For some time, I’ve had the nagging feeling that it’s time for a new adventure, a new primary layout. The question is when and how to go about it. The theme would likely be BNFS’s Harbor Subdivision, shown above. I’ve been wallowing in modeling limbo the past year or so. It’s a place I don’t […]
When doing prototype research for layout design, we all rely heavily upon online aerial photos. Such imagery is invaluable. However….it’s crucial to understand the limitations of this approach. You miss a lot. The above shot, taken in Vernon, CA shows where the Harbor Subdivision splits off of the main near 25th and 26th Streets. At […]
A pair of CF7s toil away on The Palmetto Spur, a layout designed for acquiring the most crucial asset we need to embark on a model railroad layout: basic skills. Going back in time and getting a redo on some of our past life decisions, the thought crosses all of our minds. Unfortunately, the harsh […]
A duo of Geep 15’s rolls through the Philadelphia suburbs on the proto-freelance Chester Valley Railroad. Now a Genesee and Wyoming shortline, the line was originally conceived by modeler Hardold Geisell in the 1930s. Last fall, I was streaming one of these quasi-conspiracy series on Netflix. The premise of this particular show was that the […]
Mastery of scene composition is probably the foremost skill Mike Confalone employs to put him on the list of all-time hobby greats. Throughout any given year, there’s the recurring thread of what makes a model railroad great. Given the subjective nature of the topic, everybody’s answer will be different. Not discussed that often is what […]