Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads

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.

RPM season!

I think many of us are ready to shake off the winter weather. I hope you have been keeping busy pushing projects forward on your workbench and layout. Railroad Prototype Modeler (RPM) season is just around the corner!