Download - O scale trains

O Scale
Trains
July/August 2007 u Issue #33
Celebrating
the art of
1:48 modeling
US $6.95 • Can $8.95
Display until August 31, 2007

Official 2007 National Toy Truck ’N Construction Show Construction Model
Allis-Chalmers TS-300
Motor Scraper
FEATURES OF THE ALLIS-CHALMERS TS-300 MOTOR SCRAPER
◆ Dimensions: 8.75” L x 2.75” W x 2.5” H
◆ Weight: over 1 lb.
◆ Accurate 1:50 scale
◆ Authentic appearance
◆ Detailed Buda diesel engine
◆ Articulated steering
◆ Simulated hydraulic lines and cylinder
for steering detail
◆ Movable “Apron” with simulated cable
lift detail
◆ Movable “Bowl” with simulated cable
hoist detail
◆ Detailed cockpit and controls
◆ Soft vinyl tires
◆ Authentic era paint color and
decoration
◆ Full color custom closed gift carton
Show Dates:
August 17, 18 & 19,
2007
Show Location:
The Adam’s Mark
Hotel, airport
location,
Indianapolis,
Indiana.
Shipping will begin in late August.
Images shown are of prototype model. Details of final product may vary.
Total number of units produced will be determined by
the number ordered by the May 17, 2007 DEADLINE.
Mail Check & Order to:
Code:OSMF • 7496 106 Ave. SE • LaMoure ND 58458-9404
$78 plus
$8 for first scraper
$4 each additional
ORDER DEADLINE: MAY 17, 2007
Sales Tax
ND & IA residents add 5% per unit
1-800-533-8293 for credit card orders.
(701) 883-5209 for 24-hour fax ordering.
Order online at: www.toyfarmer.com

Introducing Transfer Tables
from Ross Custom Switches!
photos by K. Jeb Kriigel/Get Real Productions
Available for use with O Scale, Hi-Rail and S Scale trains.
All electronics included: power supply, controller, etc. Perfect positive automatic indexing.
Detailed bridge provided by Bridge Solutions. Easy to hook up; easy to use. It’s a ”no-brainer”!
Factory preset track spacing at 3.5” centers can easily be changed to any spacing.
Available in 6 sizes: 18” bridge/5 stop, $849.95; 18” bridge/10 stop, $999.95;
27” bridge/5 stop, $999.95; 27” bridge/10 stop, $1149.95; 36” bridge/5 stop, $1149.95;
36” bridge/10 stop $1299.95.
See Our Website, www.rossswitches.com or Call Ross Custom Switches At 1-800-331-1395
• O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

Celebrating
the art of
1:48 modeling
Issue #33
July/August 2007
Ted Byrne
Bobber Gibbs
Mike Cougill
Carey Hinch
Vol. 6 - No. 4
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Complaints
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Contributors
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Roger C. Parker
Gene Clements
Neville Rossiter
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Cover: Much of the action on The Ironbound takes place in
the heavy industrial yard at East Newark. This view from yard
throat shows CNJ "Baby-face" Baldwin DR-4-4-15 accelerating
outbound. An elevated section of Jersey Turnpike looms in
background. (Photo location #6 on the trackplan)
Centerspread: The Ironbound is by no means a large O Scale
layout, so techniques were developed to create big-looking
scenes in small spaces. This view captures the general look of
tight quarters and clutter found on The Ironbound. The Dutch Boy
Paint factory actually has only two sides and is carefully blended
into the background photo-mural. (Photo location #15 on the
trackplan)
O Scale
Trains
Features
6 The Ironbound Railroad
Andy Romano squeezed a lot of O Scale into a limited space.
15 A Tale of Two Rail & Tie Cars
Tom Houle finishes the second of two car projects.
21 O Scale Influences: Bay State Models
A 30 year Massachusetts tradition closes. Interview by Roger Parker.
26 Building a Small O Scale Layout – Part 16
Mike Culham shows how he makes grade crossings.
34 Really Obvious Tips
Joe Giannovario, Brian Scace and Mike Cougill share some simple ideas.
43 Building a Simple Lineside Structure: Milk Station
Every layout can use a small structure such as this one by Martin Brechbiel.
48 More on Realistic Passenger Car Lighting
Ted Byrne follows up from Issue #31 with a few easy-to-make circuits.
51 DCC for Traction
Follow these steps from Dave Gairo to install DCC in your trolleys.
53 Obituary: Mort Mann
The founder of Sunset Models died suddenly in May.
55 A Simple Spin-Casting Machine
Make your own castings with this device designed by William W. Davis.
Departments
11 Easements for the Learning Curve – Brian Scace
12 The Art of Finescale – Mike Cougill
23 Confessions of a HiRailer – Hobo D. Hirailer
24 Modern Image – Gene Clements
31 The Workshop – Neville Rossiter
39 Narrow Minded – Bobber Gibbs
59 Product News & Reviews
68 Buy-Sell-Trade Ads
68 Events Listing
69 Advertiser Index
70 Observations – Joe Giannovario
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains •

THE
IRONBOUND
RAILROAD
by Andy Romano
photos by the author
Like many model railroaders, I got my start with a Lionel
trainset Dad gave me for Christmas in the late 1940s. One
day, while riding my bike, I passed by a local hobby shop and
spotted a bunch of tiny railroad dioramas in the shop window.
Each was just 9” x 9”, built on a little square plywood base as
I recall. One close look at these magical little scenes and I was
hooked. I mean hook, line, and sinker. I dove into HO with
a passion that lasted for many years. In the 1970s my layout,
The Oriana Bay Connecting RR, was featured in MR, RMC,
and other publications. While I loved HO, I felt it was missing
something, but I didn’t know what. So I dabbled in Z Scale for
awhile. It was really cute and novel, but it was way too small. I
tried G, but it was too big. I finally settled on O Scale 2-Rail in
the late 1990s. It had the heft I missed in HO, and the size was
“just right.”
My first O Scale layout wasn’t really a layout at all. It was
an experiment to find out if one could build an O Scale layout
in a small space and still manage to get some operation and
“railroad-y” feeling into it. I built a 3’ x 6’ open-frame layout
with 3’ x 4’ wings, hinged at each end so they folded down
when not in use. The whole affair sat 52” above the floor on
rubber wheels. It could be folded down to 3’ x 6’ and rolled
into a corner of my garage. When open, the layout was 3’ x
14’. I was surprised at how much O Scale I was able to squeeze
into that space. I developed my own techniques for integrating
my backgrounds and other elements into the layout scheme to
create the illusion of a much larger railroad. I worked on that
experiment for several years just to ”get my legs” in O, thinking
I would make all my mistakes there, and then build myself a
mistake-free layout. Ha!
I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed by the paucity
of items available when I began shopping for what I wanted
in O Scale. HO and N Scalers, those lucky ducks, can find
almost anything their tiny hearts desire (and with considerably
less damage to the wallet)! Much of what I wanted had to be
scratchbuilt, searched out, or kitbashed. Oh well, that’s part of
the challenge, right
In 2003, we moved from Northern California back down to
A GE depressed-center flat carries a transformer, headed for the Port
Newark docks. It's an old All-Nation kit, modified with extended ends to ride
on Buckeye six-wheel trucks. The transformer load was made from an old
toothpaste pump and "junk". (Photo location #4 on the trackplan)
• O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
The Jersey Central's "Baby-face" awaits servicing at the Ironbound Diesel
facilities at Jersey City. This unit was semi-scratchbuilt, as was the sanding
facility. The CNJ DR-4-4-15's couldn't MU with other model Diesels, so they
work alone on the Ironbound. The background looks across Hudson River at
the midtown Manhattan skyline. (Photo location #10)

Squeezing a Lot of O Scale Into a Limited Space (or)
”The Big Little O Scale Railroad”
Southern California to be closer to our now-grown children. I
decided it was now or never. I designed The Ironbound RR as a
shelf layout around three walls of our new two-car garage. We
only park one vehicle in the garage, so I wasn’t super-restricted
on the shelf depth on the two side walls. The accompanying plan
shows the dimensions. The Ironbound (that’s a nickname for my
Newark & Elizabethport RR) uses typical open-frame construction
of 1x4 knot-free pine fastened with screws. The wall side of
the frames sits on steel ”L” braces screwed into the wall studs,
while the outside edges of the frame stand on legs made of two
1x4 boards screwed together to form ”L’s”. These are fastened to
the many corners of the layout frame. Strand board is screwed to
the frame in flat areas of the layout. This construction is relatively
lightweight, cost-efficient, and can hold a tremendous amount
of weight. The strand board acts as the sub-roadbed for Vinyl-
Bed roadbed, laid upon carpenter’s caulk-type adhesive. A mix
of Atlas and Old Pullman track, in two weights (heavier for the
mains and lighter for the yards), was employed.
Prototype-wise, I really like the feeling of the CNJ in the cluttered,
grimy, industrial areas of Newark, New Jersey, the city of
my birth. The CNJ was called ”The Big Little Railroad”. That’s
exactly what I wanted, a small O Scale layout that gives the illusion
of a larger railroad. I just had to have certain ”big railroad”
elements on my small layout, such as an engine yard with a
roundhouse, turntable and sanding facilities, a water scene with
a heavy steel bridge, a big city feeling, a heavy industrial area
with tight clearances, a passenger station, and so forth. All these
elements usually require lots of space, the one commodity that I
didn’t have. I devised ways to ”squeeze” these elements into the
Ironbound. As an example, I used a small HO Scale turntable pit
with a cut-down O Scale bridge just large enough for a mediumsize
Diesel or our 4-6-0 Camelback. The roundhouse, which
would normally fill an entire corner of any layout, is a radically
modified and squeezed Atlas model. The ”squeezing” technique
seems to work fine, particularly since the squeezing is usually
only necessary in one or two dimensions of a structure, the
depth, sometimes the depth and width, but never the height.
Truth be told, I find more enjoyment in creating and detailing
“railroad-y” scenes, and photographing them, than I do in
operating. Perhaps this is due to the influence of those magical
A favorite hang-out for local teens is the corner soda-fountain and drug store
in old East Newark. One of the local girls furtively glances out the window,
probably awaiting someone her dad doesn't want her to see. Lighting is a
major factor in making a scene draw the eye and tickle the viewer's imagination.
(Photo location #2)
The PRR branch passes behind the Ironbound's East Newark Station, while
the CNJ's line to Newark's Broad Street Station passes underneath, just to
the right in this yet-to-be-completed scene. The station is a modified Berkshire
Valley kit with an extended umbrella platform added. (Photo location #1)
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains •

Vito Piancone takes a break from the hot ovens to get some fresh air and
"bend ears" with neighbors. Cops don't have to go far for the best pizza in
Newark. The New Jersey State Police are here this evening; pizza pick-up no
doubt (Photo location #2)
Gilroy's Warehouse #3 is a long semi-flat structure kit squeezed into a
tight space behind a scrapyard and refinery mural, perfect for easing the
foreground into the background. Rust unifies the color palette used on the
layout, providing theme and character. (Photo location #3)
O Scale 2-Rail shelf layout built in a
garage. Center is left open for parking.
1 grid square = 1 foot
• O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

A view of the Debski Scrap Metal yard. Playing dark silhouettes against a
brighter background creates a different mood. Night work means heavy
"OT" for skilled 'dozer operators (that's "overtime" in case you white-collar
types don't know). The gondola is one of those old Atlas kits from the
'70s, still great models if you can find 'em! (Photo location #3)
little HO dioramas I saw so many years ago. We live in a small
town with few model railroaders in the area, so I had limited
operating plans. This, coupled with my hatred of rail cleaning,
energized me to try “on-board” battery powered DC with wireless
control. An RCS system is being tested and evaluated at
the present. The advantages are many, however one must also
be aware of the disadvantages if one is considering this type of
power. That’s a subject for another day, though.
In terms of operations, the Ironbound receives loaded freight
cars in a small interchange yard from the Pennsylvania’s freight
line running through the Ironbound section of Newark. We
have our eye on a big Pennsy GG1 to improve the illusion of
this service. This will mean we have to electrify the upper line.
More poles and wires to squeeze in. Cool!
The name ”Ironbound” derives from an actual industrial section
of Newark, surrounded on four sides by the high-iron of
This scene shows the Ironbound roundhouse, where remaining ex-CNJ
Camelbacks are housed until they are called into occasional service. The
turntable is a Bowser HO Scale pit with O Scale bridge, just long enough
to turn our 2-8-0 Camelback. The roundhouse and turntable were blended
with the background photo-mural to create the kind of scene you might have
found in the Meadowlands, across the Hudson from Manhattan.
(Photo location #14)
One of the author's favorite scenes shows a very small model that's big on
charm. This is the kind of thing that appeals, even to non-train-lovers. Lit
interiors working against dark exteriors are transformed into chiaroscuro
style art. Ironbound trains run just behind the tiny fast-food diner, sometimes
rattling the windows and making those little square burgers fall off their
buns. (Photo location #2)
the Pennsy, Lehigh Valley, and Jersey Central. My Ironbound RR
crew shuffles the interchanged freight cars in the receiving yard,
getting them lined up for local delivery to industries along the
line. There is a steep grade from the PRR interchange yard down
to the Ironbound main, so either our heavy SD9 or SW ”Cow &
Calf” units handle this run. Proceeding on the lower mainline,
the freight cars are dropped off at their respective destinations,
with the large industrial area being the final area of activity for
these drops. Usually the SD9 will drop the final cut of cars on a
yard lead in the industrial section, run around the train, return
to town, and park on a siding in East Newark where the crew
will take a lunch-break at one of the nearby beaneries.
A small GE 45-tonner, dedicated to the industrial yard, distributes
incoming freight cars. The sidings are short and sharply
curved, making it impossible for an SD9 to negotiate them.
The 45-tonner will then stack outbound cars in that same yard
leg. This requires many moves, keeping the operation spicy
and challenging. After lunch, the SD9 crew returns to pick up
outbound empties and loads, and hauls them back up the steep
ramp to the Pennsy interchange yard. So goes the daily routine.
We don’t use schedules, cards, or other devices. A cut of
cars is randomly assembled and rolled into the interchange
yard. Each type of car suggests its own destination. They are
shuffled and the challenge is to figure out how to deliver them
in the smallest number of moves, especially in that tight industrial
yard. A gondola full of scrap metal goes to Debski & Sons
Scrap Metals, a tank car goes to Dutch Boy Paints, boxcars to
the huge Schmid Warehouse; you get the idea.
The monkey wrench in the gears is that provision must also
be made to allow our maintenance-of-way trains access to yard
trackage which takes a daily pounding. The Ironbound is still
using 39’ lengths of rail with joints that produce nice clicketyclacks.
Of course we don’t use real 39’ lengths; we file faux
”joints” in the tops of the rails every 39’ or so. Whatever contributes
to the illusion is a good thing. That’s our philosophy.
Scheduled passenger service is available to our area factory
workers. This is provided by the CNJ, which has running rights
over the Ironbound. Normally, a single Jersey Central RDC unit
suffices for the few regular daily commuters, but occasionally a
couple of old CNJ heavyweight coaches are called into service
behind an Alco RS3.
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains •

Scrap metal litters Debski's yard, and illustrates why the most common nickname
around here is "Rusty". The scrap operation provides a steady source of revenue
for the railroad. Gondolas loaded with scrap metal are taken to the docks for export
overseas. (Photo location #13)
The SD9 is a Max Gray brass model, which I re-motored
with one of Jerry Snow’s slow-speed geared motors. This unit
now runs like a Swiss watch, and can be throttled down to a
crawl even under heavy load. It’s a joy to run her up or down
that long ramp with a heavy load. Eventually, every engine on
the Ironbound will receive slow-speed gearing, since they are
restricted to maximum speed of 25 mph.
If there is one thing I really miss from my HO days, it is the
old Hobbytown ”Centri-clutch” drives. These were basically
centrifugal transmissions, which had many advantages over
transistor-throttle ”electronically manufactured” coasting and
other effects. I installed them in all my HO engines. Even
when lashing-up engines with different gearing, the clutches
would automatically compensate so they all ran in perfect
synch. At high speed you could cut the power completely
and, with their heavy flywheels, these girls would coast for
five to ten engine-lengths. You could also have the engines
remain stationary with the motors running, idling just like the
real thing. Then you’d rev them up and they’d start a train at a
snail’s pace. What a kick they were. Hey, O Scale after-market
manufacturers, take note! Drop-in upgrade mechanical
clutch transmissions are where it’s at! If you haven’t ever tried
one, readers, I guarantee your eyes will go wide and you’ll
grin like a ten-year-old the first time you do.
I feel we have squeezed an awful lot of O Scale into our
relatively small space, and we are still squeezing! I have a
number of unopened structure kits and such, just waiting to
be built. There is no more space available for them to fit as is,
so I will use my ”squeezing” and weathering techniques to
shoehorn them into the layout. Manufacturers won’t recognize
their own models by the time I’m done, but there they’ll
be in all their compressed and grimy glory!
So, that’s the story of the Ironbound so far. There’s still
a lot of detailing and developing to do. I guess you could
say (next to my wife, Jeanne of course) the Ironbound is
my ”main squeeze.”
u
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10 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

Ahhhh, civility. I’m sitting here in the
library, a snifter on the end-table, pipe in
hand, and cat in lap, comfortably reflecting
back on the track and benchwork exercise
now completed (The scars are pretty well
healed now, thank you.) Sure, there are
some tweaks here and there, but I have a
good handle on the locations and purpose
for each feature, and they are actually in
place, wired, and under wheel. I’m also
thinking of all the less-than-stellar features
I had incorporated in railroads-past, and
decided not to incorporate in railroad-present.
Here are a few, in case you want to
think about them, too. Before you ignore
this sage commentary, I fully support the
idea that you’re free to add them if you
wish. Of course, I will now feel free to tell
you, ”I told you so!” because I wrote this
all down.
Turnout Location
I was very careful about turnout placement
on this iteration. In several previous
railroads, I let prototype scenes dictate
the turnout and track locations as a priority.
That was fine, except where a turnout
ended up in a constrained location.
Switches are the primary trouble source in
trackwork maintenance, so this version has
them out in front of God and everyone. I
thought about turnouts within the context
of this rule of thumb. If you can’t reach it
to work the points with a groundthrow,
you can’t reach it to fix it, either. You might
want to consider moving the fool thing
someplace more accessible, just so you can
fix it when it breaks. The turnout you can’t
reach is the one that will cause trouble first
and most often (Scace’s Third Law). For us
hand-thrown-switch types, remember to
put the groundthrow on the near side of all
the trackage if at all possible, so you don’t
knock that Pacific Limited 1920 steel boxcar
on the concrete with your shirtsleeve
when you’re bending the iron. I didn’t do
that religiously on the current railroad, and
I intend to revisit ground-throw placement.
Lots of Power
On my previous railroad, I had added
a separate 15-amp circuit to power three
extra outlets around the room. I thought
I was being smart, but it was nowhere
near enough. On this railroad, I dropped
in a couple separate 15-amp circuits and
brought power out to the fascia with about
five power strips. I’m probably going to
add more power strips. You can’t have too
many. The railroad has three Controlmaster
20 tethered cab-control power supplies
and three Powerstation 8 DCC boosters.
(How I’d love to see MRC marry the eightamp
guts of the Powerstation with the Controlmaster
front end and make a stronger
version, especially when folks are running
three unit Diesels with China drives in cab
control nowadays. That’s six loaded motors
summed up real quick-like!) Add to the
list some power supplies for scenic lighting,
”button” supplies for stationary sound
and some Miller Engineering neon signs,
soldering irons, hot glue guns, the rechargers
for my DeWalt and a Dremel, and it
doesn’t take long before there’s no place to
plug in the coffee pot. I still didn’t plan on
enough outlets.
Insulated Joints
Don’t merely leave gaps in the rail when
you’re gapping the rail. Take the time to
physically insulate them with something,
whether it’s a commercial rail insulator, a
piece of styrene or business card CA’d into
the gap, or whatever your preferred method
might be. Put this magazine down right
now and go do this, if you haven’t already.
Fill the space with something, because the
most invisible gap in the most inaccessible
place will close first (Eschbach’s Corollary
to Scace’s Third Law). You’re back You’re
done Good.
Reverse Curves
They look so cool, and cause so much
trouble. Two abodes ago, I had this absolutely
lovely three-track super-elevated
reverse curve, reminiscent of the B&A
trackage climbing out of Pittsfield up to
Washington Summit. I designed it in and it
certainly looked, well, curvaceous. It also
caused me the most pain of any feature on
that railroad. If you have to have a reverse
curve, make sure you allow enough room
between the curves for a tangent (straight
piece) equal to the length of your longest
car. I didn’t, and I ended up having to
increase the lateral of the draftgear boxes
so passenger cars would go through the
fool thing. They looked ridiculous, even in
success, so the magic was lost.
Remember that a crossover on a
double-tracked main, or a switch between
single-track and parallel double-track,
constitutes a reverse curve. Here, because
you are constrained to the standard spacing
between track centers (usually 4-1/4” or so)
for the width of the form, salvation comes
in the form of looooong turnouts. Use the
highest number you can; double-digit if it
fits, such as #12 or #14.
Nifty as it may look in an interlocking,
don’t put crossovers back-to-back without
that straight section equal to the length
of the longest car in between them. By
the way, this interim tangent concept is
especially important for all you sectionaltrack
users, because you don’t have access
to the other good tool in the arsenal,
the easement. Here is also where I send
you flex-track users and hand-layers off
in search of a book that explains how to
shoot easements for entering curves. Combined
with our interim tangents (not only
in this case, but in the next two as well),
easements help.
We tend to think of this issue only with
relation to curved track (the ”yaw” case),
but the same thing applies for reverse gradient
changes in the vertical (”pitch”) direction,
too. Short violent ones are rare (Lucky
us!) in the standard-gauge mainline world,
but can be something to think about for the
roller-coaster/hill-and-dale environment
of the backwoods narrow-gauger or the
Southern shortline peanut-hauler.
The sneakiest trap, however, is lying
in wait for those of us who love superelevated
trackage. Here, the twisty (”roll”)
case is common and insidious. Back-toback
reversal in super-elevation (as in a
traditional reverse curve) without a length
of ”normal” in between will send rigidwheelbased
locomotives and six-wheel
passenger car trucks skittering off the main
as ”sure as a gun’s iron”. If you want superelevated
mainlines, learn to think in threedimensional
terms (and learn to leave one
bolster screw loose on your rolling stock
to create something close to a three-point
suspension).
Hidden Trackage
I’ve come to loathe hidden trackage, but
for most of us it’s a necessary evil. I’m sure
I’ll catch the most flak from these snippets
of questionable wisdom, but here they are,
anyway. If you don’t need hidden trackage,
don’t build it. If you want the now traditional
off-scene staging areas, go ahead
and call ’em advance yards and build them
on-scene, just so you can get to them to
fix them, if nothing else. If you really have
to hide trackage, at least keep the throats
and ladders out in the sunshine, so you
can maintain the turnouts. If you absolutely
have to have completely hidden staging
trackage, have a twenty-year-old friend
with a hard head on hand to weave his/her
way into the benchwork to fix that turnout
we talked about in Scace’s Third Law. That’s
where you’ll find it.
Let’s go Exploring!
u
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 11

The Art of Finescale
Michael Cougill
On The Level
I like shelf-style layouts. They’re easy to build; things are
easy to reach and maintain. The focus tends to be on the rightof-way
and the trains, and you can pack plenty of useful storage
underneath. Yes, shelf-style layout designs have a lot going for
them. There are a few drawbacks though. The main one is that,
like the shelves they’re named after, these types of layouts often
tend to be, well, flat. It becomes too easy to put everything (all
the tracks, scenery, buildings, etc.) on the same level, and this
can get visually boring.
If you study prototype railroads, you’ll soon notice the
secondary tracks, yards, and sidings are at many different levels
or elevations from the mainline. The primary reason that all
attempts are made to have main tracks higher than secondaries
(if practical) is simply one of safety. Since cars are spotted and
left unattended on secondary trackage, it helps them to stay off
the mains (by accident or vandal’s design) where locomotives
operate if they have to roll uphill to the fouling point. Proper
drainage is another important consideration, as well as the
conservation of roadbed and ballast material. In many areas,
railroad tracks will be built on a low fill to raise them above
the surrounding terrain. This is seldom modeled on our layouts.
When it is, a high degree of realism is added to the scene.
Doing so also allows for the changes in level for passing sidings
and spur tracks to drop down off the main, adding a nice touch
2
3
1
of visual interest to an otherwise common scene.
Photo 1 shows a prototype example from Connersville,
Indiana. The sidetrack dropping down is the ”Pole Track”, where
the local utility company receives shipments of replacement
line poles. As you’ll notice, the secondary track drops down
quickly and rather abruptly from the main. Photos 2 and 3 show
the beginnings of my interpretation of this scene on the Indiana
& Whitewater.
This change in elevation was easy to accomplish. I simply
took a length of my roadbed material and filed a gentle taper
into it with a wood-rasp, followed by some 80-grit sandpaper
to smooth things out. A tapering jig on a table saw would make
very short work of this, as well. Then, I just laid ties and rail as
usual. Admittedly, the transitions at the top and bottom of the
grade change may be a bit severe, but then so it was on the prototype.
As it turns out, my equipment goes up and down with
nary a hitch.
You’ll notice I modeled a wooden retaining wall to help
hold back the fill of the higher tracks, since my siding is closer
to the main than on the prototype. There’s nothing complex
here, just some extra crossties glued in place and suitably
weathered. Though not seen, I also added some upright timber
posts and a couple of short sections of rail to help hold things
in place. Final detailing will include some new and used utility
poles lying around, the cribbing used to hold them off the
ground, and the racks used for sorting poles by size and grade.
Once again, little details like these add up quickly, giving that
extra bit of realism that may be hard to articulate but noticed
nonetheless.
Best regards,
Mike
u
12 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

Norm’s O Scale Trains
Stock Car
Stock Car
Cyclopedia
VOLUME
Stock Car
Cyclopedia
Volume 1
Send us your e-mail address at hundman@earthlink.net, and we’ll let you
know when each book of the freight car series is released.
Pigs and chickens and cows, oh my!
New Model From Atlas O • EMD F2/F3 Phase 1
Highly detailed body with road-specific details. Available in
A and B unit versions, powered and unpowered. All metal
grab irons. Die-cast metal chassis, fuel tank and trucks. Twin
flywheel-equipped motors. Directional golden-white LED
lighting. Accurate paint and lettering. Close-coupling between
units. 3-Rail units include: EOB, TMCC, RailSounds, and
electro-couplers. 2-Rail Silver includes: All wheels insulated
w/8-wheel pickup, DCC-ready, operating Diesel exhaust unit.
2-Rail Gold includes: all Silver features plus, QSI DCC with
authentic Diesel sounds, Doppler effect, air let-off in neutral,
coupler impact sounds, helper mode and more.
Roads available: CB&Q, NYC, RI, B&M, Lackawanna, Sou,
and undecorated, A and B units. Two road numbers each.
2R Gold or 3R w/sound, List $480 — SALE $409 +$15 s&h
2R Silver, List $420 — SALE $359 + $15 s&h
2R/3R Unpowered, List $200 — SALE $179 + $15 s&h
RESERVE NOW! Norm’s O Scale Trains, PO Box 147,
41 Roosevelt Trail (Rt 302), S. Casco ME 04077
207-655-2550 • info@normsoscale.com
O Scale 0518.indd 1
Advertise in
O Scale Trains!
Reach 2-Rail
and 3-Rail
scale modelers who
want what you have
to sell.
Contact Jeb Kriigel
• jeb@oscalemag.com •
5/18/07 12:16:50 PM
New! O Scale Birney
This is a true O Scale 1:48 model. The die was
made from the drawings of a real Birney!
The model comes with a complete interior, less power
truck and lighting package: $35.95. We expect a 4-wheel
power truck kit in mid-April, followed by the lighting kit.
Pa Heritage Models Ltd.
715 Ridgeway Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508
www.paheritagemodels.com
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 13

14 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

A Tale of Two Rail & Tie Cars
Part Two
By Tom Houle
Our saga continues in this issue with Part Two of ”A Tale of
Two Rail & Tie Cars”. In the last issue I covered the construction,
in basswood, of a Jack Work rail and tie car. Jack’s original
HO article ran in the October, 1968, issue of Model Railroader
as one of the popular ”Dollar Car” articles. In Part Two, I’ll
show you how to build a more modern rail and tie car in styrene.
I based this car on an article by Merk Hobson that ran in
the December, 1953, issue of Model Railroader.
Merk based his HO car on a CB&Q prototype. Back in the
early fifties, while walking through the CB&Q yards in Lincoln,
Nebraska, Merk spotted a rail and tie car parked in an idle work
train. Strolling through a rail yard with camera in hand today
would be a rare, if not impossible, luxury. Luckily for us, Merk
shot pictures of the Burlington car and MR included them in
the article. Merk closely followed the prototype, which I also
did with my O Scale car. It’s actually a simple styrene project,
consisting of scratchbuilding a tie carrier, plus adding details to
an existing flatcar. I’m sure the Burlington shops did it the same
way, adding a shop-built wood-framed tie carrier to a flatcar no
longer suitable for interchange service. My drawing of the tie
carrier is shown in Figure 1 Page 16.
For my project, I chose a Red Caboose flatcar kit (in CNW
livery) I had on hand. Other flats are available. AHM 40’ flats,
though no longer produced, are still plentifully available at
swap meets and on Ebay. Weaver just released a new 40’ flat.
Smoky Mountain may still have some of their resin-cast 40’ cars
available. A 53’ flat could also be used and are available from
Berkshire Valley, Chooch, and Weaver. Whatever flatcar you
choose, be sure to adjust the tie carrier post centers to match
your flatcar’s stake pocket centers. The tie carrier post centers
on my drawing match the Red Caboose flat. Other flats will
have different stake pocket centers.
I began construction with the tie carrier side- and endwalls.
To ensure uniform board and post lengths, I cut both on
a NWSL Chopper with a stop. The horizontal 0.040” x 3/16”
side- and end-boards were then pinned down over the drawing
(which I covered with waxed paper). The posts were pinned
down over the boards. With a small brush I flowed Testors liquid
cement into each board-post juncture to hold everything in
place. The sides and ends look delicate, but they are actually
quite sturdy. Due to the irregular centers of the Red Caboose
stake pockets, the two tie carrier sides must be mirror images of
each other. I oiled my drawing copy and turned it over just like
I did when I built the Jack Work cabin sides. The tie carrier ends
are identical.
To replicate the carriage bolts that hold the boards to the
posts, I drilled #77 holes at the board-to-post junctions and
installed Tichy 0.030” rivets. By drilling all the way through
each post and board, and then gently enlarging the interior
holes to 0.030”, I was able to add Grandt Line nut/bolt/washer
castings to the interior faces of the sides and ends. This is a neat,
noticeable, and appreciated bit of detail.
On the prototype, the tie carrier floorboards rest on crossmembers
supported by right angle wrought iron angles. I made
up my angles, ten were required, from Detail Associates 0.015”
x 0.060” brass strip. Each leg is 3/16” long. They are positioned
on the posts per the drawing and attached with CA glue. It’s
easier to add these angles before you assemble the four tie carrier
walls. With the walls still unassembled, I added the grabs at
both ends of the car. Protruding grab ends on the interior faces
of the ends are nipped off and filed flat. The tie carrier walls are
ready to assemble.
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 15

3 3 /16
1 9 /16
.060 X .080
POSTS
SIDE
POST SPACING SHOWN IS FOR
RED CABOOSE FLAT. OPPOSITE
SIDE IS MIRROR IMAGE.
.100 ANGLE
4 CORNERS
DECK
PLAN VIEW
.040
FLOOR
.125 V-
GROOVE
TICHY .030 RIVETS
.040 X 3 /16 BOARDS
.060 X .080 POST
.020 X .080
.040 V-GROOVE
FLOOR
2 7 /16
3 /16
.060 X .125
FLOOR SUPPORRTS
5 REQ.
DETAIL ASSOC.
.030X .060
BRASS STRIP
10 REQ.
1/4 CHANNEL
END
2 9 /32
9 /16
.100 I-BEAM
RAIL STOP
2 REQ.
STAKE
14 REQ.
GRANDT
98 N/B/W
Alternate rail stop
1/8 x 1 /4 Beam
NOTE: ALL DIMENSIONS
FIT RED CABOOSE
FLAT.
RAIL & TIE CAR SCALE 1:48
DRAWN BY TOM HOULE
REF: MR DEC. 1953
16 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

I carefully positioned an end-wall and side-wall upside
down, using a block of basswood and masking tape to ensure
alignment and a square corner. Note the end-walls attach to the
ends of the side-walls. They do not fit between the side-walls. I
glued up the corner joints with Testors liquid cement and then
joined the two halves together. Evergreen Styrene 0.100” angle
covers the corner joints and finishes the corners. I added Tichy
0.030” rivets to both faces of each corner angle.
The five 0.060” x 0.125” styrene floor support cross-members
went in next. They are CA glued to the brass angles. The
0.030” x 0.125” V-groove floor is installed on top of the floor
supports. I cut the floor to size, then slid it into place through
one end of the carrier. Testors cement holds it in place. Assuming
you have added all rivets, nut/bolt/washer castings, and
grabs, this completes the tie carrier.
To keep the rails on the car, the Burlington dropped short
stakes into each unused stake pocket. The interior faces of these
wood stakes were faced with steel strips to stave off damage
from bouncing rails (another opportunity to use those Grandt
Line nut/bolt/washer castings). Just to be different, I made my
stakes from Evergreen 0.100” styrene I-beam. They are 9/16”
long.
The Q also bolted 6” x 12” beams at the ends of the car to
prevent the rails from shifting length-wise and spearing the
adjacent car. I cut my beams from 0.125” x 0.250” styrene. I
carved wood grain into the sides and left the beam tops smooth
to simulate steel plated tops. More Grandt Line nut/bolt/washer
castings were used here, five per end. The last detail I added to
the flat was the six 0.015” x 0.080” styrene strips that run crosswise
on the deck at roughly equal intervals. On the prototype,
these steel strips protected the deck planking from rail gouges
and scrapes.
I painted the deck strips and tops of the deck end-beams
with Model Master Steel Non-Buffing Metallizer. This stuff looks
like old steel, to which I add thinned streaks of rust. I brushed
Star Dust Smut weathering onto the deck and car-sides to kill
the new car look and add a look of years of service. The tie
carrier was lightly sprayed with Floquil Gray Primer. Jerry Roy
airbrushed the tie carrier with a hue of boxcar brown, by Model
Flex. We deliberately chose to use a slightly different hue than
the flatcar itself to indicate the tie carrier was added later.
There you have it. Now you get to choose between two different
looking rail and tie cars; build one or both. Either car
would fit right into just about any work train.
(contd. pg. 18)
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 17

Bill of Materials
40’ – 53’ Flatcar – Red Caboose,
Weaver, Chooch, Smoky Mountain,
AHM, other
Evergreen Styrene
#4125 0.040” x 0.125” V-grooved
Sheet
#124 0.020” x 0.080” Strip
#154 0.060” x 0.080” Strip
#147 0.040” x 0.188” Strip
#189 0.125” x 0.250” Strip
#293 0.100” Angle
#273 0.100” I-beam
#267 0.250” channel
Detail Associates
#2530 0.030” x 0.060” Brass Strip
Tichy Train Group
#8019 0.030” Rivets
Grandt Line
#98 Nut/bolt/washers
Send $2 for
Price Info and
Catalog
R•BISHOP since 1985
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CUSTOM DESIGNED • HANDCRAFTED • SIGNED • COPYRIGHTED
U.S. Army 90mm "Pershing" Tank on 42’ Flat Car • 1/48 scale
U.S. Army 90 mm M26 “Pershing” Heavy Tank, Late WWII & Korea. All mounted on a
42` flat car with chocks, blocks and tie-downs. Flat car has real wood plank deck &
die-cast sprung trucks with Kadee couplers. Load and flat car are battle weathered
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Mod. No. AR22(OS)-OSFC3.2USA O-Scale-2 Rail Mail Order: $595.+S & Ins.
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Phone: 1-480-357-8800 • Toll Free (Orders Only): 1-877-385-0200
18 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
by Schomberg Models
Stiff Legged
Derrick
$32.50
by Model Tech Studios
Waterline
Work Barge
$26.95
Stone Engine House
$124.95
www.mesamodels.net
by Crow River
Twin
Drum
Hoisting
Engine
$62.95
by Scale University
O'Mally's Bar
$64.95
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Hillside Church
$59.95
by Sodders
Fuel Drum On Stand
$3.95
O
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Oshkosh P-Series Plow Truck
1:50 scale #SW005Y $109.95
Freightliner w/ Wabash Trailer
Schneider logo 1:50 scale #SW3003 $239.95
Peterbilt 379 w/ Nelson Ramp Trailer
1:50 scale #SW2027A $229.95
Valmet 941 Havester
1:50 scale #SW008 $79.95
TOYS for COLLECTORS
www.tfcusa.com
Shuttlelift 5540F Carrydeck Crane
1:50 scale #SW2017O $79.95
Freightliner w/ Brenner Trailer
Schneider logo 1:50 scale
#SW3001 $249.95
This is a sample selection of over 40 Sword Precision
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e-mail:tfcusa@northweb.com
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 19

P&D
31280 Hobby Shop P&D Hobby F Unit Sale
Model shown is #8001
Groesbeck, ‐
Fraser, MI 48026
586-296-6116
Open Mon-Fri 10-8,
Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
Fax: 586-296-5642
www.pdhobbyshop.com
POWERED F “A” Units: Reg. $350, SALE $289.99
#7001 EMD F3-Ph4, F7-Ph1 early , 36” low fans, 36” dynamic
brake, 2 portholes, horiz grilles
#8001 EMD F7-Ph1 late, F7-Ph2, 36” low fans, 48” dynamic
brake, 2 portholes, Farr (vert) grilles (shown above)
#9001 EMD F9, 36” fans, 48” dynamic brake, 2 portholes,
Farr (vert) grilles
UNPOWERED F “A” Units: Reg. $225, SALE $189.99
#7002 EMD F3-Ph4, F7-Ph1 early , 36” low fans, 36” dynamic
brake, 2 portholes, horiz grilles
#8002 EMD F7-Ph1 late, F7-Ph2, 36” low fans, 48” dynamic
brake, 2 portholes, Farr (vert) grilles
#9002 EMD F9, 36” fans, 48” dynamic brake, 2 portholes,
Farr (vert) grilles
F Unit “A” Body KITS: reg. $99.95, on sale $82.99
#7000 EMD F3-Ph4, F7-Ph1 early , 36” low fans, 36” dynamic
brake, 2 portholes, horiz grilles
#8000 EMD F7-Ph1 late, F7-Ph2, 36” low fans, 48” dynamic
brake, 2 portholes, Farr (vert) grilles
#9000 EMD F9, 36” fans, 48” dynamic brake, 2 portholes,
Farr (vert) grilles
POWERED F “B” Units: Reg. $315, SALE $264.99
#3001 EMD F3-Ph3, F7-Ph1, 36” low fans, 36” dynamic
brake, 3 portholes, horiz grilles
#4001 EMD F7-Ph1 (late), F7-Ph2, F9, 36” low fans, 48”
dynamic brake, 2 portholes, Farr (vert) grilles
UNPOWERED F “B” Units: Reg. $200, SALE $169.99
#3002 EMD F3-Ph3, F7-Ph1, 36” low fans, 36” dynamic
brake, 3 portholes, horiz grilles
#4002 EMD F7-Ph1 (late), F7-Ph2, F9, 36” low fans, 48”
dynamic brake, 2 portholes, Farr (vert) grilles
F Unit “B” Body KITS: reg. $94.99, on sale $79.99
#3000 EMD F3-Ph3, F7-Ph1, 36” low fans, 36” dynamic
brake, 3 portholes, horiz grilles
#4000 EMD F7-Ph1 (late), F7-Ph2, F9, 36” low fans, 48”
dynamic brake, 2 portholes, Farr (vert) grilles
All kits include brass etched grills, appropriate detailed
parts, and preformed grab irons for indicated model.
These kits include only the parts above the frame.

Roger C. Parker and Win Nowell
Like many other modelers in northeast Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, and southern Maine, Thursday used to be one of
my favorite days of the week. From 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM,
modelers used to congregate at Bay State Models in Groveland,
Mass. The star attraction was the ever-knowledgeable Win
Nowell, along with a great HO scale layout that entertained
generations of fathers and sons.
Origins
Like many model railroaders,
Win Nowell was introduced to
trains at an early age. ”As a child,
I was given a Lionel train set for
Christmas.” he recently related.
”Each year, my grandfather would
present me with a new accessory.
Eventually my father built a typical
flat train-table for me in the
cellar, so that I could use the train
year ’round.”
When Win was 17, after working
during the summer for Treat
Hardware Corporation, he was
asked to work the ”train room”
for the Christmas holidays. In his
words, ”Wow, what a job for a
train enthusiast!”
His lifetime interest in trains
culminated in starting Bay State
Models in 1975. His goal was to
produce O Scale models of Boston
trolleys. His first was a Boston
Center Entrance car, followed by
an Eastern Mass. semi-convertible.
The success of those cars,
and customer requests for finishing
parts, culminated in his opening
a hobby shop in the basement
of his home.
Early Years
Originally, Bay State Models
was open on Saturdays (9-5) and
on evenings (by appointment),
as Win was working full-time
at his mechanical engineering
job. He soon established regular
hours as Thursdays, 6-9PM, and
Saturdays, 10-5. During the first
six or seven years, Win reinvested all the profits back into the
business. Marketing included attending all the local model railroad
shows and passing out advertising at my table where I sold
merchandise. ”I originally intended to handle only O Scale kits,
parts, and supplies. As a kit/scratchbuilder, this was the market
I wanted to specialize in. But I quickly realized there was not
enough demand for O Scale to support an enterprise.” Win subsequently
expanded into HO Scale and a limited amount of N
Scale. Win also carried an extensive line of railroad books and
magazines (like O Scale Trains) that brought additional customers
to the shop, but didn’t add much to the bottom line.
O Scale Influences
Bay State Models: A 30-year Massachusetts Tradition Closes
An Interview with Win
RP: What were the store’s best years
WN: The best years were the early years. People had a lot
of money and were looking for something to do in their spare
time. On Saturday evenings, restaurants were PACKED! Parents
and children were looking for something to do together; in
many cases, it was model railroading. Hobby shops make much
of their profits on newcomers to the hobby. They need EVERY-
THING to get started, locomotives, cars, track, powerpacks,
scenery, buildings, the works.
RP: What changed
WN: In the early days, people had more time and less television.
In addition, there was a lot of advertising in the general
press about model railroading by the ”toy” lines and this helped
maintain an interest in trains. Today, railroads have lower visibility.
In New England, you rarely encounter freight trains
because so many travel at night. In addition, because of the pervasiveness
of television, there are so many more gift alternatives
for kids during their early years.
RP: When did things begin to change
WN: Things began to change about 10-12 years ago. Just
when demand was beginning to drop off, new hobby shops
entered the field. They didn’t cause the drop in demand, but
they picked the worst possible time to open a shop. They only
lasted a couple of years, if that. It was about the same time that
kids left the hobby, partly attracted by computer games. If I had
had a storefront at that time I would have called it quits then,
but could keep going in the basement of the home.
RP: What’s it like now
WN: The hobby industry has changed as our lifestyle has
changed. Kitbuilding and scratchbuilding are out. The emphasis,
now, appears to be strictly ready-to-run. I’ve had detail
parts hanging on the pegboard for years without interest. The
hobby shops of today carry ready-to-run cars and locomotives
with DCC and sound. Although this has increased the cost of
locomotives by $100 to $200 and up, many newcomers to the
hobby are accepting it, as well as the wealthy hobbyists. It’s just
part of evolution. Look what has happened. Paper car-sides,
metal car-sides, injection molding, decals, pad-printing, finer
molding practices, this is all evolution! Should we have stopped
with paper car-sides I don’t think so!
RP: What did you like best about running Bay State Models
WN: The best part was my customers, and trying to have
what they needed in stock when they asked for it. That got more
and more difficult as the hobby expanded. Today, it has become
nearly impossible for a small shop to operate. One would need
a super-store in order to supply all the items available, and there
is not a large enough market to support such a store. Today, one
has to rely on quick turnaround from wholesalers to survive.
RP: What will you miss the most
WN: The customers.
Conclusion
Thursdays and Saturdays are no longer the same for Win
Nowell and his Bay State Models customers. It’s a sad commentary
when traditions that have meant so much to so many (traditions
that have taught virtues like patience and craftsmanship)
become less relevant in our society. Thanks to Win Nowell, and
the others like him, who keep the O Scale lights burning. We
should all do our part in supporting them so that they can, in
turn, support us.
u
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 21

M
ullet River
odel Works
118 Huson Ct. • Plymouth, WI 53073
Phone 920-892-8159
WWW.mulletrivermodelworks.com
Chicago & Northwestern
Caboose
> Laser cut plywood body with working windows
> Full interior with roof ribs and purlins
> Separate doors can be modeled in the open position
> Urethane underframe
> Decals for CNW, CStP M&O, and W&NW
> Three different versions
O Scale
Kit #403004 Late version with no end windows $120.00
Kit #403005 Early version with end windows $120.00
Kit #403006 Original all wood underframe $120.00
500 S. BROADWAY, DENVER, CO 80209-4002
Toll Free (Orders Only): (800) 886-1813
Phone: (303) 777-6766 ~ Fax (303) 777-0028
www.caboosehobbies.com
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• Over 60,000+ online products from N to G.
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Silver Plume House
laser cut wood building kit desinged from the
original building in silver Plume Colorado,
the kit features laser lattice and picket fence
and reasonalby easy assembly...
footprint is 8 1/2” x 9 1/4”
#6091 O scale $134.95
www.bantamodelworks.com
421 Hopkins Road
Dummerston, VT
05301
800-653-8214
22 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

The Top 10 Coolest O Scale Things I Saw at York
“HiRailer Heaven” is probably the best way to describe the
TCA Eastern Division’s York train show. Nowhere on Earth
can one spend a couple of days simply seeing more trains,
more people, more manufacturers, and more hobby products
on display, all in one location. The show normally draws 18-
20,000 attendees who are all members or guests of members
of the TCA. This show is not for those who have a casual
interest in trains. This is SERIOUS stuff. Although it is known
primarily as a 3-Rail show, you will find several dealers with
2-Rail scale offerings and lots of O Scale items that are really
cool. This column is about my observations as my modeling
moves in the direction of scale. That pursuit would not be
complete without the York experience.
Here is what I found to be the top ten hits of new products
and ideas displayed at York this April. My observations are
provided for your information. Starting off my top 10 countdown
is:
#10 M.T.H. ELECTRIC TRAINS displayed their new N&W
Class A’s in both #1218 and #1242 cab numbers. These are
two totally different locos with lots of new details, new drawbar,
scale smokebox hinges, and new sounds. Each locomotive
was carefully modeled after the prototype, and each
model has the correct and unique details right down to the
tender trucks. They will be available with traditional 3-Rail
and scale 2-Rail wheels and coming to a dealer near you on
May 10 in a very limited production.
#9 WESTPORT MODEL WORKS continues their great
line of model detail parts for architects and model builders.
Scale mailbags and mailroom fixtures, several new industrial
smokestacks and chimneys, and a new line of highly detailed
resin building modules that allow you to design and build
your own brick buildings. Gorgeous details!
#8 JOE'S MODEL TRAINS had available the newlydeveloped
“Rusty Rail Painter” that allows you to apply paint
to the rail sides of your track with a scale roller. A tiny needle
dispenses the paint from a small jar, and makes painting the
rails a dream. With a little practice, you will be saying goodbye
to dipping and brushing the rail. This new technique is
pretty cool! Special boxed sets of his weathering stains were
also really cool for those who want to get started into serious
weathering. All of Joe’s products are environmentally friendly.
#7 ATLAS O, LLC, had on display their soon-to-be-delivered
first steam project, the USRA 0-6-0 switcher. It features
loads of details, include a hinged apron between the loco and
tender and wire connections between cab and tender that
simulate water and steam piping. Awesome! They also exhibited
their highly detailed express refrigerator cars and the new
F-3 Diesels. Their products can now be broken down into
three main lines, Master, Trainman, and Industrial Rail.
#6 ST. CHARLES MODEL WORKS exhibited at York for
the first time, and had a tremendous response. Their highly
successful and realistic freightcar loads feature everything
from several grades of coal, ballast, and ore, up to bales of
scrap metal. Available for every type of car manufactured,
these scale loads are considered to be the best available on
the market. Just wait until you see ’em!
#5 SCENIC EXPRESS wins hands-down for the “Best in
Show” with the most eye-appealing display. Can’t see the
trees for the forest No problem! No excuses! Their trees and
groundcover will make a big difference on your layout. Providing
details for scenery is their specialty, and the new larger
O Scale trees (available in both pine and hardwood) are simply
gorgeous.
#4 CUSTOM SIGNALS had another great display, and
featured their soon-to-be manufactured Pennsy-style roundfaced
signals that will be produced in conjunction with Atlas
O. They are simply the finest O Scale signals available today.
Watch for new item announcements as their offerings continue
to expand!
#3 ARTTISTA ACCESSORIES features their line of almost
400 superb hand-painted figures for O Scale. Lots of new figures
and detail accessories were on display, including a scale
clothesline with clothes, new construction workers, checker
players complete with checkers, and more hobo figures!
(Hobo figures are becoming very popular!)
#2 MILLER ENGINEERING had several new releases,
just in time for the show. Animated and lighted signs for
Goodyear, Breyers, Western Auto, Dr. Pepper, and Rexall
Drugs are very unique. More animated signs are in the works
and a special anniversary sign will soon be announced. These
signs add a lot of character and look great on weathered and
detailed buildings.
And the number one coolest thing I saw at York was…
#1 AAA PRECISION TURNTABLES is known for its solid
cast-aluminum model turntables that perform and operate just
like the real McCoy. Built by professionals in the engineering
industry, these tables really perform with precision. Each
table is custom-built to the owner’s specifications, and they
offer several detail options ranging from the basic turntable
up to a museum-quality masterpiece. AAA also demonstrated
their new coal dumper that allows ”Coal-Porter” cars to flip
and unload, just like the real thing. The dumper is manufactured
with the same precision as their turntables. If you like
machinery and operating accessories that perform just like
real, and are built to strict specifications and rigid tolerances
so they work right each and every time, one of these may be
in your future.
That’s all for now. I hear a long coal drag coming this way.
Hobo has left the building!
u
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 23

Heavy Lifting
As mentioned in the previous column, the lifting and moving
of heavy objects is an everyday part of railroad life. During
the 1970s, when I started railroading, most Class 1 railroads
maintained a recovery or wreck train at certain division points.
In my area, the Southern Railroad had a wreck train stationed
at Norris Yard in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Frisco had one
stationed at Tennessee Yard in Memphis, Tennessee.
These trains consisted of a locomotive crane, dormitory and
kitchen cars, supply cars, and material cars loaded with various
supplies usually needed at a derailment site. When a derailment
occurred, the necessary personnel, equipment operators,
and work train crew were called for service. Engines were
coupled to the train and it was dispatched to the derailment
location were it would remain as long as needed.
During the 1980s, when high-rail service vehicles replaced
the speeders and patrol cars, the railroads concluded it was no
longer economical to maintain these cranes and their crews
due to the cost and liability. Private companies were contracted
to come in with their equipment and personnel to work along
side railroad crews in both derailment cleanup and bridge and
track improvement projects. The locomotive cranes may be
gone, but lighter capacity self-propelled track cranes are still in
use today.
Photo 1 shows an Ohio-built Diesel crane, BN575509, tied
up on an industry track in Amory, Mississippi, a few months
ago. I have always heard these referred to as ”bridge cranes”, as
they are used in bridge replacement projects to lift and place
pre-fabricated concrete bridge panels and (with a pile driver
attachment) drive steel piling. An electro-magnetic disk and rail
clamp, used in rail and material recovery after a track improvement
project, make these multi-purpose cranes.
On occasions when a lift is necessary, beyond the capacity
of the bridge crane, heavy duty cranes are contracted. Photo 2
shows a pair of Grove TM-1500 cranes re-railing hopper cars
a few years ago in BNSF’s Birmingham Yard. The unique thing
24 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
1
about this type crane is, when called for use by the railroad,
they arrive with separate high-rail wheel and motor attachments.
Once positioned under each end of the crane and connected
to the electrical system, the crane can maneuver and
travel on the track as a self-propelled vehicle to locations inaccessible
by road or highway.
Regardless of the time period you model, take a look
through the die-cast model pages of Ebay to see what’s available.
To simplify the search for O Scale models, select the category
of “construction equipment” in the scale of 1:43, 1:48, and
1:50. Here’s where the majority of construction vehicle models
will be found. You will find models of various types of cranes,
including the Grove TM-1500 six-axle crane shown in Photo 2.
While you’re at it, take a look at other construction equipment
models available. You might just find that particular model you
wish you had to complete, or build, a scene on your layout.
While you’re surfing the model pages of Ebay, don’t forget to
visit the “model trains, O Scale” section to see what’s available.
For any time-period modeler, you can find models of locomotive,
Burro, and other cranes produced by various manufactures
over the years. While most models may be 3-Rail, they can
usually be easily converted for two-rail operation.
No computer or Internet access Not a problem. Visit your
local hobby shop or toy store. If the item your looking for is
not in stock, it can usually be special-ordered. Local model
train shows, swap meets, and conventions are a good source
for those hard-to-find models. It’s not unusual to see dealers or
modelers from outside your area that may have just what you’re
looking for.
While this column deals with a support side of railroad life,
think about it the next time you put the five-fingered switcher to
work re-railing that locomotive or rail car. How would they do
this on the prototype Heavy lifting, of course. Until next time,
enjoy our hobby of O Scale trains and all it’s possibilities. u
2

D&RGW #50 DIESEL
On3/On30
Handcrafted in Brass
MSRP $239.00
Delivery Summer 2007
AMS (American Model Supply) division of Accucraft Trains
Accucraft Company, 33268 Central Ave, Union City, CA 94587, USA, T (510) 324-3399, F (510) 324-3366, www.accucraft.com
There IS a Cure for the Summertime Blues.
Realistic Figures Bring Your Layout to Life
Send $1.50 for our full color catalog featuring the over 390 PEWTER Figures AND Accessories
we produce in O Gauge All Made and Hand Painted in the USA with Pride. $7.95 S&H per order.
VISA & MC orders call 1 800 316-2493. For Information:302 455-0195. FAX orders: 302 455-0197
And WE have it.
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1463 Picnic Table ................... _10.75 / 6.25_
1464 Woman to sit at table ....... _ 5.99 / 4.00_
1465 Man to sit at table............. _5.99 / 4.00_
1466 Girl to sit at table.............. _5.99 / 4.00_
1467 Boy to sit at table ............. _5.99 / 4.00_
1468 Food for table................... _17.50/ 8.99_
1469 Redwood lawn chair......... _ 7.99 / 5.50_
1470 Man to sit in chair............. _ 5.99 / 4.00_
1471 Redwood lounge chair ..... _9.75 / 5.99_
1472* Woman to lie on chair ...... _5.99 / 4.00_
1473 Gas Grill........................... _8.99 / 6.25_
1474 Man Cooking/ Diner Cook _6.25 / 4.00_
1475 Basketball Backboard ...... _10.75/ 6.75_
1476 Two boys playing one on one _12.50/ 7.75_
1477 Woman with laundry basket _ 7.25 / 5.00_
1478 Clothesline with Clothes .. _39.99/24.99_
* available as nude on request
Visit us at www.arttista.com for color photos 105 Woodring Lane Newark DE 19702
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 25

Building a Small O Scale Layout
Part Sixteen
Michael Culham
In the last part of my series, I showed you how to build a
grade crossing. As I mentioned, the purpose of a grade crossing
is so that roadways can cross the railway. In these next two
articles (since you’ll need roadways), I’ll show you how I make
paved roads on my layout. I have tried several different methods
of making paved roads over the years and have found this one
works the best for me. Here is a list of materials that I use.
0.040” Styrene Sheet (for the road surface and sidewalks)
0.040” x 0.125” Styrene Strip (for the gutters)
0.060” x 0.125” Styrene Strip (for the curb)
0.080” x 0.125” Styrene Strip (for the sidewalk supports)
Polly Scale UP Harbor Mist Gray Paint
Polly Scale Concrete Paint
With all these materials at hand, let’s start making paved
roadways. Figure 1 shows where all these materials are used
and how.
1
2
3
Making a Paved Roadway
In Photo 1, you can see that I have finished the road in the
foreground up to the grade crossing. We still have road to make
on the other, though. Photo 2 shows the finished product. The
first thing you’ll need to do is mark out where the road will go
(Photo 3). Because the road is running up to the grade crossing,
I had to install supports to change the elevation. These are made
of pieces of tie material (Photo 4) that are glued in place with
white glue. Once the glue is dry, we can go onto the next step.
The average width of a traffic lane in a road is about 12' (or
26 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
three inches in O Scale). A piece of 0.040” styrene sheet is 6” x
12”, which works out perfectly for our two-lane road. I place a
sheet where the road will go, then mark where the grade crossing
is using that handy curve template. Scribe along the line
and then break off the excess. Glue the sheet in place using

4
7
5
along the side of the gutter strip, forming an L shape (Photo 9).
Holding it in place with the map pins, glue it in place with the
plastic cement. Once the glue has dried, remove the map pins.
Now we have our gutter and curb.
8
6
9
white glue, holding it in place with those handy little map pins.
Photos 5-7 show you these steps.
Making Gutters and Curbs
Roads can either have a dirt shoulder or curbing. In this
scene, I am installing curbs. Here is how I make them. In Photo
8, I have installed the gutter and curb on the left side of the
road using styrene strip. The first step is to lay a piece of 0.040”
x 0.125” styrene strip flat beside the styrene sheet (Photo 9),
holding it in place with map pins. I then run liquid plastic
cement along the joints to bond them together. Next, take a
piece of 0.060” x 0.125” styrene strip and stand it on its edge
Making Sidewalks
In this scene, I also wanted a sidewalk on the right-hand
side of the street. To make this, I first marked a line one inch
away from the curb (Photo 11). Then, I installed two 0.080” x
0.125” styrene strips, laying flat, with one glued along beside
the curb and the other running along the line that we made one
inch away (Photo 12). These are glued down with white glue.
The next step is to cut a piece of 0.040” sheet styrene, one inch
wide, and to the length you require. Then, scribe a line along
the length of the sheet about 1/8” from the edge. This will be
on the side away from the street. The next step is to scribe lines
at one inch intervals across the sheet at right angles to the first
line. Once this is done you can glue the sheet to the two strips
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 27

10
15
11
16
12
13
17
with liquid plastic cement (Photo 13).
Painting the Roads
That is how I make my streets and sidewalks. In Photo 14,
you can see the road is done and all we have to do is paint it.
First, I paint the Concrete color on the gutters, curbs and sidewalks.
Once this is dry, I then paint the Harbor Mist Gray on
14
the road area. I find this color is good for older asphalt (If you
want a newer asphalt look you can use Grimy Black). Let the
paint dry and do any touch ups. There you have it, a finished
road (Photo 15). In Photos 16 and 17, you can see two examples
of how the curb is bent around a curve and at an intersection.
To create this, first bend the gutter strip to the shape of the
curve that you make in the road, glue it in place, then bend the
curb to the same shape and glue it in place. It is that easy and,
if I do say so myself, they look good. Now you could leave your
roads looking like this, or you could weather them up to make
them look used. In Part 17, I will show you how to make the
lane markings and how I weather my roads.
So until next time
Happy Modeling
u
28 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

Sumpter
Valley
Depot
135 NW Greeley Avenue,
Bend OR 97701
● Specializing in O Scale 2-rail
model trains since 1985
● We buy or consign brass model
collections
● Model reservations gladly
accepted
● Prompt, courteous service
Check our website for latest
O Scale Listings
www.sumptervalley.com
trainman@callatg.com
Tel: 541/382-3413
Fax:541/389-7237
Hours:
Mon. thru Fri 8:30 AM - 5PM
and sometimes on Saturdays
VALLEY
MODEL TRAINS
PO BOX 1251, Wappingers Falls, N.Y. 12590
Credit Card Orders Welcome
Order/Info(845)297-3866 Fax(845)298-7746
Laser-Art Structures O Laser Cut kits
462
Kit includes appropriate
signs and coal bin.
401
A comfortable,
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cottage home
of six rooms,
with Tower
462 Flagstop Station O... 5" x 6" x 4" ............39.98 36.00
401 Tower House O.. 10" x 7" x 12" .........179.99 161.98
The prototype
480
for the kit was
built at Clark’s,
near Campbell
Hall, NY on the
New York,
Ontario &
Western RR.
480 The Creamery O.....12" x 7" x 5".......199.98 179.98
Crow River Products O....Crafstman kits
Includes additional
walls to increase
the size of the
main building.
(Tree not
included)
305B
305B Barrett and Sharp.16"x16" approx .....265.00 225.00
315
Bar Mills Models O.. Laser Wood Kits with details
934 944
934 Saulena's Tavern O.... 5 3/4" x 11" net 99.98
944 Majestic Hardwar & Feed O 9” x 12”net 169.98
Rusty Stumps.. HO Limited Edition Kits
K4502
O56
The Fall Creek Freight Depot
is a laser cut craftsman kit.
22' x 46' Footprint 5-1/2x11-1/2
K4503
K4502 Backwoods Water Tower O .............net 79.95
K4503 Fall Creek Freight Depot O... ..........net 69.95
Downtown Deco.... O Limited Edition Hydrocal Kits
The two buildings, Johnny Stechino's &
Big Ed's, have a bit of something for everyone.
Vehicle and figures not included
This kit consists of CRP 305 Sylvester
Supply Co. and the 305D Barrett &
Sharp Diorama Kit.
Includes 307
Stainless Steel
Industrial
Smoke Stack
and an
Eyebrow
Monitor for
roof detail
This kit makes an eye-popping diorama
Twin Drum Hoisting
Winch O… The hoisting
unit is based on a unit
built by American Hoist
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an exact replica of the
unit it's best features
are included in this
unpainted model kit.
Sale 62.60
Electric Winch / Car
Puller O - 12.00
40
40 Johnny Stechino's & Big Ed's O ......89.95 81.00
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(prices are subject to change w/o notice)
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The Public Delivery Track
Locomotives - 2 rail
Atlas..New 0-6-0's..PRR, CNJ, UP, CBQ..$479
New..GP-15's, RSD-15's, RS-3's....$199
RS-1..Rutland, CNJ, NH, RI, LIRR, WT..$249-$309
SD-35..WM, N&W, SOU, CNJ, B&O..$249-$309
GP-35's..GMO, RDG, WM, UP, more..$249-$379
Dash 8's..CSX, NYSW, UP, SP....$249-$309
GP-60, C424/425/628/630, SD-40, GP-9..$379-$419
SW's..RR, LV, Rdg, CNJ, NYC, DL&W..$229-$299
MTH..PRR H-3..$649, K-4..$599 CNJ P-47..$749
Weaver....RS-11, U25B, a few left........$199
VO-1000..B&O, CNJ, Rdg, WP, MILW, NKP..$199-$249
Shaft drive RS-3's, FA/FB's, GP-38...$99-$150
Passenger Sets
Golden Gate..P70 4 car set..PRR, LIRR..$379
80' Coachs..SP, SF, NH, NYC, UP, Erie, DRGW, CNJ,
NW, CP, B&O, C&O, more..$399. 12-1 Sleepers..$95
Baggage/combine sets..matching roads..call
80' Alum streamilners..SF, NYC...6 cars/$499
Weaver..B-60 Baggage..$60. RPO...$75
Troop M/W cars..DLW, Erie, WM, C&O, more..$49
K-line..NYC, Amtk, RG, NH, SF, UP, more ..call
Atlas..53' xprs cars..REA, RG, SAL, ARE..$69
Box Cars - 2 rail
Pecos River..SF, CBQ, NYC, WM, NKP, SP, B&O..$35
Atlas..40' Wood..B&M, B&O, C&O, CNJ, D&H, NYC, NW
PRR, P&R, RDG, SP, UP, WAG, WM, more..$45-$55
40' Steel..Erie, NH, PRR, NYC, CNW, GN, more..$47-$55
40' Trainman..B&M, MEC, LN, NYC, PRR, UP, more..$37
X-29's..$55-$62 HyCubes..60'..$75. New 40'..$37
50'..MILW, DH, NYC, BAR, MKT, SAL, SF, LN, NH..$49-$55
53'..Aloha, Purina, B&M, BN, IC, CNW, FEC..$35-$49
60'..C&O, CSX, B&O, EL, RG, Sou, NW, WM..$40-$55
Weaver.. ACY, BAR, B&O, B&M, CBQ, CIM, CR, D&H
PHD, EL, GN, BLE, PC, MP, NYC, NW, NH,more $20-$30
Refrigerator Cars - 2 rail
Weaver/Crown..B&M, BN, CV, CN, NYC, REA,
Dubuque, Nrn Refrig, WIF, PRR..25+ roads..$20-$30
57' Mech..PFE, BN, WFE, Trop..10+ roads..$35-$45
Atlas..40' steel..BAR, IC, MDT, ART, DLW..$55
36' & 40' wood..Erie, NYC, CNW, SF, PFE, Bananas,
Meats, beers, foods..25+ billboards..$45-$75
40' plug door..NH, PRR, WM, WP, DTI, REA
FGE, CNJ, NP, ATSF, NYC, SSW, ART, more....$37
K-line..PFE, MDT, CNW, 15+ billboards..$35-$40
Covered Hoppers - 2 rail
Weaver PS-2 and AC-2..BN, CBQ, CNW, CP, PRR,
LNE, DLW, B&M, C&O, EL, LV, NH, NYC, more..$20-$30
50' Centerflow or Grain..CR, CP, LV, NYC, PRR, RI,
Rainbow, Dupont, ADM, Amoco, Arco, UP, more..$20-$25
Atlas..ACF..Erie, DLW, GN, SP, WM, more..$55
New..3 bay..UP. CBQ, Bakelite, Chessie..$37
Cylindrical..DLW, CNJ, GN, PRR, WAB, NYC..$35-$45
Airslide..LV, DH, CSX, PRR, Erie, SF, RG..$40-$50
Hopper Cars - 2 rail
Atlas....New..3 bay..WM, C&O, SOU, BN...$37
Ore cars..CN, UP, DMIR..$25. H21a..PRR..$58, PC..$45
2 bay..PRR, NYC, Rut, P&S, CNJ, Berwind, more..$45-$52
Weaver..2, 3, 4-bay..30+ different roads....$20-$30
Tank Cars - 2 rail
Weaver...40' & 50', new & old, 20+ roads...$30-$35
Atlas..33K..CNTX, GLNX, Union Tex, Sub Propane..$49
17K..Diamond, Hooker, Stauffer, ACFX, SHPX..$55-$60
8K..Bakelite, NE Alcohol, Phila Qtz, 10 more..$50-$55
11K..SHPX, UTLX, Hooker, Solvay, Spencer, 10+ roads..$55
Flat Cars, Stock Cars
Atlas..Double stacks..$125-$169. Front runners..$45
Containers..40/45'..$23. Wvr 20'..$12/pr K-line..$10
New 53' Flat cars...40' Stock cars...many roads..$37
Weaver..Flat and stock cars...many roads..$20-$30
Gondolas - 2 rail
Atlas..40' composite..PRR, NYC, C&O, SP..$52
50'..B&O, CNJ, GN, NW, NYC, PRR, Rdg, UP, LV..$37
Wvr..CNJ, PRR, LV, RI, SF, UP, Rdg, NW, SOU..$27
Cabeese - 2 rail, 3 rail scale
Wvr..CR, Rdg, DH, Erie, PRR, Monon, more..$$25-$45
K-line..B&O, EL, NYC, SOU, SF, UP, more..$48
MTH..PRR, EL, NYC, C&O, SP, CP, NH, more..$45-$60
Atlas..RFP, Rut, RG, NH, SF, 15+ roads..$37-$70
e-mail us at pdtrains@earthlink.net
PO Box 1035 • Drexel Hill, PA 19026
610-259-4945 • VISA•MC•DISC•AMEX
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 29

Custom Building, Repair & Painting Services Available Buy-Sell-Trade, Consignments-Appraisals, eBay Sales
Website: www.alleghenyscale.com • Email: oscale@alleghenyscale.com
470 Schooley’s Mountain Road, Suite 8-117, Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840 • Voice - (908) 684-2070 • Fax - (908) 684-8911
Passenger Sets
OMI 1935 Hiawatha Steam Passenger Set, CP, New, 4-4-2 and 5 Cars, Exceptional..............$3,795
Custom N&W Hvywt 2 Car Passenger Set, CP, Ex, Coach and Combine, Interiors..................$595
Calumet PRR 5 Car Hvywt Set, CP, New, Combine, Coach, Diner, 12-2, 10-1-2.....................$2,495
Calumet PRR 3 Car P-70 Coach Set, CP, New, Coaches 1064, 3915, 3941...............................$1,495
Fisher PRR Hvywt Pullman Lounge Car, CP, Ex, Plan 2964e, Interior, Lights..........................$595
Steam
USH AT&SF Pacific 4-6-2 , CP, L/N, Professional Paint and Weathering................................$1,495
OMI B&O S-1 2-10-2, UP, New, OMI O147, Road Pilot, Overfires..........................................$1,395
C&LS C&O H-6 2-6-6-2, FP, New, Vanderbilt Tender...............................................................$2,895
PSC C&O J3a 4-8-4, FP, L/N, Crown Model, Road No. 614......................................................$3,195
PSC NYC F-12 4-6-0, UP, L/N, Straight Cyls, 5000 Gallon Tender...........................................$1,050
PSC NYC F-12 4-6-0, FP, L/N, Straight Cyls, 7000 Gallon Tender...........................................$1,050
USH NYC H-10a 2-8-2, UP, Mint, Never Assembled..................................................................$1,095
Max Gray N&W Class J 4-8-4, UP, V/G, Can Motor, NWSL Gearbox.......................................$750
PSC N&W Z1b 2-6-6-2, FP, New, Road No. 1462........................................................................$2,595
Oriental N&W Auxiliary Water Tender, FP, Mint, w/Lights.........................................................$450
PSC N&W Auxiliary Water Tender, UP, New, PSC No. 15635......................................................$475
PSC NP Z-5 2-8-8-4, FP, New, Late Ver., Gray Boiler, Road No. 5006......................................$2,795
Kohs PRR K4 4-6-2 Prewar, FP, Mint, As Built Version, 1 of 7.................................................$3,495
PSC PRR K4 4-6-2 Standard, FP, Mint, Prewar Version - 130p75 tender................................$1,095
USH PRR K4 4-6-2, UP, Mint, Late Run, Correct Boiler..............................................................$925
WS PRR M1 4-8-2, UP, L/N, No Backhead Detail, PSC Detail Kit..............................................$975
WS PRR M1 4-8-2, CP, New, Backhead Detail...............................................................................$895
USH PRR M1a 4-8-2, UP, New......................................................................................................$1,095
Max Gray, PRR N1s 2-10-2, UP, Mint, Complete, Late Run.....................................................$1,595
USH PRR 210p75 Tender for M1a, UP, New, w/Antenna, w/Box.................................................$350
WVR PRR T1 4-4-4-4 Duplex, FP, L/N, Repowered, Early Porthole Version.............................$850
PSC SP AC-12 Crown 2-8-8-2, FP, New, Crown Model, No. 4294.............................................$4,995
OMI SP GS-3 4-8-4, CP, V/G, Deskirted Black Scheme.............................................................$1,095
Max Gray, T&P Texas 2-10-4, CP, Ex, Green Boiler, Late Run.................................................$3,495
PSC UP Bull Moose 2-8-8-0, FP, New, BL FWH, Dual Pumps, Road No. 3553.......................$3,695
PSC UP Bull Moose 2-8-8-0, FP, New, SA FWH, Late Oil Ver., Road No. 3560.......................$3,695
SS, UP Early Challenger, CP, Ex, Cockerham Drive..................................................................$2,495
Key UP FEF-3 4-8-4, FP, New, Early Excursion, No. 8444, 1 of 10...........................................$2,395
OMI UP FEF-3 4-8-4, FP, New, Late Excursion, No. 844...........................................................$2,295
USH USRA 0-8-0 Switcher, UP, New...............................................................................................$895
Diesel
Oriental, ALCO C-420 Phase II High Hood, UP, New, High Adhesion Trucks...........................$795
Key AT&SF ALCO PA-PB, FP, New, Warbonnet, 1st Run, Exquisite......................................$2,750
Atlas AT&SF FM Erie Built A-B-A, FP, Mint, Warbonnet, A Units Powered.............................$925
OMI AT&SF EMD SD75M, FP, New, Warbonnet......................................................................$2,195
All Nation, EMD F3 A-B, UP, Custom Built, 2 Sets Available.......................................................$595
Oriental, EMD NW-2 Phase IV, CP, Ex, Painted B&O - Fair Paint.............................................$595
CNJB LIRR B1 Electric Switchers, Pair, CP, Ex, No Box, LIRR Version, Nos. 334-335...........$495
Red Cab. NYC EMD GP-9 Kit, FP, New, Lightning Stripe...........................................................$250
Key PRR EMD E7 A-B-A, FP, Mint, Brunswick 5 Stripe, Last Run........................................$3,595
Key PRR EMD F7 A-B, FP, L/N, 1st run, Brunswick Freight...................................................$1,995
Atlas PRR FM Erie Built A-B, FP, Mint, 2nd Run, Both Units Powered.....................................$695
CNJB, SP ALCO RS-3, CP, V/G, Black Widow, 2 Available.........................................................$450
OMI UP EMD E8/E9 A-B-B, CP, L/N, Cockerham Repowered, Exquisite..............................$2,695
Challenger, UP EMD GP-7 Phase 2, FP, Ex, Heavy Weathering, Road No. 119.........................$895
OMI UP EMD GP-35, UP, Mint, Flywheels....................................................................................$695
Other
Custom, N&W Wood Sheathed Combine, CP, Ex, Labelle Closed Vestibule, Interior...............$295
P.Co. PRR X-42 Mail Storage Car, UP, New, 62'............................................................................$395
PSC Pullman 10-2-1 Sleeper, UP, New, PSC 15791, Rebuilt End, Plan 3585G............................$325
Bvr Creek UP B-50-31 Express Box Car, FP, Ex, Allied Trucks, Gray and Silver Scheme........$525
OMI B&M Wood Caboose, UP, New, 2 Versions Available...........................................................$295
DIVPT CSTP&MO Wood Caboose, FP, Mint, Road No. 6155.....................................................$425
PSC NYC 30 Ft. Wood Caboose, UP, Mint, PSC No. 15437..........................................................$325
TCW, PRR N5a and N5b Steel Cabin Cars, UP, Mint, Several Versions Available.....................$250
ALCO PRR N6a Wood Cabin Car, UP, New..................................................................................$150
TCW PRR N8 Steel Cabin Car w/Antenna, UP, Mint...................................................................$250
OMI WM NE Steel Caboose, UP, New............................................................................................$295
OMI Hawker-Siddeley Covered Hopper, CP, New, Saskatchewan Grain, Exquisite..................$450
PLTD PRR 52' 6 War Emergency Gondola, UP, New, PLTD PL-1250B.....................................$325
OMI PRR F39 Truc Train Flat Car, UP, New.................................................................................$250
PLTD P&LE - NYC USRA Design Steel Box Car, UP, Mint, 9'-4 Inside Height, PL-1600........$325
PSC Steel Peaked End Twin Hopper, UP, New, PSC 15011, Rollover Service.............................$225
PSC Harriman 65,000 Gal. Steel Water Tank, UP, New, PSC 16587, No Spout Version............$375
Not enough room
.....NOT ANY MORE!
Simply the highest quality,
laser-cut kits you can buy!!!
NEW!!
Full size F.D. WORK Building
(footprint: 10 3/4 x 13 3/4-inches)
O-Scale: $185
(CAN BE BUILT WITHOUT SIDE ADDITION)
F.D. WORK Building FRONT
(footprint: 2 3/4 x 13 3/4-inches with boardwalk)
O-Scale: $125
Ragg’s...To Riches
499 Davis Hill Road
Middlebury Center, Pennsylvania 16935
www.raggstoriches.biz (570) 376-2025
30 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
1-INCH DEEP!
(CAN BE BUILT WITHOUT SIDE ADDITION)

As the BRHRR develops towards a finished
stage, certain ideas have been adapted
as standard procedure for future projects.
The ”Turnout Operating Mechanism” is one of
them. In the future, any turnouts installed
or replaced on the BRHRR will use this form
of control. The drawing (page 32) and photos
show the construction, so any further
description is probably not necessary. u
1
4
2
5
3
6
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 31

32 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

Eagle’s Nest
Paint Work — 2 week
delivery possible*
Miniatures
Brass Work — 4 week
delivery possible*
• Custom Painting • Brass Detail Upgrading •
• DCC Installation • Repowering •
• Sound Systems •
Japanese Quality by an American Craftsman
Eagle’s Nest Minatures
Harry A. Hieke, Jr.
harrys_trains@comcast.net
856-625-5506
*Ask about our premium payment plan!
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 33

Joe Giannovario
I am planning to build a bucket
coaling-shed as part of my loco
servicing facilities on the Coal
Creek Railway. This shed was featured
in the June 1955 Model
Railroader, originally built by Paul
Larson in HO Scale. I wanted to
see how this structure would fit
in my space, and I also wanted to
see where it would fit best. So, I
scanned the MR drawings into my
computer and, using Photoshop
and the dimensions on the plans,
I re-sized the HO drawings to O
Scale. I then printed the front
and side views on my laser printer,
trimmed the drawings, taped them together, and placed them on the layout. It’s a good thing
I did, too. My original location was unsuited to the structure and now I know where it looks
and fits best.
u
Mike Cougill
Here’s a REALLY obvious tip. Do this any time you have to custom
mix something, such as a paint color or, in this case, a custom blended
ballast mix. Write down the ingredients used and the amounts
and proportions. Here, I’ve simply added a piece of tape to the ballast
container and written out the colors of ballast used, along with
the mixing ratio. Perhaps this isn’t too big a deal for blended ballast,
but trying to match a custom paint color is a fun exercise in frustration
without something to go by. This info could be logged into a
small notebook or computer file for easy reference.
u
Brian Scace
Big soldering guns are nice because the tips are usually smaller and handier than the
equivalent wattage soldering iron, and you can put them down without burning things
up or melting things down. I lent a friend my MOASG (Mother of all Soldering Guns) the
other day so he could knock out the feeder-wires-to-the-rails exercise on his railroad. He
struggled with the big klutzy thing for a while, knocking over everything within a foot of the
track on either side, and couldn’t get a good clean joint because the handle got in the way.
Finally, in disgust, he said the fool thing was too big and went for his little weeney soldering
pencil. That’s when I showed him the Really Obvious trick that allows you to get that little
tip on the web of the rail where it needs to be, so you can enjoy all those advantages of a
soldering gun over an iron. Hold the gun upside down.
u
34 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

The Spectrum ® On30 Baldwin 2-4-4 Forney
Locomotive of Choice
O n30
OUTSIDE FRAME
SANDY RIVER & RANGELY LAKE
Item No. 25476
OUTSIDE FRAME
PAINTED UNLETTERED
Item No. 25478
OUTSIDE FRAME
SANDY RIVER & RANGELY LAKE #12
Item No. 25494
OUTSIDE FRAME
PAINTED, UNLETTERED
Item No. 25498
DCC ON BOARD
(speed, direction, and lighting control)
MSRP: $275.00 each
DCC SOUND ON BOARD
(sound, speed, direction, and lighting control)
MSRP: $375.00 each
TM
INSIDE FRAME
SANDY RIVER & RANGELY LAKE
Item No. 25477
INSIDE FRAME
PAINTED UNLETTERED
Item No. 25479
INSIDE FRAME
SANDY RIVER & RANGELY LAKE #11
Item No. 25495
INSIDE FRAME
PAINTED, UNLETTERED
Item No. 25499
Characterized by a trailing truck
positioned under the coal
bunker/water tank, the Forney design
integrated the locomotive and fuel
bunker on to one frame, allowing for
smooth operation in tight curves.
Ideal for fast-paced railroad operation,
Forneys were the perfect choice for
urban elevated railroads and narrow
gauge short lines during the middle to
late steam era.
Choices abound with the Spectrum ®
On30 Baldwin 2-4-4 Forney. Offered
as inside- and outside-frame versions,
you can also decide if you’d like your
locomotive to be DCC-equipped (for
speed, direction, and lighting control)
or DCC sound-equipped. Either way,
you’ll have chosen wisely. Visit your
local hobby retailer to learn more
about the Spectrum ® On30 Forney and
Bachmann’s complete line of model
railroading products.
Features include:
• DCC-equipped or
DCC Sound On Board versions
• Die-cast frame, boiler, and cab
• Vestibule cab with operating
doors and interior detail
• 5 pole, skew-wound motor
• Operating LED headlight
• Separately applied detail parts
Bachmann Industries, Inc. • 1400 East Erie Avenue • Philadelphia, PA 19124 • www.bachmanntrains.com
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 35

East Gary
Car Co.
Dept OST
3828 St. Joseph Ct
Lake Station IN 46405
They’re Back!
Former Indianapolis Car Company sides
are now available from new tooling.
Parts #100 & #200
$3.00 each
Orders under $50 please add $4.50 for postage and
handling. SASE for updated list.
Repairs - Sales - Installations
Standard & Narrow Gauges
•DCC Equipment: Lenz® & NCE Corp
•Sound Systems: Dallee Electronics, Inc
ESULokSound SoundTraxx®
8/29 - 9/1 National Narrow Gauge Conventiom
Portland, ME - Holiday Inn by the Bay
Info at www.27thnarrowgaugeconvention.net
Other shows in CT, MA, MI, MD, NY, OH, PA, RI
call / write / email for further info
Special & Mail Orders - Major Credit Cards
Products to make your railroad better !
C r u s a d e r
R A I L S E R V I C E S
5920 Houghton St., Phila. Pa. 19128
215-482-7530 crusaderrail@verizon.net
Central’s Latest Releases
GP38-2, GP40-2, SD40-2, SD40T-2 & SD45T-2
GP40-2
The finest in modern O Scale Brass. 2 or 3-Rail operation. Machined
brass frames and fuel tanks, Pittman motor with dual flywheels. Your
choice of gear ratios, wheelsets, detail parts, etc. Custom built to your
specs. Kits $650 - $800. Custom built, painted and lettered $1100 to
$1400.
Central Locomotive Works
PO Box 1231 • Hesperia CA 92340
ph 760-244-9222 • fax 760-244-9322
e-mail clw2000@earthlink.net
www.centrallocomotiveworks.com
38 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
B R U M M Y ’ S
PREMIUM GROUND
RUBBER BALLAST
Scale or Hi-Rail Size:
Limestone White, Gray New
Earth Colors! (All sizes) Dry Dirt,
Rich Dirt (Darker), Sand Box
Beige (Brighter) Coal - All Sizes.
WE NOW TAKE VISA, M/C, and AMEX
Phone: 330-825-3673
Fax: 330-825-0214
200 23rd St. NW • Barberton, OH 44203
email: Dbrumagin4@netscape.net
www.VINYLBED.com
or423-727-8000
SamplesSpecifyscale/gaugeandmail
$2cashto:HOBBYINNOVATIONSDeptA
P.O.Box676MountainCityTN37683
CURVESINONEPIECE
ForAll
Brandsof
Track!
Quick
Installation
NoSanding
NoSealing
Remote
Control Systems
of New England
Sales and Service East of Mississippi
Remote Controls for “O” Scale
Trains. Batteries, Chargers,
Sound Systems, and Installations.
Systems starting at $170
Don Sweet
Phone: (603) 321-1347
Email: dsweet@rcs.mv.com
www.remotecontrolthrottles.com
BF&M
Baldwin Forge & Machine
Box 5, Baldwin MD 21013
How can we help you Custom machine
work, 3-R to 2-R conversions for steam,
diesel or electric. Driver castings
machined. General repairs to O Scale locomotives.
Call Joe, evenings 7 to 9 PM.
410-592-5275 or rrjjf@aol.com
NEW! 1930’s Era Transformer
Introducing our new 1930’s Allis-Chalmers
Transformer for use on heavy duty flatcars, in
substations or next to heavy industry on your
layout. (Flatcar shown available through B.T.S.)
See all of our products at our Ebay store
by visiting www.Trainloads.com
or call St. Charles Model Works, Inc.
at 815/457-2453.
Tr
in
America
S T U D I O S
Your Headquarters for
2-Rail TMCC locomotive
upgrades!
www.tastudios.com
330•533•7181 (weekdays)
Stevenson Preservation Lines
O Gauge Kits and Parts from past
Master Modelers
Catalog 2005 Price: $3.00
Baldwin Model Locomotive Works
Lobaugh
Adams & Sons
Lenoir
Kansas City Kit
Hines Lines
Alexander
Pearce Tool Co.
Bob Stevenson, 2326 230th St. Ames, IA 50014

Narrow Minded
Bobber Gibbs
Bachmann Forney With DCC & Sound
If you attended any of the recent National Narrow-Gauge
Conventions, you are probably aware that On3 is still very prominent,
but On30 has become much more popular over the past
ten years.
The first National Narrow-Gauge Convention that I attended
was in Denver, 20 years ago. Ten years ago, I presented an On30
clinic at the 1997 NNGC in Cincinnati. At that time, both the
Internet and the On30 Conspiracy were new. Bachmann Trains
had been promising an On30 Mogul and passenger train set in
C&S, PRR, and Christmas color schemes for several years. They
finally introduced it at the Colorado Springs convention in 1998,
and that narrow-gauge passenger set helped to create another
choice for O Scale modelers.
The On30 Mogul was a superb model, and Bachmann followed
that up with a series of locomotives including the tiny Porter
0-4-0, the Porter 0-4-2, the 18-ton Shay, the 28-ton Climax,
and the 8-ton Davenport. The second generation of Davenports
is now equipped with DCC decoders, as are the rail-trucks and
the 2-8-0 Consolidation.
Recently, Bachmann introduced the Forney
(see ad this issue), their first O Scale locomotive
with both DCC and sound, and it’s a small wonder
at a reasonable price. The Forney is available
as an inside- or an outside-frame locomotive
with either a wooden cab or a steel cab, lettered
or unlettered, with sound or without. The Forney
was a popular and efficient 24” gauge steamer
on several narrow-gauge lines in Maine, and one
version of the Bachmann model is beautifully lettered
for Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes #11. In
fact, there are so many versions to choose from
that you have to be careful to read the descriptions
in the catalog or on the website to select
the one that has the particular features that you
want.
I was particularly impressed with the attention
to small details like the cab piping, valves,
gauges, brake lever, and pull cords for bell and
whistle. I tested both the inside- and outsideframe
versions and found the operating characteristics
to be virtually the same. Note that the
center of balance is just forward of the rear driver
axle, and the center point of the wheelbase is
11’ from the front beam and around 20’ from the
rear. There is a whole lot of rigid frame behind
those drivers, but the rear truck is designed to
slide from side to side almost a half an inch
from the centerline. My sample made it around
my 18” radius curves with its rear end swinging
prominently out to the side.
With a Bachmann coach or freight car on the
rear coupler, it had no problem in forward or reverse direction.
I do not have a 15” curve so I tried it on my 12” test curve and it
still went around smoothly in both directions. With a coach or
freight car on the front coupler there was no problem in either
direction, but it was impossible to pull or push any car around
that curve on the rear coupler. That really isn’t surprising. Some
of the full-size Forneys regularly operated at high speeds in the
reverse direction, pulling a full train on the front coupler.
All the Forney models have DCC installed, and can be operated
with DCC or DC cab control. They are also available with
Soundtraxx Tsunami sound modules. The sound is spectacular
and, if you are new to DCC and sound, you will be mesmerized
and thrilled by this feature until you become aware that
the exhaust chuff is not regulated by a sound cam to produce
exactly four chuffs per driver revolution. After a short while, that
becomes very noticeable and mildly disappointing.
In every other way, this is an excellent model of a Forney, and
the only way it might be improved is if it was available with the
correct gauge of 24” for our fellow On2 modelers.
Happy trains to you until we meet again.
u
www.modelbuildingservices.com
Assembled buildings
from any manufacturer’s kit.
Kitbashed, painted and detailed...
“Just Like Real!”
Kit by Narrow Gauge Products
Model Building Services
Models built by Stu Gralnik
264 Marret Rd • Lexington MA 02421
Ph: 781-860-0554
stu@modelbuildingservices.com
Trackside Structures
From Scale University!
NEW
Loading Ramp
9 1/2˝ x 2 3/4˝
Scale House & Coal Shed also available.
Each structure
only $29.95 each
($49.95 each when completely painted and assembled).
Or purchase all three structures for
only $79.95
($109.95 fully painted and assembled).
Save Those
Auto Shocks:
1011-2
1011-3
1008B
Made for 2-Rail layouts (1011-2) or 3-Rail layouts (1011-3).
Scale University offers a laser-cut, wooden-plank grade crossing
for O Gauge layouts. For realism, the kit features etched spike heads
and planks. The planks, measuring 7-5/32 inches long
Come two sets to a package
for only $17.95.
Add $4.95 for shipping (orders over $100 are shipped free)
Order direct from Scale University
196 Cider Hill Rd., Exeter, ME 04435
207-379-4731
We accept check / money order
Visa • Mastercard
www.scaleuniversity.com
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 39

Hill’s
Hobby & Collectors’ Shop
• DCC Installations
• Custom Designed Items
• Custom Paint Jobs
• Warrantied Repairs
• Appraisals
• Custom Designed & Built
Layouts for home or office
• 24 Hour online shopping
Chicagoland’s Finest
FULL SERVICE
Hobby Shop
Trains
R/C
Rockets
Kites
Kits
and more!
Open 7 Days
a Week
10 PRAIRIE AVE • PARK RIDGE, IL 60063 • (847) 823-4464 • WWW.HILLSHOBBY.COM
40 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

New Expanded Website for Locomotives, Passenger and Freight Equipment
WWW.OSCALEREALISM.COM
2-Rail STEAM
MTH 2-Rail Locomotives
ATSF Northern $1150
CNJ Blue Comet Pacific $1200
CNW Streamlined Hudson $900
C&O Greenbrier $975
C&O Steam Turbine $1100
NKP Berkshire $1100
PRR T-1 #6110 $1200
N&W Class A 2-6-6-4 $1150
SP AC-6 Cab Fwd $975
SP 4-8-4 Daylight $1250
UP Big Boy 4-8-8-4 $1350
UP Gas Turbine 3 units $850
Weaver 2-Rail Brass
PRR K4 F/P Early $1100
PRR K4 C/P ’35-’41 scheme $1400
PRR K4 C/P ’42-’57 scheme $1400
PRR L1 F/P $950
RDG G1sas Crusader #117 or #118 $1200
RDG Crusader 5-car passenger set as-built $750
RDG Crusader 5-car set with corrected glazing
and shades $950
Other 2-Rail BRASS
USH PRR K4 C/P Full Striping $1650
USH NYC Dreyfus Hudson
custom ptd first scheme $1850
OMI MILW 4-4-2 Hiawatha C/P #1 $1750
PSC SOU Ps4 F/P Cresc Ltd. #1393 $2500
WMS L5 Rdg Camelback C/P $750
WMS SP Daylight 4-8-4 F/P $1100
SS UP 4-4-2 Atlantic, vandy tdr $975
MG Erie K5 Pacific, C/P mint $2900
2-Rail DIESEL
MTH PRR Centipedes $1250
MTH ATSF F3 Warbonnet paint $500
MTH T&P GP9 $325
10% Off on All 2-Rail Items
3-Rail Scale Steam
LIONEL
Sou Ts-1 4-8-2 detailed $1000
N&W Class A 2-6-6-4 NIB $1000
NYC Custom J1e Scullin disc PT Tndr $1400
N&W K2 4-8-2 custom, #123 $1250
N&W Y3 2-8-8-2 $1100
VGN 2-8-4 $1000
Weaver
PRR Std K-4 F/P $950
PRR K-4 C/P Early Low Tdr Striping $1450
PRR K-4 C/P 36-41 Condensed Ltr $1250
PRR K-4 C/P 41-47 Expanded Ltr $1250
PRR K-4 C/P 47-57 Modern Solid Pilot $1350
NH
I-4, 4-6-2 w/Elesco, long vandy tdr,
sound, smoke $1500
PRR A-5 0-4-0 F/P $800
RDG G-1sas Crusader $1100
RDG Matching Crusader Cars $600
RDG G-2 Pacific #177 $975
SAL C/P USRA 0-6-0 Sound $750
SOU C/P 4-8-2 Grn Stripes $1500
B&O C/P T-3 W/Vandy Sound Smoke $1750
WM H-7 C/P Dull Alt # $750
C&O 2-8-0 C/P Dull $750
UP ’49er S/L 4-6-2 $1100
Williams
RDG L5 Camelback C/P $750
PRR E-6 C/P Late #6513 $950
PRR B-6 C/P Dull #5244 $750
PRR L-1 C/P Dull Dg’ Tdr #714 $950
PRR L-1 C/P West Tdr #7345 $1100
PRR K-4 Custom Modern #646
Sound Smoke $1250
SOU Ps-4 Custom w/Elesco system
Green w/Stripes #6689 $1250
N&W Class A 2-6-6-4 Detailed $1350
N&W J 4-8-4 C/P #600 “dull” $650
B&A Custom 4-6-4, brass, upgraded $750
Westside Brass
RF&P Custom Governor 3-Rail Conversion
Sound Smoke Stripes Logo Etc. $2750
Sunset/3rd Rail
PRR H-6 C/P Late Scheme $975
PRR H-6 C/P PRSL #6016 $1075
PRR E-6 F/P Sound $1150
SP 4-4-2 Std $1000
SP 4-4-2 F/P Daylight $1150
UP 4-4-2 F/P $1050
PRR Turbine – Upgraded $1000
UP Big Boy W/ Sound $1950
ATSF Northern $1200
GN S-2 4-8-4 Glacier $1200
Sou Custom 4-8-2 Grn w/stripes, Weaver
motor and chassis, #6693 $1650
N&W K3 4-8-2 Water Buffalo $1300
MTH
ACL
4-8-4 Custom Mod 8 wheel
tennder #1801 $1650
C&O 4-8-4 Greenbrier $975
C&O Custom Greenbrier Early #605 $1250
C&O Kanawah 2-8-4 w/Psgr Announ $1250
DM&IR Yellowstone $1650
N&W Class A Custom #1216 Correct
& Detailed $1500
N&W Streamlined J 4-8-4 $1100
NYC Dreyfus Hudson $975
UP Northern #8444 $1250
PRR T-1 Duplex #6110 $1250
CNW S/L Hudson $800
ERIE Custom Superdetailed K-5
w/Vandy Tdr $1650
PRR Custom G-5 #5720 W/Brass Tdr $1100
PRR K-4 Modified As K-3 C/P #9999 $1000
RF&P 2-8-4 Custom Modified W/Striping $1450
WM H-9 2-8-0 c/p dull #802 $950
WM Challenger, 2 numbers CALL
3-Rail Scale Electric
Weaver
PRR GG-1, Tuscan 1 Stripe & Silver
1 stripe $850
Williams
PRR GG1-Bruns 5 C/P dull $475
PRR GG1-Tuscan 5 C/P dull $475
PRR GG1- Tuscan dummy $200
Sunset
PRR P5A modified-sound $800
Lionel
DL&W MU pwd & dummey $650
DL&W MU combine/coach dum $550
L.I.R.R. custom pwd dum-Tuscan $900
MTH
MILW Bipolar $775
NH E3B $700
NH EP-3-M’Ginnis $875
PRR GG-1, Tuscan 5 & Conrail $675
K-Line
NH EP5 $350
RDG MU 70’ TT green pwr/dum $375
RDG MU 70’ Blue/Wht pwr/dum $425
PRSL MU 60’ Tuscan w/poles $400
3-Rail Scale Diesel
Atlas
GN SW8 Green/Orange $325
AMTK DASH 8 #509 $395
C&O RS-1 $375
N&W SD-35 $375
UP SW-9 $350
WT (Wash. Terminal) RS-1 $400
LIONEL
EL Alco PA A-A w/fact. sound $575
MTH
ATSF F-3 A-B-A $700
ATSF DL-109A/B custom fixed closed pilot $650
B&O E-6 A-B custom fixed closed pilot $750
B&O E-8 A-B-A $650
C&O F-3 A-B $450
C&NW DASH 9 $275
FEC BL-2 $350
GM&O GP-38 $300
NYC E-8 A-A custom l/s $700
MILW DL-109 $300
NH DL-109/110-Custom pilot scale cplr $650
PRR Centipedes-5 Stripe $1000
PRR E-8 A-A custom Bruns 5 Stripe $700
PRR E-8 A-A custom Tuscan 5 Stripe $700
PRSL AS-616 custom #6000 $475
SAL E-8 A-B-A Citrus Scheme $650
SAL E-6 A-B custom fixed closed pilot $750
SOU DL109/110-cust. ptd fixed pilot $700
RDG GP7 cust pt 1st scheme #600 $475
RDG GP7 cust. pt no dynam. #660 $525
RDG Trainmaster 1st scheme #860 $550
RI E-8 A-B-A $695
Weaver
B&O VO 1000 $199
C&O RS-3 $250
C&O RSD5 $250
C&O GP-38 $275
UP E-8 AA $375
Williams
Custom E7 Diesels - All with fixed pilots, scale
lead couplers and diaphragms.
ACL AB $550
B&M A unit, custom single headlight $300
CB&Q AB $550
L&N AA $450
Sou AA Custom Painted $650
Correct passenger cars are available for most locomotives, custom and/or production. Inquire for availability.
Railroad Collectibles, 86 W. Johnson St., Philadelphia, PA 19144
Voice: 215-438-4330 • Fax: 215-438-7322 • Email:oguage.railroad@verizon.net
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 41

Nos. 16001-18500 O SCALE/PROTO 48 • Kit #124/124-P … $49.95
•Based on 1917 prototype built
by Mt. Vernon Car Co.
•Double sheath with Dreadnought ends
•Steel underframe
•Andrews trucks
•Kit includes couplers and decals
Also available –
SACRAMENTO NORTHERN
Boxcar Nos. 2301-2350
Kit #125/125-P … $49.95
Coming soon – SP Sugar Beet Gondola
42 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

There are a large
number of small line-side structures
that you can add to your layout that can add detail and
interest. Years ago, milk was transported by rail in a vast array
of specialized reefer or milk cars. Along branchlines there
would be small sheltered platforms for farmers to set out their
daily collection of filled milk cans. These were picked up and
transported into larger centers for combined processing and
further shipping throughout the nation. These small milk stations
can add an interest point, and also give you an excuse for
making a brief stop to pick up a few milk cans off your rural
branch line for transport into the nearest town.
I had seen that CMA made a styrene kit for a milk station
in HO, based on an O&W prototype. However, this is a
wooden structure. To my eye, nothing takes paint and stain
and weathering like wood. Also, being an O Scale modeler,
an HO kit can only serve as a starting point to build my version
of this structure, board-by-board. This turned out to be
a relatively easy build. It could be simplified by using commercial
siding and decking, but that might sacrifice the scale
wall-thickness along with the look of exposed framing.
I started by building the platform and set the dimensions
to be 10’ x 20’. I made the 20’ front and back sills from 1/4”
x 3/32” dimension lumber (Figure 1). The 9-1/4’ ends are 1/4”
x 1/8” dimension lumber, while the rest of the 9-1/4’ platform
joists were fashioned from 1/4” x 3/32” dimension lumber.
The frame was assembled using Walthers Goo to hold it
together until the deck was installed. The decking was made
Building a Simple
Line-Side Structure:
Milk Station
Martin Brechbiel
from one of my favorite sources of rough lumber,
wooden coffee stirrers, which were CA’d to the platform
frame leaving the excess to be trimmed off later
with a sharp utility knife. I smoothed the ends off
with my belt sander, but you could use a sanding
block just as easily.
Twelve posts (each five feet long) for the
platform were cut on the bandsaw from
HO 10” x 22” stock. More often than not,
everyone just glues these underneath
onto the inside surface of
the joists. This time I cut
a mortise out of each leg
on the band saw (mind
the fingers), to accept the
joists so that they would
actually rest on the posts.
Then I CA’d them into
place. Diagonal bracing,
made of HO 3" x 10",
was added front-to-back on
both sides of each row of posts.
They were added across the front and
back as well. I dressed these up a bit by adding
Grandt Line #23 nut-bolt-washer castings at every joint to
complete the platform.
The station was built using 2x4 and 4x4 framing. There
were two sidewalls (Figure 2) built on an eight-foot long 2x4
sill with 4x4 ends; one end was eight feet high while the
other was ten feet high. The ten-foot long 4x4 was doubled
inside the wall with a 2x4 that served to support the 2x4
cap. There were three 2x4 studs, each eight feet long, in the
wall. All of these were assembled using Walthers Goo. Next,
the interior surface (there is a left and a right as these were
built as mirror images (Figure 3)) of the ten-foot long 4x4 was
doubled with an 8’-2” long 2x4 that started flush with the sill
base. I left a four-inch gap above this 2x4, then added another
piece of 2x4 leaving yet another four-inch gap between
that board and the top of the 4x4. These two gaps were left
to inset two 4x4 boards that would connect the two sidewalls.
The 12’ back wall (Figure 2) was framed entirely of 2x4
studs set on 24” centers. Seven rafters were made from rough
scrap (approximately 2” x 12”). Each is 11-3/4’ long, beveled
on each end, and mortised to set down onto the framing of
the sides (Figure 2).
The structure was assembled by CA’ing the right side of
the framing to the back. This assembly was, in turn, glued to
the left side. Remember to make sure that the interiors of the
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 43

sides are facing each other towards the interior. Two 4x4s, cut
to the length of the back wall, were then inserted into those
mortises to connect the fronts of the sidewalls. These were
secured with a dab of Goo. After the glue had set up, cripple
wall studs made from scrap 2x4 were installed between
those two 4x4s (Figure 3), aligned with the studs in the back
wall. Then, the rest of rafters were installed resting above the
studs in the back wall and those in the cripple wall.
The entire exterior was finished with board-and-batten
siding. First, the exterior framing was sheathed in individual
boards made from HO 2” x 20” stock, including the front
area covering up the cripple wall studs. I mortised these
boards, so they would tightly wrap around the rafters. After
this, I covered the gaps with HO 2x6 to make the board-andbatten
exterior. Roof sheathing was also added at this time.
I made this from HO 2” x 24” board, cut to leave about four
inches of overhang. It was left loosely spaced on the rafters.
At this point, I decided to do some staining and painting
before further assembly. The deck and entire structure
was stained with Pecan Minwax followed by darkening the
posts and sides a bit with my Minwax mystery mix (leftovers
in a bottle). After drying, the board-and-batten exterior was
painted, first with Floquil Wisconsin Golden Yellow. This
was pretty much quickly slopped on using a very stiff brush.
Then, while it was still quite tacky to the touch, the entire
exterior was painted over with Polly S Sea Green and left to
dry. This combination produces a visual effect of crackled
and peeling paint over the yellow which, after drying, took
on a more faded appearance. The tarpaper roofing was
added. I cut some 600-grit sandpaper into something close
to 4’ x 8’ sheets, glued it down with carpenter’s glue, and
painted over it with Polly S Oily Black.
I glued the station structure to the back left corner with
CA, and then wrapped up the finishing by painting the tar
seams on the roof with Polly S Steam Black. Then I drybrushed
the exposed decking and posts with Polly S Milwaukee
Road Grey. Lastly, I over-sprayed the entire structure with
very dilute Floquil Grimy Black. The painting completed, I
added a collection of milk cans both inside and out, a couple
of barrels, a ladder, and a crow to the roof.
So, here’s a really simple project that can get you started
building board-by-board, or you can shortcut it using scribed
siding and commercial board-and-batten, or even clapboard,
siding. However you build it, this is simple enough that you
can customize it and detail and weather it to suit your branch
line. Have fun building!
u
44 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 45

View of the deck from underneath showing the framing.
View of the deck showing the decking arrangement.
The assembled 2x4 framed walls with the rafters, and cripple stud
framing fully sheathed with board and batten.
View of the completed deck showing the diagonal stringers.
The 2x4 framing for the left, right, and back walls.
The assembled 2x4 framed walls mounted on the platform, painted,
weathered, and with added milk cans, and other details.
The assembled 2x4 framed walls with the rafters, and cripple stud
framing spanning the front.
46 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

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July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 47

More on Realistic Passenger
Car Lighting
Ted Byrne
In Issue 31 of OST, I discussed simple electronic units to
control light emitting diodes (LEDs) in passenger cars (Photo
1). I would like to wrap up that topic here, so that I can move
on next time to cover the inexpensive sound systems that are
appearing for the smaller scales. Since sound does not have a
scale, they are also applicable in O Scale.
1
2
LEDs, and integrated circuits to control them in model railroads,
are not that new. The new factor is the decreasing cost
that makes their use attractive. The main advantage of LEDs is
their low power needs. It is quite possible to have a long passenger
train with internal car lighting wherever appropriate.
However, as with any car illumination technique, the light flickers
as the car wheels move over the track. If that bothers you, it
can also be fixed.
AC
IN
AC
IN
RECT.
RECT.
Figure 1
CAP.
.1
CAP.
.1
LM
317Z
RES.
68
LM
317Z
RES.
68
LEDs
LEDs
Figure 1 and Photo 2 are a circuit diagram and photograph
of my universal controller. I’ll show how it can be used to
eliminate flicker, but first let me walk you through the components.
As you can see by comparing it with the circuit in the
last installment, the controller consists of two rectifier/currentlimiter
circuits. There are two slight differences, though. I used a
single bridge-rectifier instead of four diodes (for simplicity), and
I put a capacitor between the rectifier and the current-limiter
to smooth out the DC voltage. As you recall from last time, the
317 regulator keeps the voltage across its resistor from exceeding
1.2 volts, so the current can be controlled by the value
of this resistance. This dual unit can be used to provide 0.02
amperes to each of two circuits of lights with 68 ohm resistors.
The plastic board can even be cut in half horizontally and the
two sub-units can be put in two different cars.
AC
IN
AC
IN
RECT.
RECT.
Figure 2
CAP.
.1
CAP.
.1
LM
317Z
RES.
68
LM
317Z
RES.
68
LEDs
LEDs
Figures 2, 3 and 4 show how this unit can be modified to
do different jobs by a few wire changes. In figure 2 one rectifier
is omitted and both current-limiters are connected to the other
rectifier. This can be used several ways. If you use DC cabcontrol,
thus variable track voltage, sometimes there might not
be enough voltage for all the lights that you want (Recall that
the rectifier and limiter take up about three volts.) We’ll put the
lights in two parallel strings with this circuit. Perhaps you might
want two illumination levels at the same time; an example
would be bright interior lights and dim marker lights. This can
be set by the value of the two resistors in the unit. You might
48 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

AC
IN
AC
IN
RAIL
1
FROG
RAIL
2
RECT.
RECT.
RECT.
RECT.
Figure 3
CAP.
.1
CAP.
.1
Figure 4
CAP.
.1
CAP.
.1
CAP.
.1
LM
317Z
RES.
68
LM
317Z
RES.
68
LM
317Z
RES.
LM
317Z
RES.
LEDs
LEDs
LEDs
LEDs
want to control incandescent lights, like the grain-of-wheat
bulbs that go into marker-light assemblies. They can be driven
by a current-limiter also, which will prolong their life.
Now, back to the question of flicker. A locomotive tolerates
dirt and gaps in the track by having a flywheel to carry it over
the bad spots. The electrical equivalent to a flywheel is a capacitor;
it stores up electricity during the good times and gives it
back during the bad times. A capacitor needs DC (and we just
happen to have DC after the bridge rectifier), so we just need
to hang a big capacitor across the power leads and we can say,
”goodbye flicker”. I added a 10,000 micro-farad capacitor to
my lighting circuit, and the flicker disappeared. It even went
over insulated frogs without blinking off and on again.
That really isn’t a good solution for several reasons. The
capacitor takes in electricity in such big gulps that it can cause
arcing between the wheels and rails. This effect causes new bad
spots for electrical transfer. The capacitor can also upset command
control systems, making the system think that a short circuit
occurred or that a reversing loop should be switched. We
need to limit the amount of current that the capacitor can draw.
Well, we’ve just been talking about current-limiters. As it turns
out, we need another one in front of the capacitor, one with
higher current capacity.
Figure 3 shows the same unit with one rectifier omitted and
the upper half feeding the lower half. The first unit is charging
up a capacitor to prevent flicker. It has a 12-ohm resistor to
limit current to 0.1 ampere, the maximum current that the tiny
LM317LZ can handle. The second unit has the usual 68-ohm
resistor to limit LED current to about 0.02 ampere. I used a 47-
microfarad capacitor (C1) and it removed most of the flicker.
When I used a 1000-microfarad capacitor, it removed all of the
flicker, but it is physically larger. If you want to use more current,
you can replace the first 317 with the big brother version
LM317AT. It can handle up to 1.5 amperes, if you use a smaller
value of resistor. Its leads fit into the same holes in the board
as the smaller unit, but it sticks up higher. This circuit is only
practical with the full track-voltage that comes with command
control systems, because it takes up about five volts, leaving ten
volts or so for the lights. This version does require some more
space for the bigger capacitor.
Now, I would like to consider turnout signal lights, not car
lighting. This is a completely different application. A prototype
railroad will have some indicator telling which way a turnout
is set. It may be a simple mechanical signal that is a part of the
turnout controller, or it may contain electrical signals. Electrical
signals are popular in model railroads. They add some pizzazz,
but also the engineer (who is not actually on location in
the locomotive) can see the turnout status. These are controlled
by extra contacts on the turnout actuator. If you use (computer
friendly) turnouts that have points that are always electrically
connected to the adjacent rail and a frog that is isolated and has
its power switched with the turnout, then you get signal power
for free. Just use the voltage between the frog and the two siderails
to light the appropriate signal lights.
Figure 4 shows how two rectifiers are connected together and
fed from the two outer rails at a turnout and the isolated turnout
frog. Then, as the turnout is thrown and the frog voltage switched,
the two circuits power the appropriate LED signal. I use three
signals, one for each path into the turnout. They have green and
amber lights at the ”points end”, green and red lights at the other
end, and amber and red lights at the diverging track end.
In this installment we used the following additional parts:
1 Bridge Rectifier (1 amp 100 volt Digi-Key W01G/1G1
or equivalent)
Electrolytic Capacitors (47 to 1000 microfarad, 35 to
50 volt)
Perf-Board for mounting (1-7/8” x 2-7/8” Radio Shack
276-149 (can be cut down))
This universal controller is small and inexpensive, but it is
awkward to solder together all those little parts. I am making
printed circuit boards for this unit because they simplify the
assembly so much. I would be interested in knowing if anyone
else is interested in these PC boards.
u
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 49

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50 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

DCC For Traction Layouts
David Gairo
1
I was born and raised in Philadelphia when there were still a
lot of trolleys operating. I rode them all over the city. I have been
building and operating model trolleys since 1965, and I am very
much involved with the trolley museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania,
and one of the organizations that became a part of the volunteer
group there. With a background of operating and riding
the real thing for many years, I want to have my model trolleys
operate as much like them as possible.
I like city trolley operation with complicated trackwork in
the streets. A previous layout, measuring only six by eight feet,
had 21 blocks and 30 track switches incorporated into it. Before
digital command control (DCC), I was limited to carefully running
two trolleys at a time. This was accomplished with a lot of
block-toggle throwing. Now, with DCC, I can have a car pull
up behind another car at a car stop and have multiple cars at
an intersection at the same time. The limitation is the number of
throttles available and people to run them. Even that can be gotten
around with a computer!
A decoder is the controller for every powered unit on a DCC
layout. It recognizes commands addressed to that car (trolley or
locomotive) and controls its motor. For my O Scale trolleys, I use
HO decoders rated for 1.2 to 1.5 amps because most O trolleys
use HO motors in their power trucks. Even the older open-frame
motors (DC-60 size) will operate well on these decoders. I have
used decoders from most DCC manufacturers. I generally select
the basic models, as I do not require a bunch of functions since I
wire the car’s interior lights on all the time and only use the forward
and reverse headlight functions of the decoder. All decoders
include the two headlight functions.
Everyone who writes about selecting decoders tells you to
test the ”stall” current of your motor. I cannot remember ever
stalling a motor. I weight my cars to slip the wheels if the load
is too much. I then select a decoder that handles the ”normal”
motor load. I have not lost a decoder yet. You decide! By the
way, don’t forget that any lights driven by the decoder have to be
added to the total load.
Since I detail the interiors of my passenger trolleys, I usually
mount the decoder under the floor with double-sided tape. The
decoder gets enough air circulation, and most of the car’s wiring
is under the floor already. Photo 1 shows the bottom of a singletruck
car with the decoder near the left platform. This is a small
car, but it has little underbody detail so there is enough room
for the decoder. It is an open car with running boards and they
hide the decoder from view. Photo 2 shows the underside of
two similar Philadelphia cars. The car on the left has its decoder
under the front platform, out of the way of any detail. The other
car’s decoder is mounted between the center-door steps and
other underbody details. In both cases, the decoders cannot be
seen when the cars are on the layout. Photo 3 is the car with the
decoder under the platform. If you look really close, you may
2
3
be able to see a trace of yellow wire! (Yep! There are a few paint
chips on that car. I do run them and no Philadelphia trolley ever
went unblemished!) On freight motors and other large-motored
cars, I mount the decoder inside the car. These decoders are usually
larger, to handle more current.
Now we get to the wiring of the decoders (see Fig. 1). Trolley
models are typically wired to pick up power from the overhead
wire, and the poles are set up to reverse polarity when they are
changed. Pole-reverse required the motor to be isolated from the
car, and so does DCC. DCC-equipped cars can also use polereverse,
but only if they are operating on a DC layout. When
running with DCC, the decoder controls the direction. It doesn’t
matter which pole is up or what polarity is on the overhead. I
used to wire my cars for pole-reverse, but I’ve pretty much quit.
The few times my cars operate on DC, the layouts are in a loop
configuration. Since the cars always go one direction, the pole
reverse is not needed.
Basic connection of a DCC decoder requires only four wires,
two from the track and overhead to the red and black connections
on the decoder, and two to the motor from the orange and
gray of the decoder. All the other wires are for functions and
are optional. To have reversing headlights requires three wires,
white to the front, yellow to the rear, and the blue one is a common
(for all functions) return. What can we do with any extra
functions your decoder may provide Photo 4 is a Philadelphia
snow sweeper. I used a decoder function to turn on the motor
that runs the brushes. At train shows, it fascinates people when I
bring the car to a stop in front of them and then start the brushes.
I have also used extra functions to control marker lights and interior
lights, separate from the headlights. You do have to be careful,
though! Function leads can usually support a current of only
200 mA, and the maximum capacity of the decoder includes
any function load plus the motor. So, how do we handle a heavy
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 51

2007 O Scale National Convention Car Order Form
Just after WWII, John W Barringer III became president of the Monon (Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville).
He found a property worn from the rigors of depression and war, and set about a massive modernization program
including new power and rolling stock. Many Hoosiers remember fondly the passenger trains painted in the crimson
and gray of Indiana University and the slick new freight Diesels in the black and gold of Purdue.
Perhaps as a tacit nod to an unsung income earner, a group of new boxcars was numbered from 1-500. Thus, the
coveted "One-Spot" on Indiana's own railroad was occupied by a plain red forty-footer. The car became a celebrity
in its own right, with spottings regularly reported to the railfan press as it quietly went about the country, earning its
keep.
The 2007 O Scale National Convention is proud to announce Monon #1 is its convention car. Thanks to Tom
Kepshire, JD, Ken Weller, and Ron Marquardt for their assistance in getting the lettering correct.
The car is being made for us by Weaver Models and includes diecast trucks and couplers. This is a 2-rail model.
The quantity is limited to 100 pieces so order early. If you will pick up your car at the convention the cost is $50. If
you would like your car shipped to you as soon as they are available (probably in June) the cost is $60. Checks only
for pre-orders. Checks and cash accepted at the convention.
Yes, I would like to order _____ (quantity) of the Monon #1 convention car.
Convention pick up: @$50 each
Ship to me ASAP: @$60 each
total _______________
total _______________
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________________________________________
State: ____________________________
ZIP: ______________________________
Mail this order form to Joe Giannovario c/o OST, PO Box 238, Lionville PA 19353
52 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
No Phone Orders • No Credit Cards

Fig. 1
4
load Look at the wiring diagrams. At the bottom-right is a relay
that is driven by any of the function leads from the decoder,
even the headlight function. The specified relays are 12V and
only draw 37.5 mA (Radio Shack 275-241, 275-241A, or All
Electronics RLY-461). I used the relay to run the brush motors on
the sweeper. I also used a relay in one car to turn on the headlight
and the interior lights, both on one circuit. Photo 5 shows
the size of the relays relative to a pencil. They can be mounted
under a car and painted to look like part of the car’s underbody
equipment.
To set up a decoder for operation, we have to ”program” it.
Don’t run away! You don’t have to know about computers to do
this! Programming means setting configuration variables (CV’s)
to certain values. Every DCC manufacturer provides a method
to program CV’s with their system. It may be accomplished
using a throttle or with the system’s command station. While a
decoder will have 50 to 100 CV’s, only a few need to be set for
basic operation. CV1 is set to the ”unique” address for this car.
It allows only a two-digit address, so I used the last two digits
of the car number. Most decoders will also allow a four-digit
address, but that is the next step beyond basic.
CV29 is a multi-function variable. It can specify which end
of the car is the front when the decoder is set for ”forward”. CV
29 can tell the decoder to run on a normal DC voltage, and if it
should use the two- or four-digit address. It can also specify the
use of a custom speed-table. Speed tables allow the alteration of
5
motor response so
cars with different
motors can be
operated together
as a multiple unit
consist. I usually
set CV29 to a
value of 06. That
value gives me
forward operation
and allows the car to run on DC layouts. Other CV’s set minimum
start voltage, maximum voltage, acceleration and deceleration
momentum and more advanced options. So, to get our
basic DCC trolley running, we set two CV’s, CV1 and CV29.
Do you want to make decoder programming a little easier
or get into advanced options There are computer interfaces and
software available for some DCC systems to program decoders
(and much more). For Digitrax systems (I’m using Digitrax.)
there is a device available to connect the Digitrax network to a
computer, called ”Locobuffer”. With Locobuffer and Decoder
Pro software (free on the Internet) you can program decoders
and save the configurations on the computer. There is a throttle
included in Decoder Pro that can control a car on the layout
from the computer. You can write a file of commands and have
the software play it back, providing the possibility of automatic
operation. This software is being enhanced by the users. With
signaling, turnout control, and transponding decoders available,
who knows what may develop
I hope I have convinced you that DCC is not difficult. What
I have described is how I have integrated DCC into my trolley
system. Everything I mentioned can certainly be applied to a
"steam" railroad. The major difference is you will need decoders
with a greater current capacity. Find a few friends of friends who
are running layouts with different DCC systems and see how it
works. You should try systems from different manufacturers to
see what options are available. Be sure to try different throttles,
since the throttle is your main interface with the system. If you
are not comfortable with the throttle, you will not be happy with
the system. Have fun!
u
Mort Mann
Mort Mann, the founder of Sunset Models, passed away
suddenly on Sunday May 6, 2007, after attending his granddaughter’s
college graduation. An Air Force Korean War vet,
Mort began his professional career as an engineer in New
York City, developing the first radar array at O’Hare Airport.
Mort founded Sunset Models in the late 1970s, importing
HO and O Scale models. In the mid-90s, Mort added
O Scale 3-Rail brass locomotives to the line, and the business
became known as Sunset/3rdRail. He was inducted
into the O Scale Hall of Fame
at the 2006 O Scale National
Convention in Parsipanny, New
Jersey.
Mort is survived by his wife
of 51 years, Gerre, three children,
and six grandchildren.
Scott Mann will now take the
helm of Sunset/3rdRail.
We offer our condolences to
Scott and his family. Mort will
be most fondly remembered.
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 53

2007 O Scale National Convention
Sponsored
by The
54 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
Indy O Meet & O Scale Trains
September 20, 21 & 22, 2007
Rooms from $75.00 to $94.00 l Special Rates & Reservations by 8/10/07
at the Marriot Indianapolis East l 7202 21st Street l Indianapolis, IN 46219
http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/inddt
website: www.2k7oscalenat.com
P 400 Tables
P Two Trading Halls
P Clinics all day Thursday
P Layout Tours
P Door prizes every hour
P Free Parking
Buy⁄Sell⁄Trade
LSASE for list of SS Brass Locos
Gem PRR B6 0-6-0, C/P or N/P, OB..............................................................$575.00
WSM PRR J1a, 2-10-4, C/P, OB.................................................................$1,650.00
WSM PRR M1, 4-8-2, C/P, Nice, OB..........................................................$1,150.00
Weaver Brass WP GS64 4-8-4, F/P, LN, OB.................................................$795.00
USH C&O 2-8-4, C/P, Runs good, OB........................................................$1,275.00
MG NYC J1e, 4-6-4, Nice, N/P, NOB..........................................................$1,175.00
PSC #16145 PRR B6sb 0-6-0, C/P, OB.......................................................$1,250.00
USH PRR M1a, 4-8-2, C/P, OB...................................................................$1,275.00
PSC #17107-1 Crown Heisler, New OB (#4 of 11).....................................$1,795.00
MG B&O 2-8-8-4, C/P, NOB.......................................................................$1,995.00
OM PRR M1b, 4-8-2, LN, F/P, OB.............................................................$1,895.00
SS PRR I1 2-10-0, long tender, N/P, OB, new............................................$1,150.00
MG PRR J 2-10-4, C/P, Icken gearsm NOB...............................................$1,895.00
USH NYC H10, 2-8-2, Mint, N/P, OB.........................................................$1,375.00
OM PRR P5a Electric, F/P Brunswick Green, LN, OB............................$1,200.00
SS PRR DD1 Pair, F/P, OB.............................................................................$750.00
OM BNSF C44-9W, F/P LN OB..................................................................$1,875.00
OM BNSF SD70MAC, F/P, OB...................................................................$1,875.00
Atlas C&O SW9, 2-Rail, LN, OB...................................................................$249.00
GEM Rdg 0-6-0 Camelback, Ptd, not ltd, OB..............................................$700.00
IHM 42T Climax TCW Tks, F/P NOB, test run...........................................$800.00
Layaway Available
Magazine
Jim Hackworth
MODEL TRAINS
(and Subsidiary JH Consulting)
2631 Edgevale Road, Columbus OH 43221-1113
Phone: 614-4514517 Fax: 6144514557
Email: jhmtrains@msn.com • Web: www.jhmtrains.com
LSASE for Complete List
Shipping 6% - $6.00 Min., $12.00 Max
Ohio Residents Add 6.75% Sales Tax
Registration $35.00
Advance registration by 8/15/07 includes a custom
laser engraved name tag
Tables $40.00
after 8/15/07 $50.00
Please make checks to:
James Canter
1203 Rotherham Lane
Beech Grove, IN 46107-3323
317 l 322 l 3716 l jcanternkp@sbcglobal.net
Consignments
PRB Trinity 5161cf, Cov. hopper, F/P AGP, New..........................................$325.00
OM PRR PAPBPA Set, Late Run, F/P, New..............................................$3,990.00
MG PRR N5 Caboose, N/P, OB......................................................................$250.00
GEM PRR A5 0-4-0, runs good, C/P, OB......................................................$625.00
SS N&W J 4-8-4 Rebuilt w/Sound, C/P, OB..............................................$1,500.00
Yoder GE 44T, F/P, Not Ltd, New OB...........................................................$299.00
OM #0133 Gilpin Shay, F/P, New, OB........................................................$1,200.00
OM ATSF Erie Built “B” Unit, F/P, New......................................................$899.00
Weaver PRR N5c Caboose, LN, N/P, OB......................................................$350.00
Scale Mod Ind Roundhouse kit......................................................................$195.00
PRB 70’ Greenville Gon, F/P CNW, New......................................................$259.00
PRB 40’ Airslide F/P BN, New, OB................................................................$249.00
PRB 50’ Airslide F/P BN, New, OB................................................................$249.00
OM 89’ TTX flat, C/P TTX Yellow, LN, OB..................................................$275.00
Atlas NS Articualted Suto Rack, New..............................................................$99.00
PRB Sealand Gunderson D. Stack, set, LN, OB........................................$1,395.00
PRB Thrall TTX D. Stack, set, F/P, LN. OB..............................................$1,395.00
PRB BN Gunderson D. Stack, set, LN, OB................................................$1,395.00
PRB #4712D CRR Caboose (ATSF Style), LN, OB......................................$295.00
MG PRR N8 Caboose, N/P, NOB...................................................................$250.00
Alco PRR N6a, C/P or N/P, each....................................................................$225.00
SEND LSASE FOR LARGE LIST OF MG/USH KTM ITEMS
Estates⁄Liquidations
Collection Reductions

A Simple Spin-casting Machine
William W. Davis
Have you ever wanted to build a model but the parts were
just not available to you You probably thought about having
castings made, but the cost of have them made commercially
was prohibitive, so the project went undone. Well, I’ve been
there, and I discovered a solution to this dilemma. Many
years ago, I read a booklet published by Finelines about making
your own casting machine. Ever since, I have wanted to
build a spin-casting machine. The problem was finding the
old Mix Master mixer, called for in the Finelines book, and
not having to pay a fortune because it was considered an
”antique”.
Several years ago, I used a machine (built by Jim Dunlap)
using a drill motor. This worked well, but I didn’t want to
have to assemble and disassemble a casting machine to use
my drill as it was intended. The hassle of doing this would
mean I probably wouldn’t do it at all. Call me lazy! To solve
this problem, I bought a replacement motor for a sewing
machine and a dimmer switch that I could use for speed
control from my local electrical supply. From these parts, I
started designing a spin-casting machine of my own.
I began by designing a box that would hold the motor and
spin-table. This was a simple square box, 11” x 10-1/4” tall,
with a shelf 3-1/2” from the top and a partition 2-3/4” from
the left side to support the motor. I built this out of 3/4” particle
board and I dado’d all the joints. It probably isn’t really
necessary to dado the joints, but I’m a cabinetmaker so it’s a
habit. There’s no reason that you couldn’t use lighter material,
but I had this on hand as scrap from other projects. I
test-fitted the pieces, then drilled the motor mount partition.
The motor I used was, as I mentioned, a standard sewing
machine replacement motor and was purchased at a local
electrical supply. For the speed control I planned to mount
a dimmer switch on the right side of the machine. With the
motor and dimmer switch located, I was ready to assemble
the box. I mounted the motor and then glued the box
together. I cut a hole in the right side of the box to mount the
dimmer switch, then wired the motor to the dimmer switch
and the dimmer switch to an old electrical cord I had lying
around. It sounds a little complicated, but it really isn’t; it’s
just basic wiring. After a successful test, it was on to building
the spin-table.
The trick to using a spin-casting machine is figuring out
how to securely mount the two-sided mold while the table
is spinning at high RPM’s. If it isn’t held tightly, the casting
material will fly everywhere and you won’t get clean castings.
We need a way to securely support the mold. I began
by cutting a piece of 3/4” plywood, two pieces of 1/2”
plywood, and a piece of 1/4” Plexiglas on my band saw to
8-1/4” in diameter. I clamped the pieces together and drilled
three holes through, using my drill press, for the screws that
would hold them together. I then glued the two 1/2” pieces
together and cut out the center area to hold my mold. This
allowed me enough space for a one-inch thick two-sided
mold. That’s more then enough for most things I want to
cast. You could make the chamber deeper if you are planning
larger castings. I mounted the bolts used to close the
chamber, using three 1/4” x 20 bolts and T-nuts screwed into
the bottom 3/4” plywood piece. I made sure the bolts were
long enough to hold the one-inch mold holder and the 1/4’”
Plexiglas cover, while leaving enough thread to tighten it all
together with washers and wing nuts. This might not have
been really necessary, but I also cut an alignment notch in
all four pieces to ease the assembly of the spin-table. Lastly,
I need to mount the table to the motor. A friend made me
an aluminum mounting-disc that bolted to the shaft of the
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 55
1
2

3
6
4
7
5
8
motor and the bottom of the spin-table I built. You could use
a mounting disc designed for a small disc sander and bolt
the spin-table to it. This way, one wouldn’t need to be custom
made. Sander discs are available at most large hardware
stores or tool supplies.
The photos show the various components and their
assembly. Photo 1 shows the assembled spin-caster and the
dimmer switch used to control the speed. Photo 2 shows
how I mounted and wired the motor. In Photo 3, all the
components for the spin-table are shown, disassembled.
56 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
Photos 4-7 show the order of assembly for the spin-table. An
example of the mold itself is shown in Photo 8. Note that the
cavities are arranged in a radial orientation, so the material is
forced into the cavities by the centrifugal force generated by
the motion of the spin-table.
Well that’s it! I think you can spin about any type of low
temperature material. I designed it for white metal, but I
recently loaned my machine to a friend. He used it to spin
an epoxy-type resin material. With that in mind, I guess you
can spin just about any material. All you need now are some
molds and casting material, and you’re on your way to making
unique homemade castings for that special project for
which commercial castings aren’t available. Casting materials
can be purchased from Micro-Mark [www.micromark.com]
or other sources.
u

O Scale Trains mth August 2007.qxp 5/4/2007 11:42 AM Page 1
Pennsy Mikes Roll Out
Die-Cast Construction - Digital Sound Equipped
The all-new O Scale Premier
Line Pennsylvania L-1 Mikado
is scheduled to roll out this
Summer in both scale or hi-rail
wheel versions. M.T.H. is the
only manufacturer who gives
you scale or hi-rail wheel locomotives
that can run on 2-rail
or 3-rail track, operate on AC
or DC power and come fully
equipped with digital sound,
synchronized puffing smoke
and locomotive speed control
for incredibly realistic operation.
If you're looking for a
locomotive that runs as good
as it looks, see your M.T.H.
Authorized Retailer today for a
check of the finest, best
equipped O Scale locomotives
available today.
Find your Nearest Dealer at
www.mthtrains.com
© 2007 M.T.H. Electric Trains
Pennsylvania
2-8-2 L-1 Mikado Steam Engine w/PS 2.0
20-3180-1 Hi-Rail Wheels $899.95
20-3180-2 Scale Wheels $899.95
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 57

*Shipping:$6.95 for 1 car; $7.95 for 2 or 3 cars
Available in two road numbers
PayPal
Special Run Exclusive to
Lackawanna “Phoebe Snow”
Double-Sheathed Box Car
Additional Atlas O Special Runs Coming Soon:
Peter Peerbolte Onion Sets 40’ Reefer
Oppenheimer Sausage 36’ Reefer
Boston & Maine Trainman Box Car
amhobbiesonline.com
3-Rail (8314)
$47.95*
6 Delmar Ridge Drive • Wellsboro, PA 16901
(570) 723-1824
2-Rail (9314)
$51.95*
amhobbies2@hotmail.com
$494, To Your Front Door!
The Only Name in Resistance Soldering is having a SALE.
Learn all about our SPRING SALE at
www.americanbeautytools.com
or phone us at 800.550.2510
AMERICAN BEAUTY
Soldering Tools
Join our CONTEST to win prizes and
have your layout featured on our Web site.
Deichman’s Depot
ATLAS O Scale 2-Rail
0356-1 NS GP-15 $215.00
9902-2 BN Gunderson A&B $125.00
9903-1 BN Gunderson C, D & E $155.00
9906-2 Sea Land Gunderson A & B $125.00
9907-2 Sea Land Gunderson C, D & E $155.00
7502 BN 53’ Evans Boxcar $55.20
7509 Wisc. Central 53’ Evans Boxcar $55.20
7519 Bend Mill Works 53’ Evans Box $55.20
7520 Ft. Wancouver 53’ Evans Boxcar $55.20
7521 MN&S 53’ Evans Boxcar $55.20
7627 Chessie EV Caboose $63.70
7631 Chessie EV Caboose $62.00
7632 GN EV Caboose $62.00
7635 RF&P EV Caboose $62.00
7743-3 Our Mother’s Cocoa 40’ Wood Reefer
$65.95
9164-1 Washington Boro Tomato 40’ Wood Ref.
$67.95
9625 Santa Fe 60’ Hy-cube Box $67.95
9753 L&NE 1923 ARA 40’ Steel Box $55.20
9756 PRR X-29 Boxcar $61.70
9760 PRR X-29 Boxcar $61.70
9851 B&O PS-1 50’ Plug Door Box $59.45
S&H $8.00 for 1 car, $9.00 for 2 cars,
$10.00 for 3 or more cars.
Deichman’s Depot
110 Ivyside Dr, York PA 17402
Ph: 717-755-1108 • Fax: 717-840-9650
deichmansdepot@comcast.net
www.deichmansdepot.com
Show off your railroad with a wireless
video camera. Capture the Engineer’s
view of your railroad and share the
pictures with
the railroad
community. A
Complete line
of wireless
camera and
receivers start
at $66.95
The Irish
Tracklayer
2682 W. Palo Alto Ave
Fresno CA 93771
www.irishtracklayer.com
COMING SOON!
Interlocking machine
with cranks and levers
made of stainless steel.
These photo etched
parts will fit any Saxby
& Farmer Interlocking
Tower design.
58 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

NEWS: #009-O O (1/48) Scale 34’ Lobster Boat Kit,
MSRP: $75.00
Frenchman River Model Works, 72191 VM Hwy, Stratton,
NE 69043
308-276-2174 • www.frenchmanriver.com
”This super-detailed waterline kit builds into a beautiful
representation of a typical East Coast lobster boat. Our
lobster boat kit is designed to assemble quickly while giving
you the look of a scratchbuilt plank-on-frame model.
It is complete in details down to the nail holes and woodgrain
on each plank. Some of the many details include,
laser-cut wood detail parts, four laser-cut lobster traps
and four lobster boxes, lead-free pewter davit, pulley, five
lobster buoys, an anchor, and yes, even lobsters! This kit
features three highly detailed resin castings that consist of
the hull, the cabin and the wheelhouse. For your convenience,
we’ve included precision laser-cut window glazing
material, and two different thicknesses of rope. This kit will
quickly assemble into a super-detailed scene that’s sure
to make even the most hardened landlubber yearn for the
sea. Measures approximately 8-1/2 inches long by 3-3/4
inches wide.”
We, at OST, have one of these kits for review. Although
I intend to modify it a bit to make a pilot boat out of it, I’ve
never seen a photo-etched O Scale brass lobster before!
They may end up on a table or two in one of my diners…
NEWS: SceneScapes(TM) Trees; MSRP: $7.95 - $8.95
Bachmann Trains, 1400 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19124 USA
215-533-1600 • www.bachmanntrains.com
SceneScapes(TM) is a new line of realistic trees from
Bachmann Trains. Of interest to O Scalers are:
#32001 (5”-6” Pine Trees, 6 pieces, as shown)
#32002 (5”-6” Pine Trees with Snow, 6 pieces)
#32003 (5”-6” Conifer Trees, 6 pieces)
#32004 (5”-6” Spruce Trees, 6 pieces)
#32005 (5”-6” Cedar Trees, 6 pieces)
Each set is priced at $7.95. Sets #32006 through #32011
are small deciduous trees intended for HO and smaller
scales. The deciduous sets are all $8.95, and might work
as shrubs or bushes. Check with your local hobby shop or
Internet retailer for availability.
NEWS: Harris Interlocking Tower Kit; MSRP $179.95 plus
shipping
Harry Hieke, Jr., 635 Charles St., Mt. Ephraim NJ 08059
856-264-3263 • harrys_trains@comcast.net
Harry Hieke, Jr., a well-known craftsman in O Scale,
has announced the first of a new series of kits made of
plaster and resin castings with Grandt Line and lost wax
details. The Harris Interlocking Tower kit comes with fully
detailed instructions and occupies a footprint of 7” by 9”
and stands
10” high.
Available
options for
the tower
include a
standard
interior kit, a
deluxe interior
kit with
sequential
lighting for
the display
board, and the option of purchasing the kit pre-built by
Harry. The kit is available starting June 1st. The next kit
will be a water tower. Details will be announced at a later
date. A $75 reserve deposit is required to order the Harris
Tower kit.
NEWS: Railway Express Agency 54’ Steel Express
Refrigerator, MSRP: $74.95
Golden Gate Depot, 231 Market Place Suite 223, San
Ramon CA 94583 www.goldengatedepot.com
Golden Gate is producing the REA 54’ steel weldedseam
express reefer in O Scale. Features include full scale
length, exquisite underbody detailing, opening ice hatches,
ABS plastic and diecast construction, and highly detailed
diecast trucks. Minimum recommended curvature is 042
for 3-Rail
and 48”
radius for 2-
Rail. 3-Rail
couplers can
be replaced
with Kadees.
Three car
numbers
available per
road. Reservations
are
being taken
now.
Available in the following roads: REA (original white/
green stripe), REA (green with red REA logo), Pullman ,
B&O (Blue), NYC (Green), ATSF (Green), and REA (green,
unlettered).
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 59

NEWS: O Scale Grade Crossing, MSRP: $17.95/pr.
Scale University, 196 Cider Hill Road, Exeter, Maine 04435
(207) 379-4731 • www.scaleuniversity.com
Scale University’s
O Scale grade crossings
are made of
100% laser-cut wood
with etched planking
and spike heads.
They look like the
real thing and are
made for both tworail
and three-rail
track. They are 7-1/8” long and come two-per-pack for
only $17.95. They are designed for two-lane roads, but you
can cut them for a single lane “back road crossing” if necessary.
They can be stained, but we recommend that all
you need to do is take some pencil sharpener shavings and
rub them over the planking then take your thumb and run
it over the tire track areas for a tremendously realistic look.
Made in the USA. Add $4.95 for shipping. Orders over
$100 are shipped free.
NEWS: O Scale Wooden Trains
Magnificient Woodworkings, c/o David Cunningham
485 Emerald Blvd., Christiansburg VA 24073
540-382-2525 • ordermail2@aol.com
Magnificient Woodworkings Laser Works has created the
first in a series of O Scale locomotive, tender and caboose
display kits. All pieces are pre-cut of walnut and cherry. At
their debut at the April York TCA meet there was a lot of interest.
Three kits will be ready for shipment through Summer
2007.
Review: Trainman AAR 70T Hopper, MSRP $42.95
Atlas O, 378 Florence Drive, Hillside, NJ 07205
908-687-9590 • www.atlaso.com
Reviewed by Brian Scace
There has been a lack of 70-ton outside-stake threepocket
steam-era hoppers in O (unless you’re a PRR or C&O
guy), over the years. Even the brass market doesn’t give many
choices for this common type of car.
The Atlas car is a nine-panel outside-stake car. For those
of us who care, the model follows the AAR Alternate Standard
70T design of the late ’40s and early ’50s, making it an earlier
design than Weaver’s three-pocket car (the NYC Pattern 959
hopper of 1954), but not as early as the ARA/AAR offset-side
or USRA 70-ton cars from the pre-war era.
The model, in
keeping with the
Trainman line, has
most of the finer
details cast on the
carbody, such as
grabs, door-locks
(They’re there!), and
the like. The brake
gear is present and
decently done, along
with a see-through
grate-type brakewheel
platform, internal
bracing, and slopesheet
braces.
Trucks and couplers
are the standard
Atlas fare. This is a free-rolling car, and all the important stuff
for compatibility checked out with the ever-present NMRA
and Kadee gages. The fit, finish, and graphics are up to Atlas’
usual standards, as well. The cars are available with both
straight ends and peaked ends.
All and all, a car worth looking at (both for the budget
fleet-minded folks as well as those of us who can’t resist
breaking out the various sharp objects and brass wire) to
break up the same-ness of those two-pocket 50-ton cars.
60 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

Review: Chesapeake and Ohio J3 and J3a 4-8-4,
MSRP: $1199.95
Sunset/3rd Rail, 37 S Fourth St, Campbell, CA 95008
408-866-5764 • www.3rdrail.com
Reviewed by Brian Scace
Sunset has chosen the C&O’s J3 and J3a as their latest
effort. These were elegant engines, in reality, and one of them
was a dogged survivor. The earlier J3 version comes from Sunset
in a couple numbers, while the postwar J3a is numbered
for the redoubtable 614.
The 614 survived the end of steam, re-surfacing as the
power for the Chessie safety specials, as Ross Rowland’s testbed
engine for the American Coal Enterprise’s concepts for a
mid-’80s steam locomotive resurrection to counter rising oil
prices during the ”energy crisis”, and on various trips by Iron
Horse Enterprises in the 1990s. As far as I know, Iron Horse
still owns 614.
It seems like everything opens on this engine. Turret covers,
sand box fillers (Yep, there’s screening inside.), tender
hatches, doors to the stoker motor, and the hatch
atop the cab all beckon the finger-pokers. The level
of detail on Sunset’s engines seems to keep rising,
yet the model is quite handle-able. I have to be
careful about the absolute accuracy of the model,
because we have the pre-production sample of the
#614 version in hand. Several details have been corrected
(or, in the case of the 614, backdated) from
Review: On30/On3 Hardscrabble Ore Bin;
MSRP: $52 plus postage
Firebox Models-Stubborn Dog Studio, 11757 W. Ken Caryl
Ave., F-333, Littleton, CO 80127
sales@fireboxmodels.com • www.fireboxmodels.com
Reviewed by Joe Giannovario
I plan to build a small coal mine for the Coal Creek Railway
to fill a corner of the layout. I also intend for it to be the
subject of a future article. As soon as I saw this ”ore bin” kit, I
knew it would fit the bill for what I had in mind. Even though
this kit is marketed as ”On30/On3”, it is perfectly suitable for
O Scale standard-gauge as well.
The kit is a set of polyester resin castings with a few pieces
of brass and wire details. Everything is included. The only
things you will need to complete the kit are CA glue, paint,
and some basic tools. The very first instruction is to wash all
the parts to remove any mold release residue. I cannot emphasize
how important this step is. I neglected to wash the trough
casting and, when I went to paint it, the paint just balled up
and slid off.
The castings are crisp, and are very nicely detailed with a
wood grain. There is quite a bit of flash to be cleaned up, but
that’s SOP for resin kits. A sharp hobby knife and a medium
emory board are all you need for this step.
The instructions call for a very elaborate process of painting
all the parts before assembly. They mean ALL the parts,
including the front and back of every piece. I estimate it would
take about 10-12 hours to complete. I started to follow the
process but got impatient and only did the first of three weathering
steps.
the pre-production sample to the production run itself. The
general form measures out with a few flips of the scale rule,
and the details are appropriately different between the versions.
Fit and finish are what we come to expect (We’re getting
spoiled!) from Sunset’s offerings. Everything that can be
checked with a Kadee gage and an NMRA gage looked good.
I tested the engine out on my 56” radii and 1.5% grades with
a twenty car train of mixed freight cars. My trackage isn’t quite
stellar, but the locomotive did just fine in this environment.
I still wish for a switch installed in one of those empty slots
under the water hatch so I could shut those markers and class
lights off!
Overall impressions are all I can give, not having a production
model. It’s a bit of a challenge to get something out
there for you to see before they all sell out, so this is a different
approach to see if this is still useful while getting the word out
sooner. Certainly the detail level is at the top of Sunset’s game,
the performance is quite nice, and the capacity for work is
there, out of the box. You might want to check one out in person,
and judge the final product for yourself.
To assemble the model, you need to scrape away the
paint so the CA glue contacts the unpainted resin. Were I to do
this over, I would assemble the model unpainted, then paint
and weather it. The result may not be as nice as the manufacturer’s
process, but I think it would be ”good enough” for most
purposes. It really depends on how much you enjoy painting
and weathering.
I spent about four hours assembling the model. The
instruction sheet is very detailed and includes color photos of
the model being assembled. The real key to building this kit is
to make sure all the parts are orthogonal (90 degrees square in
all directions). I used a small machinist’s square and a combination
square to insure my parts all lined up correctly.
This kit has two nice touches. The door to the bin can be
assembled to slide up and
down. This can be tricky
when using CA glue, but
with a little care it’s possible.
The second item is the
trough, which also moves
up and down.
It’s been a while since
I’ve done any kit-building,
and I thoroughly enjoyed
assembling this model. The
Hardscrabble Ore Bin is
a limited-production kit.
If you want one of these,
contact Firebox Models
soon. They also have several
other On30/On3-specific
models listed on their
website.
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 61

Review: M.T.H. N&W Class A 2-6-6-4; MSRP: $1399.95
M.T.H. Electric Trains, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive,
Columbia MD 21046
410-381-2580 • www.railking.com
Reviewed by Joe Giannovario
Some History
In the mid-1920s the N&W had a large fleet of compound
articulated locomotives. For those not familiar with
“compound-articulateds” or “Mallets”, these engines supplied
higher-pressure steam from the boiler to the rear pair
of cylinders first. Then, the exhaust steam from the rear pair
was reused at a much lower pressure by the huge cylinders
of the front pair before being exhausted up the stack. These
were fine for slow drag freight, but the N&W needed something
these engines did not and could not provide. They
needed speed.
The N&W attempted to remedy this with their K3 class
4-8-2s and wasn’t satisfied. They made a further attempt by
converting a Z1 class 2-6-6-2 from compound to “simple”
(engines using high pressure steam in both cylinder pairs),
but this did not provide the answer either.
So, it was back to the drawing board. This time the N&W
came up with a radically new design that took advantage
of the maximum clearances and track curvature on the
railway. The result was the Class A 2-6-6-4, a four-cylinder
simple articulated, with 70-inch drivers.
In 1936, the first two Class As (1200 and 1201) made
their debut. These locomotives had Laird multiple-bearing
crossheads. The tenders had cast steel water-bottom beds
with a coal capacity of 26 tons and 22,000 gallons of water.
These tenders initially sat on six-wheel Buckeye trucks. The
engine was a huge success and, in 1937, the N&W completed
eight more identical engines (1202-1209).
In response to wartime traffic needs, the N&W built 25
more Class As during 1943-44. These were numbered 1210-
1234. This group was built with old-style alligator crossheads
and a heavier design lead truck casting. The tenders
were the same design as the 1200 and 1201, but this time
sat on six-wheel Commonwealth trucks.
After WWII, the N&W did not jump on the Diesel bandwagon.
Instead, they started building more steam locomotives.
In 1949, Class A number 1235 came off the assembly
line, followed shortly thereafter by 1236 and 1237. These
new locomotives were distinguished from their older brethren
by a redesigned tender sitting on different Commonwealth
tender trucks.
The last five Class As (1238-1242) were further distinguished
by the use of Timken lightweight roller-bearing side
rods, similar to those used on the Class J 4-8-4. Also during
this period, numbers 1200-1235 had their tenders rebuilt to
the new design, but kept their older Commonwealth trucks.
At some undetermined time in the 1950s, all 35 Class
As had coal board extensions added to their tenders,
however the coal capacity remained rated at 30 tons.
M.T.H. has manufactured two versions of the Class
A, represented by numbers 1218 and 1242. The 1218 is the
last Class A still in existence, and the 1242 is the last Class A
built by the railroad.
The Models
I received a model of 1242 to review. The first thing I did
was to check it against the drawings in Hundman’s cyclopedia.
As far as I can tell from all my measurements, the
chassis, boiler, and tender castings are dead-on to scale. I
can find no major discrepancies. I knew, however, that there
must have been a trade-off in the chassis somewhere, and
it is in the drivers. They scale out to 66-1/2” over the tread,
rather than 70”. This does not look bad at all. In fact, other
than the slightly smaller diameter, the drivers are perfect
replicas of the prototype’s drivers right down to the webbing
around the axle hub. This is a neat, often overlooked, detail.
The locomotive has lots of added details, and a newly
redesigned smokebox front that has scale-sized hinges
(hooray!). The smokebox door does not open, nor do the
sandbox hatches open. I don’t consider this a negative. The
cab windows do slide, as do the cab roof hatches. The cab
windows are also painted the correct cadmium orange, and
the cab interior is the correctly painted green. There is an
engineer and fireman in the cab.
The tender casting for both the 1218 and 1242 models
is identical to the earlier M.T.H. Class A (circa 2000).
Although this means the one behind the 1242 is incorrect,
each rides on the correct Commonwealth truck for the
appropriate engine. The tender water hatches open to reveal
control pots. The tender also has a doghouse (with a figure
in it), as well. The tender floor is drilled and tapped for a
scale coupler box. I fitted a scale coupler to the test engine
with the screws provided by M.T.H.
This new locomotive uses a new “wireless” drawbar,
eliminating the large tether common to previous M.T.H.
steam. It is not really wireless, but a clever bit of technology
that carries all the DCS connections through a flat,
printed-circuit drawbar. M.T.H. fans will need to get used to
coupling this new drawbar. I had a bit of trouble getting the
plug on the drawbar seated properly in the tender socket.
Following the directions in the instruction booklet did not
result in a proper connection. Finally, I laid the engine
and tender on their sides and inserted the drawbar while
applying pressure with my thumb. I was rewarded with a
satisfying crunch and the connector was correctly seated.
The drawbar on the Class A is 45mm (1.75”) long, which
results in a large space between loco and tender. A source
at M.T.H. informs me that shorter length drawbars will be
available down to 25mm (1”), and can be changed out with
just a screwdriver.
Performance
I always turn down the smoke when testing an M.T.H.
2-Rail locomotive, as it adds a huge current bias to the readings.
So, I was surprised when the A began to move at just
six volts DC and 400 mA with sound, but without lights. At
62 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

seven volts and 700 mA, the lights came on. I measured a
speed at these readings of 2.2 scale MPH. At 12 volts DC,
the locomotive drew one ampere on level track, with a
string of 12 heavy hoppers. The current rose to 1.4 amperes
on my 3%+ grade with the same string of cars. This is excellent
for such a large locomotive. Scale speed at 12 volts DC
was about 25 scale MPH.
Using DCS, the locomotive ran smoothly and quietly in
both directions. The smoothest slow speed I achieved was
at 2 scale MPH on the handheld display. I coupled up the
hopper string and walked off with the load as if it wasn’t
there. I set the speed on the handheld at 20 scale MPH
and the train ran at that speed all around the layout, even
up and down the stiff grades. Performance under DCS was
excellent.
Picking Some Nits
I found lots of things to pick at on the model, but none
of them really serious. To start, the coloring of the lettering
seems off to me. It’s too orange. The lettering on the
rear of the tender reads “35 tons” where it should read “30
tons”. The only N&W tender with a 35-ton capacity was
behind the J. Maybe when 1218 was in excursion service
its tender was rated at 35 tons, and this is where that notation
came from.
The engine walkways should be perforated. Instead,
they’re dimpled as a compromise. The mechanical lubricator
linkage is oversized and connected improperly to the
valve gear. The siderods are one piece rather than jointed,
but it’s hardly noticeable. The bell on 1242 is centered, but
should be offset to the engineer’s side of the boiler. The
handrails on the front engine porch are shaped incorrectly
and missing a crossbrace. The feedwater casting on the
smokebox sits too low, and is missing a small pipe that
goes back to the stack. Two pipes on the fireman’s side
of the smokebox are cast-in rather than added. The air
pumps have no piping to the air reservoirs. These details
can all be fixed if you want but, unless you are intimately
familiar with a Class A, you probably won’t notice most
of these things.
My only real issue with the model is the area of trailing
truck. It is the correct sideframe style, but the overall shape
of the truck at the front is incorrect. There are no ashpans
simulated, so there is quite a bit of air that can be seen
above and in front of the trailing truck. I presume this was
designed this way for 3-Rail curve clearance. This can be
improved by replacing the truck. Precision Scale Co. makes
the correct trailing truck in kit form (#PST-9145. $36) and
the ashpans can be added easily. Maybe I’ll do an article on
this later.
The Bottom Line
The N&W Class A was done in brass in the late 1980s,
and that one does not have a great reputation as a model
that runs or holds together well. Williams did a Class A in
2-Rail as its last brass model, and that one has issues with
undersized boiler dimensions. The M.T.H. N&W Class A
looks very good, is painted and lettered, and runs extremely
well. It ain’t perfect, but for most of us it’s certainly acceptably
close.
Interestingly, M.T.H. wasn’t even going to make any of
the Class As in 2-Rail. A bunch of dedicated N&W fans
lobbied M.T.H. to do them in 2-Rail, and this is the result.
There are only 20 of each number in 2-Rail, so you better
move if you want one.
References:
The A: Norfolk & Western’s Mercedes of Steam, Ed
King, 1989, Trans-Anglo Books publisher, CA.
N&W: Giant of Steam - Revised Edition, Colonel Lewis
Ingles Jeffries, 2005, N&W Historical Society Publisher,
VA.
Norfolk & Western Railway: Pocahontas Coal Carrier,
Richard E. Prince, 1980, R. E. Prince Publisher, NE.
Locomotive Cyclopedia, Vol. 1, 1998, Hundman Publishing,
WA.
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 63

Special Report: Atlas O Factory Installed QSI DCC/Sound System
Atlas O, 378 Florence Drive, Hillside, NJ 07205
908-687-9590 • www.atlaso.com
by Brian Scace
The long anticipated change-over from the Atlas 2-Rail
TMCC command equipped motive power is indeed complete,
with the delivery of some of the first ”Gold” locomotives.
Several different models hit the streets at the same time with
the new system. We’d like to thank Fred Lundgren for lending
us two of his new SD40s, so we could run some tests and
tell you what we found. We ran these very un-structured tests
using three different control methods. The system is dual-mode
control, either running on conventional DC cab control or
with the Digital Command Control (DCC) protocol. The third
method we tried out becomes a review onto itself, using a
little gadget from Model Rectifier Corporation they call (background
organ music in a minor key plays now…), the ”Black
Box”.
DC Cab Control
Atlas and QSI calls conventional cab control ”analog” in
their instructions. You merely take the thing out of the box and
put ’er down on the track. I used an MRC Controlmaster 20 to
run this sequence. About half of the speed control is dedicated
to supplying enough voltage to light the lights and start the
sound. Manipulation of the reversing switch on your power
supply triggers the bell (latched) or the horn (momentary)
depending on the duration of the reversal in polarity. You have
to turn the power (hence the sound) all the way off to change
direction. There are several ”programming” sequences you
can do in analog mode, using the supplied magnetic wand
thingy and the book. There are a couple things to be aware of,
here. The units travel together, dictated by track polarity as you
would expect. This sounds normal, but figures in the rest of
the testing results you’ll read. I found it disconcerting, having
to hear the restart sequence every time you wanted to change
direction and would probably turn the sound off before living
with that effect for long. Also, losing half the throttle range just
to start them up costs in controllability. On the plus side, once
they were in motion, the two units ran well together, maintaining
speed with varying gradient profiles. Also nice is the fact
that, having run them through the DCC tests and resetting the
sound level, the volume settings from DCC operation were
retained in the analog mode. There is an alternative for the DC
cab control guys, however, in MRC’s little Black Box, which
we’ll discuss later.
DCC
I actually tried DCC operation first, re-addressing the units
to their road numbers, then getting into the book to learn how
to turn the fool things down. The volume was set from the factory
at maximum; I reset them down to about 20%. Be ready
for a surprise, here, my fellow Luddites. When you change a
control variable (CV), a voice sounding like a track detector is
heard to say something like, ” Cee vee one equals six two one
seven”. Scared the b’junior out of me the first time, but really
useful to check your work once you expect that voice. If it ever
says, ”I can’t do that, Hal”, I’m going back to Marno-stats.
After knocking the volume down a lot, the units still sang
out nice and clear, with a very nice horn and bell. They sounded
like SD40s, with turbos singing away, as opposed to the old
TMCC system with the non-turbo 567-series sounds as Atlas’
only EMD choice. Refreshing. I did a simple consisting
exercise and ran them around for a while. The system
performed in a predictable, reliable manner with no
real expertise on my part. For you guys whose hobby is
control systems, there are pages of instructions to program all
those variables to make these things do everything but wash
the dishes. You’ll probably be in hog-heaven typing multi-page
threads on your favorite forum regarding the secret button
pushes that allow you to light only one red marker to duplicate
a particular unit with a burned out bulb. Lots of pages…
That isn’t my thing, but these also operate in a nice intuitive
basic fashion for those of us who don’t do hexadecimal
anything. They operated in multiples very nicely using basic
DCC operation and the basic DCC function keys, right out of
the box.
A Recap
So, what do we have here These units do very well in a
DCC environment, both for those of us who are ”basic” users
who want to run trains primarily, and for the more advanced
control system hobbyist out there. It’s probably expecting a
little much for the system to be as satisfying in the DC cabcontrol
”analog” mode at the same time, because these two
environments are so dissimilar. However, there is salvation for
the cab control guys in the next review.
Review: MRC ”Black Box” Controller, MSRP: $72.98
Model Rectifier Corporation, 80 Newfield Ave, Edison NJ
08837
732-225-2100 • www.modelrectifier.com
MRC designed these things for the HO world initially, what
with the high-end factory-installed sound-equipped stuff from
folks like BLI. Frank Verico of MRC sent me this to try with the
new Atlas/QSI system, and here’s what I saw.
For the folks with blocks and DC cab control, this thing
makes the Atlas O/QSI sound system much more agreeable
and accessible. You take two wires from the box, which is a
handheld controller about the size of a cigarette pack, and
hook it the variable DC output of a power supply. You take the
other two wires and hook them to your block selector or to
the track. Crank up the power on the power supply and you’re
ready to go. What you get out of the deal is the full range of
the knob back for speed control, and the various function keys
on the box take the place of having to twiddle the direction
switch on the DC supply to make the horn and bell work. Even
better, you get access to all the DCC functions (F1-whatever)
that the DCC guys have, using the keypad on the handheld,
without having to change out control systems.
The Black Box actually could be described as a digital
controller, without the ”command” part of DCC. It sends
instructions to all the locomotives in a block, rather than to
one particular locomotive. It also can be described as a controller
without the ”programming” part of DCC. You can’t
change ”control variables” with it.
Running our pair of AtlasO Gold SD40s was much
improved over straight DC (”analog”) operation; the lights
behaved at constant intensity, the sound/reversing issue went
away, and controllability was enhanced because you have the
whole knob travel devoted to speed control. Although this unit
was created for the HO market, and the manufacturer only
rates it for 1.5 amps, our four motors (two in each unit) pulling
a twenty-car freight up and down my grades didn’t trip the
circuit breaker. Be aware that a couple twin-motor Diesels are
probably operating pretty close to the top of the design load
from the manufacturer, though. Perhaps we can con MRC into
64 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

eefing up the Black Box a bit, now that dual-mode is becoming mainstream in O, so
we can run five units and fifty cars!
There are some things to be aware of. You can’t run anything but dual-mode DCC
decoder-equipped stuff with this, so a bypass toggle is called for while running your
straight DC stuff. Better yet, call it a separate cab and wire it appropriately. Also, when
you run multiple units, know that forward here is ”locomotive forward”. If you have two
back-to-back, they’ll run in opposite directions. If you have a friend with DCC, he can
set your choice of ”locomotive forward” for you, so you can set up consists to run backto-back
rather than elephant-style. He can also set sound volume and the like, as well.
A good read of the manual that comes with the Atlas/QSI system will yield instructions
for dealing with programming stuff, using the magnetic wand thing in the locomotive
box, if no-one near you has DCC.
Here’s something to know, if you run your stuff on both a DCC-equipped railroad
and a DC Black-Box equipped one. Initially, our two SD’s wouldn’t run with the Black
Box. The instruction sheet recommended that I “reset the system” by punching , if the box wasn’t working. I did so, and the SD’s happily fired right up. It turned out
that the Black Box doesn’t recognize reprogrammed addresses on locomotives run in
DCC. The Black Box reset sequence re-addressed the locomotives back to the generic
factory default address of ”3”.
I found the operation of the Atlas/QSI locomotives vastly improved using this controller
as opposed to straight ”analog”. The same functions on the DCC pad are used on
the Black Box, and control was smooth, predictable, and reliable. For those who don’t
want to go to full DCC, here’s an alternative worth looking into.
Visit the
O Scale Trains Magazine Blog
http://www.oscalemag.com/wordpress/index.php
Register today and you can communicate directly with
OST’s regular columnists:
Publisher, Joe Giannovario; Editor, Brian Scace;
Hobo D. HiRailer; Gene Clements;
Bobber Gibbs; Roger Parker; and Mike Cougill.
Leave feedback, make suggestions, build on comments
others have left. Here’s a chance to make your voice
heard and contribute to OST at the same time.
Check it out!
CHERRY VALLEY
MODEL RAILROAD CLUB
TRAIN MEET
Sat, Sept. 15, 9 am -1 pm
Grace Church, Merchantville, NJ
at the corner of Maple Ave. & Center St.
Tables: $16, 2nd table or more $12 ea.
Helpers: $4 ea. • Admission: $5 ea.
Our huge O scale layout will be
open during the meet.
For info: p2c.crane@verizon.net
or: harrys_trains@comcast.net
THE WESTERN RESERVE “O” SCALE TRAIN SHOW
CLEVELAND, OHIO
Saturday, November 3, 2007 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Admission: $6.00 6’ Tables - $37.00
LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
I90 and ST.RT. 306 (S.E. Corner)
Held in the Auxiliary Gym / Athletic Center
24 Hr. Police • Public Welcome • Free Parking • 2-rail “O” scale only • Please no other gauges
SORRY NO PASSES ACCEPTED AT THIS SHOW • THIS SHOW IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE WESTERN RESERVE O SCALE COMMITTEE WHO ANNUALLY PUT ON A SIMILAR SHOW
BOB FRIEDEN - 9695 CHILLICOTHE ROAD - KIRTLAND, OHIO 44094 - 440-256-8141 - FAX: 440-256-1749
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 65

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PRR, KCS, SF
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N&W Class A 2-6- 6-4 2# $1299
0-6-0 USRA UP, PRR, NYC, B&O, JC 525
2-8-0 19 th Century Steam WM, RG, GN $635
3-T Shay Cass, WM, Weyerhaeuser $950
NYC, SF 21" Aluminum 6-Car $485
NYC, CNJ, Rdg, B&A, Tenn
TMCC, RS, Cruise 3 Rail $525
USRA Light 2-8-2 Mikado $809
PRR, NYC, CN, UP, Pere Marquette
NYC Dreyfuss 2 versions $919
3 rd Rail & Sunset Models
Pullman Heavyweight 12-1 Sleeper 8# $99
K-Line 2-R Shay PLC, Lack, Undec $499
2-8-4 Berkshire Ches, Erie, NKP, RF&P $899
PRR K-4 2 versions $809
PRR Streamline K-4 $809
UP FEF 3 4-8-4 2 or 3-Rail $1249
80’ Heavyweight 4-Pk $399 12#
Undec Green, LV, Reading, B&O, C&O,
DRG, MR, CNW, GN, Erie,
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B&O T4a 2-8-2 Mikado 2 or 3-R $1149
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CNW E-4 Hudson $899
L-1 Mikado PRR, Interstate, LNE, C& IN 825
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Woodside Reefers 2R or 3R $30 4/$99
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Z-6 Challenger GN x 2, NP, SP&S 1299
Brass Little Joe TMCC, Railsnds $600
ES44AC CP, Demo, BNSF, UP 3R 385 2R 402
GP-35 2R BN, Rdg, SP, S&A, WM, NPR 299
2R TMCC Und, Sou, S&A, NPR, Rdg 325
SD70ACe George Bush, MRL 3R 385 2R 402
SD70M-2 EMD, FEC 3R 385 2R 402
U30C BN, NS, Rdg, UP 3R 385 2R 402
U30C Ches, CSX, KCS, MP 3R 385 2R 402
NKP L1a/L1b Hudson L1a Brooks or L1b Lima
O-54, 2# , TMCC, Railsnds, EOB Cruise $650
3-R VO-1000 TMCC, Railsnds, EOB $249
MR, WP, NP, RI, NPR, C of GA
SD-35 2R DC PRR, SP, B&O, CSX, PC 325
2R TMCC JC, WM, PC 325 Dmy 185
RS-1 2R NH, SF, Ann Arbor, M&E, WT 299
2R TMCC C&O, NH, AA, M&E, WT 325
W. Maryland Plymouth w/6 ore cars 95
K-Line 3-Rail Blow-Outs
Erie F-3 ABA TMCC, RS, Cruise $ 375
Erie 18” Heavyweight 5-Pk $ 250
K-Line Operating Volt Meter Car 35
Miller Plymouth & Ore Car Set 80
742-5210 Heinz Woodside Reefer 30
PRR Green F-7 Dmy B-Unit w/smoke 60
Metrolink F59PHi TMCC, RS, Cruise 225
LIRR GP38-2 TMCC, RS, Cruise 235
PRSL GP38-2 TMCC, RS, Cruise 235
Aluminum Passenger 15” $50 18” $60
21” $70 Various Roads & Styles
6242-6001 Ford Aluminum Hopper 30
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3-R Brass Caboose Retail $270 Sale $210
C424/425 Power TMCC 375 Dmy 190
MEC, CBR, PRR, E‐L, D&H, CP, N&W
Lionel w/TMCC & Railsounds
30” Roundhouse 3-Stall 189 Xtra Stall 45
Heritage Series 2R 399 3R w/Box & Cab 445
3 Rail Engine Only $399
CNW, DRG, MP, Katy, SP, UP, WP
Wartime Gondola w/Die-Cast Trucks
2 or 3-Rail $25 each or 4/$95
N&W, ATSF, MEC, NPR, Sou, L&N, BM
$60
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#302 Single Engine Shed 75

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Atlas 2-Rail
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NPR, Rdg Dummy 179: N&W,
CN, GA, BN, S&A, WM
MR Hiawatha Erie Built AB DC 549
NYC Erie Built Power A DC 349
GP60 DC 325 Dummy 189
DC: Und, RG, Vermont Railway
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GP-9 WM, C&O 339 SP TMCC 375
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GP60B DC 375 BNSF Silver, Green
GP60M or B Dmy 199 BNSF Silver
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Dash 8 DC 349 Dummy 195
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NKP, Pluto, Sou Star, Clicquot, Page,
Pearl Brand, Peter Fox, Wescott, Crown
Kornblum, Rath, Columbus, Noack,
Kahn, Clicquot, Swift Warbonds
11K Tank 55 4/$205 Und, Hooker
Col. Sou, Tank Gas, Warren
17K Tank 60 4/$225 Und, Shamrock,
Hooker, Stauffer, PPG
Dbl Sheath Box 46 4/$165 CNW, BM
TH&B, Rutland, FEC, ACL
USRA 55 Ton Hopper 46 4/$165
NH, NYC, Pitt & Shaw, PRR, Public
Sunset NYC RDC Power 450
Weaver 2-Rail RS-11 225 MEC, Sou
VO-1000 DC WM, GN 219
Hiawatha Morning 5-Car Set 475
Atlas 3-Rail
PS 4427 Hopper 45 BN, Continental,
Waynes, BNSF, LV, Producers, PRR
40’ USRA Gondola 3R 48
PRR, C&O, L&N, MC, MP
1923 X-29 Steel Box 3R 52
C&O, LNE, NPR, Rdg CNJ +$4
Mid Div PRR x 8 types 3R 58 2R 60
Coalveyor 52 DPC, WP, IA, RTPX
40’ Airslide 48 Erie, GN, PC, CGW
50’ PS-1 Box 54 GN, C&O, Erie,RF&P
17K Tank Car 2R 59 3R 56
Occidental, Olin-Mathieson, PPG, SHPX
PS-4427 LS Cov’d Hopper 52 2R 56
BN, Continental, ADM, B&M,Transport
MR, LV, Wayne’s Feed, SF, RG, PRR
50 Ton War Hopper 3R 44 4/172
GA, L&N Alton, Arbor, B&O
PRR War Hopper 8# 49 4/190 8/370
PRR War Bonds 2 # in-stock
40’ Wood Reefer 2# 3R 52 4/205
Atlas Beer, Phenix, Merchant, Bourke,
Fairmont, Nash, ART, Eatmor,
40’ Reblt Wood Reefer 3R 51
Lack, Holland, Miller, Roberts, WP/PFE
36’ Wood Refrigerator 3R 51
ASD, Libby, Swift, Fosse, Jersey Gold
Krey, Nuckoll, Sou Star, Page, Wescott,
Crown, Kornblum, Wilson, Columbus,
Noack, Swift, Kahns, Morning Butter
E/V Caboose 2-R 64 3-R 60
Ches, Family, GTW, Guilfd, Soo, Housa
Rutld, RG, RF&P,
NE-6 Monongahela, Shawmut, NYS&W
H21a Hopper 52 Und, PC PRR $58
89’ Intermodal Flat 2R 63 3R 59
Erie, FEC, SF, WP, RG, Sou, MEC
ACF 8K Tank 2R 55 3R 51
Wolf’s, Bell, CO-OP, Silver Fox, Staley
40’ Steel Reefer 51 Lack, MDT, Agar,
Black Hills, ART, BAR Bookey 55
55 Ton Fishbelly 43 CRR NJ, Rdg,
B&O Fishbelly 4# 2R 52 3R 49
11,000 Gal Tank Car 3-R 52 2R 56
Gulf, Union,Warren, Homgas, Essotane
Sunray, Pyrofax, Shippers, CA, Fueline
USRA 55 Ton Hopper 3R 45 2R 49
NYC, PRR, Burl, NH, Lack, P& S
1937 AAR 3R 52 CN, SF, Sou, SP
Erie, NH, Pere Marquette (C&O) $45
ACF 3-Bay Cyl Hopper 3R 52 2R 56
EL, CSX, Cumberland, Hercules, USI
Trainman 2 or 3 Rail
GP15-1 2R/3R 189 TMCC 289
UP, BN, CSX, MP
RS-3 D&H, GN, Rdg, RI 189/289
Rolling Stock 2R 33 3R 31
52’ Flatw/Ld: CP Rail, Erie, UP, PC
40’ Hy-Cube: NP, RG, SF, UP
3-Bay PS-2: Burl, Chessie, Carbide, UP
70 Ton 3-Bay: BN, WM, C&O, Sou
Box: PRR, PLE, Rdg, ACL, Burl, RI, UP
Plug: FGE, CNJ, NP, SF, AFT, CB,
NYC, PRR 40’ Stock: GN, MKT,
D&RGW, UP, C&O, CPR, SF, UP
52’ Gondola: C&O, PRR, UP, Reading,
Chessie, CR, LV, Sou
E/V Caboose: C&O, CNW, CB, SF, RI
Chessie, CR, NS, UP, D&H, GN, Rdg
Atlas Track
Remote Switch, Steel or Nickel 48.95
O36 O45 O54 O72 Wye
#5 Double-Slip Switch 125
O72/O54 Curved Switch or #5 63
7.5 (O81) High Speed Switch 66
40” Rigid 12.00 Case (12) $139
40”Flex/Concrete 13.00 CS $149
10” or O54 3.15 Case (48) $145
1 ¾ 4-Pk 6.70 4.5” 2.60 5.5” 2.95
1 ¾ Uncoupler 9.95 Accessory Rails 9.95
O27 Curve 3.60 3 Circles (24) 82
O36 Curve 3.15 2 Circles (24) 70
O45 Curve 3.60 2 Circles (24) 82
O63 Curve 4.20 2 Circles (32) 129
O72 Curve 4.75 2 Circles (32) 145
O81 Curve 5.55 1 Circle (16) 85
O90 Curve 6.60 1 Circle (16) 99
O99 Curve 7.45 1 Circle (16) 112
3-Stall Roundhouse 30”L 165
24” Motorized Turntable 139
Deck Bridge 2 or 3 Rail 82
40” Bridge 99 Dble 125 Add-on 32
Type G or SA Signal 49 4-Pk 185
Golden Gate Depot
21” Aluminum Passenger 6-pk 489
Full Interior, People, Detailed
NYC, PRR, SF, B&O, Cal Zeph
21” SP Daylt Alum 6-Pk 489
Articulation Diner 3-Pk $TBA
PRR P70 20” Coach 2-Pk 249
2 New unique Coaches w/Names
PRR B70 Baggage, PB70 Combine, &
BM70 Mail RPO 3-Pk 359
Passenger People 40-Pk, 1940’s 25
Assembled Coaling Tower 189
12-1 Sleeper 99 Roads Below
Heavyweight 20” 4-Pk Coaches 399
UP Yel, NH Green, NP Pine, CNW
GN Empire, SF Green, SP Daylight,
SP Green, C&O Blue
2nd Run
Our Custom Runs B&O, Reading,
Lehigh Valley, DRG, Milwaukee Rd
Third Rail Brass
In-Stock – Free Shipping
C&O Late Allegheny, Ltd No. 1595
PRR N-1 2-10-2 Conventional 800
PRR MP54 Electric 499 Dummy 349
PRR Q-1 4-4-6-4 Skirted 1100
PRR Rats Conventional w/Snd 599
T-1 4-4-4-4 Duplex Conv w/Snd 995
UP M1000 4-Unit IMCC, RS 895
Call us on New Announcements
Gargraves (USA)
O Gauge
37” Flex Tinplate $4.60 Cs 50 219
37” Flex Stainless Phantom Case 265
42, 72, 100” Tin Switch Man 29 Rem 45
Above w/DZ-2500 TMCC $50
RC Uncplr #107 $21 Op. #108 $ 26
Gantry Crane Track 17.50 Stainless 19
90 Degree Crossing $17 Video $8
Now with Wood Ties
Circle 032/ $35 042/ $41 054/ $54
063/ $57 072/ $61 080/ $78
089/ $82 096/ $85 106/$89
S-Gauge, G-Gauge, Std Gauge Also
DZ Products -Instock
DZ-1010 Crossing Gate Set 79
DZ-1011 Block Signal Detectors 19
DZ-1020 Crossing Signal Set 55
DZ-1030 Wigwag Signal Set 79
DZ-1040 UQ or LQ Semaphore 49
DZ-1050 3-Light Trackside Signal 36
DZ-1060 7-Light Trackside Signal 39
DZ-1200 Station Announcement 85
DZ-1220 Trolley Stop & Control 79
DZ-1240 Auto Stop & Reverse 38
DZ-1260 Water Tower Animator 36
DZ-1265 Fuel Station Animator 38
DZ-2500 TMCC Switch Machine 25
Korber Models
304 3-Stall Roundhouse, 30”D 189
304A Xtra Stall or 304B Extender 45
305 Sandhouse, 16 x 6 45
306 Diesel Shed 25 x 11 2-Stall 69
One Stall Diesel Shed w/Shop 65
307 3-Stall Trolley Barn 23 x 11 85
315 Grain Silo, 7 x 19 x 22 H 75
3155 Double Silo 32”L x 7 x 22”H 135
320 3-Stall Roundhouse, 26” Deep 145
905 Blackshear Refrig. Transport 49
908 Shanahan Freight 75
912 Roller Bearing Co. 85
915 Quaker Foods 9 x 12 45
921 JLC Manufacturing 65
950 American Flag Co. 14 x 9 65
953 Joe’s Pickle Factory 14 x 9 65
955 RJK Tool & Die 9 x 14 54
956 James Company 13 x 8 x 9H 49
958 Mill Works 11 x 7 w/Tower 49
959 Midland Supply 2-Story 8 x 6 32
967 Shoe Co. 7 skylts 20 x 9 x 11 69
969 Gen Lt & Pwr Office 6x13x12 65
Transformers
MRC Dual Pure Power 270W 219
MRC Pure Power 135W 154
Lionel 80Watt 85 Lionel ZW 365
Williams Universal 150 Watt 99
MTH Z-4000 375 Z-1000 75\
Atlas 80 Watt 60 30W 30
MTH 2007 Vol II
2 or 3-Rail
4-12-2 UP 9000, 2# 1065
4-6-2 PRR K-4 809
Modern, Early, Streamline
CNW 4-6-4 E-4 Hudson 809
SP 4-8-4 Daylight 3# 975
SP Auxillary Water Tender 2x 179
N&W Class A 2-6-6-4 2# 1299
N&W Auxillary Water Tender 179
0-6-0 USRA Switcher 519
PRR, NYC, B&O, JC
2-8-2 USRA Light Mikado 809
CN, NYC, PRR, Pere Marquette, UP
2-8-4 Berkshire 899
Chessie, Erie, NKP, RF&P
Z-6 4-6-6-4 Challenger 1299
GN,x 2, NP, SP&S
L-1 2-8-2 Mikado $825
PRR, Interstate, L&NE, Cam & IN
MR EP-2 Bipolar, 3 Kinds 605
PRR Scale GG-1 5-S Grn, Tusc 629
E44 Electric Conrail, PRR 385
E33 Electric N&W, VA 385
I/R Diesel Box Cab 445
B&O, JC, CNW, Erie, Rdg
SD50 3R 385 2R 399 Dmy 137
Chessie, CSX, KCS, MP
ES44AC 3R 385 2R 399 Dmy 142
BNSF, CP, GE Demo, UP
SD70ACe 3R 385 2R 399 Dmy 142
MRL, G.W. Bush
SD70M-2 3R 385 2R 399 Dmy 142
EMD, FEC
AC4400cw 3R 385 2R 399 Dmy 145
BNSF, CP Rail, CSX, UP
Dash 8-40C Narrow 3R 385 2R 402
CNW, CSX, UP, NS Dmy $142
GE U30C Power 3R 385 2R 399
BN, NS, Rdg, UP Dummy $142
Alco S-2 Switcher 3R 352 Dmy 145
NH, NYC, GTW, Southern
F40PH Diesel 3R 352 Dmy 137
VIA, Grand Canyon, Amtrak, Hardware
GP-9 Diesel 3R 352 Dmy 137
B&M, SF, Soo Line, WP
GP38-2 Diesel 3R 352 Dmy 137
Alaska, CN, NS, ON Railway
Specialty Sets
PRR Scale GG-1 Beer Train 715
Green 1 Stripe w/ 5 Beer Reefer & Cab
East Wing GG-1 Passenger Set 715
PRR Streamline K-4 Passenger 909
SP Black GS-4 Freight Set 1069
PC E-44 Tropicana Reefer Set 475
6-Car 34’ Composite Hopper 212
NKP, PRR, SF, UP
6-Car 40’ USRA Dbl Sheath 212
GN, NP, N&W
6-Car Flat w/ 2 Trailers 235
REA, CNW, SP, UP
6-Car 80’ Corrugated Autocarrier
SF, UP $227
6-Car 70Ton 3-Bay Hopper 212
N&W, WM, Sou, C&O
100 Ton Hopper 6-Pk 215
Canada, Alberta, Wheat, Sask
Passenger Car Sets
Madison 5Pk 335 2Pk 137 RPO 68
PRR, CNW, MR
Streamline 5Pk 335 2PK 137 Vista 68
L&N, MR, NP, SF, UP, VIA, PRR, SP
Amtrak Superliner 4Pk 335 2Pk 172
2-10-0 Decapod Steam PRR x2 1015
W. MD M-2 4-6-6-4 Challenger 1299
R40 4-Car Subway 445 2-Car 168
IC E-6 City of Miami Pass Set 615
Chessie GP-40 Show train Set 445
North Shore 4-Car Electroliner 539
Red Arrow 4-Car Liberty Liner 539
SD70Ace Twin-Stack Freight Set 649
CSX, BNSF
DCS System 249 AIU 85 TIU 149
ScaleTrax
10” 2.45 O31 or O54 Curve 2.70
O72 3.75 O80 3.95 1 ¾” 4-Pk 7.75
30” Rigid or Flex 7.95 ITAD $23
90, 45 or 22.5 Xing 16 Op. Track 16
Remote Switch O31, O54 or O72 $38
Switch #4 $44 #6 $51 Bumper 13
Lionel 2007 Vol I
18384 Milw. EP-2 BiPolar E-2 775
18385 Milwaukee Rd BiPolar E-1 775
11127 Sou Pac. GS-4, Legacy 1019
25506 SP Daylight Heavywt 4-Pk 365
18” 2-Pk 192 Stationsnd Diner 215
11117 Sante Fe E6 Atlantic 489
31755 Tex Special E-7 Pass Set 1009
21” 2-Pk or 21” Sound Diner 222
CSX SD40-2 Husky Stack Set 639
CSX or BN Husky Stack 2-Pk $127
2826x UP Heritage SD70ACe 377
MoPac, WP, Katy, UP
U30C MR, Conrail 382 Dmy 145
GP-7 Power 335 Non-Power 145
NYC, GN, RI, UP
E-7AA Power/Dmy 575 B Dmy 145
B&O, PRR Pwr B 263 Breakdn 235
F-7 ABA Pwr/Dmy/Dmy 725
Pwr B 259 NYC, WP Breakdn 235
NYC Shark AA 519 Dmy B 137
18” Heavyweight 4-Pk 365 2-Pk 195
SF, SP Daylt, MR, PRR, B&O
Hot Box 60 PFE, SF, MDT, Swift
MTA R-27 4-Car 575 2-Pk 265
C&O F-19 4-6-2 Pacific 2# 969
C&O Hvywt 4-Pk 355 2-Pk 195
SD40-2 w/TMCC NS, CN 357
SD40-2 Dmy 142 GP30 Dmy 129
GP30 w/TMCC CP, Chessie 329
Alaska GP38-2, TMCC 329 Dmy 135
Weaver Models 2007
RPO w/ Celestory Roof 4# 79
B60 Baggage w/Celestory 75
PRR, NYC, CN, NH, N&W, B&M, SF
RPO w/Round Roof 4# 79
B60 w/Round Roof 4# 75
Rdg, NYC, CP, CSS, UP, B&O, NH,
PRR, LIRR, Unlettered, N&W
Troop Express Cars 4# 62 REA,
PRR, N&W, NYC, NH, C&O, CN,
Alaska, NYC Green, L&N, MOW
Pullman Troop Sleeper 6# 85
Troop Kitchen or Hospital 6# 85
Troop MOW Cars 4# no interiors 75
Kitchen Monon, CBQ, N&W, Undec
Sleeper WM, PRR, L&N, Lack, LV
C&O, N&W, NYC, GTW, Erie, CP,
Detroit & Mackinac, MOW, ATSF
RS-3 TMCC 299 28 Liveries
GP38-2 TMCC 299 18 Liveries
Interlocking Tower 3 x 6 1/2” 65
50,000 Gal Water Tower 13”H 109
Watchman’s Tower 6”H 58
Canadian Express 4-6-4 2R/3R 939
O54 Operation, 23” L TMCC 1039
New Haven I-5 TMCC/EOB 1049
O-54, 24” L, Script or Block
CN U4a Royal Train 2R 945 Cmd 1045
GTW U4b 4-8-4 2/3R 945 Cmd 1045
Diesel Locomotive 2R 239 Cmd 309
Pullman-Bradley 4/ 415 6/ 615
B&M, GTW, NH Green, NH McGinnis
NH Blk Knight, CN 2-Tone Green,
CN Royal Train (Crown Logo 6#),
CN Royal (Crest Logo, 2#) $105 ea
Rolling Stock 2 or 3-Rail
Plastic Truck 28 Die-Cast Truck 37
40’ Fish Belly Flat Car
50’ Flat Car 50’ Plug Door
40’ Plug Door 40’ PS-1 Box
Steel Side Box 40’ Steel Dbl Door
40’ Express Box Outside Braced Box
40’ Stock Car 2-Bay Ribbed
2-Bay Offset 2-Bay Composite
3-Bay Offset 4-Bay High Side
9-Pannel PS-2 CD Grain
PS-2 Cov’d Hopper 4-Bay Centerflow
50’ Flat w/Stakes 31 DC 41
50’ Flat w/ Resin Loads 38 DC 47
Army (2), NH, Rut, B&M, GN, WM, NP,
Rdg, N&W 4 Load types
50’ Flat w/ 20” Containers 34 DC 44
50’Flat w/ Army Load 38 DC 47
Wood Side Reefer 29 DC 38 REA,
CO. Midland, Wescott, Iowa, White Rock,
Hofbrau, Steinlager, OBC, Murphy’s,
Margarita, Donuts, Quinn’s Wachusett
40’ or 50’ Tank 32 DC 41
57’ Mechanical Reefer 33 DC 40

Buy–Sell–Trade Events
Buy-Sell-Trade ads are $5 for 30 words plus your address information. Additional words are $0.25 each. Subscribers are permitted one free ad per subscription
cycle . All B-S-T ads are prepaid. You may send ads by postal service with a check or money order. Ads sent by email or called in must use a
credit card. See our contact info on page 2.
WANTED: Scratchbuilt or custom-built small N&W steam only, 2-8-0, 4-8-0, 4-6-
0, 4-6-2, etc. Contact Joe at 610-363-7117 or email: jag@oscalemag.com
FREE O SCALE LIST: List of O Scale shows for 2007. Send LSSAE to Bob Retallack,
Dept OST07, 2224 Adner Ct, Columbus, OH 43220.
VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS. Area’s neatest hobby store from Z to O, new and used.
Visit Dave’s Hobby Shop at 600 Main St in the Anhauser Busch Building or online
at [www.daveswebshop.com], 479-471-0750.
INTERMOUTAIN built-up box cars, reefers, gondolas, hoppers, tankers... $39.
Keystone, Max Gray, NJ Brass, Overland, Pacific Limited, Precision Scale, SASE.
The Brassroundhouse.com. Now stocking HO. Phone: 727-391-3135 John
Clemens, 5273 97 Way N, St. Petersburg, FL 33708-3752
FOR SALE: WSM C&O T1 2-10-4, Ptd $2200; Key C&O H8 2-6-6-6, ptd $3400;
Yoder C&O hoppers, 4 ptd & ltd, 1 NIB; USH hoppers 4 ptd & ltd, 1 NIB. Call
Harry Bender, 410-361-1889, or after 6PM EST 410-488-4259.
LAYOUT FINISHING SERVICES: Experienced modeler with 40+ years experience
will enhance your scenery and structures on your layout. Northeast modeler, from
new construction to renovation of your existing layout. Portfolio/references available
on request. Bonded. Serving the Northeast. John Schaub, Railroad Model
Scenery Studios. Email -[railroadmodelscenery@yahoo.com], phone: 516-946-
6880
WANTED: Joe Fischer pass. and headend cars. PSC and Amer. Hvywt 10 sec.
Pullmans. Walthers Erie coach, RTR only. ATSF double vestibule combine, kit or
RTR. What have you Mail only please. Jim Seacrest, PO Box 6397, Lincoln, NE
68506-0397
FOR SALE: Various Max Gray, US Hobbies and Sunset NYC equipment, mostly &
August 2007
4: Denver, Pennsylvania
Eastern O Scalers 2-Rail Swap Meet at the Denver Fire Hall, 4th and
Locust Sts., 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Admission $5; (spouses & children
under 14 are free), $16.00 for the first table (includes one admission) and
$12.00 for each additional table. Dealer’s set-up Friday evening 6:00 PM
to 9:00 PM and Saturday morning 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Info/reservations,
SASE – EOS, PO Box 1781, Bensalem PA 19020; (215) 264-9623,
eostrains@comcast.net. Bring an index card with your name, address
etc., for a dollar off your admission.
26: Parma, Ohio
Cleveland’s All Gauge Model Train Show held at UAW Hall Local 1005,
5616 Chevrolet Blvd, Parma, Ohio. 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admissioin
$4.00 (under 12 free) Phone 216-398-9313 for table reservations.
Layouts,and over 180 tables filled with model and toy train items. Contact:
mograham@hotmail.com.
September 2007
15: Merchantville, NJ
Cherry Valley Model RR Club Fall Swap Meet at Grace Church, Maple
Ave. & Center St, Merchantville, NJ on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9:00AM
to 1:00PM. The Cherry Valley Model RR wil be open during the meet
for visitors. Admission is $5.00, children under 12 are free. Tables; $16
for first table (incl. 1 admission), second or more tables $12 ea, Helpers;
$4 ea. For more info contact CVMRRC, PO Box 192 Maple Shade, NJ
08052 or send email to Chris Crane, p2c.crane@verizon.net or Harry
Heike, harrys_trains@comcast.net.
20-22: Indianapolis, Indiana
2007 O Scale National Convention sponsored by the Indy “O” Scale
Meet and O Scale Trains Magazine. Held at the Indianapolis Marriott
East, 7202 East 21st St, Indianapolis. Rooms are $75 to $94 per night
with free parking. Three-day admission is $35. Tables are $40. We will
have 20,000 sq. ft of selling and display space for nothing but O Scale
trains! For more details contact Jim Canter, 317-782-3322, jcanternkp@
sbcglobal.com. Held at the Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st St,
Indianapolis, IN 46219, Ph: 317-322-3716.
miscellaneous. Call 216-341-3786 for info or send SSAE to: Ronald Svec, 4405 E
85th St, Cleveland, OH 44105-6010
FOR SALE: 2-Rail O Scale locomotives. MTH Santa Fe 4-8-4 $500, NYc Hudson
$450, C&O 2-6-6-6 $950, Weaver PRR K4 $450, UP 4-8-4 $750 OBO, plus shipping.
All New TRO. Brian Martin, 330-823-7761.
WANTED: NJCB NYC milk car, Electric Shops S-2 kit or built-up. Also always interested
in parts, collections, drivers, frames, castings, etc. Phone: 440-417-1892,
or write Jerold Townsend, 985 Abbey Dr, Madison, OH 44057-9784
FOR SALE: Excess kits-AHM, All-Nation, Ambroid, Athearn, Bev-Bel, Ertl,
Gloor-Craft, Keystone, Lykens Valley, Quality Craft, Walthers and Weaver. Some
three-rail. SSAE for list. Rodney P Cornwall, 7624 128th Place NE, Kirkland, WA
98033-8235
FOR SALE: OMI: All FP/CP DCC Amtrak P42DC #25 $1800, U-36C CP BNSF
$1200, SF Dash 8-40B or C $1800, SF SD75M $2000, BNSF Dash 9 $2000,
Superliners too; PRB MopUp GP15 FP $650, Gunderson Bulkhead Stacks Sealand
$1200, Thrall TTX Stacks $1500, Misc freight cars; Plastic 50’ Box, case lots $100
a case. john@pecosriverbrass.com.
FOR SALE: AN F-3 SF WARBONNET A&B NOB, F-3 (2) UNITS UNDEC NOB,
ATLAS 53’ EVANS & FTVCVR DBPD DR MINT OB, 18 BLT/UP & 4 KITS BC SP
DAYLIGHT CARS CPTD ACE & PSC D/L TRKS, K-LINE 10 CAR 3-RAIL CZ SET
MINT OB, SF SPR CHF 2-RAIL SET L/N OB, OMI 3-UNIT TURBINE L/N OB, SP
DL600B COCKERHAM DRIVE L/N NOB, D&RGW SD50 L/N OB, ORIENTAL
D&RGW SD40T-2 FPTD NO LITES EXC+ OB, SD45 UNPTD L/N NOB, GP9 A&B
L/N OB NOB, PSC DM&IR #237 CPTD BLR EXC++ NOB, USH UP FEF-3 L/N
OB, WVR 57’ PFE W/SND MINT. EMAIL: MODELRR@SONIC.NET OR CALL 707-
539-0861. Bill Gallagher
October 2007
13: Gardner, Massachusetts
Southern New England Model RR Club’s O Scale Train Show on Saturday
at the United Methodist Church, 161 Chestnut St., Gardner, MA from
9:30 AM to 4 PM. White Elephant table, sales & exhibits, operating layout,
model display area, door prizes, food on site. 6 ft. vendor tables $15
before Labor Day, $20 after, 8 ft. vendor tables $20 before Labor Day,
$25 after, setup 7:00 to 9:30 am. Admission: $5.00, $8.00 Family max.
Contact: Larry Grant, (508) 337-6661 BigBrotherLar@netzero.net, www.
snemrr.org.
18-21: Albany, New York
NMRA Northeast Region Convention Hudson-Bershire Division of
Northeastern Region of NMRA is hosting fall convention in Albany, NY.
Contact: insleyh@verizon.net
27: Wind Gap, Pennsylvania
Eastern O Scalers 2-Rail Swap Meet Meet at the Plainfield Fire Hall,
6480 Sullivan Trail, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Admission $5; (spouses &
children under 14 are free), $16.00 for the first table (includes one
admission) and $12.00 for each additional table. Dealer’s set-up Friday
evening 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday morning 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Info/reservations, SASE – EOS, PO Box 1781, Bensalem PA 19020; (215)
264-9623, eostrains@comcast.net. Bring an index card with your name,
address etc., for a dollar off your admission.
July 2008
23-24: Worcester, Mass.
The 2008 National O Scale Convention will be held at the DCU Center
in Worcester Massachusetts. The DCU center will provide us with over
50,000 square feet of exhibition space. In this large area we plan to have
a large amount of dealer tables, wide isle spacing and many operating
layouts including the Southern New England Modular Layout that
measures 27’ x 81’. The DCU Center is located in downtown Worcester
about 2 blocks from the newly renovated Union Station. Click on the
Union Station link to see more about the station. One of the Providence
and Worcester mainlines runs across the street from the front of the DCU
Center. An all-day rail-fan trip is in the planning for convention goers on
Wednesday 7/23/08.
68 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07

2007 Convention Car Order 52
2007 O Scale Nat’l Conv. 54
AAA Turntables 47
Accucraft 25
Allegheny Scale Models 30
AM Hobbies 58
American Beauty 58
Arttista 25
Atlas O
IBC
Bachmann 35
Babbitt Railway Supply Co 47
Baldwin Forge & Machine 38
Banta Modelworks 22
Brummy’s Ballast 38
BTS 14
Buffalo Creek Graphics 22
Caboose Hobbies 22
Central Locomotive Works 38
Cherry Valley Swap Meet 65
Crusader Rail Services 38
Custom Signals 33
Deichman’s Depot 58
DM&M Railroad Co. 49
Eagles Nest Miniatures 33
East Gary Car Co. 38
Get Real Productions 69
GHB International 18
Golden Gate Depot 50
Great Scale Model Train Show 19
Hackworth Model Trains 54
Hill’s Hobby 40
House of Duddy 33
Howard Zane 42
Hundman Publishing 13
Irish Tracklayer 58
Just Trains 66,67
Key Imports 47
LaBelle Woodworking Co. 29
Mesa Models 18
Model Building Services 39
ModelCrafters 18
Model Tech 47
Model Train Software 19
Mountain Model Imports IFC
M.T.H. Electric Trains 57
Mullett River 22
NCE Corp 40
Norm’s O Scale 13
O Scale Realty 47
Old Pullman 25
PA Heritage Models 13
P&D Hobby Shop 20
Public Delivery Track 29
Raggs to Riches 30
Rail Dreams 58
Railroad Collectibles 41
Rails Unlimited 38
RCS of NE 38
Ross Custom Switches 4
San Juan Car Co. 42
Scale University 39
Scenic Express 10
St. Charles Model Works 38
Stevenson Preservation Lines 38
Sumpter Valley Depot 29
Suncoast Models 33
Sunset⁄3rd Rail
BC
Toy Trucker 3
Toys for Collectors 19
TrainAmerica 38
Turner Model Works 38
Twin Whistle Sign & Kit 47
Valley Model Trains 29
Vinylbed/Hobby Innovations 38
Weaver 57
Western Reserve O Scale Meet 65
Western Scale Models 42
Advertisers Index
July/August ’07- O Scale Trains • 69

2007 Convention News
I goofed! I neglected to update the Convention ad to
reflect the latest room rates. Jim Canter sent me new flyers a
couple months ago and I did not notice the room rates had
changed from previous flyers. Also, the room rates published
did not include Occupancy Tax which, in Indianapolis, is
15%. So, here’s the straight scoop. There are two hotels available
for you to choose. The Marriott Indianapolis East has a
convention room rate of $85 per night, plus tax which brings
that to $97.75 per night. Across the parking lot from the Mariott
is a LaQuinta which has a convention room rate of $70.
With tax, that rate is actually $80.50 per night. Both hotels
offer free parking. You can make a room reservation at the
Marriott by calling (317)-322-3716. If you want the lesser rate,
call the LaQuinta at (317)- 359-1021. I sincerely apologize for
any confusion caused.
The 2007 Convention runs from Thursday, Sept. 20th
through Saturday, Sept. 22nd. This is a day shorter than
usual. If you are a subscriber, a registration form is printed on
the back of the carrier sheet that comes with your magazine.
For those not subscribing, you can request a convention registration
form from Jim Canter, 1203 Rotherham Ln, Beech
Grove, IN 46107 or you can download a form from the convention
website at [http://www.2k7oscalenat.com].
At this time, the clinics will all be held on Thursday the
20th. Here is the current lineup:
• Harry Hieke: Hands-on Micro-Torch Soldering (2 hrs).
The usage of micro-torch soldering for repair and improvement
of brass models.
• Brian Scace: A Look at ”Givens and Druthers” as a
Concept Planning Tool. Brian will explore an expanded version
of John Armstrong’s ”Givens and Druthers” method of
defining a railroad design.
• Glenn Guerra & Jerry Huth: O Scale Module Roundtable.
Glenn and Jerry have been working on a new concept
for joining O Scale modules together.
• Joe Foehrkolb: 3-Rail to 2-Rail Conversions. Joe will
discuss a lot of the 3-Rail engines and cars that are excellent
candidates for conversion to 2-Rail.
• Rod Miller: Basics of DCC Decoder Installations. The
basics of DCC operation will be described in order to support
understanding of the decoder’s job and why certain
steps of the installation process are required.
• Jim Burch: Painting, Decaling & Weathering. Preparation,
painting, lettering and weathering of railroad models.
• Dave Brumagin (of Brummy’s Ballast): Ballasting
Track. Details TBA
70 • O Scale Trains - July/August ’07
• Bob Lavezzi: Catenary Operations. Bob will will
provide handouts and articles he has published on how to
build and place catenary on a layout
• Bob Lavezzi: Billboard Reefers. Bob will bring drawings,
examples, and a powerpoint presentation on Bob
Wagner’s lifelong research on billboard reefers.
• Robert Langlois: Tools & Techniques. While most of
the tools and techniques are identical with all other scales
and professions, there is a way of thinking that evolves and
leads to modifications which are peculiar to this hobby,
and O Scale in particular.
If I receive further submissions for clinics between now
and September we may add Friday to the schedule for clinics.
As of now, both Friday and Saturday are for self-directed
layout tours and vendor selling days. A list of layouts to
visit will be available at the convention.
The 2007 Convention car is Monon #1. The car is being
made by Weaver Models and comes with diecast trucks
and couplers. This is a two-rail car. The quantity is limited
to 100 pieces, so order quickly. If you will pick up your car
at the convention the cost is $50. If you would like your
car shipped to you as soon as they are available (probably
by the time you read this), the cost is $60. Checks only
for pre-orders. Checks and cash will be accepted at the
Convention. There is an order form on Page 52 of this issue
and the form is also downloadable from the Convention
website. The car was suggested by Brian Scace and my
thanks to Tom Kepshire, J.D., Ken Weller, and Ron Marquardt
for their assistance in getting the lettering correct.
I want to remind everyone that the Convention banquet
and awards ceremony is on Friday evening, not Saturday as
usual. I like this idea because most everyone will be there
for the banquet. The banquet cost is a modest $36 per person.
Other activities include a model contest and door prizes
hourly on Friday and Saturday. You must be present to win
a door prize, and believe me, you will really want a chance
to win some of these prizes. Weaver has donated their new
RPO and baggage cars and Atlas O has donated a Gold
Master Series USRA 0-6-0.
Well, that’s it for now. If I’ve forgotten anything I’ll be
posting updates on the Convention website. I hope you
will come to Indianapolis in September and join us for the
Convention.
Keep highballin’
u

ATLASOSCALE - Locos! Hoppers! Box Cars! AVAILABLE NOW!
www.atlaso.com
ATLAS O SD35 & SDP35
LOCOMOTIVE
New Paint Schemes & Road Numbers!
• Superb decoration with true ¼” scale dimensions
• High nose or low nose where appropriate
• Flat dust bin or raised dust bin where appropriate
• Solid die-cast chassis, fuel tank, pilots and trucks
• Separately-applied grab irons and handrail stanchions
Check out these NEW Paint Schemes!
• Chesapeake & Ohio*, Family Lines* (L&N),
Seaboard Coast Line*
For more information, visit:
www.atlaso.com/osd354.htm
SD35 & SDP35 LOCOMOTIVE
50 TON WAR EMERGENCY HOPPER
ATLAS O 50 TON WAR
EMERGENCY HOPPER
New Paint Schemes & Road Numbers!
• Full interior details
• Accurate trainline details and brake system details
• Separately-applied grab irons and ladders
• Sprung hopper doors
• Removable coal load
Check out these New Paint Schemes!
• Chesapeake & Ohio*, Lehigh Valley, Monon*
For more information, visit:
www.atlaso.com/o50tonwarhop3.htm
ATLAS O ACF ® 60’ AUTO
PARTS BOX CAR
New Paint Schemes & Road Numbers!
• True ¼” scale dimension
• Die-cast floor
• Undercarriage detail
• Separately applied ladders, brake wheel, end safety
platforms and door handles.
• Sliding doors
Check out these NEW Paint Schemes!
• Canadian National, Cotton Belt, Grand Trunk Western,
Norfolk & Western
For more information, visit:
www.atlaso.com/oauto5.htm
*CSX Licensed Product
ACF ® 60’ AUTO PARTS BOX CAR
Products bearing Cotton Belt marks are made under trademark license from Union Pacific Railroad Company.
To fi nd an Atlas O dealer, go to http ://www.atlaso.com/locator/locator.asp
For the NEW Atlas O Scale 2007 Spring/Summer Catalog, please send $5 ($7 outside the US) to the address below
Atlas O, LLC • 378 Florence Avenue • Hillside, NJ 07205

THE MIGHTY GREENBRIERS
INCREDIBLE
DETAIL
#600 Pre Production Sample
#614 Pre Production Sample
Sunset Models has reproduced these Greenbriers in stunning life-time brass. Modeled as “IN
SERVICE”. Designed to run on 48” radius O Scale or 054 3 rail track, these models are a must
for any collector or operator. Numbered 600-604 (Statesman Series) J-3, and 612-614 J-3a.
Alert: Less than 25 of each cab number have been produced.
Caution: The incredible amount of detail on these models may cause vertigo.
Call your Dealer or 800-3RD-RAIL Today! In Stock June 2007
$1199.95 Suggested Retail
SUNSET MODELS INC. TM
37 South Fourth Street · Campbell, CA · 95008 · 408-866-1727 · fax 408-866-5674 · www.3rdrail.com