MRH June 2021

H AV I N G F U N W I T H T R A I N S
MRH
JUNE 2021 | FREE ALSO:
- Touring Ken Pa�erson’s layout
- Model an Arduino speedometer
- Small N scale layout build con�nues
- Ba�ery power in small scales?
... and more inside!
MODEL RAILROAD HOBBYIST
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Model Railroad Hobbyist | June 2021 | #136

Editorial Staff
Joe D. Fugate, Publisher R��
and Editor
ISSN 2152-7423
James Regier, Assistant

Editor Adver�sing
Les Halmos, Account Manager
Jean-François Delisle, Marketing Assistant
Patty Fugate, Pasteup
and Layout Regular contributors
Eric Hansmann, Contributing editor
Jim Six, Limited Modeler column
Richard Bale, News and Ken Patterson, Reporter-at-Large
events
Rota�ng Columnists
Jack Burgess, Getting Real column
Jeff Shultz, News and Marty McGuirk, Getting Real column
events, Tech Assistant
Nick Muff, Getting Real column
Mike Rose, Getting Real column
Tony Thompson, Getting Real column
Mike Dodd, Copy Editing
Rob Clark, Imagineering
Dave Meek, Imagineering
Ray Dunakin, Imagineering
Published for the glory of God. What’s this?
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TABLE OF CONTENTS | MRH *** MRH June Running Extra delayed one month!
June 2021
Publisher’s Musings: Ba�ery power in small scales … Open letter from MRH
JOE FUGATE
Owners, Joe & Patty Fugate
In late May, Joe and Patty Fugate both came down with
MRH Website this month: Stand alone DCC programming track, ... Covid (no, they had not been vaccinated yet). The
Compiled by JOE FUGATE infection was moderate, meaning they did not need
ALL SCALES
hospitalization but still had significant symptoms.
What’s Neat: Touring Ken’s layout, ... Joe and Patty are the core staff when it comes to
KEN PATTERSON magazine production. As a result, MRH Magazine
HO release is a couple days late this month (16th-17th
instead of the 15th). MRH Running Extra has been
delayed an entire month – subscribers will get a one-
Building an Arduino speedometer month extension on their expiry date to account for the
BRIAN KRUPICKA and JAMES REGIER month delay.
ALL SCALES
Joe and Patty are still showing some post-covid

Signals on the Wyoming Division, part 1 symptoms. Most notably that includes significant fatigue
VERRYL FOSNIGHT and DENNIS DRURY as well as a very touchy stomach. In Joe's case, he’s
HO also dealing with shortness of breath and is on a post-
Covid treatment designed to assist with lung healing.
Building a small N scale layout, part 3
DAVE KILBORN
N
Savvy Modeler online: 1/87 scotch tape vehicle windows

Compiled by the MRH STAFF
HO Joe and Patty Fugate
Owners, MRH Media
June 2021 news and events

RICHARD BALE and JEFF SHULTZ

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JOE FUGATE UPDATE ON BATTERY V��

��
POWER IN THE SMALLER SCALES …
I ��’� ��

��
�� . Even O
scale modelers, especially those modeling in On30, seem to be
exploring battery powered DCC with some gusto.
But what about battery powered DCC in the smaller scales such as
HO and below?
For this discussion, I’m going to ignore non-DCC battery power
options such as various Bluetooth offerings. They tend to provide just
speed control, direction control, and some lighting. The feature set
falls far short of what you can get with wireless battery-powered DCC.
I’m also going to ignore battery powered RailPro. It’s a proprietary
system that’s not DCC – and I think the battery-powered option
tends to be something of a niche-within-a-niche.
MRH forum member mad a predic�on in 2015
Back in 2015, an MRH forum member became excited by the
possibility of wireless battery powered operation in the smaller
scales, so he made a bold prediction.
“At the Amherst Model Railroad Show on January 24 and 25, 2015,
I tried many wireless systems, some with entirely dead rail, some

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PUBLISHER’S MUSINGS | 2
with batteries charged through live rail, others that got all the
power from the rails but the signal over the air. Train control is
going wireless. DCC will fade away.”
So here we are six and one-half years later. Does DCC show signs of
being replaced by dead rail and/or wireless control? I would say
not, especially in HO and below.
If anything, wireless/deadrail options are appearing that enable
sending the DCC signal through the air directly to the locomotive
and the loco gets it power from batteries.
“Deadrail” as the term for ba�ery powered

Before I move on to examine the state-of-the-art for wireless
battery-powered DCC control in the smaller scales, I want to
�irst discuss the term “deadrail.”
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2
I know deadrail excites the imagination and promotes visions
of never needing to run a rail feeder again.
However, that’s somewhat over-hyped for many reasons. Yes,
some have achieved no-feeders, but that’s far from common.
First, how do you check the battery level in your loco �leet and
make sure all your locos get recharged before the next op session?
If you have a handful of locos, then removing the battery to
test its charge level and recharge may not be that onerous,
although having to disassemble my locos every op session
sounds like a pain to me.
But when you start talking about a layout with a dozen or
more locomotives, the recharging headache becomes
signi�icant. Imagine needing to disassemble, check, and
recharge a dozen cell phones and you get the idea.

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Of course as an alternative, you can leave the batteries in the
locomotives and have some way to check the charge and
recharge the locomotive from the outside.
But that still means handling each locomotive every op ses-
sion. That’s some extra hassle not being openly discussed by
deadrail advocates.
To me, the very best option is to actually trickle charge the bat-
teries through the rails. We have a tailor-made system
designed to get power inside the locomotive, why not use it?
The beauty of trickle charging is you keep the loco battery
topped off all the time, effectively making the loco battery
charge last inde�initely.
Now you will need to run feeders to at least some rails for this.
I would envision all yard garden tracks (you can leave yard
ladders and all their frogs unpowered), as well as the mainline
and passing sidings. I’d also power the yard tracks in a staging
yard. Any place where trains might end up sitting during and
at the end of an op session.
I could see all industrial spurs and yard ladders left
unpowered. I would also see leaving wyes, turntables, and
reverse loops unpowered. No more polarity issue headaches.
However, you won’t want your battery powered locos to be
drawing power constantly, so once you end the session, you
will want to turn the power off. Plus you will want to use a
function switch on the decoder to turn off the battery feed to
the rest of the loco circuity – otherwise it will stay on even if
you kill the layout power! (More on this later).
There’s also those who, like me, want to do layout signaling.
The most realistic and simplist signaling involves power rails
and resistor wheelsets on the rolling stock.

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At the end of the day, I see
“deadrail” as an edge case for
any but the simplest and
smallest layouts. For that
reason, I see the term “Power-
on-Board” or POB as the more
all-ecompassing term for the
concept of battery powered
locomotives. Let’s allow for
deadrail as an option, but it’s
not the most practical if you
have more than a few locos.
POB DCC state-of-the-art

So let’s talk about Power-on-
board DCC state of the art for
the smaller scales of HO and
below.
To do POB DCC means wire-
less DCC with the signal sent
through the air direct to a
receiver in the locomotive.
To me, one of the most
practical offerings in the wire-
less DCC space is TAM Valley’s
DRS1 system. You hook up a
$70 transmitter to your NCE
DCC system and voila! Adding a
DRS1 receiver to your
locomotives means they can
get the DCC signal wirelessly.
Text continues on page 7 …

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21-pin sound Decoder Buddy
decoder function leads plug
KA2
Keep Alive®
Speaker
Decoder Buddy
21-pin mother board
State-of-the-art sound install cost: $140
Additional parts needed for Power-on-Board DCC

To decoder F5 ...
turns off battery
power to rest
Narrow hood diesel battery
of electronics
To decoder
track leads
Power from (red/black)
the battery +
Kept topped off with trickle charge wireless DCC
signal
Power from
the battery TAM Valley DRS1 wireless
Trickle-charge converter
(Stanton S-cab system) DCC receiver
(Needs TAM Valley DRS1
wireless transmitter for
Trickle charge: $71 NCE DCC System)
Power from the wheels Wireless DCC receiver: $70

contacting the rails
(DC or DCC)
Adding Power-on-Board DCC: + $141
1. Up top I show a state-of-the-art sound decoder install with stay alive. Below
I show the additional parts to add for Power-on-board wireless DCC.

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The TAM Valley DRS1 receiver assumes battery power in the
loco, so that needs to be provided as well.
For this, the best offering come from Neil Stanton, who offers a
trickle charge battery feed option. This keeps the battery
charged up and allows adding a smaller battery, saving space.
It also solves all the loco recharging hassles before an op ses-
sion, since all the loco batteries should have been kept topped
off last op session.
See [1] on the previous page for how these extra POB
components get added to turn your loco into a fully functional
POB DCC locomotive that gets trickle charged through the
rails. But it is an additional $140 dollars of parts and you will
need to �ind space for all that extra stuff inside your loco.
One other note, turning off the power to the layout will not
turn off the battery power feed. It will keep right on powering
the rest of the electronics in the loco until you deliberately
turn the battery power off or the battery goes dead.
Fortunately, the Stanton trickle charge circuit has a brown
wire that you connect to a function feed on the decoder
(Stanton recommends the brown F5 lead). That way when
you’re done with the loco, press F5 to turn off the battery.
While this is borderline doable in HO, it does add $140 to the
cost of each loco and there’s the extra hassle of getting the bat-
tery, trickle-charge board, and the DRS1 receiver to all �it.
Modern stay alive with a many seconds of power over any
dead spots actually comes very close to POB DCC and it’s
certainly a lot cheaper (as well as smaller).
Do let us know if you’re making any of this work in HO or smaller.
We’d love to hear about it. As for this going mainstream, it needs
to be smaller and cheaper before that’s going to happen. �
R��

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L��

Top rated articles in the May 2020 issue of MRH are:
4.8 Easy-to-build city structures
4.8 May 2021 news
4.6 Publishers Musings: Highway road markings
Issue overall: 4.7
_____________________________________________________________________
Top rated articles in the May 2020 issue of Running Extra are:
4.7 Publisher's Welcome: Low-cost pre-wired LEDs
4.5 Ah-hah Moment: Safer airbrush cleaning solvents
4.5 The Roswell Mill
Issue overall: 4.7
Rate the articles! Click the comments button on each arti-

cle and select the star rating you think it deserves. �

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Best of the
JOE FUGATE
Stand alone DCC programming track for the workbench!

MRH forum member marcfo68 (Marc Fournier) shows how he
easily built a stand alone workbench DCC programming track.
“You can use the Digitrax PR4 ($69.95 from
Tony’s Trains with power supply) as a stand- V��
alone programmer – just add a length of ��
track and your laptop running JMRI.”
View the full thread on the MRH website
� MRH’S MONTHLY GREAT MODELER POSTS

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BEST OF THE MRH WEBSITE | 2
1. Marc Simpson documents many of his rolling stock builds on his

MRH blog. His latest project is batch-building these welded gondolas.
CN modern welded gondola kit batch-build
MRH forum member mesimpson (Marc Simpson) latest blog
project documents a batch build of some gondola kits. Marc
kicks off with some backstory on this build …
“CN has a sizable �leet of modern welded gondolas from a variety
of builders. While Rapido Trains has come out with early riveted
and welded cars, nothing has been available for the more modern
cars. Recently Briggs Models (www.briggsmodels.ca) brought out
3D printed kits for CN Hawker Siddeley 52' welded gondolas. I
ordered 5 kits (to start) and they arrived earlier this week. Other
than grab irons, trucks and couplers, the cars are complete and as
close to a ‘shake the box’ kit as you are likely to �ind.”
Follow Marc’s build in his MRH forum blog.

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BEST OF THE MRH WEBSITE | 3
2. Watching a layout take shape from a track plan can be exciting. MRH
forum member Joe W’s Sandpiper Bay Terminal is one such example.
Sandpiper Bay Terminal
Forum member Joe W. (nogoodnik) launched his MRH blog back
in 2018 by posting his layout track plan and its back story.
“I always wanted a layout whose railroad met the ocean and
something with a Paci�ic Northwest feel to it. My previous lay-
out was rooted more in a prototype/freelance vein with real
towns and mostly real industries running from Yakima to
Olympia, Washington. This layout is more freelance and hence
the reason for the railroad name; however, I still envision it be-
ing located around Seattle, Tacoma, or perhaps Anacortes,
Washington. It is HO scale, set around 1979-1980, and the di-
mensions are roughly 11.5 x 13 feet. Track height is about 44
inches.”
Follow along to see how Joe proceeds on this layout!

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BEST OF THE MRH WEBSITE | 4 BEST OF THE MRH WEBSITE | 5
Some amazing O scale photos
This month we’ve got a real photo treat: some amazing O scale
model photos by Erik Lindgren.
3. MRH forum member Phil (hobbes1310) shows how he finishes up

his track weathering process. You have to admit, sure looks great.
Great track weathering results

MRH forum member hobbes1310 recently returned to the hobby
of model railroading and has been documenting his progress.
“Base paint is Rustoleum Earth Brown, spray bombed over the tracks.
After this I airbrush the rails a suitable greyish color. Then I do random
ties airbrushed in different shades of light to dark browns. 4. The top photo from MRH
I �ind taking pics is a good way to see where touch ups are needed. Will forum member Erik Lindgren is
airbrush different shades of color to tone everything down. After that just one of several great
then add static grasses, which will be airbrushed as well to blend it. photos on his MRH thread.
Visit the full thread to enjoy the
Over spray isn't really a concern. Any tight areas, I mask around to limit rest of the great photos. If you
over spray. And I use a gentle application of said spray ...” don’t believe it’s a model, the
Follow Phil’s blog on the MRH website. photo on the right should help!
View the full blog on the MRH website R��

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column
KEN PATTERSON SHOWS US HIS HOME V��
LAYOUT, WHICH WE’VE MOSTLY SEEN IN ��
RUN-BY SEQUENCES AND CONSTRUCTION
VIDEOS …
click to play video
PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF SUPERB MODELS

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WHAT’S NEAT | 2 WHAT’S NEAT | 3
Ken’s home layout
2. All the track on Ken’s layout is Micro Engineering code 70,

with code 55 on some sidings. Turnouts are Shinohara #8 and
#10 with Micro Engineering #6. Turnouts are thrown with
Caboose Industries N scale ground throws. Rail height is 50
inches with a minimum radius of 40 inches on the mainline.
1. Ken’s layout, which is modular in design and circles his
entire basement, features a single 157′ mainline with passing
sidings. The modules are constructed of foam wrapped in red
oak plywood for rigidity. The modules are supported by a
tabletop shelf and are designed for ease in removing sections
for photo shoots or exchanging them with new sections.
Please include a phone

number when emailing us if
you need a reply! 3. This module, a scale 1200 feet long and 150 feet high,
( Just in case your spam filters eat duplicates the bluff that Ken and Michelle live on, including a
model of their house, seen painted in red. He used a laser
our email response ... ) rangefinder, GPS, and Google Maps to get the correct
elevations, and used wire trees to duplicate the vegetation as
closely as possible.

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4. The Union Pacific’s Desoto Subdivision runs at the base of 5. Many of Ken’s modules feature bridges, which are very
the bluff below Ken’s house and is also modeled. Carving the photogenic in run-by photos and videos. This is a model of the
foam for this module took nine days. Union Pacific (formerly Missouri Pacific) bridge over a creek in
Kimmswick, Missouri. Ken considered the bridge interesting
due to it featuring girder, truss, and concrete sections all in the
same crossing.
To get more MRH ad- THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA!
Did you see this article?

funded pages, please Perfectly square V��
click on the ads. magnetic jig
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��
click here
Also see the “What’s neat this week” WATCH In the

Oct 2020
weekly video podcast! NOW Each eBook ~100 pages

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6. Using Google Earth, a roller wheel, tape measure, and laser 7. The Meramec River Bridge is also on the Union Pacific
rangefinder, Ken measured and plotted out the scene to fit on Desoto subdivision. Four miles south of Ken’s house, it has
a 4′ by 2′ 1/2″ sheet of foam, carving the exact topography of three 85′ girder sections and two 150′ trusses. During the
the surrounding area. The bridge itself was constructed of summer the river runs low, exposing a lot of sand and beach.
Micro Engineering girders, Central Valley bridge parts, and
wood for the piers. Here Ken has taken his module to the
prototype location to see if he got the scene correct.
?
THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA!
D��
Jim Six on how to do
satisified downsizing
MRH ��
In the
Get this eBook now► ← click
here
Each eBook ~100 pages

��
Nov 2018
FREE ��?
Also see the “What’s neat this week” WATCH
weekly video podcast! NOW C�� R�� - ��’� ��!
(free)
9. Ken became interested in modeling river tow boats and

8. The Meramec River Bridge model is centered on two barges around 2004, but there were no HO scale models
Walthers 150′ truss bridges that match the prototype. The available at that time. That interest resulted in this freelanced
resulting module was 4′ x 9′ and was also wrapped in oak. river scene where he could display his scratchbuilt models.
Tell your friends about

Art deco station
build (2 parts)
In the
Nov/Dec
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�� MRH!
2018 Each eBook ~100 pages
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10. The module measures 16′ x 4′ overall, and has become a 11. The center section of the bridge is a BLMA 200′ truss
signature scene on his layout, as well as the star of many bridge with 85′ girder sections on each side. The Central Valley
outdoor photoshoots. 200′ truss bridge is a drop-in replacement for the BLMA bridge
and sits on the wood piers perfectly.
THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA!
Did you see this article? Did you see this article?
Allagash gets a shortline
connection Creating a realistic Stock cars used
log pond for other things
here
Get this eBook now► Get this eBook now►
In the click here click here
Jan 2019 In the In the

Jan 2020 Jan 2021
Each eBook ~100 pages Each eBook ~100 pages
Also see the “What’s neat this week” WATCH V��
��

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12. This section, simply referred to as the Small River Module,

was one of the first sections Ken built on his layout. It features
a Central Valley 150′ truss bridge with two 50′ approach girders
and wood piers. 13. The water under the bridge is Envirotex resin and the
ground cover consists of fake fur painted green with dirt mixed
THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! in. The module is 7′ x 2′ in size and has been featured in many
Did you see this article? Did you see this article? run-bys and ad photos.
Make your own Preventing lead shot THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA!
static grass tufts oxidation (weighting)
Perfectly square magnetic
Get this eBook now► Get this eBook now► jig for the workbench
click here click here
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In the In the In the Each eBook ~100 pages
Feb 2021 Jul 2020

Each eBook ~100 pages Each eBook ~100 pages Oct 2020
V�� Also see the “What’s neat this week” WATCH
��

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14. The BNSF girder bridge is a location with a nostalgic

connection for Ken. Located next to his old high school, it was
where the kids would hang out after school to watch trains and
play in the creek. The graffiti on the model was painted to match 15. The main span of the bridge is an 85′ girder with two 30′
the prototype. girder approach sections. As can be seen, this bridge replaced a
trestle and the bases of the old bents are still visible underneath
THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! it. For more information on how Ken designed and built his
layout, and how it has changed over the years (hint: some of
Jim Six on how to do these modules aren’t around anymore), see the full video linked
satisified downsizing at the beginning of the article..
here

In the
R��
Nov 2018
Also see the “What’s neat this week” WATCH Also see the “What’s neat this week” WATCH
weekly video podcast! NOW weekly video podcast! NOW

(free)

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Building an
Arduino
speedometer
Electrical
Impulses
JAMES REGIER SHOWS BRIAN 1. Brian’s speedometer readout

includes a four-digit display for
KRUPICKA’S ARDUINO-BASED speed, a six-digit display for
elapsed time, and three LEDs
SPEEDOMETER YOU CAN BUILD… to represent the activation of
each sensor and the system
reset time between trains.
I� ��’�� -��

�� a consist,
you know how a speedometer might V��
come in handy. The precise readout of ��
a speedometer works far better than
the chase method of speed-matching.

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BUILDING AN ARDUINO SPEEDOMETER | 2
You can calibrate each locomotive separately and expect
consistent results, even down to individual speed steps.
Brian Krupicka sent MRH his recent speedometer project he
built using an Arduino Nano [2]. The speedometer is fully
customizable. You can choose scale, sensor type, distance be-
tween sensors, and the sketch has the formula to give an ac-
curate readout each time.
Several model railroad speedometers are on the market with a
variety of prices and con�igurations. They range in price from
about $60 for a battery-operated, portable photo gate to several
hundred dollars for �ixed-location, auxiliary-powered units.
Each of these systems has its pros and cons, and each features
a degree of customization. The customization of each system is
limited to the variety of options and features a manufacturer is
prepared to support.
The Arduino option potentially comes in much cheaper – ADVERTISEMENT
about $30 can purchase the necessary materials – and you can
customize it and add features as desired. Not only can you
2. Brian used
an Arduino
Nano as the
basis for his
speedometer
project. The
Arduino runs off
of a 5V power
supply, or via
USB.
Manufacturer
photo

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BUILDING AN ARDUINO SPEEDOMETER | 3 BUILDING AN ARDUINO SPEEDOMETER | 4
choose the scale for your speedometer, but you can program-in Note that you only set the NC/NO switch once at initial system
a wide variety of features, include any kind of sensor you like, setup. Brian recommends that you decide whether to use de-
and so on. The only limit is your imagination. tection or disruption mode, and hard-wire the connection you
As con�igured, the train passes two infrared obstacle detection need, rather than use the switch. That way, you won’t acciden-
sensor units [3], which are spaced along the track. These sen- tally toggle the switch later on.
sors operate re�lectively, that is the IR sender LED is constantly
on, but the IR receiver gets the signal only when a passing Once you have the detectors set up, measure the distance be-
train re�lects the beam. In this default setting, you set the tween them in inches – Brian spaced his 47.5″ apart – and en-
NC/NO switch or hard-wire the system so that Digital Pin 8 ter that into the Arduino sketch. As the train passes through
connects to the Ground [11]. the sensors, the Arduino automatically determines the direc-
tion of travel and measures the number of milliseconds it takes
You can also use interruption-detection sensor units, whereby
the sender and receiver are on opposite sides of the track, and the train to travel between the sensors. Although Brian’s cod-
the signal between sender and receiver is constant until a ing uses imperial measurement, converting it to use metric
train interrupts it. Set the NC/NO switch or hard-wire the sys- would require only a few changes.
tem so that Digital Pin 8 connects to 5V for this setting, and The sketch’s coding includes equations to convert the number
the Arduino sketch will automatically take it from there. of inches to miles (63,360 inches/mile) and milliseconds to
hours (3,600,000 milliseconds/hour). Simpli�ied, this equation
is: (distance in inches X 56.8182 / elapsed milliseconds). Then,
multiply the result by the scale (87.1 for HO) to calculate the
speed in scale mph.
The Arduino transmits the calculated speed to a four-digit dis-
play, and time elapsed to a six-digit display on your layout fas-
cia [4, 5].
3. Brian’s system uses For many folks, this amount of information would suf�ice. In
two infrared obstacle- fact, if you prefer to set up the system with only the detectors
avoidance sensor and digital displays, the sketch would work.
modules spaced along
the line to detect However, Brian has also added a function to his speedometer
trains and determine sketch to enforce a layout speed limit – in this case 50 scale
their speed. Each mph. If the system clocks a train at 50-69 mph, the display
module consists of an �lashes and an audio alert sounds from a connected MP3
IR sender LED (clear)
and an IR receiver player [6]. If the train pushes 70 mph or more, the speedome-
(black). Manufacturer ter escalates its warning with a faster display �lash and an-
photo other, more serious audio alert from the MP3 player.

(free)
4. This Adafruit
0.56″ four-digit,
seven-segment
display shows the
speed readout.
Manufacturer photo
5. This Digiten 0.56″
six-digit timer
displays the
elapsed time as the
train rolls by. It ADVERTISEMENT
requires an
independent 12V
power supply.
Manufacturer photo
Your ad here could
6. The project uses
reach 65,000+
a FlyRon MP3
player to sound
warnings. Simply
find a suitable audio
notice file, upload it
for as low as $222
to the micro SD
card, and you’re in
business. The
FNBC04 requires a
a month.
12V power supply.
Manufacturer photo Click to learn more ...

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7. The Arduino sends notes on the engineer’s compliance

with speed limits – or lack thereof – to the Arduino IDE
serial monitor on your computer.
Brian even notes that you can con�igure the system to activate
a power relay to cut power to the track if the engineer is espe-
cially reluctant to reduce speed. The sketch and materials are
not so-con�igured for this article, but it does once again show
just how customizable this system can be.
If you connect your Arduino to a computer with a USB cable
and open the Arduino integrated development environment
(IDE) application, the speedometer will transmit text to the se-
rial monitor window, providing a readout of elapsed time and
speed recorded. If an engineer happens to be traveling over-
speed, the display will include the degree of the infraction [7].
Once a train has passed, the system will go into its reset mode,
which is coded as a 10-second delay. The sensors and the sys-
tem will be unresponsive to avoid false positives as the system
resets itself. Until the next train arrives, the speedometer will
continue to display the train’s speed and elapsed time.

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Brian mounted his sensors to the back side of a shed on his
layout. This keeps them hidden from view, while allowing
them to emit their infrared beam across the tracks. A train re-
�lects the beam back as it passes, to trigger the sensor [8, 9].
Brian used a dual-size blank electrical wall plate to create the
display panel for his layout fascia. He cut holes sized to accom-
modate the speed and elapsed-time displays. In addition, he
drilled three holes to accommodate three LEDs: two to indi-
cate direction of travel, and a third to indicate the speedometer
is resetting between trains [10].
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8. This shed houses the two infrared sensors on the back

side, facing the tracks behind the building, hidden from
viewers.

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9. The infrared sensors shine a beam across the track to

detect trains, which reflect it back to the sensors.
10. Brian
modified this
dual-size wall
plate to hold the
two displays and
three LEDs.

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Brian’s speedometer project should make for a �ine addition
to his layout. Its speed display is a useful feature, while its
over-speed warnings will certainly add interest. Hopefully, it’ll
inspire you to explore the possibilities of programming with
Arduino and building your own projects.
Please click this link for the Arduino sketch: github.com/
jpregier/ModelRailroadingProjects/tree/master/ModelRail-
roadSpeedometer. �
See the �inal electrical diagram on the next page …
R��
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BRIAN KRUPICKA
Brian has been into model railroading
for 20 years. He has belonged to several
model railroad clubs over the years:
two N scale, an HO scale, and an O scale.
His HO scale layout at home includes 11
scale miles of single-track main line and
nine industrial districts, with over 20
animation and automation features. His
layout can operate with DC or with Digi-
trax DCC and JMRI automation.
Brian is also into amateur radio, traveling, and fishing. █

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BUILDING AN ARDUINO SPEEDOMETER | 10 BUILDING AN ARDUINO SPEEDOMETER | 11
11. Wiring schematic for the speedometer sensor project.

The Arduino also has a micro USB port – not shown in R��
diagram – to connect it to your computer.

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MRH MARKETPLACE | 2
Keep having fun with

trains this summer!

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MRH MARKETPLACE | 3
Model Railroad Control Systems

Geoff Bunza Project Boards
DCC Occupancy Detectors
CMRInet Compatible Nodes
Layout Telephone Systems
RFID Switchlist Generator
Switch Machines and Drivers

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Signals on the Wyoming Division: Part 1

VERRYL FOSNIGHT AND DENNIS DRURY T�� W�� D�� L��
SHOW HOW THE WYOMING DIVISION V�� The Wyoming Division is a large HO scale layout, representing the
USES AUTOMATED BLOCK SIGNALS FOR �� Union Paci�ic from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Ogden, Utah. built in a
free-standing 50 x 75 ft building. Verryl designed and built the
OPERATIONS … layout for operations. The layout uses Automated Block Signaling
I� �� , I convey some of the experiences we had (ABS) but also has some special signal requirements.
creating a signaling system for my Wyoming Division layout, The layout has a free-standing mushroom design with three
representing the Union Paci�ic between Cheyenne, Wyoming bench levels and aisles on all sides. The upper two levels contain
and Ogden, Utah. For this month, we’ll begin with an the layout with scenery, plus the non-scenery staging. A proper
introduction to the layout, its operations, and the role that description of the signals requires an understanding of the layout
signaling plays in those operations. track plan [1, 2, 3].

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SIGNALS ON THE WYOMING DIVISION | 3 SIGNALS ON THE WYOMING DIVISION | 4
1. The tracks on the upper level of the Wyoming division flow track route up Sherman Hill with Harriman Cutoff are on the bottom
counterclockwise from the double track helix to staging (top right), past bench. Tracks 1 and 2 continue over the remaining benches to the small
the classification and steam yards and depot at Cheynne (left). The three- helix (vertical oval on right). Zoom into this plan to study it more closely.

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2. The middle level flows counter-clockwise from the main helix branches off to the lower level at Granger (mid right), and the Park City
(vertical oval) to Ogden, Utah (left). Main staging and the helix to Branch departs for the lower level at Echo (bottom right) [3]. Zoom
Cheyenne are beyond (smaller oval, top). The Oregon Short Line (OSL) into this plan to study it more closely.

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3. The third level is for hidden track without scenery or signals. The OSL The Park City Branch (bottom) originates in Echo [2], and wraps around
originates at Granger [2], cuts across aisle 4, and wraps around toward to terminate at Park City staging, with a turntable. Zoom into this plan to
Portland staging, with a return loop. study it more closely.

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Nearly all the mainline on the top two levels is signaled. The O��
exceptions are the four main yards, Cheyenne and Laramie on
the upper level [1], plus Ogden and Green River on the middle The Wyoming Division uses a unique four-card car forwarding
level [2]. These four yards have assigned yardmasters (YM) system that includes a one-sheet, pre-printed Train Order
and switching foremen during operation responsible for con- (TO) and car, block, and locomotive cards, as described in the
trolling traf�ic within yard limits. May 2020 MRH article, “Lightweight Operations.” The TOs sim-
The main line passing through minor yards at Hanna, Rawlins/ ulate pre-generated track warrants to simplify paperwork and
Sinclar Oil, and Wamsutter on the upper level [1] and Evanston avoid the delays associated with using individual handwritten
and Echo on the middle level [2] is ABS signaled. Local freight order slips.
crews and a �loating yard master are responsible for directing Rule 251D governs directional double-track running, so a dis-
switching operations at each of these yards, but the main is ABS. patcher is not strictly necessary for operations, though a dis-
Rock Springs on the middle level should have a yard, but we patcher can help direct passenger and priority trains around
opted to use the bench space for 20 industries [2]. All freight slower trains, and help protect MOW crews, switchers working
traf�ic into and out of Rock Springs goes through Green River, on the main, or other unusual situations. Because UP primarily
with a road switching operator shuttling cars between Green used phone or wire communications between stations and the
River and Rock Springs, and handling all Rock Springs switch- dispatcher in 1957, the layout uses a 16-phone network for
ing. The mains through Rock Springs also have ABS. engineers/conductors to communicate with the remote dis-
There are two hidden tracks on the bottom level [3], neither of patcher, report position “on sheet,” and receive orders.
which uses signals at this time, except for protecting traf�ic en- Trains move with a simpli�ied form of Direct Train Control
tering the main. The Oregon Short Line (OSL) departs the main (DTC) under ABS protection. DTC is like Track Warrant Con-
at Granger [2] and continues to a staging yard representing trol (TWC), though with �ixed instead of variable opera-
Portland, Oregon. Beyond Portland staging is a turnaround loop
tional blocks.
for turning passenger trains.
The UP used CTC on the single-track Harriman Cutoff and the
Eventually, I plan to signal the bidirectional single-track OSL
and its three sidings. With the exception of the wide-radius OSL, though the layout does not because neither has enough
curves at the bench ends, the OSL track and its sidings are near traf�ic to keep a dedicated CTC operator busy. These stretches
the bench edges, so operators can see them [3]. use rule 271 instead, which treats the trains in either direc-
tion as if they are on the timetable and under strict dis-
The other hidden track is a short representation of the Park City patcher control.
Branch from Echo to Park City, Utah [3]. For operations, a local
leaves Ogden, switches Echo [2], and continues to Park City. The Only passenger trains operate on a timetable. Following the
crew leaves cars at the Park City yard, turns the locomotive on a UP’s practice of sending freight trains as soon as they were
manual turntable, and picks up a new train for the return trip to ready, the staging YM sends freights out as soon as an engineer
Echo and Ogden. is ready for one.

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A�� the bi-directional Harriman Cutoff. Road hazards and mainte-
nance can be signaled by a signal man, and such signals are an
We completed an ABS system for the Wyoming division in March absolute red as described below.
2017. The signals are generally three-color. Green indicates the Note: there is no provision to set an individual signal manually
next two blocks are unoccupied and authorizes full speed; yellow (other than the yard entry signals described in the following para-
indicates the track two blocks ahead is occupied and authorizes graph), thus hazards and maintenance must be �lagged red, but
restricted speed; and red requires the train to stop, because the any such instances will cause a signal to turn and stay red due to
next block is occupied. track being occupied.
Red has two aspects, “permissive” and “absolute,” both of which Red and yellow signals protect the four manned yard entries,
requires the train to stop. Permissive red signals, however, allow and these are always normally red. Trains approaching must
the train to proceed at restricted speed after stopping, slow stop, notify the YM, and wait for the YM to align a path and
enough to stop safely ahead of any collision or other obstruction clear traf�ic. The YM then manually changes the signal to red/
causing the red signal. Most red signals along the unidirectional, yellow [red + yellow] and verbally instructs the train to ap-
double-track main are permissive. proach at restricted speed. The signal automatically reverts
to red after 30 seconds [4].
Absolute red signals require the train to wait until the signal
changes or the dispatcher/yardmaster(YM) authorizes move- Standard tri-colored signals protect egress from all manned
ment. Absolute red signals protect entry into manned yards and yards onto the main between Cheyenne and Ogden, though the
train crew must contact the dispatcher for clearance prior to
departure. This allows the dispatcher to record the train’s
movement and position. The dispatcher may also hold the
train to avoid delaying a higher priority train [5].
In the case of track hazards such as derailments or mainte-
nance of way, the cleanup or MOW crew will place a DCC �lag-
man to signal all oncoming trains to stop. The DCC �lagman has
4. (Left) The West side of the signal bridge at the west entrance to
Cheyenne yard. Signals controlling entry into the yard have red
and yellow aspects, with default of red. Incoming trains must wait
until the YM admits them with a yellow signal. From left, the tracks
are the eastbound main, the westbound main, the Harriman
cutoff, and tracks to the Cheyenne Stockyard. Note only the
westbound main and the Harriman Cutoff are signaled inbound.

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5. (Top-left) A westbound view of the same signal bridge as
[4], this time departing Cheyenne. Note that the signals for
Harriman Cutoff (second from left) and the westbound main
are green, indicating the next two blocks are clear.
6. (Bottom-left) The DCC flagman. – manufacturer’s photo:
(www.modelrailroadcontrolsystems.com/dcc-flag-man-track-
power-tester-4-pack)
electrical contacts to activate block occupancy and to light the
�lagman’s red LED lantern. These lanterns are an absolute red,
with only the MOW or cleanup crew authorized to remove
them [6].
D��

Outside of manned yard limits, DTC supplements ABS with
track warrants. This provides for dispatcher control when a
dispatcher is present and/or simulated ABS of special simula-
tions on the layout. When a dispatcher is present, crews must
communicate their trains’ locations so the dispatcher can keep
track of them.
A dispatcher may help high priority trains overtake slower
trains, or route trains around stationary trains or those tempo-
rarily on a main (switching or under a coal tower) by dispatch-
ing by dispatching them onto the left track, against traf�ic.
While the train’s presence automatically sets opposing ABS
signals red or yellow, respectively, for the next two blocks, such
movements require the dispatcher to monitor oncoming traf�ic
and delay it as needed to allow the trains to cross over back to
the right track safely.
In other cases, a crew might have to access, cross, or work
around the main to complete its work at an industry or un-
manned yard. The operator must contact the dispatcher and

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wait for clearance before proceeding. The dispatcher waits for
traf�ic to clear, then provides a work window during which the VERRYL FOSNIGHT
operator may complete work.
In sessions without a dispatcher, operators are responsible for Verryl Fosnight lived his early years in
monitoring other trains around them and taking sidings as Wyoming. His family moved to southern Cali-
needed to allow high-priority trains to get by. Usually, crews’ fornia just as he was entering high school. After
views are long enough that this is not a problem. As an added graduating as a physicist from Stanford, he re-
insurance against delays for priority trains, each yard includes searched electric propulsion for space use and
three main lines – one in each direction and an alternate, pass- RF proton sources for injection of extremely
ing lane. high density, high energy proton beams into nu-
clear fusion devices such as tokamak fusion reactors.
With or without a dispatcher, an operator needing access to
the main should protect their actions with a �lag, either in the Verryl left tech for the family real estate business in the late
form of a DCC �lagman or of a folded cardstock tent, to alert ‘80s. He later retired and moved to Arizona. He built a house
oncoming crews to the hazard ahead. Main line operators, and observatory to do astronomy and astrophotography. He
meanwhile, must remember to watch the signals. also included model railroading.
Verryl hosts operating sessions on his railroad that draw
C�� 20 to 30 modelers from all over AZ. In addition he hosts an
annual session speci�ically aimed at operators from other
Next month, we will get into the process we used to design and states. █
build an ABS system to govern and protect most traf�ic on the
Wyoming Division. We will take a look at the equipment we in-
stalled and how it works together to protect operators and
keep operating sessions safe. � DENNIS DRURY
R��
THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! Dennis Drury provided the electrical engineer-
ing expertise to make signals on the Wyoming
Division happen.
Art deco station build (in
A former signalman and engineer for Southern
2 parts)
Pacific, he has conducted clinics on setting up
Get both eBooks now► ← click
here and using JMRI for operations.
In the Each eBook ~100 pages
Dennis models the Southern Pacfic's Klamath Falls Sub-
Nov/Dec division. █
2018

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Building a small
N scale layout Part 3

DAVE KILBORN ADDS WATER AND GROUND
COVER TO HIS N SCALE LAYOUT…
V��
��
L�� , I formed the mountains from foam on my

layout. I created tunnel walls and installed portals, then carved
and painted the foam mountains to look like rocks. This
month, I added ground cover and landscape materials,
ballasted the tracks, prepared and poured the river, and
�inished the abandoned mine scene.

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BUILDING A SMALL N SCALE LAYOUT | 2 BUILDING A SMALL N SCALE LAYOUT | 3
S��

To prevent gases from the foam creeping into the resin and
creating bubbles and other abnormalities in my river, I began
by sealing the river bottom with Woodland Scenics Flex
Paste [1]. I scooped out the Flex Paste and smoothed it onto
the foam with a wide craft stick . I made sure I had complete
coverage, smoothed it with wet �ingers, and let it dry
completely before painting.
G��

I used two methods to develop my ground cover base for the
layout. In the areas between the major foam mountains, I used
2. A base gray craft paint blended with two or three other earth
tones provided a varied base for ground cover.
ground goop to build up undulations. For the foam mountains,

I roughed up, shaved down, and painted.
I started on the top of the mountain with the foam base. I used
the same gray craft paint for the base coat and blended in two
or three other earth-tone colors [2].
I had several pieces of foam of various heights at track level,
and the risers had slits in them. I used my ground goop in
this area to form and smooth it as I �illed in the gaps [3]. I
mixed the wrong paint into this batch of goop, so the color
was wrong. I simply painted over it with the correct color
1. I sealed the river bottom with Flex Paste from Woodland and corrected any remaining coloration issues with ground
Scenics. cover [4].

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3. (Upper-left) I used the

wrong paint in my goop
for this low scenery area.
4. (Upper-right) After
painting the goop and
adding ground cover, my
mistake faded away.
5. (Left) A couple colors

of ground foam created a
scenic foundation with
nice variation and depth
in only a few minutes.
V��
��

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Once the goop was dry, I applied a layer of brown Noch Scatter I blended the layers of ground goop with a dark gray wash,
Material (#08441) over the area to add color and texture to causing any blotchiness from the previous step to disappear. I
the base coat. Once I had the material down, I used a sprayer then added several grades and colors of talus between the
to soak the area with Scenic Cement. I kept the sprayer at a tracks. I secured this layer by �irst misting the area with
distance to avoid blowing the light material away. isopropyl alcohol and then Scenic Cement [7].
I worked in layers to build up ground cover, beginning with a
green �ine turf blend from Woodland Scenics. I sprinkled it B��
over the area, trying to use just enough to add color variation,
but not so much that I had solid coverage. I added Woodland I wanted some rock outcroppings along the river, so I was sure
Scenics soil in similar fashion, then sealed it all in with a to have several lightweight Hydrocal rocks handy while
misting of Scenic Cement [5]. applying the ground goop. I pushed the rocks into the ground
goop immediately after applying it and smoothed them to look
T�� like they were emerging naturally [8].
I shifted focus to covering the blue and pink foam on the rest of 6. (Left) I added ground goop in batches, not worrying about
the layout with ground goop. I worked in sessions to �ill in color consistency between batches.
gaps and smooth transitions between the various heights of
foam, mixing only enough goop for each session. I didn’t 7. (Below) A dark gray wash of acrylics and varying grades
concentrate on color consistency between batches [6]. and colors of talus tied together the batches of goop.

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I applied a few washes of Woodland Scenics Liquid Pigments, I continued with the lower banks, starting with a few pieces of
including Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, Slate Gray, randomly placed, coarse talus, then medium, then �ine. I used a
and Stone Gray. I dabbed spots of two or three colors on each wide brush to sweep the talus and form it into a naturally
rock in a leopard-spotting process. I then used Slate Gray or sloped bank [11].
Stone Gray as an overall wash [9]. Once I was satis�ied with the banks, I used an eyedropper to
saturate the rocks with isopropyl alcohol and then Scenic
I made a slight depression in the goop between the two levels Cement. I experimented skipping the alcohol, but Woodland
of rock outcroppings for a small pond. I painted the bottom of Scenics talus tends to �loat and move around without alcohol
the depression to give the future pond illusion of depth. to break the surface tension. I checked for loose material as the
cement dry and reapplied cement as needed.
I used a foam brush to apply full-strength white glue to the
steeper parts of the river bank. I placed a few coarse pieces of
talus along the bottom edge, then sprinkled various colors of V��
��
medium and �ine talus in various colors on the slopes [10].
8. I used lightweight Hydrocal rock castings to create rock 9. I painted the rocks, then gave them a gray wash. I left a slight
outcroppings along the river. depression in the goop above the lower track for a small pond.

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I decided to ballast the track while I was working on the river
banks using ballast from Kato. I found it trickier to ballast
Unitrack than track without built-in roadbed because it took
considerably less than the roadbed I was used to, and it took
me a while to adjust [12].
P��

I used Woodland Scenics Olive Drab to provide the illusion of
depth to the river bottom. Working a few inches at a time, I
applied full-strength paint down the center of the river. I wet
10. (Left-top) Medium and fine talus along the upper river bank
helps blend in the rock outcroppings.
11. (Left-bottom) I also used medium and fine talus to
represent a rocky mountain riverbed.
12. (Bottom) With the eyedropper, alcohol, and scenic cement
already in play, ballasting the tracks was a natural next step.

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my brush and feathered the paint outward to create a gradient
from dark center to the lighter shore line [13].
With the paint and talus in place, I was ready to prepare the
river bed for resin. First, I masked-off the edge of the layout
where the river ends to prevent resin spilling over. I sealed the
tape with caulking on both sides just to be sure.
Woodland Scenics Deep Pour Water resin has a formula on the
package to calculate the amount needed. I calculated that I
would need nearly a full package of for the river. I slowly stirred
in 32 drops of sage green to give the water a greenish tint.
Beginning at the waterfall and working toward the edge, I
poured the resin slowly and steadily onto the river bed. I
poured until it just crept up to cover the shore line. I had just a
bit left over [14].
I worked out any bubbles by gently blowing the area with a
straw. I used a toothpick to work the resin evenly around the
rocks along the shore. When I was satis�ied, I left the resin to
cure overnight.
While having a slight slope to the river might be prototypical,
it wasn’t conducive to pouring resin. I discovered the next day
that the resin had pooled signi�icantly toward the edge of the
layout, and had �lowed away from other areas, leaving them
shallower than intended.
I built a dam at the narrow point of the river using Woodland
Scenics Water Waves. The dam held its shape well and set
clear [15]. This allowed me to add resin – Realistic Water this
13. (Top-right) The painted river bottom with the color

feathered toward the banks.
14. (Bottom-right) I used Woodland Scenics Deep Pour Water
to pour the river base. Unfortunately, the layout’s river bed
slopes, so the resin pooled at the far end, but was too shallow
at the near end.

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time, since that’s what the local hobby shop had – to the I added static grass to the area around the pond once the resin
shallow end of the river, up to the level of the dam [16]. had cured. I applied Static-Tac from Woodland Scenics to the
area in spots, then loaded my home-made static grass
When the second pour had cured, I attempted to remove the tape applicator with 2mm and 4mm static grass in various shades
dam I had made at the edge of the layout, only to discover that it
had bonded with the resin. I was able to get most of the tape off of green, and went to work.
and decided I could cover the rest with the layout’s fascia. I put a piece of pantyhose over my vacuum cleaner nozzle to
clean up surplus grass for later reuse. I used the handle of a
F�� foam brush to push and prod randomly into the static grass
�� while the glue was still wet to add some variation to the static
grass and make it look more natural [18]. When the glue set, I
I added some scatter material, talus, �ine gravel, and a dusting
of green-blend �ine turf along the track above the river, toward followed-up with another round of 4mm static grass in various
the pond, securing it with the alcohol/Scenic Cement. I painted shades of brown [19].
the pond bottom the same way I did the river base and poured V��
Realistic Water into the depression to form the pond once the ��
paint was dry [17].
15. A dam of Woodland Scenics Water Waves compensated 16. With the dam in place, I made a second pour into the high
for the slope of the river and allowed me to add resin to the end of the creek to achieve the depth I was after. The dam
shallow end. I might camouflage this later with rapids. (top, center) all but disappeared as the resin set.

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“P��” ��
I had many varieties and colors of Woodland Scenics
Underbrush, bushes, clump foliage, ground foam, and Fine Leaf
Foliage, as well as some natural lichen, and I used many of them
for a diverse scene. I �itted pieces of the ground cover material
in and around the rocks and grass, and secured it in place with
hot glue when it looked right [20]. I used some Ivy material
from MiniNature to �ill the gap along the bridge abutment.
17. (Left-top) I made the small pond between the tracks using
the same techniques I used for the river.
18. (Left-bottom) Getting there. The addition of green static
grass helped this scene to come to life.
19. (Below) The varied shades of grass really give this the feel
of a mountain meadow.

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I followed Joe Fugate's tip of wearing rubber gloves when
using the glue gun to avoid burns. Hot glue was the most
ef�icient way of putting down the foliage, “stringies”
notwithstanding. I cleaned up all the “stringies” when done.
M��

I needed a seldom-used access road that would have served a
long-abandoned mine. I already had the area covered with
gavel from earlier steps, so I used an N scale truck to
21. The mine road, a few trees, and a variety of ground foams
completed the scene. Can you make out the wheel tracks?
determine the proper width and used static grass to establish

the edges.
I created some wheel ruts in the road with the truck, added
some natural �ine dirt to the ruts, and secured it with alcohol
and Scenic Cement. The wheel ruts are too �ine to see unless you
look very closely, but I know they’re there. Fine leaf, clump
foliage, and a few JTT conifer trees completed the scene [21].
I �inished with some Woodland Scenics yellow Flowering
Foliage material to simulate some dandelions and the scene
was essentially complete [22]. It wasn’t perfect and I was
20. A variety of ground coverage and foliage made the scene already thinking of some things I could change or add later.
complete. Note how natural the rock outcroppings appear. But this was good enough until I �inished the other areas.

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L�� Next month, I’ll �inish the town scene and add the waterfall
and some rapids to the river. I’ll also add some trees and
I noticed that the pond developed bubbles over time, so I may details and �inish the layout with a fascia. �
not have sealed it as well as I thought. I have an idea of how to
�ix this, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll cut it out, seal it with Flex
Paste and re-�inish it. I’ll update that project in the next article. DAVID KILBORN
David lives in Saskatoon, SK Canada with his
wife, his mother, and his two adult children. He
has loved model railroading since four years
old, when he saw his dad’s model trains.
Issues with dexterity and vision in 2013
resulted in a switch from N scale to HO scale,
but he missed N scale. When the Covid-19 lockdown hit, he
decided to build this N scale layout that he wanted since he
was 16.
David has worked at a remote mine site for 18 years, support-
ing management systems and regulatory compliance. He loves
to travel, and looks for opportunities to do so by train. He plays
bass guitar and dabbles in writing music and arranging. █
R��
Allagash gets a shortline

connection
here
22. For more than 30 years, I dreamed watching a passenger In the Each eBook ~100 pages
train snaking along a river. My 16-year-old self would have been

overjoyed to have this scene. Jan 2019

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R��
Adding scotch tape windows to 1/87 vehicles

YouTube model railroader onequiknova shows how he makes very
realistic HO scale vehicle windows using ordinary scotch tape. The
windows look superb, very shiny, and perfectly see through. He
picked this technique up from non-other
than Mike Budde on Ken Patterson’s show!
So check out this video if you’d like to V��
��
see how to add these great looking win-
dows to your HO vehicles! �
� GREAT MODELER VIDEOS ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

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column
RICHARD BALE AND JEFF SHULTZ

REPORT THE LATEST HOBBY V��
INDUSTRY NEWS ...
��
INDUSTRY NEWS
M.T.H. reports it will continue to produce and market
RailKing models. After founder Mike Wolf announced plans to
retire, M.T.H. successfully negotiated the sale of much of its
Did you know tooling, with HO and S scale items going to Scale Trains.com
and Atlas purchasing the tooling for selected O scale items.
there’s an
M.T.H. was reportedly less successful in liquidating its
RailKing assets and subsequently decided to continue
producing selected O and G scale items under the RailKing
MRH/RE index
brand. M.T.H. is currently downsizing operations and is
relocating its principal sales and parts center to Elkridge,
Maryland. The company’s R&D operation will remain in
available? Western Michigan. For additional information go to

www.mthtrains.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE
THE LATEST MODEL RAILROAD PRODUCTS, NEWS & EVENTS

(free)
JUNE ALL SCALES | 2 JUNE ALL SCALES | 3
NEW CLUB CARS 1990s as they negotiate two percent grades, ten-degree
curves, and 28 tunnels to the great Moffat Tunnel at the
In a fundraising project, the Continental Divide. Coverage extends west through Byers
non-pro�it New England
Canyon and Gore Canyon to see the Rio Grande moving
Steam Corporation is selling
freight through the Rockies, not around them.
a steel gondola decorated for the Philadelphia, Bethlehem &
New England Railway. Soo Line in Color is an inexpensive digital reprint that
presents a comprehensive look at the SOO from the days of
The HO scale model
steam to the SD60M. For additional information contact a
accurately represents a 70-
dealer or visit www.morningsunbooks.com.
ton 52′ 6″ gondola built by
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bethlehem Steel in 1957. Five PBNE road numbers are
available. The well-detailed ready-to-run model was Two reprints of original
produced for NESCO by Tangent Scale Models. For more Norfolk & Southern books
information including ordering instructions visit are now available from the
www.newenglandsteam.org. Norfolk & Southern
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Historical Society. The
NEW PRODUCTS FOR ALL SCALES books include Norfolk
Southern Color Pictorial by
New Dalton P. Billy McDonald,
publications who presents a detailed look at NS during the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
from
The second publication, by Robert C. Reisweber, documents the
Morning
original Norfolk Southern Railway from 1883 through 1974. For
Sun Books
additional information visit www.facebook.com/groups/
include Penn
Central in the NorfolkSouthernHS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conrail Era, Volume 5, in which author Stephen M. Timko
delivers a �inal year-by-year look at former Penn Central Among the newest softcover equipment catalog reprints from
structures, motive power, and rolling stock under Conrail SilverLake Images is Jordan Spreader & Russell Snow Plow, and
ownership from 1995 to 1999. Western Dump Cars from Western Wheeled Scraper Company.
Also new is Jeff Simley’s Rio Grande in Color, Front Range, The 92-page Jordan/Russell book reproduces several catalogs
Volume 7. Here we witness Rio Grande-powered trains in the and brochures that describe and illustrate equipment

(free)
JUNE MULTIPLE SCALES | 4 JUNE LARGE SCALE | 5
manufactured by the O.F. SoundTraxx has announced
Jordan Company and the the TSU-N18 decoder.
Russell Car Snow Plow Intended for small HO and N
scale locomotives that are
Company. The catalogs equipped with a NEXT18
cover single and double socket. The TSU-N18 will be
track snow plows, available with the Steam-2, EMD, EMD-2, GE, Alco, Baldwin &
spreaders, ditchers, ice other diesels; and Electric sound pro�iles. Equipped with 6
cutters, and �langers. function outputs and selectable sound effects, the TSU-N18
can be wired to a CurrentKeeper capacitor energy storage
The 82-page Western Wheeled Scraper Company publication device. For more information visit soundtraxx.com.
provides details on the construction of both the Western --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dump Car and the Western Air Dump Cars. The catalog looks ZYX Creative is offering the
at a variety of cars produced by the company, including photos double-track Hermosa tunnel
and speci�ications for various models from large 45-yard portal from Union Paci�ic’s
capacity cars down to 3-yard cars. There is also a section on Sherman Hill in Wyoming.
Available in both HO and N
narrow gauge cars, end dump cars, and spreader cars. For scale, it features 1901 and
additional information contact SilverLake Images LLC or visit 1908 build dates, raised board
www.ronsbooks.com. form surface detail, optional
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- utility boxes, and paper printed tunnel numbers. 3D printed
in �ine detail resin, integrated tunnel liners will be available
MULTIPLE SCALE PRODUCT NEWS separately. For more information visit www.zyxcreative.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miniprints has
introduced
two-person
railbikes to
LARGE SCALE PRODUCT NEWS
their line of 3D- Piko America plans to add
printed �igures Union Paci�ic and Denver &
and vehicles. Rio Grande Western road
Available in O, names to its list of available 2-
S, and HO 6-0 Mogul steam locomotives
scales, the railbikes do not roll. For more information visit in July. The G scale model is currently available decorated for
miniprints.ca. Colorado Southern, Santa Fe, New York Central, and
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pennsylvania Railroad.

(free)
JUNE NEWS HO SCALE | 6 JUNE NEWS HO SCALE | 7
Completing Accurail’s list of
Features include a �ive-pole recently released HO scale kits
can-type ball-bearing motor, is this 36′ Canadian
directional lighting, detailed cab Paci�ic Fowler wood boxcar. All
interior, a painted crew �igure, Accurail HO car kits include Accumate couplers and
ball-bearing drive wheels, and appropriate trucks with Delrin wheelsets. For additional
hook and loop type couplers. Selected units come with DCC information contact a dealer or visit www.accurail.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
installed and digital sound by Soundtraxx. For additional
information contact a dealer or visit www.piko-america.com. Athearn is preparing new tooling
Photo by Mark Forseille
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- for a Genesis 2.0 model of an EMD

SD90MAC diesel locomotive. The HO
scale model will be based on
HO SCALE PRODUCT NEWS prototypes built in 1995 that utilized
EMD’s 4,300hp 16-cylinder 710G3
Heading the list of new HO engine. Availability of the model is planned for June 2022.
scale car kits from Accurail
is this Clinch�ield 50′ This computer-generated drawing of
Athearn’s Genesis 2.0 SD90MAC
exterior-post steel boxcar
shows nose detail and the see-
with 10′ plug doors. The model is based on a Plate C prototype through steps.
built in November 1973.
Accurail has released a 3-car Computer renderings show
set of Union Paci�ic Pullman- the rear detail of a CEFX
Standard triple-bay covered SD90MAC with ditch lights
hopper cars. Each of the (left), and the Chicago Blower
4750 cu. ft. cars feature a three-color UP herald. visible through the vents at
the back of the locomotive.
This 40′ Rock Island steel boxcar
with double Youngstown sliding
doors is based on a prototype
built new in April 1937. Canadian Paci�ic
SD90MACs in the
ACF built the full-sized version of Golden Beaver paint
this Erie Lackawanna twin- scheme will be
bay Center-Flow covered hopper available in three road numbers. Road speci�ic details include
in 1967. CPs unique cab and access doors.

(free)
Four Union Paci�ic
versions of Athearn’s S�� L�� T��
SD90MAC will be
available with each of Railroad trucks, including those on diesel locomo-
the Genesis 2.0 models having speci�ic road number details. �ves, normally turn or rotate as a unit. In recent
years, some large diesel locomo�ves have been
A choice of three R. Bale
equipped with three-axle trucks that allow axles to
CEFX-CIT Group road shi� laterally as the locomo�ve proceeds through curved track
numbers will be work. Such trucks are commonly called “steerable”. Since the
available in the steerable truck frames are not rigid, the lateral resistance of the
bluebird scheme. first axle entering a curve is high enough to align it in radial direc-
Indiana Railroad �on. Specialized linkage connec�ng the first and third axles trans-
SD90MAC units will fers the movement of the first axle in a counter direc�on to the
be available in the third axle. The resul�ng lateral shi� of the axles allows for
road’s standard red smoother movement through the curve, improved adhesion, and
livery as well as in the reduced wear on the locomo�ve wheels as well as the rail.
one-off 25th
anniversary
Warbonnet scheme on
locomotive No. 9025.
HO scale SD90MACs
scheduled for release
in June 2022 includes
three ex-UP units
patched for Norfolk Southern. Athearn Genesis 2.0 SD90MACs
feature an onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 Athearn is also preparing new
sound that functions in both DC and DCC environments. tooling for an HO scale
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AC4400CW diesel locomotive.
THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! The model replicates a 4,400hp
locomotive introduced by GE
Creating a realistic lumber Transportation in 1993.
mill log pond
here
V��
In the Each eBook ~100 pages ��
The prototype featured AC traction motors instead of DC, with
Jan 2020
a separate inverter for each motor. Selected road names of

(free)
Athearn’s AC4400CW Alaska, Division of Agriculture) car in this run of Pullman
will be available with Standard PS 4740 cu. ft. covered hoppers, although the actual
steerable trucks. cars owned by the Alaskan railroad were 4750 cu. ft. cars built
Additional information, by Thrall.
including road names, Also coming next June is a
is pending. steel 52′ mill gondola
Additional projects with wire grab irons and
underway at Athearn include etched metal end
development of a group of platforms.
Sur�liner intercity railcars. Road names for the HO
The HO scale models will be scale model will be CIT
based on bi-level cars built Group, Northwestern Oklahoma, Rock Island, Wisconsin Central,
by Alstom Transportation of and Washington Central. Completing this release will be a Kan-
Hornell, New York, sas City Southern gondola pre-weathered in Athearn’s Primed
beginning in 1982. for Grime.
Athearn’s models will Athearn has included a 16,000
feature both interior and gallon slurry tank car in its June
exterior road-speci�ic 2022 schedule. The models will
details. Sound equipped have wire grab irons and
Sur�liner models will have cube speakers and a decoder similar railings, full brake rigging, and see-through photo-etched
to the type Athearn uses in its Genesis-series cabooses. Road walkways and end platforms. The roller-bearing trucks will have
names and release dates are pending. 36″ machined metal wheels.
Athearn’s June 2022 production Decorating schemes will be
schedule includes a new run of Union Tank Car, Dry Branch
Pullman-Standard PS 4740 cu. Kaolin, SHPX, OMYA Limestone
ft. triple-bay covered hopper Slurry, PCS Phosphate Co., and
cars. The models will have roller-bearing trucks with 36″ J.M. Huber.
machined metal wheels.
Intermodal equipment
The HO scale Ready-to-Roll PS coming from Athearn next
4740s will be available June includes a selection of
decorated for Great Northern, 45′ corrugated containers. Carrier names will be HMM-KOBC,
General American Marks, Illinois Central, Norfolk Western, and Crowley, APL, and Dong Fang. Primed for Grime schemes will be
Missouri-Kansas-Texas. Athearn has included an AACX (State of available for NOL, and Horizon Lines.

(free)
The HO scale model will be
available in 3-packs with EMD GP7
different numbers.
Introduced in 1949, the GP7 was the first model in
As part of its 75th anniversary EMD's GP (general purpose) series of locomo�ves.
celebration, Athearn will issue a It was also the first EMD road locomo�ve to u�lize a
specially decorated 1:87th scale Ford R. Bale
hood instead of a full car body design. Although
F-100 panel truck. The model will have narrow enough to allow outside walkways, the full height hood
rubber tires and clear window glazing. easily accommodated EMD’s 1,500hp 16-cylinder 567 diesel engine.
In addition to the multi-color The hood concept was an immediate success since it cost less to
anniversary scheme, the Ford panel build, was cheaper and easier to maintain, and offered much be�er
truck will also be available decorated fore and a� visibility for the opera�ng crew. When shopping for
for Railway Express, Bell Telephone, new locomo�ves, many railroads found it more economical to
Harrison’s Hardware, MidTown Appliance, and Reliable rebuild their reliable GP7s rather than to purchase new equipment.
Plumbing. F-100 panel trucks decorated with Police and Fire
Rescue schemes will have roof-top emergency lights.
New Roundhouse brand models Atlas’ next production run of
coming from Athearn in June 2022 GP-7 locomotives will have
include this wide-vision caboose. several upgrades including a
new diecast frame/sill.
Road names for the HO scale model Availability is planned for the second quarter of 2022.
will be Great Northern, Rock Island, Additional features include �ine scale painted handrails and
Burlington Northern, Northern stanchions, wire grab irons, MU hoses and uncoupling bars,
Paci�ic, Canadian Paci�ic, Ferromex, golden-white LED directional lighting, and two painted crew
and two Frisco versions including a members. Road speci�ic options include an 800 gallon or 1,600
Bicentennial scheme. For additional information contact a gallon fuel tank.
dealer or visit www.athearn.com.
Road names will be Florida East
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coast, Guilford Rail System,
Maine Central, Maryland &
Stock cars used to haul Pennsylvania, Missouri Paci�ic,
other things Texas Mexican Railway, Western Maryland, Burlington
here
V�� Northern, Chicago & Eastern Illinois, Reading, and Conrail.
In the Each eBook ~100 pages ��
Atlas’ GP-7 will be available with the LokSound Select Dual-
Jan 2021
Mode DCC system. Standard DC analog units will have a plug to

(free)
simplify installation of an Huber, OFOX-Residco, CCBX-Union Carbide, CRDX-Interstate
aftermarket decoder. Seed, and ADM.
Specialized intermodal
Atlas’ second quarter 2022 equipment coming from Atlas
production schedule includes a next year includes Thrall 53′
Master series ACF Coalveyor three-unit articulated well-cars.
bathtub gondola. Spotting features of the Thrall
design include angular wheel
The HO scale ready-to-run
cut-outs, and the combination of three �lared-bottom wide and
model features a die-cast
eight narrow side posts.
chassis, interior bracing, and
100-ton roller-bearing trucks. Road names will be BNSF, TTX
Each Coalveyor comes with a removable coal load. (yellow & black), TTX(ex-DDT
Road names will be Albert patch, blue & white), TTX (small
Brothers, RMG Leasing, logo), and TTX (large logo). The
Wilmont Transportation, Three-unit articulated models
CMHX-Reisner Scrap Metals, will negotiate an 18'' track radius, however Atlas recommends
Cobra Trading, FICX-Frontier a radius of 22″ for trouble free operation.
Scrap Metals, Chicago & Illinois Midland, Kansas City Power &
Light, UFIX-Utility Fuels, and three David Joseph schemes. Intermodal fans can look
forward to three new HO
ACF 5701 and 5800 cu. ft scale containers coming
covered hoppers with four from Atlas during the second quarter 2022. The trio includes a
discharge bays are included in 40′ high-cube ISO Type 45R1 refrigerated container.
Atlas’s second quarter 2022
production schedule. The forty-footer features
doors with �ive-hinges,
Details on the Master series four locking bars, and
model include etched metal OUT style handles. Decorating schemes on this release will be
roof walks, ten 20'' hatches, and ZIMonitor, CSAV, Evergreen, SZLU-ONE, and Crowley.
100-ton roller-bearing trucks.
The second new
Decorating schemes will be container coming
ASOX-Americas Styrenics, from Atlas is a Master
ALAX-Cain Chemicals, DOWX, series 53′ corrugated dry-van container based on a prototype
XOMX-Exxon Mobil, ACFX-J.M. manufactured by the Jindo Company of South Korea.

(free)
Details include Road names for the ready-to-run Silver
individual placard Series model include BNSF, Cargill Salt,
holders, 8-55-8 Chicago & North Western, Conrail,
corrugated sides, a 6-54-6 corrugated roof, and 1-3-1 beveled doors. Continental Polymers, CP Rail, CSX, Great
Northern, and Shell.
The 53′ Jindo
containers will be The model comes with appropriate
decorated for CSX, Swift, Ferromex, EMP (ex-hub), EMP (ex- trucks molded in Celcon with blackened
machined metal wheels.
Pacer), and Milestone (ex-Pacer).
Bachmann’s HO scale 52′
A similar HO scale 53′ depressed-center �lat car is now
dry container coming available for Conrail, New York
from Atlas follows a Central, and Frisco. An unlettered black version is available
CIMC prototype produced by the China International Marine with a transformer load.
Container Company. The CIMC containers will be available for
HUB Group, Canadian Paci�ic, and EMP (ex-FEC). The Silver Series models come with
heavy-duty six-wheel trucks with
All of the HO scale blackened machined metal wheels
Atlas containers with non-magnetic brass axles.
mentioned in this For additional information contact a
report will be available in 3-packs. dealer or visit
www.bachmanntrains.com.
Also announced is an HO scale Hooded Modern Bi-
Directional Signal. Joining single direction single and --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
multi-head signals, the Hooded Modern Bi-
Directional Signal is part of Atlas’ HO scale signal Broadway
system. For additional information contact a dealer or Limited is quoting
an August 2021
visit www.atlasrr.com. delivery date for it latest production run of Union Paci�ic 4-8-4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEF steam locomotives. The HO scale model is based on the
class FEF-3 prototype and will be available in both excursion
Bachmann has completed another and in-service paint schemes.
release of its HO scale 56′ ACF This release will be equipped with Paragon4 sound control
quadruple-bay Center-Flow covered system and variable synchronized exhaust sound and smoke.
hopper car. Additional features include controllable LED lighting for the

(free)
head and rear lights, cab light, front number boards, front Finally, the Reading
marker lights, and rear tender deck light; engineer and T-1 4-8-4 is available
�ireman �igures, rubber traction tires, and centipede-style oil for pre-order.
tenders. The chassis, boiler/superstructure, and tender body Rebuilt between 1945 and 1947 from I10-sa class 2-10-0
are diecast metal. A minimum track radius of 22″ is locomotives, they only stayed in regular service until 1954,
recommended for the 4-8-4 steam locomotive. with a brief return in 1955. All but four were scrapped or off
the roster by 1958. Used in excursion service, all four still
Decorating schemes include Union Paci�ic Heritage Fleet exist today, with the 2124 currently on display at Steamtown
locomotive No. 844 (previous page) with a controllable Mars USA in Scranton, PA. Featuring Paragon4 sound and control,
light and containment dam on the oil tender. the T-1 includes puf�ing smoke synchronized with chuff
Road No. 840 will sound. The T-1 is available in several road numbers in “in
be available in the service” and Iron Horse Ramblers excursion schemes, as well
1946-49 two-tone as both the 1975 and 1976 American Freedom Train schemes,
gray scheme with yellow lettering. A choice of four road the Chessie Steam Special scheme, Blue Mountain & Reading,
numbers will be available in the FEF’s 1952-1959 standard Delaware & Hudson, and two fantasy schemes - Christmas and
black and graphite livery. Road No. 835 will have a triple Independence Day. For additional information contact a
exhaust stack with all other versions in this release having a dealer or visit www.broadway-limited.com.
double stack. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A black unlettered Cal Scale
version will also be has added to
available. its extensive
Also announced is the EMD F3/F7 line of detail
in HO scale. The F3A and A & B sets parts.
will be available in ATSF- Recently announced items include three types of All-Weather
Warbonnet, B&O, CGW, CNJ, DLW, NYC, PRR, and WP. cab windows, a Canadian winterization hatch, steam generator
Additionally, The F3B will be available separately in ATSF, B&O, exhaust stacks, dynamic brake roof grids, “X” air �ilters, an
NYC, PRR and WP. assortment of air �ilters, and a highway reefer unit with diesel
F7A and A&B sets will be available fuel tank. For more information visit www.bowser-trains.com/
in ATSF-Cat Whiskers, Erie, KCS, NP, history/hocalscaleindex.html.
PRR, Southern, SP, and Wabash. F7B --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
units will be available separately for all the above road names
except Wabash. Both the F3 and F7 models feature Paragon4 Fos Scale Models is selling a kit for a 1:87 scale Floating Pile
sound and control. Driver. The kit features laser-cut walls, scale lumber, laser-cut
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- windows and doors, and several metal detail parts. The

(free)
completed model measures 4″ x 8″ x on the exterior of the cars, trucks with working bearing caps,
9″ tall. The step-by-step assembly and tinted �lush-mounted windows.
instructions include drawings and Optional interior lighting kits are
templates. For additional information available as a separate purchase. For
visit www.fosscalemodels.com. additional information contact a
dealer or visit www.katousa.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LaBelle Woodworking has re-
The latest HO scale freight car from issued wood kits for three 34′
Kadee is a 40′ PS-1 boxcar decorated boxcars of the truss-rod era. The
for the Chicago, Indianapolis & HO scale kits are available for
Louisville Railway, aka the MONON. Colorado & Southern, Bellefonte Central, and Detroit, Mackinac
The ready-to-run model replicates a & Marquette. The body kits include appropriate decals. Trucks
prototype built by Pullman-Standard with 7′ Superior 5-panel and couplers are not included. For full details visit
sliding doors. www.labellemodels.com.
Kadee’s model is decorated to --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
re�lect the 1953 factory-new
Moloco is accepting reservations
paint scheme of black roof and
ends. The sides are boxcar red thru June 30, 2021for another run
except for a wide band at the top of PCF 50' boxcars with 10' offset
for the Hoosier Line slogan. Kadee models come with Kadee plug doors. Delivery is planned for the second quarter of 2022.
metal couplers and self-centering trucks. For more The HO scale models are based on prototypes built in the early
information contact a dealer or visit www.kadee.com. 1960s as RBLs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Road names include Western
KatoUSA has released three new Paci�ic DF with a Cushion
HO scale Amtrak Superliner Phase Protection slogan as built in 1962,
VI cars including the coach shown and an insulated TPFX-Triangle Paci�ic insulated car built
above. Additional body types without loaders.
include a sleeper and a lounge car Southern Paci�ic removed the
with overhead windows. running boards, lowered the
Kato’s Amtrak Superliner cars feature brake wheel, and repainted this
interior detailing in both the upper car in Sacramento in 1979. The car has crossbar locking
and lower levels, prototypical �luting plug doors.

(free)
This NIRX (Erie) car was built in Special features on Rapido’s
1962 with DF-B bulkheads and new vehicles will include
10′ offset doors. For additional multiple 1980s front grille
information including placing designs, rubber tires including white walls where appropriate,
reservations visit www.molocotrains.com. multiple rim designs including wire spokes, and realistic
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- chrome �inish on bumpers, rims and trim. Equipment for
emergency cars includes spotlights, three styles of roof-
Monster Modelworks is
mounted lightbars, and push bumpers.
selling a craftsman kit for an
HO scale brick Post Of�ice. The Caprice
The structure is fundamental Estate Wagon
in design and can be re- with simulated
signed to represent a variety wood panels will be available in yellow, brown, and light blue.
of purposes. The walls, The wagon will also be available decorated as a Fire Chief
corners, cornice pieces and vehicle with a Code 3 Lightbar on the roof. The Chevrolet
brick overlay are composed Caprice sedan will be available in green, dark red, and dark
of 3D-engraved American bond brick stock. The terra cotta blue. A yellow taxi version will also be available.
coping wall caps are also 3D-engraved. The side door awning,
windows, doors, shutters and tar paper roo�ing material are all Emergency
laser-cut peel & stick. sedans with roof
lights will be
Additional components in the kit available for Amtrak police, CN police, blue police, white and
include laser-cut wood entrance blue Metro Police, and black & white police. Emergency vehicle
�loor, roof pipe, porch pillars, and detail parts including three light bar options, spotlights, and
signage. Dimensions of the fully push bumper will also be available as a separate item.
assembled structure are 5.5″ x 7.75″ Availability is planned for late 2021.
x 3.875″ high. For additional
information visit Rapido’s new products team is working on
www.larkspurlaserart.com/ an HO scale version of an AutoFlood III
monster-modelworks-products. coal hopper. The model is being developed
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- from prototype plans of the 4200 cu. ft. all-
aluminum, exterior post, rapid discharge
Rapido is tooling a 1980s hopper car.
Chevrolet Caprice sedan
and wagon that will be available in a wide selection of Features on Rapido’s new AutoFlood III coal hopper include
decorating schemes. The 1:87th scale vehicles will accurately diecast frame and �loor, interior rivet and K-member details,
replicate the prototypes Chevrolet produced from 1977 detailed end cages including separate air and brake piping,
through the end of the ‘80s. detailed outlet gates, etched cross-over platforms, and factory

(free)
installed grab irons. The models will be equipped with Barber Rapido has announced plans to
S-2 100-ton trucks with metal wheels. A removable coal load produce an HO scale model of
will be included with each car. the unique FPA-2u and FPB-2u
Road names will include diesel locomotives produced by
BNSF, CEFX-CIT Group, Montreal Locomotive Works. It
CEFX Indiana Railroad, is important to note that this is a
GLFX-Gulf Power, GATX conditional product
Corporation, KPLX- announcement that will only go
Western Resources, PGNX- forward if enough preorders are
Carolina Power & Light, and Union Paci�ic. Unnumbered six- received by September 15, 2021, to justify production costs.
packs will be available for all road names. Availability is As planned, Rapido’s HO scale MLW FPA-2u and FPB-2u units will
planned for 2022. An order deadline is pending. feature operating headlights, classi�ication and back-up lights;
multi-color interior, full underbody piping and conduit, separate
grab irons and handrails, correct MLW-speci�ic large-capacity fuel
tanks, and Canadian-cast Dofasco Type B trucks. The model will
be driven by Rapido’s improved 5-pole motor with dual �lywheels.
DCC models will have an ESU LokSound decoder with authentic
MLW FPA-2/FPB-2 sounds recorded from the full sized FPA-2u locomotive No. 6758.
DC non-sound models will come with a 21-pin connector to adapt
Under license from American Locomo�ve Com- an aftermarket decoder.
pany, the Montreal Locomo�ve Works (MLW) deliv-
ered six sets of FPA-2 and FPB-2 locomo�ves to
The models will be available in two A-B pairs per paint scheme,
R. Bale
Canadian Na�onal in 1955. The addi�on of the P
which include VIA Rail Canada, and 1954 and 1961 Canadian
iden�fied the locomo�ves as passenger units with a steam genera-
National schemes. For additional information, including entering
tor to heat the passenger cars. In a 1958 program to improve their
advance reservations, contact an authorized dealer of visit
reliability Canadian Na�onal rebuilt two pairs of FPA-2 and FPB-2
www.rapidotrains.com.
units with 1,800 hp ALCo 251 V-12 engines. These units were given
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the designa�on FPA-2u and FPB-2u. The four units would survive
into service with VIA Rail Canada and FPA-2u 6758 would go on to
live beyond its VIA years with the New York & Lake Erie Railroad.
Make your own static
The two rebuilt A-B sets would become the prototypes for the pro- grass tufts
duc�on of the MLW FPA-4 and FPB-4 locomo�ves, built in 1958
and 1959, a dis�nctly iconic locomo�ve operated in passenger ser-
here
V��
vice by both CN and VIA Rail Canada. In the Each eBook ~100 pages ��
Feb 2021

(free)
stripes, and a green and white Southern scheme with heralds
GE ES44 D�� L�� stating Southern Railway Serves the South at the front and
rear of the locomotive.
In 2002, GE introduced its GEVO series of modern
diesel locomo�ves. The first two units were the Two Canadian Paci�ic DRF-
R. Bale
ES44DC (Evolu�on Series 4400hp DC trac�on 44 (ES44AC) locomotives
motors) and ES44AC. The ES44C4 followed a few years later. The are in this release including
GEVO series was designed to replace earlier AC4400CW and Dash one with Lord Strathcona’s
9-44CW units, while complying with new emission standards crest on the cab side.
imposed by the Environmental Protec�on Agency (EPA). The EPA
established allowable emission levels, or �ers, based on a locomo- Ferrocarril Mexicano is well
�ve’s date of manufacture. Tier 2 took effect in 2005 followed by represented by two unique
Tier 3 in 2010. Although EPA Tier 4 standards went into effect in liveries including a new
2015, ES44s con�nued to be built. This is due to a complicated zebra scheme. Details speci�ic to the Ferromex units are
government formula that allows sharing and redistribu�on of exterior cameras mounted to both cab sides, and anti-
emission credits between GE and the opera�ng railroad. The vandalism grilles over the windows.
external appearance of ES44 locomo�ves is similar to the
AC4400CW, with the most significant visual difference being the A Union Paci�ic ES44 with
larger wing structure over the radiator cab. The thicker radiators the Flag scheme and
and related equipment work to cool the exhaust, which reduces commemorative 5,000th
emissions. The ES44 has become the best-selling diesel locomo�ve Evolution Series
of all �me. Locomotive label is
included in this run.
Additional road names are
ScaleTrains.com is Norfolk Southern (Horsehead scheme), Norfolk Southern/
booking reservations for a Heritage Interstate, and Citirail.
new production run of GE Rivet Counter ES44 GEVO
ES44 GEVO locomotives. locomotives will be
The HO scale Rivet Counter models are scheduled for release in available with ESU
March 2022. Decorating schemes will include several Norfolk LokSound 5 DCC & sound
Southern units in nostalgic heritage schemes. Shown above is decoder with dual cube speakers. Analog DC units will have a
an ES44AC wearing an original NS scheme re�lective of the 21-pin connector for installation of an aftermarket decoder.
1942-1974 era.
Also available for pre-order are HO scale Rivet Counter
NS Heritage schemes “Backpacker” 5-unit articulated well car sets. Featuring three
coming next March include new road names and paint schemes, the 40′ well cars can
Pennsylvania with �ive pin accommodate 40' containers in the bottom position and 40',

(free)
45′, 48′, and 53′ containers ScaleTrains.com is offering the tenders in original black, MOW
in the top position. New silver, and the pre-2006 and post-2006 steam excursion train
road names and paint schemes. For additional information visit scaletrains.com.
schemes include BNSF/ex- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BN green, TTX speed logo, and TTX heritage logo.
In the Operator line, Showcase Miniatures has updated and
ScaleTrains.com is expanded its selection of HO scale signals and
introducing an all-new HO signal masts. Four different mast/ladder
scale 40′ modern container. The prototype features welded assemblies and four different signal heads are
now available.
construction, all-corrugated sides, and 0-3-0 end door
corrugations. Available in both singles and 3-packs, road
names include American President Lines-APZU, CMA/CGM,
Mitsui OSK Lines-MOFU, Mediterranean Shipping Company-
MSCU, NYK Line-NYKU, Oceanic Network Express-ONE, and The selection includes tri-light and
undecorated. Singles and 3-Packs may have different paint vertical hooded signals, US&S H2
schemes available. and GRS SA signal heads.
Additionally,
ScaleTrains.com is offering
a new Operator 40′ tarp top
container. Featuring simulated canvas tops, the prototype A magnetic “break-away” base has
been developed to minimize
CIMC container allows hauling oversize or other types of bulky
damage to signals mounted on
cargo. The model has full corrugations on the sides and either
layouts.
0-3-0 or 1-3-1 door corrugations. Road names include Cosco,
Hapag-Lloyd, Zim, and undecorated.
Finally, ScaleTrains.com is releasing Showcase
a new run of HO scale Union Paci�ic Miniatures
water and fuel tenders in their Rivet has reissued
Counter line. Originally designed for use with UP steam its 1:87 scale
locomotives, after most of the locomotives were scrapped in 1980s GMC
the late 1950s, some tenders were saved for use with the UP’s Brigadier
gas turbine locomotives, running behind the 8,500hp “Big tractor and
Blow” turbines. When those locomotives were retired in 1970, dump truck.
the remaining tenders were reassigned to MOW service as fuel For additional information visit www.showcaseminiatures.net.
tenders and painted silver with black billboard lettering. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(free)
different brake wheels and housings (Equipco, Ajax, Klasing,
Miner, or Universal), Kadee couplers, and prototypically
accurate trucks with 33″ machined metal wheels.
Road names include a Southern Railway boxcar with 9′
Superior 7-panel doors, Miner handbrakes, and Barber S-2 50-
SoundTraxx has announced several additions to the Tsunami2 Ton plain-bearing trucks.
line of sound decoders. Designed for Bachmann Sound Value This Chicago & North Western PS-
decoder equipped diesel locomotives, the TSU-BH1 is a factory 1 rides on 50-ton ASF A-3 plain-
board replacement for the FA-2, FB-2, S-4, E7A, SD70Ace, bearing trucks. The 9′ Superior 6-
ES44AC, GP30, GP38-2, GP40, GP7, and SD40-2 models. panel sliding door has a different
Available in EMD, GE, and Alco versions, the TSU-BH1offers 8 horizontal pattern than the
function outputs and 16 sound channels. Southern car.
The TSU-BH2 is The ASF A-3 trucks on Tangent’s
intended to replace the Green Bay and Western PS-1 are
factory Sound Value �itted with Timken roller bearings.
board in Bachmann’s 2- Stenciling to the left of the 9'
Superior 6-panel doors states
6-0, 2-8-0, 4-6-2, 4-8-4
“When empty return to Green Bay and Western R.R.”
Class J, and GS 4 models.
Also offering 8 function Pullman Standard built this
outputs, the TSU-BH2 Milwaukee Road PS-1 with 9′
includes a large Youngstown sliding doors, Ajax
selection of sound effects, such as 10 exhaust chuffs, 12 bells, 90 handbrakes, and 50-ton S-2 Barber
trucks with Timken roller bearings.
whistles, couplers, dynamos, and more. Both the TSU-BH1 and
Tangent’s PS-1 boxcars with 9′
BH2 include a socket for a CurrentKeeper capacitor energy doors are also available as undecorated kits. For additional
storage device. For more information visit soundtraxx.com. information visit www.tangentscalemodels.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tangent Scale Models is selling Walthers is releasing a group of
an HO scale Pullman-Standard 40′ HO scale 50′ Pullman-Standard
PS-1 boxcar with 9′ doors. The PS-2 2893 cu. ft. triple-bay
model replicates prototype cars covered hoppers late this month.
built by PS between 1951 and The Mainline series model features separately applied brake
1962. Features on the well-detailed model include Pullman- gear, round loading hatches, and appropriate trucks with 33″
style bracket grab irons and ladders, rubber hoses, �ive metal wheels.

(free)
JUNE NEWS N SCALE | 32 JUNE NEWS N SCALE | 33
In addition to Chicago & North NOL, and Horizon Lines will
Western, road names will be be available in Primed for
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Grime schemes. For
Santa Fe, Baltimore & Ohio, additional information
Milwaukee Road, Southern Railway, New York Central, and Penn contact a dealer or visit www.athearn.com.
Central. An undecorated model will also be available. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walthers has added two new 1:87th
farm vehicles to its farm equipment
collection. They include a hay trailer EMD SD60, SD60M �� SD60E
complete with �ive round loads, and a D��
general duty farm trailer. Both trailers EMD introduced the SD60 in the summer of 1984.
come with rubber tires. For additional The clean lines of the large body were similar to its
information contact a dealer or visit R. Bale
SD50 predecessor. Most of the changes were inter-
www.walthers.com. nal including a new 16-cylinder 3,800 hp 710 prime mover, wheel
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- slip control, and microprocessor controls. Produc�on con�nued
through 1991 with nearly 600 SD60s purchased by American rail-
N SCALE PRODUCT NEWS roads. Five years later EMD unveiled the SD60M; an SD60 modi-
fied with a safety cab with a wide nose that featured a dis�nc�ve
New N scale models coming three-piece windshield. In the late 2000’s, Norfolk Southern
from Athearn in June 2022 looked for ways to extend the life of their sizable SD60 fleet. The
include a steel 52' mill gondola. extensive program included upgrading the prime mover, the fuel
The N scale model will have body-mounted couplers and screw- tank, microprocessor controls, and a new cab. NS units with the
mounted trucks. upgrades are iden�fied as SD60E.
Heading the list of road
names is a Kansas City
Southern car in pre- THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA!
weathered Primed for Grime paint. Additional road names will
be CIT Group, Northwestern Oklahoma, Rock Island, Wisconsin
Central, and Washington Central. Preventing lead shot
oxidation (weighting)
Athearn has included a Get this eBook now► ← click
here
group of 45′ corrugated V��
containers its June 2022 In the Each eBook ~100 pages
��
production schedule. Carrier
names will be HMM-KOBC, Crowley, APL, and Dong Fang.
Jul 2020

(free)
Atlas has announced plans to Also coming from Atlas during
release a group of N scale SD50, the second quarter of 2022 is a
60, 60M, and 60E diesel new production run of N scale
locomotives during the second quarter of 2022. Cryogenic reefers. The Master
series model will be available decorated for Simplot, Lamb
SD50 models will be available Weston, and GATX Arcticar.
decorated for Denver & Rio Grande
Six Cyro-Trans cars with
Western, Southern Paci�ic, Lake
individual names on the plug
State Railway, and Reading & Northern.
doors will be available for
A basic Electro Motive SD60 decorated American Falls, St. Mary’s,
as an EMDX demo unit will be included Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Trail, Cornerstone, and
in this release. Sun Valley.
ACF 5701 and 5800 cu. ft
Road names for Atlas’s N scale covered hoppers with four
SD60M diesels with wide safety discharge bays are included
cabs will include BNSF, Buffalo & in Atlas’s second quarter
Pittsburgh, Terminal Railroad 2022 production schedule.
Association, and Carload Express. Details on the Master series
N scale models include
etched metal roof walks, ten
Completing this release will be 20″ hatches, and 100-ton
Norfolk Southern SD60E units roller-bearing trucks.
decorated for NS, NS GoRail, and Decorating schemes will be
two special commemorative ASOX-Americas Styrenics,
schemes honoring Veterans and ALAX-Cain Chemicals,
First Responders. DOWX, XOMX-Exxon Mobil,
ACFX-J.M. Huber, OFOX-Residco, CCBX-Union Carbide, CRDX-
All of Atlas’s N scale SD50, 60, Interstate Seed, and ADM.
60M, and 60E diesel locomotives
mentioned in this report will be An N scale Thrall 4750 cu. ft.
available for standard DC triple-bay covered hopper is
operation or with a factory also scheduled for release
installed ESU DCC sound decoder. during the second quarter of
2022. Atlas’s economy-priced Trainman series model will be
available decorated for CIT Group, David J. Joseph, Midwest

(free)
Railcar (ex-Rock), EAFX-Rail Logistics, Peavy, and Bachmann has added cars
Transportation Corporation of America. decorated for Scoular and
Thrall 4750 covered hoppers Canadian National in oxide red
owned by railroads will be to its selection of N scale
available for Minneapolis cylindrical Canadian
North�ield & Southern, quadruple-bay grain hoppers.
Canadian National, and an ex-BN car with conspicuity stripes The full lineup of paint schemes
decorated for BNSF. includes Alberta, Canada Grain,
N scale intermodal Demonstrator (rainbow scheme),
equipment coming from CP Rail, Heritage Fund, Potacan,
Atlas during the second Potash, Santa Fe, Saskatchewan,
quarter of next year includes 40′ Daikin refrigerated and two Government of Canada schemes.
containers. The ISO Type 45R1 containers feature doors with Bachmann has added new road
�ive-hinges, four locking bars, and OUT style handles. names to its selection of N scale old
Decorating schemes for time boxcars.
this release will be
ZIMonitor, CSAV,
Evergreen, SZLU-ONE, and Crowley. Truss rod-era boxcars available now
Additional N scale include Baltimore & Ohio, Chicago &
intermodal equipment North Western, Union Line, and
coming from Atlas Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg.
includes 53′ 8-55-8 corrugated containers. Also available now from Bachman is
Details include placard a series of N scale 56′ quadruple-bay
holders, 1-3-1 beveled ACF Center-Flow hopper cars.
doors, and a corrugated
roof in a 6-54-6 arrangement. Road names include Great Northern,
Continental Polymers, and
The Atlas Master Series Hammond Plastics.
models will be available
for Canadian Paci�ic, Swift, For hobbyists modeling the modern
Ferromex, HUB Group, and era Bachman has released a new
three ex-HUB units decorated for EMP. The containers will be sold in
3-packs. For additional information contact a dealer or visit production run of ACF 50′ 6″ outside
www.atlasrr.com. braced boxcars with Youngstown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- sliding doors.

(free)
Road names available now include Broadway Limited has released
CN, CSX, Conrail, Maine Central, an N scale version of the GE
McCloud River, Middletown & New AC6000CW diesel locomotive.
Jersey, Montana Rail Link, and Penn Road names are Southern Paci�ic
Central. (Bloody Nose scheme), SP
All of Bachmann’s N scale models (Daylight scheme), BNSF (Swoosh),
mentioned in this report have trucks Canadian Paci�ic, CSX, BHP Iron Ore, GE Demonstrator, and
with blackened machined metal Union Paci�ic.
wheels, and magnetically operated The N scale model is available
E-Z Mate couplers. For additional information contact a dealer with BLI’s Paragon3 Rolling
or visit bachmanntrains.com. Thunder Sound & Control
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- System. For more information
contact a dealer or visit
www.broadway-limited.com.
GE AC6000CW �� --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The locomo�ve horsepower race between Electro-
KatoUSA has added BNSF and
Mo�ve Division and GE Transporta�on peaked in
Union Paci�ic to the selection of
the mid-1990s when GE countered EMD’s
R. Bale road names for its N scale GE
SD90MAC with the AC6000CW. Both locomo�ves
ES44AC diesel locomotive. The
featured 6,000hp V-16 diesel prime movers. GEs ini�al produc�on new road names join the
was troubled with various mechanical problems that centered previously released Canadian
around the 6,000hp engine which suffered from excessive vibra- Paci�ic, Canadian National, and CSX models.
�on. While solving the problem, GE delivered 106 AC6000CWs
with 4,3000hp engines to Union Pacific which classified them as DC versions of the BNSF and UP
AC4460CWs. Plans to refit the UP units with corrected 6,000hp units are scheduled to be
engines never materialized. The concept behind higher HP units released this month.
was to replace two or three locomo�ves with a single high horse- Locomotives equipped with
power unit capable of handling an average 50 to 100 car train.
Digitrax DCC and ESU LokSound
There was, however, one serious catch; failure of a single high
DCC will be available in July. For
additional information contact a dealer or visit
horsepower unit would cause the en�re train to become stranded,
www.katousa.com.
causing delays and traffic conges�on. In addi�on to their impres-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sive 76′ length, spo�ng features of GE’s AC6000CW include two-
piece front cab windows, a rela�vely short nose with beveled cor- Leadville Designs is selling a kit for an N
ners, a large 5,500 gallon fuel tank, and twin radiator fans pro- scale Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 36′
jec�ng out in wings at the rear of the locomo�ve. steel frame stock car. The model

(free)
replicates CB&Q series 58000-59000 cars built by AC&F in The running board on this 40′ standard box car has been
the early 1920s. removed, however, the ladders
The kit is composed of well-detailed 3D remain full height. The N scale
ABS prints, etched brass parts, Z bracing model is decorated as a Baltimore
stock, wire, and a wood roof. Both AB and & Ohio class B-6 boxcar. For
KC WABCO brake systems are included. A additional information contact a
water slide decal with ten complete dealer.
number sets and redundant lettering sets --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
completes the N scale kit.
The N Scale Architect is selling a kit for an
The kit is designed to accept Micro- 8″ tall Fire Tower. The N scale structure is
Trains trucks and couplers which are composed of photo-etched stainless steel
to be supplied by the hobbyist. For parts and a laser-cut base that measures 2″ x
additional information visit 2″. For full details visit www.thenarch.com.
leadvilledesigns.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New N scale models from

Micro-Trains include
this heavyweight Union
Paci�ic observation car
decorated in Pullman green with gold lettering. Inspiration for
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the model is from a prototype car built by Pullman in 1924.
This modernized 3-2 Prairie Shadow is taking
heavyweight business reservations for an N scale
car is painted in 3800 cu. ft. cylindrical
Chesapeake & Ohio’s tri- hopper with delivery
color scheme. Built by Pullman in 1926, C&O acquired the car planned for May 2022. The model is based on a prototype that
from Pere Marquette in 1947 and used it as a business car was somewhat shorter than familiar 4350/4550 version of the
through the 1960s. iconic Canadian car. The CN rainbow scheme will be available
on a 6-panel car with round hatches.
Micro-Trains N scale version of
this ATSF 100-ton class HT Canadian Paci�ic 6-panel cars
triple-bay hopper car comes with trough hatches will be
with Barber roller-bearing available in both script and
trucks. Multimark paint schemes.

(free)
Cars with 11 panels and remaining tenders were reassigned to MOW service as fuel
round hatches will be tenders and painted silver with black billboard lettering.
available decorated for CN ScaleTrains.com is offering the tenders in original black, MOW
(noodle), UNPX/Procor, and Canpotex. Prairie Shadow’s N silver, and the pre-2006 steam excursion train scheme. For
scale model will have body-mounted Micro-Trains couplers more information visit www.scaletrains.com.
and 100-ton roller-bearing trucks with metal wheels. For --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
additional information visit www.prairieshadows.com. Trainworx plans to deliver a
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52′ 6″ gondola with corrugated
Rail Smith has released sides during the second quarter of 2022. The N scale model is
a limited number of N based on a Thrall prototype. Road names in this release will be
scale lightweight baggage Union Paci�ic, Burlington Northern, Norfolk Southern, and
and mail storage cars. Santa Fe.
The selection includes Features include etched metal
cars decorated for Illinois grab irons, ladders, foot
Central City of Miami, boards, stirrups, tow rings, and retaining valve linkage. The
and Union Paci�ic City of San Francisco. ready-to-run model comes with 100-ton trucks with Fox Valley
metal wheels.
Additional schemes
include Northern Paci�ic Reservations are being booked
1947 North Coast now by InterMountain,
Limited and New York Central Royal Palm. Trainworx’ national distributor. Availability is scheduled for
the second quarter of 2022. For more information contact a
For additional dealer or visit www.intermountain-railway.com.
information visit --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.lowellsmith.net.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Voltscooter has introduced N scale kits for creating models of
Southern Paci�ic 36′
ScaleTrains.com is releasing a narrow gauge stock cars.
new run of N scale Union Components in the kit
Paci�ic water and fuel tenders include appropriate
in their Rivet Counter line. decals and 3D UV resin
Originally designed for use body, chassis, and doors.
with UP steam locomotives, after most of them were scrapped Trucks, couplers, brake
in the late 1950s, some were saved for use with the UP’s gas wheel, and weight are not included. For additional information
turbine locomotives, running behind the 8,500hp “Big Blow” visit voltscooter.com/?page_id=483.
turbines. When those locomotives were retired in 1970, the --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(free)
JUNE NEWS N SCALE | 44 MRH NEWS BRIEFLY NOTED | 45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER .....
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and
do not necessarily re�lect the opinion of Model Railroad Hobbyist
B�� ...
or its sponsors. Every effort is made to provide our readers with Bachmann has released a new N scale 100-ton Bethlehem Steel
accurate and responsible news and information, however, neither triple-bay open hopper. Road names include Conrail, Norfolk
Model Railroad Hobbyist or the writer of this column can be held
responsible for any inaccuracies or typographical errors that may
Southern, Pennsylvania railroad, Pennsylvania Power & Light, and
inadvertently appear in this column. Union Pacific…
Due from Morning Sun Books next month is Chicago Intercity
Passenger Trains which presents more than 300 pre-Amtrak color
THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! photos in the hub of America’s passenger train ac�vity…
Perfectly square magnetic Rapido has announced surprise (non-preorder) runs of GE B36-7
jig for the workbench V�� locomo�ves and HO scale 53' Husky Stack Well Cars in HO scale.
�� Also announced was a new HO scale Single Sheathed USRA boxcar
here
and an N scale PC&F B-100-40 boxcar. �
In the -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oct 2020
R��
Use our custom THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA! THE BEST OF MRH RUNNING EXTRA!
Google search on the Did you see this article?

Jim Six on satisified
Art deco station
MRH website to find downsizing

Get this eBook now►
build (2 parts)
Get both eBooks now►
topics of interest
click here click here
In the In the
Nov 2018 Nov/Dec
2018
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Each eBook ~100 pages Each eBook ~100 pages

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SELECTED EVENTS | 47
June – July 2021
CALIFORNIA, SANTA CLARA, CONVERTED TO VIRTUAL – July 6-
10, Rails By The Bay, 2021 NMRA National Convention. Video clinics,
layout tours, prototype tours, 100 breakout rooms, Q&A sessions,
Virtual Operating sessions, panel discussions. For more information
Model Railroad Hobbyist | June 2020 visit www.pcrnmra.org/NMRA2021.
JUNE COLORADO, AURORA (Denver area), June 17-20, 2021 O Scale
National Convention, Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference
Center, 13200 East 14th Place. For more information visit
oscalenational.com.
■ FLORIDA, TALLAHASSEE, June 26-27, 30th Annual Tallahassee
Model Railroad Show and Sale, sponsored by Big Bend Model Rail-
road Association, 441 Paul Russell Rd. For more information visit
Ongoing 2021 www.facebook.com/events/745873359647741.
ONLINE, Zoom, dates vary, see website. Operation Special Interest
Group Meetups – limited attendance available. For more information ILLINOIS, COLLINSVILLE (St. LOUIS), July 30-31. St. Louis Railroad
visit www.opsig.org/Virtual. Past meets are available online at Prototype Modeler’s Meet. Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway
www.opsig.org/Virtual/Past. Dr. For more information visit stlrpm.com.
ONLINE, Zoom & YouTube, Wednesday & Saturday, see Facebook ILLINOIS, GALESBURG, June 26-27, Railroad Days Train and Toy
page. “New Tracks” Meetup, hosted by Jim Kellow, MMR. See new- Show, Knox College, T Fleming Fieldhouse, 199 E. Knox St. For more
tracksmodeling.com for more information. information visit galesburgtrainandtoyshow.com.
ONLINE, Facebook & YouTube, dates vary, see Facebook page. NEVADA, ELY, June 25-26, Bristlecone Bricks & Train Show, Nevada
“NMRAx” organized by Gordy Robinson, Martyn Jenkins, Gert Muller, Northern Railway Museum Freight Barn, 1100 Ave A. For more infor-
Jordan Kramer. See www.facebook.com/groups/nmragroup for mation visit bristleconebricks.com.
announcements. Note: Taking a break for June/July due to NMRA OHIO, VAN WERT, July 24-25, 18th Annual Van Wert Railroad Her-
online National Convention, back in August. itage Weekend Model Railroad Show and Swap. Van Wert County
ONLINE, YouTube, every other Saturday. 4th Division, Paci�ic North- Fairgrounds, 1055 S Washington St. For more information visit
west Region, NMRA hosts online layout tours and clinics. Archive www.vwrrhw.com.
available at www.youtube.com/c/4DPNRMovies. OKLAHOMA, YUKON, June 26-27, Route 66 Charity Model Train
ONLINE, Zoom, Second Tuesdays, 8pm EST. “Off the Beaten Track” Show sponsored by Operation Christmas Train Set Foundation,
featuring Narrow Gauge layouts, clinics and manufacturers. For more Archery Traditions of Oklahoma, 328 Elm Ave. For more information
information visit groups.io/g/NNG. visit operationchristmastrainset.com.

(free)
SELECTED EVENTS | 48 SELECTED EVENTS | 49
PENNSYLVANIA, KUTZTOWN, July 17, August 28. Renningers KANSAS, HUTCHINSON, June 5-6, 2021, Center of the Nation Model
Model Train Meet, 740 Noble Street. For more information see ren- Railroad Expo, Pride of Kansas Building, Kansas State Fairgrounds.
ningers.net/events/model-train-meet. For more information visit www.kansascentralmodelrailroader-
PENNSYLVANIA, MONROEVILLE, July 24-25, Greenberg’s Train and s.org/train-show.html.
Toy Show, Monroeville Convention Center. For more information MARYLAND, LINTHICUM HEIGHTS (BALTIMORE), September 10-
visit trainshow.com. 11, 2021, Mid-Atlantic Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet, Double-
TEXAS, FOREST HILL (Fort Worth), June 26th, Red River RPM, tree by Hilton – BWI, 890 Elkridge Landing Rd. For more information
Forest Hill Civic Center, 6901 Wichita St. For more information visit visit www.marpm.org.
redriverrpm.org.
MARYLAND, HUNT VALLEY, October 21-24, 2021, Mid-Eastern
Future 2021-2022 by location Region Convention – Mount Clare Junction Model Railroad – NMRA
membership not required, Delta Hunt Valley, 245 Shawan Road,
AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY, October 16-17, Great Train Show, sponsored mtclarejct.com.
by the Epping Model Railway Club, Grand Pavilion, Rosehill Gardens
Racecourse, James Ruse Drive, Rosehill. For more information visit MASSACHUSETTS, WESTFORD, October 8-11, 2021, Mill City 21,
www.eppingmodelrailway.org.au/exhibition. the NER Convention. Westford Regency Inn, 219 Littleton Rd. For
more information visit millcity21.org.
CALIFORNIA, IRVINE, September 8-11, Paci�ic Southwest Region/
NMRA Convention, “Orange Blossom Special.” Hilton Irvine/Orange MISSOURI, SPRINGFIELD, August 21, 2021, Ozarks Model Railroad
County Airport Hotel, 18800 MacArthur Blvd. Visit www.psrconven- Association Train Show, Oasis Conference Center, 2546 N Glenstone
tion.org/OrangeBlossomSpecial2021 for more information. Ave. For more information visit www.omraspring�ield.org/train-
FLORIDA, MELBOURNE, June 5, September 4, December 4, Original shows.html.
Melbourne Train and Toy Show, sponsored by Schultz Space Coast MISSOURI, St. LOUIS, August 7-14, 2022, NMRA National Conven-
Trains, Azan Shrine Center, 1591 W Eau Gallie Blvd. For more infor- tion and National Train Show.
mation visit schultzspacecoasttrains.com.
NEW JERSEY, EDISON, August 14-15, 2021, Greenberg’s Train & Toy
GEORGIA, CARTERSVILLE, October 2-3, 2021 Piedmont Division
Show, New Jersey Expo Center. For more information visit
Model Train Show, Clarence Brown Conference Center, 5450 GA-20.
trainshow.com.
For more information visit themodeltrainshow.com.
ILLINOIS, BELLEVILLE, October 2-3, Great Train Expo. Belle-Clair NEW ZEALAND, CHRISTCHURCH, October 2-3, 2021, The BIG
Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 200 S Belt E #2650. For more informa- Model Train Show, Pioneer Stadium, Lyttelton Street. For more infor-
tion visit bcfairgrounds.net/belleville-great-train-expo. mation visit trainshow.co.nz.
ILLINOIS, WHEATON, August 8, September 12, October 10, Novem- NEW ZEALAND, LOWER HUTT (Wellington), November 14-15,
ber 14, December 12, Great Midwest Train Show, Dupage County 2021, RailEx Model Train Show, Walter Nash Centre, 20-22 Taine St.,
Fairgrounds. For more information visit trainshow.com. Taita. For more information visit www.railex.org.nz.

(free)
ADVERTISEMENT
SELECTED EVENTS | 49
NORTH CAROLINA, HICKORY, September 1-4 2021, 41st National
Narrow-Gauge Convention, Hickory Metro Convention Center and
Crowne Plaza Hotel. For more information visit 41nngc.com.
OHIO, DAYTON, August 14-15, 2021, Great Train Show, Mont-
gomery County Fairgrounds. For more information visit
trainshow.com.
OHIO, TOLEDO, October 21-24, 2021. Black Swamp Junction – NCR
2021 Convention, hosted by the NMRA, open to all, featuring clinics, Ordinarily ...
tours, layouts, op sessions, and door prizes. Radisson Hotel at the 1 week rental is
University of Toledo, 31100 Glendale, Ave. For more information visit
www.divisiononencr.com/2021. $1.99 per video
OREGON, EUGENE, May 10-14, PNR 2022 Regional Convention,
Valley River Inn.
PENNSYLVANIA, KUTZTOWN, July 17, August 28. Renningers
Model Train Meet, 740 Noble Street. For more information see ren-
ningers.net/events/model-train-meet.
PENNSYLVANIA, OAKS (Philadelphia area), August 21-22, 2021, Pay just
Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. For 94%
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TEXAS, STAFFORD (GREATER HOUSTON), August 14, 2021, And get unlimited
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more information visit sanjacmodeltrains.org. tours!
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& Toy Show, Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center. For more
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Digitrax (2 page spread) TrainMasters TV (1)
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Coming next month in MRH ... Coming next month in Running Extra ...
Bob Rivard weathers and finishes some NP Tangent box cars … ... all the MRH articles and ads, PLUS:
Jeff Palmer rebuilds a Roundhouse Climax (4 part series) …
Installing a WOWSound decoder in a small diesel switcher ... Eric Hannsman shows how to do effective pin wash weathering ...
Finishing up the N scale layout project ...
Mike Rose models a paper mill ...
... all this and much more!

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H AV I N G F U N W I T H T R A I N S

�READ NOW Hard-coded wide PDF version of MRH magazine

WIDE EDITION TABLE OF CONTENTS INDEX

Model Railroad Hobbyist | June 2021 | #136

James Regier, Assistant

Published for the glory of God. What’s this?

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micro-trains.com store.mrhmag.com www.modelrec�fier.com handlaidtrack.com/mt-albert-scale-lumber

Model Railroad Hobbyist | June 2021

ncedcc.com nmra2021.com www.pwrs.ca/main.php rapidotrains.com

acculites.com railroadhobbyshow.com archertransfers.com www.atlasrr.com ringengineering.com roome�esligh�ng.com scaletrains.com soundtraxx.com

bachmanntrains.com berre�hill.com/trains blairline.com coffmaneng.com sodigi.com sbs4dcc.com tamvalleydepot.com trainfest.com

deluxematerials.co.uk www.digitrax.com drduino.com dwarvin.com walthers.com woodlandscenics.com

Looking for something? Check the MRH Marketplace!

Vendors: Get your clickable logo on these pages ...

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Joe and Patty are still showing some post-covid

Savvy Modeler online: 1/87 scotch tape vehicle windows

June 2021 news and events

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Model Railroad Hobbyist | June 2021

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“Deadrail” as the term for ba�ery powered

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POB DCC state-of-the-art

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State-of-the-art sound install cost: $140

Additional parts needed for Power-on-Board DCC

Power from the wheels Wireless DCC receiver: $70

Adding Power-on-Board DCC: + $141

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Rate the articles! Click the comments button on each arti-

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Model Railroad Hobbyist | June 2021

Stand alone DCC programming track for the workbench!

View the full thread on the MRH website

� MRH’S MONTHLY GREAT MODELER POSTS

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1. Marc Simpson documents many of his rolling stock builds on his

View the full thread on the MRH website

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View the full thread on the MRH website

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View the full thread on the MRH website

3. MRH forum member Phil (hobbes1310) shows how he finishes up

Great track weathering results

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click to play video

PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF SUPERB MODELS

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2. All the track on Ken’s layout is Micro Engineering code 70,

Please include a phone

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