Model Railroader August 2004

News & Products
Hobby industry news and product announcements

Railway Post Office
Letters from our readers

Workin' on the Railroad
Modern Trucks made easy

Workshop
Topside mounting for the Tortoise switch machine

Coming Events
Upcoming shows, conventions, and meets

Step by Step
Simple realistic trees

New Haven under wire
Attention to detail pays off on this impressive HO scale layout

10 weeks to a better layout
Tips on improving the look and operation of your model railroad

A sound victory
Readers' Choice Awards for 2003

The colorful Surf Line
HO layout design: Santa Fe along the California coast

Cast your own freight cars
How to build identical cars, with loads thrown in as a bonus

N scale handrail help
Now you can buy brass sills with stanchions attached

Backdating an HO BL2
Detailing a factory-painted unit without repainting

Realistic brick and stone buildings
Cosmetic sponges and paints make the ordinary extraordinary

I blame it all on Frary and Hayden
A HOn2½ layout inspired by the Maine two-footers

Information Desk
Small, yet significant: a pocket-sized enginehouse

Product Reviews
HO Broadway Limited Imports 4-8-8-2 SP Cab-Forward

Trains of thought
Passing the torch

Trackside Photos

Model Railroading is Fun
A light look at our hobby