Cantilever crossing signals are such a common feature of the modern rail scene that they are likely to be needed on any layout based in the present era. At the current time the only model of these signals is the Walthers product. Although not terrible, there was always something that seemed a bit off with […]
Category: Construction
Modeling When You Have No Free Time
We’ve all been there, or are there now. You look at your kid’s school and sports schedule, your work schedule, family obligations, and yard work and realize the amount of free time available for modeling is measured in minutes not hours. It’s not just the absence of free time, such time periods in ones life […]
Virtuosity and Model Railroading
“Black Ice” Virtuoso model and photo by Bob Springs Virtuosity: Masterly skill or technique in the arts. Many years ago I attended a talk at a sales convention given by motivational speaker Peter Vidmar, the highest scoring American gymnast in Olympic history. The subject of the talk centered on what it took to be […]
My Layout’s Done, Now What?
Through the course of a week I get photos of modeler’s progress on their layouts. Many of them are switching layout based on the Palmetto Spur or plans in my books. To a person, I’ve been very impressed with what I’m seeing. Many are first efforts from those just entering or re-entering the hobby. It gives […]
The “Bullpen” (Efficient Rolling Stock Management)
Ergonomics, or the human comfort factor, plays a much greater roll on our layout than we realize. It impacts how often we run it, how enjoyable the experience is when we do and, ultimately, whether we keep using the railroad at all. The hidden trap is that ergonomics can be so subtle in some cases […]