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

Dead rail on the Minster Branch

Dave Campbell has switched to Dead Rail for locomotive control on his HO scale Nickel Plate Road Minster Branch project. He sent the following notes.

Awhile back I promised an explanation of why I adopted a dead rail system for the new layout and how that’s working out for me. Here’s my adventure!

The Minster Branch – Update 5

Dave Campbell is back with another update on his HO scale Nickel Plate Road Minster Branch project.

Last time I said the next update would include some photos of east Saint Marys after it was finished. Unfortunately, the meaning of finished was tough for me to nail down.

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.