Upcoming New Jersey Model Railroad meet

New Jersey Model Railroad Layout Design and Operations Event
New Jersey Model Railroad Layout Design and Operations Event

Summer is rapidly disappearing as the days shorten and the leaves begin to fall. A fabulous model railroad meet is taking shape that will inspire you to design, build, and/or operate your model railroad. The New Jersey Model Railroad Layout Design and Operations Event will take place November 2 & 3, 2013 at the Union County VoTech School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. So far, this meet includes:

  • Eight Presentations
  • Model Railroad Design Panel Discussion
  • A Model Railroad Design and Operations Help Desk
  • Many tables of railroad models on display
  • Eleven open layouts to visit!

It’s quite a bundle for a registration of $10 (until October 26th).

Yup, only Ten Dollars. Can you believe it?!?! This is one of the best hobby bargains around so make your plans to join in on the fun. More detail and a registration form can be found at the website.

Come on out and join the discussions on model railroad layout design and layout operations. Bring along some completed models or works in progress to display with other railroad prototype modelers. You will come home with new ideas for your layout and models. Don’t miss it!

Speedwitch Media Relaunch

News of Ted Culotta restarting Speedwitch Media was posted on the Steam Ear Freight Cars YahooGroup. The company had produced a line of top quality HO scale resin freight car kits, decals, and books that cover model and prototype freight car subjects. Speedwitch had been on hiatus for a few years but is now on the way back.

Ted needs to upgrade computer software and hardware, and to replenish consumables for the model making process. He is employing a crowd sourcing tactic to raise funds to get rolling again. Check further details on the new website and review the perks that are linked to the contribution levels.

Returning to the plan

It’s been a busy few months here. I’m just now returning to work on the Wheeling Freight Terminal layout. In addition to moving the final household items in late June, my wife and I welcomed our three kids to the El Paso region. They didn’t all stay at the same time but buzzed in and out of town over most of July. It was great to entertain and show the kids our new home and region.

My hobby progress tends to ebb and flow through the year with summer usually being a slower time for any progress. I need to dust off the tools and the layout to see where I left off. Several boxes need to be unpacked and the shelves require some organization. A little spark can go a long way. There’s rarely a dull moment in this hobby.

Some thoughts on the Westerfield models line

I have re-posted a Westerfield resin freight car kit models guide as a blog page. The link for this is on the right side of the main blog page, just under the search box. You can also jump to it at the end of this post.

Before you check out the page, please note that I created this to guide my personal freight car fleet based upon the Westerfield line. I created a set of parameters a few years ago in order to determine Westerfield kits that were best for me to invest cash, and eventually, build time. Here are those parameters.

  • The setting is an eastern urban railroad prototype, circa 1926. When this was originally created, I was modeling a segment of the Wheeling & Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio. I hope to return to that inspiration on a future layout.
  • Freight car designs with a minimum of 8000 cars produced were highly considered, or if it was a distinctive car with several thousand produced, like the PRR X23.
  • If a freight car model is available as an injection molded plastic kit, then a Westerfield model would be dropped off of list consideration.

Setting parameters can help you focus on building a freight car fleet that will mesh with other components of your model railroad. Every layout will be different, so set your fleet needs accordingly and work from there.

With these thoughts in mind, enjoy your exploration of a quick guide to Westerfield Models for a 1920s model railroad.

Resin Freight Car kit builds; a few from Jim

End detail on one of Jim's recent resin kit builds.

My friend Jim has been busy building HO scale resin freight car kits in West Virginia. He recently sent several images and descriptions, so I’ll turn the blog over and share some of his work. Click on any image here to review a larger version.

Jim has a modeling focus set in 1952 and his freight car fleet is a bit different from my 1926 focus. I hope you enjoy this diversion.

Continue reading “Resin Freight Car kit builds; a few from Jim”