Designing – Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads

The Minster Branch – Update 4

Another installment on the Minster Branch project has arrived from Dave Campbell. Here’s his report.

With the benchwork in place, it was time to get serious about developing the first scene on my new layout. It’s the section of Saint Marys, Ohio, up to the wye that marks the beginning of the Minster Branch. The lead photo above was how this section appeared in the last update.

The Minster Branch – Update 3

Dave Campbell, at left, discussing projects with Ray Breyer and Earl Tuson at the 2025 RPM Naperville.

Dave Campbell returns with another update on his HO scale Minster branch of the Nickel Plate Road. Here he is with the details.

Construction of the Minster Branch has proceeded nicely and I’ve completed more during the hot weather than I expected.

The Minster Branch – Update 2

Dave Campbell has shared another update on his new layout project, the Minster branch of the Nickel Plate Road. Here he is with the details.

Construction of the 2 x 4 foot modules described last time has proceeded smoothly and the reuse of materials from the previous layout is working well. The lead image shows one of the modules under construction.

The Minster Branch – Update 1

Fellow Pre-Depression Era modeler and long time friend Dave Campbell shared an update on his new layout. The lead image was a selfie I snapped on a 2017 visit to his multi-level HO scale layout, which is now gone. Here’s Dave with his new layout story.

With the decision made to tear down my old, multi-level, four-times-around-the-room HO scale layout, and at the 70% demolition point, I decided it’s time to start developing the new layout plan. There’s nothing like waiting until the old layout is nearly gone to light the creative fire for the next project.

3D printing a structure

I’ve met several people modeling the 1920s. Dr. Dave Campbell has focused on part of the Toledo & Ohio Central in western Ohio. He shared this update on a recent structure project.

My real-world modeling skills have always been somewhat limited and have not improved in my advancing years. At the same time, my virtual modeling has become a strength.