May 2011

May 2011
Volume 79, Number 12

Special features
40 Perspective: On the eve of Amtrak by Mike Schafer
Amtrak was formed to save intercity passenger service in the United States, but in the process a number of trains and traditions were lost.

42 Modeling the Pacific Northwest by Tom Weissgerber
Set in the 1950’s, there is plenty of Union Pacific steam and diesel action on this large, HO scale basement layout. It features four levels, a good sized yard, hidden staging, broad, sweeping curves and well executed scenery.

Modeling
49 Structures from the wrong side of the tracks by Thomas Yorke
With a few changes and some inspired weathering, a Walthers kit takes on the appearance of a building that has seen better days.

55 Night lights by Patricia Maxwell
Here’s a simple way to light up scenes on your layout.

69 Modeling an Amtrak E-unit by Ken Breher
When Amtrak began service 40 years ago, it had to rely on secondhand E-units to power many of its trains. Most of these had already been in service for two decades, but they got Amtrak through its early years. Here’s how you can model one.

76 RMC/Dremel Kitbashing Award: Kitbashing a railroad machine shop by Glen Haadyk
A re-worked Walthers kit earned this month’s Dremel Rotary Tool Kit.

78 Scratchbuilder’s corner: Philosophy, small bridges and culverts by Bob Walker
A simple bridge with either wood or concrete supports can be a good beginner’s project for a budding scratchbuilder.

80 The Scenery Clinic: Pt. XVI: Modeling deciduous trees by Paul Scoles
This month we turn our attention to creating trees for the diorama.

83 Detailing a Lehigh Valley hopper car by Chuck Cover
Adding individual grab irons, piping, brake details and hopper door details to the old Lionel/Hobby Line four-bay hopper cars really improves their appearance.

Prototype
58 Amtrak at 40 by Karl Zimmermann
On May 1, 1971, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation began operating the nation’s intercity passenger lines. It’s forty year history presents some wonderful modeling opportunities.