have any appropriatelyscribed styrene for flooring, a straight edge and X-acto knifeFig. 18 • O Scale Trains

provided the necessary floor boards. Openings for the stairwellwere cut using the technique described in step two.(Fig. 1)Step 2. I used Evergreen Novelty siding for the walls withGrandt Line 8 pane, double hung windows. Since visibility isa goal for any yard tower, the walls are a solid row of windowswith the exception being the one side where the heating stovesits between two windows. The window locations were drawnand outlined with the knife using the portion of the windowcastings that fit into the walls for dimensions. A Nibbler andflat file completed the openings 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 windowcastings in place, being careful to keep them square withthe siding.Step 4. Since the interior of the tower was to be lighted anddetailed, I went to the trouble of cementing interior windowtrim around each casting using Evergreen’s .030x .080 stripFig. 4Fig. 2panels for later window glazing and set them aside. (Figures 2& 3)Fig. 3styrene. A Northwest Shortline Chopper came in handy at thispoint. (Figure 4) Four 9’ interior .125 x .125 corner posts werecemented flush with the edges and one foot up from the loweredge of the end walls to increase gluing surface and wall rigiditywhen assembled. The posts also provide a locating stopwhen cementing in 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 window and,laying the four walls flat, sprayed the interior walls Floquil’sPolyscale Depot Buff. The tape was immediately removedand, with a small, damp paintbrush, the windows were cleanedof overspray so only the inside of the windows contained theinterior color. Using water-based over oil-based paint madethe overspray easy to remove and made this a quick process.(An alternate process would be to spray the interior color onthe castings, mask each half of the windows, and finally spraythe exterior. This method seemed potentially more time-consumingthan simply wiping away the overspray.)Step 6. The four walls were cemented together using aCajon Rail Products Squaring Jig. Another means of establishinga square building is to use a machinist’s square andclamp the sides to the square prior to applying the cement.3. Next, I spray painted the floor a light wood tone and fingerrubbed black chalk into the floor groves. Then I sprayedthe window castings and .030x.060 strips for future outsideContinued next issue...Text and drawings by Dave Stewart.Color photos of AO Tower by Robert Sobel◆O Scale Trains • 9

A&O Yard TowerFull Size for O ScaleSketch by David Stewart10 • O Scale Trains

A&O Yard TowerBill of Materials — A&O TowerSheet Styrene.015".020".040"Novelty sidingStrip 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 Line 8 pane, double-hungwindow castings3" x 6" acrylic sheet (Plexiglas)Clear acetate for window glazing400 grit sandpaperSculptamoldSmoke jack (American Model Builders)Assorted detail castingsFull Size for O ScaleSketch by David StewartO Scale Trains • 11

Steam Locomotive Cab Curtains &AwningsHarry HeikeIf You’re Yawning Over Awnings And It’s Curtains For Certain,Then Have A Little Class And Make Them Of Brass.Now that I have your attention (or scorn), I’d like to explainhow I make very believable cab awnings and curtains. In arecent bull session with master modeler, long time friend andoldest oldtimer, E. Louis Pardee, I was informed that Joe Fischermade his kitchen table covers out of aluminum foil andthen painted them. Using this technique he was able to producethe actual wrinkles and crinkles 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 doing this before I was a twinkle in myfather’s eye. Let me just say that I thought of it independently.Curtains:The technique I use is to get the thinnest brass possible (thisStartingMaterials12 • O Scale Trainsis usually K & S doublezero one). Using apair of common scissorscut out the variousparts. Cab curtainsusually 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 showercurtain. Sometimes the cab curtains ran from side to sideand other time’s cab curtains were rolled up like a blanket in aroll above the rear cab opening and were bound with rope orchain, which when released dropped the curtain down behindthe cab.The technique I describe here is applicable to any of thesestyles. However, the simplest, no brainer technique is to usethe type of curtains that go from side to side behind the rear ofthe cab, kind of like the curtain that the little man used in theWizard of Oz. If the curtains are hung front to back they usuallyextended down below the deck apron. If they were hungfrom side to side they were shorter in 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 inchstem (Fig. 2). Theseare usually .015”brass wire. Nowcomes the fun part. I takemy brass curtains and crinklethem up in horizontally 1/2"and vertically with myhands (Fig. 3). Now, laythem out flat again. 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 workingyour way from one end to the other. Use the smallestdiameterFig. 4SolderTorchpossible (Iuse RadioS h a c k64OBB).Next, fanfold thecurtainabout fourLocking tweezerstimes.Pulltight &twistFig. 5TorchSolder

I usually bind the curtain in two or three places along its lengthwith “rope” made from strands from about a 2” length of 18gauge lamp wire. Strip off all the insulation, cut the strands,wrap them around the curtain 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” beforeapplying the simulated rope (Fig. 5).Next the trellis bar can beconstructed in the shapeshown (Fig. 6). I drill two1/32” holes about 1/4” to theoutside of the rear cab openingand slightly above theopening. I like to use pianowire. Probably 1/32nd is theFig. 6 best to use, although I’veused 1/64th, too. I would notuse brass here, as it is just too malleable. Once the piano wireis bent it retains 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 in the rear of the cab.Voila! a curtain is created. The second right angle bend in thetrellis bar provides enough tension to hold the whole thing inplace.The way I paint these curtains is to take the finished assemblyand prime it with acrylic lacquer primer, as thick a coat as Ican get on there and then paint it with “concrete” color that hasbeen slightly yellowed. Maybe I add a little bit of weatheringat the bottom, but you want it fairly tan so it’s visible againstthe color of the cab.Awnings1/16"1/16"I make cabawnings as follows.Drill 2 holes above1/16"and slightly to theoutside of the cabwindow (Fig. 7).Fig. 7 (Make a fixture soyou get the holes in the same place on both sides of the cab.Next, using 1 ⁄64" brass wire bend up the awning frame asshown (Fig. 8). Then make a top runner using the modifiedneedle nose pliers and solder it to the awning 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 in a slightly curved shape to fit between the two runners.This will simulate the sagging of a canvas awning. If the shimbrass is not already crinkled, crinkle it.Now, fold theshim brass awningover the two brassrunners as shown(Fig. 9). These endsof the awningshould be no morethan 1/16” in excessand some may have Fig. 9to be trimmed offbefore it is actually soldered. Place it over the runners, finishbending the two ends and solder it using generous amounts ofsolder flux and very thin solder.Next, clean it and paint it as the awnings were painted.Slightly bend the two outer prongs of the mounting pins andpoke them into the holes in the cab. Then bend the ends insidethe cab so the awnings stay in place.It’s that simple. The only thing you have to be careful aboutis that these things are made of brass so they are conductive. Ifthe curtain touches an opposite polarity tender frame, it willproduce a short. This can be avoided by bending the curtainsin such a way that they constantly remain in contact with thecab rear wall.◆Drawings by Fred KarlAwnings &curtainsinstalled on aUSRA cab.Awnings & cab curtainsready for installationO Scale Trains • 13

CHICAGOLAND’S “O” GAUGE SPECIALIST!New From St. PetersburgChicago Surface Lines"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 — CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTEDInformation 1-586-296-6116 Orders 1-800-874-7443Fax 1-586-296-5642 E-mail info@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 haveinquiries 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 Shipping.” Allow 2 to 4 weeks for shipment withpersonal checks. Layaways (excepting sale items) are accepted with 20%down, balance due within 90 days. Canadian and foreign orders are chargedappropriate shipping charges, and US orders $6 shipping 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-Line SeriesCurved BenchworkLet Us Help You BuildYour Railroad Today!Sunset Brass Engines 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 mint in the box.Custom ModulesBuilt to Your Imagination!Tom Thorpe - 610-485-12363768 Foulk Road, Boothwyn, PA 19061-1802http://www.curvedbenchwork.com$415Chicago Surface Lines"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 Min. from O'Hare Airport14 • O Scale TrainsHOBBY 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 LearningCurveBrian ScaceBy way of introduction, this column(doomed to be a regular feature) is orientedto the recently converted (or those contemplatingmaking the plunge) in O scale. Inmy original discussions with the Editor, wethought we’d look at things like couplers,track, mechanisms, trucks, benchwork, andthe like. We will, but with a slightly differentbent than originally contemplated. Theprice you pay, of course, is your tolerancefor my occasional musings. I hope they maybe useful to at least a few. This by no meansimplies that the more advanced modelerwill find nothing of value here. Quite theopposite is true. For this feature to be a success,we are banking on you experienced OScalers, for the newly infected need thebenefit of your wisdom, while most arebringing a fresh wisdom of their own inreturn.The term “beginner” is a misnomer,unless by some cruel twist of fate you arenew to model railroading and somehowended up in the backwater with us. In consideringthe direction this feature will take,I feel that a “primer” may not be appropriate.Most of our newer members are notjoining us from scratch, but rather fromother facets of the model railroad vocation.Hence, the basics are already known, andthese folks bring a fresh approach we canall learn about from their previous experienceselsewhere. The majority of you arecoming from a different scale, the Hi-railcommunity, or some other modelingmedia. Either way, “Welcome!”A Little History:Let’s get into 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 thing, hence 1/48scale. This reduces to 1/4” equals one foot,giving rise to the term, “quarter-inch scale”.Because the purpose of this august publicationis such, we further narrow the definitionof O Scale, for the purposes of our discussion,as using two-rail trackage. O scale isone branch of the O gauge family tree.“Gauge” refers to the distance betweenour running 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 indoor 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. Carryingthis further than I should, the term HOcomes from “Half-0”. As we all rememberfrom school math, half of zero is “undefined”(I’m KIDDING!).Modern O scale is one of several outgrowthsof arguably the oldest of the“indoor” gauges. We point to almost a centuryof modeling history, an evolutionarynature, and an age that pre-dates NMRAtypestandards, so we have a family here,rather than the singular developmentenjoyed by the HO or N Scale folks. As“Zero” gauge evolved, families spawnedalong the way such that we now have aplethora of different disciplines co-existingtoday, from tin-plate toy trains to Hi-rail, Q-gauge, 17/64 scale, outside third rail, tworail, and P48. In a future column, we’ll lookat some of that history in more detail, how ithappened, and what it means to you.Some of you are coming from other familiesin the tree, such as Hi-rail or the toytrain side of the house. Others of you arecoming from the newer gauges, havingenjoyed the benefits of NMRA standardizationfrom the beginning. Joining our sometimesdis-functional family may seem a bitdaunting, at first, but once you get used to ityou’ll find it rewarding 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,working in exotic metals such as bronze,lead, and depleted uranium. The neighborhoodlights dim and flicker when we fire upour fully equipped machine shops. Dogshowl, children run, and responsible fatherslock up their daughters when the guys comeover for “operation”. When we run our 6000square foot building sized railroads, thevibration causes sinkholes, limbs to fallfrom trees, and the sea to give up her dead.We still wind our own motor armatures,even though we are all rich beyond reason.Plywood is the ultimate expression ofscenery.There is evidence refuting these allegations(except maybe the part about thedaughters). You don’t need a machine shop,so don’t worry about it. Modern materialsand adhesives will work just as well for youhere as they did in HO. Scenery techniquesare the same. Quite a bit of your Hi-railequipment is readily convertible to goodlookingO Scale gear. A rewarding railroadcan be built in 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 inthe works. Things 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 intended) to admit it.The most important thing you need tohelp answer the questions and point you toall this available loot is an association withother O Scalers. I started in O, back in thelate Bronze Age, without having taken thislesson to heart. When I ended up, as a wardof the State and general Drain on the Taxpayer,in the DC area, I happened to fall intothe local O Scale group. These guys, includingthe likes of John Armstrong (Hi, “Dad”!)and the late Ted Stepek, taught me more inthe first year of that association than I hadlearned by myself in the previous twenty. Sorather than this merely being Scace’s SnappyPatter on a bi-monthly basis, we’re goingto try a few things that will, hopefully, makethings more interactive and (perish thethought) useful for you.First, if you have a subject near and dearcontinued on page 16...O Scale Trains • 15

Easements for the Learning Curve...continued from page 15that you want addressed in this column, sendyour suggestion to me care of this magazine.There is no guarantee that yours will bepromptly addressed, but this will help mepick up on what those joining our happyband may have issues with, such as couplertypes, changing wheels on freight cars, ortuning steam locomotive mechanisms. I personallywould like (the Editor doesn’t knowabout this one, yet) to take the best of thesein a year’s time and designate one issue ayear of this magazine to entry level questionsand projects. I’ll work on that to see ifhe’ll bite.Second, If you are in the middle of aproject and just plain stuck, email me atsarge101st@msn.com. If I can’t help you,I’ll do my best to point you at someonewho can. If I’m slow, I’m swamped, sobear with me.Third, I propose a mentor system. Shouldyou want to find someone more experiencedin O Scale, or an O Scale club, send yourname and phone number to us. We’ll put itin 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 (assuming at least tacit good behaviorand promise on their part) take them underyour wing 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 wins onthis point, as the best way to learn somethingnew is to arise from one’s chair and seek outothers who share your interest. I can’t stressthat enough, as the Big Lesson of thismonth’s column.Meanwhile, it is also of great benefit foryou to take in a couple of the shows (or theConvention) listed elsewhere in this magazine.There you can meet other modelers,get your arms around some of the productsavailable, maybe go for a layout tour or two,and take in a clinic. What you’ll discover isthat things aren’t as different as you thoughtthey’d be (given you came from anotherfacet of O or another scale). There are noreal surprises or mysteries here.My last tip to all is simple. Read everythingyou can get your hands on. Scenery isscenery in any scale, so read about it in thegeneric magazines and published books onscenery. Trackwork and trackplanning arealso pretty ecumenical. Don’t discount thebooks, magazines, and videos out there justbecause they aren’t O Scale specific. There’splenty of painting info out there that is useful.An RS-1 details up for the Pennsy thesame way in O as it does in HO.Some Parting Shots:In looking at some of the letters in Issue#4, I can’t help but remark on a couple ofthem. I think Mike Pierce sounds an oftstruck chord when he asks about smallerrailroad track plans, track component info,and the like. I would suggest to Mike that herevisit the Big Lesson of the month for muchof what he seeks. Meanwhile, we will belooking at trackwork and trackplanning subjectshere in more detail in the future. Don’twait in frustration, though. Get out and see!Gary Mathews hits a chord with me, too.I also believe that we are seeing yet anotherchange in the O Scale world, where thosethings taken as mainstream in the smallerscales are becoming more evident in OScale. Good ready to lay track componentsfrom Atlas, ready to run freight cars andmodestly priced diesels are becoming moreplentiful. The detail is incredible on many ofthese new offerings. Freight car kits in theWesterfield mold are coming out fromUltra-Scale and are magnificent. We are seeinga lot of influence from our new “priorHO” members. Meanwhile, our Hi-railfriends are also influencing the scale worldwith, for example, some nice full lengthscale passenger cars from K-Line (scalewheel conversion kits are available). I wouldhave never dreamed of a scale Empire StateExpress for less than $500 a car ten yearsago, let alone a correct one for somethinglike $125 a car! Plastic steam is just nowbecoming mainstream in HO. Can O Scalebe far behind?Folks, we are on the threshold of a newage. We veterans have just as much to learnfrom our newcomers as they have from us.Something wonderful is happening witheach idea that comes with our newest membersas they defect from the smaller scales tothe one and true faith. Let’s go exploring! ◆Subscribe toOScaleTrains...just $36.00 a year!Lucky Strike Herald!CGW 40’ Plug Door Box CarOne-of-a-kind! Nicely weighted. 5 numbers(all in the series). Scale and 3-rail.. R-T-R.$36.00 + $9 for optional 3-rail diecast trucksand couplers. $5/$6/$9 shipping & handling.Call or email for our In Stock ListANDERSEN’S TRAIN STATION21 Central St Holliston MA 01746Phone 508-429-6494 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 • 209-234-6487 FAXwww.homabed.comCentral’s Latest ReleasesGP38-2, GP40-2, SD40-2, SD40T-2 & SD45T-2GP40-2The finest in modern O Scale Brass. 2 or 3 rail operation. Machinedbrass 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, painted and lettered$1100 to $1400.Central Locomotive Works17525 Alder St Ste 46 • Hesperia CA 92345ph 760-244-9222 • fax 760-244-9322e-mail clw2000@earthlink.netwww.centrallocomotiveworks.comThe 1936 B&O R.R.’s“O” Scale Holiday Layoutin CincinnatiA Journey of AmericanaThe “Award Winning” 60 minutedigital VHS video$20 + $5 S&HOhio residents add 5.75% sales taxChecks/Money Order only.Backshop FilmworksP.O. Box 21431Columbus, Ohio 4322116 • O Scale Trains

NarrowMindedBobber GibbsO Scale Narrow Gauge Is GrowingThe 22nd National Narrow GaugeConvention in Warwick, Rhode Island(September 4-8, 2003) was a howlingsuccess for O Scalers.When the Narrow Gauge Conventionis held in the West, there is usually astrong emphasis on the three foot gaugerailroads of Colorado, California andPennsylvania, but in Rhode Island, theMaine two-footers were center stageand O Scale shared the spotlight. Therewere four O Scale layouts on the LayoutTour. Two were standard gauge and twowere narrow gauge.Among the modular layouts on displayin 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 trainson their recently expanded Y-shaped layout.I enjoyed running my own centercaband coach around a couple of times,although I left there minus the removablediesel cab roof which must havefallen off when I was packing 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 completetrain. There were also 40 clinics tochoose from and it was impossible toattend all of them.In the manufacturer’s rooms, therewere 84 exhibitors and something forevery narrow gauger in every scale.There was an impressive number ofmanufacturers with On30 kits rangingfrom shorty two axle cars to long loggingcars and everything in 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 in itmyself but eventually turned back toOn3 until I learned about On30, whichis a marriage of HO mechanisms andtrack and O scale 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 in gaugesfrom 24” to standard gauge. It capturesthe spirit of On30 and will look at homeon any industrial line. It is a styrene shellthat fits a Black Beetle mechanism andwhen it becomes available in October, itwill also be regaugeable for On3. I’ll beinterested to see if the shell can beadapted to the inexpensive 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 minor manufacturersto sell their kits for $25-30 but the varietyis amazing and the lore of the “imaginary”30” gauge railroad is the reasonwhy so many modelers are drawn toOn30. I understand that Bachmann hassold 200,000 On30 trainsets featuringtheir fine running Mogul so there mustbe a lot of new O Scalers “out there”looking for guidance. The new On30Bachmann Shay is expected in the nextfew weeks and they recently announcedthat they will introduce a Climax and adiesel critter next year. I predict that thiswill have an unprecedented and beneficialeffect on O Scale in 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 GatheringCeremony. In the absence of a fullmoon, (that signifies “O” scale) 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 SpecialMeeting in the evening of Day Three, 44conventioneers stood as one and howledat the great round crystal chandelier onthe ceiling... That is how the Legend ofthe Howling O Scaler was born, to berepeated with spirit and enthusiasmwherever and whenever O Scalers gathertogether in the future.The rest of the convention was a blurand there were only a few O Scale itemsin 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 Customsdeclaring the plastic pop bottle full ofthose shiny coal-like pellets from thelobby ashtrays of the Crowne PlazaHotel in Warwick, Rhode Island...Yup,the 22nd National Narrow Gauge Conventionreally was a howl and O Scalenarrow gauge is growing.◆O Scale Trains • 17

Design-A-LayoutThe Rules1. The contest will run over three issues: 5, 6& 7. Contest closes on March 31st 2003. Thewinner will be chosen and announced in theJuly 2003 issue. A panel of three judges willdecide the winner.Closet(Stay out zone)2. The layout must fit in the room shown atleft. The max dimensions are 11 feet wideand 14 feet long. Use only the area of thegrid. Assume the ceiling is 8 feet off the floor.3. The layout may be any style: loop, point-topoint,point-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 scale 5 feetwide). Minimum radius is 48 inches. Allswitches must be either #5 or #7 1 ⁄2. TheGrand Prizes go to the Category 1 winner.Category 2: Track gauge is anythingother than Ow5, i.e., P:48, On3, On30, On2, 2or three rail, whatever. No minimum restrictions.Category 2 winner receives $250 cashfrom O Scale Trains Magazine.5. All subscribers to O Scale Trains Magazinemay enter for FREE. Non-subscribers mustinclude a $10 entry fee.6. Track plans may be drawn/printed onpaper or submitted in one of the followingelectronic formats: PDF, TIFF, or EPS on floppydisk or CD-ROM. Description of the layoutshould be typed double spaced on unlinedpaper 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 ScaleTrains Magazine, PO Box 238, Lionville, PA19353-0238 no later than March 31, 2003.8. All submissions become the property of OScale Trains Magazine and cannot bereturned.windowHey! If you can’t draw a straight line withouta ruler or holding down the SHIFT key, considerusing track planning software. Atlas’Right Track software is free. Visit:http://www.atlasrr.com/software/welcome.asp18 • O Scale Trains

O Scale Trains MagazineLayout Contestco-sponsored byOver $1500 in cash & prizesincluding a new AtlasO RS-1!Enter our design-a-layout contest andif you are the grand prize winner you will receive:• $500 cash from O Scale Trains Magazine• $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.Contest runs until March 31, 2003Entry Rules are on the facing pageYes, that’s a 3 rail RS-1 shown but we’regiving away a 2 rail version.O Scale Trains • 19

OST Dealer ListArkansasHobby Shack1200 John harden DrJacksonville, AR 72076501-982-6836DelawareTrains & Hobbies2622 Capitol TrailNewark,DE 19711302-266-8063MassachusettsModeler’s Junction88 Lowell StMethuen,MA 01844978-683-0885New JerseyBig Little Railroad Shop206 W Main 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 85006602-254-9650CaliforniaOriginal Whistle Stop2490 E Colorado BlvdPasadena,CA 91107626-796-7791Mitchells’2303 Concord PikeWilmington, DE 19803302-652-3258GeorgiaRiverdale Station6632 Hwy 85Riverdale,GA 30045770-991-6085IowaCaboose Stop Hobbies301 Main StCedar Falls,IA 50613800-642-7012Tucker’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 MexicoTrains West Inc.3351A Candelaria Rd NEAlbuquerque,NM 87107505-881-2322New YorkNiagara Hobby & Craft3366 Union Rd.Buffalo,NY 14225716-681-6060K-Val Hobbies277 Hinman AveBuffalo,NY 14216716-875-2837G&K Hobbies720 Gordon StReading,PA 19601-2312610-374-8598TexasPecos River Brass560 E Church StLewisville,TX 75057972-219-0202VirginiaGranddad’s Hobby Shop5260-A Port Royal RdSpringfield,VA 22151703-426-0700Bruce’s Train Shop2752 Marconi AveSacramento,CA 95821916-485-5288Train 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 91941619-464-1672Just Trains5650-H Imhoff DrConcord,CA 94520925-685-6566ColoradoCaboose Hobbies, Inc.500 S. BroadwayDenver,CO 80209303-777-6766IllinoisDes Plaines Hobbies1468 Lee StDes Plaines,IL 60018847-297-2118Chicagoland Hobbies6017 Northwest HwyChicago,IL 60631773-775-4848Rails Unlimited126 Will ScarletElgin,IL 60120847-697-5353Hill’s Hobby Shop10 Prairie AvePark Ridge,IL 60068847-823-4464Mike’s Scale Rails3008 N SterlingPeoria,IL 61604309-682-6792KansasJ’s Hobby Haven5303 Johnson DrMission,KS 66205913-432-8820MaineNorm’s O ScalePO Box 147S Casco,ME 04077207-655-2550Eureka Trains1219 Eureka RdWyandotte,MI 48192734-284-0521MinnesotaSecond Ave Shops173 2nd Ave SENew Brighton,MN 55112651-633-5722MissouriMarty’s Model Railroads9622 Gravois RdSt Louis,MO 63123-4345314-638-8250North CarolinaDry Bridge Station236 N Main StMount Airy,NC 27030336-786-9811NevadaHigh Sierra Models4020 Kietzke LnReno,NV 89502775-825-5557New HampshireCustom TrainsPO Box 48Bath,NH 03740603-747-3492OhioWestern Hills Photo &Hobby6319 Glenway AveCincinnati,OH 45211513-661-214120th Century Models32575 Pettibone RdSolon,OH 44139-5454440-248-3055Terminal Hobby Supply10200 Springfield PikeCincinnati,OH 45215513-326-3613OregonWhistle Stop Trains11724 SE Division StPortland,OR 97266503-761-1822PennsylvaniaMainline Hobby Supply15066 Buchanan Trail EBlue Ridge Summit,PA17214717-794-2860Strasburg Train ShopRte 741 E, Box 130Strasburg,PA 17579717-687-0464Lin’s Junction128 S Line StLansdale,PA 19446215-412-7711Railyard Hobby Shop7547 Williamson RdRoanoke,VA 24019540-362-1714WisconsinGreenfield News & Hobby6815 W Layton StGreenfield,WI 53220414-281-1800Depot Drygoods220 W Wisconsin AveNeenah,WI 54956920-725-8854Non-US DealersCanadaGeorge’s Trains510 Mt Pleasant RdToronto Ontario M4S 2M2416-489-9782SwitzerlandTrainmaster3 Hochweidstr. KilchbergCH-8802 011-411-715-3666United KingdomQuince Valley Designs17 West StreetWeedon,Northants NN74QU044-132-734-137420 • O Scale Trains

Product News & ReviewsDowntown Deco4319 Rainbow Dr.Missoula MT 59803406-251-8005downtowndeco@montana.comNEWS...Downtown Deco’s latest 0 Scalereleases. They are; DD25 Right side ofthe tracks building set $149.95 retail.DD26 Wrong side of the tracks buildingset $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 include richly detailedHydrocal castings, laser cut doors andwindows, full color signs and completepainting and finishing instructions. KitsDD25 & 26 come with a coupon for afree set of our sidewalks, a $19.95value. Add $4.00 on direct orders.Scale Three Dimensional Renderings5425 Purpura Drive, Dept. SIndianapolis, IN 36236317-895-9105NEWS...Woody Grosdoff of Scale ThreeDimensional Renderings says he isstarting over once again in the 0 Scalemarket with a line of new resin wallcastings. Scale Three Dimensional Renderingsis selling a new line of customfabricated resin 0 Scale brick wall castingsdesigned to be used for a singlestory industrial building. There is ablank wall casting, a freight door wallcasting, an entry door wall casting, anda double window wall casting. Eachwall casting is supplied with a splicingpilaster. In addition a corner pilaster setis also available. Where applicable, thecastings also include appropriate window/doorcastings by Grandt Line Productsand glazing material. The walls area scale 12’ 10” high x 21’ 6” long. Thesplicing pilaster is a scale 1’ 7” wide.Nothing is kept in stock. Every orderis custom made so it is a good idea tocontact Woody before you place an order.Multiple casting orders above 10 receivediscounts. SSAE for information.Russian River RR Company1712 Parkcrest Terr.Arlington TX 76012,NEWS...O scale cast resin detail sets for use asstock in stores such as hardware, buildinggoods, hay & feed, etc. Most setsinclude styrene pallets. Set #306,Engines and Crates, is shown. Currentlyavailable sets are:301 - Sacked goods302 - Brick and roll goods303 - Insulation and shingles304 - Hay and feed305 - Tires and drums306 - Engines and crates307 - Auto junk pile308 - Workbench and detail.RomworksPO Box 242Nevada MO 64772-0242NEWS...Rod Rom was sitting at a railroadcrossing one day counting hopper carswhen he glanced up at the standard RailroadCrossing sign and was inspired.Rod, a longtime railfan, is aware of theheightened awareness for security, notonly in the airline industry but also inthe rail industry these days. So, Rod’sidea was to combine the standard RRCrossing sign with an admonition torailfans to “Railfan Responsibly.” Rodhas made up signs in various sizesincluding placemat size, coaster size andtwo different sizes in O scale. (Bet youwere wondering where the tie in was,huh?) Rod will sell you a laminateduncut sheet with 24 large or 35 small Oscale signs for $4.95 (p&h included). Ifyou are interested in the placemat orcoaster size, send Rod a self-addressed,stamped #10 business 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. Main StreetLeola, PA 17540717-661-7041www.dallee.comNEWS...Dallee announces new STEAM22 • O Scale Trains

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 include Steam Whistle,Bell, Exhaust Chuffs (auto chuff oroptionally synchronized), Air Pumps,random Air Pumps, random SafetyValve, and selectable Cylinder 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 videoshowing the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad’soriginal O scale operating layout.This outside third rail O scale layout,built by the B&O in 1936, now residesin Cincinnati, Ohio. Each year the layoutis displayed and operated in downtownCincinnati by Cincinnati Gas &Electric during the holiday season. Theone hour video is available for $20, plus$5 postage and handling. Checks ormoney orders only, please. Ohio residentsplease add $1.44 sales tax.REVIEW: Prime Mover Model RailroadDecals50 Livingston AvenueDover, NJ 07801-5412http://www.primemoverdecals.comReviewed by Gene DeimlingPrime Mover Model Railroad Decalshas released two new decal sets for theDelaware, Lackawanna & Western(DL&W) in O scale. 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-printed and are of veryhigh quality. The artwork was takendirectly from Lackawanna lettering diagramsrather than scaled from photos asis often done. The caboose lettering iswhite and the milk car is a yellow-goldcolor that is correct according to Lackawannaexpert, Mike DelVecchio.Prime Mover is considering 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 online from Diecast Directhttp://www.diecastdirect.comReviewed by Gene DeimlingMatchbox Toys has produced two1:48th scale 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 prepainted in a smooth andeven coat. You should be able to add letteringdirectly to the paint finish and dosome light weathering before placingthe models on your layout. It is nice thatthey have chosen vehicles that are clearlyanchored in the steam era. The modelsare made in China, as are most of theready-to-run items in 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 DeimlingSan Juan Car Company has releaseda new O scale boxcar kit that is composedmostly of injection-moldedstyrene and engineering plastics. Youcan purchase the kit with lettering forthe Western Pacific in 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 Microscale-producedcustom decals. You need only supplypaint 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 in the early1900s. The car is a classic doublesheathedwood design with a deep fishbellyunderframe and a reversedDreadnaught end. The WP ran thesecars into the 1950’s, as did the SacramentoNorthern. Many of them endedup in maintenance of way service. SanJuan has announced a wooden end versionwith K brake system that will coverthe pre-WWII era quite nicely. San Juanincluded a small booklet prepared andprinted by Sunshine Models on the prototype.Sunshine had recently releasedthe same car in HO so the O scale communitygets a well-researched history onO Scale Trains • 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 injection moldedstyrene and engineering plastic parts fornearly all of the kit. The kit includeswire for the trainline and for grabirons.San Juan has provided a nifty little wirebendingjig to assist in making the grabirons.The instructions are mostly composedof isometric drawings renderingeach 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 instructions to ensurethat the parts are oriented properly.Remember to form and fit the trainlineinto the cross members before gluingthem together. You will notice a minorproblem when you go to install thetrucks. The body bolsters plate rubsagainst the truck sideframe. You willneed to trim off about a scale four inchesto allow the truck to rotate on the bolsterproperly. Don’t add washers to the bolsterto raise it up since it will throw offthe coupler height. The trucks areAndrews style and are available separatelyfrom San Juan in either O orProto48. I replaced the plastic wheel setswith some old Grandt Line ribbed-back33"wheels.San Juan has shot the brake systeminterconnecting pipes in styrene and arethese are rather fragile. I broke mine onthe first try so reverted to using .019"wire.The next step is to assemble the bodyparts. There is a minor problem with thedoor opening being too wide. CharlesMorrill [designed] the kit and came upwith a good suggestion for filling in theopening. I have copied a portion ofCharlie’s email he sent out on Yahoo.“The prototype car had 6' wide dooropenings. The San Juan sides have ascale 6'-6" opening 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 missing. Even ifyou intend 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 opening.”Fabricating and installing the grabirons is time-consuming at best. The jigprovided by San Juan does aid in bendingthe 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 in 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 in aflexible engineering plastic. The staff isapproximately 9 scale inches 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 fine detail partsfitting. I would suggest that you notwork on the car with its side contactinga hard surface like the workbench. Use asoft cloth or soft foam rubber to cushionthe fine detail.I painted my model using Accu-paintby SMP using their Oxide Brown (AP-12). The paint produces the smoothestfinish of any paint available today. It hasa high gloss finish that is just perfect forapplication of the Microscale decalsprovided. Seal the decals with SMPclear gloss before applying Dull Coat orany lacquer-based flattening agent. Mycar is weathered with Kuras “Rustall”using their rust and black color.Hopefully, we will have many moreexcellent San Juan kits in the future.REVIEW: InterMountain USRAComposite GondolaINTERMOUNTAINP.O. Box 839Longmont, CO 80502-08391-800-472-2530Photos on page 26Reviewed by George LosseIntermountain Railway Company hasreleased another fine freight car kit toadd to their line of kits and ready to runcars. Their newest release is of theUSRA 50-Ton Composite Drop BottomGondola. The model is being released asboth kits and ready-to run cars. Themodel in 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 Administration in1918.This is the second of the standarddesigns that Intermountain has producedas a kit, the 55-ton steel twin hopper carbeing the first. In March of 1918 theorders were placed the car were deliveredduring 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 Trains

Some of these cars ran into the fiftiesin their composite construction. Cars ofthe MC and NYC were rebuilt with steelsides during 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 in 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 inorder to model the cars accurately.The kit consists of a plastic body withwooden sides and floor. The casting isvery nicely done. Although, it measuresout a little short against the drawing thatappeared in Mainline Modeler inJuly/August 1981, it comes up ten inchesshort over the strikers and 6 inchesshort from corner post to corner post.This will not matter to most modelers.The car goes together well followingthe instructions. They are underweightso extra weight should be added beforethe floor is glued in. This is clearlycalled out in the instructions.I found the instructions rather clearuntil you hit the grab iron stage. Thenthe instructions could use some helpthere. There are four different types ofgrabs, and they belong in 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 inwhich places.I’m still working on the grabs at thetime of this writing. There were a coupleof broken grabs on the spur, so I’m waitingfor replacements to come in fromIntermountain. 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 putting a San Juan 50-ton Andrewsunder my car.Overall, the car is a fine model of acar that saw service for many years onmany roads. For those who don’t wantto enjoy the pleasure of gluing up theindividual grab irons, Intermountain willbe releasing ready to run cars in additionto the kit that I was building. I did have achance to examine a R-T-R Gondolathat were available at the convention. Itwas well constructed and had weightadded during the construction and metalwheel sets.◆San Juan Car CompanyWestern Pacific/ SacramentoNorthern boxcar kit.(photos by Gene Deimling)O Scale Trains • 25

Intermountain USRAComposite Gondola(photos by George Losse)26 • O Scale Trains

Fill’er Up!Diorama built by J. Michael MillerPhotos by Ted LeachThe gas pumps are 1/43rd models intended for the die-cast market. The base of the island is made from a piece of the sidewalk casting fromthe building kit. The light pole and lamp shades are fabricated from brass.This diorama was built by J. Michael Miller of GlenBurnie, MD. The main building is from a Korber ModelsAcme Dye Company kit. This started life as a two storeybuilding but Mike cut it down. It was built over a period of 3months of evenings. Additional note: The signage on thebrick-work is from Letraset dry transfers. These were againapplied 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; indicating 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 converting it into a tow truck.He just never got around to making the conversion;thus the “Rust In Peace” sign...)O Scale Trains • 27

The tow truck is a model unto itself. It began life 1/38 scalecheap plastic toy by a company called Kinsmart. (Yes, Iknow it’s too big, but if it’s not sitting 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 winch and front bumper pad and chains. In the rearof the truck you’ll see a Berkshire Valley shovel, scratchbuiltrake and toolbox. The doors on the cab open and there arewindow cranks and door pulls. The lettering 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 in case someone needs to walk on it. The antenna base is aninverted Evergreen Styrene light shade and the antenna is made frommusic wire for durability.Signs are scratchbuiltfrom basswoodframed withEvergreen styrene.The lettering isfrom WoodlandScenics dry transferson decal film.28 • O Scale Trains

The service bay doors were cut out of the wallcasting and opening doors were scratchbuilt ofEvergreen Styrene.The ice chest and wooden soda case are fromBerkshire Valley castings. (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 tubing and flat brass wire. The Texacoherald is from a refrigerator magnet that wasphoto-copied onto plain paper.O Scale Trains • 29

How I Built My CritterBy John L. FryantMaineville, OhioLittle industrial diesel switchers,especially those with side rod drives,have always fascinated me. Some yearsago, AHM marketed a plastic O scale“critter”—a model of a four-wheeledV20002 German switcher with jackshaftand side rod drives. It was made by PolaMaxi in (then) West Germany. AHMoffered it in the U.S. painted maroonand silver with a PRR logo on the cab!These can still be found occasionally attrain shows; that’s where I picked upthree of the little beasties, although notall at once.I thought it would be a challengingproject to convert one of these into abelievable looking American industrialloco. I really wasn’t interested in modelinga specific prototype; a generic locowould do, as long as it looked like it had30 • O Scale Trainsbeen built in the U.S.The first step was to do someresearch. The Second Diesel SpottersGuide, by Jerry A. Pinkepank, plus aXerox copy of an old Vulcan LocomotiveWorks catalog provided many usefulphotos and data on these little locos.There were certainly 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 fine toothrazor saw. After eyeballing 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 cylindricaltank was made from styrene rodto conceal the V20002 number cast intothe lower front of the hood.I designed a new slightly higher cabbased on several photos in the SpottersGuide. This was fabricated from 1 ⁄16"frosted acrylic and .015" white EvergreenStyrene sheet. The acrylic is soldin art supply stores as non-glare “glass”for picture framing. The sidewalls andends were cut from the clear and thenduplicate pieces with window openingswere cut from the white styrene. Rivetdetail was embossed into the styrenebefore cementing it over the clear, whichproduced finished walls with glazedwindows. 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, hinges and window sills.The deck, end sills and underbodydetails were a one-piece casting. I carefullyremoved everything but the end

sills, saving 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 Line bolt heads werecemented to the support strips. New ladderswere made from brass ladder stockand cemented to the underside of thedeck. Air tanks and piping were madefrom Evergreen styrene rod and tube.The original coupler mounts were filedoff and the openings in 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 looking tread-plate surface.I simulated this by cutting pieces ofScale Scenics Aluminum Micro-Meshfine screen wire to fit over these areasand attaching them with spray adhesive.The deck areas were then painted grimyblack and when dry were lightly sandedwith #600 paper. This removed the paintfrom the screen wire leaving a nice worntread-plate look.Of course the model needed to be remotored.One of my little sub-hobbies iscontinued 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-line..CP, DLW, Reading, NYC, LIRR, Amtk..$299-449K-line 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, Purina, 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, Purina, 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, PurinaRevere, Goiden Loaf, BN, CBQ, CNJ, CNW, CP, CR, CSXDLW, DTI, EL, LV, NH, NYC, PRR, Rdg, WAB, UP,...$25-$30Wvr C'flow or Grain..CR, CP, ONT, LV, NYC, PRR,Sask, Sunbeam, Amoco, Sclair, Shell, Dupont, Hercules,Rainbow 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., Clinch'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-Line 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, installed add $8.95K-line 2-rail freight and Psgr trucks $15-$25The Public Delivery TrackPO Box 1035 • Drexel Hill, PA 19026610-259-4945 • pdt@gis.netO Scale Trains • 31

How I Built My Critter...continued from page 31collecting small DC motors, this due tomy long involvement in scale R/C shipmodeling. I’m continually searching forthe ultimate motor - the one that producesgobs of torque while drawing noamps at all! In my treasure trove ofmotors was a little German Faulhabergear motor that looked like it would dothe job. Installing one of these hi-techgear motors in an old AHM plastic locois somewhat akin to putting a Rolls-Royce engine in a VW Beetle, but thearrangement ultimately worked out verywell.With the proper mount the Faulhabermotor would fit nicely within the sidewallsof the loco frame. In this case, theproper mount proved to be a short sectionof PVC water pipe! The motor wasan exact fit inside 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 connecting thejackshaft and drivers. Power is transferredfrom the motor by a pinion andcrown gear. The pinion proved an exactfit on the Faulhaber’s output shaft, so Iretained this arrangement. However, thefirst trial with the new motor resulted invery slow running speed. Removing oneof the spur gear sets from the drive trainand re-positioning the motor and crowngear increased the speed just enough.The model now ran at a very realisticspeed and the gear motor gave the drive34 • O Scale Trainsa nice flywheel effect.With final adjustmentsmade, the motor andits mount were fixedin place with fiveminuteepoxy.The loco neededlots of additionalweight, so I lined theinside of the bodywith lead freight carweights. Lead was also installed in theopen areas at each end of the frame.This increased the total weight to aboutone pound and the loco is capable ofpulling 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 aluminumreflectors to fit inside theheadlight housings and fitted them witha Miniatronics headlight reversing unit.The grab irons are extras from Intermountainboxcars and the brake wheelcame from my parts box.I painted the engine with Polly ScaleRail Box Yellow. The frame and underbodydetails are grimy black while thecab roof, exhaust stack and sun visorsare flat aluminum. Headlights and windowsills and cab interior are gray. Railings,grab irons, brake gear, bell frameand horn are gloss black. To bring outthe cast-on details of the plastic body, Ismeared a black oil-base antiquing glazeover the yellow body, then rubbed it offwith tissues and cottonswabs. This left a residue ofthe black glaze in the louversand corners and aroundthe rivets, which poppedthese details out. A bit ofadditional weathering wasdone with powdered chalks.To complete the detailing, a length ofchain and a re-rail frog were hung belowthe deck on the loco’s right side. As Ihad no photos of cab interiors for thesetype engines, I didn’t do any detailingthere. I probably should have made theeffort, though, as the frosted windowsdo not hide as much of the cab interioras 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.Overall, 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 ingenuity.I lettered my “critter” for the DuckCreek Industrial Railroad, a fictitiousline that has trackage rights over myequally fictitious Ohio Valley Railroad.Now, the management of the industrialline is thinking seriously of building aroad switcher using the other twoV20002 German switchers on hand.Hmmm... Maybe a center-cab unit withtwo swiveling 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 InterMountain Railway CompanyP.O. Box 839, Longmont, CO 80502-0839For photos and complete list of InterMountain products visit our Web Site: www.intermountain-railway.comFor information call: 1-800-472-2530 or Fax: 303-772-8534. E-Mail: intermountain@intermountain-railway.comO Scale Trains • 35

Kingsbury Terminal RailroadAn O Scale American Quart in a British Pint Pot!Marshall Vine Kent, EnglandHere in the old country, modellingthe American scene in O scale is fraughtwith problems that you over there canonly imagine! To begin with, there areno suppliers of American O scale modelsand materials here, so everything hasto be bought by mail and shipped acrossthe Atlantic. This not only takes time, upto a couple of months in some cases, butis expensive. The cost of shipping, plusthe inevitable Customs Duty on arrivalhere, can easily double the final 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 loading 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 articulatedengines, a 2-8-O was generally thoughtto be a large engine and many 4-4-O’slasted in daily service right up to the endof steam in some areas. Modern dieseland electric locos are similarly smallerthan most used in the States. It all makesthings easier though when it comes tofitting model railways into our houses,which are also generally a great dealsmaller. For modelling purposes ourhome railways are ideal.So the British modeller of the Americanscene in O scale has everythingstacked against him, and this probablyaccounts for the relatively small numberof enthusiasts who attempt it. Largeengines and cars, and long trains, reallyneed the basement empires we readabout, but as basements are somethingelse not oftenfound here, youcan begin to see theproblem.I have been collectingsmallAmerican O scalelocos 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 sitting there, and caused a bit ofinterest, but it was obvious that theywould look better doing what they werebuilt for, so the “Kingsbury TerminalRailroad” was born.This is not a model railroad in thenormal sense, and if you are easilyoffended you should stop reading now,because on the “Kingsbury,” anythinggoes! Although supposedly set in theKingsbury area of Chicago, the layout isno more than a stage on which a varietycontinued on page 38...36 • O Scale Trains

New! O Scale Reading Brass Locomotive & Passenger CarsAccurate Reading Series 2000 TurtlebackBlimp Passenger Cars: Perfect companions forthe G3; Authentic Reading Colors inside andout; Fully detailed and lighted interiors withyour choice of interior seat colors; Detailedundercarriage, Prototypical trucks.Set of 1 Grill car & 4 coaches... $1199 .95Matching 2 car club & lounge... $479 .95Available August 2002.Don’t Wait! Order Now!The Reading G3 Pacific — The last Pacific madein America! All brass construction, Pittmanmotor; Blackened drivers withBoxpok center; Choice of cab# (210 or 219);Directional lighting & lighted cab.2 rail... $899 .95 ; 3 rail w/sound... $999 .95Available September 2002.Also available: Factory Weathering!SGL Lines • 4017 Cory Lane, Chesapeake VA 23321 ph/fx 757-465-5566O Scale Trains • 37

of locomotives can be seen at work, and“variety” just about sums it up. Thediverse mix of locos and rolling stockwhich are used on the layout may seemwrong to all of you used to the Americanscene, and in 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 running a Shay at one of ourmajor shows recently I was actuallycomplimented on “inventing” it, toldwhat a brilliant idea it was and that Ishould patent it!! So basically, anythingfrom a Winnan’s camelback onwardmay appear, and in general, from thepoint of amusing the visitors, the moreodd the loco, the better!There is nothing unusual about the38 • O Scale Trains“Kingsbury” layoutitself exceptthat it is perhaps abit smaller than isusual for O scale.Many magazinelayout descriptionsinclude a tour ofthe layout. It oftentakes the form ofan imaginary trainride round the layoutwhile the mainfeatures are pointedout. This will not be necessary forthis layout as it can be best appreciatedby standing on an imaginary packingcase placed in the middle of the yard.The only other unusual feature is that itcomes apart into easilytransportable pieces. Thedemands of the exhibitioncircuit mean that thelayout, plus rolling stockand operators, have to fitcomfortably in a car, sofor transporting, the twomain boards bolt togetherfacing each other,making a large box withthe layout surfaces protectedon the inside. Onre-assembly, each boardis held to the next byhinges with the permanentpins replaced by removable ones.This is not onlyquick, it alsogives an automaticalignment tothe tracks acrossthe board joints.Multi-pin plugsand sockets takecare of theelectrics. All thismakes it easy andquick to assembleand dismantle thelayout, and it canbe up and runningin about thirty minutes if we’re reallypushed. But exhibitions do tend to bevery social affairs so with all the chattingthat goes on, it usually takes a goodbit longer!Only 12'6" long by 2'3" wide, the layoutrepresents a small switching yardsurrounded by high buildings, most ofwhich are rail served industries of onesort or another. These were carefullychosen to offer the maximum variety ofrolling stock and they range from a fruitand vegetable distributor, to a heavyengineering works with a large overheadcrane. There are actually seven possible“destinations” 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, (stagingyard to you over there), is built in at oneend. It is hidden from the public side bya factory flat and two more sidings,(spurs), one of which serves the engineeringworks with its crane.Once up and running, there is nooperating 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 definitestars of the show, the most popular beingan MTH four truck Shay. This has oftenspent whole weekends pushing carscontinued 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 raising the bar with unbelievabledetails: working turret hatches, cab roof vents andtender water hatches, perforated running 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 detailing· Fully detailed cab interior with painted dials· "Quiet Drive" mechanism, ball bearing gearboxes· Numerous opening doors and hatches with detailedparts inside· Piping 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 coined brass centers andblackened carbon steel tires (traction tires in 3 rail)· 60” Radius or larger O scale track· Full 1/48th scale 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 running order. Imake no apologies for this. If the NewYork Central could run a Shay in themiddle of New York, then I can run oneon Kingsbury!The locos generally used cover thewhole spectrum of O scale 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 in between. There areeven a few small diesels which makeoccasional appearances. Some semblanceof realism is usually maintainedby the larger locos only bringing trainsinto the yard then leaving the smallerswitchers to distribute the cars, whilecare is taken (usually) to put cars in theircorrect places. No reefers in the engineeringworks for instance. Because ofthe layout’s small size, trains are necessarilyshort, only two or three cars,although a smart operator can lengthenthem by adding extra cars as the front ofthe train leaves the fiddle yard! Wequickly decided to dispense withcabooses, (cabeese?), assuming 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 intothe 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 point offthe throughtrack! I’m afraidI couldn’t resistthe Sunset MalletCamelback, sothis makes theodd appearance.If the MTH VirginianTriplexever becomesavailable in tworail, the “smallloco” policymight find itselfstretched even more!!A “Soundtraxx” Steam sound systemis available for use with those locoswhich are programmed into it, and itworks very well. Sound is not oftenfound on layouts over here, so whenit is in use, it usually causes a greatdeal of interest and adds a lot to therealism of the scene.Like the locomotives, the rollingstock is also a real mixture. It rangesfrom the basic Atlas cars, throughIntermountain and Weaver, up to severalof the old craftsman type kitssuch as Quality Craft and Ambroid.Putting one of these kits together cankeep me amused for weeks and fortunatelyI’ve got several in hand not yetstarted. There are even a few scratchbuilt cars to add to the variety. The carthat causes most interest 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 ofrolling stock. It was more trouble tobuild than a more normal, larger car. Fora start I had no drawings, so a Walthers’HO car was carefully measured andscaled up. Then when construction startedthe lack of any proper chassis complicatedthings considerably as didgetting enough weight into the tiny 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 simpleswitching movement very much moredifficult!Electrically, the layout is arranged so40 • O Scale Trains

Kingsbury Terminal RailroadAmerican 'O' Gauge -Hidden FiddleYardLoadingHopperWTGantryCranethat 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 single handed but is notrecommended for the faint hearted!Trackwork is code 125 rail solderedto printed circuit board ties. It is a commonlyused system over here and aretailer in 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 in varioustypes of ground mix. The switches areoperated by push/pull rods sunk into theground and ending behind the layout. Itis about as simple a system as can beand very cheap! The usual Kadeeuncoupling magnets are sited whererequired by the normal operating patterns.They are not disguised because weStatic loco displaytrack on bridgehave a habit of dragging interested spectatorsbehind to operate the layout, and ithelps them to be able to see the magnets.(I used to be a teacher so occasionally anobviously interested youngster will beinvited, and they are invariably verycareful and responsible, but I willalways treasure the look on the face ofone mum when she learned that her offspringwas playing 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 nothing happens, then a rush all atonce. This coming November forinstance, it should be out every weekend,each succeeding trip taking it furtherand further from home!!By the end of this year “Kingsbury”will have attended nearly fifty shows, soa little while ago, with a view to itsName: Kingsbury Terminal RailroadType: Freelance SwitchingLocale: Kingsbury area of Chicago, Ill.Period: 1940-1955 (but with muchlicense)Size: 12' 6" x 2' 3"Benchwork: 1x2 frame with 1 ⁄2" insulationboardRoadbed: 1 ⁄8" corkTrack: Code 124Switches: Markway, mostly #6sMin. 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 originallayout that a deliberate attempt wasmade to make the next one even smaller!A bit of bloody mindedness thencrept in, with the result that, with a bit ofcareful planning, the new layout, whilestill interesting to operate in a more orless prototypical manner, is now inbeing 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 TrainsMAIL ORDERPhone: 207-655-2550Fax: 207-655-8550Web: www.normsoscale,comemail: info@normsoscale.comBuy, Sell or TradeAll O scale 2 rail brassSend for our latest price list as well as new announcements.Visit us online at WWW.NORMSOSCALE.COMO Scale Trains • 41

Reader FeedbackContest IdeaIt was with great amusement that Iread your lamentation about designingfor that huge 17x46 foot basement youseem to be stuck with. You’ll certainlyget no sympathy from me. But yourcomment made me think of somethingmore useful that you could do for O-scalers. Have a contest for designing 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 offerings have only been inHO or N. With Atlas track and othernew products coming out, folks new toO scale need to be able to see what canbe accomplished in 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 magazine#3 and have enjoyed it very much. As Istated to you on the phone, I am moreinto 3 rail toy train operating but lookingat your magazine brings me back to theprototypical modeling I did for manyyears in HO. It has put a little fire backin me and I may try some true O scalemodeling in the near future. Keep up thegood work.Al DubielNot Pleased At AllI recently was able to purchase yourmagazine O Scale Trains. After taking ithome and reading it, I felt left-out anddisappointed. Allow me to tell you why.When I went to my local train store,it was mentioned that a new O scalemagazine was coming. The thought wasthat I was going to get issue #1. What ashock it was to find that the first issuewas #4. Going back to the store, I askedwhy #4. They said they didn’t knowabout the magazine until a man fromout-of-town asked if they had it in stock.Of course they said no.From reading OST, one would getthe impression that the magazine wasfor all O Scalers, but in reality it is foronly close friends. Again why did wehave find and wait for the magazine?As for promoting O Scale, 2 rail, neitheryou, [the] manufacturers/importers,nor O Scale Kings are doing a good job.I already mentioned you. Now aboutmanufacturers/importers. A model ofthe SW8/9 switcher has been offered fora long time from Atlas. According totheir ad a person needs to visit his/herlocal hobby shop. Well, I tried to get aSW-8/9 since 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-Line. Since 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 think I believe K-Line? No way. I called them and the personat K-Line 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 Trains and K-Linedeals with only Chicagoland”s “O”Gauge Specialist. Am I going to dealthose shops and pay more than if mylocal hobby shop had received theitems? That’s a big “No.” Since they aregoing to treat us like a pile of manure,that’s the way we’re going to treat them.This brings me to the O Scale Kings(OSK). In your “Observations” of issue#4, you state that, according to the numbers:(1). The promotion of O Scale toother modelers in the model railroadcommunity in other scales and 3-rail.(2). The promotion of O Scale to thepublic who might be ready to become amodel railroader, but have not yet madea scale decision. (3). The promotion ofO Scale to the manufacturers, givingthem direct access to information onwhat products that the O Scale communitywants to buy. In return giving the OScale manufacturers a direct access totheir already existing market.” What aJoke!Let’s look at number 1 first. Also,let’s look at a letter in issue #4 from Mr.Tom Grimason. He states that “the 3-railcrowd” is a much larger audience.” I’ve[been] in 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. Claiming thatHO is only Ready-To Run equipment.He must go to the hobby shop withblinders 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 railroaderfind out about O Scale when there isn’tany thing to show. Magazines would benice, but they limit themselves. Havingmodels 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 join. But42 • O Scale Trains

OSK show that they discriminate. OSK prefer plastic ready-torunor expensive brass. Take note of Mr. John C. Smith ofPRB. He’s crying again and trying to blame others for his mistakes.Going back to Mr. Grimason’s letter. He mentions thatMTH can sell the [same] item as Overland Models at a lowerprice. Overland 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 Overland 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 magazine that really helped O Scale was O Scale Railroading.Put out by the Jones family, it went out to anyonewho was interested in O Scale or soon to be a modeler.You and the industry have a long way to go before succeedingin reaching that goal.William J Lubert, New MexicoA New Canadian FriendHaving been a closet O scaler for many years I was lookingfor a magazine that would shed light on many aspects of oscale, scratch building, loco detailing, etc. I could never findany magazines at our local rag stand until you guys camealong. It’s a super detailed, nice, all around magazine which Ican get just as easy as Model Railroader. Keep up the goodwork.Your new found friend in keeping the O scale light bright.Steve Sansome, Trenton, Ontario, Canada.An Ed Bommer FanI picked up your magazine at a news cafe in 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 branchline is finally getting some attention. I likethe magazine, O is a great scale and needs more coverage.Better models are finally appearing and O is expanding. Imodel N, but love to read about other scales 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 think all of us O Scalers have been watching your magazinegrow and bloom. You seem to have a winner going ! I personallyenjoy the “open nature” of your magazine. Takingsuggestions and criticism with an open mind. There isn’t a personthat doesn’t say they have an open mind... till it comes to asuggestion. “Slam!” But I notice OST is using those suggestionsto better your magazine.And thanks for not trying to make a buck from every opportunitythat comes along. Making your out-of-print issues availableon the web, for instance. 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 income and can’t afford a yearly subscription.That aside, I’d like to ask if you’d be interested in an articleto build O scale modules? Our club has been working on ourmodules since 1998. And before that, the Southern New Englandclub used a closely similar design for their modules yearsbefore that. I have drawings and reasoning behind the specificationthat we researched in depth.Let me know if you would be interested.Jimi Smith - Metrowest O Scalers, President[Ed. – We took Jimi up on his offer and you will be seeingO Scale SignalsHighly detailed, accurate, affordable. Made in the USA.Assembled and hand-painted by a model RR craftsman.Double Semaphore Train Order Board3-Color Block Signal w/Equipment Box3-Color Block Signal w/Standard MastDwarf Signals (2/pack)continued 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 MindednessO Scale Trains • 43

O Scale Hall of FameRollin LobaughOctober 1895 - February 1965Rollin Lobaugh was one of the pillarsof the O scale community. He startedhis model business in 1931. By 1941Lobaugh offered an astounding 11locomotive kits ranging from a 4-4-0to a 4-6-6-4 Challenger and just aboutevery wheel arrangement in between.Lobaugh also offered over 120 freightcar kits. Lobaugh offered a “Warranteeof Fine Craftsmanship: Any purchaserof Lobaugh equipment who is not satisfiedwill, upon return of the equipmentwithin 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 in regard to finedetails, but they were mechanical masterpieces.Many are still running today.Lobaugh produced models from 1931through 1965, first under Mr Lobaughhimself and then under Earl Allison, thechief engineer and designer after Mr.Lobaugh’s death. Since then theLobaugh line has passed through manyhands over the years, getting split hereand there. It currently is divided amongthree concerns, Locomotive Workshop,Trackside Specialties and StevensonPreservation Lines. This last company`probably has the most extensive collectionand has resurrected the LobaughSP Mikado kit.Rollin Lobaugh was elected to the OScale Hall of Fame in 1995 at the Onationals in New Jersey. In 1996, hewas enrolled in the Model RailroadIndustry Association (MRIA) Hall ofFame.Though long gone, Lobaugh remains apillar of the O scale community both inmaterial presence and in spirit. ◆Buy, Sell,TradeBuy-Sell-Trade ads are $5 for 30 words plusyour address information. 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 in must use a credit card. Seeour contact info 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/mailing list. MDavid Vaughn, 13732 Lakeside Dr,Clarksville, MD 21029-1345WANTED: Espee Steam, MG, USH, Sunset,Overland, Westside, Precision, Lobaugh, etc.Any condition. Also brass diesels, small tolarge, old and new. Email:hotrod57ford@hotmail.com, Albert EEspinosa, 316 E Camden Ave, El Cajon, CA92020-4504FOR SALE: Brass Central Locomotive Workskit for SD 40-2. Pittman can motor & dynamicbrake pods included. $275, plus $5 shippingin the lower 48. Phone: 713-690-2184Tom W Campbell, 9011 Eldora Dr, Houston,TX 77080-1720WANTED: Overland ALCO S-2/S-4, Overlandearly 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 OverlandMILW EF-3 and Oriental GN Z-1 freight boxcabunits. Will trade dummy for power unit.Email: RRand 4449@aol.com44 • O Scale Trains

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 StrLined K4, N/P, OB, Mint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,275.00OM NP A5 4-8-4, C/P, Mint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,895.00OM #0166 NP Z Class 4-6-6-4, C/P, Mint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 Cylinders, 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 in ABA Set $4,550.00)MOM #0289/0291 F# AB Set, C/P D&RGW, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,495.00USH(KTM) GP35, Poor Paint, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375.00USH(KTM) FP45, C/P Amtrak, Fair Paint, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .555.00USH SD45, C/P SP, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .725.00Layaway AvailableJim HackworthMODEL TRAINS(and Subsidiary JH Consulting)2631 Edgevale Road, Columbus OH 43221-1113Phone:614-4514517 Fax:6144514557E-mail: jhmtrains@msn.comLSASE for Complete ListShipping 6% - $6.00 Min., $12.00 MaxOhio Residents Add 5.75% Sales TaxGet Real ProductionsPrototypical Model Railroad PhotographyThrough the use oflighting, smoke, fog,and steam, our photographsproject specialmoods andportray the romanceof the rails. Ourartistic images areall photographed inour studio and areunretouched foradded realism.• Prints • Calendars • Posters• Greeting Cards • Postcards • Custom OrdersCall or write for our color brochure.“Our photos make model trains look real!”Get Real Productions11 Out of Bounds RoadPalmyra VA 22963Voice: 434-589-2660 • Fax: 434-589-4898 • kjkriigel@aol.comConsignmentsSS FM Trainmaster, 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 Window Caboose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.00OM #0717 Reading 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 Maine,OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295.00ALW ATSF Chief Pullmans/Diner/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 Train w/MG 4-4-014 Car SS Congressional Limited Complete13 Car Lionel Smithsonian NYC 20th Cent Set12 Car PRB SP Daylight SetLionel Smithsonian NYC Streamlined 4-6-4Writeor callformoreinfoEstates/LiquidationsCollection ReductionsO Scale Trains • 45

Crapolafrom theCupolaJohn C. SmithPecos River BrassChapter VMy first steam loco was about to become areal adventure. I wanted everything to be perfect.I wanted a great model at a great price. Iwanted a sellout. Until now, most projectswere costing about $10 – $20K to produce.This would cost me about $45K. On the otherhand, the other projects were making meabout $5 - $10K each and this would makeme $20 - $40K if it sold out like all the otherprojects had done. This project would put mein a position to finance 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 producedin HO Scale. I was tired of being “theSanta Fe guy” and wanted to expand. Truth is,I knew the Santa Fe, or knew where I couldget the information 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 wantedsomething different.It was to be a T&P 2-10-2. Other importershad done T&P locos in 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 Trainsmechanisms 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 duringthis time, we were not idle. I worked with Junat GangSan as he was quite eager to get intoHO steam. That was where the money was forhim, too.This is one of the best learning experiencesI have had. There was so much I didn’t know.When I get letters or comments from modelerstelling me about the inaccuracies of amodel, I must go back to this to explain. It isimpossible to build a perfect model, 100%accurate to the prototype. Jun faxed me on thisloco and told me that very thing. I had to makea choice. Did I want correct size drivers, correctsize flanges, or correct spacing in theframe? If you do scale 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 in the frame further apart. OK, thenwhich of the 5 drivers do you want in the correctposition? Do you want the first driver init’s position and all others spaced back? Thenthe fifth driver might be under the cab. Do youwant the last driver in it’s proper position?Then the first driver might touch the cylinders.I just asked Jun to make a wise decision andhe did. In the model building process, thereare some things that you want to accent bymaking them larger, and some things youwant to diminish or the model will lookwrong. This is only experience talking, but Iwill discuss this point many times.I remember very well the day the modelsarrived. The excitement here was high. I tookdelivery and we went right into them, unpackingand starting to test. The excitement turnedquickly to depression. The first 11 modelswould not run. I was so depressed I could onlylay my head in my hands on the counter whilemy staff scurried to try and find 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 in vain. We did 250 models and lessthan 100 sold in advance. Many of the majorhobby shops in 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 in the noseevery time I hear those words. Fact is, if itdoesn’t sell in advance, it won’t sell off theshelf. Over the years it will sell, but you can’tmake any money taking 8 years to sell out aproject.This was the project to make me $30-40Kand allow me to finance my own projectswithout the bank. I didn’t take in enoughmoney to pay the builder the $45K buildersprice, not alone customs and shipping, so Ihad to borrow from the bank. I ended up$20K in the hole, big debt for the first timesince I started business. It was a beautifulmodel but a sales disaster.In hindsight, 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 nothing. I am judged by the models Iship out, not the models I get. The final productout of PRB was fine. About 70 models hadto go back to Korea to be repaired, but again,that did not affect the model I shipped out ofPRB.I can tell you what others told me. Youthink you have all the answers. You think youknow what will sell. You start out and producea few models that sell out instantly, and youthink you have conquered the business. 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 yourskin 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 theircomplaints. If they cannot see you, they willstart rumors about you and that is worse thanthe truth.◆

kit #18105 contains the tipple, headhouse, power house, storage shed, retainingaracter for $549.95! The tipple is approximately 45 x 90 scale feet with the overallabout 24" x 48". Not all details are shown in the photo!Years of79P O Box 561Seffner, FL 33583Phone: 813-643-1105Fax: 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 Trains • 47

Proto48 ModelingGene DeimlingThe challenge of modeling a minorityscale is trying to find information on whatis available. Certainly any leap into a newgauge such as Proto48 requires somethought and understanding beforehand.Even standard O gauge presents a challengeto buy supplies in 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 Line(NWSL) and Protocraft are selling wheelsfor cars and locomotives. They are availablein several diameters and with differentaxle styles. The Protocraft wheels all comewith a blunt axle end as shown in thephoto. NWSL has both the pointed-endand the blunt axle style.NORTHWEST SHORTLINE (NWSL)P. O. Box 423Seattle, Washington 98111-0423Phone: 206-932-1087Email: info@nwsl.comWebsite: http://www.nwsl.comNWSL offers wheel sets in 30" , 33",36"and 40" in both blunt and pointed-axlestyle. They are offering special axle lengthsto fit Atlas (China-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 engineeredand the models can be convertedwith only a few simple tools like a screwdriverand such. The NWSL wheels andaxles are machined steel with hard plasticinsulator. The wheel profile is within thetolerances for Proto48 on flange height andtire width. The wheels are flat-backed lackinga prototype contour. The wheel sets arewell made and accurately gauged. You canpurchase the wheel sets through a localhobby shop or by ordering via the Internetat some of the shops that offer secureservers for ordering. 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 looking and are “dead-on” Proto48specifications. They are available in ablunt-ended axle only. Protocraft’s owner,Norm Buckhart, has produced wheels andaxle assemblies for converting steam locolead and trailing trucks as well as Weaverdiesel drives and their derivatives such asP&D, Car Works and the older styleWeaver diesels with the single motor. Protocraftare available direct only.Protocraft is currently offering fourmetal Proto48 trucks (Archbar, Andrews,AAR Double Truss and a T-section truck)that were originally produced by ChoochEnterprises many years ago. Norm purchasedthe masters and had them completelyreworked by a master patternmaker. They are available in brass andwhite metal. The brass versions come completewith brake rigging. 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 permitting proper spacingof 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 offering five differentfreight car trucks in Proto48 (Archbar,Andrews, Dalhman, T-Section and AAR48 • O Scale Trains

Double Truss [Bettendorf]). The trucks aremade from injection molded styrene andengineering plastic. They are fully detailedwith brake rigging and separate journallids. San Juan trucks are available throughretail hobby stores and can be ordered onlinefrom Caboose Hobbies.RICH YODER MODELS7 Edgedale CourtWyomissing, PA 19610Phone: 1-610-678-2834Email:richyoder@richyodermodels.comWebsite:http://www.richyodermodels.comRich Yoder is a new entry into the worldof Proto48. He is importing two fullyassembled brass trucks with machinedsteel 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 timesaverssince they are fully assembled andpainted.I have not covered some of the goldenoldies like Grandt Line 33” ribbed-backwheels, Henning/ Clouser steel wheels orthe venerable Lee Klaus brass trucks.Just over the horizon, Keystone Modelsis expected to release in 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...continued from page 42the metroWest O Scaler’s modules in afuture issue.]More on The Importer RoundtableI’m in Erie, PA and issue #4 was inthe mailbox last Friday. Good job so far!It’s obvious that your post-Chicagoshow roundtable notes as to the future ofO scale have been very thought-provoking.My own inclinations are similar towhat was written, i.e., upon seeing andpurchasing 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-Line, 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) Intermountainand 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 unpainted)will need to adjust significantly if theyare to be sold at all.But then again, I could be entirelywrong! It just seems that the market isbeing driven by different dynamics afterso many years without much change.And it will be very interesting to seewhat effects the new 2-rail Atlas trackwill have on the hobby.Your magazine came along at a goodtime and I like your format. Nice to seeGene Deimling’s work getting in front ofmore pairs of eyes. He’s a good writer andopenly shares a lot of useful techniqueswith anyone who shows an interest.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 speedin scale mph. This is not hard to determine,if one can measure eleven feet oftrack and has a good watch or stopwatch. Just divide the number of secondsto go that distance into 360 andanswer is scale mph. (Eleven feet is 1 ⁄10scale mile and 360 is 1 ⁄10 the number ofseconds in an hour. Traversing 11 feetin six seconds equals 60 scale mph, 12seconds for the distance divided into360 equal 30 scale mph, etc. Simple.)There were a couple of typos whichcrept into Harry’s review. The prototypeRDG train was the “King Coal.” (“KingCole” was a nursery rhyme character, Ibelieve!) I am glad that Harry stated thedriver diameters matched the drawinghe had. I have about 20 of these drawingswhich were given to me by a friend(since deceased) who lived in Yakima,Wash., and was an O scale modeler aswell as a live steamer in 7 1 ⁄2" gauge.It is very important, in my opinion, tomention driver diameter in scale inchesfor the steamers which are derived from3-rail models, because several modelshave been made with undersized drivers.A couple of scale inches off correctdiameter I can tolerate as equal to aninch of tire wear, but go off by threescale inches (= 1 ⁄10 inch) and even myeyes can notice that much discrepancy.Weaver’s RDG Crusader used 77"drivers, which has made me leery oftheir two new unstreamlined Pacifics,because I am guessing they used thesame chassis as the Crusader. I was wonderingabout the G3, as it might havecome from the same builder as Weaverand perhaps used same chassis as well.Best regards, Woody Mathews ◆O Scale Trains • 49

EventsNovember 20022nd, Pennsylvania, Wind GapEastern O Scalers Swap Meet, PlainfieldFire Hall, 6480 Sullivan Trail, 9:00am to 1:00 pm. Info: EOS, PO Box1781, Bensalem, PA 19020; 215-639-3864; [www.EasternOScalers.com].2nd & 3rd, Illinois, Rockford9th Annual Midway Village & MuseumCenter Model Train 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 Train & ToyShow. Info: J. Allen Metheny, Sr., POBox 28 Hartly DE 19953.17th, Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaTCA Atlantic Division Train Meet,Painter’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.Thanksgiving Open House, 104 N SaginawSt, Noon to 5 pm; $3, seniors $2,children 5-18 $1.50, children under 5free. Info: Edward MacDowell, DMRC,104 N Saginaw 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 Train Show sponsoredby the Tuckahoe O Scalers at theEpiphany Lutheran Church Hall, FranklinBlvd & Tunis Ave - Sale 10 am to 4 pm;Clinics; $3, family $5; tables $15 for1st table, $12 for each additional table(supports O Scale Layout 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 ModelTrain Show & The All-American High-Rail& Collectors Show at Gettysburg College.In the scale Show — Everythingrelating to scale model railroading fromZ to G or bigger plus books, scratchbuildingsupplies, railroadiana, videosand electronics. In the Hi-Rail Show —all the above plus toys and anythingtrain 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 in theWestin Hotel Santa Clara in SantaClara, CA. There are some meet activitieson Thursday, February 13. Layoutsare also open before and after the meet,in addition to during the meet. Info: call650-329-0424 or visit http://www.rodmiller.com/osw2003.htmlAndersen’s Train Station 16AtlasOIBCBackshop Filmworks 16BTS 47California Roadbed Co. 16Central Locomotive Works 16Chicagoland 14Curved Benchwork 10Get Real Productions 43/45Jim Hackworth Model Trains 45Harry Hieke 45InterMountain 35Mickeys Model Works 22NCE Corp 47Norm’s O Scale 41O Scale Kings 44Advertisers IndexIn MemoriamHarry A Hieke, Sr.March 21, 1921 — July 31, 2002Devoted Pennsy railfan andextraordinary O/HO scale modeler.Survived by his wife, twosons and a daughter. He madesure his family rode everymajor name train on everyClass 1 railroad in the U.S. andCanada in the 50’s and 60’s.His early HO and O scale modelswill be preserved by hisfamily. The purchase of acraftsman kit for a fledglingteenage modeler was alwaysaccompanied by an admonishmenttoward excellence.Dad, may you always ride inthe fancy drawing room in 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 Lines 37Stevenson Preservation Lines 21Sunset Models Inc. 39T Bone Models 21Whitehall 5150 • O Scale Trains

C6"FCar side sheetA6"10" 12" 6" 9" 18" 16""Carmer" Uncoupling LeverE.F. Bommer 9/6/02"Carmer" Uncoupling Lever UpdateBDC/L Coupler'A' Depth of mounting depends ondepth of car end sill.'B' Measure to clear brake shaft andretainer line by 4" minimum.'C' Measure to clear car end sill by 6"minimum.'D' End of lever must fall 4" below carside sill for clearance.'E' Coupler must be cleared by 4" minimum.'F' Overall length is determined bywidth of car. Push end of lever is evenwith car side. Coupler end is even withcoupler pin in extreme right position.All dimensions shown are approximatefull scale.Whitehall HobbiesSpecializing in Brass Locomotives1431 Windrush Circle, Blacklick, Ohio 43004Voice: (614) 861-0018 - Fax: (614) 861-3034JWTrains@aol.comEEditor’s Note: Several people wrote totell us that the diagram included in thelast issue for the Carmer cut lever wasinsufficient 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 Painted Rd#1492 TRO New (Mint) $3,250.00Key D&RGW L-105 4-6-6-4 Post-War Version 3710 Class Flying Rio GrandeExhaust Steam Injector Air Radiator Smoke Consumer and Overfire JetsFactory Painted - 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 Painted Black,Lettered, Lights Road Nos. 605, 607, 608, 610 Double Side Rods, $2,200.00OMI N&W J, 4-8-4 Streamlined, As Built 1941-1945 Factory Painted Black,Lettered, Lights Road Nos. 600, 603 Double Side Rods, $2,200.00OMI N&W J, 4-8-4 Streamlined, Excursion Version Factory Painted Black,Lettered, Lights Road Nos. 611 Single Side Rods, $2,200.00OMI SP&S 28 4-6-6-4 Unpainted 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 Painted - BlackBoiler New $3,195.00PSC UP Bull Moose 2-8-8-0 Factory Painted as 1940’s Version Road Nos.3551 and 3553 New $3,295.00PSC UP Bull Moose 2-8-8-0 Factory Painted, 1950’s Version Road Nos. 3519and 3560 New $3,295.00PSC N&W Z1a 2-6-6-2 Factory Painted Road No. 1394 Serial No. 5 of 8 New$2,975.00PSC N&W Z1b 2-6-6-2 Factory Painted Rd#'s 462 or 1438 New $2,975.00PSC NYC S1a 4-8-4 Custom Painted by Bernie Beedy Crown Series New$3,995.00PSC UP Challenger 4-6-6-4 “Crown Series” Unpainted New (Mint) Very Scarce- Real Collector’s Item $5,500.00Westside Western Maryland Shay Three Truck Unpainted New (Mint - TestRun Only) $1,850.00Diesel and Turbine Locomotives OMI UP No. 80 Coal Turbine UP FactoryPainted Lettered, Lights Road No. 80 $4,760.00OMI 120 Ton Crane Open Cab Version Industrial Brownhoist Factory PaintedBlack, Unlettered OMI No. 0027.1 New $1,195.00OMI N&W Five Car Passenger Set Powhatan Arrow Factory Painted New$4,600.00Key NYC K3q 4-6-2, Factory Painted, Rd# 4615, New $2550.00Key NYC K3n 4-6-2, Factory painted, Rd#4740, new $2550.00Key B&A K3n 4-6-2, Factory painted, Rd#506, New $2550.ooBLW D&RGW M-64 4-8-4, factory painted Black, Rd#1701, New $1650.00Kohs & Co. NYC J3a 4-6-4, Factory Ptd, Rd#5426, Late version Pt4 Tender,Scullin Disk drivers, regular rods $4000.00Kohs & Co. NYC J3a 4-6-4, Factory Ptd, Rd#5447, Late version Pt4 Tender,Boxpok drivers, roller bearing rods $4000.00O Scale Trains • 51

Fine 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 painted, lettered (four numbersavailable), with trucks and couplers for $275. Itsalso available undecorated for $260 orunpainted for $245.pilot modelwww.richyodermodels.com7 Edgedale Court, Wyomissing, 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 parking 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 • Clinics • Model Contest • Layouts • ToursFor more information 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 Trains

Where The Eagle Meets The Chief!2003 O Scale National Convention PreviewJune 8, 2003 - Day IWhy would anyone want to come to Texas in June? This isthe question I often hear when I ask someone if they will becoming to the O Scale National in 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 in the low 80s in early June. This is no warmerthan many other parts of the country in the Summer. Now inJuly-August, this might be another story, but we are talkingabout early June. And, yes, just about every square foot ofindoor space is air conditioned in our modern city. If I can visitChicago every chilly March, certainly folks up North can visitDallas in June.In a series of 4 articles, I hope to give you lots of reasons tokeep the “round robin” O Scale National alive, and come visitus in Texas. I’m going to start with DAY 1. Yes, we do things alittle different in 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 (including taxesand parking) by keeping their Saturday night open for weddingsand other functions. The host hotel is the SheridanGrande on Highway 114 in Irving, 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, instead of having 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 in on Saturday to savesome airline travel expenses, and we welcome you early birds.All pre-registrations will be sent letters with things to do in thearea from Six Flags Over Texas, to museums, golf courses,shopping, theaters and many fine restaurants. There will besome layouts open early, and we will send you a railfan mapof the area if you wish to chase trains.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 trading and selling. The modularrailroads can set up and track test your layouts. We are planningon having On3, P48, standard gauge, and perhaps hi-railmodular railroads on site. We are also hoping to start the firstO Scale National O-Track Modular system where we canhook up modules from all over the USA in one large O Scalelayout to make all those N-trackers envious. If you would likemore information about joining this group and building andbringing 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 Train [http://www.tarantulatrain.com]from Grapevine, 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 honkytonkin’ and play cowboy for a while or just watch the othersilly tourists do it. The train returns at approximately 6:30 PMand we’ll have a good old fashion Texas BBQ dinner (alsoextra fare.) You won’t go to bed hungry, and there will be nosushi (bait) served.Later on Sunday evening, Bob Courtney and Dick Kuelbs,representing 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 taking photos of trainsfor many years in this area and they are putting 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 since 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 clinics, and great layouts to see. But the OScale National is a social event. We will have a trade show,clinics, infomercials, tours (watch for Day 2), layouts, ladiesevents and more, but you are going to eat some great food,meet some really nice people, and see some things that youcan’t see anywhere else but here in 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 onstaying right on through the Wednesday night banquet andbring 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 Trains • 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. 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Brill Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Illinois Central Color Pictorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.00Images of America - Hoboken - Colrick . . . . . . . . .18.00Interurban Electric Locomotives (Baldwin) . . . . . . .30.00Lake Shore Electric Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54.00Landmarks on the Iron Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36.00A Logger’s Lexicon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Logging Railroads of the Saco River Valley . . . . . .23.25The Magor Car Company (Kaminski) . . . . . . . . . . .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 Rolling Stock Vols 1 & 2 (2 books) . . .28.50New York Central in 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 TrainsRon’s BooksP.O. 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Trains Consists & Cars 1955-58 36.00Southern Pacific’s Coast Line Pictorial . . . . . . . . . .58.50Southern Pacific Historic Diesels Vol 5 - 8 each . .23.25Southern Pacific San Joaquin Valley . . . . . . . . . . .50.00SP Pictorials Volumes 11 thru 18 each . . . . . . . . . .23.25Standard Guide to Athearn Model Trains . . . . . . . .23.25Steam Over Palmerston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.00Streetcar Days in Honolulu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.00Sudbury Electric & Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53.00Sunset on the Sandy River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30.00This Train is Bound For Glory- Chapel Cars . . . . . .44.00Trackside Around New York City 1953-68 . . . . . . .48.00Traveling 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 Turbine Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00West Virginia’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 Mountain . . . . .27.00World’s Greatest Steam Locos-C&O,N&W,&UP . .27.00RON’S COLLECTOR’S CORNERBeginnings 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 Mountains - Steinheimer275.00Fogg & Steam h/c - Clodfelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250.00Great Railroad Photos w/slipcase -Beebe . . . . . . .250.00Heisler Locomotives - Kline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245.00Keeping the Railroads Running (NYC) - Borntrager . . .50.00Milwaukee Road Remembered - Scribbins . . . . . .85.00Mr. Lincoln’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 in 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-Making of a Locomotive-Weitzman .50.00The Q - History of B&O Q Class Mikado . . . . . . . .150.00Union Pacific History 2 vols - Klein . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00Wreck of the Penn Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00We have many more titles in stock.Please send us your “want” list.Send $2.00 for latest list. 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Central Jersey “O” ScalersModular RailroadingA shot of the main line with a double headed Pennsy freight passingHelena on CJOS' Pete Hess' modules.Pete HessSO WHERE’S THE THIRD RAIL?I have been displaying O scale to thegeneral public for over twenty years.The first operational O scale layout I builtwas the famous John Allen Switching ContestLayout, fully landscaped with buildings,trees and populated with assorted people andautos. I built it specifically for the first-everBedford NH BOOMERS model railroadopen-to-the-general-public Exhibition (nowin 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 scale before. I set it up sothose guests, including the kiddies, wereable to operate the All-Nation NW-2 switcherI had used.The old Newark (NJ) Model Club hadbeen doing modular layouts far longer than Ihad. They built a portable layout in the early70’s that they displayed in malls and at localmodel railroad shows for many years, longbefore ‘modular layouts’ became the vogue.Following the club closing, the late JimPirkey, a former member, acquired the oldlayout and brought it to New Hampshire.Joined 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 modeling possibilitiesand advantages of two-rail O.Now the point of all this is that over theyears it became pretty obvious to us thatthere was a great deal of interest in our scalefrom advanced modelers but also the laypublic. Having just relocated, I joined Russin the Central Jersey O Scalers round-robingroup. Now that the old Newark portablelayout was retired, we decided to come upwith a way to show off our scale while permittingothers to join in. Having seen theadvantages of HO modular layouts, wedecided to develop our own modular system.We learned that a colleague, Bill Driscoll(Custom Trains, Bath, NH), was building amodular layout and together with his sons,was displaying it at various railroad shows inthe northeast with great interest and success.Our first two six-foot modules were constructedto match up with Bill’s layout andwere shown at the annual Amherst Society,Springfield, Mass. “Big Train Show” in thewinter of ’96. Shortly after, several membersof the Eastern O Scalers developed an interestand began building modules to join us.Since then, we have greatly expanded themodule system and regularly set up at localO and non-O scale shows and meets. Overthe years we continued to join with Bill atthe annual Amherst Show and most recentlyat the 2001 National O Convention in Stamford,Conn., the 19th annual BOOMERExhibition in November and again at theFebruary 2002 Amherst Show. At the latter,we introduced our new yard modulesdesigned to permit staging of trains andsome added switching 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 accompanying photographs,the first thing you might notice isthat we do not construct ANY barriersbetween the railroad and the visiting public.Nor do we wear ear phones to communicatewith each other. This invites free conversationwith the public to answer questions(and there are plenty) and to promote 2-railO scale. Over the past twenty years we havenever had any difficulties with public interferencewith our trains, even though we continuallyinvite youngsters for a closer view,often inviting them inside the layout. Afterall, the youngsters will be the O scale modelersof the future.Needless to say, we know that showingO to an O scaler is like preaching to thechoir. We feel we have to do more to introduceour scale to the non-O scaler. RecognizingLionel and Hi-Rail groups have forsome time displayed at shows like TheGreat American Train and the Greenberg“toy” shows, we have decided to begin settingup our module system at these localevents. This should provide us with the ultimateexposure to influence the experiencedmodeler as well as the general public.Can I interest you in building O scalemodules? Visit our web site at:[http://home.att.net/~prr-k4s], take our layouttour, see our modules in action and followour modular construction specifications.Once you build your first module you cancome join us and help us answer the proverbialquestion: “So where’s the third rail?”O Scale Trains • 55

Why do Kids count the cars?? Youngster enjoying herself at theCJOS modular layout at the Bedford BOOMERS (NH) annualExhibition.Up close and enjoying the passing 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 Springfield, MA “BIG TRAINSHOW”.CJOS’ Russ Kress & Bill Chaplik discuss the merits of O modules atthe 2001 National Convention.CJOS’ Chris Bond making a last minute check of the modular set up.CJOS’ Bill Chaplik makes a point over Bill Driscoll’s yard modules.Overall view of Pete Hess’ town of Helena module at the 2001 O National.56 • O Scale TrainsA 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 coaling 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 repainted, re-lettered andweathered what was a Pennsy G-5.CJOS’ Chris Bond and Russ Kress settin’ up the system.Kids and family enjoyment. This is what it is all about. After all, Kidswill be the O scalers of the future.Bill Driscoll levels it all out.Pete Hess’ Overland B&M P-4 Pacific steams on the ready track.Bill Johnson, Bill Driscoll and Russ Kress securing the final rail joinerin place-finally ready to go!Chris Bond checking the tie-downs on two of the CJOS modules.O Scale Trains • 57

Modeler's ShelfA modified Lionel Hudson with K-Line 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 stallengine houses into a 6 stall roundhouse.This is an interior view.58 • O Scale Trains

Left: These Atlas F9 AA’s were repainted anddecaled by Pete Trunk for his free-lanced Oscale “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 passingtrain shows an REA express refer that was madefrom a Lobaugh kit. The second car is IC 519 analuminum extrusion to which he added ends andunderbody details. The prototype cars were built tohaul Time-Life Magazines out of Chicago. The farcar is a Walthers kit painted for Atlantic Coast Line.Both photos by David Wiggs.O Scale Trains • 59

Right: And more models by Ron Dettmer.This is a Kasiner Observation with fullinterior and under body. This particularwindow arrangement was not produced inthe prototype with fluted sides, but ratheronly as smooth sides.Photo by Dave WiggsLeft: One more time: A shot of the interior of RonDettmer’s round house. The men had not yet hada chance to hang the fire hose on the bracket theblacksmiths were making. The building is scratchbuilt with a lot of Keil Line and Berkshire Valleydetail parts. Photo by Dave WiggsRight: USH NYC H10bdetailed and painted by SamShumaker, Ohio.Left: This water tower is part of a scene created byMark Poorman on a module capturing the flavor ofthe AT&SF in 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 Trains

Above: One of two Mopac Berkshires built from scratch by RonDettmer in 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 wasinspired by an article in RailClassics magazine about NightPhotography. John Bottonscratchbuilt the work trains basedon a Canadian Pacific prototype.Both John and Marty hail fromToronto, Ontario. The photoswere taken at the East DivisionEngine Terminal at the ModelRailroad Club of Toronto.Right: AT&SF 3198 waits in the “hole”for the main to clear on MarkPoorman’s AT&SF moduleO Scale Trains • 61

ObservationsJoe Giannovario, Editor/PublisherWelcome to issue #5! The BIG news, of course, is our layoutcontest. I’d been thinking about a contest almost fromissue #1 but I had in mind 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 whining about sucha large space (like, 17' x 42' – See Carl’s letter in this issue).So, we “downsized” the concept to a second bedroom, 11' x14' of useable space.Then we went hunting for a co-sponsor. I have to thank thegreat folks at AtlasO, and in particular Kate Hannet, for steppingup to the plate. Not only did they agree to supply $500worth of their new 2-rail track products, they also offered tothrow in 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 in a layout. You might win 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’relooking for feedback on them. First, I’d like to welcome BrianScace to the editorial team. Brian’s bailiwick will be “beginner’s”issues. Now, as Brian says in his first column, most peoplearen’t exactly novices when the migrate to O scale, sowe’re not doing basics here. Brian will, however, cover areasthat O scale “newbies” need to be aware of. And, he’ll do it ina 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 Trains magazine are now listed and we encourageeveryone reading OST to patronize these dealers. We need tokeep them all in business.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 scale on the block. I alsobuy and sell on Ebay. Auction sales data is important if youare looking to buy or sell O scale 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 isinformation you’d like to see regularly.The fourth new feature will be with us every issue until thenational in 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 nationalin 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 64 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 in July. Seems like Harry not only lost a parent,but a friend and mentor. We grieve with you Harry.Okay, now for something 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 scalers doing modules. Well, you can expect to seemore on modules in future issues of OST. There’s a letter inthis issue Jimi Smith and he will be providing us with modulematerial. Local modeler, George Losse, started an O scaleFree-Mo mailing list at Yahoo this summer and we will publishsome of those discussions, too. If you’re interested, 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 stunning K-Line three rail to two rail diesel conversion.John Sauers has a new scratchbuilding project, and...well, if I tell you everything, 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 scale modeling. If you have a projectin mind, or a new piece of equipment that you’d like to shareyour thoughts on in a review, or even if you simply have photosof models you’d like to see in the magazine, contact us. Wepay for articles on acceptance, not after they’re published.Keep high ballin’!◆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 painted the Milwaukee F7 Hudson on page4 coming under the bridge, the Missouri Pacific E8 “Eagle” onpage 7 and the centerspread of #6059 Missouri Pacific SD40-2(reworked by Stu Kleinschmidt) in UP colors which are correctfor this engine out of Little Rock, Ark. Thanks to Bob forsetting 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 Trains

DESIGNING A LAYOUT?Put Atlas O's NEW 2-Rail Scale Track in Your Layout Plans!With talent and imagination, the nation's most distinguishedtrack manufacturer has developed the only U.S. prototypeTrack SYSTEM to come to O Scale. Each track section is precisionmoldedwith quality craftsmanship and exquisite detailing. And justlike our 3-rail track, we use a solid nickel silver T-rail for extra stabilityand of course superior electrical conductivity.Featuring:• Code 148 Solid Nickel Silver Rail• American prototype ties and tie spacing with correct spike, and tieplate and bolt details• Dark brown tie strip• Turnouts feature highly detailed metal insulated frogs and points• Metal frog can be powered if desired• UV compatible: great for both indoor 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 Terminal Joiners*7091 Nickel Silver Rail Joiners*7093 Insulated Rail Joiners*7098 Left Hand Switch Machine*7099 Right Hand Switch Machine*CROSSINGS7080 90 Degree Crossing7081 45 Degree Crossing*First pieces are available now!Looking for layout ideas? Fivenew 2-Rail layouts are featuredin 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 Trains • 63

Pecos River ABS Plastic AAR 50’ DoubleDoor Auto Box Car NEW ROAD NAMESIn O Scale (2 rail)and O Gauge (3 Rail)Spring 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 Brass64 • O Scale Trains560 E. CHURCH • LEWISVILLE, TX 75057Phone and Fax: (972) 219-0202john@pecosriverbrass.com • visit our NEW website at http://www.pecosriverbrass.com