These are a collection of articles I have written over time. The information is purely based on my own personal experiences from the model railroad layouts I have built. Enjoy reading and printing the articles, but do not reproduce them either on your own web site, in published print, or in any electronic format. They are here for all to enjoy. The dates listed are the last time the article was modified. Click on the article title to read the article.
S-scale Track
01/21/2009
Using ceiling tile for roadbed.
12/03/2008
Installing foam roadbed. Don't do it!
09/10/2009
My latest information about how I build track.
08/19/2009
About N.J. International's switch stand.
N-scale Track
11/04/2008
Using AMI Roadbed material.
05/25/2004
Detailed article on how I lay flexible track.
12/19/2002
Simulate weathered track using spray cans.
12/20/2002
My method of ballasting flextrack.
12/04/2002
What I do to keep my track clean.
07/04/2003
Describes how I built code 55 custom turnouts.
09/23/2004
Yard access that replaces a dozen turnouts.
11/25/2002
Ten-level helix construction fully documented.
01/09/2009
Step-by-step article on how I handlay code 40 rail.
S-scale Equipment
11/03/2008
A simple jig to check wheels and couplers.
01/30/2009
A see-through car for inspecting track.
06/17/2009
Building and installing these HO-scale couplers.
04/14/2009
How I built the Sergent S- and HO-scale couplers.
02/11/2009
How to uncouple S-scale cars.
03/01/2010
How I clean the wheels.
N-scale Equipment
09/15/2005
Upgrading the motor, couplers, and wheels.
06/18/2003
Installing couplers and applying number decals.
07/15/2006
Information about how to disassemble this engine.
05/19/2001
Convert the couplers and upgrade to DCC.
06/05/2003
Installing Z-scale couplers in a Bowser Caboose.
06/11/2006
Disassembly, coupler conversion, new weight & load.
04/12/2006
DCC Conversion, mechanical problems.
07/07/2007
A see-through car for inspecting track.
05/27/2006
Disassembly, coupler & DCC conversion, adding weight.
06/06/2006
Disassembly, coupler & DCC conversion, improving lights.
01/08/2005
Converting a Kato passenger car to Z-scale couplers.
08/02/2007
Coupler & DCC conversion, improving pickup and wheels.
01/28/2006
Replacing couplers & wheels, weight, and weathering.
10/02/2005
Replacing couplers, and weathering.
12/02/2007
Installing Z-scale couplers and converting to DCC.
01/28/2006
A simple how-to for painting plastic wheels.
04/05/2002
Installation of N-scale couplers and DCC conversion.
11/16/2006
A jig for checking locomotives and cars.
S-scale Vehicles
04/01/2009
02/17/2009
02/05/2010
02/10/2009
02/10/2009
03/01/2010
02/16/2009
02/16/2009
Scenery
01/29/2009
Creating an abutment mold and cast.
06/24/2007
How I create scenery base.
09/11/2006
Hiding staging tracks.
07/19/2006
Description of how I make thin rock castings.
Electronics
09/27/2005
Simple circuit for flickering lights.
10/23/2002
Infrared detection of trains in the helix.
09/23/2004
Installing the Helix "Elevator" circuits.
09/05/2009
Some generic information about LEDs.
08/27/2009
Modifying a Circuitron Tortoise.
02/15/2002
Handy reference information about resistors.
07/05/2002
Project for including sound on the layout.
12/20/2009
Various ways I have installed Tortoises.
DCC
04/03/2006
The command station, throttles, etc.
02/05/2010
How I program my decoders.
10/19/2009
How to reset the Digitrax command station.
02/24/2009
How to replace the command station's battery.
12/04/2002
Stationary decoder installation.
Painting
03/03/2010
My current airbrush setup.
02/04/2009
An easy way to store your paint bottles.
08/27/2009
Building a drawer "rack" for paint bottles.
The Hobby
10/30/2008
What I went through when I changed scales.
10/29/2008
My experiences in model railroad clubs.
04/19/2009
A more light-hearted look at the hobby.