Trackwork Tip

John Pautz of American Switch & Signal (whose P48 turnout castings I’ve used extensively) sent me this handy tip for using the slip-on joint bars from Right O’ Way Products. John advises filing away a portion of the web and base of each rail before...

Giving (and getting) advice isn’t for sissies

I received an email from a gentleman who had downloaded one of my old PDFs on track modeling. He asked for some advice and went on to describe his 3-rail layout and his attempts to enhance the appearance of the Lionel track and turnouts he was using. Throughout the...

The Learning Curve

When the discussion of getting new people interested in model railroading surfaces, the subject of the learning curve involved usually rears its head. To all of the skeptics and hand-wringers out there who contend that The Curve is a major impediment to their progress...

Old Concrete

Old concrete is one of those elements in the landscape that can be frustrating to model. Getting the texture right is fairly simple using cast plaster as the two materials have very similar characteristics. Getting the coloring right is another matter. As seen here,...

TMC 05 available now.

Ever feel perplexed at trying to figure out a switching situation during an op session on someone’s layout? You’re not alone. Most modelers covet switch jobs on a layout for the mental challenges. The catch is that we only operate 12-24 times a year with...

Pieces of The Puzzle

I want to let folks know that Masterclass Modeling Series #1, Pieces of The Puzzle is no longer available for sale. For all who have purchased this book, you have my thanks and appreciation for your support of the work. At this time, I have no plans to reissue the...