Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads

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.

May 2025 Op Session

I hosted an operating session recently on the B&O Wheeling Freight Terminal. This was the first session held in my new Philadelphia home and the first session since the spring of 2017 in El Paso, Texas.

What is an RPM?

I am frequently asked, “What is an RPM?” Basically, it’s a gathering of railroad modelers who enjoy modeling the prototype and sharing their knowledge and techniques. The RPM acronym is for Railroad Prototype Modelers.

2025 RPM-East summary

Steve Raque’s HO scale models on display at RPM-East

The latest southwestern Pennsylvania prototype modeler meet is in the books! The 2025 RPM-East event was another success with 250 attendees spending their March 21st & 22nd on the Westmoreland County Community College campus in Youngwood, Pennsylvania.

Special runs – L&N ventilated box car

As I’m focused on modeling the Twenties, I keep an eye open for special run models that may fit my time frame. The recent Norfolk & Western box car produced for the N&WHS is an example. Sometimes an email arrives with a prototype question as a project comes together.