Railroad Model Craftsman Magazine

14/07/2025

The Station No. VI - 2025 NMRA National Convention in Novi, Michigan, is in full swing! Look for editor Otto Vondrak this weekend at the National Train Show!

11/07/2025

Editor Otto Vondrak is in Scranton, Pa., for the debut of Genesee Valley Transportation's newly restored Alco PA! He ran into former RMC editor and Nickel Plate Road fan Tony Koester as well. It's an exciting day for historic railway preservation!

We are in Scranton, Pa., for the debut of Genesee Valley Transportation's newly restored Alco PA, the first to operate in America since 1978. Purchased from preservationist Doyle McCormack in 2023, "Nickel Plate Road 190" began life as Santa Fe 62L in 1948. One of four sold to Delaware & Hudson in 1967, it powered passenger trains between Albany and Montreal, as well as excursions across the system. In 1977, the Alcos had a brief stint in commuter service in Boston before being shipped to Mexico in 1978. Since retired, two of the PAs remain south of the border in museums. Doyle was instrumental in getting two wrecked PA bodies returned to the United States in 2000. He was able to complete a substantial portion of the rebuilding, not only locating a new donor prime mover and electrical cabinet, but also proper six-wheel trucks. Over the last two years GVT shop forces in Scranton completed the rebuild, with an eye toward operating additional excursions in the future.

10/07/2025

THE ULTIMATE ALCO CENTURY BOOK IS HERE! Showcased in their elements from gritty industrial scenes to beautiful vistas along the rails of their owners, all models from the Century 415 to the Hydraulic 643 are thoughtfully portrayed for each of the 43 original purchasing railroads. Early Bird sale ends July 31, 2025! Free U.S. Shipping during sale.

Now shipping! Early Bird sale ends July 31, 2025! Free U.S. Shipping during sale. Retail price $89.95 plus shipping. The American Locomotive Company (Alco) had a long history of manufacturing steam and diesel locomotives in America, Canada, and around the globe through subsidiaries or licensees. Alc...

07/07/2025

Visit https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/ for great deals and free shipping to U.S. addresses through July 7!

03/07/2025

PERSPECTIVE: Lance Mindheim previously wrote in this column about how, in his opinion, some people are dismissive of smaller layouts. I thought Lance made some good points and I agree you should never have to apologize for your efforts, regardless of size...

When planning and building a large model railroad, the main question to ask yourself is: What are you trying to accomplish?

02/07/2025

REVIEW: Now available from Broadway Limited Imports, LLC are former B&M T-1a Berkshires finished as they first appeared on the Southern Pacific between 1945 and 1949 – modified by the SP with new SP-style train indicators and marker lights above the smokebox, but still configured with their original B&M 4-axle coal tenders and Baker valve gear.

Now available from Broadway Limited Imports are former B&M T-1a Berkshires finished as they first appeared on the Southern Pacific

01/07/2025

NO JOKE: When comedian James Murray learned that the nearby Pacific Southern Railroad Club was at risk of losing the home it had occupied for the past 60 years, he and his wife stepped in — purchasing the house above to help secure the club’s future. Recently, James sat down with editor Otto Vondrak for a heartfelt conversation about model trains, creativity, and what lies ahead for this incredible 5,000-square-foot HO scale layout. Click the link below...

Comedian James Murray helped secure the future of the Pacific Southern Railway Club in Rocky Hill, N.Y., by purchasing the home above the 5,000 sq. ft. HO scale model railroad.

01/07/2025

ICYMI: The personal connections people have with interlocking towers compels me to create 3D-printed models, which is why I chose Grosvenor even though it was an obscure location to me...

Using updated 3D-printing techniques to model a New York Central interlocking tower in HO scale.

30/06/2025

REVIEW: Now available from Rapido Trains Inc. are highly-detailed state-of-the-art HO scale renditions of the General Electric C30-7 in multiple road-specific variations.

Now available from Rapido Trains are highly-detailed state-of-the-art HO scale renditions of the General Electric C30-7 in multiple road-specific variations.

27/06/2025

We hope folks are enjoying the 2025 National N Scale Convention in Kansas City, sponsored by N Scale Enthusiast! We get folks who write in and want to know why we don't publish more N scale... and it's because we need folks to send in more N scale content! If you have an idea for an N scale project or a model railroad we should showcase, please email me [email protected]

27/06/2025

Most visitors agree that Mike Burgett’s HO scale Chesapeake & Ohio James River and Alleghany Subdivisions is one of a few layouts that has seamlessly combined artistry and prototype accuracy. The layout is a reflection of Mike’s lifetime of personal and professional railroading experiences put forth on the three-dimensional HO scale canvas...

Follow along on a typical day on Mike Burgett’s HO scale Chesapeake & Ohio, built for operations as they were in 1965.

25/06/2025

Look for the White River Productions booth at the National N Scale Train Show on June 27 and 28! Say hi to Shelly and pick up your favorite books and magazines. The show is held at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, for details visit www.nscaleshow.com

WELCOME TO KANSAS CITY! The National N Scale Train Show is coming to our home town this weekend June 27 and 28! Look for our booth and say hi to Shelly! The show is held at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, and details can be found on their website www.nscaleshow.com