Nov/Dec 2008 - O Scale Trains Magazine Online

Fig. 1Fig. 2with a hobby knife and a #11 blade. The front and rear wallsare 14” wide by 14” tall with notches for the roofing. I fitteda Grandt Line baggage door to the left of the front wall andmade a roll-up door on the right large enough to fit a boxcar.The roll-up door is corrugated styrene sheet in a framedopening with a piece of brass tubing at the top.My original design had a bay across the front which wasmade from foam-core and hot glued to the front wall. I had tomake sure the bay was high enough to clear any rolling stockand locomotives on the track. The front of the bay is filledwith Grandt Line windows held together with styrene strips.In fact, I made the window assembly first and then fixed thelength of the bay based on that. A sheet of plain styrene formsthe roof of the bay.When that was completed, I felt the front was lackingsomething; so I added another row of windows up a bit higher.This was not part of the original plan. I did the same as Idid with the bay. I glued up the windows with styrene stripand then located them on the wall.I didn’t worry about the depth of the unit as it would behard to see once installed. I made up two window assembliesand fitted them into foam-core frames which were thenhot glued between the front and back walls. (These are theenginehouse windows turned sideways.) The basic factorycore is shown in Photo 4. The window assemblies are onlypress-fitted in place. They will get permanently attached oncethe siding is installed.423Next it was time to fill out the sides. Referring to my planthere are two wings to the factory. One is supposed to bemade of masonry (right side) and the other is wooden. I builtthe wooden side first. More foam-core was cut and hot gluedto the base in the shape of an “L”. The front wall is 6” high by12” long. The side was cut to fit the width of the shelf at thatpoint. The result is shown in Photo 5.I made the actual walls from sheet styrene milled to looklike board and batten siding. I cut openings in the front wallto fit the window castings and then added the strip styrenebracing. This assembly is shown in Photo 6. The backs of thewindows were glazed with clear 5 mil styrene.I hot glued the styrene walls over the foam-core wing andmade a roof of plain styrene. I then made dormers for the section,using Grandt windows on their sides. I originally hadthe dormers at a right angle to the front wall. It was difficultto see the windows, so I reduced the number from three totwo and angled the dormers. This looked more pleasing tomy eye. Photo 7 shows the left side completed but unpaintedwith the right wing wall installed.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 5

57689The right side of the factory was built up in exactly thesame way except I used sheet styrene that looked like masonrywalls. I altered my original plan by using eight smallerwindows where I had planned for four larger ones at theoutset (See Photo 8). The finished walls were hot glued to thefoam-core wing.I also kludged up the tower above the right factory wing.My original plan showed a lower, squatter, but larger building.I felt something a little taller and skinnier looked better.My next step was to fill in the walls on the core above thewings. This was done by hot gluing more foam-core in place.Once that was done, the entire core was covered with corrugatedaluminum siding hot glued in place. The aluminum waseasy to trim around window openings with a hobby knife.With that done, I fitted the roofing to the core. I used styrenesheeting that looks like the metal roofing typically used onindustrial buildings.After that it was time to paint. I painted all the windowassemblies first with Floquil Roof Brown. The factory corewas painted a mid-tone gray with dark gray doors. Both wingswere painted burnt umber and weathered. I used chalks forweathering. Once I got everything the way I wanted, I oversprayedit with Dullcote to set the weathering.The final result, Photo 9 and the lead photo, shows the factoryin place on the layout as it would be seen by a spectator.I have deliberately left out a lot of detail (like a parts list)because the object isn’t to have anyone build an exact copyof my factory. The object is to get you thinking about how tofill the needs of your own layout. In that vein, next issue I willshow how Jaini and I built a small ore facility with off-theshelfkits and parts to fit another corner of the layout. uJD’s Trains has commissioned Atlas O to produce a Custom Run of Northern Pacific F3s.Available in 4 road numbers (2 each of A & B Units). This run is EXTREMELY LIMITED, withjust 68 units made in 2 Rail and 84 units in 3 Rail. 2 Rail Powered Units are “Gold” unitsand include DCC decoder, QSI® Sound, & smoke unit. 3 Rail Powered Units include TMCC,Railsounds, EOB Cruise Control, & smoke unit. Estimated Delivery: November 2008Check out our monthly specials atwww.jdstrains.com/specials6 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08JD’s Trains, Inc. 9649 Olive Blvd Suite 384 St. Louis, MO 63132Phone: 314-409-4451, Fax: 314-584-7051, Email: info@jdstrains.comPOWERED A-UNIT (#6000A & #6000D) - $499.95POWERED B-UNIT (#6000B) - $499.95UNPOWERED B-UNIT (#6000C) - $209.95“A-B-A” POWER/DUMMY SET - MSRP $1210, SALE $1149“A-B-A” ALL POWER SET - MSRP $1500, SALE $1399“A-B-B-A SET” - MSRP: $1710, SALE: $1599JD’s Trains

P&D 31280 Hobby Shop Groesbeck,Fraser, MI 48026586-296-6116Open Mon-Fri 10-8,Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5Fax: 586-296-5642www.pdhobbyshop.comPower or Repower Kits for Red Caboose GPsPDP2201K-Repower kit, Red Caboose GP9, P&D brass EMD Blomberg trucksPDP2201K-Repower Kit, Red Caboose GP9 with P&D brassBlomberg trucks...$225.00 + s&hPDP2200K-Repower Kit, Red Caboose GP9 with plastic Blombergtrucks...$160.00 + s&hThe P&D TWINTOWER DRIVE for the RedCaboose GP body kit isfunctionally equivalentto the P&D power unitsalready available for theP&D F units, GPs, RSDs,and the Weaver FAs, FBs,RS-3s and GP-38s.The Red Caboosepower kits provide onlythe necessary powerrelated parts to supplementthe Red Caboose GPbody kit. These power kitsfully utilize the underframe(platform), deck, air tanks,fuel tanks, motor mountsand screws that are furnishedin the Red Caboosebody kit.These P&D Twin TowerDrive kits can also be usedto repower existing RedCaboose GPs. Two kits areoffered: #PDP2200K hasplastic Blomberg trucks,while #PDP2201K featuresthe P&D brass Blombergtrucks, which are trulysome of the finest truckson the market. Each kitalso includes a powerfulPittman motor and all thenecessary parts to completethe installation.Detailed instructions areincluded.

make a pocket for the door to slide into to behind the car siding.I also added some door stops to the right with some 1/8”square basswood (Photo 3).356Before I installed the ends, I pre-painted the exterior of thecastings with Polly Scale Boxcar Red, while the interior waspainted Polly Scale Engine Black. I glazed the windows withslipcover glass trimmed to size with a diamond tipped scribe.I pulled two Wagner C-430 Controller sets from my parts bin,and after painting these parts with Polly Scale Sea Green,Signal Red, and Roof Brown, installed them either directlyto the interior of the ends or onto the floor. I added a pair ofpainted levers to the floor (left over from a switch tower kit)for controlling the plow, and then secured the two ends intoplace with some CA flush to the edge and centered on thescribed flooring. The interior of both end compartments wasthen painted Polly Scale Roof Brown (Photo 4).47The CarbodyTo close up the sides, I first built-up the edges of the endcastings with pieces of 3/32” quarter round molding to bringthe width of the ends close to being flush with the edge ofthe floor. A scale 1x6, 9-1/2’ high was set against the quarterround with the six inch dimension 90 degrees to the molding.The scribed siding of the car side will butt up to the backside of this 1x6. Working from the left end of the carbody, a13’ wide by 9-1/2’ high section of 1/16” thick, 3/32” spacedscribed siding was set in place and secured with CA.After that section was set, another 9-1/2’ long 1x6 wasglued to the edge of the scribed siding in the same manneras the first. The door was then slid behind this piece of sidinginto its pocket. Working from the right end of the car, I followedthe same procedure and installed a 12’-9” wide by 9-1/2’ high section of the same scribed siding, capped off withanother 1x6 to frame the door opening. These sizes were justenough for the door to slide completely shut and stay pocketedbehind the side. A headboard over the door was madefrom 1/16” x 5/32” basswood while 1/16” x 3/8” basswoodwas used for the footboard (Figure 2, page 13, Photo 5). Atthis point I went back, touched up the interior paint job, andadded an Arttista engineer on a seat to the one end (it doesn’tmatter which end) before closing up the other side (Photo 6).Before I did that though, I flipped the body over and addedsome 1/32” thick by 3/32” spaced scribed siding to theunderbody and ran a 3/32” styrene angle in the corner alongthe length of the car, joining the sides to the flooring (Photo7). With that completed, I closed up the other side followingthe same process, and added the 3/32” styrene angle to theother side of the underbody.The 3/32” quarter round molding at the resin ends left agap in the roof stock that was filled with another trim boardcut from some 1/16” x 5/32” stock. Letterboard trim madefrom HO Scale 1x14, was applied to each of the four sectionsof scribed siding. The final touch was to add a length of 5/64”quarter round trim at the inside corners between those 1x6sand the siding to soften the transition of those joints just a bit(Figure 2, page 13).Snowplow Housing and MechanismTo get the ends ready for the plow mechanism housing,the exposed edges of the floor stock were closed up with sectionsof Evergreen 1/4” channel set flush with the top of thescribed styrene flooring that had been left exposed (Photo8). The gap below those channel pieces was filled with some3/16” channel and the beveled end of the exposed flooringwas covered over with 0.040” styrene. All of these styrene10 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

sideframes, body bolsters and as much as reasonable of thetrucks were painted with Polly Scale Steam Black. The centerof the body bolsters for the trucks was set to be 5’-3” in fromthe backing angle for the blade mounting bracket. The trailingtruck bolster was directly mounted to the tapped bodybolster that was provided. The power truck was mounted toits bolster with a lock nut which was recessed into the flooringabove. The bolster was screwed to the floor with two #0 x3/8” wood screws. Underbody details such as resistors (Q-CarCS033), a compressor (Wagner C-36), brake cylinder (Wagner1213C-83), a set of double rung under the floor ladders (Q-CarCS006), and some miscellaneous air tanks (the old parts bin)were installed (Photo 12).Topside, I added some Walthers roofwalk supports andinstalled a roofwalk made from scale 2x6 basswood threeboards wide. Precision Scale trolley pole mounts wereinstalled 13 ft. from each end of the carbody, with pole hooks(Q-Car B149) added one foot in from each end. Trolley poles,4-spring with roller, were mounted at each end and completedwith surgical silk connecting down to Knudsen retrievers(Q-Car CS118) at each end. A pair of ladders (Walthers C481)were cut down in length and mounted outside each slidingdoor, leading up to a pair of roof mats (metal castings fromthe parts bin, origins unknown).PaintingAt this point I stopped to paint the body. After removingthe poles and the trucks, the body was given three coats ofBoxcar Red, sanding in between coats to remove the woodfuzz. The blade housing assemblies and door handles werepainted Steam Black while the entire underbody was paintedGrimy Black. The roof was “tar papered” with tissue andpainted Roof Brown (Photo 13).Final details like the whistle (Q-Car CS117) and a bell(origins unknown) were painted Brass and Steam Black; fourmarker lights (Q-Car CS303), Steam Black with jewels, wereinstalled with Goo. Two Crouse Hind headlights (Q-CarB138) were painted Steam Black with bulbs and polycarbonatelenses installed. The whistle was installed into one ofthe resin ends. The bell was installed down low adjacent tothe blade mechanism at the other end after the remainingexposed wood decking was covered over with some scrap0.010” styrene. The marker lights were installed at both ends.The headlights were mounted onto the end fascia board(Photo 14). The wires for the bulbs were tightly twisted andpassed through three small brass lift rings (Kemtron X-659)that were in turn mounted to the roof coming in from bothends towards the center. The ends of the wires were passeddown though a small hole in the roof that was patched withGoo to resemble roofing tar, where they were all joined14together respectively to be powered from the trucks. A grabiron (Precision Scale 5623) was added to the access hatch oneach blade housing and painted bright yellow (Testors ModelMaster).The blades themselves were painted with Floquil PlatinumMist. After drying, each blade was assembled together with itsstyrene hangers from top and bottom. Solvent cement joinedthe styrene to styrene ends, while a combination of Goo andCA was used at the metal to styrene joints. After both bladeswere mounted, the hangers were painted Polly Scale SteamBlack.I decided against making this a weatherbeaten piece ofMoW equipment. I left it as painted to represent a freshlyshopped car, ready for the oncoming season of snow (leadphoto). I did letter it for the CG&W (Chambersburg, Greencastle& Waynesboro) using Clover House dry transfers, sincethat permits me to run my trolleys and traction equipmentalong side my Cumberland Valley RR.u12 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

From PA HeritageO Scale Birney Drive Units• Shown above: a complete interior structure for theCorgi Birney with lights and reversing headlights. Includesthe 2-rail power truck. $125.• 2-rail power truck for the Corgi Birney. Requires somefloor removal which is not visible in the car. 8' wheelbasewith scale or hirail wheels. Our hirail wheels operate oncode 100 or higher. $90• Not shown: Black Beetle power unit available in wheelbase from 23.75 MM to 40 MM.(15/16" to 1 9/16"). $65Pa Heritage Models Ltd.715 Ridgeway Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508www.paheritagemodels.comO ScaleTrainsSubscription Rates: 6 issuesUS - Periodical Class Delivery uS$35US - First Class Delivery (1 year only) US$45Canada/MexicouS$55OverseasuS$80PO Box 289,Exton PA 19341-0289.voice: 610-363-7117 • fax 610-363-7357• Office hours are Mon. - Thurs. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.Leave a message and someone will call you back.Closed Fri. thru Sun.• Back issues available are: 18, 19, 20, 21& 23 @$5.95ea.; 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 35, 36, 38 & 39 @$6.95 ea.Include $4.80 postage for every 4 copies.• Subscriptions which start with the current issuealready on the street will be charged $2 extra forpostage. Subscriptions and back issues can beordered at our website. Check our website for freedownloadable PDFs of early issues.• OST is published in January, March, May, July,September & November. Issues usually arrive by thesecond week of the issue month. If your issue is notdelivered by the end of the month, call and we willreplace it.• Your subscription expiration date is now printedon the mailing label.Ragg’s...To Riches?(570) 376-2025www.raggstoriches.biz499 DAVIS HILL ROAD, MIDDLEBURY CENTER, PA 16935Simply the finest laser cut kits you can buy!new!!TELLURIDE’SbRUNSWICK SALOONo: $80TELLURIDE’SbATHS BUILDINGo: $89MANCOS’HOTEL LEMMON:O: $11514 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08NO ROOF OVERHANGON SIDEWALLS SO BUILDINGCAN BE EASILY LOCATED TIGHTAGAINST ITS NEIGHBOR.OURAY’S GORDON KIMBALL STORE6 DETAIL CASTINGSREMOVABLE ROOFPEEL AND STICK SHINGLESAUTHENTIC DECALSDOOR KNOBS AND LOCK PLATESINTERIOR FRONT SHELVINGfootprint:6 x 8 1/2-incheso: $100(POSTPAID TO THE U.S.)(MOST KITS ALSO AVAILABLE IN HO AND S)

The Art of FinescaleMichael CougillMeasuring UpAs I write this in the middle of July, most of the layout’sscenery and other major construction aspects are finished.There’s one area above my workbench that is stillbare, but the layout looks complete. This begs the question:What now? What does one do when there’s no moretrack to lay, wires to run or scenery to build? You eitherfigure out a way to expand or focus on modeling rollingstock.I’m a bit of a contrarian for an O Scaler. Many of youhave closets and shelves full of cars and locos, that arecompleted or in various stages of construction, and nolayout to run them on. I, on the other hand, have a layout,but little equipment to operate with. That’s beginning tochange.I’ve never really paid much attention to freight carmodeling in the past. I’ve seen plenty of great examplesthat would make anyone’s mouth water, and alwaysthought: “Someday.” Well, someday has arrived.When I first started going over to visit Warner Clark’slayout he would always take me past a string of steameraboxcars that belonged to the Indiana TransportationMuseum. Even though I model a different era, I have aweakness for single-sheathed cars of this type, and I neverthought I would see any first hand. Every time I’d visit, wewould swing past these cars on the way to lunch. I finallytook my camera and shot some photos one day, but theyturned out dark. Warner told me last year that the carswere slated for demolition and if I wanted any more picturesto get them quick. That’s all it took.I remembered an article from a past issue where theauthor used inkjet photo prints to record his field measurementson (Some More Thoughts on Finding Dimensionsby Marty Iftody, OST #30 Jan/Feb ’07). I scanned thephotos I had of the cars and printed them out from thecomputer. I didn’t need anything fancy since they weregoing to get marked up. I found a clipboard to put themon and with my camera, notepad and tape measure, Iheaded off in hopes the cars would still be there.Folks, if you ever want to measure a piece of prototypeequipment in the field, this is the way to do it. Before,I would make a crude sketch on paper and note thedimensions as best as I could. Invariably I would forgetto measure something that would turn out to be critical,which would grind the project to a halt until I couldget the missing piece of the puzzle. By having the photoprints right with me and marking the dimensions on them,I could tell at a glance if I had all of the measurements Ineeded or wanted (see photo). Since that time, I’ve startedon the model’s construction and things are moving alongnicely. I’ll never go back to my old way of doing it.Best regards,MikeuGrade Crossing Signal SetGrade Crossing Signal SetCS-2 Grade Crossing Signal Set includes:CS-2A Signal CS-2 Grade with Crossing flat cap Signal and basic Set includes: mast supportCS-2B CS-2A Signal Signal with with bell flat cap cap and junction basic mast box support supportAWS-1 Advanced Warning Signs (X2)CS-2B Signal with bell cap and junction box supportWPS-1 Whistle Post Signs (X2)AWS-1 Advanced Warning Signs (X2)GCF-1 Flasher/DetectorWPS-1 Whistle Post Signs (X2)$69.95 plus $6.95 S/H in the continental U.S.GCF-1 Flasher/DetectorCustom $69.95 Signals plus $6.95 S/H in www.customsignals.comthe continental U.S.27 Gellatly Drive(877) 523-3236Wappingers Custom Falls, Signals NY 12590www.customsignals.comphone/fax27 Gellatly Drive(877) 523-3236Wappingers Falls, NY 12590phone/faxNov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 15

More Kits from the B.T.S. Lasers!American Flag CompanyThe American Flag Company is a perfectindustry for that tight V-shaped space. Thetrapezoid shape, exterior stair case, loadingdock, roof-top billboard & water tank,positionable windows and doors, and brass &pewter detail castings make this laser-cutcraftsman kit a ‘must have’ for any layout.Figures, signs, interior floors and walls,and grade crossing components are allincluded as well as a removable roof.Approx. footprint - 73’ x 40’ (at the wide end)#18108 $ 299.95McCabe Planing ShedThe McCabe Lumber Co. Planing Shed complex consists ofthe transfer shed, two planing buildings, boiler house, watertank, and loads of details, and is a key part of the SlatyforkSawmill Complex. The Planing Shed can also be used as astand-alone manufacturing industry such as a box factory.This kit consists of laser-cut basswood, plywood, andcardstock, tarpaper roofing, brass, urethane, and white-metaldetail castings, and loads of character. The tabbed, wellengineeredconstruction provides fast and easy assembly. Thefootprint is about 70' x 90'.304-823-3729#18225 $449.95www.btsrr.comShipping - $5.00/order in the USAll Scale Catalog - $5.00Celebrating over 29 Years of Service since 1979

Buildinga PortableEnd-of-TrainDeviceBen BrownRailroads of today haveeliminated the need for acaboose, but there is still aneed to define and maintainthe end of a train in operationon the mainline. The railroadshave developed what are known as EOT’s or, End-of-Train devices (Photo 1). There are times when I want1to operate my railroad outside of its normal era, whichis 1950. That means I remove the usual equipment andreplace it with more modern locomotives and rollingstock. Therefore I decided to experiment a bit to see if Icould come up with a suitable miniature EOT device.I wanted something portable that would work onalmost any car because I felt it would be too constrainingto use a specific car with a permanent EOTinstalled. I investigated a couple of different devicesand settled on the Miniatronics circuit because it wassmall and is able to use track power.I first modified the circuit board and changed out thefactory installed wires which I decided were too largeand stiff for my purposes. For the two input wires I usedsome #30 hookup wire which is also available fromMiniatronics. I used even smaller wire for connecting theLED which was salvaged from some structure lighting.I took the LED that comes in the package and cut thetip off until it protruded about 0.030”. I then removedthe original wiring from the LED leads which stuck wayout and was also quite stiff. After cutting off the leadsand soldering on the new wires, I bent them down asclose to the back of the LED as I could. Then I fashioneda styrene box around the LED. The box has anextension that fits down inside the coupler knuckle tokeep it in place,Then I took some bronze wiper stock and bent upfour pieces. For my project I had some very nice wiperstock on hand made by Rod Miller. Two of the piecesare shaped to fit under the axle at the car end. Theysimply slide under the axle. The other two wipers arebent into a W shape so that they clip over the inboardaxle to hold the wiper board assembly in place. Photos2 & 3 shows the difference in wiper shape. Both pairs2Photo 2 -Components view: Circuit board is to the left. Wiper board is inthe center, and the EOT flasher unit is to the right.3Photo 3 -This side view shows how the wipers are designed to fit over theaxles of the truck.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 17

are bonded to the styrene wiper board with my favoriteglue mixture, which is a thin coat of GOO followedby a small drop of CA. The combination bonds quitequickly and is very strong. Each pair of wipers thatcontacts the same axle is connected electrically. Thewheelsets on the truck are reversed, meaning that theinsulated side of one axle is opposite the other. Eachwiper pair then picks up power from the opposite rail.Each pair of wipers is connected to the circuit boardinputs. This system works because I use Weaver plasticframe trucks with NWSL replacement metal wheels.Reversing the wheelsets does not cause a short becausethe truck frame itself is insulated. Once the wipers wereglued in place, I laminated another styrene plate overthe wipers and wiring to secure everything in place.The sandwich construction of the wiper board ensuresthat the wiper position will stay secure. There is anotheruse for this arrangement and that is if a small resistor isplaced between the axles, the car can be detected bymy signal circuit. Normally my train lengths are shortso I have not found the need to add detection capabilityto my cars. However my cabooses are lightedwhich serves as the normal end of train detection. Itturns out that the EOT circuit board draws enough currentto energize my signal detectors which thereforedetects the end of the train. The system offers enoughportability to satisfy me. I have not made every moderncar capable, but I still have enough to choose from. To4Photo 4 -Installation on a sample car with plastic trucks shows how thebronze wipers contact the axles for electrical pickup. The insulated side ofeach wheel must be opposite each other for the unit to work.install the device, the flasher unit is placed into thecoupler from above. Then the wiper board is snappedover the truck axles followed by the circuit board fastenedto the center sill with foam tape (Photo 4). Thecar must be inverted to do this, but the operation isdone quickly, and removal is just as easy. Since someof the HO systems are dedicated to the truck, if not tothe car, I think we O Scalers can have easier portability.If any of you come up with different ideas, let’shear about them.uCOMING SOON FROM ATLAS TRAINMAN ® !CombineCoachBaggageRPO60’ PASSENGER CARSFOUR BODY STYLES:COMBINE • COACH • BAGGAGE • RPOAll four cars available in the following Paint Schemes!• Unlettered, Boston & Maine, Chicago & North Western, New Haven, Santa FeFeatures include:• Sprung die-cast trucks • Separately-applied diaphragms and grab irons• Interior details and lighting • Based on Chicago & North Western prototypes• Minimum diameter curve (3-Rail): 0-36 • Minimum radius curve (2-Rail): 36”3-RAIL MSRP: $79.952-RAIL MSRP: $84.95ORDER YOURS TODAY!Products bearing Chicago & North Western marks are made under trademark license from Union Pacific Railroad CompanyTo fi nd an Atlas dealer near you, go to http://locator.atlasrr.comTo get a copy of the new Atlas Quarterly All Scales Catalog:visit your local hobby store or visit www.atlaso.comAtlas O, LLC. • 378 Florence Avenue • Hillside, NJ 07205 • www.atlaso.com18 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

Company founderHenry G. BachmannBachmann Trains is now known for its extensive and award-winning line of modelrailroading products, but the company started in 1833 as a producer ofhandcrafted ivory accessories, beginning a 175-year commitment toquality that continues to this day.In the early days, Henry G. Bachmann was renowned for superior craftsmanship.Times and fashions changed, but the company's devotion to excellencedid not. Bachmann became a pioneer in the use of plastics, developing manyplastic injection molding techniques. A wide variety of offerings followed,but the 1947 introduction of Plasticville, U.S.A. ® building kits marked the start ofBachmann's now comprehensive and dynamic line of model railroading products.We invite you to celebrate our 175-year commitment to quality withspecial edition anniversary box cars in HO, On30 and Large Scale,all decorated with logos of many popular Bachmannbrands. Visit your local hobby retailer to learn moreabout these commemorative box cars andour complete line of modelrailroading products.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 19

Traction ActionRoger C. ParkerWhat to do with your excess models when your interests changeAt one point or another, even the most dedicated tractionmodeler may find their attention being drawn in differentdirections. Their attention may be moving in the direction ofmodeling narrow gauge layouts, shortlines, or even modelinga high-density, multi-track mainline.In other cases, a move to a different home may mean dismantlinga layout and placing one’s interest in trolley modelingaside. These moves may be job related, or may be causedby changes in health or family/financial circumstances.In all cases, however, the question of “What to do withmy collection of trolley models?” soon comes up. This leadsto other questions, like: “Should I try to sell them, or givethem away? If I choose to sell them, who will buy them? Howmuch should I charge for them?”Marketing considerationsSeveral considerations influence the marketability ofyour models. In many ways, the most desirable models areunpainted, but ready-to-run. This permits buyers to finishthem with the details, painting, and lettering, associated withtheir favorite prototype road.Next in the order of desirability are models that havealready been painted and lettered for popular prototype railroads.A properly painted North Shore combine, for example,has high value. It will appeal to the many North Shore enthusiasts,allowing them to quickly build up their fleet with minimumeffort.The question becomes more complicated in the case ofmodels painted and lettered for non-existent prototypes, i.e.,the modeler’s own model railroad. This is especially true if themodels have been customized with non-standard electronicsor pick-up devices, like DCC or outside third rail pickup.No matter how well built they are, these models may requiresubstantial modifications before they can be used on the newowner’s layout.Some models, in fact, may only be purchased in order toobtain needed motors, trucks, or detail fittings that are nolonger available. The care and fidelity the original builderinvested in the model is not important to “parts” buyers. Thecars are likely to be scrapped in order to recycle the parts.There are two disadvantages of this approach. Sellers, whohave invested a lot of time in building their models, mayresent the fact that the models are going to be scrapped fortheir parts. In addition, modelers buying for parts are unlikelyto pay for the quality and craftsmanship of the models.New homes for orphan carsThe situation doesn’t have to be as bleak as the above,of course. A glance at the history of the trolley industry inAmerica reminds us that prototype trolley and interurbanlines were chronically undercapitalized. Electric railroad’sincome quickly dropped as automobile ownership spread. Asa result, cars, locomotives, and work equipment built for oneline were frequently sold to other lines during cash-short periods.In addition, equipment was often rented during periodsof traffic peaks or special events.Since the line obtaining the new rolling stock often was ascash-short as the seller, it can be assumed that, for a period oftime, lines used equipment painted and lettered for a differenttrolley line! In addition, a luxury observation car purchasedor rented for an upcoming summer season, for example,might not arrive until too late in the spring to be repaintedand re-lettered before the line’s vacation travel season began.As always in O Scale modeling, a little imagination goesa long way. My layout has multiple models painted for myCape Ann Electric, with several Cape Ann cars painted in differentcolors to indicate different periods of ownership, and Iam very pleased to have obtained a beautiful observation carpainted and lettered for Gerald Brother’s Rapid City, BlackHills, and Western.The color scheme and lettering are obviously different, yetI’m pleased as punch at being able to finally offer first-classservice to Boston’s titans of finance as they make their wayto their summer homes in Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Pride’sCrossing, and Rockport, Mass. Knowing that there’s a storybehind my acquisition adds to my pleasure in seeing the carscoupled together. The back story to the reason an observationcar from thousands of miles away is carrying commuters toBoston’s North Shore adds to the pleasure of running the cars.ConclusionThink outside the box when considering the purchase ofa model that has been painted and lettered for a model railroad,instead of a prototype railroad. Before jumping to theconclusion that the cars would have to be repainted and relettered,explore a scenario that might explain the car’s presenceon your line.And, be sure to respect the feelings of anyone offering youmodels they have built. Be discreet in your comments andrespect the previous owner’s connection with the cars—especiallyif you’re primarily interested in obtaining the cars forparts. Models are personal, and their value should be analyzedfrom more than a financial point of view. When it’s timeto thin the Cape Ann Electric’s assets, I would rather sharethem with someone who will continue to enjoy them, ratherthan be guided strictly by a “highest bidder” mentality. u20 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 21

ApplyingA StuccoFinishRay andRenee GrosserThere are a large number of stucco finished housesin Minnesota where we grew up. Building one of thesehouses is relatively easy since the wall detail is going onwith a paint brush.A number of years ago, Renee wanted to model ahouse in her neighborhood that was finished in concretestucco. Several methods were experimented with, andafter some trial and error, she settled on this method.MaterialsSeveral basic materials are used in this method.Durham’s Rock Hard Water Putty, available at Lowe’s,Home Depot and hardware stores, is the basic ingredient.Acrylic craft paint from the craft section of Wal-Mart,or any craft supply store, is used as a mixing ingredient(Photo 1). These craft paints come ready to use out of22 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’081the bottle. Any color paint could be used; we have seenbrown, green, tan, yellow, and gray stucco houses. Thesandstone color Renee used makes a very natural lookingcolor finish.ConstructionOne has to first build a house. Renee uses 0.060” styrenealmost exclusively for her scratchbuilt buildings. Thismaterial is available at plastic supply businesses in largercities for about $30 for a 4x6 foot sheet. Evergreen sheetstyrene is also available if you do not want to buy it in largerquantities but it gets expensive in the smaller lots.Once the building is framed up, prime it with a colorthat is close to the finish color you want to use. We usean airbrush with Floquil paint because you can put on alighter coat of stucco if you have the building primed. Youdo need to spray Floquil in a well ventilated area, outsideif possible, and you do not necessarily need an airbrush;the spray cans work very nicely for this.I suppose you could brush paint the primer on, but wehave found that spraying is much faster. This step is notnecessary, but it has proven effective in hiding the whitestyrene walls when the stucco does not cover every littlepin hole. This method of applying stucco will work onany styrene structure whether it is a kit or scratchbuiltand is very appealing to the eye on the finished model. Itwould probably work on wood, cardboard, plaster, andany number of model building mediums, but she hasdone this only on styrene so far. (Since these craft paintsare water based, you may want to thoroughly seal woodor cardboard surfaces to prevent warping.-Ed.)

234Applying the StuccoMixing a teaspoon of each ingredient in a bowl will besufficient to experiment with (Photo 2). You do not wantto mix too much up because a teaspoon will do a quitea lot of wall surface. It has a fairly long life after mixing,so it is not a problem to make this amount and apply it inabout 20 minutes.Using a fairly stiff ½ inch, paint brush, begin by dabbingthe mix on the wall (Photos 3, 4, 5). A rougher finishcan be achieved by adding more putty and if you want asmoother finish, use more acrylic paint. Note: When mixingthe putty with the acrylic paint, do not dilute it withwater or any other solvent. It needs to be full strength. Itwill puff up on the wall and you will not be happy withthe finish. It may also cure too quickly with water.Once the stucco is applied, set the building asidefor about an hour to let it dry. There is no odor to thismethod, so this can be done in the train room or on thekitchen table, providing you have approval from the headof the household. You can start and stop at any locationon the model, and if you find that some areas are notwell covered, you can dab on a little more. You can evenchange the color slightly if you desire to make an areathat appears to have been repaired. This is a most interestingdetail, and there are a lot of stucco buildings that havebeen repaired over the years because the exterior finish isextremely durable on the prototype.Weathering a stucco building is really nice if you likechalks (Photo 6). The powered chalk goes on easily, andyou can make it thin and hardly noticeable, or heavier.Places such as under the eaves on a north face could havesome green mildew applied. Anyplace where moisturecould be trapped will turn green, such as behind downspouts.Under window sills is another, and just above thefoundation you will find it growing. If you are modelinga structure in a steam era city, some grime and soot alsolooks good. You do not need a lot of these darker colors,just enough to give it life.You will be extremely pleased with the results of this stuccoif you will give it a go. The ingredients are very inexpensiveand experimentation is a simple matter of trying it out. u5 6Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 23

24 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

Red – Yellow – Green...What does it mean?Traffic Control. Train traffic controlto be exact. Similar in designto the traffic rules we go by in theoperation of our private vehicles,the operating rules of the railroadsgoverning signals, their meaning andoperational compliance is much more precise with no roomfor second guessing. It insures safe operation when all crewscontrol their trains within the scope of the signal rules, notonly to each crew but to the general public as well.Back in the days when one train operated on a segmentof track alone, there was not a need for traffic control. As therailroads grew and multiple trains operated over the samesection at the same time, a safe means of operation was neededto prevent collisions.In 1837 Samuel Morse invented and patented the telegraph.The railroad right-of-way saw the installation oftelegraph lines and the railroads adopted this as a tool withoperators in the depots along the line who now had the abilityto track trains in real time. Timetable schedules and TrackWarrant Control (TWC) was also developed and time zoneswere created where Standard time became an operating featureto insure safe and efficient railroad operations.As time and progress marched on, traffic increased andnew signaling appliances were created to aid in train trafficcontrol. The Ball Signal, Banjo, Tilting Target, Semaphores,Position Light and Color Light were used in the railroadindustry. In this modern day, Semaphores can still be found inuse as well as the Position Light. Colored Lights such as theType “G” Searchlight Signal and the newer Type “D” Signalare considered the norm used in Automatic Block System(ABS) and Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) signal systemsacross the rail systems of this country.Now with R.R. History #101 behind us, let’s get to theheart of the matter. I have operated as a prototype railroadermy entire career on a CTC Signal System. This system wasexclusively a Type “G” Searchlight signal system until severalyears ago when signal upgrades saw the installation of Type“D” Signals. This continues to be an ongoing process today.My O Scale layout, the ALCO Belt is still in various stagesof construction, but operational with two continuous loopsand one stub main line route. Over the last several years theO Scale marketplace has seen the introduction of new scalesignals and modular control boards that allow the modeler todesign, install and operate a signal system that would rival theprototype. As with modeling any prototype, I have decided tosignal my layout while modeling the prototype that I operateover each road trip.We’re about to start a major project and you, the reader ofOST, will be coming along with us from this point until thetime the final screw terminal is tightened and this project iscomplete. We will be doing a feature article which shouldappear in OST around the first of the year in 2009. The articlewill be a progressive series and will take you through everystep of the process.The concept is to design and construct a three color, tumbledown operating signal system that covers bi-directionaltrain operations on two continuous loops and one stub mainline track as well as associated double ended sidings, mainlinejunctions, industry track turnouts; entrances on each endof a yard, and the signaling of one yard track and yard leadthat doubles as a siding. Remote controlled mainline turnoutswill have routing selection and signal operation for selectedroute. Operator control points will be optional.Since we have a concept in place, let’s start with a plan.We’ve done some research and decided to use componentsfrom NCE and Custom Signals as the basis of this system.We’re in the process of doing design drawings of the mainlineelectrical blocks and the placement of governing signals foreach of those blocks. Next will be the design of each individualsignal head function and the control boards necessaryto meet the concept requirements, as well as the location ofthe motherboard for the entire system. The third power districton the layout will require DCC Control to be installedin order to completely convert the layout to DCC. Researchhas shown that this project as estimated would cost between$3,000 to $5,000 total. So in order to continue work on otherlayout projects, I intend to stretch the construction time outfrom 18 to 24 months. With this time frame in mind, continuingarticles will follow every few months until completion ofthe project. If you are considering the same project on yourlayout, or just curious as to how deep a hole I’ll be diggingmyself into, then follow along as we go.I’m no electrical guru by any means, but with the assistanceof our staff electrical expert Ted Byrne and recommendationsfrom Terry Christopher of Custom Signals we shouldbe well into the first phase of this project by the time youread this column.Being a firm believer in “Murphy’s Law,” I trust we don’tfind ourselves in the same predicament as the Hour of Servicerelief crew who after boarding their train and calling thedispatcher for a signal got this?Just goes to prove, it’s not a perfect world.uNov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 25

Beaver Creek Stationlaser cut wood, the industries finest plaster castings,reasonably easy assembly...overall footprint is 6 1/2” x 10”#6040 O scale $89.95www.bantamodelworks.com421 Hopkins RoadDummerston, VT05301800-653-821411 Years in business specializing in DCC & Sound!Battery & Track PoweredO • On30 • On3 • Fn3 • G • #16997 CR 5, Ridgway CO 81432 • 970-626-3733www.rgsrrhobbies.comPrecision Turntables for the Discerning ModelerFEATURING PRO-DEX TM INFRA-RED POSITIONING & DYNAMIC BRAKINGNow it’s easy & exciting to operateprototypically: 1. Select direction2. Push run button 3. Watch bridgeadvance to any of 48 positions, thenslow & lock on desired track whenyou release button!AAA PRECISIONTURNTABLESPO Box 64, Plantsville, CT 06479, USA1-800-569-1423 • www.AAATurntables.com26 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08• Heavy-duty museum-quality construction• Realistic operation!• Painted and ready to run• Manufactured in all scales from Z to Gand all bridge sizes on a per order basis• Mfg in U.S.A. by skilled machinists usingCNC precision parts. Hand assembled & tested• Call for specs or visit our website

After a nearly two year project time, the Budget Brass GP-35 poses on a section of John Armstrong’s Canadaguia Southern,now a part of Brian Scace’s CTRRA (OST#37). The locomotive started as a box of parts, and is now a running part of theauthor’s Stonycreek Valley.ABudgetPieceofBrassBob LeverknightThere it sat. The brass GP35 shell sure didn’t look likemuch. The dynamic brake blisters had come off, as had threeof the four rooftop fans and the running gear was AWOL. Theother problem was a matter of timing; I had bought it five minutesinto the Timonium Md. show, spending almost my entirebudget. (Don’t you hate it when that happens?)What was it that P.T. Barnum said about a sucker? Seemsthe brass bug had bitten over the summer. A Kemtron RS-3had migrated to the roster of the Stonycreek Valley Railway,whetting the appetite for more of the yellow metal. I was tomeet Martin Brechbiel at the show and trade some items. In away, it was Martin’s fault. He sold me that RS-3, and now, hereI was with another brass project. So, I’m the proud owner of afew pounds of yellow brass. What to do? Fix it.Here’s how I did that with a minimal number of tools, orThe Budget GP-35 sits on the Stonycreek Valley in a ”semi-finished” form.The locomotive was a basket case when found at a train show.for that matter, local hobby shop support. Living in the wildsof Somerset County Pa. (think Sand Patch) there’s not much inthe way of well stocked O Scale dealers. By no means is thisa detailed blow-by-blow account, just a narrative proving if anews writer can fix and paint a brass locomotive on a budgetso can you.Now, one of my other hobbies is off-road driving. I havefabricated skid plates, rock rails, and other off-road armor formy Jeeps; just how tough can a brass Geep be to fix? Here’shint number one: Full-sized air tools, although usable, are alittle bit of overkill for this project; so I used them anyway. Thedie-grinder was fitted with a Scotchbrite wheel to clean thebrass. This is an industrial grade unit, so I kept the air pressuredown to a sane level (30 to 40 psi.). The torch was straightout of the plumbing kit, and the files were out of the toolboxin the Garage of Doom. (The Garage of Doom acquired thismoniker after several Jeeps drove in, and were pushed out.)First on the list of things to do was clean off all the globs ofsolder from the baggie of pieces that came with the project.Small (and not so small) files were the weapons of choicehere. Soon the attachment points were as clean as the daythey were cast. Clamping the dynamic brake blisters in placeproved to be a challenge, as household C clamps were toobig. A trip (the first of many) to the hardware store produced apair of spring clamps that were perfect for the job.Next up was the long hood roof, which had come loose atthe radiator end of the dynamic brake section. A quick heatingreattached this sheet of brass to the hood, as well as theblisters. Then came the missing fan towers. Again, and I can’tstress this enough, brass needs to be almost surgically cleanto get a good solder joint; hence the die-grinder and Scotchbritewheel. I have a tendency to go a little overboard with theflux, and here’s where this bad habit came back to haunt me.The dynamic brake fan skittered around on its mounting plateonce the heat caused the flux to boil. Calling the children inon a project is a handy way to get that extra pair of hands thatwere not issued to most modelers. Matt, my son, held the fanin place with a piece of rod as I soldered it.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 27

Being that I model Chessie/B&O in the mid ‘70s to early‘80s, the low nose headlight had to go. I unsoldered it andfilled in the opening with auto body filler. Shaping was donewith a modeling knife while the putty was setting up. FinalWhat I had failed to notice is that said motor was 24 volts.Putting 12 volts to a 24 volt motor is a sure fire way to get a reallyslow unit! I also wired it backwards. I was about to live with thislittle bugaboo when Scace came to my rescue. An operatingsession on his CTRRA was the occasion for the rescue. After aconversation with him, he dug out a Pittman motor that fit in thelong hood perfectly. The blue silicone rubber mounting of theWeaver/Pittman motor can be seen here.The nose of the GP-35 was filled in using automotive body filler. Shapingwas done with a modeling knife.sanding was done with wet/dry sandpaper, going up to 1200grit. Had I to do this again, I would have soldered in a piece ofbrass and used a skim coat of putty for the final contour. Liveand learn. I prefer auto body filler to Squadron Green for severalreasons. Squadron Green can shrink and I hate to do latertouch ups to that darned B&O capitol dome logo.The fuel tank was also missing. A pattern was made froman Atlas SD35 casting, and was the most worrisome part ofthe project. The fuel tank was fabricated using various diametersections of steel pipe nipples and copper water pipe as”bucks” for bending the tank. The air tanks were not modeled,as this tank will be replaced with a diecast part froman AtlasO GP35. A Weaver GP38-2 tank could also be used.A couple of e-mails to AtlasO informed me that the diecastGP35 fuel tank is available from them. The fabricated brassone is now a stopgap to be replaced when the extra cash isavailable for the purchase of the AtlasO tank.Once the shell was back into more-or-less one piece, thenext challenge was a drive line. Initially, the plan was to usea Weaver drive salvaged from a Dead on Arrival FB-2 that Ihad acquired several years ago. I say D.O.A. simply becauseit had that cracked top sprocket that the early Weavers areinfamous for having. I had the entire drive, minus that peskytop installed, and was running it as a dummy pulled behindan Atlas SD35, or pushed by same. The only problem with thiswas the Alco sideframes from the organ donor FB-2. If onemodels the Ann Arbor, the Alco sideframes are prototypical,but B&O units came from LaGrange with EMD’s Blombergtrucks. Much later in the project (two years to be exact), I hadacquired an All Nation drive, along with the correct trucks.This is where patience was a virtue. I re-engineered the frameto accept the All Nation trucks, and in the process insulatedthe cast truck frames from the brass chassis. A piece of styrenefrom the scrapbox was epoxied to the frame and a handypiece of plastic, in this case a paintbrush, was used to fill thehole and provide an insulated pivot point for the trucks. Aftermocking up the drive and checking for shorts between thetrucks, I placed a motor from an old printer in the locomotive.Here was a mistake waiting to happen.28 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08The fabricated frame, and Weaver end tower drive are seen in this photo.The NWSL scale wheelsets, and new Weaver Blomberg sideframes hadnot arrived when this photo was taken.After a few years, all the parts had come together and itwas ready for paint. I prefer Scalecoat, and their B&O blueis an excellent choice for ease of painting. I used automotiveprimer first, and then put on the yellow sill stripe and dropsteps. After this dried, I painted on the B&O blue, putting it onin several thin coats. I applied the decals in the standard way,so there’s no need to elaborate on this.Automotive primer was sprayed on the frame, prior to the yellow sill stripe.The footboards that were originally on the locomotive were removed,fitting the model’s time period of the early 1970s.The total cost:$50 for the brass shell.$30 for the 3-Rail FB-2$30 for the NWSL 2-Rail Weaver wheelsets.$40 for a used All-Nation drive with EMDBlomberg sideframes.$20 for sheet brass and shapes from Lincoln Supply(a local farm and hardware supplier.)$10 Weaver Blomberg sideframes$10 for Microscale decals. u

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PRR N5c "Buy War Bonds" Cabin Car FP L/N, Version 2, 1 of 10 Produced $645PSC B&O M-15bc Grain Service WT Box Car CP L/N, PSC 16371, Wagon Top,Hoppers, Grain Hatches ..................................................................................................................$395PSC B&O M-50 Wagon Top Box Car FP L/N, PSC 16369-1, Gray Scheme,Corrugated Sides ................................................................................................................................$395CNJB MILW 40' Ribbed Express Box Car CP L/N, Pro Paint, Hiawatha Colors,CNJB No. 6002-O ................................................................................................................................$350PSC SP 40' "Overnight Merchandise" Box Car CP New, Pro Paint, PSC 15593, , Road No.9101Exquisite ............................................................................................................................................$325Pac. Ltd. Cudahy 40' Composite Refrigerator Car CP L/N, PLTD PL-250,Road No. 2117 .......................................................................................................................................$325Pac. Ltd. MDT 40' Composite Refrigerator Car CP L/N, PLTD PL-250,Road No. 21186350 ............................................................................................................................$325CNJB C&O 70 Ton Panel Side Triple Hopper CP L/N, Oval Ends, Private Road Name,Rare $325Parri PRR H21a Quad Hopper CP L/N, Pro Paint, Circle Keystone, Nicely Weathered ..$350OMI PRR H31c Steel 2 Bay Hopper CP New, OMI 0705, Nicely Weathered .......................$295PSC PRR H39 70 Ton 3 Bay Hopper Car FP New, PSC No. 16073-4, Shadow Keystone $295Parri P&LE/NYC/LV Bulk Container Car UP New, Steel Gon w/Six CylindricalContainers, Rare ..................................................................................................................................$750Hallmark Soo Line Wood Side Gondola CP L/N, PRR GRa Adaptationw/Puplwood Load ............................................................................................................................. $315KTM USA UP 50'6" Steel Gondola UP Mint, KTM USA No. 404, Drop Ends,Also PM and C&O ................................................................................................................................$325Pac. Ltd. 40' Fish Belly Flat Car CP EX, F/C Red, No Lettering .................................................$195Car Works PRR FM Flat w/Containers CP New, Pro Paint, Road No. 473409 ....................$495OMI B&O S-1 Cattle Car CP New, OMI 0047, Nicely Weathered ............................................$350KTM USA PRR K8 42' Double Deck Stock Car UP Mint, KTM USA No. 234, Rare .............$425Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 29

They Like What We’re DoingMike, congratulations on the #40 cover. It has that ‘blah’season look so rarely modeled. You have done it well. Inlooking at the cover photo again, I would make a suggestion.I think it would be good for you to add more rail joint barsand slot the rail in the middle of each. It’s a detail that is easyto go back and add when convenient, or as a ’fill-in’ project.I only see two joint bars in the photo, but the age andcondition of the track cries out for more to go along with theexquisite tie modeling. Be sure and put them on both sidesof the rail, because you never know when the camera maybe placed on the other side of the track for an unusual shot.#40 was a good issue and I appreciate the modelingemphasis for sure. Keep up the good work.Ben Brown (via e-mail)Mike replies: You’re right Ben, the track in that area needsmore joint bars. I ran out and simply haven’t gotten aroundto putting them in yet.I really am enjoying the magazine. I’m a thorough convertto P48 standards. I think more scratchbuilding articles wouldbe very helpful. P48 is exciting if one could find someoneto guide them. I’d really like to “get after it” (scratchbuildinglocos and rolling stock), but am frustrated for lack ofinformation, etc. I’m not going to wait around for a manufacturerto put out any Stillwell coaches...I’d like to make themmyself. The Erie and Susquehanna are my roads of choice.So far all I get is a vacant stare when I mention P48. I’m raringto go and most modelers don’t seem to want to be botheredwith anything “finescale”. So O Scale Trains is a greatresource.Keep up the good work, and thanks for a great magazine.I’m eagerly awaiting the Nov. issue.Bill Dougherty via e-mailMike replies: Glad you’re enjoying the magazine Bill.Good online resources to know about are the P48 Yahoogroup [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/p48_modeler/] alongwith the Proto48 Modeler magazine [http://www.proto48.org/]. The Yahoo group has some of the best talent workingin P48 today. They’re very helpful with modeling and prototypequestions. The online magazine is a good place to findsources for P48 supplies.About Those Woodside Cars...The permutations of using these excellent cars are endless.First, in the South, Jim Crow segregated cars wererequired up through the mid 1950s. The modeler merelyadds the appropriate partitions and rest rooms. Second,some, if not all railroads, had women only sections. Hereagain the modeler adds the partitions. Third, these cars makegreat gas electric trailers. Such cars did not have steam heat.Moreover, some of these trailers were rebuilt with steel centerand side sills, doing away with attendant truss rods andking posts. The Espee used such trailers in Texas. By the way,the orientation of the zee-section side sills was with the topflange pointing toward the center sill.There are two problems with the cars as they come. First,the flat piece of mild steel used to retain the journal-drop30 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08equalizer molding is mounted with CA at the mating pinpoints. These are easily dislodged. The first of three cars Ibought after reading the article had one of these loose in thecar when I opened the box. Great care must be taken whenconverting the truck. I drilled out the pin holes and removedthe springs from the sideframe sub-assembly before rebondingwith gap-filling CA. Second, the passengers suppliedwere not well painted. Golden Gate has great people at areasonable price. I think I will replace mine.Jim Nance (via e-mail)Sweeper SuggestionsI have a couple of suggestions for the construction of theTrolley Sweeper, described in the article from the May/June2008 issue of O Scale Trains. I am old enough to rememberseeing the snow sweepers operating during winter on theThird Avenue Railway System in New York City - under theEL. The brooms on these sweepers were mounted with theiraxles at an angle off the perpendicular, and not at a rightangle to the track, so that their spinning would fling the snowoff to one side of the track, and not onto the track in front ofthe sweeper. The direction of their spinning was also againstthe movement of the sweeper, opposite to what it is with thecleaning rollers simply rolling on the track.Mounting the cleaning rollers on the model at an angle tothe perpendicular would improve their cleaning action. Thecontact of the rollers with the track would then be a combinationof rubbing and rolling instead of simply rolling, whichtends to spread the dirt on the track as much as it cleans.On the prototype, the brooms were driven by sprocketchains at one end of each broom axle. The chains disappearedup into the body of the sweeper and were poweredby motors up inside. Powering the cleaning rollers on themodel with separate motors, directionally controlled -- nowthat would be a model!Myron Levitsky, NY (via e-mail)Mike replies: Myron with DCC and some extra decoders,you could probably power such rollers independent of thecar itself and that would be cool.Check That Check GaugeJoe, I certainly enjoyed your observations on NMRA Standardsthat some importers are failing to follow. Correctingwheels, other than the drivers, is not a big challenge. Correctingdrivers presents a whole different set of problems. Thedrivers can be damaged and replacements maybe difficult ifnot impossible to obtain, and let’s not forget quartering. Thecost to regauge drivers can be up to $500 per model dependingon its complexity. This will affect both the collectorsand the runners. For those who only display their models,the time will come when this shelf queen will some day goup for sale and the customer maybe an operator or a savvybuyer that will demand a lower price for this non-runner.I believe most importers or dealers will permit youto return the out of gauge model if done in a reasonableamount of time. There is no excuse for an importer to acceptthis failure of his builder, nor should the customer. Assumingyour current purchase is in gauge, especially the models producedin the last 7-10 years, is a big mistake. When attendingO Scale meets, carry your NMRA wheel gauge. Any outof gauge locomotive automatically receives a substantially(continued on page 32)

Are YouExpired?Your subscriptionexpiration is nowprinted on yourmailing label!Kit-bashed Korber ModelsGrain Elevator Kitwww.modelbuildingservices.comModel BuildingServicesModels built by Stu Gralnik264 Marret Rd • Lexington MA 02421Ph: 781-860-0554stu@modelbuildingservices.comAssembled buildingsfrom any manufacturer’s kit.Kitbashed, painted anddetailed...“Just Like Real!”Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 31

lower price or no purchase at all. How many O Scalerswould knowingly purchase a new model that doesn’t run? Ifit is out of gauge, that is exactly what you are doing.Thanks for your observations Joe, they’re long overdue.Greg Bergman, KY (via email)More on StandardsThanks for your focus on Standards and RecommendedPractices.I have drafted the following concerning the performanceof O Scale couplers and locomotive operation for your consideration.I have also sent similar information to the NMRAStandards and Conformance Manager for consideration.I agree the emphasis on standards and standards complianceis very important to the hobby. The NMRA has providedstandards over the years as a great service to the hobby. Ifeel the NMRA Standards approach is sound and some of therecent work in Scale Rails to review HO turnouts is addingaddition emphasis to this topic. Full compliance with equipmentand track standards as well as recommended practicesprovides very reliable operation. However, some manufacturersare not complying with the standards or recommendpractices for the hobby.In addition to the current NMRA Standards and RecommendedPractices there are two topics I feel need additionalattention in O Scale.The first is couplers. The magnetic knuckle coupler is agreat addition to the hobby. However, there are substantialdifferences in the performance of couplers from differentmanufacturers. The following criteria could be used for comparisonof couplers based on actual performance:1. Longitudinal force required for two couplers to couplewhen pushed together at a very slow speed. The purpose ofthis test is to document the ease of coupling.2. The maximum horizontal parallel alignment offset withsuccessful coupling. This requires a separate test for both leftand right offsets. The longitudinal force required to couple ateach of the maximum offset should also be measured.3. The maximum horizontal angle with successful coupling.These two tests are intended to measure the ability of thecouplers to couple in curves and other offset alignment situations.4. Force required at the end of the lever at right angle tothe track required to open the knuckle.5. Force required at the end of the lever at right angle tothe track required to shift the coupler to the horizontal limitsof the draft gear box to permit the bypass of the knuckles andpushing a car to final position without recoupling. This forceis also very important to reduce derailments due to horizontalforces from the coupler due to movement through curvesand turnouts.6. The maximum horizontal alignment offset of two coupledcouplers permitted by the draft gear.7. Does the knuckle close when released?8. Does the coupler return to the center position whenreleased from the horizontal limits of the draft gear both rightand left?The second topic is locomotive performance. Good controlat slow speeds and lower high speeds are needed forprototypical operation. The following are possible tests toindicate the locomotive performance. The objective of thisseries of tests is to highlight specific characteristics of modellocomotives that have an impact on prototype model operation.Current magazine reviews provide very limited performanceinformation.1. Speed at starting voltage. Once started, what is theoperating speed of the locomotive at the starting throttlesetting (measured in both directions)? The type of throttlemay also have an impact on this measurement. A traditionalresistance throttle should be used for these measurements.A traditional resistance throttle would permit the voltage toincrease after the initial starting current drops. An electronicthrottle may have a constant voltage, constant current, orother control pattern approach to regulation of the output tothe track.2. Last continuous speed before stopping as throttle settingis reduced (measured in both directions).3. Speed at 12 volts on tangent level track. As an alternativethis could be measured using a roller fixture for allwheels (measured for both directions). The measurementsmay not be comparable between the running on track androller fixture test.4. Graph speed, voltage and current from 0 to 12 volts.5. Current and drawbar pull at wheel slip or stall conditionat 12 volt when coupled to a stationary object (measuredfor both directions).6. Current, drawbar pull and voltage prior to wheel slipwhen coupled to a stationary object (measured for bothdirections).There has been some discussion of improved performanceusing DCC control systems. My feeling is good basic locomotivemechanical and electrical operations are important.DCC may further improve any locomotive operation but notovercome poor mechanical and electrical engineering andoperation. Lubrication and maintenance are also a significantvariable.I have tried to outline my thoughts for some detailedmeasurements that could be used to first compare existingproducts and also be useful to manufacturers modifyingor developing new products. Considerable work wouldbe required to obtain the force and speed measurementsoutlined above. However, once established and measured,additional measurements would be easier. Actual measurementswould require procedures that assure repeatabilityand multiple measurements would be required to identifyvariability. Multiple measurements would also help identifyadditional variables. Individual products would have tohave the measurement made with multiple sample couplersto identify variations.When I first started going to O Scale meetings in the early’70s there were gray haired experienced modelers that complainedat times about drive train quality and other topicsexpressing a bias for higher quality and performance. Almost40 years later I have become one of them.Eric G. Peterson, Jacksonville, FL (via email)32 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

Introducing Turntables from Ross Custom Switches!Our new turntables are ready. After two years of development and testingRCS proudly introduces our new line of turntables.Product# Description PriceManually Indexing Turntable (line up tracks by eye)TUTA18M 18” Turntable with manually indexing motor $949.95TUTA24M 24” Turntable with manually indexing motor $1149.95TUTA27M 27” Turntable with manually indexing motor $1199.95TUTA33M 33” Turntable with manually indexing motor $1299.95Automatic Indexing TurntableTUTA18A 18” Turntable with Automatic indexing motor $1349.95TUTA24A 24” Turntable with Automatic indexing motor $1549.95TUTA27A 27” Turntable with Automatic indexing motor $1599.95TUTA33A 33” Turntable with Automatic indexing motor $1699.95Shipping on these items are as follows:18” and 24” turntables: $100 • 27” and 33” turntables: $125Precision made using a CNC cut 3/4” cabinet grade, no-warp, 13 ply baltic birch frame and pit, 7 ball androller thrust bearings, 1” ground center shaft, CNC cut 18” drive gear, mated to an automotive type, nostretch,timing belt for perfect grip all the time. Stepper motor with electronic controls and power supplyfor automatic indexing with speed (rpm) set by you, or heavy duty gear reduction motor with manual andinfinite low speed control and power supply. Full bridge with detail will accept many types of two andthree rail track. Track spacing at 7.5 or 15 degrees. Pre-wired with an industrial turntable track powerconnector and will transmit remote train controller commands of various manufacture. A square hole 6”larger than the bridge length is required. Motor drive hangs down appx. 10.5” Below table.Don't forget our line of auto indexing transfer tables as well!See www.rossswitches.com for full details on all our products.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 33

SumpterValleyDepot135 NW Greeley Avenue,Bend OR 97701● Specializing in O Scale 2-railmodel trains since 1985● We buy or consign brass modelcollections● Model reservations gladlyaccepted● Prompt, courteous serviceCheck our website for latestO Scale Listingswww.sumptervalley.comtrainman@callatg.comTel: 541/382-3413Fax:541/389-7237Hours:Mon. thru Fri 8:30 AM - 5PMand sometimes on Saturdays36 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08VALLEYMODEL TRAINSPO BOX 1251, Wappingers Falls, N.Y. 12590Credit Card Orders WelcomeOrder/Info(845)297-3866 Fax(845)298-7746Laser-Art Structures O Laser Cut kits462Kit includes appropriatesigns and coal bin.401A comfortable,convenientcottage homeof six rooms,with Tower462 Flagstop Station O... 5" x 6" x 4" ............39.98 36.00401 Tower House O.. 10" x 7" x 12" .........179.99 161.98The prototype480for the kit wasbuilt at Clark’s,near CampbellHall, NY on theNew York,Ontario &Western RR.480 The Creamery O.....12" x 7" x 5".......199.98 179.98Crow River Products O....Crafstman kitsIncludes additionalwalls to increasethe size of themain building.(Tree notincluded)305B305B Barrett and Sharp.16"x16" approx .....265.00 225.00315Bar Mills Models O.. Laser Wood Kits with details934 944934 Saulena's Tavern O.... 5 3/4" x 11" net 99.98944 Majestic Hardwar & Feed O 9” x 12”net 169.98Rusty Stumps.. HO Limited Edition KitsK4502O56The Fall Creek Freight Depotis a laser cut craftsman kit.22' x 46' Footprint 5-1/2x11-1/2K4503K4502 Backwoods Water Tower O .............net 79.95K4503 Fall Creek Freight Depot O... ..........net 69.95Downtown Deco.... O Limited Edition Hydrocal KitsThe two buildings, Johnny Stechino's &Big Ed's, have a bit of something for everyone.Vehicle and figures not includedThis kit consists of CRP 305 SylvesterSupply Co. and the 305D Barrett &Sharp Diorama Kit.Includes 307Stainless SteelIndustrialSmoke Stackand anEyebrowMonitor forroof detailThis kit makes an eye-popping dioramaTwin Drum HoistingWinch O… The hoistingunit is based on a unitbuilt by American Hoist& Derrick. Although notan exact replica of theunit it's best featuresare included in thisunpainted model kit.Sale 62.60Electric Winch / CarPuller O - 12.004040 Johnny Stechino's & Big Ed's O ......89.95 81.00Add $6.00 S&H in 48 States • Others pay actualpostage cost • N.Y. residents add 8.25% sales tax.(prices are subject to change w/o notice)www.valleymodeltrains.comNow order online! valleymodeltrains.com Visit our website to see hundreds of HO and O Scale Craftsman Kits valleymodeltrains.com Now order online!The Public Delivery TrackLocomotives - 2 railAtlas..New U23B; RSD15, GP-15, RS-3..$179-$199RS-1..GMRR, NYC, G&W, WT, CNJ, NYSW..$299-$404F-3's..DLW, RG, SF, SOU, GMO..$399P, 189DC424/425/628..L&N, CN, EL, PRR, ACL..$299-$415SD-40's, GP-60's, GP-9's..$379-$419P, $189-$215DSW's..RR, LV, Rdg, CNJ, NYC, Erie..$249-$2990-6-0's..PRR, CNJ, RI, B&O, UP, unlettered..$499-$565MTH..PRR K-4, CNJ P-47..$599. SD-70 or SD-45T..$409Brass..C&O Greenbrier, SP MT-4..$995PRR O-1 electric single unit..$449. GE 44t..$299Williams and Weaver steamers....callWeaver..RSD-12, U25B, VO1000..$199-$249Shaft drive RS-3's, FA/FB's, GP-38...$99-$150Passenger and Head EndGolden Gate..Head end 3 car sets..$359Sleepers..SP, SF, PRR, Pullman, Erie, DLW..$99-$110Coachs..Erie, Rdg, B&O, RG, C&O..PRR..$99-$11080' Alum streamilners..SF, NYC..6 pk/$529, 2 pk/$249Atlas..Horizon cars..Amtk, NJT, MNCR, more.. $83Weaver..60' Baggage..$60-$80. RPO..$65-$85PRR, NYC, NH, Erie, B&M, SF, CNJ, CN, N&W, othersBox Cars - 2 railPecos River..SF, WAB, NYC, T&P, NKP, SP..$35-$45Atlas..40' Wood..20+ roads, old and new..$45-$5540' Steel..Erie, NH, PRR, NYC, CNW, GN, more..$50-$5540' Trainman or 1970's refurbushed..15 roads..$32-$37X-29's..PRR, MEC, Erie, RDG, CNJ, more..$55-$62HyCubes..60'..SF, WP, SP, MP, NW, CR..$60-$7550'..MILW, NYC, DSSA, RI, L&N..20+ roads..$50-$6053'..Evans..$35-$50 50' Modern..Rbox, CSX, more..$3760'..C&O, MKT, B&O, EL, RG, Sou, NW, WM..$45-$55Weaver..40', 50', steelside..30+ roads.. $25-$40Refrigerator Cars - 2 railWeaver/Crown..Old and New, 25+ roads..$25-$4057' Mech..PFE, BN, WFE, Trop..10+ roads..$35-$55Atlas..36' & 40' wood..Erie, NYC, CNW, SF, PFE,Meats, beers, foods..25+ billboards..$50-$7940' steel..IC, NYC, ART, DLW, PFE, NP, more..$50-$5540' plug door..NH, PRR, WM, WP, BAR, REAFGE, CNJ, NP, ATSF, NYC, SSW, ART, more..$32-$3753' express..REA, WP, MP, SOO, RG..$69K-line..PFE, MDT, CNW, 15+ billboards..$35-$45Covered Hoppers - 2 railWeaver PS-2 and AC-2..Old and New..$25-$4050' Centerflow or Grain..Old and New..$25-$40Atlas..3 bay..UP, CBQ, BN, Jack Frost..$37ACF..Erie, DLW, GN, SP, WM, UP, SF, SSW..$55Airslide..LV, D&H, UP, SP, LV, Erie, SF, RG..$45-$55Hopper Cars - 2 railAtlas..3 bay..WM, SOU, BN, NH, Rdg, RG..$37Ore cars..CN, UP, DMIR..$30; H21a..PRR..$50-$60New Panel side..$55 USRA 2 bay..$47-$52Weaver..2 bay, 3 bay, and 4 bay..20+ roads..$25-$40Tank Cars - 2 railWeaver...40' & 50', new & old, 20+ roads...$30-$45Atlas..33K..CNTX, ACFX, GLNX,, Sub Propane..$5017K..ACF 50' or Trinity 40' corn syrup..$55-$658K..Staley, Wolfs, Bakelite, Dow..10 roads..$50-$5511K..SHPX, UTLX, Hooker, Solvay..10 roads..$50-$55Flat Cars, Stock CarsAtlas..Double stacks..$125-$169. Front runners..$47Containers..40/45'..$25. Wvr 20'..$14/pr K-line..$1040' Stock cars..CNW, RG, B&O, GN, MKT, more..$37Wvr 40' & 50' flats..$25-$40. Atlas 52' flats..$37Gondolas - 2 railAtlas..40' composite..PRR, NYC, C&O, SP..$5550'..B&O, CNJ, GN, NW, NYC, PRR, Rdg, UP, LV..$37Wvr..CNJ, C&O, LV, RI, SF, UP, Rdg, NW, SOU..$25Cabeese - 2 rail, 3 rail scaleWvr..CR, Rdg, D&H, Erie, PRR, Monon, more..$$25-$47K-line..PRR, EL, NYC, SOU, SF, UP, more..$48MTH..PRR, EL, NYC, C&O, SP, CP, NH, more..$45-$60Atlas..RFP, Rut, RG, NH, SF, 15+ roads..$37-$70Atlas Track..40" flex $10. Switches..$45-$50Atlas Signals..Target, PRR, Type G..$55-$60www.stores.ebay/publicdelliverytracke-mail us at pdtrains@earthlink.netPO Box 1035 • Drexel Hill, PA 19026PO Box 2637 • Paso Robles, CA 93447610-259-4945 or 805-226-0320

Nos. 16001-18500 O SCALE/PROTO 48 • Kit #124/124-P … $49.95•Based on 1917 prototype builtby Mt. Vernon Car Co.•Double sheath with Dreadnought ends•Steel underframe•Andrews trucks•Kit includes couplers and decalsAlso available –SACRAMENTO NORTHERNBoxcar Nos. 2301-2350Kit #125/125-P … $49.95 Coming soon – SP Sugar Beet GondolaAll Work and No Playmakes a layout boring.Realistic Figures Bring Your Layout to LifeSend $1.50 for our full color catalog featuring the over 400 PEWTER Figures AND Accessorieswe produce in O Gauge All Made and Hand Painted in the USA with Pride. $8.95 S&H per order.VISA & MC orders call 1 800 316-2493. For Information:302 455-0195. FAX orders: 302 455-0197Visit us at www.arttista.com for color photos 105 Woodring Lane Newark DE 1970238 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08Celebrating 20 Years ofProducing High QualityAmerican Made Figures!Painted / Unptd1484 Soap box racer .............. _9.99 / 5.75_1485 Soap box racer #2 ......... _9.99 / 5.75_1486 Scooter ............................. _9.99 / 5.75_1487 Young man to ride scooter _5.99 / 3.75_1488 Woman as passenger ....... _5.99 / 3.75_1489 Dirt Bike ............................ _9.99 / 6.50_1490 Man to ride Dirt Bike ......... _5.99 / 3.75_1491 ATV (muddy)..................... _23.99/12.99_1492 Man to ride ATV ................ _5.99 / 3.75_1493 Pedal Boat ........................ _12.99/ 8.99_1494 Young lovers for pedal boat _12.50 /7.50_1495 Two kids for pedal boat ..... _12.50 /7.50_1496 Kayak with man ................ _14.50/10.50_People make the difference

A K-Line Bombardier Commuter Car 2-Rail ConversionGene ClementsThe PrototypeMy expertise with commuter service consists of a trip onthe MART line in Atlanta, so researching the prototype ofthese cars was in order. Originally designed by GO Transitand Hawker Siddeley, Canada in the 1970s, Bombardier nowowns the design and has produced more than 700 cars todate at its Thunder Bay Plant. The cars are easily identified bytheir elongated octagonal shape measuring 85’ long, 15’-11”high and 9’-10” wide. Equipped with two pairs of doors oneach side to allow for quick boarding and exit, each car wasdesigned to carry in excess of 300 passengers with seatingprovided for 136 to 162 people, with the remainder as standingpatrons.The cab-coach, with its full control cab built into the endof the car, is placed at the end of the train and allows the engineerto operate the train’s locomotive via remote control. ThisPush-Pull (swapping ends) maneuver allows the train to operatein either direction without having to be turned around ormake a run-around move with the locomotive. Most coachesuse a 480-volt head end power (HEP) system for heating, lighting,and air conditioning and require a locomotive or powercar with the appropriate HEP electrical supply.The ModelA couple of years ago K-Line produced a four-car set of21” Bombardier commuter cars, which were available in variousroad names, as 3-Rail models only. Each set consisted ofthree coaches and a cab-coach car with an MSRP of $ 599.95.These sets can still be found on auction sites such as eBay andoccasionally advertised in the various magazines catering tothe O Scale market (Photo 1).1The Conversion PlanTo convert the cars to 2-Rail, the wheels will be changedto scale 36” insulated sets. To utilize the lighting system, anew wiper for electrical pick-up will be fabricated for theinsulated wheels since the car frame, trucks and uninsulatedwheels provided power for one side of the circuit. The tinplatecouplers will be replaced. The factory pilots will bemodified and re-attached to the ends of the car body. Thiscovers the necessary parts of the conversion (Photo 4). Figure1 (Page 43) shows the fabrication and dimensions for the couplermount, electrical pick-up and new pilot plates. Optionalideas include the addition of more passengers, updating and234By a twist of fate, I came into possession of K-Line set#K4636K, VRE – Northern Virginia Bombardier cars. Beinga scale 84 feet long, these cars are extremely close to 1:48scale. While some variation is possible, it is not conspicuousin the model’s appearance (Photo 2).Details from the factory include body grab irons, end diaphragms,HEP cables and connections, operating doors, interiorlighting and passengers are included on each level. The cabincar is equipped with operator, air horn, bell, headlight and ditchlights. Also a switch is installed in the frame of the car, whichallows the owner to switch between headlights for push operationand red marker lights for pull operation (Photo 3).Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 39

578repainting of the mauve interior color and installing Keil-Linediaphragms and details in the vestibule areas such as drink,snack and newspaper machines.DisassemblyThe car body, upper deck and truck assemblies are heldtogether with screws, bolts and or nuts and locking key rings.The average modeler should have no problem with the disassemblyof these cars. Electrical connections are made withtwo pin plugs. The body and upper deck need to be removedin order to do any interior detail work or add additional passengers(Photo 5).I recommend the total disassembly of the trucks in order toseparate the pilot and 3-Rail coupler from each unit. The couplerassembly has a couple of brass rivets that will need to beremoved. Two metal tabs on the truck frame will need to becarefully bent open to allow the inside axle assembly to dropout. With the wheel and axle assemblies out, (Photo 6) I useda NWSL wheel puller to remove the wheel and disk brakerotor from each axle. Save these bearings and all screws,69washers, nuts and bolts as you will need them to re-assemblethe car (Photos 7-8).Once the 3-Rail couplers are removed, you will find “T”and “V” shaped coupler brackets still attached to the truckframe. These serve no further function and can be left inplace or removed by drilling out the small brass rivet holdingthem to the frame. Discard the third rail rollers, couplers andwheelsets (Photo 9).2-Rail ConversionStep One: Wheelsets.I experimented a bit here. On one car I used 2-Rail wheelsets from K-Line; on the others I used NWSL, all of which were36” wheels. The bronze bearings will need to be installed on40 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08the 2-Rail axles. I used the NWSL wheel puller to remove theinsulated wheel from each 2-wheel axle (Photo 10).The bearings slide on the K-Line sets as the 2- and 3-Railaxles are the same size. The NWSL axles are a bit larger andthe axle opening in the bearing had to be enlarged. I accomplishedthis by using a round needle file in the chuck of anelectric drill running in reverse. A bit of sanding with 220 gritsandpaper smoothed the enlarged opening. I installed a #6nylon washer between each wheel and bearing to reduce lateralmotion. I lubricated and installed two bearings on eachaxle with the tabs, or ears, to the inside, checked for free

1011rotation of the axle in the bearings, re-installed the wheel andchecked its gauge.Next is the installation of the disc brake rotors. The axleopening will need to be enlarged also if you are using partsother than K-Line. I used the round file and drill for this aswell. On each car, the discs will go on the uninsulated sideof two axles and on the insulated side of the remaining twoaxles. The insulated side requires the disc to be insulated fromthe axle. I accomplished this by epoxying a fiber washer to thewheel face and installing a small piece of heat shrink tubingto the axle. I then attached the rotor to the wheel face withepoxy. Check to insure there is no short circuit on these twowheelsets. The last step in preparing the 2-Rail wheelset is totrim the axle ends flush to the face of the wheel or brake rotor,I used a cut-off disk in a Dremel tool to accomplish this.Step Two: Re-assemble the Trucks.I pre-painted the side frames and wheelsets prior to assemblyto give the trucks a weathered look. When installing thewheelsets, all insulated wheels will have to contact the samerail like the electrical set-up on most 2-Rail locomotives.Once the wheelsets are installed, check and test to insure theinsulated wheels do not contact the side frames in any waythat creates a short circuit.Step Three: Fabricate and Install Pick-up for InsulatedWheelsI used thin sheet brass to fabricate a two-piece pick-upsimilar to the type used on Atlas and Weaver locomotives(Photo 11). These were soldered together and installed inplace of the rollers. The base of the plate will need to benotched to fit the tab for the old roller and two holes willneed to be punched for the mounting screws. Paint the areasof the pick-up that are visible from the side of the truck.Check to insure the wiper arms contact the back of both insulatedwheels. Check and test to insure there is no short circuit.The trucks are now complete and will be installed later.Step Four: Fabricate and Install Coupler mounts.I used Kadee #805 couplers and boxes but any type 2-Rail coupler can be used. I built my coupler mounts fromEvergreen 0.060” styrene sheet and structural shapes (Photo12). Styrene insulates the couplers from the car frame andprevents a short circuit when coupled to another car. Fromthe top of the car frame on each end, mark the centerline anddrill two holes 1/4” and 1/4” - 3/8” apart that will allow 2-56screws to secure the coupler mounts to the frame (Photo 13).1213Line-up the end of the mount with the end of the car frame,mark the top of the mount to correspond with the new holesin the end of the frame, and on the bottom of the mount markthe holes for the Kadee coupler box. Drill and tap these holesfor 2-56 screws. Pre-paint and install the coupler mounts, theKadees will be installed later.Step Five: Re-assemble the Car.Having completed the interior detail work and addedpassengers to your satisfaction, now is the time to install theupper and end partitions and reconnect the electrical plugs.Be sure the black and red wires are pulled through the frameof the car far enough to allow connection to the trucks.Attach the black wire to the truck’s metal frame with the boltand nut that you originally removed. Remove one of thescrews holding the wiper assembly to the truck and attach thered wire to the wiper with this screw. Remount each truck toNov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 41

its frame bracket and attach the assembly to the frame.With the trucks attached to the frame, check and test theframe assembly for any electrical short circuits. We can nowconnect the electrical system, attached the frame to the carbody and install the couplers.Step Six: The End PilotsI used the cut-off disk in the Dremel tool to remove themounting bracket arm from the back of the pilots (Photo 14).Make a flush cut and sand it smooth. To attach the pilots tothe ends of the car, I fabricated two plates 1’10” by 1’6” foreach pilot. These mount to the recessed area on either side ofthe coupler opening in the pilot. On the first car, I made thesefrom brass sheet, and then drilled and tapped the pilot andcar end for small screws. I decided this was too much work.On the last three cars, the plates were fabricated from 0.060”styrene sheet and attached to the back of the pilot withepoxy. When set, epoxy was then applied to the plates andthe assembly was mounted into the recess on the end of thecar and held in place until the epoxy cured (Photo 15). Thefinal assembly was to install the Kadee couplers and boxeswith 2-56 screws. Be sure the coupler screws do not touchthe screws that hold the mount to the frame.ConclusionOnce all four cars are completed, you will discover youhave a long and impressive commuter train (Photos 16 and17). What I have covered is the basics for a 2-Rail conversion.There is much more you can do that’s not included in thisarticle. The amount of detail work you put into these cars isyour option.Experience with 2-Rail electrical systems is helpful andall the work was accomplished with basic modelers’ tools,including the Dremel tool and a 3/8” power drill. I wouldrecommend converting a single car first to get a feel for theproject, how the car is assembled, and how to do the conversion.When you complete the first car, operate it on the layoutand use it as a reference for converting the others.I worked with parts that I had on hand. Feel free toimprove on this idea. You can contact me on the Authorspage of the OST Blog [www.oscalemag.com/wordpress] ifyou have questions concerning this conversion.Until the next time, “Roll-em”.uParts ListK-Line Wheel Conversion Kits orNWSL 8266-4 – 36” 0.145 pointed axle sets for MTH trucks.K&S 0.005” Brass or Copper SheetKadee #805 Coupler SetsEvergreen styrene sheets #9060 – 6 x 12 x .060Evergreen I-Beam #277, 1/4”Machine Screws, 2-56 x 1/4”Tool List3/8” Drill & various small drill bitsDremel rotary toolSoldering gun, solderNWSL wheel puller2-56 Tap and drills1415161742 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 43

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Scratchbuilding with Prototype DrawingsScratchbuilding can be a scary word for many modelers.Like anything that is new or untried, it doesn’t have to be ifyou approach it in a systematic way. The first step is to gatherinformation on the subject matter. The next is to plan out thejob. This article will touch upon some basic tools to designthe model you want to build.The most complex structure can be broken down into aseries of basic forms to which the final details are added.To illustrate this point, you can look at the photo below ofan express reefer that started as a simple core of 0.040” and0.060” sheet styrene. The model was built around a plain boxthat was sized to account for the overlays of details. I wantedto build a PFE BR-1 class express reefer. The car is large,being 50’ in length but it is still a simple box with scale sidingapplied to the box (Photo 1)Gene Deimling1your model. I have used it to take drawings out of the CarBuilder Cyclopedias as shown in Photo 2 below. I am buildinga Texas and Pacific 40’ steel gondola based upon a coupleof photos and a drawing in the 1931 Car Builders Cyclopedia(Photo 3).23Planning and DesignBefore you start to build the basic car shape, you need todo some sketching to determine the size of the inner coreand the various materials that will be applied to it in order toachieve the scale dimensions. Gathering together some prototypeinformation is the first step in building the model. Thiscan be in the form of a photo or two, drawings or sketchesbased upon the prototype. You will need to create a workingdrawing with the basic dimensions in a scale such as 1:32 or1:48. Try to avoid using too small a drawing since it is veryeasy to make measurement errors. You can find good scaledrawings in older issues of Model Railroader, Mainline Modelerand Railroad Model Craftsman. It is a good idea to alsohave a photo or two to check these drawings against. Therehas been an error or two published over the years. I founda very useful tool in making a scale/working drawing. It iscalled Scale Print Utility and is sold by P.I. Engineering. [http://www.raildriver.com/products/cyclopedias/scale.print.php]It comes bundled with their electronic reprints of the Locomotive,Maintenance, and Car Builders Cyclopedias. Thesedocuments are very good sources of prototype plans andinformation on railroad practices. It is an application that runson Windows XP and earlier. The software allows you to size adrawing or photograph to a popular modeling scale like 1:48,1:87.1 or 1:32 that you can print out and use directly to buildYou will need to scan the drawing to create a JPEG or TIFFphoto file. Open the file with the Scale Print Utility. Select ascale and enter a dimension directly from the drawing, suchas the length of the running board. Click “OK” and print thedrawing out. In many cases your drawing will be larger than astandard paper size. The software generates registration marksto aid in aligning the pages. Tape them together and you havea great working drawing. I will usually make notes and figureout the basic dimensions of the body right on the margins ofthe drawing.The basic design process takes place now that you havea scale drawing. Start by making a rough sketch of the carand how you might build it up (Photo 4, page 46). The sketchbreaks down the car into various thicknesses of material. Thedesign will depend upon the chosen material. I am usingstyrene so the side thickness assumes a back-to-back 0.015”thick styrene lamination that has multiple rivet impressionsmade into it (Photo 5, page 46).The combined thickness of the two car sides needs to befactored into the width of the floor to keep the model withinthe prototype’s overall width dimension. The width acrossthe side sheets on the prototype is 9’5”. I allow for 3”, tocompensate for thicker walls on the model. So your floorends being 9’2”. I would caution you on making the walltoo thin. Your model may end up warping badly over time ifthe walls are too thin. It may also be difficult to handle themodel as well.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 45

4675Working from PhotosScale Print Utility can work on a photo that is taken broadsideor a direct end view. If you have the basic dimension ofthe car length or width, you can set the size in the dialog boxand pointers to this dimension.You can sometimes skew a photo to compensate for thefact that the camera wasn’t perpendicular to the side or end.Adobe Photoshop has a tool that allows you to skew or distortthe image creating a more uniform shape rather than awedge. I used an image of a Soo Line stock car from the MidContinent Museum website (Photos 6-7). You can see that theadjusted image in Photo 7 does allow you to use it to scalethe basic dimensions.I have outlined a few tips on scratchbuilding. You need tokeep in mind that it does take time and effort to learn how todo it. Building kits is a good starting point before moving onto scratchbuilding. I have found that practicing on structuremodels is a good way to learn. A building is more tolerantthan something that has to run down the track. Don’t beafraid to discard a model if mistakes are made. u46 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

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Buy⁄Sell⁄TradeAOCC*Gem PRR B6 0-6-0, C/P or N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$575.00WSM PRR J1a, 2-10-4, C/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,650.00WSM PRR M1, 4-8-2, C/P, Nice, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,150.00USH NYC De-streamlined 4-6-4, C/P. Ex. OB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,275.00USH C&O 2-8-4, C/P, Runs good, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,275.00USH PRR M1a, 4-8-2, C/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,275.00MG NYC J3a, C/P, NOB, from Tony Ambrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,395.00OM N&W Y3 2-8-8-2, N/P OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,895.00USH NYC S1b 4-8-4 C/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,250.00MG PRR J 2-10-4, C/P, Icken gearsm NOB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,895.00USH NYC H10, 2-8-2, Mint, N/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,275.00USH NKP S-2, C/P, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,250.00Gem PRR A5 0-4-0, C/P, NOB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$475.00OM #0445 Conrail C39-8, N/P, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$975.00OM N&W C630 High Hood FM trucks, New OB. . . . . . . . . . . $1,195.00OM SD70M Demo, F/P, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,750.00PRB ATSF CE-9 Caboose F/P, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $335.00Jim HackworthMODEL TRAINS(and Subsidiary JH Consulting)2631 Edgevale Road, Columbus OH 43221-1113Phone: 614-4514517 Fax: 6144514557Email: jhmtrains@msn.com • Web: www.jhmtrains.comConsignmentsAOCC*Joe Fischer(??) PRR R50b Express Reefer $200.00OM PRR PAPB Set, Late Run, F/P, New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,875.00PRB 60’ Greenville Boxcar, F/P N&W, LN, OB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$249.00PRB 60’ Greenville Boxcar, F/P, Wabash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225.00OM ATSF Erie Built “B” Unit, F/P, New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $899.00USH PW Tank Car, C/P ACFX, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$150.00Scale Mod Ind Roundhouse kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$195.00PRB 60’ Greenville Boxcar F/P GT New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$295.00OM #0751.1 MLW Bay Window Caboose, LN, F/P, OB . . . . . . . .$375.00OM 89’ TTX flat, C/P TTX Yellow, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$275.00USH PRR N5 Caboose, New w/Trucks, N/P, OB. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250.00PRB Thrall APL D Stack Set, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,595.00OM PS2-CD Covered Hopper, C/P ATSF, OB, LN . . . . . . . . . . . .$319.00PRB Sealand Gunderson D. Stack, set, LN, OB . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,395.00MG PRR N8 Caboose, N/P, NOB.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250.00Alco PRR N6a, C/P or N/P, each. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$225.00Layaway Available48 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08*All Offers Cordially ConsideredLSASE for Complete ListShipping 6% - $6.95 Min., $15.00 MaxOhio Residents Add 6.75% Sales TaxEstates⁄LiquidationsCollection Reductions

B R U M M Y ’ SPREMIUM GROUNDRUBBER BALLASTScale or Hi-Rail Size:Limestone White, Gray NewEarth Colors! (All sizes) Dry Dirt,Rich Dirt (Darker), Sand BoxBeige (Brighter) Coal - All Sizes.WE NOW TAKE VISA, M/C, and AMEXPhone: 330-825-3673Fax: 330-825-0214200 23rd St. NW • Barberton, OH 44203email: Dbrumagin4@netscape.netBF&MSpecial RunsExclusiveBaldwin Forge & MachineBox 5, Baldwin MD 21013How can we help you? Custom machinework, 3-R to 2-R conversions for steam,diesel or electric. Driver castingsmachined. General repairs to O Scale locomotives.Call Joe, evenings 7 to 9 PM.410-592-5275 or rrjjf@aol.com*Shipping: $6.95 for 1 car$1.00 for each additional carPayPalNYC Pacemaker AARBoxcar3-Rail (8582)$55.95*2-Rail (9582)$59.95*Additional Atlas O Special Runs Coming Soon:Bewind Coal 55 Ton Coal HopperPRR Anchor Lines 40’ Wood ReeferNYC X-29 Box CarAll items shown are available in four road numbers6 Delmar Ridge Drive • Wellsboro, PA 16901amhobbies2@hotmail.com(570) 723-1824Pacific Fruit Express53’6” Exchange Reefer3-Rail (3001010)$65.95*2-Rail (3001020)$69.95*am-hobbies.comEast GaryCar Co.Dept OST3828 St. Joseph CtLake Station IN 46405They’re Back!Former Indianapolis Car Company sidesare now available from new tooling.Parts #100 & #200$3.00 eachOrders under $50 please add $4.50 for postage andhandling. SASE for updated list.Mullet Riverodel Works118 Huson Ct. • Plymouth, WI 53073Phone 920-892-8159WWW.mulletrivermodelworks.comO ScaleCaboose Models> Laser cut plywood body with working windows> Full interior with roof ribs and purlins> Separate doors can be modeled in the open position> Working windows> Etched brass underframesSee your dealer or our web site for more photos403001 SOO Line Caboose with single window cupola $120.00403002 SOO Line Caboose with two side window cupola $120.00403003 DSS&A Caboose $120.00403004 C&NW Caboose with no end windows $120.00403005 C&NW Caboose with end windows $120.00403006 C&NW Caboose with all wood underframe $120.00403007 Big Four Caboose $120.00403008 Milwaukee Road Caboose with tall cupola $120.00403009 CB&Q 28' Caboose $120.00403010 CB&Q 30' Caboose $120.00403011 SOO Line 34' Caboose $120.00403012 Central of Georgia Caboose with tong and groove side$120.00403013 Yosemite Valley Caboose $120.00403014 Central of Georgia Caboose with plywood side $120.00403015 Colorado & Southern Caboose standard gage $120.00403016 C&NW Bay Window Caboose tong and groove side $120.00403017 C&O-Pere Marquette Caboose $120.00New 403018 Southern Pacific C-30-1 Caboose $120.00New 403019 Southern Pacific CS-15 Caboose $120.00New 403020 Grand Trunk Western Caboose $120.00New 403021 New York Central Caboose $120.00New 403022 Boston & Albany Caboose $120.00Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 49

NEWS: DSL Shops, UrbanRowhouse, MSRP: $34.95(plus shipping)www.dslshops.comNeed a tenement buildingfor your city? Try this decorativefront with deep detail,heavy stonework with deeprelief trim, double doors andtypical high stairway. Twoor more painted differentlyor mixed with other similarfronts would make an attractivecity block.The Urban Rowhouse is a1/4” deep (2-5/8” with steps),4-3/4”w x 11-3/4”h urethaneflat. The building comes withclear plastic for windows andpaper window dressings. Seeyour local dealer first. Moreinfo at www.dslshops.com.NEWS: Sherman Series Backdrop LineSceniKing, BPH Enterprises, 4 Palmer Drive,Barrie, ON L4M 6V9, Canadawww.sceniking.comNow shipping to dealers, the Sherman Series marksSceniKing’s product growth to over 100 photo backdropkits serving 6 different scales. After assembly, the two OScale kits, R020 and R021, present a continuous 20-footpanorama of the rugged hill country found between Cheyenneand Laramie, Wyoming. Each kit consists of sixteen 8”x 14” panels which connect to create a scene ten feet longand 13.5 inches high. The top of the assembled photo is aconsistent sky-blue to enable upward continuation usingmatching paint. Careful assembly using the manufacturer’sinstructions can create a seamless image. Suggested retailprice for each kit is $52.95 through authorized dealers ordirect from SceniKing.NEWS: Witzinger’s Washboards False Front Building;MSRP: $79.95Bar Mills Scale Model Works , PO Box 609,Bar Mills, Maine 04004207-929-3400 • www.barmillsmodels.comThis is a false-frontbuilding. Measuring11”w x 5”d x 8”h. Thiskit will only be availabledirectly though BarMills at this time. Price:$79.95. Give a call, orpurchase direct throughPayPal.NEWS: Project Cancellation, Schneider Model Railroading,Inc. (SMR Trains)PO Box 753, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054Schneider Model Railroading, Inc. (SMR Trains) regretsto announce the cancellation of the current productionof the SMR Trains’ Winans Camel 0-8-0 and its associatedB&O 10 ton Iron Hopper cars. Various technical and otherissues surrounding the final product have forced us to concludethat the models do not meet SMR’s requirements.As of this writing, all SMR customers who had reserved amodel have received a full refund of their deposit.SMR is proud to announce that the next project, the Virginia& Truckee Baldwin mogul engines, V&T ore cars andcaboose/combine #9 is moving forward. Prototype modelshave been received recently and delivery is expectedthis winter. Photographs of these models are posted onthe company website, [www.smrtrains.com] and in manymajor hobby publications. Quantities will be very limitedand reservations are now being taken.50 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08NEWS: 3D Background Kit, Fulton Fruit Warehouse;MSRP: $79.99Model Tech Studios LLC, PO Box 1497, N Hampton NH03862603-964-5995 • www.modeltechstuidos.comModel Tech’s 3D Background Fulton Fruit Warehousemakes up to a 23” long by 2-1/2” deep background warehousescene with detailed, pre-cut wall sections, a precutcompany sign, cast roof vents, custom windows anddoors. An illustrated instruction manual with many photosis included. The kit is also available pre-finished at [www.finishedmodels.com].

Book Review: Advanced Terrain Modelling by Richard WindrowISBN 978-1-84176-975-2 , Osprey Publishing Limited; MSRP:$29.95 US, $37.95 CANwww.ospreypublishing.comReviewed by Mike CougillWe model railroaders canbe an odd lot in that we oftenwon’t look outside our ownhobby for ideas and inspiration.At the extreme, some ofus won’t even look beyondour own modeling scale. I goagainst the grain because Ilook for modeling ideas, techniquesand materials whereverI can find them. When Icame across this book at my local library, I checked it outimmediately and settled in for a fun read.Richard Windrow is a British diorama and militarymodeler. While the differences in modeling scale (1/32)and subject matter (military and historical scenes) will turnsome off, there’s much to learn from someone who is justas dedicated to his hobby as we are to ours.Advanced Terrain Modelling is Richard’s second bookon the subject. His first: Terrain Modelling covered manyof the basic techniques used by folks working in this genre.This new book also covers many of these basic techniques,since the author couldn’t be certain readers would befamiliar with the first volume. The book includes a varietyof modeling subjects, from First and Second World Warbattle scenes to a walled English garden, and what is mostimpressive: a forest scene. Richard outlines the tools andmaterials used to construct his dioramas in the first chapter.Many of these will be familiar to model railroaders, suchas modeling knives, razor saws, various sized brushes, hotglue guns and the like. Gatorfoam sheets and Celluclay arealso well known to many of us and form the foundation ofhis dioramas. He makes extensive use of Woodland Scenicsproducts along with those from European makers likeNoch; as well as some items commonly available in Britainlike etched metal branches and leaves. There’s a resourcesection in the back of the book with full contact informationon how you can get some of these materials.The 192 page hardcover book has a spiral binding thatallows it to lay flat when open, which is a real convenienceat the workbench. The page layout and photography areexcellent and pleasing to the eyes. The chapters are thoroughin their coverage (The WW I trench diorama chapterruns 34 pages.) of each project with in-depth text and plentyof full color, fully captioned, step-by-step photos. Thedepth of coverage and the amount of information presentedis something I appreciated. Too often books of this typegloss over the subject matter in order to cram in a variety oftopics. Not here.So what will you find that’s applicable to Americanmodel railroading? A great deal. Diorama modelers tendto use prototype source material, such as photos, moreextensively in modeling their scenes than we do. They havea much smaller platform to work on than the typical modelrailroad. They have to compose a scene that not only showcasesthe main object or model but also one that conveysa mood or tells a story in a space that’s often less than oneor two square feet. Model railroaders often seem to use anad-hoc style when laying out a model scene. (“Hey this’lllook good here.”) Composition techniques such as framinga view, forced perspective and using color and textureeffectively are ones we can put to good use. Scatteredthroughout the chapters are techniques for modeling everykind of surface or material imaginable, from wood, metaland masonry, to natural forms such as groundcover, soilsand trees.Chapter Four: Fall in the Forest was especially interestingto me. I have a wooded hillside on the layout that looksokay in person, but lousy in photos. Richard’s forest scenefeatures extensive groundcover and litter for the forest floorwith an amazing variety of textures. An uprooted tree showsa rootball with the exposed roots still covered in dirt withembedded rocks. The starring element is a decaying logmade from hair curlers (Yes, you read that right.) coveredwith plaster for bark. It’s covered in moss made of greenchalk dust, and lichen made of bits of ground foam and hasmushrooms and toadstools growing inside! Based on theinfo in this chapter, I’ll be rethinking that hillside soon.Structure modelers aren’t left out either. Chapter Sevencovers the construction of a WW II vintage street coveredin building debris from a bombing raid. This chapter is aPhD course in masonry modeling and weathering. Themethods outlined are fully applicable to modeling functionalbuilding details and textures. My favorite tip from thechapter is rubbing a simple pencil or solid graphite stick(available from an art supply store) over a painted castingof a manhole cover to simulate the semi-polished finish ofa worn metal surface. Are any of you car and locomotivemodelers interested in that one?While you likely won’t use every idea and productpresented here, I thought this was an excellent and usefulbook. You shouldn’t get hung up by the non-railroad subjectmatter or the unusual modeling scales. The ideas andtechniques are the real gold here and they’re readily transferrableto O Scale. The book can be found on Amazon.com along with his first book: Terrain Modelling, and that’sprobably the easiest way to obtain them. Together they willmake a valuable addition to anyone’s modeling library.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 51

REVIEW: Typhoon Track Cleaning Car; MSRP: $234.95Aztec Mfg. Co., 2701 Conestoga Dr #113, Carson City NV89706775-883-3327 • www.aztectrains.comReviewed by Joe GiannovarioKeeping the track clean on an operating layout is one ofthose unpleasant but necessary chores required for smoothoperations. So, when John Claudino of Aztec Manufacturingoffered to lend me one of his Typhoon track cleaningcars I jumped at the offer.The CarThe Typhoon is made from a standard Weaver 2-bayplastic hopper car (Photo 1). Aztec machines out the centerThe TestI put generic rubbing alcohol in the fluid reservoir. Rubbingalcohol is 30% water and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Thisis what I typically use to clean my track dabbed on a shopcloth.I did not have a funnel small enough to fit the reservoiropening so I used a trick from my chemistry lab days. Ipulled a length of brass rod from my parts bin and laid itover the open top of the alcohol bottle held in place withmy finger. I put the other end of the rod in the reservoir andvery slowly tilted the bottle until the alcohol ran down therod and into the reservoir.Once filled, I opened the valve a quarter turn to wet thefirst roller. I manually spun the roller to make sure the entiresurface was wet. Aztec says to close the valve when cleaningtrack. If you run the car with the valve open it will eventuallyloosen the canvas from the roller.I put the car in front of a locomotive and ran it aroundthe layout twice. I then inspected the rollers. As you can seein Photo 3, the wet roller (to the right) loosened up somesection of the car and installs a hard anodized aluminumchassis that holds two free-wheeling canvas covered rollersand a bar magnet. Above the rollers is a reservoir that willhold a cleaning fluid of your choice. The reservoir has a 0.5ounce capacity and a clear acrylic cover so you can seewhen the cleaning fluid needs to be refilled (Photo 2).The rollers are mounted at a slight angle to the trackso that they perform a scrubbing motion as the car rollsaround the layout. One roller is run wet with solvent whilethe other is run dry. The car can be run in either directionbut Aztec recommends the bar magnet be kept at the rear.The wet canvas roller can be replaced with a Cratex®abrasive roller, but to do so would make the car equivalentto Aztec’s Marauder track cleaning car which sells for $60less. You can’t run the Cratex roller wet. The car is very wellmade and heavy which is what you need to get a goodscrubbing action.grime and the dry roller scrubbed it up. What really surprisedme the most was the debris caught by the magnet.The ResultsAztec says to run the car for 10 to 15 minutes or until therails are clean. Based on my test, a good 15 minute scrubbingleft the rails completely clean. Running the car regularlywill keep them clean.The downside is that this car is not cheap. Aztec trackcleaning cars start at $99.95. The Typhoon is the mostexpensive and most sophisticated of the group. Aztec has notskimped on materials and it is reflected in the price. Anotheraspect of the Typhoon that differs from other Aztec trackcleaning cars is that the cleaning mechanism can be disguisedto be nearly unnoticeable while on the layout. Aztecprovides a template to make a side cover for the rollers.John also told me he is presently testing a Typhoon witha DCC-operated valve which he hopes to have on the marketsoon. Check with him for more details.If you have a large layout with lots of hard-to-reachtrackage, the Typhoon (or one of the other Aztec cars) mayjust be the solution you need for cleaning dirty track.52 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

Book Review: Railroads of Pennsylvania: Your guide toPennsylvania’s Historic Trains and Railway Sites by BrianSolomon, ISBN 978-0-7603-3245-0,Voyageur Press 2008800-826-6600 • www.voyageurpress.comReviewed by Roger C. ParkerWhat to do on your next trip to PennsylvaniaRailroads of Pennsylvaniais a traveler’scompanion to thestate of Pennsylvania,worthy of interestfrom any O-Scalemodeler planningto visit the state forbusiness or pleasure.Its 160 pages providea wealth of informationabout railroadingpast and present. Itcombines a full colorportrait of Pennsylvaniarailroading today,with enough backgroundand historicaldata to provide ameaningful context for any travel to the state.Like all Voyageur Press books, Railroads of Pennsylvaniais beautifully laid out and produced. The large, full-colorpages provide a setting for hundreds of photographs, bothblack and white and color. Left-hand and right-hand pageswere obviously designed as two-page spreads, visuallybalancing each other. The title pages of each chapter areespecially attractive, with a single, large contemporaryphotograph filling the left-hand page, balanced by an informative,text-filled page on the right that sets the stage forthe chapter’s content.OrganizationOne of the things that immediately appealed to me wasthe way the contents are organized. Railroads of Pennsylvaniais divided into 16 chapters, organized into four parts.Each traces a theme from past to present.Part 1, Anthracite Country, contains five chapters. Thesebegin with a look at the role of coal in Pennsylvania’shistory and the railroads that moved it, and moves on todescribe the origins and present operations of Scranton’sSteamtown museum.Part 2, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Country, containsfour chapters, and illustrates the challenges that BrianSolomon and the staff at Voyageur Books had to face—andhow well they faced it. The challenge was to provide aconcise history of railroading in one of the most colorfuland often photographed areas of the country, yet providea photographically interesting survey of what visitors willencounter when they visit today. The challenge was also toaccurately display the range of railroading, from the urbandensity of Philadelphia to the numerous museums in thearea. Yet, it all comes together in a blend of classic railroadphotography and contemporary documentation.Part 3, Through the Mountains via the Horseshoe Curve,contains two chapters, with the emphasis on several greatphotographs showing just what it will be like when a readervisits Horseshoe Curve.Part 4, Railways Large and Small, is a slight departure fromthe above regionally-oriented past-to-present organization.Part 4 profiles the state’s traditional railroads, i.e., the NewYork Central, East Broad Top, Erie Railroad, the Baltimore& Ohio, etc. As always, there is a pleasing blend of contemporarycolor photography with vintage black and whiteexamples from Jim Shaughnessy and various railroad museumcollections.PhotographsBrian Solomon’s opening photograph of Philadelphia’s30th Street Station during October, on page 66, is one of myfavorites. Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is the third busiestAmtrak station. Only New York’s Penn Station and Washington’sUnion Station serve more riders. The large, detailedphotograph of the renovated waiting room is one of the mostpositive and accurately atmospheric photographs of Americanrailroading during the Amtrak years. Note the pumpkins anddried flowers in front of the information kiosk.The 30th Street station photograph reflects what I considerto be the book’s major accomplishment, outside of providinga helpful guide to any railroad lover visiting the state of Pennsylvania.Simply put, Brian Solomon’s most important accomplishmentin this book is to take meaningful photographs ofcontemporary railroading in an age when, to be blunt, manyrailroading subjects just aren’t photogenic.For example, it is often very difficult to take interesting oratmospheric photographs of railroad equipment in museumsettings. There’s often a Coca-Cola machine or distracting signagein the background. Yet, at numerous points in the book,Brian Solomon shows that it is indeed possible to breathephotographic life into a static museum display, revealing thebeauty of the underlying form and technology. His large photographof a static steam engine, stained glass window, andflag on page 10, facing the book’s Foreword, is a beautifullycomposed and atmospheric photograph as any I’ve ever seenin a museum. Likewise, the photograph of the PennsylvaniaE-7, number 5901, on display at the Railroad Museum ofPennsylvania, is as satisfying a photograph as any action shottaken during the diesel era.The full page sunrise photograph of the Pennsylvania railroadsignal tower now on display at the Strasburg Railroad isyet another example of Solomon’s unique ability to find stunningbeauty in contemporary museum settings.ConclusionRailroads of Pennsylvania is a worthwhile investment forboth railroad lovers contemplating a trip to Pennsylvania whoare looking for a preview of the treats available for them, aswell as a worthy purchase for any modeler looking for a photographictour of railroading through the areas in one of thecountry’s most diverse states.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 53

Review: AtlasO 2-Rail Gold Series F2/F3 powered A-B;MSRP: $479.95 ea.AtlasO, LLC 348 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205908-687-9590 • www.atlasto.comReviewed by Joe GiannovarioThe PrototypeThe history of Electro-Motive Division’s F-units reads likea genealogy from the Book of Genesis: The FT begat theF2 which begat the F3 which begat the F7 which begat theF9 which begs the question what happened to F4, F5, F6and F8? (See, I really don’t know much about Diesels!) Fora detailed history of F-units see General Motors’ F-UNITS,The Locomotive That Revolutionized Railroading by DanielJ. Mulhearn and John R. Taibi, ISBN-0-915276-39-9, QuadrantPress, Inc., Room 707, 19 West 44th St., New York, NY10036. USA.EMD started producing F2 and F3 units in 1945 andcontinued through 1949 when the F7 was introduced. Themain difference between the F2 and F3 was the horsepowerrating. There was no significant difference in theexterior carbody that indicated whether a unit was a 2 or 3.There were many mechanical differences but for our purposesthe F2 and F3 are identical in outward appearance.In fact, many F2s were upgraded to F3 without any exteriorchanges.F-units could be equipped with either a freight or passengerpilot. The passenger pilot had a drop coupler whichcould be hidden behind doors to make the front end lookmore streamlined. The freight pilot had a fixed couplerwhich protruded from a rectangular hole in the pilot.The ModelAtlas has produced an F-unit model they call F2/F3Phase 1. The body is injection molded plastic based on themolds Atlas purchased from P&D Hobbies not long ago.The detail is sharp and crisp. As this is a 2-Rail model, thepilot is fixed and does not pivot with the front power truck.The model is equipped with a freight pilot.The mechanism inside the carbody is what has come tobe called a China Drive, i.e., each truck is powered by asmall can motor mounted vertically over the truck, drivingthe axles through a series of spur gears. The model is poweredby a QSI Dual Mode DCC receiver. Dual Mode meansthe unit will run on either straight DC or DCC commandcontrol. The QSI system also provides sound in either modeof operation. The sample sent for review is painted and letteredfor the Lackawanna. The paint is nicely applied andthe lettering is crisp.FidelityThe twin-motored drive system has been criticized in thepast for two characteristics: poor slow speed performanceand a carbody that sits higher than would be prototypical.We will deal with the speed issue later. As for the rideheight of the carbody, it checks out perfectly against notone, but two different sets of plans. I used plans from theJan. /Feb. 1982 Mainline Modeler and from the October1970 Model Railroader to examine the model.The carbody should sit between 4’ and 4’ 2” accordingto these plans. I measured the model at exactly 4’. Onone of the online bulletin boards Glenn Fresch posted acomposite photo of a real F-unit superimposed over theAtlas model showing that the model is correct (See Photo2). In fact, every dimension I checked was spot-on with theplans. I am sure there may be some minor details that arenot quite correct but all the basic details are correct.I am no expert on Diesel sounds; so I cannot judge thefidelity of the sound package in the F-units. In my opinion,they do sound good.CompatibilityThe model checked out on the NMRA O Scale Standardsgage. The Atlas couplers mate with Kadees but notalways with success. As this is a Gold Series locomotive, itis operable on both straight DC as well as DCC. However,because of the electronics involved, running this locomotivein DC mode with any non-electronic equipped DClocomotive would be problematic because of the high startingvoltage. This would be true for any command controllocomotive that has dual mode operation.PerformanceI ran all the performance tests with both the poweredA and B units coupled. In DC mode the models beganmaking startup and Diesel sounds at about 8.5 Volts. At9.2 Volts the models ran slowly and smoothly drawing54 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

Book Review: Practical Guide to Digital Command Control;MSRP: $24.95Carstens Publications, PO Box 700, Newton NJ 07860973-383-3355 • www.carstens-publications.comReviewed by Joe Giannovario600 mA. This was the equivalent of 2.2 scale mph. Underload, i.e., pulling 12 average O Scale freight cars, the unitsdrew 900 mA on level track and 1200 mA on my 3+ percentgrade. The running speed was 25 scale mph. In DCCmode the slowest running speed I obtained was 2 scalemph using 128 speed steps. In both modes slow speedperformance was excellent. I have no doubt I could haveloaded every freight car I own behind these two units andthey would have marched them around the layout with noproblem.I had an amusing situation arise while testing theseunits. Not being very Diesel-savvy, I coupled the B unitto the A unit without regard for which end of the B unitwas the front. When I first powered up the pair, they justsat there with their wheels spinning. It took a moment forme to realize the wheels on the A unit were turning in theopposite direction from the wheels of the B unit. If thesehad been straight DC models it would not have matteredwhich direction the B unit was facing, but because theseare DCC models the B unit can be going in reverse whilethe A unit is going forward resulting in going nowhere butpolishing the wheels nicely! I now know that a B unit has afront and back just like the A unit.ConclusionsThese are very nicely made models of a ubiquitous Diesellocomotive. There are some who will swear that only ahorizontal P&D/Weaver drive will do them justice. SinceI have little experience with Diesels, all I can say is thesemodels ran very well during testing. The sound and DCCcontrol add an extra dimension to the enjoyment of operation.If your favorite railroad owned F-units, you will probablywant a set of these Atlas units.My thanks to Glenn Fresch for his permission to reprintthe composite photo.Digital Command Control (DCC) ismaking significant inroads in O Scale,finally. After years of being relegatedto the smaller scales because of OScale’s power requirements, DCC isnow offered factory-installed in manyAtlasO models and sound decodersare currently available for the selfinstaller.One of the downsides of early DCC systems was theneed to have a good understanding of digital electronics,and hexadecimal coding. (For those of you not familiarwith counting in base 16, “FF” is equal to 255 in base 10.It’s a kind of geek speak.) That has all changed with themost modern DCC systems. So, if you are interested inadding DCC to your O Scale layout where do you start?Carstens’ new book Practical Guide to Digital CommandControl is a great place to start.Author Larry Puckett has taken an approach that willhelp even the most electronically-challenged among usmake sense of what DCC systems will and will not do.There is a concise but not overly technical explanation ofhow DCC works and a great chapter on selecting the rightsystems for your layout. The chapter on decoder installationswon’t be of much use to O Scalers as all of theexamples are either N or HO Scale models. The generalguidelines, however, are applicable regardless of scale.The chapters I found most useful were those on sounddecoders and stationary decoders. It’s sound that fascinatesme and I’m eager to add DCC with sound to all my locomotives.I’ve read a little about stationary decoders butreally did not pay them much attention. Puckett goes overall the possible uses including signal and turnout operation.He also mentions software programming of decodersand here it does get technical so if you’re not a big fan ofcomputer programming and interfacing you might get a bitglassy-eyed. What caught my interest was the mention ofDecoderPro, a Java-based program that will run on nearlyany computer, including my Macintosh! This software anda Windows commercial product called TrainProgrammer,allow you to program the decoder in your locomotive byentering numerical values into a computer screen or movesliders and then upload these settings to the decoder. Theimportance here is that a rather complicated set of valuesdeveloped for any given locomotive can be saved to thecomputer and reloaded later, either to a new locomotive orthe original if it needs resetting.The book concludes with a list of DCC sources and severalexamples of programming and planning log sheets, allof which are quite useful.Overall, if you are just curious about getting into DCCor have already taken the plunge, there is much material ofinterest in this book, so get yourself a copy.Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 55

REVIEW: “Russian” Decapod 2-10-0; MSRP: $999.95M.T.H. Electric Trains, 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive,Columbia MD 21046410-381-2580 • www.mth-railking.comReviewed by Joe GiannovarioThe PrototypeJust prior to World War I the Russian Imperial Governmentplaced an order for over 1200 small-drivered (52”),wide-gauge (five feet) 2-10-0s (decapods) with both Baldwinand Alco. With only an 18’ 4” wheelbase and 183,500lbs. on its drivers, the light axle loading was what made thiswheel arrangement very popular in Europe and Asia.Funny thing how history can intervene with a government’sbest intentions. In 1917 the Bolshevik Revolutionoverthrew the Russian Monarchy and left the enginebuilders with about 200 undelivered locomotives. TheUnited States Railway Administration (USRA) adopted theorphaned locos, regauged them to American standards andsent them off to various U.S. railroads with the Erie gettingthe majority, 75. Other roads that owned them were:St. Louis-San Francisco, 21; Western Maryland, 10; Gulf,Mobile & Northern, 12, and the Seaboard Air Line, 40.The ModelThe MTH model is a typical modern die-cast locomotive.The basic boiler is a one-piece casting with addeddetails, most of which are brass investment castings. Thetender is die-cast as well, giving this diminutive locomotivegood heft.The model is painted and lettered for the Western Marylandwith the speedball herald. The paint finish is smoothand semi-gloss black. The lettering is sharp and crisp.The model operates in dual mode under both DC andMTH’s proprietary DCS system and is powered by a largePittman can motor. Sound and lights operate in bothmodes.FidelityThe engine scales out exactly with the drawings in theModel Railroader Locomotive Cyclopedia, Vol. 1. However,the model is not without a major fault. Refer to Photo 2 fora look at the end beam of the tender. In online discussionsthis was dubbed “the porch” and there were several suggestionsfor suitable picnic paraphernalia to be placed onit. To be sure, the Russian Decapods were delivered withunusually wide end beams, about 18” based on availablephotos. The MTH model has a rear deck over four scale feetwide. A spokesman for MTH told OST that their outsideexpert advisor for this project gave them incorrect informationabout the rear deck and did not correct it until the dieswere already made and it was too late.CompatibilityI checked all the wheels and drivers with the NMRAO Scale standards gage. All the wheelsets passed exceptthe drivers which all had tight check gauge, although notenough to affect operation. Coupler mounts for Kadee®style boxes are provided on the tender along with mountingscrews and, once installed, the scale couplers were atthe correct height without the need for shimming.PerformanceAll performance tests are done with the smoke unitturned off. In DC mode the slowest smooth speed attainablewas 3.8 scale mph which is okay but could be better.The power draw at this speed was 9.3 Volts and 400 mA.Under a full train load of 12 standard O Scale freight carsthe locomotive drew 800 mA at 12 Volts on grade movingat 10 scale mph. In DCS mode the slowest smooth speedattainable was 1.1 scale mph. This is excellent slow speedoperation.The 5 axle wheelbase with all the drivers flanged doeshave its limitations. The box says this locomotive requiresa 48” minimum radius and I can confirm that fact, havingderailed the locomotive on a 44” radius curve severaltimes. It also had some difficulty with an Old Pullmancurved turnout where it literally squeaked down the 48”56 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

adius leg. Otherwise, there were no problems anywhereelse on the layout.ConclusionsThe MTH Russian Decapod is a very nice modelalthough it does have one major flaw with the tenderdeck. However, the rear deck is a separate casting heldin place with two screws (See Photo 3). In addition, thecoupler mounting is separate from the deck mounting.So, one could make a new rear deck easily from styrenesince it does not have to handle the coupler load. The couplermounting bracket would need to be modified so thecoupler will fit the new shortened deck. You will have todecide if you can live with the deck as-is, build a new one,or skip the model altogether. It’s an important decision inlight of this model’s list price.NEWS: Micro-Mark #84263 Bottomside Creeper; MSRP:$104.95MicroMark • 800-225-1066 • www.micromark.comAutomotive creepers are too low for working underneathmodel railroad layouts. Micro-Mark designed theBottomside Creeper to maximize reach and comfort whileworking. The steel frame is contoured to lift your body tothe optimum position for working on benchwork, wiringand switch machines. The softly-padded backrest withintegral lever-action headrest inclines to three positionsabove horizontal to position your arms exactly where youneed them. Smooth-rolling industrial-strength casters letyou glide abouteasily. Overallsize is 26” x 44”x 12” for easystorage. Shippedby UPS groundto 48 contiguousU.S. only. Forother areas, contactCustomerService forspecial arrangements.Join us for the2009O scale NationalConventionnBy Baltimore O Scale, LLC& The Baltimore Societyof Model EngineersnFriday Evening BanquetnModel ContestsnLayout ToursnTours & Visits to nearby:B&O Transportation MuseumBaltimore Streetcar MuseumBOSS,LLC.,P.O.Box 14, Baldwin, MD 21013For Updates, visit:www.OscaleEast.comNov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 57

Deichman’s DepotATLAS O Scale 2-Rail3513-1 WM SD-40 Cab #7445 DC/DCC $407.753518-1 Conrail Saving Bond SD-40 DC/DCC 407.750459-1 D&H RS-3 Cab #4110 195.450464-1 Reading RS-3 Cab #488 195.457766 WM Fishbelly Hopper 45.007780 PC (MOW) H21a Hopper 55.207781 Virginian H21a Hopper 55.207782 PRR H21a Hopper (Black) 62.657680 Pitts. & Lake Erie NE-6 Caboose 63.707635 RF&P EV Caboose 63.707631 Chessie EV Caboose 63.707519 Bend Mill Works 53' Evans Box 55.207487 Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific USRA Box 49.257342 WM 40' Airslide Hopper 50.959277 Cargill 17,600K Tank Car 63.709403 NH 50' PS-1 Box Car 55.209851 B&O 50' PS-1 Box Car 59.459855 Schmidt's 50' PS-1 Box Car 59.459802 NYC 40' USRA Gondola 53.509519 Santa Fe 40' Steel Reefer 53.509103 Merchant Biscuit 40' Wood Reefer 53.509146 LaCrosse Breweries 40' Wood Reefer 53.50Deichman’s Depot110 Ivyside Dr, York PA 17402Ph: 717-755-1108 • Fax: 717-840-9650deichmansdepot@comcast.netwww.deichmansdepot.comStatement of Ownership & Circulation1. Publication Title: O Scale Trains Magazine2. Publication #: ISSN 1536-95283. Filing Date: Sept. 15, 20084. Issue Freq.: Bi-monthly5. # of issues annually: 66. Annual subscription price: $357. Complete mailing address of Known Office ofPublication: PO Box 289, Exton PA 19348. Complete Mailing Address of General BusinessOffice of Publisher: 486 Lynetree Dr., West ChesterPA, 193809. Publisher: Joe Giannovario, PO Box 289, ExtonPA 19341Editor: Joe Giannovario, PO Box 289, Exton PA19341Managing Editor: Mike Cougill, PO Box 289, ExtonPA 1934110. Owners: Joe Giannovario & Jaini Giannovario,486 Lynetree Drive, West Chester PA 1938011. Known Bondholders: None12: Tax Status: Unchanged13. Title: O Scale Trains Magazine14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: Sept/Oct 200815: Extent & Nature of Circulation:Avg # Single Issuecopies nearest toprev. 12 months filing dateA. Total # of copies 5526 5550B. Paid CirculationMail Subscriptions 1078 1161Sales thru Dealers 3958 3937Other Mailed USPS 248 243C. Total Paid Circulation 5284 5341D. Free distributionBy Mail 95 39Outside Mail 0 0E. Total free Distribution 95 39F. Total Distribution 5380 5379G. Copies Not Distributed 147 170H. Total 5526 5550Etched brass numbers SP-style, MSRP: $15.More brass numbers coming soon!Field parts for your interlocking tower: pipecarriers, crank stands and cranks. Visit ourweb site for details.The IrishTracklayer2682 W. Palo Alto AveFresno CA 93771www.irishtracklayer.comTWIN WHISTLE SIGN & KIT CO.Buy Direct!31 Turnberry Drive, Arden, NC 28704 (828) 684-6785Footprint: 10” x 4.5”Buy Directly from our e-store!WWW.TWINWHISTLE.COMASSEMBLEDBUILDINGS AREAVAILABLE!The Classic!Kit: $54.95• Pre-Cut Basswood Body• Complete Instructions• Assorted Castings• Wide Selection ofGraphics• Grandt Lines Doors &Windows• Scribed Interior Flooringe-mail:twinwhistle@hotmail.com58 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

2009 O Scale ConventionMark your calendars forJune 18-20, 2009 and getready for a very unusual OScale event. The BaltimoreO Scale Society (BOSS) andthe Baltimore Society ofModel Engineers (BSME) arepleased to invite you to the2009 O Scale Conventionto be held near Baltimore,Maryland, the birthplace ofAmerican railroading, andhome to the world class B&O Transportation Museum.The convention will be held in the Student Union Buildingon the campus of Towson University with the adjacent dormitoriesand dining facility available for our attendees. Withthe rising cost of transportation and accommodations, weare pleased to be able to offer room and board packages thatstart at $83.00/night including three meals a day. Since this isa college campus, all areas of the convention are handicapaccessible. Secure, multi-level parking is connected to theStudent Union Building and dormitories. For those stayingon campus, parking fees are included in your lodging package.For those not interested in staying on campus, there areseveral large motels and hotels in the vicinity of the campusoffering special room rates.In addition to several large areas for vendors and portabledisplay layouts, the Student Union building’s classrooms offerA/V projection capabilities that we will use for clinic presentations.The convention site will be open, for dealer setup onWednesday afternoon June 17 th . The trading halls have roomfor approximately 400 tables and they will be open on Thursdayand Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and on Saturdayfrom 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.We have arranged for a dealer reception Wednesday eveningin the Student Union Lounge thanks to a generous donationfrom O Scale Trains Magazine to help us defray the costof the reception. Thank you, OST!In lieu of a banquet on Friday evening, we will be havinga cocktail reception, awards ceremony and presentationsby representatives of future O Scale National Conventionsstarting around 6:30 PM. Soft drinks and finger food will beprovided. A cash bar will also be available. This will be a nocost affair for anyone staying in the dormitories with the mealplan. Folks wishing to come to the reception who are notstaying in the dorms can purchase a ticket for an additional$22.00.As a special feature, the Baltimore Streetcar Museum willbe open exclusively for our use on Thursday Evening from7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A $5.00 donation to the BSM will allowyou to ride on all of their operating cars. The same evening,The Baltimore Society of Model Engineers will be open forconvention attendees from 7:00 PM until 11:00 PM. TheBSME is located about ten minutes from the Streetcar Museumin downtown Baltimore. We will be offering discountcoupons for visits to the B&O Museum and other area attractionsboth rail and non-rail.We will be offering shuttle bus service for the ladies (andanyone else who wants to go) from the University to variousshopping and cultural points of interest in the Baltimore areaon both Thursday and Friday.There are many fine O Scale layouts in the Baltimore areaand surrounding counties. Layout tours will be available onThursday and Friday evenings as well as Saturday afternoonwhen the convention trading halls close. Maps to the homelayouts will be provided to those attending the convention.Additional information pertaining to the home layouts will bedetailed in a later article.The convention web site also has information regardingour 2009 Convention Cars, the Weaver Troop Sleeper Baggagecars lettered for B&O and Railway Express Agency withthe Red Diamond Herald. These cars are available in threeroad numbers and can be ordered for operation with two orthree rail equipment. A limited quantity of each car has beenproduced exclusively for this convention, so don’t miss out!Get your order in as soon as possible. The anticipated deliverydate for the cars is fall 2008. If you have placed an order,your cars will be shipped to you as soon as they arrive.You can register for the convention, reserve on-campusaccommodations, search for nearby hotels/motels (mentionthat you are attending a Towson University function), learnmore about area attractions (both railroad and non-railroad),order convention cars and get contact information on theindividual members of BOSS and BSME by visiting the conventionweb site at [www.OscaleEast.com].We hope to see you in Baltimore next year!uNov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 59

Incredible! No better word for this new arid grass mat. Highly textured dry, sandy savannah soil with tuftsof 4mm buffalo grass randomly sprouting through the surface. Four seasonal samples included; Spring,Summer, Late Summer and Autumn. Sheets measure 12” x 19” and will conform to most any terrain. Colorsare compatible with the entire line of Silflor products. Web Spray is recommended for large areas. Perfectfor all scales. Sampler pack also available! Narrow Gauge and western modelers will love ‘em.MN71921 Spring Tone Savannah Grass Spring tone base tuft with beige dry grass shaft. ......... $34.99MN71922 Summer Green Savannah Grass Deep green tone base with beige dry grass shaft. .. $34.99MN71923 Late Summer Savannah Grass Burnt Green base tuft with tan dry grass shaft. ......... $34.99MN71924 Autumn Brown Savannah Grass Brown base tuft with tan dry grass shaft. ................. $34.99MN71929 Savannah Grass Sampler 4” x 6” sample swatch of all four seasonal mats. ............... $24.9960 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08175 Sheffield Drive #100, Delmont, PA 15626Order: (724)468-3106 • FAX: (724)468-3879Visit our Web Site: www.scenicexpress.comPlease add $8.49 Shipping. PA res add 6% tax.

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AMEXAtlas 2-Rail ClearanceTrainman40’ Sliding Door Box Car 32BAR, JC, Lack, GN, NP40’ Plug Door Box 32C&O, CGW, WMBay Window Caboose 32CSX, Frisco, MP, SP40’ Hy-Cube Box Car 32UP, Burlington, ICG, MRMaster Series40’ Pulpwood Flat Car 43D&H, SF, WM3-Bay Cylindrical Hopper 45PRR, Cumberland, USI Petro,6-Bay Cylindrical Hopper 45Wabash, Cotton Belt40’ GATX Airslide Hopper 45RG, PRR, Brach’s, Chessie, PCPS-4427 Grain Hopper 45Continental, Producers, PRR, B&M33K Gallon Tank Car 45Wanda, ACF DemoWar Emergency DC Hopper 40B&O, Burl, GA, L&N, PRR, Alton40’ USRA Sgl Sheath Box Car 42SP MOW, MOW, PRR, JC, CNJWM, RFP, Erie, MKT, PRR Lines40’ Steel Rebuilt Box Car 42C&NW, RS&P, C&O, MoPac53’ Evans Plug Door Box Car 44BN, UP, MP, Aloha, Bend Mills, MNS60’ Auto Parts Box Car 44CN, GTW, N&W, C&O, UP, CBExtended Vision Caboose 53BN, RG, BN Freedom, DMIR, GN,Chessie Safety, SF Ltd, Rutland,SOO Line, Chessie, Indian Harbor,RF&P, ConrailStandard Cupola Caboose 53MRL, NS, N&WNE-6 Caboose 53NH, Clinchfield, P&LE, WLE,N&W, NYS&W, Conrail, Shaw40’ Woodside Reefer 44Blatz, Del Maiz, Silver Edge, B&M,WP, Atlas, Phoenix, Century,Merchant’s, Nash, ART, Fairmont,Donaldson, Goetz, LaCrosse,40’ Re-Built Woodside Reefer 44Undec, Hardy Salt, Oak Grove,Silver Edge, Canada Dry, PrairieFarm, Glaser – Crandell,, Meeter’s,Pabst-ett, Stokely’s, Sun-Rayed36’ Woodside Reefer 44Und, Hormel, Oscar Mayer, Krey’sCudahy, NKP, Sou Star, Clicquot,Page, Pearl-Brand, Fox Beer, ,Wescott & Winks, Crown, BlatzKornblum, Columbus, Noack,Swift’s, Kahn’s, Kraft, Rath’sGrand Union, Ralston Purina,50-Ton Fishbelly DC Hopper 42Und, NS, B&O, ACL, D&H x 211K Gallon Tank Car 46Columbia, Homgas, Essotane,Hooker, Adirondack, Undec17K Gallon Tank 54Hooker, PPG, ADM, Cargill, LSI,GATX, Minn.Corn Products89’ Flats Erie, FEC, SF, WP 55Golden Gate Depot21” Aluminum Passenger 6-pk 545Full Interior, People, DetailedNYC, SF 2-Pk 25921” SP Daylt Alum 5-Pk 545SP Articulated Diner Set 54521” PRR Smooth Side 5Pk 545“Fleet of Mod”, Brown Post-WarPRR “Queen Mary” Observation Dreyfus J-3a Hudson, 4-6-4 989& PRR D78 Diner 265 DelPRR P70 20” Coach 4-Pk 399LIRR, PRSL, PRR Post-War 12#PRR B70 Baggage, PB70 Combine,BM70 Mail RPO 3-Pk 359 NYC F-12e 4-6-0 Ten Wheeler 57520” Head-End Set 359 Brass John Bull Passenger Set 385B&O, GN, NH, NYC, NP, N&W, SF, NS Dash 9 Tank Train Set 625SP Green, SP Gray, SP Daylt, Pullman, S-2 Diesel Switcher SP, CNW 342UP Gray, UP Yellow, Undec Green Cotton Belt SD40T-2 395SD70Ace Power 411 KCS20” Diner/Observation 2-Pk 265B&O, C&O, CBQ, CP, GN,N&W, NH,NP, NYC Gray, NYC Betterment,Pullman, SP Gray, SP Green, SP Daylt,UP Gray, UP Yellow, UndecPullman 8-1-2 Heavywt Sleeper 109Pullman, NYC, NYC Pullman, PRRPullman 12-1 Heavywt Sleeper 109PRR & Pullman New RunREA 54’ Reefer 4# $65 4/$245 DelACL, B&O, NYC, SF, GN, REAGreen, REA Red Logo, Orig WhiteWeaver Models 2008CP 4-4-4 Jubilee 939 Cmd 1039CN U4b Royal 4-8-4, Cmd 1045GTW U4a 4-8-4 2-R 92580’ Aluminum 5-Car Set 549NW, PR, AK, CNJ, LV, CN, LN, GTWTroop Sleeper 4# 89Troop Hospital 4# 89Troop Kitchen 4# 89B60 Baggage 4# 75Rdg, NYC, CP, CSS, UP, NH, PRR,LIRR, Unlettered, N&WRPO 4# 79 Roads as aboveVO 1000 Cmd/EOB/RS 249WP, C of GAMOW Troop Cars 50 2/$95Monon, N&W, CB&Q, Guard,C&O, GTW, Erie, WM, L&N, LackWartime Gondola w/Die-Cast Trucks$25 each or 4/$90 4#N&W, MEC, Sou, LN, B&MNew Haven I-5 TMCC/EOB 1049O-54, 24” L, Script or BlockNH Green Coach 4-Pk 375 6-Pk 550UP Gray, SLSW, KCS, LV 4-Pk 299Brass Switch Tower $55 3 ColorsIf Weaver has it in stock,We will get it for youat a discount & shipover $200 for freeK-Line Tank Engine $399Lionel 2008 Volume ISP AC-4 Cab Forward 1425Pere Marquette 2-8-4 Berkshire 1109Legacy Scale Polar Exp. Tender 369Pennsylvania 4-8-2 M1b 1109U30C RI, MP Dash 8 ATSF 415D&H GP38-2 Power 368 Dmy 184GP7 368 PRR, DRGW2007 Volume I - Legacy11117 Sante Fe E6 Atlantic 4992826x UP Heritage SD70ACe 377WP, UP, RG, CNW, SPShay Birch Valley, Cass Scenic 699Lionel Blow-outs7-11020 Hogwarts Express 225w/o Track & Transformer 175Steel Reefer 2-Pk 65Dubuque, ADM, NationalFrisco or CE&I Hopper 35SD40-3 Tunnel CNPS-2 Covered Hopper 32 NYC, PC18374 PRR GG-1 Silver 63527562 NYC Flat w/Trailers 5321921 Imco PS-2 Hopper 2-Pk 75U30C Diesel Dmy 119 MRC&O 4-Pk 250 2-Pk 140 Diner 150All seven cars for $525Op. Hot Box wRS 55 MDT, SFPRR F-7 Pwr B 160 Breakdn B 15024597 NYC E-7 Breakdown B 150Sante Fe F-7 Breakdown B unit 150MTH 2008 Vol II 2 or 3RPremierMadison 5-Pk 335 2-Pk 137JC, NYO&W, Reading RPO 77Erie, VGN 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex 1299Princess Coronation Steam 1079London, Midland, & Scot, BritishGP-35 Pwr 389 Dmy 169 3R 399PRR, NYC, GN, AlaskaSD70ACe 389 Dmy 169 2R 399BHP Billiton, KCS, UPSD70M-2 389 Dmy 169 2R 399NS, CNSD40-2 3-Rail Pwr 359 Dmy 169UP, Marquette, IC, BCRF-3 ABA 649 Dummy B 139B&M, CN, SF, SP&SF40PH 3-R Power 389 Dmy 169Alaska, Amtrak, CAR, VIAE-8 ABA 649 Dmy B 139B&O, Burl, Lack, PRRPremier Passenger Cars 5-Pk 3352-Pk 137 Full Vista 77 RPO 77Alaska, B&O, Burlington, Lack,PRR, Sante Fe, VIA RailGP-7 359 Dmy 169 BAR, ErieGP-9 359 Dmy 169 C&O, UPAEM-7 Electric 389 Dmy 169Amtrak x 3, MARC, SeptaAmfleet 4-Passenger 277 2-Pk 142Septa, MARC, Amtrak x 2EP-3 Electric 739 NH x 3EP-2 Bipolar 615 MR x 3MTH 2008 Vol I 2 or 3 RNYC Transit R27 4-Pk 589 2-Pk 279 SP Cab Forward Freight Set 1389CNW E-4 Strm Hudson Pass Set 9994-8-4 Northern 999 ACL, SF,UP FEF w/Legacy Grey or Blk 989 Frisco Meteor, Frisco Will RogersAlco S-2 359 CVT, JC, NP, SFF-7 ABA 649 B-Unit 139CP, Clinchfield, MR, SPPRR P-5a Box Cab Electric 739Diesels Pwr 389 Dmy w/Lts 169AC6000 NS, CSX, BNSF, UPAC4400cw CNW, KCS, Quebec, UPSD-80MAC NS, CSXSD-9043MAC CP, UPSD45T-2 Tunnel KCS, SP, SLSWSD-35 Chessie, PRR, Sou, W. MDDiesels Power 359 Dmy w/Lts 169GP-40 B&O, CNW, Rdg, WCGP38-2 BNSF, B & Pitt, MEC, W&SSD40-2 CN, Conrail, MoPac, UPGP-60M BNSF, Maersk, SFPremier Specialty SetsFlying Yankee Zephyr 4-Unit 649Burlington Zephyr 4-Unit 649Mark Twain Zephyr 4-Unit 649Maersk GP-60M Twin-stack 649NYC J-1e w/PT Passenger 999CNW E-4 Hudson Passenger 999SP Cab Forward Freight Set 1399C&O M-1 Stm Turbine Pass Set 89928250 N&W C420 Dummy 99 PC E-44 Tropicana 4 Reefer Set 475Lionel TMCC & Power 2-8-4 Berkshire 799#990 Legacy Command Set 259Chessie, Erie#993 Legacy Expansion Set 219TMCC Cab-1 59 Command Base 59TMCC Command Set 109Lionel ZW 365 180W Brick 75TPC 400 149 TPC 300 109 PM-1 62ARC 73 ASC 67 AMC 73 BPC 67 E44 Electric Conrail, PRR 385B&A 4-6-6 TMCC RS Cruise OTC 59 AVC 105 SC-2 Controller 74 E33 Electric N&W, VA, NH 385MTH PremierSD50 3R 385 2R 399 Dmy 137Chessie, CSX, KCS, MPES44AC 3R 385 2R 399 Dmy 142BNSF, CP, GE Demo, UPDash 8-40C Narrow 3R 385 2R 402CNW, CSX, UP, NS Dmy $142GE U30C Power 3R 385 2R 399BN, NS, Rdg, UP Dummy $142UP Heritage Series 2R 399UP, CNW, MKT, MP, WPL-1 2-8-2 Mikado LNE 7254-4-0 American CP, UP 57564’ Passenger 3-Pk $222 Coach 79B&O, PRR, UP, CP, LI, StrasburgDiesel LocomotivesUnion Pacific #80 Coal Turbine 909Sharknose AB 488 A-Unit 135NYC, B&O, D&HR40 4-Car Set 439 Dmy 2-Car 168MTH Blow-outs, PS 2.0PremierN&W Class A $1150 Scale2-8-2 USRA Light Mikado 725CN, NYC, PRR, Pere Marquette, UP0-4-0 Switcher w/Slope Tender 475C&O, PRR0-8-0 Steam Switcher 449 A&S, EriePRR P5a 3 Variations 535FF-1 Electric Locomotives 615GN, PRR x 2PRR High Cube Box 35 6-Pk 185Harley-Davidson 3-Pk x 2 99Premier Flat w/2 Police Cars 39OC, CT, Denver, AK, FL, Detroit, WVK-Line 2008 Volume IMR EP-5 TMCC, Railsounds 395MR Aluminum 4-Pk 355 2-Pk 185RS-3 Diesel w/TMCC & Smoke 299NYC, PRR, PE, E-Lack, B&MSouthern FM 355 Caboose 52PRR or CNJ Boxcab 78PRR A-5 0-4-0 w/TMCC 2852-Bay DC Hopper 38 3-Pk 102 MRNP Aluminum Hopper 45 3-Pk 124Reading Alum Tank 45 3-Pk 124Overland Models $1800UP C44ACCTE #5735 FlagUP C44-9W #9700 or #9716UP C60AC #7567 or #7567UP SD90043AC #8024UP SD90AC #8201DZ ProductsDZ-1010 Crossing Gate Set 79DZ-1011 Block Signal Detectors 19DZ-1020 Crossing Signal Set 55DZ-1030 Wigwag Signal Set 79DZ-1040 UQ or LQ Semaphore 49DZ-1050 3-Light Trackside Signal 36DZ-1060 7-Light Trackside Signal 39DZ-1070 Track Sensor 15DZ-1080 Color Position Signal 39DZ-1200 Station Announcement 85DZ-1220 Trolley Stop & Control 79DZ-1240 Auto Stop & Reverse 38DZ-1260 Water Tower Animator 36DZ-1265 Fuel Station Animator 38DZ-2500 TMCC Switch Machine 25

Just Trains TM Most Orders Ship within 24 Hours Orders (888) 453-9742 Info (302) 453-0465 www.justrains.comAtlas 2-RailAtlas 2-Rail3 rd Rail/Sunset ModelsDiscontinuing Engines& Rolling Stock20-3286-2 PRR 2-8-2 Mikado 7252110 BN GP-35, DC 2507840 BNSF Patch Job -8, DC 2997841 BNSF Patch Job Dmy 1957848 GE Demo Dash 8, DC 2992111 Reading GP-35, DC 3# 250 GP60M SF, DC 299SD45 Pwr 389 Dmy 169 2R 399MR, GN x 2, SF, UPSD70ACe 389 Dmy 169 2R 399BHP Billiton, KCS, UPSD70M-2 389 Dmy 169 2R 399NS, CNAA16 NOHAB 3-R 399 2-R 449GN, Denmark, GM Demo, Norway,Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary20-3288-2 UP 2-8-2 Mikado 725MTH Diesels Fixed PilotsSD70M-2 FEC, EMD 399SD40T-2 DMIR, BLE 399C&O “Heaviest Hudson” L-2/A 1155PRR “Old Rivets” GG-1 875Conrail, Bi-Centennial, Wiskers,Strasburg Grn 5-S, Loewery 5-S2112 SP GP-35, DC 2# 2502113 Savannah & Atlanta 2502114 WM GP-35, DC 2502115 NKP GP-35, DC 250GP-35 also in PRR, CNW, GA2235 MR Hiawatha Power B 2507890 Ann Arbor RS-1, DC 299GP60M BNSF, DC 349GP60B BNSF Red/Silver DC 325GP60B BNSF Red/Sil, Dmy 1902263 VT Railway GP60, DC 299Undec, SF 349 Dmy 185GP-9, DC WM 299MTH SteamScale Wheel Steam w/PS 2.0Available w/Electrocouplers2-10-0 Russian Decapod 899ACL, Erie, Pitt Shaw& N, W. MdFleche D’Or 2-3-1E Pacific 899PRR 2-8-0 H-3 #1187 or #1188 625 LV John Wilkes 20” 4-Pk 399Orient Express 2-3-1 Pacifc 8995-Car Orient Passenger Set $419TRAXX F140 AC2 399 2R 449Demo, SBB Cargo, Veolia, EuropeIn-Stock Scale Wheels20-3130-2 Rdg T-1 4-8-4 82520-3131-2 Am. Freedom 4-8-4 799JC 4-6-2 P47 Baldwin Paciic 525NKP 4-6-2 P47 Baldwin Pacific 685UP SD40-2T Scale Wheels 399SD70ACe UP Heritage 399Z-4000 375 AIU 85 DCS 249LionelReservations available forFall delivery2-8-0 TMCC & Railsounds 385NYC, Rdg, B&O, WM2-8-2 TMCC, RS, Odys 715WP, UP, MR, ATSFGolden Gate Depot20-3176-2 GN 19 th Reading Company 20” 4-pk 399Cent 2-8-0 595SP M-6 w/Vandy Tender 899SP M-6 w/Whaleback Tender 899SP M-9 w/Whaleback Tender 899GN M-2 2-6-8-0 2 or 3R 1650NYC Dreyfuss 4-6-4 1175Scullin Disc Drivers 1938 & ‘4020 th Century Ltd 1938 4-pk 5853 different passenger setsUP 4-8-4 FEF, TMCC, EOB 1199CN U2g, GTW U3b, OC U3b 11754-8-4 w/TMCC, EOB Cruise7892 Washington Terminal 299Other RS-1: NH, RI, C&O0-6-0 525 PRR, ACL, MP, NKP4-6-4 Royal Hudson 899BC, CP, Southern, CP-Royal TourDRG, WM 19 th Century 2-8-0 595See Website for MoreScale Wheel Steam w/PS 2.0K-Line 2-R Shay $499Lackawanna, PLC2-10-4 “Colorado” 2 Heaters 1425CB&Q, B&LE, DMIRN&W Y-6B 2-8-8-2 , EOB 1695CPR D-10 4-6-0, 2 versions 8757805 Jersey Central SD-35 2757807 SP SD-35, DC 2750-6-0 USRA Steam 519CB&Q, GM&O, MEC, RI, T&P4-6-0 Camelback Steam 819JC, NYO&W, ReadingCass Scenic, Weyerhauser Shay 92520-3197 Interstate 2-8-2 Mikado 69520-3199-2 L&NE 2-8-2 Mikado 650Weaver RPO 79 B60 75NH, SF, B&M, N&W, PRR,NYC, CN, CP, UndecThird RailPRR O-1 2-Unit Electric, TMCC 975LIRR BB1 Rats (2), Conv w/Snd 575B&M R-1 4-8-2, TMCC, EOB 9257822 CSX SD-35, DC 275N&W 4-8-4 J-Class 999 2 #’s20-3216-2 NYC Dreyfus 4-6-4 875J&L Silver, Koppers Black 219A-4 Pacific “Mallard” 16953 Types7823 Penn Central SD-35, DC 275Princess Coronation Steam 1079London, Midland, & Scot, British20-3300-2 SP Daylt GS-4 4453 975B&O Q4b 2-8-2, EOB 112520-3255-2 JC P47 4-6-2 625Dash 8, DC Und, UP, BC, SP 299Dummy for above 195GP-35 Pwr 389 Dmy 169 3R 399PRR, NYC, GN, AlaskaN&W Class A #1218 or #1242 1150 PRR “Doodlebug”, TMCC 675NSL Silverliner 3-UnitPricing to Follow

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Buy–Sell–Trade EventsBuy-Sell-Trade ads are $5 for 30 words plus your address information. Additional words are $0.25 each. Subscribers are permitted onefree 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 byemail or called in must use a credit card. See our contact info on page 2.WANTED: Small N&W custom-built orscratchbuilt steam, 4-8-0, 2-8-0, 4-6-0. Alsolooking for N&W brass parts, e.g., pilot,cylinders, domes, tenders, etc. Contact JoeGiannovario, jag@oscalemag.com or call610-363-7117.FREE O SCALE LIST: List of O Scale showsfor 2008. Send LSSAE to Bob Retallack,Dept OST08, 2224 Adner Ct, Columbus,OH 43220.FOR SALE: Large Estate Sale of over 400models from the late Tony Ambrose. Forprinted lists please send $5 to Bob Anson,2520 Spring Lake Rd West, JacksonvilleFL 32210. For a list via email, contact RonDettmer at [roscaler@bellsouth.net].Wanted: Fred Icken castings for the PRRO1 electric - any condition, from runningall the way down to missing and cut pieces.I have one, but they tell me these things runNovember 20088: Kirtland, OH2008 Western Reserve “O” Scale train showand Lakeland Community College, 190 andState Rt. 306. Admission: $6. Tables (6’):$37. Show hours 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. ContactBob Frieden, 440-256-8141.8: Orlando, FLFla. O Scaler’s 9th Annual O Scale 2-RailMeet held at the Airport Holiday Inn, 5750T.G. Lee Blvd which is just off SR-436(Semoran Blvd) and the Beach Line Expressway(SR-528). Room rate is $99 per night,ask for code SLR when making your reservation.The swap session will be from 9:00am to noon. Set up will start at 8:00 am.Table rental will be $15.00 ea., (6’ x 30”).There is only space for 20 tables so get yourreservations in early. Clinics will start about1:30 pm. Registration for the meet is $20in advance or $25 at the door. Wives andchildren free. Contact: R. W. Dettmer, 2756Connie Circle, Orange Park, FL 32065, 904-269-2445, roscaler@bellsouth.net28: North Haledon, NJModel Engineers Railroad Club of NorthJersey - Annual Open House will be heldNovember 28 - 30th, December 5-7, andDecember 12-14th, at 569 High MountainRoad. Hours will be from 7:00 pm to 10:00pm on Fridays; and from 1:00 pm to 5:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission:$5, adults; children admitted free with adult.For more information, contact: Paul Harbord,(973) 427-4905 before 9:00 p.m.; orvisit: [www.angelfire.coom/nj4/merrcnj].December 20085-14: Merchantville, NJCherry Valley Model RR Club Xmas openhouse at 7 Maple Ave., Merchantville. Fridaynights, 12/5 & 12/12, 6 to 9 PM; Saturdays,64 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08in pairs! Also looking for a single Lobaughstock car side to use as a pattern. Bob Turner7237 Werner St, San Diego CA 92122.FOR SALE: Large mint-condition book collection.Also, Modular Railroad Structuresproduct line for sale. Contact: john@pecosriverbrass.comFOR SALE: 2-Rail Sunset/3rd Rail PRR N1s2-10-2, like new in box, dated 12/99, $1100;2-Rail Sunset PRR Q1 “A” 9860 4-4-6-4 likenew in box, $1200; 2-Rail Sunset/3rd Railset of five (5) P54 commuter cars: 1xBM62baggage, 1xPB54 combine, 3xP54 passengercoaches (B-2) $1250 the set plus shipping.Call 626-791-5300. Dennis Bagby, 2233 N.Suree Ellen Ln, Altadena, CA 91001FOR SALE: READ THE FIRST new railroadnovel in a generation, the exciting story ofthe great Spirit of St. Louis train wreck on12/6 & 12/13, Noon to 8 PM; Sundays, 12/7& 12/14, Noon to 6 PM. No admission butdonations accepted. Info: John P. Dunn, Sr.,609-484-8125, email: jdunn8888@hotmail.com.13-14: Ft. Worth, TX24th Annual Ft. Worth Train Show O Scalemodular layouts, O Scale and Hi-Railvendors, literature, tools, modeling supplies,etc. Admission: $7/person, childrenunder 12 free. Ft. Worth Convention Center,1201 Houston St. Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM:Sunday 10 Am to 4 PM. Contact bbbart@sbcglobal.netJanuary 200929-31: Santa Clara, CA19th Annual O Scale West at the HyattRegency Santa Clara, 5101 Great AmericaParkway, Santa Clara, CA. Three day O Scalemeet with 200 vendor tables, clinics, contests,door prizes, videos, modular layoutsand over 30 home layouts to visit. Admission:$25 prior to 12/31; $30 after. Tables are$35 prior to 12/31; $45 after. For more infosee [www.oscalewest.com] or contact RodMiller, 650-329-0424. Hotel reservations,call 408-200-1234.March 20097: Wind Gap, PAEastern O Scalers 2-Rail Swap Meet at thePlainfield Fire Hall, 6480 Sullivan Trail,9AM to 1PM. Admission $5; (spouses &children under 14 are free), $16 for the firsttable (includes one admission) and $12 foreach additional table. Dealer’s set-up Fridayevening 6PM. to 9PM and Saturday morning7AM - 9AM. Info/reservations, SASE – EOS,PO Box 1781, Bensalem PA 19020; (215)264-9623. Bring an index card with yourname, address etc., for $1 off your admission.Contact [eostrains@comcast.net]September 11, 1950. Read “Smart BoysSwimming in the River Styx” by Robert PhillipBomboy. Get it at [www.amazon.com].WANTED: Ambroid special run 50’ Milw.boxcars, Hallmark comp gons, Sunset WWIIemergency boxcars, PRB WWII comp gons,Lobaugh 50’ reefers, WWII era boxcars whathave you? Mail only. Jim Seacrest, PO Box6397, Lincoln, NE 68506-0397FOR SALE: AFFORDABLE ORIGINAL railroadoil paintings and prints by artist ChristopherJenkins. Steam, Diesel and electric. Join mailinglist for new painting announcements byemailing Alton45@comcast.net, www.trainsshipsplanes.comWANTED: Plans and complete instructionsfor all sections of an original All NationAmerican 4-4-0. Contact Bernard at 609-645-8470, or email [bgl118@comcast.net].20-22, Arlington Hts, ILChicago O Scale meet at the Sheraton ChicagoNorthwest Hotel in Arlington Heights,IL, (847) 394-2000. Room rates are $89 pernight if reserved under the Chicago O ScaleMeet. Admission is $20 for one or both days.Tables are $55 each until 1/31/09. After thatdate tables are $60 each. For more informationgo to [www.marchmeet.net] or callJudy, (847) 401-4333.June 200918-20: Towson, MD2009 O Scale National Convention to beheld on the campus of Towson Universityjust north of Baltimore, Maryland. Eventsponsored by Baltimore O Scalers and theBaltimore Society of Model Engineers. Inaddition to very comfortable trading halls(about 400 tables), convention featuresclinics, layout tours (June 17 through June21), model contests and Friday (June 19th)banquet. Early set-up for dealers on June17. Visits to B&O Transportation Museum,Baltimore Streetcar Museum and muchmore. Check [www.oscaleeast.com] often.More information available by email: [info@oscaleeast.com]August 20098: Denver PennsylvaniaEastern O Scalers 2-Rail Swap Meet at theDenver Fire Hall, 4th and Locust –9AM - 1PM.Admission $5; (spouses & children under 14are free), $16 for the first table (includes oneadmission) and $12 for each additional table.Dealer’s set-up Friday evening 6PM. to 9PMand Saturday morning 7AM - 9AM. Info/reservations,SASE – EOS, PO Box 1781, BensalemPA 19020; (215) 264-9623. Bring anindex card with your name, address etc., for$1 off your admission. Contact [eostrains@comcast.net]

2009 Convention 57AAA Turntables 26Allegheny Scale Models 29AM Hobbies 49Arttista 38AtlasO 18Bachmann 19Backdrop Warehouse 38Baldwin Forge & Machine 49Banta Modelworks 26Brummy’s Ballast 49BTS 16Buffalo Creek Graphics 26Caboose Hobbies 31Chicago Grt Midwest Show 8Crusader Rail Services 47Custom Signals 15Deichman’s Depot 58DM&M Railroad Co. 26East Gary Car Co. 49Greenberg Train Shows 8Hackworth Model Trains 48Irish Tracklayer 58JD’s Trains 6Just Trains 61,62,63Keil-Line 47LaBelle Woodworking Co. 36Model Building Services 31Model Rectifier Corp. 37Model Tech Studios 59MTH Electric Trains IBCMullett River 49NCE Corp 48O Scale Realty 58O Scale Trains 14Old Pullman 60PA Heritage Models 14P&D Hobby Shop 7Public Delivery Track 36QSI Solutions 44RGSRR Hobbies 26Ross Custom Switches 33San Juan Car Co. 38Scenic Express 60SceniKing 49SMARTT 44SMR Trains 60Stevenson Preservation Lines 47Sumpter Valley Depot 36Suncoast Models 47Sunset/3rd RailIFCSunset⁄3rd RailBCToy Collector Club 47Toy Trucker 21Turner Model Works 47Twin Whistle Sign & Kit 58Valley Model Trains 36Wasatch Model Co. 58Weaver 31Williams by Bachman 24Advertisers IndexGet Real Productions 65Raggs to Riches 14World’s Greatest Hobby 8Great Train Expo 8Rails Unlimited 47Nov/Dec ’08 - O Scale Trains • 65

I Get It!Okay, so it took a while but I think I get it now. I’ve beenpuzzled in the past by the people who say they model in3-Rail O Scale. I see their layouts and fantastic modelingwork that rival anything I’ve seen in 2-Rail (and surpassessome) but they cling (if I may use that word guardedly) tothe use of 3-Rail track. I just didn’t understand that.Over the last few months I have been able to reviewseveral Atlas Diesels equipped with QSI DCC and sound.As soon as I started up the Atlas MP15DC I fell in lovewith the sound of a Diesel burbling at idle. It then dawnedon me this is what the 3-Rail guys have been playing withsince the 1990s! I realized they’ve had factory-installedcommand control and sound for over 20 years and 2-RailO Scale is just getting it now.I imagine that if I had invested a good deal of money in3-Rail trains with command control and sound I’d be reluctantto make the switch to 2-Rail. Both Lionel’s TMCC andMTH’s DCS can be used to operate 2-Rail locomotives butthe cost of converting engines to 2-Rail operation would behigh. There are maybe two or three people knowledgeableenough to convert 3-Rail locomotives to 2-Rail and keepthe original command control system.Both the Lionel and MTH systems are proprietary. It’snot impossible to add either one to an existing non-commandengine but it ain’t exactly easy either. Sources forreceiver boards are very limited. That’s why I prefer openDCC systems. The sources for base stations and accessoriesare plentiful. Sources for sound decoders with enough“oomph” for O Scale are few but that’s changing every day.Factory-installed DCC with sound is an important milestonefor O Scale 2-Rail. O Scale 2-Rail is now functionallycompetitive with 3-Rail O Scale when it comes to commandcontrol and sound. It literally has all the bells andwhistles.MTH set the first stake in the ground by offering O Scale2-Rail steam and Diesels with DCS command control andsound. Atlas has responded with QSI-equipped DCC andsound. MTH will have DCC-compatible locomotives outnext year. Sunset is considering DCC-ready brass and Ihave strongly urged them to consider factory-installed DCCwith sound. With all this competition, the O Scale modeler(2- or 3-Rail) is the winner.Projects Coming Down the RoadMany people have asked me about our publication AGuide to Modern O Scale. The Guide has been out of printfor a while and the cost to reprint the book is prohibitive inthis economic climate. So, I did an experiment for the 2008O Scale National and created an electronic version of theGuide on CD. I updated the source listings and changed outall the B&W photos for color photos. It sold well enoughthat we’re moving forward with a complete rewrite of thebook. A lot has changed in the 5 years since the Guide firstcame out. Several vendor sources have closed down. A fewnew ones have started up. As noted above, DCC with soundhas become more important in O Scale.With all that in mind, I’ve assembled a team to rewritethe book from scratch and we will be offering it on CD.Look for the new Guide to be available by March of 2009.Mike and I have discussed several other e-book projects.Mike is working on a several projects which will turn intoa series of e-books. I always planned to reprint Mike Culham’sBuilding a Small O Scale Layout series and now we’llmake that an e-book. Finally, I’ve been sitting on a pile ofarticles by Tom Houle that deserve to be in book form andthat will become an e-book project as well.Nothing happens overnight (even with computers andthe Net to help) and our first priority is always to get themagazine out on schedule. Look for these projects to startappearing mid-to-late 2009.I Am HonoredYou may have noticed last issue that one of the peopleinducted into the O Scale Hall of Fame for 2008 was moi.I was really surprised to see my name on the ballot. Myfirst thought was: I’m not old enough. My second was: I’mnot dead yet. (Then I remembered that several of the ’Famersare still with us and breathed a slight sigh of relief.) Mythird thought was: I don’t deserve this.I am deeply honored to have been voted into the OScale Hall of Fame. While I don’t think I did anything specialto deserve that honor, many of you did think that and Ibow to your collective will. Thank you so much!O Scale Trains Magazine was my idea but I didn’t buildthis alone. My wife and business partner, Jaini, is the creativeartist for OST. If it weren’t for her design flair, OSTwould be more like a technical journal. She makes youguys look good! I want to thank the editors (past and present)who contributed their time and energy into buildingOST into a serious modeler’s magazine. Brian Scace wasinvaluable in setting standards and policies in our earlyyears. Mike Cougill has taken up the challenge of helpingme make OST even better than before. I can’t thank JebKriigel enough for taking the burden of selling advertisingoff my shoulders.Finally, a thank you to all of the authors who have trustedus with their material in order to share it with the rest ofO Scale. There would be no OST without you guys.About Issue #40We had a major hiccup at the printer’s shop last issue.About 60 copies of the magazine were assembled incorrectlyand mailed to subscribers. The easiest way to tell isto look for the centerspread. If it’s not there you have a badcopy. Contact me and I will replace it for free.Keep Highballin’u66 • O Scale Trains - Nov/Dec ’08

G.E. NARROW NOSE• 1:48 Scale Modern DieselDash-8 Diesel Arrives• Equipped With Proto-Sound 2.0Digital Sound• Variable Intensity Operating Smoke• Locomotive Speed Control In ScaleMPH Increments• Flashing Ditch Lights & Operating Horn& Bell• Operates On AC or DC Power• Available With Hi-Rail or Scale WheelsChicago NorthWestern Dash-8 40C Narrow Nose Diesel EngineWith Proto-Sound 2.020-2641-1 Hi-Rail Wheels20-2641-2 Scale Wheels w/ Fixed Pilot20-2641-3 Non-PoweredNorfolk Southern Dash-8 40C Narrow Nose Diesel Engine WithProto-Sound 2.020-2644-1 Hi-Rail Wheels20-2644-2 Scale Wheels w/ Fixed Pilot20-2644-3 Non-PoweredSEE IT INACTIONON THE WEBSee It In Action On The Webwww.mthtrains.com/PMdieselHi-Rail Models Shown©2008 M.T.H.Electric Trains 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

NEW YORK CENTRALDREYFUSS AND 20TH CENTURY CARSSunset Models is proud to present the Champagne Series Dreyfuss Hudson in 2 Rail and 3 Rail.Only 70 2 Rail and 80 3 Rail Models have been produced. IN STOCK NOW, ALMOST GONE!GGD Is making the 20th Century 12 Car Set in1938 or 1940 Striping. Coming in Early 2009.Order from Sunset Models or GGD. Fullydetailed interiors with lighting and figures. Getready for a really special set of cars.CALL408-866-1727 TODAY!SUNSET MODELS INC.37 South Fourth Street · Campbell, CA 95008 · 408-866-1727 · fax to 408-866-5674 · www.3rdrail.com