Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads

The latest freight car model

With the recent addition of air hoses and wheel spray marks on the car ends, I have finished this Westerfield Models HO scale resin freight car kit. I started building this kit in early June and planned to post regular progress reports. But things went awry and life got in the way. Let’s review the work.

Weathering steps

After building, painting, and decaling a freight car model, it’s time to apply weathering so it looks like it’s been traveling a few thousand miles. The lead image shows the final appearance. Let’s take a look at the steps taken to arrive there.

Automobile box cars

While building an HO scale resin automobile box car kit recently, I began a conversation with Pre-Depression Era model railroaders. We discussed details, fleets, and kits. Fellow 1920s modeler Ray Breyer shared data and a PDF of a PowerPoint presentation he had created.

RPM update

As we turn the corner into the last few months of 2022, the RPM calendar has several events scheduled through October. Check the calendar for an RPM near you and make plans to attend.

The joint convention of the L&N and Southern historical groups was recently added. Several RPM presentations and a model display area are part of the Chattanooga event. The convention will be held at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, which will also host a couple events.

A few 2023 events have been announced, too. For your long term planning, save the October 27 & 28 dates for the Naperville RPM! It will be held in the Northern Illinois University conference center just mile or so from previous locations of this long running Chicago event. More details will be shared coming in early 2023.

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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.