!OST #14_rev - O scale trains

O TrainsScaleModelingTrainsfor theO ScaleCraftsmanMay/June 2004 ◆ Issue #14 ◆ $5.95US $5.95 • Can $7.95Display until June 30th

P&DHobby Shop 31280Groesbeck,Fraser, MI 48026586-296-6116Open Mon-Fri 10-8,Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5Fax: 586-296-5642Power or Repower Kits for Red Caboose GPsPDP2201K-Repower kit, Red Caboose GP9, P&D brass EMD Blomberg trucksPDP2201K-Repower Kit, Red Caboose GP9 with P&D brassBlomberg trucks...$200.00PDP2200K-Repower Kit, Red Caboose GP9 with plastic Blombergtrucks...$160.00The P&D TWIN TOWERDRIVE for the Red CabooseGP body kit is functionallyequivalent to the P&Dpower units already availablefor the P&D F units,GPs, RSDs, and the WeaverFAs, FBs, RS-3s and GP-38s.The Red Caboose powerkits provide only the necessarypower related parts tosupplement the RedCaboose GP body kit.These power kits fully utilizethe underframe (platform),deck, air tanks, fueltanks, motor mounts andscrews that are furnished inthe Red Caboose body kit.These P&D Twin TowerDrive kits can also be usedto repower existing RedCaboose GPs. Two kits areoffered: #PDP2200K hasplastic Blomberg trucks,while #PDP2201K featuresthe P&D brass Blombergtrucks, which are trulysome of the finest trucks onthe market. Each kit alsoincludes a powerfulPittman motor and all thenecessary parts to completethe installation.Detailed instructions areincluded.

Modelingfor theO ScaleCraftsmanIssue #14May/June 2004Vol. 3, No. 3Editor/PublisherJoe GiannovarioArt DirectorJaini SimonAssociate EditorBrian ScaceContributorsTed ByrneGene DeimlingBobber GibbsCarey HinchHobo D. HirailerRoger JenkinsJace KahnJeb KriigelNeville RossiterSubscription Rates: 6 issuesUS - Standard Mail DeliveryUS$30US - First Class Delivery (1 year only) US$40Canada/MexicoUS$50OverseasUS$75Mastercard & Visa acceptedCall 610-363-7117 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© 2004 OST All Rights ReservedPrinted in the U.S.A.Contributors: O Scale Trainswelcomes your feature articles, photos, and drawings.Such material should be sent to the above address forpossible publication. If we accept, you will be notifiedimmediately. For more information concerning articlepreparation guidelines, please send an SASE to theabove address and request our “Guide For Authors”or visit our website.Cover: A steam locomotive sits on the turntableat the service facilities near AH Tower on HermBotzow’s Buckeye Railroad Co., Photo by BobSimmons.Centerspread: A sweeping view of Paul Templar’sOn30 Cooncreek & Tumbleweed Springs. Paulis from the U.K. and provided this photo.O TrainsScaleFeatures4 Yards, Part 1 — The Linear YardHerm Botzow starts a new series on yard design.10 Second Life - Reworking of a KTM GP-35Rebuilding an aged Diesel is what Roland Marx enjoys.15 The Berlin Branch of the Boston & Maine RRJim Taverna describes an O Scale layout you can visitduring the 2004 SONC.21 Modeler’s Tricks - A Handy HO part for O ScalersA nifty use for HO stanchions by Ron Gribler.24 Building Log & Timber TrestlesPaul Templar shares his techniques for these great looking structures.34 Hand-Laying SwitchesNeed a #2 switch? Ed Reutling shows how to lay any size you want.36 Modeler’s Tricks - Painted Wheels with Shiny TreadsAnother neat trick from Ron Gribler.38 March Meet PhotosBrian Scace captured a few winners from the recent Chicago meet.48 Easement GraphThis is an addendum to George Muller’s track article in OST#12.54 Hall of FameRobert Whelove is remembered by his good friend Bob O’Neill.Departments12 Traction Action – Roger Jenkins22 Easements for the Learning Curve – Brian Scace28 The Workshop - Neville Rossiter30 The Good Old Days - Jace Kahn31 Reader Feedback – Letters to the Editor39 Modeler’s Shelf42 Product News & Reviews50 Narrow Minded – Bobber Gibbs52 Proto48 – Gene Deimling53 Confessions of a HiRailer – Hobo D. Hirailer58 Buy-Sell-Trade Ads59 Advertiser Index60 Events Listing61 OST Dealer List62 Observations – Joe GiannovarioOST is a proud Member of theModel Railroad Industry AssociationMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 3

The Linear YardBy Herm Botzow, MMRPhotos by Bob Simmons1Taken at the east end of Ashtabula Yard, Photo 1 shows a steam loco being turned for its eastbound trip just below AH tower. Hidden by themains on the embankment is the coal port lead and, beyond that, is a photo mural of the actual coal port. The locomotives are a Sunset GE 44-tonner, a Weaver Consolidation and a Weaver FA. All Buckeye locomotive and cars in the photos in this article have been painted by DaveWidman based on paint schemes designed by Ed Bommer. Dave also did all the weathering.In O Scale, it is often difficult to find an area in the trainroom with enough width to create a typical urban railroadyard, with adjoining areas for a passenger terminal, flat yardsfor freight classification, an engine facility and industrial spurs.Tail tracks and arrival tracks are needed to permit switchingmaneuvers while other trains pass on the mainline. The benchworkbecomes so wide that operators cannot reach trains if allthese activities are squeezed into one location. This is the firstin a series of three articles that present ideas for yards on intermediatesized O Scale layouts. Instead of building one hugeyard that takes away space for mainline tracks, the idea is tobuild several smaller yards along a longer mainline. Each yardcan then be designed to perform slightly different but complementaryfunctions within the overall scheme of your pike.The first, and possibly the most generally applicable, ofthese concepts is the linear yard. There are prototypical precedentsthroughout the country, as when a real railroad is confinedto a narrow river valley. In such circumstances, therailroad will string out the yard components end to end. Doingthis in 1:48 permits operators to reach the back of the yardmore easily. With more table frontage, several crews can workthe yard simultaneously. If the yard eventually widens, aislesshould be made available on both sides to ensure adequateoperator access to all tracks.The Buckeye Railroad is based roughly on the Pittsburgh &Lake Erie and has as its purpose connecting the New YorkCentral mainline at Ashtabula, Ohio, to Pittsburgh. The Buck-eye’s Ashtabula is a much larger city than its namesake and, assuch, can justify a large passenger depot based on the one inCincinnati, Ohio. To the west of Ashtabula is the New YorkCentral’s Collinwood Yard. Just east of Cleveland, CollinwoodYard is a staging area for trains operating on the Buckeye.From there to Buckeye Junction, the first community east ofAshtabula, the Buckeye has trackage rights on the New YorkCentral. At Buckeye Junction, the Buckeye diverges and headseast (actually southeast) on its own mainline to its easternterminal at Pittsburgh.4• O Scale Trains - May/June ’ 04

Figure 1 is a drawing of the Buckeye Railroad yard at Ashtabula. Defined as thetrackage between two double crossovers stretching west from Ashtabula Harbor Tower(AH) to Ashtabula Tower (AB), it occupies 46 feet along the edge of a narrow section ofthe train room. Beginning at the lower left or east end, there is a five-track engine facilitybelow the double track mainlines. The main closest to the front of the table is thepassenger main. The far main is the freight main. The freight main does not have accessto Ashtabula’s Union Depot. The engine facility includes a turntable, an approachtrack, water columns, a coaling tower and a Diesel refueling setup.Moving to the west, there are crossovers from the freight main to the freight arrivaltrack at the bottom of Figure 1. Another crossover connects the passenger main to thepassenger staging track above the mains. The staging track also connects to the engineterminal. Connected to the freight arrival track is a switching lead. The end of this leaddoubles as the arrival track for the coal port at Ashtabula Harbor. A second crossover atthis location leads to an industrial spur serving a bakery and a three-track freight yardfor processing coal trains. The yard is elevated several inches for easier “reachability”and is known as the Upper Freight Yard.At the major curve in the mainline is the main yard gate to the passenger terminal.Across the way is a crossover that divides the freight arrival tracks into two sections topermit runarounds and simultaneous switching of two freight trains. At the west end ofthe yard, adjacent to the freight main, is a three-track freight yard, known as the LowerFreight Yard. Between the lower yard and the main are a caboose track, a gate switchto the freight main and a spur to the freight house. On the other side of the mains is theAshtabula Union Depot passenger yard with four stub end tracksThe table is narrowest at the bakery, a mere 26 inches for five tracks. It reaches itswidest point, 68 inches, at the west end. Here, the table is accessible from both sides.The least number of tracks is three at the east crossovers. The maximum number, 11,occurs just east of the west crossovers. There are 34 separate turnouts, all manuallyoperated. As mentioned, the yard sits at the west end of Buckeye Railroad operationsand is fed from the west by a four-track staging yard at Collinwood, Ohio. At the eastend, departing passenger trains cross over to the freight main and proceed east on singletrack to Buckeye Junction, and, from there, to a division point and the Pittsburghterminal at the east end of the railroad. During an operating session there will beupwards of 32 trains running to, from or through Ashtabula.The yard is designed to handle a variety of operations simultaneously. The top priorityis the unencumbered movement of through trains on the mains. This includesthrough passenger trains that stop on the main at the depot. The next priority is given tothe passenger, mail and milk trains to, and from, the East that begin and end their runsat Union Depot. Some of these trains arrive behind steam locomotives that must beturned at the engine facility for their return trip.On the freight side of the yard, there is the daily arrival at the Lower Freight Yard ofa through freight from the classification yard at the Buckeye division point to the east.The cars on this train are then set out by a yard drill that switches the adjacentfreight house, the bakery at the east end of the yard and the grain elevators at theupper yard. The empties are assembled into a train at the lower yard and arehauled back to the division point for classification and off-line routings.The greatest volume of activity at Ashtabula centers on the UpperFreight Yard and the coal port lead. Loaded coal trains from theBUCKEYE RAILROAD - ASHTABULAYARDSMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 5

Photo 2 is a view to thewest from just above thecrossovers to the freightarrival and passengerstaging tracks. Aneastbound Buckeyepassenger train exits thedepot onto the passengermain as a Buckeye Coaldrag approaches theupper freight yard. Notethe use of differentballast, tie spacing andrail size to distinguish themains from the adjoiningarrival and staging tracks.The passenger loco is aWeaver FA.south are assembled at the division point and moved to Ashtabulathroughout the session. As each train arrives, it exchangesits loaded hoppers for empties and returns to the division pointwhere the hoppers will be moved to their originating roads.The coal drags are run as extras.The yard design permits several of these separate operationsto proceed simultaneously so that a large volume of traffic canbe handled without blocking the mains. For example, a coaldrag might be being switched at the Upper Freight Yard whilethe yard drill is sorting freight cars at the Lower Freight Yard. Atthe same time, a local passenger train arriving from the eastmight be crossing over to the passenger main at the AH tower.As the local enters the depot, a through passenger train fromthe west might be departing the passenger station on the passengermain. At the east end, a steam engine might be coaledand turned at the engine facility for its next assignment. Needlessto say, this is a busy time for Buckeye operators, even asthe yard easily absorbs the action. The attached photos showtrain movements at various points in the yard. Perhaps a linearyard could smooth out your operations as well. .◆(Photo 6 can be seen on page 8)Photo 3 is a view of theupper freight yard lookingeast. During the operatingsession, these hoppersarrived from the east(south) and wereexchanged for empties.The loaded hoppers willbe moved to the coal portovernight, dumped andreturned to the sidingsempty and ready forremoval at the nextoperating session. Thelocomotive is an AtlasSW-9 in Buckeye freightlivery.6• O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Photo 4 is a view of the passenger yard looking west from under the highway viaduct. A departing milk train is flanked by two waiting passengertrains. From left to right, the locomotives are a Williams Atlantic, Atlas RS- 1 and Weaver FA.Photo 5 is an overviewof the passenger depotand, across the twomains, the lower freightyard. The two Pennsycoaches are Waltherskits built by the authorand reworked by EdBommer. The milk carsare scratchbuilt by theauthor and thestreamlined passengerequipment is by MTH.Aisles skirt both sidesof the yard at thislocation.May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 7

Photo 6 is a view back to the east showing the yard drill at work in the Lower Freight Yard as it sorts and delivers recently arrived freight cars to the various industries asAshtabula. These include the grain elevators on the left and the freight house on the right. Note that the grain elevators can only be switched by temporarily pulling thehopper cars out of the other end of the siding.2004 Limited EditionsO-Scale Diecast Vehicles#C50708Mack LJ Flatbedw/Track-Bed Load“New York C. Railroad” - $69.95#C52909 - DiamondT620 w/Fruehauf Trailer ForBudweiser Clydesdales - $49.95#C51404 - Int’lTranstar w/Cruched CarLoad “Lindquist Trucking”-$79.95The History Channel SeriesBy Corgi#C52703 -’50’sMack B Ladder - $29.95#C52313 - ’50’sMack B Open Cab - $24.95#C51012 - D-DayU.S. Sherman Tank - $24.95#CC-7AW’56 Desoto Adventurer - $24.95#SL4524’48 Tucker - $9.95#RC50SET2 - Good Humor & IceCream Divco Set - $14.95 Great Value!#EC4669 -’41Lincoln Continental - $8.95#EC1459 -’64Plymouth Belv. -$13.95#EC4667-’68Mercury Cougar - $8.95#EC4674Ford AC Cobra - $8.95#EC1203 - ’32Ford Roadster$4.99 Sale!#EC1112 - VWBeetle 1303 Coupe - $3.99Sale#SS10096’55 Chevy Bel Air - $6.99SaleSale#IX020’50’s CheckerCab “NewYork City” $19.95Sale#EC1901’41 Willys Coupe - $7.99#REX48Army’35 Ford Touring Sedan“U.S. Army”- $19.95#EC1202 - ’32Ford Roadster$4.99 Sale!#OT1936Gety - 1936 WhiteOpen Top 706 Bus“Gettysburg”(7” Long) - $19.95 Very Nice#C54313 - GMFishbowl New YorkLines 1980’s Era - $54.95Diecast Direct, Inc.Dept. OS0406 - 1009 Twilight Tr. - Frankfort, KY 40601Over 1,400 ‘O’ scale cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, fire, police,military & construction replicas available. Catalog $2.00.Or check out our web site at: www.diecastdirect.com/ost8• O Scale Trains - May/June ’04#C60205PzKpfw D-DayPanther Command - $24.95#OT1936Skag - 1936 White#SL4099 - ’37#RC50004 - ’50 Open Top 706 Bus (7” Long)Packard Sedan - $9.95Divco Service Truck - $7.99 “Skagway, AK” - $19.95Shipping & Handling: (Contin’l U.S.) Shipments $60.01 - $80.00 ............... $7.95Shipments $0.01 - $20.00 ............ $4.95 Shipments $80.01 - $100.00 ............. $8.95Shipments $20.01 - $40.00 .......... $5.95 Shipments $100.01 - $150.00 ........... $9.95Shipments $40.01 - $60.00 .......... $6.95 Shipments of $300.00 or More Free Shipping!!!To Order, Please Call M-F 10:00am - 5:00pm ETOrders 1-800-718-1866 - Phone (502) 227-8697www.diecastdirect.com/osm

RDC-1 DIESEL CARSDivision Point O Scale Model ShownThe Rail Diesel Car (RDC) was built by the Budd Company during the 1950's. RDCs were propelled by a diesel engineunder the car body. The RDCs hauled passengers where locomotives were too costly. Running in consists of up to 3you can run your RDC Train anywhere on your layout. The Budd RDC can be still be found in operation on tourist lines.AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING ROADS:UNDECORATEDAMTRAKBALTIMORE & OHIO (B&O)BOSTON & MAINE (B&M)CANADIAN NATIONAL (CN)CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN (C&NW)LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD (LIRR)NEW HAVEN (NH)NEW YORK CENTRAL (NYC)SANTA FE (ATSF)SOUTHERN PACIFIC (SP)PENNSYLVANIA-READING-SEASHORE LINE (PRSL)READINGSUNSET MODELS INC.FEATURES:- 2 Powered Trucks (70 mph quiet operation)- Full Interior- Overhead Lighting- Full Underbody- Brass Construction- Nickel Plated Finish- 1/48 Scale Dimension- Available 2 or 3 Rail- Dummies Lighted w/interiors$449.95 Powered / $299.95 Un-PoweredComing Fall 200437 South Fourth Street · Campbell, CA 95008 · 408-866-1727 · fax to 408-866-5674 · www.3rdrail.com

Just have a look at eBay! Someone isoffering a KTM GP-35 for a reasonableprice and he is willing to ship it overseas!To make it short –I got this item. I hadnever seen a KTM Diesel locomotivebefore, though I’m familiar with theirsteam engines because a friend is a collectorof these old treasures. I was expectinga Diesel with less detail than today’sstandards, and was afraid that all the runningparts would be heavily worn.While waiting for the parcel to arrive, Ihad time to search for a paint scheme formy GP-35. I wanted to model a prototypethat is currently in service, while still inthe Phase 1 configuration of the KTMmodel.Meanwhile, I received a new issue of“Diesel Era” magazine and – Goal! A pictureshows a GP-35 of “Progress Rail”, anintegrated rail service company with afew GP-35’s in their fleet. Their locomotivesare painted in a simple black10 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04scheme.The first decisionwas made.A few days later the long awaited parcelarrived. Upon opening it, I was happyto find an undamaged model. The formerowner packed the unit perfectly for itslong overseas journey. I was surprisedabout the heavy weight of the engine too.I was more surprised when, running onmy short test track, the model performedsmoothly and quietly with a prototypicalspeed range.Upgrading and reworking old Diesellocomotives is “business as usual” for thereal railroad companies, so why not for arailroad modeler? The first step is alwaysto disassemble the model. This was aneasy task even though many screws wereused to hold the model together. Be sureto put all the screws and little parts inbags or a small box, as they can easily disappear.The model is built in three majorgroups, the body, the walkway with thestanchions and the pilots, and the framewiththe fuel tank.Holding the various partsin my hands, I couldn’t help but noticethe solid construction of the model. Thebody is fabricated in sheet brass, usingjust a few brass castings, such as thedynamic brake blister and the fan housings.The workers at KTM must have beenreal artists, soldering all those little partstogether! All of the soldering is clean andsolid; the quality of fabrication is muchbetter than many Chinese-built brassimports of today.After disassembly, the next step was toremove the old paint. Brass has theadvantage over plastic in that you can’tdestroy it with common paint strippers.The clean body shows many fine details,like the door latches and fine screen castings,close to today’s standards. Impressivefor a thirty year old model!Unfortunately, serious damage alsobecame visible after stripping. The frontpilot was twisted and had been brokenaway from the walkway. A former ownerhad repaired the damage with the help ofa lot of glue; this was not acceptable tome. Removing the old glue and eliminatingthe twist of the pilot was just the firsttedious step. Soldering the pilot in placeagain without unsoldering all theother small parts was the real challenge.I used jeweler’s clay to fix allthe small parts in place and to protectthe fine soldering from too muchheat. Then, by using a low meltingpoint soldering paste and a smalltorch, the job was finished successfully.The resulting repair is invisible.The shell needed a little upgrad-

ing, too. I wanted to replace the old cast fan housings with new“see- through” PSC housings. Simple to do – unsolder the oldones, carefully cut the holes for the new ones, and add the newcastings. To affix the new castings I used a good epoxy resin,applied from the inside of the shell.Do you remember my surprise about the weight of theengine? That was easily explained while looking at the old openframeCLW motor, located over the rear truck, and a big heavyblock of lead as a counterweight at the front truck. Both themotor and the lead block were removed, reducing the weight by2 pounds. I am not a fan of over-weighted, heavy models.Of course, a new motor was now needed. My motor ofchoice, as always, is a Faulhaber motor. During the installationof the new motor is the perfect time to inspect and re-lubricatethe gear tower. I opened the gearbox and found all of the gears tobe in excellent condition, though the thirty-year-old grease hadhardened like soap, and had to go. The parts had a bath in paintcleaner. After a few minutes, they came out nice and clean.I then reassembled the gearbox, adding some thrust washersto reduce the end-play of the shafts, and filled the box with freshgrease. The old paper seal between the housing castings wasreplaced with a new liquid sealant. The new motor is a perfectfit; together with the original KTM gear ratio I get a prototypicalscale speed of 65mph.Changing the trucks is the most visibly effective upgrade forthese engines. The old truck sideframe castings are quite crude,far below the level of detail of the body. A brass model needsbrass trucks, so I chose to use the Blomberg truck kit from CLW.Here again, re-lubricate and inspect the axle gearboxes whileyou work. Opening the axle gearboxes, I noticed only minorsigns of gear wear and, after cleaning and adding new grease,they will be good for many more years of service. In short, theyare bullet proof.The old KTM wheels have a .172” tread. I prefer a narrowerwheel so I changed them out for my favorite, the .145” treadNorthwest Shortline wheel. This meant I had to make new axlesto fit the new wheels. The new axles were turned within a coupleof hours, using a small lathe. Then I removed the gears from theold axles and secured them in place on the new axles with a specialepoxy resin. For more strength, the epoxy was heat-cured ina baking oven.Replace the axle into the gearbox and reduce the end-play ofthe worm with thrust washers. This is important for every worm /gear combination for two reasons - noise reduction and to givethe worm/gear combination a defined backlash. This preventspremature wear of the gears. The gearboxes were refilled withfresh grease and the wheels were pressed on the axles. Becauseall of the NWSL wheels were insulated, a new four-wheel electricalpickup system was installed at each truck.Now it’s time for the final phase of the project, the painting.Searching through the Internet, I found the homepage of ProgressRail, which featured a few pictures of different units. My choicefor the locomotive was road number 1008. But how I get thedecals for my project? An inquiry, together with some photos,about the possibility to order the correct decals was promptlyreplied to by Jim Abbott of Highball Graphics– yes, they can do it!Ten days later I had the decals, perfectly done in size and colors.First, a grey automotive primer was applied, followed byTamiya gloss acrylic black paint. This yielded the perfect surfacefor the decals. To make the fine details more visible and for aslightly faded look, I added a few drops of white paint into theblack. After the decal work was done, two coats of my favoriteModel Flex satin clear-coat were applied to protect the decalsand give the model a used look.Assembling all the new and old parts together, I have a solidmodel that looks like a new one and is good for at least anotherthirty years of service.◆May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 11

TractionTractionRoger JenkinsActionThis month we are going to delveinto a subject not usually covered bymost trolley modelers and that is theprototype power sources. Photo 1below shows a typical power polesetup that was on the Greensburg-Uniontown via Hecla Jct line. It is onHighland St. and the track ran alonghere right next to the pole line underbracket arm construction. The streetwas narrower to accommodate thetrack. The power lines were usuallyin 3 wire set-ups, plus, minus andground. Here there is a double set.1Power stations were in major citiesor just outside them and usually generatedDC 550-600 volts. These stationswere often coal fired withseveral rotary generators putting outthe power to feeder lines along theroute. Since DC power is fast depletedover a long distance, sub stationswere required to provide a boost inthe system. These were generally 8-10 miles apart,depending on thelevel of service. Photo 2 shows amodel of one of these power stationsmade by Korber models and installedon the East Penn model trolley setupinside the loop. Anybody can buildsimilar buildings from scratch.Crossarms need to be put on theline-side poles to make your linelook like the prototype. A three wirecrossarm was put out by Current Linesome time ago but they are no longerin business. I have some of these andthey can be duplicated by usingwood crossarms attached to the topof the lineside poles. Usually onewire is on one side of the pole and 2wires are on the other side. A feedwire is dropped down to the runningwire at three hundred foot intervalsfrom the outside of the two. The singlewire is a ground. Wires madefrom large black thread can be usedbut it may be kept to a minimum if itgets in the way of operations or otherthings such as cats that like to walkon the right-of-way.As a reference to substations ,inthe old Traction & Models magazine,March 1972, pg. 18, there was anarticle showing several types ofbuildings (This magazine can beobtained sometimes in book sales athobby shows). Some were stationsand substation combinations. Onestation in the magazine, at Lagro,Indiana, still exists and was offeredby Wabash Valley Models someyears ago. I’m not sure if this companystill exists. Lagro was on the FortWayne-Wabash-Peru line Of IRR justeast of the town of Wabash. Korberused to offer a huge substation withcoal siding along one side a fewyears ago and it may be still found athobby shows. Lionel also had onesimilar to this.Cheers!rogertrolley.1@juno.com ◆212 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

A New Drive By Accurate O ScaleMAX-M-DRIVE Synchronous BeltAll New Ball Bearing Quiet DriveReplace Those Tired Worn out Old TechnologyDrives With A Pittman Bearing Motor.NEW PRODUCTS• California Roadbed •• PECO Track & Turnouts •• Special Shapes Brass •• NWSL • Keithco Loco-Link ••Freight Trucks • Kadees •Accurate O Scale38623 Orchard StCherry Valley CA 92223Central’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.comStevenson Preservation LinesO Gauge Kits and Parts from pastMaster ModelersCatalog 2002-1 Price: $1.00Baldwin Model Locomotive WorksLobaughAdams & SonsLenoirKansas City KitHines LinesAlexanderPearce Tool Co.Bob Stevenson, 2326 230th St. Boone, IA 50036HARD TO FIND RAILROADCOLOR PHOTOS & SLIDES275 Companies and 1,500 views availablein color. Major Railroads, Shortlines,Industrials, Cabooses, Freight Cars, MOW,etc., from the 60’s to the present. Inventoryof over 24,000 types of railroad equipment.Send for our 28-page catalog – $3.00Includes a free 5 x 7 photo!RAIL PHOTOS UNLIMITEDP.O. BOX 230 ● Joliet, IL 60434-2306www.RailPhotosUnlimited.comImportant notice regarding First Class Mail subscription availability.Many of you have asked us to provide a First Class Mail subscription. Well, your pleashave been heard. Starting with the July issue, we will offer First Class Mail service for $40 ayear. We will also upgrade those of you with current subscriptions at $1.65 per issue, but youwill have to call the office to find out the exact cost since that will depend on how manyissues you have left. So, if you’ve had bad postal service in your area, you may want toupgrade your subscription.May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 13

Massive Power Outputfor Massive Locomotives●0~22 VDC variable throttle●Huge 10 amp continuous outputOthers claim higher outputs butours is sustained which leads to:●Double or triple headinglocomotives - no problem●Pulling long trains with metalwheels - with ease●Long grades - with power tospareIndoor or outdoor* layouts, this packhas the power to run any size “G” or“O” scale layoutPower G...large scale powerperfected*not to be used or left outside in the elementsMRC Power GItem no. AG990MODEL RECTIFIER CORPORATIONTel. 732.225.6360www.modelrectifier.comNow Available From O Scale Trains MagazineA Guide To Modern O Scaleby Brian ScaceO Scale Trains MagazinepresentsA Guide To ModernO Scaleby Brian ScaceO ScaleTrainsThese ain’t yer Daddy’s trains!For the first time, here is a guide to Oscale two rail. This book was writtenby O scale modelers with years ofexperience in the hobby and they sharethat experience with wit and wisdom.We’ll show you how to get started in 2rail O Scale, what you need and whereto get it.Of particular use is the list ofResources at the end of each chapter.Get your copy today from your local Oscale hobby shop or direct from OScale Trains, just $14.95 plus $3 s&h.VISA & Mastercard Accepted.O Scale TrainsPO Box 238Lionville PA 19353-0238610-363-7117Here’s a peek at the Table of Contents:1. Welcome, and a little History2. Concept of Operation3. Locomotives4. Rolling Stock and Couplers5. Space Prep and Benchwork6. Track and Track Planswith Joe Giannovario7. Structures and Scenerywith Neville Rossiter8. Wiring and Control Systemswith Ted Byrne9. Narrow Gaugewith Bobber Gibbs10. Consider Traction11. Proto 48with Gene Deimling12. Toolswith Neville Rossiter13. Useful Tables, Tips,and Short Notes14. Sources, Conventions,and Meets15. Glossary of Terms14 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Photos by Ed Rappe, Layout drawing by Carey Hinch.There is a vibrant community of Boston and Maine modelersthat I have had the pleasure of meeting. One of them is JohnPeterson. John lives in the greater Washington, DC area andhas been an O scale modeler for many years. His first layoutwas in HO scale, based on The Boston and Maine RR. He thenmoved up to On2, modeling the Maine narrow gauge railroads,as the prototype was close to his northern New England roots.After about 20 years of modeling narrow gauge, John decidedto return to his first love, the Boston and Maine, though thistime in O scale.Growing up on the North Shore near Salem, Mass., John hasalways been interested in the Boston and Maine. He commutedto college behind steam in those famous B&M wooden commutercoaches and witnessed the transition to Diesel power.John is an early member of the B&M Historical Society, havingjoined while he was in the Army and studying for his Master’sDegree in the greater Boston Area. He uses the resources of thesociety, as well as other sources, to do a great deal of researchon the railroad and the multiple eras he models. He runs late1940’s steam, early 1950’s first generation Diesels, and the‘Blue Bird’ era of the early 1960’s, though he is careful not tomingle them on the layout at the same time.John’s layout represents a B&M branch line serving thepaper mill industry around Berlin and Groveton, New Hampshire.He developed a point-to-point track plan running fromWoodsville, N. H. to Berlin, and Woodsville to Groveton. Theresulting track plan also provides for the option of continuousrunning. The overall layout size is 17 by 28 feet. The minimumradius is 48 inches and track height varies from 46 to 52 inchesabove the floor.John started to build the layout in 1995, using “L-girder” andopen-grid construction for his benchwork. He had trains runningin about 6 months. All of the trackage features Code 125rail, hand-laid with either scratch-built or Old Pullmanturnouts. A current project involves the replacement of turnoutpoints and frogs with highly detailed cast components. Thetrack is laid on milled Homabed roadbed, laminated to a ? inchplywood sub-roadbed. All but five of the turnouts are handthrown,as John likes to have the operators walk with their trainMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 15

ground foam and texture materials for the ground cover. Thestructures are based on typical structures in the Berlin andGroveton areas. Many of John’s buildings are scratch-built fromdrawings and photos of actual New England prototypes, othersand align the switches. The five powered turnouts, such asthose at the Woodsville yard throat, use Del-Aire pneumaticswitch motors powered by an air canister that John pressurizesare built from craftsman type kits. All of them nicely re-enforcethe northern New England theme. You’ll even see one or two ofthose classic B&M ball signals when you visit.The rolling stock on the layout shows the same care andcraftsmanship as the structures. His B&M freight equipment isbefore each operating session. All the turnout points and frogsreceive power using micro-switches mounted below the surfaceof the roadbed.Once finished with the track work, John turned his attentionto the scenery, which is quite complete at this point. He usedHydrocal over aluminum screening with Woodland Scenic’sall nicely detailed for the prototype, again using the resourcesof the B&M Historical Society. Many of the passenger cars aremodified from “stock” models, while several signature B&Mcars, unavailable in the marketplace, have been beautifullybuilt from scratch. Currently on the bench are a couple ofwood baggage cars, neatly executed in styrene. Locomotives,both Diesel and steam, are all neatly detailed and painted. All16 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

olling stock is finished before earninga place on the railroad.While John has built and paintedsome magnificent equipment, it isclear that this is not merely a collectionof fine rolling stock models. Oneof John’s major interests is in prototypicaloperations, and he has regularFriday night operating sessions withseveral other members of his casualgroup. A typical operating sessionconsists of two crews of up to fourpeople. One crew operates a throughfreight from Woodsville to Berlin,while the other mans the Grovetonlocal operating from Woodsville toGroveton. The Groveton local performsswitching en route, while theBerlin crew travels directly to Berlinto switch the yards and mill complexthere. Both crews make up new trainsand return to Woodsville. Train ordersand switch lists are used for operations.Passenger trains are run at theend of the freight operations.John was an early advocate ofcommand control systems, startingwith Dynatrol. The railroad nowemploys Digital Command Control(DCC) to gain operating flexibility outof a smaller, yet high-density railroaddesign. He finds that DCC also facilitatesthe use of helpers on the layout,which can be part of the operatingscheme. The current control systemuses North Coast Engineering components(NCE D408SR decoders), withadded Sountdtraxx DSX sound-onlydecoders in most of his engines. Johnis very happy with this DCC andsound approach. Operators use NCEwireless radio remote throttles to controlthe trains while walking withthem, thus eliminating tetheredcables.All told, John’s B&M is a greatexample of a railroad with an enviableattention to the overall theme. It lookslike New England. The level of craftsmanshipis obvious throughout, andthe result is a fine example of what ispossible in a typical smaller basementrailroad. Plan on visiting John and seeingthis wonderful layout during the2004 O Scale National Convention inWashington, DC this coming July. Ifyou would like more information onthe convention, you can visit our website. If you would like to contact usyou can write us at eithersonc2004@hotmail.com or, via mailat Capitol Area O Scalers, PO Box42563, Washington, DC 20015. Web:http://www.2004onational.com1. Woodville, NH Station2. Woodville, NH Freight Station3. Woodville, NH Auto Ramp4. Woodville, NH Yard Office5. Gulf Oil6. Furniture Factory7. Bath, NH Station8.Feed & Grain9. Groveton Paper Co.10. Brown Paper Mill Complex (Berlin, NH)11. Berlin, NH Station12. Berlin, NH Freight House13. Berlin, NH Auto Ramp14. Berlin, NH 4 stall Engine HouseMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 17

Get Real Productionsis pleased to announce itsO Scale model building services:Custom high quality railroad buildingsBuilding & Weathering of kitsCustom Painting & DetailingUltra-realistic and prototypicalScratchbuildingKitbashing & FreelanceSpecializing in unique & one-of-a-kind creationsAll work guaranteed by a Model Railroad Craftsman!Visit us at: www.oscalemag.com/pix/index.html\Call or write for a free quote:Get Real Productions11 Out of Bounds RoadPalmyra VA 22963Voice: 434-589-2660 • Fax: 434-589-4898 •kjkriigel@aol.comO Scale SignalsHighly detailed, accurate, affordable. Made in the USA.Assembled and hand-painted by a model RR craftsman.Double Semaphore Train Order Board $59.95 + p⁄h3-Color Block Signal w⁄Equipment Box $49.95 + p⁄h3-Color Block Signal w⁄Standard Mast $49.95 + p⁄hDwarf Signals(2⁄pack) $39.95+p⁄hGet RealProductions11 Out of BoundsRoad, Palmyra, VA22963-2318434-589-2660fx434-589-4898kjkriigel@aol.com18 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

2004‘0 ’ Scale NationalConventionWashington, DCThursday, July 22 throughSunday, July 25Hyatt Regency, Crystal Cityat Reagan National AirportPlease reserve rooms directly with theofficial convention hotel by calling1-800-233-1234 and be sure to mention2004 ‘0’ Scale National Convention.Room rates $139 single/double.Show CarsConvention attendance not necessary for purchasePriceOptions Each Quantity TotalFull Fare (Spouse and children under 16 free) $45 x =One Day Fare (check one) ❏ Thursday ❏ Friday ❏ Saturday $25 x =Sale Tables $45 x =Electrical Drop for Sale Tables $45 x =Please minimize ourheartburn byregistering today!Thank you!Advance Registration and Show Car Reservation FormName ____________________________________________________________Dealership Name (if applicable) _________________________________________Address___________________________________________________________City ______________________________________________________________State_______For more information:• Visit us on the web atwww.2004onational.com• E-mail us at sonc2004@hotmail.com.• Look for articles to be included in futureissues of your favorite magazines.• Visit our display at shows.• Write to:Capital Area ‘0’ ScalersP.O. Box 42563Washington, D.C. 20015Buy/Sell/Swap Trade Show • Clinics • Model Contest • Switching Contest • Layouts • Tours • RailfanningAtlas 0 RF&P 40’ USRA outside-braced box car(clip out or photocopy)Zip __________________ Telephone (______________________)Spouse/Children Names ______________________________________________Red Caboose 40’ Fruit Growers Express reeferNew!2 and 3 rail availableReserve now!Atlas 0 Western Maryland covered hopperAtlas 0 Chesapeake & Ohio covered hopperMake checks payable toCapital Area ‘O’ Scalers.Mail this form and payment to:Capital Area ‘O’ ScalersP.O. Box 42563Washington, D.C. 20015Banquet–Saturday evening, July 24.One full course dinner choice of beef or salmon entrée per banquet ticket.Total # of beef entrées ____ Total # of salmon entrées ____ $39.95 x =Show Car Advance ReservationLimited Number. First reserved, first served.Atlas RF&P 40’ USRA outside-braced box carExclusive run. Boxcar red.2 numbers available now!2 rail only but can be easily converted to 3 rail $56.95 x =Red Caboose 40’ Fruit Growers Express reefer Exclusive run.4 color paint with silver roofs. 6 numbers available now!2 rail only but can be easily converted to 3 rail $52.95 x =Atlas Western Maryland 70 Ton Covered HopperExclusive run, very limited production. ❏ 2 rail $65.95 x =Available June 2004 ❏ 3 rail $62.95 x =Atlas Chesapeake & Ohio 70 Ton Covered HopperExclusive run, very limited production. ❏ 2 rail $65.95 x =Available June 2004 ❏ 3 rail $62.95 x =Check one: ❏ Cars to be picked up at show by registrant above named on this form.❏ Delivery—add $10.00 for one car and $3.00 per additional carshipping and handling to total at right column.Total payment $May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 19

20 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

A Handy HO part for O-Scalersby Ron GriblerThe search for simple bracketsfor a Pennsy Diesel Trainphoneantenna installation ended when Idiscovered HO Diesel handrailstanchions made by Rail DetailProducts. Their #10020 mediumstanchion is made from 0.020" x0.030" steel. It’s L-shaped, 0.625"long with a rolled end for an0.030" diameter rod.Here’s the original PRR Trainphone antenna installation on arepainted Rivarossi FM Diesel.Trainline brackets on scratchbuiltB&O wagon-top covered hopperThese things soon found many other applications - here aresome examples:Hinges for drop step onscratchbuilt PRR bunk carsCut lever brackets on ascratchbuilt B&O WagonTop CabooseCut lever Installation on aPRR kitbashed gondolaHinges, levers & rod supportson scratchbuilt B&O wagontopcovered hopperTrainline support at gladhandon Ambroid flangerReplaced the pesky plastic trainline brackets on an IntermountainhopperBrake wheel shaftbrackets on AmbroidflangerMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 21

This month, we’re going someplacethat may not be initially regarded by mostas beginner’s fare. Indeed, at first blush thisprobably scores a solid 8 on Scace’s Neurotic-O-Meter.Stick with us, though,because there are lots of good thoughtshere, and a basic goal choice you shouldconsider early on. First, go back to theNov/Dec’ 03 OST and re-read the column.Then consider what Robert Weaver, ofWinnipeg, writes:“Reading Brian Scace’s article ’Easementsfor the Learning Curve’ (Nov/Dec’03) touched a chord of reality with myown ’O’ scale rail design process. Hisideas for the union of railway context anddramatic intent parallel a few of my ownapproaches to ’O’ scale rail design. Howeverhis conclusion disappoints becausehe fails to push the envelope of design to alogical end.We do not need “to invest morethought into how we create the illusion ofdistance to the horizon”. Rather thestrength of our scale precludes the needfor any perception of more depth at all. Nand HO both require a background withsky and landform to not only frame thepicture but also to provide a larger thanmodel context that counter balances theinadequacies of both scales namely a lackof ’details’. Whereas we should be thinkingabout how we can better use thosedetails and that ’background’ space to createrealistic excitement for the viewer.I would argue that our layouts shouldbe more inward oriented where the logicalviewing of the layout is ’in the round’. Thespatial design of the details should enticethe viewer to the extent that their mind istransported to the center of the modelwhere their imagination becomes surroundedby soaring structures, massivelocomotives and prototypical adventures.Whether it is an urban or a prairie landscapeis not a material issue.”Let’s look at approaches to this problema little further. First, I’m so pleased thatRobert wrote. His viewpoint differs so radicallyfrom mine, that it forced me to pourmyself a stiff one and ruminate as to why.His approach reflects a lot of thought onthe subject, yet we have come to twowildly different conclusions. Or havewe…?The biggest difference is in generalschool of thought. It sounds to me thatRobert’s approach leans more toward theRailroad Modeler side of the house, whilemine is strongly nested in the Model Railroadschool. Let me explain the difference.The Railroad Model school is arguably theolder concept, and is deeply rooted in OScale. Simplistically, the Railroad Modelerperspective is where the subject modeledis the boxcar, locomotive, or structure. Thelayout is considered, as Robert states, as a“larger-than-model-context”.I’m a staunch member of the ModelRailroad school, where the boxcar, locomotive,or structure is merely an elementof the subject modeled, which in our caseis the railroad itself and its operations. Tothose of us in the Model Railroad school,the layout is the model, and a reasonablereplication of the prototype’s operation thegoal.Although the difference sounds subtle,the approach to perceived realism quicklybecomes radically different.Here are some thoughts:In the Railroad Modeling school, eachmodel is made to be studied as a standaloneentity. This leads to a very highdegree of detail fidelity in each and everydiscrete piece as it’s placed on the layout,be it track, rolling stock, or structure. Eachmodel, with the possible exception oflarge structures, is dimensionally faithful tothe prototype and no subterfuge needs beindulged in for believability.In the Model Railroading school, thereis such a thing as over-detailing. If theviewer’s eyes glaze over when presentedwith an extremely high, yet even level ofdetail, you’ve lost the advantages of selectivedetailing. Selective detailing is the perfecttool to attract attention where wewant it. We need that tool, because ourmodel (the layout) is selectively compressed.The Model Railroad schoolaccepts that compromise.Railroad Modeling assumes a skill levelin all facets of the hobby. Because of thetradition that O Scalers are Railroad Modelers,we have more than our share ofhighly skilled craftsmen. I agree withRobert; the size is the perfect medium forthe Railroad Modeler.In the Model Railroading school, mostof us have areas within the railroad buildingexercise where we’re not entirely satisfiedwith our skill level. Few are equallyproficient at all aspects of the hobby orwant to be. In my case, I loathe layingtrack and love building locomotives.Therefore my track is not nearly as nice amodel as my locomotives are. So long asmy track is darkly colored (a theatre trick)and details are understated, the eye doesn’tfocus on my modeling weaknesses. Mylocomotives are highly detailed andweathered to highlight, rather than hide,the details. The eye is drawn to my longsuit. Hence (and heretically), underdetailingis also a useful tool, employed whenwe want the eye to move on.Railroad Modeling has its pitfalls.Because absolute scale fidelity is usually apersonal goal, sooner or later the compromisesin the “larger-than-model-context”become either limiting because of unacceptabilityor an insurmountable stumblingblock. Many folks in the RailroadModel school gravitate to narrow gauge,short lines, traction, or industrial operationsin order to reduce the need for illusion(call it selective compression) to atleast a tolerable level. I know several ofmy friends who are uncomfortable withany compromise at all. They have builtsome beautiful pieces and display them incases, just because any of the compromisesinherent in layout design are notacceptable to them.The Model Railroad school has its pitfalls,too. My railroad subject is the Bostonand Albany, circa August 1944, from StateLine Tunnels to Washington Summit.That’s about 30 miles of mainline proto-22 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

type. The room available is nominally 20x30 feet. The goal is for a visitor to see scenesthat cause him to pause and say, “I’ve been there! That’s North Adams Junction.” Noamount of detail is going to save me. I need illusion. The pitfall, and point of the Novembercolumn, is that illusion puts you at risk of glaring errors, which attract the eye aseffectively as high selective detailing. The eye just loves to focus on anomalies in ourmodeling. Any cases of non-natural occurrence, such as shadows on backdrops, willattract the eye like a flaming wreck. This is where depth of field considerations are, in theModel Railroad school, actually more valid in O than in the smaller scales, especially onsmaller railroads where shelf type construction is the rule. It’s a risk we take to make ourgoal, to replicate the railroad and its operation as closely as we choose.So, are you a Railroad Modeler, with a goal of absolute fidelity of each individualmodel? Or are you a Model Railroader, having the goal of the recognizable replication ofa railroad and its operation? Do you and your friends gather around the latest modelingproject or brass import on a Friday night, or do you head for the call board, ready tochalk up for the local? Probably the answer really is some combination of both. Thechoices really are what techniques will you use to get to the spot on the scale betweenthe two extremes that satisfies you. No approach “fails” or “disappoints”. Each has itsvalidity merely because the personal goals are different. You, gentle reader, get to pickyour goals and choose the techniques that get you there. There is no “right way”. Ourgoal here is to get you to think, so you can make intelligent choices that satisfy you.Let’s go Exploring!◆NORM’SO SCALETrains & MoreBuy, Sell, Trade!www.normsoscale.cominfo@normsoscale.com41 Roosevelt Trail, Route302. S. Casco, ME 04077Ph: 207-655-2550T-BONE MODELS“O” ScaleCUSTOM PAINTING & REPAIRDealer for Pacific LimitedSunset & WeaverT-Bone Models James Christensen32264 ClevelandCottage Grove, OR 97424-9381email tbone@epud.net541-942-5237Send SASE for informationErrata OST#13There are a two errors in RonGribler’s Sector Plate article. Thesector plate is made from 3 ⁄4" plywood,not 1 ⁄4", and the yard tracks’base is 3 ⁄4" not 1 ⁄4".The photo of Chris Evers’ Pacificon page 51 does not show a B&Oloco. We mislabeled the photo. It isactually a Jersey Central “BlueComet.’ Thanks to Woody Mathewsfor pointing that out.Assembled all brass single & double target signals❍Infrared detector❍Brass dumpsters❍Animated signs❍Building kits: plastic and cardstock❍Quality plastic and metal detail parts❍Two 6 ft. backdropsFree catalog, write or call:Pioneer Valley Models35 Yale St., S. Hadley, MA 01075(413)533-5350620 Wright Loop Williamstown, N.J. 08094 — 2-RAILSS PRR I-1 2-10-0 Original Unpainted ( SHORT TDR. ) $1,120SS PRR Q-2 4-4-6-4 F⁄P $1,480SS PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 F⁄P Shrouded ⁄ Unshrouded $1500 eachSS PRR S-2 6-8-6 F/P TDR trucks $850SS PRR FF2 electric F⁄P $850SS PRR P5a electric F⁄P MODIFIED (baby GG1) $750SS PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 Baldwin version $1600SS PRR E-6 4-4-2 Original U⁄P $725SS PRR N-1 2-10-2 F⁄p $1,150SS PRR P70 Coach, baggage, F/P int, lights ea. $310SS PRR G-5 4-6-0 U⁄P $850SS PRR Q1 4-6-4-4 F/P shrouded $1500SS B&O 2-8-0 F/P $750CB PRR E8 Diesel A&B U/P $750WSM PRR Q-2 4-4-6-4 U⁄P $2,500WSM PRR M1 4-8-2 U⁄P Cab detail (NOB) $1,380WSM PRR M1a 4-8-2 C⁄P extra detail, by H. Hieke $1,500WSM PRR J1 2-10-4 C/P, light weathering $1550ALC PRR K-4 4-6-2 U⁄P Broadway Limited Streamlined $1,400WIL PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 U⁄P 2 Railed by Trackside $1,100WIL PRR L-1 2-8-2 2 Railed by Trackside $750Gem PRR B6sb 0-6-0 Used, ptd, wthr’d driver wear $500Call 856-629-9702Between 6 and 10 PM ESTMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 23

BUILDINGLOG & TIMBERTRESTLESBY PAUL TEMPLARI am sure that there are a number of modelers who modelthe American scene who would dearly love to have a uniquebridge on their layout, but have not the courage to start one. Iknow that you can buy a variety of trestle bridges, but to haveone that’s scratch-built for the desired location is always niceto see when its completed and in place.Making a log bridge.I got my inspiration for making this kind of log bridge froman actual photograph taken by Darius Kinsey in his magnificentbook “The Locomotive Portraits“. The photograph was ofthe Sound Timber Company’s fine log bridge over the SaukRiver. Their idea of building this kind of bridge was “minimumexpense”. Logs were hauled to the area and some usedas piles driven into the ground to form the piers. Big logswere used above and below the ties, which formed the spansupon which the track was then laid.Many modelers tend to make the traditional timber trestleusing many bents made from a jig, which we’ll look at later inthis article. I have built trestles on many an occasion on variouslayouts, but decided that this time I would try my hand atthis fascinating log bridge. Here’s how I built mine.For my log bridge, I used 1 ⁄2" balsa dowel for the main logsabove the ties and 3 ⁄4" balsa dowel underneath. The ties themselveswere 1 ⁄4" square. The first task on my agenda was toremove all the ties (for the gap needed across the gorge) froma length of 16.5mm On30 Peco track. Certainly, this methodwill work with any pre-fabricated or hand laid track you maybe using. One-quarter inch square hardwood was cut to thelength needed to accommodate the logs above while beingwide enough for the locos to pass. These were cut to 3 3 ⁄4"wide then stained with a Dark Oak stain. When dry they werespaced at 3 ⁄8" intervals along the rail as in Figure 1.Fig. 1The next step was to cut the two 3 ⁄4" dowels and the two 1 ⁄2"dowels to length. Once cut they were scribed with a rasp togive a barkFig. 2effect, as inFigure 2 .All of thelogs werestained with aDark Oakstain. Whendry, they weredry-brushedwith graysand browns.24 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Once all the logs were finished in thisway, the fun of putting it all togethercould be started. I needed two of theseFig. 3trestle with braces forming the mainstrength of the bridge.The construction techniques for bothare very similar, so let’s look at how thelower bridge was built. With all the logsstained and ready to be assembled, Istarted by gluing the main large ( 3 ⁄4") logsunderneath the 1 ⁄4" ties as in Figure 5.Figure 6 shows the placement of theupper ( 1 ⁄2")logs. When the glue for theselogs was fully dried, I inlaid 1 ⁄8" stripwoodbetween the rails (Figure 7).The next part of the operation was toFig. 5Turning attention to the piers, the firststep was to make a half-moon “dish” onthe top of each upright to match the 3 ⁄4"log crosspiece each pair of uprights supports,as in Figure 9.Once this was completed and the logsFig. 9Fig. 6glued together, I then applied the outerlog stays and lashed them in with rope(Figure 10). I also placed further log stayslower down for added support, whereneeded.Fig. 10Fig. 7log bridges to span the gorge shown inFigure 3. One was higher than the otherby about 4", so I planned on makingeach different in appearance from theother, while keeping the log idea forboth. The upper crossing, as seen in Figure4, is more on the lines of a simpleFig. 4use rope to lash the top and bottom logstogether. I used “Billings Boats” rope,which comes in 50-meter lengths. Thisrope is used normally for rigging shipmodels. Figure 8 shows the rope lashingsin place.Fig. 8Figure 11 shows the completed logbridge support structure.Fig. 11May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 25

Figure 12 shows a version of plank decking used to finishthe bridge, and Figure 13 shows the completed bridges.Fig. 14Fig. 12Fig. 13The Traditional Timber TrestleAs I stated earlier, the traditional trestle is usually madeusing some sort of paper template, which is very time consuming.I’ve devised a method that is a quick and easy way to constructas many of the risers, or bents, that you may require. Youstill have to draw out the plan on card (rather than paper) butyou’ll only need to draw it out once with this method, becausewe will use the drawing as the basis for a re-usable jig. Thebeauty of it is you could make hundreds of trestle bents usingthe one jig. The lead photo for this article (pg. 24) shows a trestleI made using this method. Here’s how to build your jig.Get hold of some 1 ⁄16" card approximately 8" wide by theheight you want to make the trestle (you will need four pieces)and mark out the size of the main riser you require. Draw it outas if you were going to actually pin the wood to it. Next, glueone of the other three pieces underneath the drawing and carefullycut out the outline of the trestle bent members with a sharpcraft or hobby knife. Cut through both pieces of card that youhave laminated together, using Figure 14 to get the idea. Youonly need to cut out the five straight pieces. Now glue the othertwo pieces of card together and place them underneath the cutoutsand glue or staple the four layers together. Again, refer toFigure 14. The plan view of the jig is at the top right, with theelevation view at the bottom of the figure.Now you will need some 1 ⁄4" balsa or hard wood. Make upsome pieces about 1 ⁄2" long and glue these to the card as shownin Figure 14. These are the pieces shown in red. They will helpyou to uniformly position the horizontal members of each bent.All that remains for you to do now is to try out your jig. Using1⁄4" square timber, cut off five pieces the length you require andinlay them into the jig (Figure 14 -bottom). Now cut the horizontalcross members and, using a very small amount of glue,place them across the timbers and against the 1 ⁄4" blocks thatwere shown in red in Figure 14. Before going on to the nextpieces, use some track pins (I use Peco 1 ⁄2" pins) and pin throughthe pieces of wood at the glue joints. Lightly tap them in with asmall hammer, being careful not to go all the way into the card,but just deep enough to hold each piece in place.Now do the same all the way down to the bottom. When allis complete, (It takes me about 5 minutes for each one) gentlylift the bent out of the jig. Now, (here’s why you didn’t knockthose track pins all the way home) cut off the tops and bottomsof the overlap first, then glue and place the other five horizontalpieces opposite the first five. This part is even easier. Put asmall amount of glue on each piece, then place it underneathand, when all is square, lightly tap the track pins to secure thepieces together.When you have completed all pieces in the same way, drilla small hole in a piece of wood and place the track pins overthe hole. Lightly tap them all the way home, turn the assemblyover, and cut off the remaining track pin not required. Now youare ready to start another riser. I tend to leave the diagonal26 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Fig. 15pieces until I have completed the amount of trestle bents thatare required. Tall or short, any trestle bridge can be made thisway. Figure 15 shows a nine-foot curved trestle built with thismethod.◆Ed note: Want to see more of Paul’s layout? Check out thecenterspread of this issue, the March 2004 issue of Model Railroadingand the May 2004 of Railroad Model Craftsman. Allphotos by Paul Templar.ResourcesBillings rope from Shrewsbury Model Centrehttp://www.shrewsburymodels.co.uk/Ph: 01743 245539In the U.S.http://www.happyhobby.com/hobb_html/billings.htmHAPPY HOBBY7125 N. 76th ST. Milwaukee, WI 53223414-461-6013 Fax 414-461-6045May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 27

1Building An Open Pier For Your Layout.The PrototypeThe pier belonged to the Pennsylvania Railroad in Jersey City.The original pier had three tracks and a 35 ton travelling gantrycrane. It was used to interchange freight from the railroad toberthing vessels. A photo that appeared in the Rail Marine InformationGroup’s magazine “Transfer” inspired the model.The Model: Pier 31, Brooklyn Terminal Railroad.The size was dictated by the space I had in my train roomand is designed to fit in with theoperation of the main layout. Theframework is made out of 1”x4” pineand the top is 3 ⁄4" MDF sheet (mediumdensity fiberboard, or use plywood).The dimensions overall are 120”x19”and at one end widening to 28” x36” (See photo #1).As with the prototype, I wantedthree tracks running full length buthave added three sidings at one endfor more operating scope. The trackand turnouts are English Peco and thethree long straight pieces are Pecolengths soldered to copper cladties as they will be paved (seephotos 3 and 4). The track ispaved with plaster and foamcore, then covered with balsaplanking, as the real thing wasmade entirely of wood. At oneend, to vary the paving, I haveused cobblestones to representrepairs to the pier. The balsa forthe planks was cut from .040"sheets 3 ⁄16" wide and were stained using Builders In Scale “SilverWood” stain, an excellent product for staining wood. The plankswere glued direct to the plaster using quick drying wood glueheld down with heavy weights with wax paper under the weightsto prevent the glue from sticking to them (see photo 5 and for aclose up of the finished planks see photo 6).The sides and end of the pier were made up from 1 ⁄8" MDFsheets cut to size with strips of balsa glued to the MDF to representheavy timber seen on piers. They were nailed and glued tothe 4”x1” sides and end. Again thewhole lot was stained with SilverWood (see photos 7, 8, 9).Final details were added, bollards,rail stops, one building as an office,figures, crates, scratchbuilt lights andthe 35-ton crane (To be featured in afuture article) complete with its ownrails.The complete pier has its owncontrol panel and power source independentfrom the main layout and allturnouts are electrical controlled. ◆982763 4 528 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Prototype photo by Overland Models TeamCSX “AC44CW”Factory painted Blue/Yellow/GoldOMI #048010003.1Prototype photo by Don ZimmermanUP “AC44CTE”Factory painted Yellow/Gray with FlagOMI #048010004.1Prototype courtesy Withers PublishingLicensed product of CSX TransportationLicensed product of Union Pacific RailroadLicensed product of Union Pacific RailroadMotive PowerFeatures:• Crisp factory paint and lettering• Powerful Pittman can motor• Operating ditch lights• Directional lighting• DCC equippedSP “AC44CW”Factory painted Dark Gray/ScarletOMI #048010007.1Other variations not pictured:• BNSF “AC44CW” Nos. 5603 and 5609• CP “AC44CW” Nos. 9592 and 9600• CSX “C60AC” Nos. 5002 and 5016• UP “C60AC” Nos. 7567 and 7579Take Your Model Railroad To The Next Level . . . Experience An Overland Modelwww.overlandmodels.comTelephone: (765) 289-4257Available Only At The Finest Hobby Retailers WorldwideVisit www.overlandmodels.com To See A List Of DealersO VERLANDMODELS INCORPORATED3808 W. Kilgore Ave. · Muncie, IN 47304 · U.S.Ainfo@overlandmodels.comFax: (765) 289-6013May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 29

Last issue I suggested some guidelinesabout how this particular column couldbe conducted. This time I’d like to offer arationale for including a column such asthis in OST (other than the publisher andeditor thought it would be a good idea, ofcourse). It may have crossed the minds ofthose readers who prefer to model whatthey see around them in contemporaryrailroading that a column about older OScale is—dare I say it—irrelevant. Not allwho model twenty-first century prototypeare necessarily young, nor are all whomodel earlier periods always fossils whocan’t let go of their youth, but, generally,most of us tend to favor the kind of railroadingwe knew from when we first reallygot interested in the steel rail. Yet, howcan we explain the phenomenon of RevolutionaryWar and Civil War re-enactors,who are, effectively, recreating 1:1 scalemodels of an earlier period. Clearly, noneof them were around when the “prototype”existed.One of my mentors in a graduate program—anexcellent historian—onceanswered the question, “Why study history?”He observed that many claim thatone ought to study history because thepast teaches us things we need to know(ever hear that at school?). He allowed ashow that might be a reason, but not themost compelling one, which is that whatwent on before we were around is INTER-ESTING. That is my justification for offeringthis corner of OST. As we find outmore about O Scale modeling when itwas young, perhaps before we were born,interesting tidbits appear. Some may evenbe useful for one’s own modeling, whateverthe period or emphasis, but that issecondary and coincidental. Not everyonemay want to learn about matters thathave no immediate application to his orher modeling. That is perfectly all right,and I hope we can stay on friendly termswhen we are grabbing for the same itemat an O Scale show. I believe Joe G.intends OST to offer a variety of goodiesfor all individual tastes, so that any OScale modeler can find enough to keepher or him coming back, and there areplenty of good, practical, hands-on projectsin each issue.For others, of course, knowing moreabout the ways O Scale modelers foundto represent the real thing in the past is aconnection to something outside oneself,30 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04the here-and-now, and gives a sense ofcontinuity with the past that goes on intothe future. For those of us of a certain age,the great names of that past are largelygone, with more departing all the time.Perhaps only a handful of O Scalers stillliving can actually tell us what it was likein the 1920’s. The hobby began to developfrom mass-market toy trains, the occasionalrich man’s custom-built adult toys,and the rare example of a skilled workman’sleisure production when leisure formany workers was rare. There was modelrailroading as a hobby before Al Kalmbachpublished the first issue of ModelRailroader in 1934. Back then modelerslargely relied on British imports, booksand periodicals (Henry Greenly was thegiant among them). What canny Al, himselfan O Scaler, hoped was that all themodelers working in solitude wouldbecome aware there were other fellowsjust like themselves, and that what theyenjoyed was not odd or bizarre.In the middle of the Great Depression,Al Kalmbach was taking a considerablerisk, but he was a printer, and the printingbusiness was slow. We know now, afterthe fact, that his gamble paid off, but hedidn’t know it then. Once model railroadersfound a forum, things started to pick uprapidly. One of the great milestones wasthe organization of the NMRA. Whateverfolks say about the merits of the currentNMRA, looking at it from a historical perspective,model railroading would notexist as we now know it without the pioneeringwork of establishing commonstandards for commercial products, as wellas bringing those early hobbyists togetherfor conventions. Concurrently, the greatclubs in the large cities (mostly in the Eastand Midwest) were organizing in the1930’s (and they were almost all O scaleuntil after WWII). Individual modelerscould show their work, receive encouragementand (generally) tactful criticism toimprove their efforts. Information as toprototype and modeling techniques couldbe shared. Those who lacked space tobuild their own miniature empire couldjoin with others to afford operation fortheir prized locomotives and cars.When one reads older magazines andstudies the ads, it is easy to forget theresults of inflation. One sees locomotivesselling for $100 and thinks, “not bad!”forgetting that few workingmen earnedmuch more than $25 a week—if they hada job at all—and that many had to supporta family on that. It is not coincidental thatthe older magazine articles mention modelerswho were physicians, attorneys, corporateexecutives, bankers, and such.Some of that was doubtless to suggest therespectability of the hobby, but it reallywas a rich man’s hobby. The only alternativefor those of modest means was toconvert toy trains—a recurring theme formost of model railroad history. Theywould gradually develop their skills to thepoint where they could match the custom-builderswho provided the wealthierwith their equipment. Until after WWII, itwas common for manufacturers to offertheir locomotives three ways: built-up byin-house craftsmen; a semi-kit with mostof the parts machined to some degree;and as a set of unmachined castingswhich required not only some effort onthe part of the builder, but also considerableskill in using machine tools. The onething most people had in abundance duringthe Depression was time. Curiously,that cut both ways: the model railroaderhad to spend more time making things hecould not afford to buy, but the effortspent in creating them also served as apastime to help him forget that he wasunder- or unemployed.With a few exceptions, most of theequipment from this period is now of onlyantiquarian interest. When it shows up atmeets, flea markets, eBay or at estate auctions,it usually seems crude. It either cannotbe brought up to our current expectedstandard of fidelity or would take so muchlabor and cost as to hardly justify theeffort. But for at least some, it is a connectionwith the pioneers, just as visiting alocal history museum gives some sense ofwhat one’s locale once was. There is evena modest collector interest in many of thepieces, preferably in a pristine, unbuiltstate in the original box with originalinstructions (and early “kits” did notalways include “instructions,” assuming afair amount of expertise on the part of thebuilder). There is something fascinating, Ithink, to be able to put a well-built car orlocomotive (structures developed moreslowly in the hobby) from the 1930’s nextto a more recent counterpart and recognizethat all the changes have come aboutin a single human being’s lifetime.I had hoped to actually talk specifics(perhaps about Hawk Models) this time out,but I’ve used up all my space. Next time, I’dlike to open a discussion of the variousmodel railroad periodicals over the yearsand invite your input, as there is still quite abit I don’t know about the subject. ◆

Reader FeedbackRigid Trucks A Problem?I really enjoy your magazine. Mycomment/question is regarding the trucksthat are appearing on the new Atlas cars.They are totally rigid. As I understand it,the conventional wisdom is that thetrucks should be fairly flexible to negotiatelow spots on the track. With thesetrucks, if the rear wheel elevates so doesthe leading wheel.I don’t have a layout yet, just a testtrack with a #6 crossover. Not muchtrouble there, but I would enjoy hearingfrom some of your readers who are operatingthese cars. Let’s see if they areexperiencing any difficulties with therigidity of these trucks.Thanks, George RitterLas Vegas, NVOkay readers, let’s hear your commentson flexible/non-flexible trucks.Colored LensesRe: Issue #12 article on workingcaboose lights by Marty Iftody. I enjoyedthis article because it helps bring a littlemore realism to the trains. One thing thatI would like to interject would be aboutcoloring “lenses” in marker lamps.This is an old trick I learned from BillClouser many years ago. Bill kept a set ofordinary food coloring gels on his workbench just for the purpose of makingopaque lenses for all kinds of lights and,one time, making stained glass windowsin a model of a church he built for one ofhis customers. It works. I’ve had a set ofmarkers on a tender of an engine foralmost forty years that still look great.Bob O’Neill (via email)Fair Trade LawsRe: the last installment of John Smith’sseries on the problems of importingmodels from the Orient. One point mightneed clarification. In connection withthe “Fair Trade” laws, I think John wasintending to refer to their demise. UnderFair Trade laws in place for manydecades, at least from the 1930s, manufacturershad the right to set retail sellingprices, and could cut-off dealers whodiscounted. While this “leveled the playingfield” between small mom-and-popstores and the large-volume buyers as faras selling prices went, it was ultimatelyunfair to the large-volume buyers and tothe consumers.With the growth of discount chainstores and shopping malls, added toincreased consumer activism, those lawswere repealed during the 1960’s or 70’s.Thus, today’s manufacturers and/orimporters can list a “manufacturer’s suggestedretail price” (MSRP) but cannotenforce it.In the past, domestic O scale productsand early brass imports (Max Gray andUS Hobbies) sold at a one-third discountto dealers. (The importers probably paidthe overseas builders about 50-60 percentof the dealer price, to cover theiroverhead and profit.) The dealer discountin “mass-market” HO and N scaleitems (as well as many other consumerproducts) is 40 percent. Many hobbyshops would not stock O Scale becausethey needed the additional percentage tomeet their overhead.While the 3-rail importers and a few2-rail firms do list MSRPs, their dealerdiscounts can vary from a small courtesydiscount to higher numbers which allowdealers to stock a quantity and variety ofproduct and offer some discounts. Somefirms provide only net prices to theirdealers, with the ultimate retail price amatter of negotiation between the dealersand their retail customers.Woody Mathews (via email)Spiral EasementsYour magazine just keeps on gettingbetter and better! Those center spreadN&W photos don’t hurt either as I grewup about 300 feet from the N&W bridgeover the East Branch of the ElizabethRiver and heard ’em all and woke upand saw most of the mainline actiongoing up to Lamberts Point and theUnion passenger depot from 1940-45.I need help. I thought you might bethe best one to direct this request to theproper person. I need information onhow to make spiral easement curves in 0scale. I saw an article perhaps 30 yearsago on how to calculate them and drawthem on a plastic template which couldlater be transferred to the track base but,of course, I can no longer find it. Perhapsyou know of better ways to achieve thesame results.I don’t plan on going overboard but afew of these critters in the foreground doreally dress up a layout when your eyecannot tell where straight track ends andthe curve begins. Thanks for any helpyou or your staff can give. Sincerely,Robert C. McKnight, Mo.Joe G. replies: Thanks for your letter.When we published George Muller’strack laying article in OST#12, we leftout a graph on calculating easements.The graph is from an NMRA Data Sheetand we received permission to reprintthat Data Sheet in it’s entirety. See it onpages 48-49 in this issue.The Internet can really be useful ifyou know where to look. I went to theModel Railroader Magazine Index tolook up the article you mentioned andsurprisingly found a program that willprint out easements from your computer.Meanwhile the MR Index listed 31 articleson easements between 1957 and2001. Here’s the URL for the MR Index[http://index.mrmag.com/]Needs A Cleaning SolutionI have started collecting O Scaletrains. I was wondering if you can tell mewhat I should use to clean my trains. Ihave been using Pledge with a toothbrush.I have been told that is not goodand I should just use water. That doesnot look all that good. What do collectorsuse? I have some neat cars that I useinstead of just keeping them wrappedup, but when they get dirty, how do Iclean them and not lose any of theirvalue?Bob Csehak (via email)Joe G. replies: That’s a good question.Mostly you use mild soap and water anda very soft cloth. Sometimes you maywant to add “409” or a similar cleanerbut you have to be careful not to rub offpaint and/or decals. Once clean, keepthem clean by dusting regularly (I likethe new Swiffer dusters) and don’t handlethem with bare hands. That’s wheremost of the oils and gunk come from.Use cotton or latex gloves. Any otherreaders have suggestions for Bob? Send’em in.◆May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 31

Hand-Laying Switches -EdReutlinghold the diverging rail and mark where it crosses the innerfig. 3fig. 1straight rail. Cut the straight through rail with your toolof choice (I use a Dremel Motor Tool) [Fig. 4].fig. 4fig. 2There are probably as many ways of hand-laying switchesas there are people doing the process. For a number ofyears, I had gone through the process of making the frogsand points beforehand and making the switch from there.A fellow O Scaler suggested I try the method I’m about tooutline here. Simply stated, I just lay the four rails in theirapproximate alignment and go from there. The switchshown in this series of photos is O standard gauge, notnarrow gauge, and is a very sharp switch. The process isthe same for any switch that you might consider.I lay out the centerlines of the two converging tracksand then lay the two pieces of roadbed following the centerlines.Next, the ties are glued in place and, when theglue is dry, sanded smooth [Fig. 1]. For the purpose of photographiccontrast, I did not stain the ties but that operationwould be next.One of the nice things about hand-laying a switch is theability to have continuous rails through the switches. Laythe outside straight (main) track and the outside divergingrail in their proper locations relative to the track alignment.Spike them in place every 4-6 ties, depending on theamount of tension needed to hold the rails. Then lay theinside straight rail in the proper alignment and lay it rightthrough to where the points will eventually be. [Fig. 2].Leave an extra 1 1 ⁄2" of rail past the place where the pointswould end. Lightly spike the rail in place and in gauge.Then using the multi-finger technique shown [Fig. 3]Lightly spike to reinstall the diverging rail and leave anextra 1 1 ⁄2" beyond the end of the point as before. Markwhere the rail foot needs to be ground away so the railheads touch and then grind the foot away. Properly setthe gauge for both of the soon-to-be frog rails and solderthe two pieces together. Cut the extra curved rail away.[Fig. 5]fig. 534 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

fig. 6Form the wings of the guard rails of the frog and lay inplace. Identify where the rail foot is to be cut for the hingepoint (I no longer hinge my points using rail joiners). Cuttingthe foot allows the rail to flex. Now, cut this piece tolength ending where the end of the point is to be. [Fig 6]fig. 8Next, do the curved converging rail using the sameprocess. Form the wing guards, cut the foot, cut to length[Fig 7 ]. In Figures 6 and 7, the hinge points are indicatedby the white arrows.the frog clear of the rest of the track work, isolating itfrom all the other rails.To tie the point rails together I use Plastruct 1 ⁄8" sq.plastic as a throw bar. Solder 3 ⁄64" x 3 ⁄32" brass strips,slightly bent to a shallow angle, to the inside of each pointrail. Drill these tabs to clear a 00-90 screw. Screw thepoint rails to the throw bar with hex head 00-90 machinefig. 9fig. 7We’ll not cut the stock rails as most others do.Instead, we’ll shape the contact side of the points, prettymuch as they are shaped on the real thing. File the contactside of the point to a taper, and then file away thefoot, so as to allow the contact to snuggle right up to thestock rail. Then file the wheel flange side of the point to ataper. Now you will have a very smooth action of the wheelon the point segment of the switch.This next step is determined by your method of poweringthe frog and points. I completely electrically insulatethe frog for DCC operation, and, because I use jumperwires from the stock rails to the point rails, I don’t have torely on any external contact to power the points. The completedfrog is soldered solidly together filling the flangeways with solder. When the frog is solid, clean the flangeways using a piece of hacksaw blade held in a pair of pliers.[Fig. 8] Finish the final gauging and spiking of all the rails,add the guard rails opposite the frog. Now you may cutscrews [Fig 9, Yes, that is an HO scale ground throw in Fig.9. It has plenty of throw for O Scale]. Add the ballast ofyour choice and the switch is finished.Yes, this is a very sharp switch. And, yes, cars do runthrough it. So does an ALCO S-2 pushing them. Most ofthe cars using this switch are four-wheel on-line quarrycars. This is one reason for learning how to make your ownswitches, so that you can put your tracks wherever youwant them without restrictions. When you master thistechnique, you’ll be able to place a switch anywhere on thelayout anytime you want with a minimum disruption to thetracks.If you have any questions on my methods, anyone cancall me at 423-477-5790 or email me at[reutling@xtn.net].◊May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 35

Painted Wheels with Shiny TreadsBy Ron GriblerFigure 3. Ready topaintFigure 4. Paintedwheels & axleFigure 1. Athearn truck with IM wheelsetsThe Intermountain 33" axle sets provide improved performancebut if you aren’t pleased with their bright, unpaintedappearance, here’s a simple method to paint the wheels andaxle and keep those shiny treads & flanges. Use an ordinaryrubber hose washer as a perfect paint mask for these wheels.Locate at least two of these washers and a 4 inch length of 1 ⁄8"shrink tubing. Drill a couple of 1 ⁄8" holes in a scrap piece ofwood, and you are ready to go. Wipe the wheels with solventto remove the slight film of oil from them.Figure 2. Hose washer on wheelPress one of the washers over each wheel of the axle setassuring each is tight against the wheel flange. Set the axle setinto one of the holes in the piece of wood and hold the shrinktubing over the tapered axle end. For the hopper car wheelsFigure 5. Truck with painted wheels & axleshown, I used a can of Testor’s flat black spray paint. Rotate theboard while spraying. When the paint is dry, flip the axle over& repeat. . When the paint is dry again, pull off the hose washer.A car set of these can be done very quickly.Reassemble the trucks and enjoy those shiny treads.36 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

CABIN CREEKCOAL COMPANYLimited Edition KitPrecise Laser-CutEngineeredfor Easy Assembly50+ Detail CastingsFlexible PositioningPositionable Doors& WindowsMaster Creations’ O kit #18105 contains the tipple, headhouse, power house, storage shed, retainingwalls, and a ton of character for $549.95! The tipple is approximately 45 x 90 scale feet with the overalldiorama shown being about 24" x 48". Not all details are shown in the photo!Celebrating over 20 Years ofService since 1979P 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 - $5.00May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 37

Impressions from the (Mid-West O) Chicago showBrian Scace, Assoc. EditorThe O Scale Trains Traveling Medicine Show spent a wonderfulweekend at the annual March meet in Chicago. It wasthe perfect opportunity to talk with many subscribers, sign upa few new ones, and flog a few copies of the OST Guide. Ispoke with many of you, and thank you for all the positivecomments and suggestions; very gratifying to hear that thevast majority of folks are pleased with the direction the magazineis taking.We’re featuring several of the contest models in this issue,with an emphasis on some of the more imaginative entries.Our congratulations to the winners of the contest:• William Garlock built a very clean rendition of a Rutlandwood baggage car to win the Passenger Car category.Daryl Townsend entered the car.• Frank Miller won the Steam Locomotive category withhis C&O 0-10-0. Frank’s craftsmanship certainly transcendsthe old rule about never entering an unpainted model in acontest.• Boyd “Sammy” Hill entered two Diesels, and his verynice ACL SD-45 took the Internal Combustion category.• Dave Stewart painted up a brass well-flat and entered it.The eye catcher was the oversized load he scratchbuilt for it.A “well” deserved (I couldn’t resist that one!) win in theFreight Car category.• Wesley Moreland’s scratchbuilt CSL work motor, withall the neat junk we love, took the Traction category.• Randy Swanson took both Dioramas/Structures andMaintenance-of-Way with his pile-driver scene.It was a privilege to serve as a judge, and OST would liketo express a hearty “Well done!” to all the contestants and toour colleagues from 48/ft O Scale News who did a superbjob of administering the contest.If you haven’t been to one of the larger regional meets,such as this one, I would encourage you to try one out. Justwatch the events listings in OST, and make one or two a goal.I learn something new every time, and so will you. There arealways interesting clinics, layout tours, manufacturers andimporters showing their latest projects, and treasure-a-plentyin the trading halls, not to mention the opportunity to comparenotes with plenty of other O Scalers.Mike and Judy Hill, from Hill’s Hobby and Collector’sShop, and their able staff did a magnificent job and certainlymade our little crew feel most welcome. Thank you. ◆Randy Swanson won double honors with this pile driverBoyd “Sammy” Hill entered this crane (above) and highlymodified Weaver VO1000 (below), in addition to his awardwinning ACL SD-45.Below: Frank Miller scratchbuilt this C&O 0-10-0 and took the topseat for Steam Engines. At right: Dave Stewart’s custom built loadfor this ALCO Models flat was good enough for 1st in Freight Cars.38 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

The Meet: A photo from Carey Hinch’s home layout which will be featured in a future issue of OST.These next three photos arethe work of Harry Hieke ofEagle’s Nest Miniatures.Top left: A trestle Harrycustom built for a customerout of brass.Middle left: A MidlandsReproductions GreatNorthern dome car. Harryscratchbuilt the interior forhis customer. The car isalso lighted with a batterythat is charged from trackpower. The car is shown onLou Pardee’s layout.Bottom left: A new MiddleDivision, PRR H21 hopperthat Harry weathered andinstalled a custom coal load.Harry does a lot of custompainting and weathering.May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 39

Frank Fazzio is a big Erie fan and his favorite locomotive is the S-4 Berkshire. After building many kit locomotives, he decided the S-4 would behis first foray into scratchbuilding. The locomotive shown above and below started with a commercial chassis that had to be shortened. Theboiler, cylinders, cab and rear truck are scratchbuilt. Most all the parts were made from .020" brass. Rivet detail was achieved with a NWSL rivetpress. Frank says the most difficult part of the loco was the rear truck. It has 24 separate parts to it.Frank says his next project, if he can find the drivers, is an Erie R-1, 2-10-2.O ScaleRealtyRealisticWeatheredStructures inO ScaleScratchbuiltFrom YourPhotos,Plans orIdeas!(Will also build & weather your kits)Reed ArtimPh: 973-472-745675 Woodridge Rd, Clifton NJ 0701240 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Above: This N&W steam-era caboose was scratch and parts-built by OST Publisher Joe Giannovario. It took Second Place in a Pacific CoastRegion NMRA meet in 1981. It’s made of wood, styrene, and white-metal castings. The cupola lifts off and the caboose has a full interior. EdReutling and Bill Ramey of Adirondack Car & Foundry are making a resin kit of this style N&W caboose. which was used right into the Diesel eradue to its steel underframe. An article on making the patterns and building the kit will appear in a future issue of OST.Below: Inspired by an article in a 1945 Model Railroader, OST Publisher Joe Giannovario scratch and parts-built this N&W class GKd coal gonalmost entirely out of styrene. Every rivet was hand pressed. Only the trucks, couplers and piping are metal. The trucks are highly modifiedBuckeyes from Quality Craft which are no longer available. The prototype car was built for rotary dumping. At least one importer is makingnoises about this car as it has never been done in any scale.May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 41

Product News & ReviewsNEWS: 2 Doors Down available fromKarlgarin ModelsWarren Farm Little BaddowChelmsford Essex CM3 4TQEngland44 1245 226110 (International)skippy@karlgarin.comRobin Arkinsall is a friend of OST frequent contributor Marshall Vine. Both Marshalland Robin live in the United Kingdom. Robin sent this note about his new company,2 Doors Down.“2 Doors Down produces a range of O gauge, 1:48 scale, etched brass kits coveringthe small industrial switchers (“critters”) and short line locomotives which couldbe found in daily use all over the USA. They have been designed and produced byRobin Arkinsall, well-known and respected as the originator of the Impetus range ofUK industrial locomotive kits, and happily continue in the same tradition of excellentquality and value for the money.“The kits are principally etched brass with cast whitemetal fittings. In some cases,resin castings of the hoods/bonnets will be available for those who do not feel confidentin constructing this item in brass. The kits are designed to be motorized usingSlater’s wheels, Mashima motors, Romford gears and Delrin chain and sprocket drivewhere appropriate. (All these items are available from Karlgarin Models in England,www.karlgarin.com). The kits are designed to accept Kadee couplers.“It is only fair to mention that due to pricing constraints, as well as a lack of information(!), these kits have little or no cab detail at present. Electrical pickups are notsupplied in the kits, most builders having their own preference. Clear and simpleillustrated instructions are included.“The 25 Tonner is a diminutive loco,less than four inches long, based on theGE prototype first introduced in the1940’s. Many are still in use today. Ithas an etched brass body, with a simplefold-up chassis and whitemetal detailcastings. This kit makes an ideal starterproject. Price: £47-00 (p&p £2-50)(That’s about US$86, plus shipping) AMotorizing pack is available (all partsavailable separately) comprising Slater’swheels, Mashima motor, Romford gearbox,delrin chain and sprockets. Price:£27-50 (£25-00 if purchased with kit)(That’s about US$51, plus shipping)“300HP EMD This distinctive center-cab,twin-engine locomotive wasanother 1940’s product with a longservice history. The kit is similar indesign to the 25-tonner and despite thesomewhat archaic appearance has acertain charm! Price: TBA mid-2004Motorizing pack/parts available separately.“GE 70 Tonner Although a pre-WW2 design intended for use on shortlines and switching, there are examples still tobe found hard at work. Two kit variantswill be available: early version with nogrille on the hood front and large lamp,and later type with front grille, rectangularlamp housing and differing sidegrilles etc. The trucks are designed to bemotorized independently, thus providingplenty of power and smooth running.Available late 2004.”NEWS: Chooch Enterprises, Inc.PO Box 1200Maple Valley, WA 98038Phone: 425-788-8680www.choochenterprises.comMike O’Connell at Chooch Enterprisesdropped a note to remind us of theNorthern Pacific 40' SS AAR boxcar kit.Even though you think you have enoughNP cars, you should seriously look atthis car. The patterns, made by JimZwerneman, are exceptional! This is acompletely new pattern created from theactual drawings. These cars ran in revenueservice well into the 70's.[www.choochenterprises.com]NEWS: Weaver ModelsPO Box 231Northumberland PA 17857570-473-9434www.weavermodels.comWeaver Models is pleased toannounce release of a die cast USRALight Pacific Steamer, scheduled for aLate Spring/Early Summer ’04 arrival.Features will include: die cast bodyconstruction, operational cab vents, illuminatedcab, cab window glass, all 2-rail drivers flanged, puffing smoke unit,detailed interior, firebox glow, front &rear operating marker lights, illuminatedheadlight, illuminated front & rear numberboards, easy access volume controlwith sound on/sound off switch (locatedin tender), multiple cab numbers, 11roadnames (plus undecorated).Your choice of 2-Rail or 3-Rail withoutsound ($725.) or 2-Rail or 3-Railwith authentic RailSounds® TrainMaster®Command Control ($849.). Roadnameswill include:, Western Maryland,Grand Trunk Western, Canadian National,Louisville & Nashville, Norfolk &Western, Boston & Maine, Chicago &Northwestern, Maine Central, MilwaukeeRoad, ATSF and Illinois Central.42 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Product News & ReviewsNEWS: Model Tech StudiosPO Box 1497No. Hampton, NH 03862Ph: 603.964.5995www.modeltechstudios.comO Scale 3D Tenement, Pack of 2. Each pack includes: 2tenements which can be built as flat or pitched roof varieties,fully detailed porch railings, columns and stairs, stair wellexit and chimneys. The kit comes complete with fully illustr a t e dinstructionmanual aswell. Each kitwill coverapprox. 18"length alongthe wall andprojects out3 1 ⁄2" and canbe narrowedif desired.Combinetwo or more packs and create an entire tenement row spanningover 3 feet. Each kit retails for $110.NEWS: DCC Specialities.COM210 E front StTraverse City MI 49384800-671-0641, www.dccspecialities.comDCC Specialties.com has announced several new electronicdevices:“POWERPAX DCC PROGRAMMING BOOSTER: Toprotect decoders during programming, DCC standardslimit the available voltage to the programming track. However,many new locomotives with sound and control setups,as well as some after-market sound systems, placehigh-current demands even in programming mode. Thishas meant some DCC systems were unable to programthese locomotives at all, and others succeeded only on ahit-or-miss basis.“Powerpax DCC Programming Booster from DCC Specialties.comprovides increased power for DCC programmingtracks to handle the demands of Broadway Limitedand other high-draw decoders. Powerpax boosts the outputto your programming track in a controlled manner thatallows capacitors and other heavy-draw circuitry to powerupon these new systems. This boost is controlled bymicroprocessors so that the decoders are still protectedfrom damage as intended by the DCC standards. For only$59.95, POWERPAX provides reliable programming fortoday’s and tomorrow’s most sophisticated decoders.“ON-GUARD DCC CIRCUIT BREAKER: (OG-CB) is anexternal circuit breaker for dividing DCC layouts into protectedpower districts. It provides 4-amp protection againstshort-circuits with a reaction time that’s faster than anybuilt-in breaker on any system.“OG-CB is a solid-state circuit board with no relays. Installationrequires only that you connect your main bus to the ON-GUARDinputs and use the ON-GUARD outputs to feed the bus to that district.“ON-GUARD automatically resets once a short is cleared. Thecircuit board has built-in outputs for track-power and short-circuitstatus lights should you wish to add these to a remote control panel.“ON-GUARD, reliable short-circuit protection at a price thatmakes power districts an affordable reality on any size layout.“Shorts happen. The most attentive of operators will sooner orlater approach a turnout set against them. The best-maintained trackand equipment can still have derailments. At the least, shorts shutdown your system, but if that shutdown is slow in coming a multiampshort can seriously damage your valuable equipment. All DCCmanufacturers and guidebooks recommend separating your layoutinto independently protected districts so a short doesn’t shut downyour entire railroad. That’s great advice, and the budget pricing ofON-GUARD means you can avoid shutdowns, without having thebank foreclose.“The OG-CB is $29.95.”“ON-GUARD DCC AUTO REVERSER (OG-AR) provides automaticdirection control for DCC locomotives traversing reversingloops, wyes, or turntables. The OG-AR has the same ultra-highspeedresponse time and the same 4-amp capacity as our circuitbreakers. OG-AR is solid-state circuitry with no relays. Outputs forremote indicator lights for track power and reversing are built-in.“One of the great benefits of DCC is automatic reversing sectionsthat eliminate the need to stop and throw switches to align polarityso your train can traverse a wye or circumnavigate a return loop.Everyone makes auto-reversers and the price can vary tremendously.So what’s the difference you ask? Speed of response and capacity.“Automatic reversing requires that the circuit sense a “short”(your train entering the section of reversed polarity) and immediatelymatch the polarity. But it’s not enough to do this quickly; you haveto be able to handle the load of the train entering the section, whichis why the OG-AR’s unmatched 4-amp capacity is so important. TheOG-AR is $39.95.“MAGNA FORCE (MF615) provides a stable output voltage of 15volts AC at 5 amperes. The 5-amp rating is conservative and the unithas consistently out-performed the rating in tests. The unit is idealfor powering most systems by Atlas, Digitrax, Lenz, NCE and otherDCC systems. The transformer is housed in an impact resistant plastichousing with a built-in, lighted on-off switch. MAGNA FORCE isprotected from short circuits and overloads by an internal circuit.Turning off the unit and waiting a minute will recycle the breakerand restore operation.“MAGNA FORCE is a complete power supply with a six-foot,three-wire, 16AWG input line with grounded plug for standard120VAC wall outlets. In addition, there is an integral 16AWG, theewireoutput cord that terminates in stripped and tinned bare wire forinsertion into the standard input wire clamps on all systems. Theinstruction sheet provides hook-up diagrams for Digitrax, Lenz, andNCE systems. The MF615 is $44.95.”May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 43

Product News & ReviewsREVIEW: Telegraph PolesWeaver ModelsPO Box 231Northumberland PA 17857570-473-9434, www.weavermodels.comReviewed by Neville RossiterI am always on the lookout for ways of improving or makingmy layout look more realistic. When Weaver came outwith their O scale telegraph poles I thought, like you dearreader “What’s so special about these poles compared withothers over the years?”Well, these are special! The poles come in two sizes bothassembled and unassembled, I received a box of each 6" (24scale feet high) and 9" (36 scale feet high) assembled poles.The boxes are strong and well packed and arrived intact onthe long journey to Australia. Also included was a jar of Scalecoat“Insulator Glass Green” paint ordered separately.The poles are quite realistic and are made of styrene with awood grain finish. The insulators are a work of art (I checkedthem out under a microscope!) and are based on the “Armstrong”type. I am told that an actual full size insulator was sentto the die maker to copy. Also included in each box is fullinstructions and tips. The 6" poles come with two crossarmsand the 9" poles have four crossarms.One important point, the poles are actually tapered and thetops are also beveled, which shows how much thought hasgone into these items to make them as realistic as possible. Ifound a place for them on my layout and have used the 9"poles. I painted them first with “Old Concrete” paint then “RoofBrown”. I then scraped the pole lightly with a hobby saw andsanded them with very fine sandpaper. I then painted the insulators.(Tip: I glued the bases to a piece of board and stuck thepoles in them while I painted them.)To mount the poles I drilled 1/4 holes in my baseboard.(Bases are supplied for those who don’t want to drill into thebaseboard.) I spaced them apart 90 scale feet. When I purchasemore, I intend to buy the kits and have a go at kitbashing them.They come with the cross arms and insulators together with thepoles separate on plastic sprues. Weaver intends to bring theassembled poles out with painted insulators. Contact them forfurther information. I would recommend these very high qualityO scale items to O Scalers and Hi Railers alike.The Weaver O Scale Telephone Pole is available in the followingconfigurations:P737 = 6 Assembled 6" Poles with 2 Crossarms ($12.49 retail)P738 = 6 Assembled 9" Poles with 4 Crossarms ($13.95 retail)P739 = Unassembled Bulk Pack Of 60 Crossarms & (15) 9"Poles ($19.95 retail)P740 = Unassembled Bulk Pack Of 36 Crossarms & (18) 6"Poles ($19.95 retail)Assembled versions include detachable bases.Weaver also has the following “accessories” available tocomplement the poles:P741 - Package of 6 Detachable Bases ($2.00 retail)P742 - 1-ounce bottle SCII Insulator Glass Green paint $2.39REVIEW: “Wartime” Composite Mill GondolasWeaver ModelsPO Box 231Northumberland PA 17857570-473-9434, www.weavermodels.comReviewed by Jace KahnWhen I was in HO many years ago I prized my Ulrich compositemill gondolas as distinctive-looking freight cars that werenot quite exotic and could be found on any common-carrierrailroad in the steam and transition eras. That prototype becamea gap for me in O scale until now. True, there were some brassimports that were very nice, but at $200+ they were well beyondmy budget. So when more than a year ago Weaver announcedtheir intention to offer a mass-production model at a reasonableprice, I could hardly wait. They were recently released and Ibought my first one at the Wind Gap, Pa., show in March.Composite wood and steel construction goes back at least tothe USRA designs of the WWI era, not only the single-sheathedboxcars which became so common after 1920 but also the drop-44 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Product News & Reviewsbottom gondolas used by many Midwestern roads for coal-loading.Although by 1940 all-steel construction had become thenorm for new freight cars, the onset of WWII and the oversight ofthe War Production Board led to the re-introduction of steelframes and wooden sides for most open cars built during the war.I can report that the general appearance of the Weaver gondolais all I had hoped it would be. The proportions look justright and the lettering on the CNJ car I bought is crisp and clear,including the ends (essential for operating sessions). The priceis right, too, even for a tightwad like me: $33.95 with the stockWeaver plastic trucks (same price for two or three-rail), $43.95with those nice sprung cast-metal ones from the PRC, wherethe gondolas themselves are manufactured. Weaver offers aspectrum of roadnames to suit any regional preference: N&W,NYC, PRR, ATSF, RI, MEC, CNJ, LV, RDG, NKP, UP, SOU, L&N,C&O, B&M, and undecorated. I have not personally checkedto make sure all of them are prototypical and with the rightnumbers, but the ones I do know about are. I also didn’t have agood reference at hand to check full-size dimensions, but at 10'9" width and 51' 6" body length, that seems close enough tome. The interior is well-done with scoring along the sides toindicate the planking, and what looks like a nailable-steel floor(which should probably be wood); the drop-ends operate, asthey should with any proper mill gondola, but with the softplastic, I would not recommend doing it too often.Now the other shoe: the first thing you will notice as you takeyour two-rail car out of the protective plastic holder—a very nicefeature of recent Weaver models—is that there is a lot of airbetween the trucks and the body, likely a result of this whole businessbeing made possible by the larger three-rail market. In thiscase, the solution is easy: remove the cast spacer (about 1 ⁄8" thick)and re-attach your truck; the mounting screw is the right lengththat you will not need to cut it. I replaced the plastic Weaverequalized trucks with a pair of Red Caboose sprung ones from myhoard. They are the same height, and it is merely a personal preferencefor them. I started cutting down the coupler mounting posts,which are pretty high, probably to account for the height of thetrucks with the spacers. By trial-and-error I ended up with themabout 1 ⁄16” high from the underside of the floor and screwed onKadees, which then matched my height gage. Perhaps by now,you will have noticed that the brakewheel sticks out quite a bitfrom its housing; you can trim the mounting shaft by about half(you may have to carefully enlarge the hole, as the shaft istapered). The result is not perfect, but a definite improvement. Themost serious remaining detail is not so easily fixed: the corner stirrupsteps are both rather thick and far too short, even after youhave lowered the body by removing the shims/spacers. Again, thiswas probably done to provide clearance for three-rail trucks andsharp curves. Each buyer will have to decide whether to replacethese stirrups. That brings me to the next qualm: the cars are notmolded in the base color but in white, and then painted, so everytime you cut on it, you will have to touch up paint (and dings andnicks, too). My suggestion to Weaver is to have their PRC factorymold future production in black or boxcar red; I would think thecost would be inconsequential.And now the brave will turn the car over. The centersill iscast metal both glued with some adhesive at the bolsters andattached with four screws. It seems a bit wide to me, but notobjectionably so, and I don’t have scale drawings. The leversare wide, the cylinder is about the size of the original Atlas cars(which is to say, too small), the reservoir is misproportioned, andthe triple valve is cast in low-relief. Like the corner steps, eachowner will have to decide whether it is worth the time and effortto replace them with more accurate detail. Happily few OScalers operate their trains upside-down, so “out of sight, out ofmind!” Surprisingly, the brake gear looks fine viewed from theside through the lacy structural members.It‘s nit-picking, true, but I wanted you all to know the worst. Iplan on buying at least one, and probably two, more at Chicago.REVIEW: Kit #650 Laser Cut Windows for WeaverPullman-Bradley CarsChooch Ultra-scale IIPO Box 1200Maple Valley, WA 98038Phone: 425-788-8680, www.choochenterprises.comReviewed by Brian ScaceWe New England modelers have always existed in a quietvacuum, when it comes to products in O Scale. I guess everyonefigured that we had nothing better to do on those long winternights than scratchbuild what the Pennsy types take forgranted (I’m KIDDING!). Imagine our unbounded joy, now,with the flood (for us!) of new things coming out for the NewEnglander, such as Sunset’s B&M Berk, the announced R-1Mountain, Weaver’s NH I-5, and their Osgood-Bradley coaches.Ah, Spring has indeed come to New England!The only thing that really bothered me about my Osgood-Bradley coaches was the windows. The originals were almostflush, while the model comes with glazing behind the frames,exposing the carbody thickness for all to see. While this was aquite understandable manufacture-ability compromise, I justcouldn’t get past the windows, nor did I look forward to thetask of cutting new ones pane-by-pane.Riding to the rescue comes Chooch/Ultra-scale, with theirnew window kits for these cars ($24 plus s&h). Now these arenot the snap-in styrene panes you might be wishing for. Aftersome reflection (pun intended), I have to agree with Mike’schoice, as snap-in panes would be far too thick to be convincing.Instead, Chooch chose a clear acrylic material, which hasbeen laser-cut to fit in the frames.After disassembling the car and stripping out the factoryglazing, one finds that the windows fit in the frames tightly, notan easy task given the slight variations inherent in a complexplastic carbody casting. This is a good thing, as there are noproblematic gaps to inelegantly fill after installation. As anaside, Chooch delayed delivery several times after announcingthe kit, because they were re-tweaking the laser to get a betterfit. Although Mike was surely getting tired of my queries(“Where’s my stuff?!”), I must applaud his neurosis. The resultingfit is excellent, and well worth the wait.Because the panes fit so nicely, and they are entirely encapsulatedby the frame, the question of a proper adhesive comesquickly to mind. You can’t just caulk these puppies in place!Chooch’s instruction sheet says to use an “acrylic” cement,which, in my mind, could lead one to some version of ACC.My experience with ACC’s and Plexiglas has been singularlybad (frosting issues, mostly). My assumption is that the instructionsheet means some “acrylic cement” other than ACC. Beingsomewhat ignorant of my adhesives, this was probably the onlycont’d.. on next pageMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 45

Product News & Reviewsissue I had with the clarity of the instructions.My solution was to use watch crystal cement. This stuff isavailable from Micro-Mark, and comes in a tube with a needleapplicator. Although thicker than, say, Tenex, watch crystalcement will flow by capillary action, dries clear, and (beforecuring) cleans off with alcohol without attacking clear plastic.Once cured, it produces a strong bond. I found that the easiestmethod for setting the panes was to put a bead of cement downthe center frame member, step the pane into the frame, andcarefully dot a little cement in the opposite corners, justenough to leach in and secure the pane. You will have time toadjust the position of the pane before the cement sets, usingthis method.For me, setting forty-odd panes one-at-a-time can get a littlemind numbing. This is one of those projects you’ll want totackle while listening to a “book-on-tape”, the radio, or somethingsoothing like NFL football. Fortunately, the watch crystalcement allows plenty of time to move the panes around untilthey are even, square, and matched with each other. If youscrew one up, smile, remove it, clean ‘er up with some alcohol,and start again. Take your time (It took me three evenings to doone car) and relax.The end result more than makes up for the somewhattedious and repetitive installation process. The appearance ofmy Osgood-Bradley’s is vastly improved. Take your time, evenif you only get a couple panes in to your satisfaction a night;the difference is striking. I can heartily recommend these kits.By the way, if you intend to store your kit until you summonup the courage to tackle the task in the next 20 years or so, Iwould suggest you peel the paper from the windows and stashthem in a Zip-loc bag. There are few tasks in life more disagreeablethan removing old paper from Plexiglas after theadhesive has dried out.NEWS: Nickel Plate War “Emergency”CabooseNickel Plate High Speed Productsc/o M. David Vaughn13732 Lakeside Dr.Clarksville MD 21029-1345During 1943-44, the Nickel Plate Road builtsome unique cabooses from steel-framed woodsheathed boxcars. M. David Vaughn (NKP HighSpeed Products) and Jim Canter (Canter Rail Services)will be exclusively importing these war“emergency” cabooses in O Scale. The projectwas announced some time ago but David nowadvises the contract has been signed, drawingsapproved and the pilot model is under constructionby Ajin of Korea. Expected delivery is Julyin time for SONC 2004.The models will be completely assembledwith all exterior detail but no interiors. The modelswill also be built with draft gear drilled andtapped to accept Kadee couplers. The modelswill come with leaf spring AAR caboose truck(brass) and gauged for O standard).Price is $279 (unpainted) plus shipping. Models can be orderedpainted in the NKP “High Speed Service” scheme for an additional $65,or in caboose brown for $55. A deposit of $100 will ensure you get oneof these fine quality cabooses.46 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

CHICAGOLAND S O GAUGE SPECIPCCGREEN HORNET CSLIN-STOCK!IN-STOCK!WE DISCOUNT ALL NEW PRODUCT RELEASES FROM:•K-LINE •WEAVER •SUNSET •LIONEL •ATLAS •ATHEARN •MTH •KADEE ® •RED CABOOSE •PECOS RIVER •WALTHERS •BACHMANN •INTERMOUNTAINCALL FOR SPECIAL PRICES!HOBBY INC.Just 15 Min. from O'Hare Airport$54 95Chicago PCC production model will alsobe available with the Kenosha, WI. paint scheme.55027 Chicago PCC • 55028 Kenosha PCC Reg. $68.00Q CAR TRUCKS $105.00 INSTALLATION AVAILABLE CALL FOR PRICE!GREYHOUNDSCENICRUISER$59 9554405Reg.$76.00AS ALWAYS, WE CARRY FINISHING KITS, PARTS, DECALS,POWER AND POLES FOR THE MODELS WE OFFER.WE BUY BOOK AND MODEL COLLECTIONS. CALL US.Buy⁄Sell⁄TradeNEW SERVICE: We can now offer custom painting, finishing and repair.Call, fax, or email for details.WSM PRR Q2, 4-4-6-4, N/P, OB, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,250.00WSM PRR J1a, 2-10-4, C/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,950.00USH Erie K5 4-6-2, N/P, Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,875.00SS C&O J2a, 4-8-2 w/Extra Detail, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,395.00SS ATSF 2-10-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,295.00MG PRR 2-10-2, L/N, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,875.00USH C&O 2-8-4, C/P, Runs good, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,375.00MG NYC J1e, 4-6-4, Nice, N/P, NOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,475.00MG NYC J3a, 4-6-4, Nice, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,475.00MG N&W Y6b, 2-8-8-2, Can Motor, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,475.00OM PRR M1b, 4-8-2, F/P, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,975.00USH NYC L4b, C/P, Kleinscmidt Dr, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,195.00MG B&O 2-8-8-4, C/P, NOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,450.00USH PRR L1, 2-8-2, C/P w/Sound, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,200.00Wil PRR L1, 2-8-2, F/P, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$695.00USH PRR K4 4-6-2, Late Run, C/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,250.00MG PRR E6 4-4-2, C/P, NOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,275.00MG SP MT4 w/Icken Gears, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,895.00USH NYC H10, 2-8-2, Mint, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,575.00OM NP A5 4-8-4, C/P, Mint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3,895.00USH NKP 2-8-4, C/P, w/Special box, mint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1350.00WSM NYC J1e 4-6-4, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1650.00USH B&O 040, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$525.00Layaway AvailableTHE CLASSIC ARTICULATED RETURNS!by SUNSET 3RD RAILTAKING ORDERS!LIMITED PRODUCTIONRUN!PRICE -TBA • $100 DEPOSIT REQUIREDALSO AVAILABLE IN THE RED ARROW LINE“LIBERTY HALL” & “VALLEY FORGE”Gift Certificates AvailableU.P.S. Shipping AvailableWE 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.comJim HackworthMODEL TRAINS(and Subsidiary JH Consulting)2631 Edgevale Road, Columbus OH 43221-1113Phone:614-4514517 Fax:6144514557Email: jhmtrains@msn.com • Web: www.jhmtrains.comLSASE for Complete ListShipping 6% - $6.00 Min., $12.00 MaxOhio Residents Add 6.75% Sales TaxCOMING SUMMER 2004!“O” GAUGE BRASSNORTH SHOREELECTROLINERAVAILABLE IN 2 RAIL & 3 RAIL•POWERED •ALL BRASS•PAINTED•FULL INTERIOR•SOUND(3 RAIL ONLY - TMCC)(LATER YEARS SCHEME)e-mail: chicagolandhobby@aol.comConsignmentsSS N&W J 4-8-4, rebuilt w/sound, C/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1500.00WSM PRR M1/K4 Tender Only, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$295.00OM PRR E8a, C/P Single Stripe, OB, late run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$995.00Gem PRR, B6sb 0-6-0, N/P, OB, Ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$575.00OM CSX SD70M #700, F/P, OB, LN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,775.00OM American Hoist Ditcher , LN, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$495.00Custom Built PRR GG1, Ptd Green, 5-Stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$575.00OL GN 2-D-2 #5001/5002 Set, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,495.00Yoder C&O hoppers, N/P, new . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$199.00MG #702 3-Bay Hopper, Rnd End, N/P, NOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$199.00USH #705 Panel Hopper, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$199.00USH #505 2-Bay Composite Hopper, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$149.00PL#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(25 available) . . . . . . . .each $129.00PRB 60' Greenville Boxcars, Various Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each $300.00PRB 62' PC&F Boxcars, Various Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each $300.00MG PRR N8 Caboose, N/P, NOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250.00PSC PRR Stock Car, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250.00OM#0752 NP Caboose, C/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$375.00Alco PRR N6a, C/P or N/P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each $225.00CB PRR N8 Caboose, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$295.00PRB 50' Boxcars SD, End Door & DD Kits, Undec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$37.50PRB 50' Boxcars, Built, DD, End Door, SD, C&O/B&O/PM/WM . . . . . . . .$47.50(UP & ATSF End Door/ CB&Q & Erie S.Door)Estates⁄LiquidationsCollection ReductionsMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 47

Ed. Note: George Muller’s Considerations For LayingTrack in OST#12 made reference to an EasementGraph in an NMRA Data Sheet. Atpublication time we didn’t have a clean copy ofthe graph nor permission from the NMRA toreprint it. Here is the Data Sheet in it’s entirety.48 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Permission touse by theNMRANMRA DataBook No. 2,1973,NMRA DataSheet no: D3c,SpiralEasements andSuperelevation,General Info.May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 49

NarrowMindedBobber GibbsIn OST #13, we announced the OScale Trains Narrow Minded DigitalPhoto Contest. The list of donated prizesand the rules are posted again below. Ihope we will receive some interestingdigital images from modelers in all the OScale narrow gauges.The Prizes:G Rich Yoder On3 GE 45 tonnerDiesel locomotiveG Broadway Limited On30 C-16G Bachmann On30 ShayG Harold Storm Display CaseThe Rules:1. Image must include some O Scalenarrow gauge equipment content.2. Image must include some O Scalehuman figure content.3. Image must be submitted in digitalJPEG format.4. Image size must be close to 1200x900pixels.5. Final file size must be between 40 and60 Kb.6. Image must be emailed to:images@oscalemag.com7. Details of any image editing must bedisclosed.8. Submitter agrees that OST may publishthe image at its discretion.9. Images submitted by March 10 mightbe published in OST Issue 14.10. Final deadline is midnight, Monday,May 10.11. Any submitted image might be publishedin OST Issue 15.12. Winners will be announced andwinning images published in OST #15.13. Bobber Gibbs will be the sole judgeof the contest.Any party who wishes to donate aprize should contact Bobber throughOST or at: bobber@sympatico.caRecently, I received a BachmannOn30 Davenport critter and a Rich YoderOn3 GE 45 ton diesel switcher to reviewfor my Narrow Minded column. I tooksome digital images that will promoteour contest and also be part of thereviews.Bachmann On30 Davenport 8 TonnerThis exquisite little On30 Davenportlooks good and runs superbly. The roofof the cab scales out to 6'9" wide but thiscritter is only 13'3" long over the stepboards.The cab is a full six feet highinside and the door opening is 5'6"x22".The interior of the cab is very welldetailed with six gauges, throttle andbrake, all piping, operator’s seat andglass in all windows. The paint on myLittle River Logging sample is flat anddoes not reflect any light. The lettering iscrisp. The engine door handles are paintedso perfectly that they look like theyshould turn and open. The headlightworks and the wires from the bulb arepainted to look like piping. This tiny crittercan be weathered and detailed asmuch as you care to.By removing two screws, the couplersand pockets slide out and the entire shellis removeable for access to the wiringand headlight. It is not necessary but abit more weight could be added in variousplaces to improve traction.Although the Davenport 8 tonner isabout three scale inches wider than theBachmann Porter 0-4-0, it is a full 30inches shorter, making this a very tinycritter with a 42" wheelbase and 21"wheels. It should negotiate even sharpercurves than the Porter and its 57" wheelbaseand 24" wheels. The flanges on theDavenport are smaller than the Porterand look just right to me.On my layout, it began to move atone volt and its top speed was a bit higherthan the Porter. It is an excellent locomotivefor slow speed switching andBachmann On30 Davenport 8 Tonnerthere is no droop to the couplers. Coupledto a string of eight loaded GrandtLine Koppel ore cars, it pulled awayeffortlessly and rounded 12" radiuscurves with ease. When I added anothereight loaded ore cars, it pulled them onstraight track but began to slip on thecurve.Summary: an excellent On30 scalemodel at a reasonable price, appropriatefor any industrial setting.[http://www.bachmanntrains.com]Rich Yoder On3 GE 45 Ton DieselThe Northwest Short Line GE 45 tonneris my favorite O Scale standardgauge diesel locomotive of all time and Iwas fortunate to be able to compare RichYoder’s new model to my reliable oldcentercab that I have enjoyed for manyyears. Side by side, the two modelsseemed to be identical at 25'3" long overthe end plates and 9'9" wide until I startedto compare individual details.On the RY model, the access panelson top of the engine covers have positioningplates or clamps to secure thepanels and the radiator filler cap plateshave four simulated bolts.The RY model cab has 16 individualwindow frames compared to four for theNWSL. The RY model has hinges on eachof the two cab doors and 12 engineaccess doors. There are none on theNWSL. The RY model deck has safetyplate and the NWSL does not. Every stanchionon the RY model fits inside amounting plate with two mounting boltsand every handrail fits inside a tee joint orend bracket. The NWSL handrails haveno fittings. The interior of the RY model isnicely detailed with a seat, cabinet withdoors and handles, instrument panel withgauges and switches, throttle, valves andhandles for engine and train brakes.Underneath, the RY model includes50 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

two large air pressure tanks, a coupleof valves and lots of piping with simulatedfittings. The RY model has a bellmounted under the deck. On the RYmodel, the front and rear stepboardshave simulated bolt heads.From three feet away, the unitslook identical except for stepboardbrackets and exhaust but upon closeexamination, the RY model has muchmore detail.So, how does the RY model run?I’m very critical because the NWSLhas always been my best slow speedswitcher and my most reliable locomotive.The GE 45 tonner that Rich Yoderdonated for our O Scale Trains NarrowMinded Digital Photo Contest isan On3 model and although I have Oand On30 layouts, I only have one6'8" On3 module for testing purposes.After cleaning the rails, I connected myBachmann Magnum power pack withamperage and voltage meters. At exactly10 minutes to the hour, I applied onevolt of power and the front headlightcame on brightly with a bluish tinge. Inoticed that the model had begun tomove. Slowly. How slowly? Well, afterexactly 20 minutes it had travelled exactly66 inches without hesitation anddrawing less than 0.2 amps. I reversedthe direction to send it back. The frontheadlight went out, the rear, (now front)came on brightly and it began to moveagain. Slowly. I left it and came upstairsto type this report. It is now 15 minuteslater and I will go downstairs and checkthe results.I’m back. It must be broken in nowbecause it took only 16 minutes to travel66 inches in reverse. To see how slow itwould run without stopping, I found thatRich Yoder On3 GE 45 Ton Dieselit took five minutes to travel six inches soI can conclude without further testingthat it runs really slow. I ran it throughsome handlaid turnouts and the RYmodel did not falter once. I elevated oneend to create grades. According to mycalculations, a rise of four inches in fivefeet equals eight inches in 10 feet and 80inches or 6.6 feet in 100 feet. On this6.6% grade, the RY model ran smoothlybut with a bit of gear noise. It was quieterwhen descending. I increased thegrade until I finally reached just over12% and the RY model growled, butcrawled up with no slipping.Summary: This is a superb model of aGE 45 tonner with a high level of detailand it runs slowly and smoothly, exactlywhat I want in a switcher. The directionaland constant intensity lighting is abonus. I’ve never met and I don’t knowRich Yoder but I’m thinking that, since Ihave to send this narrow gauge diesel toa winner of our Digital Photo Contest,I’m going to have to order a standardgauge model to test on my layout withsome loaded ore cars. If I can get a paintedand unlettered model, it’s probablynot going back after testing because Ithink I may have found a new favorite OScale standard gauge diesel switcher. Inany case, I’ll report the results of mystandard gauge review to readers of OScale Trains Magazine.O Scalers: Check out Rich Yoder’swebsite at: [www.richyodermodels.com]Now, my narrow minded friends, let’shave some interesting digital photos forthe contest. The winners of our donatedprizes are going to be some happy modelers.Happy Rails To You Until We MeetAgain, Bobber Gibbsbobber@sympatico.ca ◆Fine Quality O Scale Brass Models - richyodermodels.comBaldwin S-8, S-10, S-12 .Features all brass construction, Kadee®couplers. Pricing TBDDirect Sales OnlyVisa and Master Card AcceptedGE 45 ton DieselsGE 45 ton Diesels in Stock "O" On3 and P48.Features all brass construction, Kadee® couplers.Models available painted black or brass call foravailability. $335. plus shipping7 Edgedale Court, Wyomissing, PA 19610 - Phone: 1-610-678-2834RYModelsInstock ModelsGE 45 tonnerC&O Wood CaboosePRR H21aUSRA Steel GondolasUpcoming ModelsGE44 tonner Ph1Baldwin S12WM Fishbelly TwinsMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 51

Thoughts on Rivet Making and the latest news on Proto48Rivet MakingMaking rivet impressions in variousmaterials is one of those essential skillsneeded if you want to scratch buildinglocomotives or rolling stock. You will findthat even detailing kit or ready to runmodels may need the added touch of rivetsin the right place. You don’t have to bea “rivet counter” to find an application foradding rivet detail to brass or styrene.Over the years, I have seen a number ofideas and products offered to do this basictask. This issue I will devote most of thecolumn to show you a range of tools andtechniques for adding rivet detail.Simple MethodsThe most basic tools for doing rivetsrange from the use of a pounce wheel(used in sewing), a blunt needle held in apin vise, a center punch, and even theapplication of individual styrene rivets likethose made by Grandt Line and TichyTrain Group or the brass rivets like thosesold by Galtran. This last method comes inhandy where you can’t impress a rivetsuch as with a thick material or a casting.The first photo shows a Lackawannaproduce uneven results either in spacingor shape. These methods are not ideal buta credible model can be built using thesesimple and inexpensive tools.Rivet Making MachinesThe next step up if you want to makebetter rivets is to make a press, modify anexisting machine of some type or buy one.There are several commercial machinesavailable for making rivets. NWSL offers amachine that features a moving table tospace the rivets out. They offer several differentdie sizes as well. I have seen a numberof very fine models built with thisdevice. You can see the machine at theirwebsite or your local dealer.Jerry Snow, of Accurate O Scale, hasbuilt a manual press with an indexingtable. Snow’s machine has gotten a numberof favorable comments. InternationalModels is selling a press made in England.It is a simple device with a stop for positioningthematerial andan adjustmentfor the depth ofthe impression.They sell threedifferent sizedrivet dies sizedfor OO, 7mmand G-gauge. Ipurchased thepress with the7mm sized die.the press has shown good results. I amable to press sharp rivets in 0.015" brasswithout any problem.Another approach to making rivets is touse a tried and tested method first devisedby Jerry White; convert an old cast ironsewing machine into a press. It takes someeffort but it will do a fine job of pressingrivets and providing fairly accurate spacing.The machine shown in the photo wasconverted about 40 years ago by PaulJansen for me. Paul had seen one of JerryWhite’s machines during a visit to his shop.A number of the Proto48 guys in Renohave converted modern Brothers machinesin a similar fashion. It is a simple conver-caboose under construction using Tichyrivets for detailing the side sills and centersill. I use this often when making patterns.In this instance, the materials didn’t lendthemselves to embossing techniques.Drilling all of those holes takes time butthe results are worth it. Pounce wheelscan, and other manual devices tend to,It produces a rivet head approximately.020" to .030" depending upon the setupand the material thickness. I am going toorder an OO sized die for smaller rivets ontenders and such. The initial testing with52 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

sion that entails adding a block of metalunderneath the table to support the femaledie, adding rollers to guide a moving table,a simple table and a set of dies.The dies are made from steel drill rodand a threaded steel rod. While they arenot hardened, they will punch nice rivetsin plastic, card stock and thin brass. It ispossible to adapt the NWSL die set to thismachine if you want a more durablematerial.The machine takes full advantage ofthe sewing functions like the claw underthe table that drags the material through. Itengages the table and pulls it through. Iadded masking tape to the bottom of thetable to enhance the motion. You can setthe spacing of the rivets by adjusting thestitch control on the right side. You basicallytape the material to the table and runit though. I have found that by placing asmall weight on the table it will produce anice even pattern.We will continue the discussion of rivetmaking next issue. Issue 15 will coversome techniques for producing embossedrivets in all sorts of applications.Latest NewsWe mentioned in the last issue about arumor of new gondola from San Juan CarCompany. I saw John Parker, San Juan CarCompany owner, at O Scale West andconfirmed that he is busy working on twoversions of the Southern Pacific G-50-20general service gondola and the compositeversion G-50-23. The later version waspurchased in the late 1940’s to haul sugarbeets. You can expect to see the cararound mid-summer. The G-50-20 has asteel side and is very similar to cars on theUP and others lines. The sugar beet car istruly unique to the SP. John mentioned thathe will do the ASF A-3 truck that is correctfor the car. Outside of the very expensiveimports like those from Precision Scaleand Pacific Limited, there hasn’t been acar like this in O scale. With all of John’sstandard gauge models, you will be ableto buy the model in Proto48 and O gauge.◆URLs of the Resources Mentionedwww.grandtline.comwww.tichytraingroup.comwww.galtran.comwww.nwsl.comAs a serious railroad modeler for the last 50-plus years, I have beenamazed and awe struck by some of the attitudes and actions of somefellow hobbyists. You could call it the old Hatfield and McCoy mentality:the 2-rail vs. 3-rail syndrome where scale rivet-counters on oneside face toy train people on the other. Each side is quite vocal to theexclusion of the other. Each side is actually hurting the growth of thehobby by sending mixed messages to manufacturers about where themarket is at the moment.I am a HiRailer in transition and represent a fast-growing group ofmodelers who actually enjoy running their trains. We are not seasonalhobbyists with only a 4x8 layout that runs around the Christmas tree.HiRailers realize that operating a scale layout takes a lot of thoughtand planning. To be a HiRailer you have to be interested in scale.Operating on O54 curves doesn’t cut it. But, owning and operatingscale-sized locomotives and rolling stock doesn’t necessarily makeyou an O Scaler anymore than sitting in a roundhouse makes you alocomotive!Some O Scale modelers, on the other hand, do not have layouts.They are technical and talented but remain arm-chair hobbyists. Thesemodel railroaders view their pure-scale pieces from glass displaycases. Their quality hobby time is spent looking at the particular pieceand dreaming about what it would actually look like if it ever had theopportunity to run on track, but then they can’t or won’t build a layout,so it stays on the shelf.HiRailers and O Scale operators have the best of both worlds:appreciation for the models, detail, and operation in a scale environment.Sure Hirailers sometimes feel like they’re running in circles...and they probably are. Many O Scalers operate in a point-to-pointprototypical plan. Both use highly detailed and ballasted track withappropriate backgrounds making the trains look prototypical. HiRailersdon’t seem to notice that little center rail and I venture to say thatone day it will be gone!My point is this: depending on your perspective, shunning modelerswhether they be 2-rail or 3-rail will only hurt the growth of the hobby.We need to band together as O Scale ambassadors. This is an openforum for the exchange of information and ideas.The Capital Area ’O’ Scalers have done just that with a fantastic jobof planning for the upcoming O Scale National Convention this July inWashington, D.C. (See the ad and registration form elsewhere in thismagazine.) They have included several HiRail layouts along with thescale layout tours being offered. Serious modelers from both sides ofthe tracks have been invited. It will be a great show and I look forwardto seeing you there!HDH◆May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 53

“0” Scale Hall of FameRobert W. Whelovesubmitted by Bob O’NeillI was most fortunate to grow up in the 50’s and 60’s. Ihave always been into model railroading. I started like mostat age four with a Lionel steamer and a circle of trackaround the tree, then trading that for a HO Hustler andadding cars and track as fast as I could sell newspapers orcut grass. When I was 16 years old my father was transferredto St. Louis, Mo., and bought a house in Kirkwood.Little did I know then that this was the Mecca of model railroadingand the home of the National Museum of Transport.I soon became a paid volunteer. That led to the chancemeeting of a fatherly gentleman named Bob Whelove. Thisstarted a life-long friendship that lasted till his death in1991. Bob worked for the Wabash railroad from 1930 until1977, when he retired.Bob discovered a group of modelers were forming a clubin an old Frisco railroad station at Webster Groves, Mo. andjoined the group in 1939. He started scratchbuildingengines because, back then, not much was available.Bob had over 368 models in his logbook and 64 in hisown collection. He is most remembered for the Wabash 700he built complete with “elephant ears”. He took NMRANational honors with it in 1975. To me, though, there wasone complete train that topped anything else. The WabashBlue Bird.Shortly after he returned from WWII (1947) Bob wasasked by one of his supervisors at the railroad to displaysome of his models to a “few of the advertising department”people. A date was set and Bob brought some passengercars he built from Walthers kits that he had greatly modifiedand superdetailed inside and out.The way he told the story was that he and the superintendentwalked into the main office and were escorted rightinto the Board of Directors office. The “few people” turnedout to be none other than CEO, Arthur K. Atkinson, andeverybody down the line. I presumed Bob was in awe of thegathering but he retained his composure and all 21 Boardmembers became like kids in a candy shop listening toevery detail he had to say. Still, not quite knowing what hewas there for, Atkinson brought out shop drawings and samplebooks with the Budd corporation logo on them. AsAtkinson started to open them up he asked Bob if he couldbuild a model of this new streamlined train they were havingbuilt. Due to material shortages after the war, the realtrain could not be delivered until 1950.The Chicago Rail Expo was planned for 1949 and a displayby all the railroads was going to take place. A specialmodel railroad built to 1 ⁄4" scale (outside third rail) wouldbe featured and Atkinson wanted his “baby” to be there.Bob assured him he could do so. At that Atkinson pronounced,“If Whelove comes into any of your shops andasks for assistance, then you may all consider it okay byme.” Bob left the meeting walking on air. He shortly realizedhe didn’t have a clue as to how to start as there wasnothing out there to start with. After reading about extrudingaluminum he decided that a die could be made fromhard maple and with the help of the foundry in Peoria heproceeded to have the blanks for the bodies extruded in 8foot lengths. From that he cut them into scale proportionsand as he said, “headed for the house.” The letter enclosed(see next page) describes what was entailed in the construction.The letter was created by Bob for the Wabashhistory files at the request of Mr. Atkinson after the 1951delivery of the two Budd built beauties.One day Atkinson requested Bob come up to the mainoffice. As Bob was escorted into the boardroom he sawAtkinson in his stockinged feet on top of the huge boardtable. His secretary was sitting in a chair. Atkinson boomedout to Bob “Hey, Whelove, can you make a display trackfor the train? I want to keep it on the table for a centerpiece.Can’t see it getting dusty in some box somewhere.”That is where it stayed until shortly before the N&W takeover in 1972. Bob got a call from his ex-supervisor, nowdisplaced by the merger. It was not long after that the train,minus the EMD engines (no one knows what happened tothem), was given to Bob as a gift. After several months ofrebuilding to two rail and some interior work the train wasready to go.About that time, Bob Smith of Central LocomotiveWorks, came out with the PA-1 Diesels. After ordering theengines it didn’t take long before they took shape. Notmany decals were available. The Wabash “Flying Flags” onthe engines and the observation tail-sign were hand paintedby long-time friend and model railroader, Bill Clouser.Bob Hegge (noted traction modeler) was a regular in theWhelove work shop, also. For those that have a copy,Hegge wrote an article on Bob Whelove for Model Railroaderin May 1977. Many good pictures of Bob’s modelsand the Blue Bird are in the four page essay. He alsograced the cover of MR in 1951 as a young man.Bob Whelove was inducted into the O Scale HallOf Fame in 1997 at the St. Louis O Scale Nationalconvention.◆54 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 55

Whitehall HobbiesSpecializing in Brass Locomotives1431 Windrush Circle, Blacklick, Ohio 43004Voice: (614) 861-0018 - Fax: (614) 861-3034JWTrains@aol.comKey NYC E7 A-A, latest run F/P, new, never run . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2595Key SP E7 A&B, latest run F⁄P Daylight, new, never run (pair) . . .$2595Key PRR E7 B unit, F/P Tuscan, buff stripes, new, never run . . . .$1250PSC SP AC-9 2-8-8-4 Coal 222 R-1 Tender F⁄P - Black Boiler New . . .$3195PSC N&W Z1b 2-6-6-2 Factory Painted Rd# 1438 New . . . . . . . .$2975Key PRR E8 A-A, F/P Tuscan, buff stripes, new, never run . . . . . .$2595Key B&A K3n 4-6-2, Factory painted, Rd#506, New . . . . . . . . .$2550OMI UP FEF-3, F⁄P, Road# 844, new, never run . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2550PSC C&O T1 2-10-4, C⁄P, like new condition, REDUCED . . . . . . . . . .$1600OMI UP DD40X F⁄P Road# 6931, like new w⁄Cockerham drive . . .$2250KEY PRR E7, A-B-A, latest run, F/P Brunswick green, gold stripe,new, never run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3660PSC CB&Q S-4a 4-6-4, Factory Ptd, Rd# 3003 new . . . . . . . . . . .$2850Key SP E9a 2 A units, Latest run, F⁄P Daylight (pair) . . . . . . . . . .$2695PSC NP Z5 2-8-8-4, F/P Rd# 5006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3295Enter theNarrow Minded DigitalImage Contest!Checkout the rules in this issue or online at the OSTwebsite [www.oscalemag.com/contest] and submit yourdigital photo of a narrow gauge subject. Win prizes! Seeyour photo and name in print! Most of all, have fun!Kohs & Co NYC J3a 4-6-4, F/P Rd# 5424, late version PT4 tender,Boxpok drivers, plain rods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4000PSC C&O C-16a 0-8-0 unpainted, new . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1600PSC D&RGW L-131, 2-8-8-2, FP Rd#3600, black boiler (one of a kind),boiler tube pilot and tri-color herald w/D&RGW spelled out.New, never run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3895Key UP Challenger, 4-6-6-4, FP Rd#3978, oil version, two-tone grey,yellow stripe. New, never run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3650Key UP Challenger, unptd, coal version. New, never run . . . . . .$3195Key UP FEF-3, 4-8-4, FP Rd#844, oil version, two-tone grey, silverstripe, orig. box not in best shape. New, very little run time . . .$2750Key or PSC WM Shay (no box label) FP Rd#6. New, never run . .$1895Key NYC K3n, 4-6-2, FP Rd#4740. New, never run . . . . . . . . . . .$2250Key PRR E8 AA, FP Brunswick Green, gold stripe. New . . . . . . .$2695Car Works, FM H-20-44, AAR trucks, unpainted, new, never run .$550Key NYC E7 A-B-A, latest run, F/P, new, never run . . . . . . . . . . . .$3695Key PRR E8 A-A, latest run, F/P Tuscan red, gold stripe, only four produced,new, never run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2595Send your photos to OSTModeler’s Shelf.See your models in print! Send photos by postal mail oremail and we will put them in the magazine for everyoneto enjoy. If you don’t want to end up seeing ourpublisher’s N&W collection, send something today!56 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Car & Locomotive Shop - SP 5000 4-10-2Engine #5021As you can see from the pictures in this ad, a magnificent model of the SP-5000 is being produced in 0 scale forboth the collector and the operator. The engine shown is the #5021 with the #5036 being shown in previousads in this magazine. Some of the features include punched rivets, full working and equalized suspension,stainless steel wheels and tapered axles, opening hatches, doors, windows and journal box lids, smokeboxinterior, etc. For the operator the model will negotiate a carefully laid 60 inch radius with all the driversflanged. The drive is silky smooth and quiet with ball bearings used in the mechanism and chassis parts. Therunning characteristics will delight you as no other model has done before. The sample model was run ondifferent layouts all over the U.S and has accumulated more than 100 hours of trouble free operation. The othertwo engine #s being offered are the #5024 and the #5048. Price $3800.00 Plus shipping.The bottom right picture shows the status of the project in Korea as of 2/16/04 with racks of parts (frames,trucks and chassis parts) behind the photographer. You can see more pictures of these parts and the models onthe C&LS website. The project is late being completed due to many reasons concerning both the C&LS and thebuilder. Expected delivery is now the end of April. All persons who have made reservation or advancepayments are receiving 6% yearly interest. The C&LS apologizes for the delay in shipping, but puts quality,value, and ultimately customer satisfaction ahead of shipping dates.Car & Locomotive Shop, PO Box 20, Asbury NJ 08802 — Website: http://www.car-locomotive.comE-mail: carlocoshop@enter.net — Ph/Fax: 908-479-4736. Fax after 4th ring.May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 57

Buy–Sell–TradeBuy-Sell-Trade ads are $5 for 30 words plus your address information. Additional words are $0.25each. Subscribers are permitted one free ad per subscription cycle. All B-S-T ads are prepaid. Youmay send ads by postal service with a check or money order. Ads sent by email or called in must usea credit card. See our contact info on page 2.LARGEST INVENTORY INTERMOUNTAIN BUILT-UPGONDOLAS, HOPPERS, BOX CARS, REEFERS,TANKERS... $39, If you demand INTERMOUNTAINquality, buy while they are available. SASE for listings.Phone: 727-391-3135, John Clemens, 5273 97 Way N,St. Petersburg, FL 33708-3752PACIFIC LIMITED Second run USRA box cars. Don’tmiss out again! Pennsylvania nine versions, MKT, AnnArbor 1 1/2 door, Ann Arbor single door, DT&I, C&NWfour versions, Western Maryland, C&O, N&W stockcar... SASE. Phone: 727-391-3135 John Clemens, 527397 Way N, St. Petersburg, FL 33708-3752YODER Chesapeake & Ohio, Pennsylvania hoppers,Western Maryland hoppers, covered hoppers, woodchip hoppers, undecorated $169. Painted, lettered,weathered, Kadees, $199. Hundreds more, listingsSASE. Phone: 727-391-3135. John Clemens, 5273 97Way N, St. Petersburg, FL 33708-3752KEYSTONE MUSEUM QUALITY Pennsylvania G1aTwin hoppers, GS, GSd gondolas, scrap tin cars, H-25quads. Scale, Kadee versions. painted, unpainted, H-1-877-531-5275 TOLL FREE1-585-334-8810 LOCAL1-585-34-1003 FAXDigistardcc@netacc.netP.O. Box 577Henrietta NY 14467Your DCC, Sound and Signalling SpecialistNCE Retail DigistarDCCPH-PRO10 10 Amp DCC Starter Sys $649.95 $484.00PH-PRO10R 10 Amp Radio DCC Starter Sys $869.95 $660.00PB-110A Add-on 10 Amp Booster $269.95 $196.00PROCAB Delux Programming Cab $159.95 $119.00PROCAB-R Delux Radio Programming Cab $249.95 $188.50CAB04P Intermediate Cab w/Pot $89.95 $68.50CAB04E Intermediate Cab w/Encoder $119.95 $91.50CAB04PR Intermediate Radio Cab w/Pot $179.95 $135.00CAB04ER Intermediate Radio Cab w/Encoder $199.95 $155.50DIGITRAX Retail DigistarDCCSuper Chief 8 Amp DT400 ThrottleDCS200+ Booster $469.00 $365.00Super Chief 8 Amp Radio DT400R Throttle DCS200+ Booster$659.00 $504.00Super Empire Builder DT300 Throttle DCS200+ Booster $349.00 $269.00Super Empire Builder Radio DT300R Throttle DCS200+ Booster $549.00 $429.00DCS200 8 Amp command Station/Booster $305.00 $248.50DCS200+ 8 Amp Booster $199.99 $155.50DT400 Super IR Throttle with Programming $179.99 $136.00DT400 R Super Radio/IR Throttle w/Programming $229.00 $174.50DT300 Infrared Dual Throttle w/Programming $154.99 $115.00DT300R Radio/Infrared Dual Throttle w/Programming $204.99 $144.00UT1 Utility Throttle $79.95 $57.50UT2 Utility Throttle w/Programming $99.95 $77.50Decoders Retail DigiStarDCCNCE D408SR 4 AMP 7 Fx Wired $89.95 $70.75NCE D808SR 8 AMP 8 Fx Screw Terminals $129.95 $105.00Digitrax DG383AR 3 Amp 8 Fx JST/Wired $59.99 $46.00Digitrax DG583AR 5 Amp 8 Fx JST/Wired $64.99 $53.75Digitrax DG583S 5 Amp 8 Fx Screw Terminal $66.99 $54.75Lenz LE4024 4 Amp 4 Fx Screw Terminal $69.95 $52.95Sound Soundtrax DSX Sound Decoders $129.00 $97.00LightMiniatronics1.5V 15ma 10 Pack $9.00 20 for $17.0014V 30ma 10 Pack $8.00 20 for $15.0016V 30ma 10 Pack $8.00 20 for $15.0021’s coming... Hundreds more. SASE. Phone 727-391-3135, John Clemens, 5273 97 Way N, St. Petersburg, FL33708-3752SUNSET MODELS: B&O early 2-8-8-4 #7615, later 2-8-8-4 #7624 $1499; PRR 4-4-6-4 #6184 $1499; PRR streamlinedelectric #4746 $699; NKP 4-8-2 #845 $979, UPC-44-9W #9734 $699. SASE for listings. Phone 727-391-3135. John Clemens, 5273 97 Way N, St. Petersburg, FL33708-3752FOR SALE: O Scale brass etched C&O and N&W, round,oval and rectangular number plates. Ten differentbuilder’s plates like Lima, Baldwin, Alco,and Rodgers.Geo Washington Cameo, cylinder stars, 2 superheater andB&O Capitol Dome logo and much more. Call 304-736-7765 evenings, or go to [www.candoplates.com] WilburEpperly, 1115 Main St, Barboursville, WV 25504-1504WANTED: USH drivers for a Big Boy, also E. P. AlexanderC&O Vanderbilt tender. Ph: 773-792-0206, Dave.FOR SALE: Kits - Intermountain, Ambroid, Quality Craftand Gloorcraft. Pecos River Boxcars, hi-rail, built. Phone:717-624-8894, John Hoffnagle, 10 Sunset Ln, NewOxford, PA 17350-1618FOR SALE: Pecos River Brass, new in box, neverunpacked, #4071 GN P2 4-8-2 in as-originally-built format,unpainted brass, $750 ($250 under dealer cost). Noknown defects. Not test run. Sold AS-IS, purchaser’s risk,NON-RETURNABLE. Fax: 412-766-4213, Mail OrderTrains Plus, 349 Roosevelt Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-1024WANTED: W. A. Drake double dome tank cars, specificallyWAD-0001 SHPX. Will consider other double domecars. Ph: 763-786-8213, email- rhleners@aol.com; RobertLeners, 1144 79th Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432-2802WANTED: O, S, TT, HOn3, N, brass kits, parts, basketcases, Thomas Shawnee Express, Kemtron/Precision, Pioneer,Hawk SC, anything Kemtron. Also lathe, miller,shaper, possibly drill press. Email: chris3667@lycos.com,(732) 801-6260, Chris Keegan, 300 Pat Rd., Barnegat, NJ08005FOR SALE: Sunset PRR S1 6-4-4-6 $1250, N1 2-10-2$825, Q2 4-4-6-4 $1025, all new in original boxes. RichYoder hoppers: PRR H21a $189, GLCA $179, GLA $189.Ph: 410-584-7737, Jim Hawk, 400 Symphony Circle#413, Hunt Valley, MD 21030-1978FOR SALE: OUT OF PRINT Books - Reduction of a 40-year library. Railroad, Logging, Rail-marine, MechanicalCatalogs, Gazettes, etc. List is $2.00 (cost me $2.60).Dave Newcomb, 48 Glenmere, Reading, MA 0186758 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Advertisers IndexAccurate O Scale 13AtlasOIBCBTS 37California Roadbed Co. 39Car & Locomotive Shop 57Central Locomotive Works 13Chicagoland 47Diecast Direct 8Digistar 58Eagles Nest Miniatures 20Get Real Productions 18Guide to Modern O Scale 14Hackworth Model Trains 47House of Duddy 18Indianapolis O Scale Meet 60Keil-Line Products 13MRC 14Model Tech Studios 23NCE Corp 37Norm’s O Scale 23O Scale Realty 40O Scale Signals 18Old Pullman 56Overland Models 29P&D Hobby ShopIFCPRR Brass 23Pioneer Valley Models 23Public Delivery Track 59Rail Photos Unlimited 13Rons Books 59Russian River RR Co. 13RY Models 51Scaled World 20SONC 2004 19Stevenson Preservation Lines 13Suncoast Models 18Sunset⁄3rd Rail9, BCT Bone Models 23Weaver 20Whitehall Hobbies 56Ron’s BooksP.O. BOX 714, HARRISON, NY 10528(914)967-7541 11AM to 10PM ESTFAX (914)967-7492 24HRYOUR ONE STOP BOOK AND VIDEO SHOPDiscount Prices & NEVER aShipping Charge within the U.S.*Check our updated, fully secure Web site regularly forspecials available only on the web: www.ronsbooks.come-mail us at: ronsbooks@aol.com“WHAT’S NEW?”A Century of Subways - Cudahy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.25Alco’s Centennial Remembrance - Steinbrenner . . . . . . .65.00Alco’s Century Series Vol 1 Four-Axle Models . . . . . . . . .31.50Along the ET & WNC Vol 4 Freight Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.25Atlanta West Point Railroad Remembered S/C . . . . . . . .18.25B&O Steam Locomotives - Last 30 Years (TLC) . . . . . . .27.25Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32.25Birth of California Narrow Gauge - Macgregor . . . . . . . . .75.00Blue Ridge Stemwinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.00Boston Trolleys in Color Vol 1 The North Side-Volkmer .48.00Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh in Color Vol 1 New York . .48.00Burlington’s Zephyrs - Zimmerman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.50Canadian Diesel Pictorial Vol 1 CP SD40 & SD40-2’s . . .35.00Canadian Pacific - Stand Fast, Craigellachie-McDonnell .36.00Canadian Pacific’s Mighty 8000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25Central California Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60.00Challenger Locomotive - Kratville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.50Chesapeake & Ohio Pere Marquettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20.25Chicago & Northwestern Freight Trains & Equip (TLC) . .27.25Classic Streamliners-The Trains & Designers Photo Archive .27.25Clinchfield in Color - C. K. Marsh Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48.00Clinchfield in the Coal Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29.00Collectible Stocks & Bonds of North American Railroads . .32.00Conrail Color History-Doherty & Solomon . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.50Dardanelle & Russellville Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60.00Dixie Line - L&N -Oroszi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60.00Erie Lackawanna in Color Vol 5 -Merger Memories . . . . .48.00Faces in Railroading - Swanson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.25From Small Town to Downtown- Jewett Car Company .45.00Grand Trunk Western in Color V1or V2-Visual Redesign-ea .48.00Great Lakes Car Ferries - Hilton -Reprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36.00Great Lakes Trolleys in Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48.00How We Got to Coney Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.50Images of Western Railroading - Smollinger . . . . . . . . . . .32.00Lakeside & Marblehead Railroad-Fisk - Revised . . . . . . .39.00Lehigh Valley: Wyoming & Buffalo Division - Bednar . . . .58.50Locos of the Upper Midwest-Diesel Power in the 60’s & 70’s .27.25Louisville & Nashville in Color Vol 1 - Borkowski . . . . . . . .48.00Main Lines Rebirth of North American Railroads . . . . . . .45.00Missouri Pacific Color Guide to Frt & Pass.-Kinkaid . . . . .48.00Missouri Pacific Pass. Trains-The Postwar Years -Dorin .26.25Narrow Gauge in Southwestern PA-Waynesburg & Washington .30.00New Haven Dining on the Shore Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25New Haven in Color Vol. 1 Battle for Profits 1945-61 . . . .48.00New York, Susquehanna & Western RR - Mohowski . . .31.50NY City Transit Authority Bus & Trolley Fleet 1946-58 . . .23.50North American Railyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.50On the Right Track - Historic Cincinnati Railroads . . . . . . .34.00Operation CUT-First 3 Years-Cleveland Union Terminal 18.00P & LE Berkshires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.50P & LE Gondola Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25Pacific Electric Vol 3 Southern Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36.00Penn Central Railroad Color History - Lynch . . . . . . . . . . .31.50Pennsylvania RR Passenger Trains, Consists& Cars V1 .36.00Pennsylvania Trolleys in Color Vol 4 - The 40’s . . . . . . . .48.00Pittsburgh Railways Vol 1 H/C - Beal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74.00Prairie Railroad Town-Rock Is. Shops in Kansas . . . . . . .27.25PRR Lines West: Pittsburgh to St. Louis 1960-1999 . . . .55.00Pullmans to St. Louis - Missouri Pacific Lines . . . . . . . . . .27.25Railroad Logging in Klamath Country-Bowden . . . . . . . . .45.00Railroad Signaling - Solomon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.50Rails Along the Oriskany (NYO&W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.25Railway Track & Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00Santa Fe Depots of the Plains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36.00Santa Fe Heritage Vol 4 - Priest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.00Santa Fe Locomotive Facilities Vol 1 Gulf Lines - Priest .55.00Shay Alphabetical Listing of Owners in the US & Canada-Ramsey 20.25The South Park Line - Ferrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82.00Southern Pacific in Color Vol 4 Tunnel Motor Era - Boyd 48.00Southern Pacific Historic DieselsVol 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27.25Southern Pacific’s Scenic Coast Line -Color Pictorial-Dill 55.00Southern Pacific’s Western Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65.00SP Vol 24 Steam Motive Power Pictorial-Coast Division .23.25St. Kitts Railway - From Sugar Cane to Tourist Train . . . .20.00Streetcar Lines to the Hub - 1940’s - Clarke . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00Tank Cars From the American Car & Foundry . . . . . . . . .60.00Thunder of Their Passing-D&RG &Cumbres&Toltec H/C 50.00;S/C 40.50Tracks of the New York Subway 3.5 edition . . . . . . . . . . .36.00Trackside Around Massachusetts 1950-1970 with/Monroe . .48.00Trackside Around Ontario 1955-1960 with Don McCartney . .48.00Wabash Trackside with Emery Gulush 1954-1974 . . . . .48.00West Virginia Central & Pittsburgh Railway . . . . . . . . . . . .30.00White Pine Route - Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45.00*$18.00 MINIMUM order for free shipping in the USA. Send $3.00 for latestlist. All orders must be paid in U.S. funds. NY residents please add correctsales tax. Print your name, address and phone number. Credit cardusers add card number and expiration date. Allow 4 weeks for delivery. For deliveryoutside of USA please add $8.00 for the first book and $3.00 for each additionalbook. Make checks payable to Ron’s Books. Only inquiries which include aSASE will be answered. Prices subject to change. WE BUY COLLECTIONSThe Public Delivery TrackLocomotives - 2 railAtlas..Dash 8's..$299-$349 GP-35's...$339-$359RS-1..LIRR, PRR, Rut, NYSW, CNJ, RI....$339-$359SD-35....B&O, CNJ, CSX, PC, NW, Sou, WM..$299-$349SW's...RRiv, B&O, LV, Rdg, Susq, RI..$225-$329Weaver....K-4, L-1, GG-1, C-630, NKP Berk...call..VO-1000..B&O,CNJ, GN, LV, MILW, PRR, Rdg, WM..$249..U25's..BN, EL, LV, Rdg, MILW, NYC, PRR...$179-$239..RS-3..Erie, LN, LV, NH, NKP, PRR, Rdg, Rut, Susq..$249..RS-11..C&O, CN, CV, CNW, MEC, PRR, SP.....$249..GP-38's..C&O, CP, CSX, ICG, L&N, LV, B&M...$249..U25's, RS-3's, GP-38....Non-Powered...$159..Shaft drive RS-3's, GP-38's, FA/FB's..CNJ, D&H, EL.....GN, NH, PRR, RDG, RI, LNE, B&M, WM......$99-$150MTH..PRR K-4..$695, Centipede..$895,..WP F-3's..$695Passenger SetsWeaver....Pullman-Bradley cars.......2/$219, 4/$419K-line..80' cars..Amtk, DRGW, PRR, NYC....$275-$449Box Cars - 2 railPecos River..NYC, SOU, SP, SF, CBQ, WAB...$35..C&O, B&O, WM, PM, Erie, NKP; UP, SF end door..$45Atlas..40' Steel...PRR, NYC, CNW, GN, Susq..$48-$5240' Wood..P&R, CBQ, CNJ, NYC, PRR, SP, more..$47-$5240' 1970's..Erie, L&N, MEC, PRR, SSW, MILW, B&M..$3250'..ACL, NH, RG, DH, NYC, MILW, MKT, SAL, SF..$55-$6053'..Aloha, Purina, B&M, BN, CNW, FEC, UP..$35-$5060'..DTI, MKT, NS, CSX, B&O, EL, RG, Sou, NW..$35-$50Weaver..40' & 50'..ACL, ACY, ARR, ATSF, BAR, B&O,B&M, CBQ, CGW, CIM, CNJ, CN, C&O, CP, CV, CR,D&H, DTSL, EL, GN, GT, IC, MEC, LV, L&N, MP, NYC,NH, NP, NYSW, PC, PLE, PRR, Rdg, Rut, SCL, SOU, SPTPW, UP, WM, WP, CN, Rbox, RI, MRL, more...$20-$30Refrigerator Cars - 2 railWvr/Crown..PFE, CV, CN, NYC, NP, BAR, REA, Hoods,Whitehse, Dubuque, Nrn Refrig, Beers, more..$25-$3057' Mech..PFE, CBQ, UP, SF..15 roads..$29. w/sound..$39Atlas..36' & 40'..Custom ptd CNJ, 20+ others..$42-$89New 40' steel..IC, DLW, NP, ATSF + old Intermtn..$35-$50Covered 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, WC, MRL, BN, UP, SP, RI, CNW, MNS..$25-$30Atlas..BN, N&W, NYC, WGrace, GN, WAB..$35-$45Airslide..LV, D&H, CSX, PRR, UP, Brach, Jfrost..$35-$45PS-4427..RG, SF, MILW, LV, SOO, Wayne Fd, PRR...$55-$60Hopper Cars - 2 railAtlas..ACL, CNJ, C&O, D&H, LV, NS, Rdg, WM.. $45-$55Wartime..B&O, C&O, CRR, VGN, PRR, undec.....$47Ore cars..(Wvr trucks) B&LE, CN, DMIR, UP, undec..$27Weaver..2, 3, 4-bay and Comp..B&A, BAR, B&M, CBQCP, CR,CNJ, C&O, D&H, DLW, Erie, EL, IC, GT, NH, NSNYC, NKP, NW, PRR, Rdg, SAL, SF, UP, WAB, WM..$25Tank Cars - 2 railWeaver..Jfrost, GULF, BN, Trusweet, Allied, ADM, ArmyEthyl, Diamond, Hooker, DuPont, Sunoco,Bakers..$30Atlas..60'..Propane, CNTX, Union Tex,Tech Prop..$37-$501950's..SHPX. UTLX, Hooker, Gulf, Warren..$55-$60Flat Cars, Stock Cars, MofWAtlas..89' flats..$65. Trailers..$25. Auto Carriers..$85Pulpwood flats..ACL, ATSF, BN, SCL, IC, L&N..$47-$50Front runners......no trailer..$47; With trailer........$67Wvr Flats..SF, Rdg, CN, Erie, LV, BN, TTX, Army..$25-$30Stock..BO, CNW, Armour, RG, PRR, Rdg, Erie, etc..$30MTH..Plows, Cranes, Schnabel, dump cars, etc..callK-Line Diecast Double-Stack $50. Coil cars..$35-$40Scale signals..1 and 2 head color, PRR, B&O, dwarf,semaphore, cantilever, highway flashers, 20+ types..$20-$50Gondolas - 2 railAtlas..CBQ, CNJ, GN, MP, NW, NYC, PRR, Rdg, ..$32Wvr..Composite..CNJ, PRR, LV, RI, SF, Rdg, UP, NKP..$27Cabeese - 2 rail, 3 rail scaleWvr.. BM, NH, NYC, Erie, LHR, LV, DH, more..$20-$35K-line, MTH..N-8, N5c, NE'rn, others, 15 roads+..$35-$60Atlas..BN, CR, DH, RFP, Rut, GN, Chessie, RG..$50-$67☛ Note: We will be closed for family medicalleave April 18th thru May 6th...ThanksThe Public Delivery Track • pdt@gis.netPO Box 1035 • Drexel Hill, PA 19026610-259-4945 • VISA•MC•AMEX•DiscMay/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 59

EventsMay 20048th, Merchantville, New JerseyCherry Valley Model Railroad Club “MerchantvilleMeet”, held at the Grace EpiscopalChurch, 7 E. Maple Ave. Merchantville, NJ.Admission $4.00 (spouses & children under14 are free), tables are $16 for the first table(includes one admission) and $12 for eachadditional table. Info/reservations, SASE –CVMRC PO Box 192, Maple Shade, NJ08052, Dave Richter (215) 639-3864, orChuck Jacobs 856-234-189822nd, St. Paul, MinnesotaTwin City Model Railroad Museum Hobby Sale- Education building at the Minnesota Fairgrounds,9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Admission $4,under 5yo free. Contact TCMRM, 651-647-9628, www.tcmrm.org29th, Plantation, FloridaSouth Plantation Train Club Show & Sale -South Plantation High School Cafeteria, 1300SW 54 Ave. All scales, 2-Rail O Scale modulesand displays - setup 7 am to 9 am, 9 amto 2 pm; tables available. Contact KenSargeant (954) 473-6376, www.southplantationtrainclub.com;sarge40@aol.comJune 200419th & 20th, Timonium, MarylandThe Great Scale Model Train Show & The All-American High-Rail & Collectors Show - MarylandState Fairgrounds - separated intosections, SCALE (by gauge) and HiRail. Fri:dealer setup 5 pm to 11 pm; Sat: setup 7 amto 9 am, sales & exhibits 9 am to 4 pm; Sun:setup 8:30 am to 10 am, sales & exhibits 10am to 4 pm; Admission: $6, kids under 12free, family max $12; 8' tables $55 (includes2 worker’s passes for the first table and 1 foreach add’l table). Contact Howard Zane,(410) 730-1036; hzane1@hcomcast.net;www.gsmts.com19th & 20th, Biloxi, MississippiGulf Coast Model Railroad Club 1st AnnualModel Railroad Show at the Imperial PalaceHotel & Casino Convention Center, 850Bayview, Biloxi. Admission covers both days:Adults - $4, Under 18 - $2, Under 12 - Free.Model RR vendors, operating layouts, doorprizes. For more info: 228-864-4877,rbush@datasync.comJuly 20044th-11th, Seattle, WashingtonPuget Sound Express 2004, NMRA NationalConvention - all scales; Mt. Ranier Club$1,000; Mt. Baker Club $500; Mt. St. HelensClub $250; $125; spouse $30, youth $20.Info: Dave Kreitler, Registrar (425) 831-5131;email registrar@nmra2004.org;www.nmra2004.org17th, St. Paul, MinnesotaTwin City Model Railroad Museum Hobby Sale- 1021 Bandana Blvd. East, Ste 222 in St.Paul, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Sale admission free,Museum $2, under 5yo free. Contact TCMRM,651-647-9628, www.tcmrm.org22nd-25th, Washington, D.C.2004 O Scale National Convention atthe Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, Virginia atReagan National Airport. Convention andDealer registration info is available from theCapital Area O Scalers, 2004 O ScaleNational Convention, P.O. Box 42563, WashingtonD.C. 20015, www.2004onational.com,or email to sonc2004@hotmail.com.August 20047th, Denver, PennsylvaniaEastern “O” Scalers – Denver Fire Hall, 4th &Locust Streets, Denver, Pa., 9:00 am – 1:00 pmAdm. $5; (spouses & children under 14 arefree), $16.00 for the first table (includes oneadmission) and $12.00 for each additionaltable. Information SASE EOS, PO Box 1781,Bensalem PA 19020; (215) 639-3864,eostrains@att.net Bring an index card withyour name, address etc., for a $1.00 off youradmission.September 200417th & 18th, Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis Midwest “O” Scale Fall Meet -Four Points by Sheraton, 7701 E 42nd St(hotel phone 317/897-4000) - 2-Rail OScale, Proto:48, On3, On2, O Trolley/Tractiondisplays and sale. Friday registration 10 am,trading hall opens 2 to 9 pm; Saturday registration8:15 am, sales 9 am to 3 pm, layouttour 4:30 to 7 pm (7 layouts open); Sundaylayout tour 9 am to 2 pm (9 layouts open);advanced registration by August 1st $10 forone or both days; 30"x72" table $35 eachuntil August 1st, or $45 after that date. Info:Jim Canter, 1203 Rotherham Ln, Beech Grove,IN 46107-3323; (317) 782-3322; emailjcanternkp@aol.comOctober 20049th & 10th, Timonium, MarylandDouble Show: The Great Scale Model TrainShow & The All-American High-Rail & CollectorsShow - Maryland State Fairgrounds - separatedinto sections, Scale (by gauge) andHiRail. Fri: dealer setup 5 pm to 11 pm; Sat:setup 7 am to 9 am, sales & exhibits 9 am to 4pm; Sun: setup 8:30 am to 10 am, sales &exhibits 10 am to 4 pm; Admission: $6, kidsunder 12 free, family max $12; 8' tables $55(includes 2 worker’s passes for the first tableand 1 for each add’l table). Contact HowardZane, (410) 730-1036;hzane1@hcomcast.net; www.gsmts.com30th, Strongsville, Ohio(Cleveland area) Western Reserve O ScaleMeet (2-Rail O Scale Only) - Holiday InnSelect Strongsville (1 exit south of turnpike at I-71 and OH Rte 82) - 9 am to 3 pm; $5; tables$20. Info: Bob Boeddener, 32165 Hickory Ln,Avon Lake, OH 44012; (440) 933-7169.November 20046th, Wind Gap, PennsylvaniaEastern “O” Scalers – Plainfield Fire Hall,6480 Sullivan Trail – 9:00 am – 1:00 pmAdm. $5; (spouses & children under 14 arefree), $16.00 for the first table (includes oneadmission) and $12.00 for each additionaltable. Information SASE EOS, PO Box 1781,Bensalem PA 19020; (215) 639-3864,eostrains@att.net Bring an index card withyour name, address etc., for a $1.00 off youradmission.60 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

OST Dealer ListArkansasHobby Shack1200 John Harden DrJacksonville, AR 72076501-982-6836Mickey’s Model Works611 Court St, Ste 4Conway,AR 72032-5417501-450-9423ArizonaCoronado Scale Models1544 E Cypress StPhoenix,AZ 85006602-254-9650CaliforniaAll Aboard Model RREmporium3867 Pacific Coast HwyTorrance,CA 90505310-791-2637Bruce’s Train Shop2752 Marconi AveSacramento,CA 95821916-485-5288Fulton Station454 Larkfield Shop CntrSanta Rosa CA 95439707-523-3522Just Trains5650-H Imhoff DrConcord,CA 94520925-685-6566Original Whistle Stop2490 E Colorado BlvdPasadena,CA 91107626-796-7791Railroad Hobbies119 Vernon StRoseville CA 95678916-782-6067Reed’s Hobbies LLC8039 La Mesa Blvd.La Mesa,CA 91941619-464-1672Train Shop1829 Pruneridge AveSanta Clara,CA 95050408-296-1050ColoradoCaboose Hobbies, Inc.500 S. BroadwayDenver,CO 80209303-777-6766DelawareMitchells’2303 Concord PikeWilmington, DE 19803302-652-3258Trains & Hobbies313 Newark Shopping Cntr.Newark,DE 19711302-266-8063FloridaKirkland Hobbies187 Concord CirclePanama City FL 32405850-215-1973GeorgiaRiverdale Station6632 Hwy 85Riverdale,GA 30045770-991-6085IowaCaboose Stop Hobbies301 Main StCedar Falls,IA 50613800-642-7012IllinoisChicagoland Hobbies6017 Northwest HwyChicago,IL 60631773-775-4848Des Plaines Hobbies1468 Lee StDes Plaines,IL 60018847-297-2118Hill’s Hobby Shop10 Prairie AvePark Ridge,IL 60068847-823-4464Mike’s Scale Rails3008 N SterlingPeoria,IL 61604309-689-0656Rails Unlimited126 Will ScarletElgin,IL 60120847-697-5353IndianaBig Four Hobbies1005 E Main StPlainfield IN 46168317-837-1024Mishawaka Railyard Inc410 S Spring StMishawaka IN 46545574-252-7245KansasJ’s Hobby Haven5303 Johnson DrMission,KS 66205913-432-8820MaineNorm’s O ScalePO Box 147S Casco,ME 04077207-655-2550MassachusettsModeler’s Junction88 Lowell StMethuen,MA 01844978-683-0885The Toy Doctor17 Meredith RoadForrestdale, MA 02644508-477-1186Tucker’s Hobbies29 Bacon StWarren,MA 01083413-436-5318MichiganEureka Trains1219 Eureka RdWyandotte,MI 48192734-284-0521P&D Hobby Shop31280 Groesbeck HwyFraser,MI 48026586-296-6116Rider’s Hobby Shop2055 28th St SEGrand Rapids MI616-247-9933MinnesotaSecond 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 03740603-747-3492New JerseyBig Little Railroad Shop256 US Rte206S(K Mart Shopping Center)Hillsborough,NJ 08844908-874-9116New MexicoTrains West Inc.3351A Candelaria Rd NEAlbuquerque,NM 87107505-881-2322New YorkK-Val Hobbies277 Hinman AveBuffalo,NY 14216716-875-2837Ohio20th Century Models32575 Pettibone RdSolon,OH 44139-5454440-248-3055M&S Trains4157 W Broad St.Columbus OH 43228614-274-1178Terminal Hobby Supply10200 Springfield PikeCincinnati,OH 45215513-326-3613Western Hills Photo &Hobby6319 Glenway AveCincinnati,OH 45211513-661-2141OregonWhistle Stop Trains11724 SE Division StPortland,OR 97266503-761-1822PennsylvaniaC&E Branchline RR Shop102 W. Grove St.Dunmore, PA 18509570-347-7909English’s Model RR Supply21 Howard StMontoursville,PA 17754570-368-2516G&K Hobbies720 Gordon StReading,PA 19601-2312610-374-8598Lin’s Junction128 S Line StLansdale,PA 19446215-412-7711Mainline Hobby Supply15066 Buchanan Trail EBlue Ridge Summit,PA 17214717-794-2860Strasburg Train ShopRte 741 E, Box 130Strasburg,PA 17579717-687-0464TennesseeAdirondack Car & Foundry160 Harwood Rd.Gray TN 37615423-477-5790Hobbytown USA, 8901 Town& Country Circle, Knoxville,TN, 37923, 865-690-1099Smoky Mountain ModelTrains Ltd1933 Pittman Center RdSeviervilleTN 37876865-428-8595TexasDiscount Model Trains Inc.4641 Ratliff LaneAddison, TX 75001972-931-8135VirginiaRailyard Hobby Shop7547 Williamson RdRoanoke,VA 24019540-362-1714Walt’s Hobby Shop,PO Box 1805, Petersburg,VA, 23805, 804-861-1333WashingtonCentral Hobbies1574 Gulf Rd #1136Point Roberts WA 98281604-431-0771The Inside Gateway14725 Northeast 20thBellevue, WA 98007425-747-2016WisconsinDepot Drygoods220 W Wisconsin AveNeenah,WI 54956920-725-8854Greenfield News & Hobby6815 W Layton StGreenfield,WI 53220414-281-1800Non-US DealersCanadaCredit Valley Railway Co184 Queen Street SouthStreetsville, OntarioL5M 1L3905-826-1306George’s Trains510 Mt Pleasant RdToronto Ontario M4S 2M2416-489-9783Victoria Scale Rail, Inc.16A3577 Douglas St.Victoria, BC V8Z 3L6250-475-2860SwitzerlandTrainmaster3 Hochweidstr. KilchbergCH-8802011-411-715-3666United KingdomQuince Valley Designs17 West StreetWeedon,NorthantsNN7 4QU01327 341374May/June ’04 - O Scale Trains • 61

ObservationsJoe Giannovario, Editor⁄PublisherI’ll start off this issue with a bit of administrivia. Many of youhave asked us to provide a First Class Mail subscription. Well, yourpleas have been heard. Starting with the July issue, we will offerFirst Class Mail service for $40 a year. We will also upgrade those ofyou with current subscriptions at $1.65 per issue, but you will haveto call the office to find out the exact cost since that will depend onhow many issues you have left. So, if you’ve had bad postal servicein your area, you may want to upgrade your subscription.A recent issue of O Gauge Railroading posed the question“What is the future of the O Gauge Hobby?” The issue of “scale”vs. “gauge” aside, the staff at OGR went to AtlasO, K-Line, Lionel,MTH, Sunset, Weaver, and Williams for their take on the question.Their answers are instructive and enlightening. I’ll summarize someof the more interesting points.Tom Headrich, speaking for AtlasO, commented that there aresome people in this business with too large a legal budget. Forthose of you not aware of it, MTH is suing Lionel and QSI electronicsover alleged patent violations. Mr. Headrich also commented onthe product duplication that seems rampant and hurts inventoryprojections. Overall, however, AtlasO sees an expanding market forO scale products. That’s a good thing because we’d like to seemore 2 rail track products, like curved switches, please.Next up was Nick Ladd from K-Line. Mr. Ladd commented onthe rise of “O Scale dedication and the move to super-detailing.”[emphasis mine] Methinks K-Line has seen the light. They will beoffering a line of freight cars in 2 rail with scale wheels and couplers.Can a scale 2-rail locomotive be far behind?John Brady from Lionel stated “In the future, scale-sized andscale-detail hi-rail products will continue to drive [our] most popularcategories...” Are you getting the picture yet? That word, scale, ispeppered everywhere in these comments. We’ve seen Lionel producea scale 2 rail locomotive (PRR T1) in the past and we’ve alsoseen a Lionel developmental model with easily replaceable drivers.We know Lionel can make scale cars because they’re doing it rightnow. It’s not too implausible to predict that Lionel may make amove into 2 rail scale soonSunset Models/3rd Rail is a staple in the O Scale marketplace soScott Mann didn’t really have any revelations to make. However,Sunset’s new High Iron line bears watching. The prices Sunset isquoting for these Chinese-made brass models are reminiscent of the1970’s. If the quality is right, they’ll be a tremendous value.Joe Hayter of Weaver Models stated his commitment to both 2and 3 rail scale models. Nothing new here. Weaver, however, doesseem to be doing models that are off the beaten track and that’svery refreshing. Their new telegraph poles are a great example of anew scale product in their line. See the review in this issue.Larry Harrington for Williams Electric Trains made no referenceto scale anything. It’s interesting to note that some of the very firstscale 3 rail locomotives came from Williams and they’ve done 2rail in the past. However, they’ve picked their niche and it’s reproducingthe classic Lionel designs from the 1950’s.Mike Wolf for MTH Electric Trains touted the “superiority” of hisproduct over all others. MTH claims to have over 7200 products,but there was not a single mention of scale or 2 rail in anythingsaid. MTH has made 2 rail locomotives in the past but dropped thepractice due to poor sales.One really interesting comment was made by several differentpeople. They expect a major manufacturer to go out of business inthe next several years but would not say which one. I have my ownopinion but I’ll have to keep it to myself lest I get tarred and featheredfor spreading nasty rumors.From my perspective, the future of O Scale, doesn’t reallydepend on Lionel, K-Line, or MTH. If they add products for us scaleguys, that’s fine with us. If they fit our needs, we’ll buy them. Willwe exist without them? Yes, we’ve done that quite well all along.Do we need AtlasO, Weaver and Sunset? Absolutely, becausethey’ve supported scale products all along. They’ve helped bringdown the cost barrier of entering O Scale as a hobby.I have a few prognostications myself. I believe we will continueto see a decline in kit offerings. I’ve had at least two kit manufacturerstell me that it isn’t worth the trouble to keep all those parts instock and kit sales are weak. They say they’re much better off sellingready-to-run. One has virtually stopped offering kits and the other isgiving it serious consideration. That’s so sad because learning themodel building skills required to build a kit can add so much to theenjoyment of this hobby. Anybody can take an item out of a box andrun it, but there’s a certain pride to be had in saying “I built that.”Fortunately, there are still enough people kit-building and scratchbuildingthat OST has plenty of articles in the bank for you to enjoy.Maybe one of those articles will inspire you to build a kit or attemptto scratchbuild something. If you do, let us know.I believe that On30 will eclipse all other narrow gauge scalesand maybe even have a following larger than O standard. Why?The price is right. You can buy the most extraordinary On30 locomotives(some with sound and DCC installed) for less than $300.That’s an incredible bargain in a scale where the typical price for alocomotive is at least $1000. Mountain Model Imports will bedoing a diecast and brass D&RGW K-27, outside frame, 2-8-2, inboth On3 and On30 for less than $400. But... wait for it... they’llimport almost 10 times as many in On30 as On3.I believe the gap between the high and low end locomotives inO Scale will widen. Size does matter, it seems, as people won’t paytypical brass prices for smaller locomotives or for diecast either. Thiscreates a nice niche market for small locomotives like the GEDiesel series imported by RY Models. But where is the new smallsteam to come from? Weaver is making another stab at diecaststeam with their upcoming USRA Pacific. An informal poll I tookshows that a 4-6-0 was the most oft requested small steam engine.Personally, I’m holding out for an N&W 4-8-0. It’s small. It has character,and there’s still one in steam at the Strasburg Railroad!I believe the push for more detail and scale fidelity by Hi-Railerswill inexorably lead to more 2 rail scale products. I mean, just thinkthis through to its logical conclusion. If what you want in your trainmodel is more fidelity to the prototype, how long will it be beforeyou become dissatisfied with that middle rail in your track? Forsome, maybe never. I’m betting that for most, sooner than later.I believe that 2-rail TMCC will give DCC a good run for themoney with no clear winner. If the DCC manufacturers can comeup with decoders to handle higher currents than they offer now,DCC will have the lock.Keep high ballin’!◆62 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04

Atlas O's 21st Century Signal Systemgives you four choices of signal operation:• STAND-ALONE: Gives a timed red-yellowgreen aspect operation-completelyindependent.• INTEGRATED: Signals are connected togetherand the red-yellow-green aspects arecontrolled by blocks in front of and behindyour train.• APPROACH ONLY: On some prototyperailroads, signals are off until a train isapproaching. In this mode, you can duplicatethis type of operation.• COMPLEX SIGNALING: Signals are fullycompatible with the signals and signal boardsoffered by Custom Signals, Inc.NEW & NOWAVAILABLE!A perfect complement to the incredibly realistic and extremely reliable Atlas O TrackSystem, the signal system can be used as a stand-alone accessory, or can be connectedto one another for completely integrated operation. Enjoy the full operation of a prototypicalsignal system!Features:• Simplest, most realistic system on the market • Easy set-up• Scale signal structures that have true 1/4" scale dimensions and details• True prototype operation circuitry • Seamless integration that grows with your railroad• Modular design with telephone-style cord connections (For use with multiple signals, sold separately,Item #'s 6937-6939)Visit Your Local HobbyStore Today!2-RAILDESCRIPTIONITEM#––– Realistic Road Signal- Type "G" signal 7930(red, green and yellow aspects)––– FOUR PACK Realistic Road Signal 7934none 2-Rail Track Detector 79356937 7' Signal Cable use 69376938 15' Signal Cable use 69386939 25' Signal Cable use 6939To sign up for Atlas' email list, please visitthe "Contact Us" section of our web site atwww.atlasO.comATLAS O, LLC • 378 Florence Avenue • Hillside, NJ • 07205 • www.atlasO.com

HIGH IRON SERIES SP M-6 & M-9 2-6-0 MOGULHIGH IRON SERIES SP M-6 & M-9 2-6-0 MOGULHIGH IRON SERIES SP M-6&9 2-6-0 MOGULO SCALE BRASS FOR $699.95Announcing the second addition to the High Iron Series, the SP M-6 and M-9 Moguls. The SP 2-6-0 M-6 and M-9s were themost prolific Moguls on the SP system. Perfect for branch line work with tight turns, these moguls will be an outstandingaddition to your roster.Complete with directional lighting, sprung drivers, working Stephenson valve gear and fully detailed backhead. These all brassmodels are a bargain at just $699.95. Coming 2005. There are very limited production numbers so reserve yours now or missout on the SP Mogul by Sunset Models. Multiple road numbers available.HIGH IRON DIVISION OF SUNSET MODELS INC.37 SOUTH FOURTH STREET · CAMPBELL, CA · 95008 · 408-866-4140 · FAX 408-866-5674 · WWW.3RDRAIL.COM