Modeling in 1940s Style:

Moving to Middle Paxton (due north of Harrisburg), less than two years ago, gave me my first dedicated, large room for a layout for the Fitchburg Railroad (FRR), a freelance design embracing both the D&H and EBT railroads.  In designing the FRR, I wanted an industrial and coal layout, which is uncommon for On30, but also wanted to experiment with designs and details inspired by past modelers John Allen (Gorre and Dephetid) and John Armstrong (Track Planning), as well as current modelers Norm Charbonneau (Greenbrook), Al Judy (Millcreek and Lycoming), Lou Sassi (West Hoosic Division), George Sellios (Franklin and South Manchester), and Vic Smith (City Edge).

The following posts are projects that have been inspired by many sources and many personal experiences.   The focus is not only the layout, but tools and designs that will aid in the build and maintenance as well as exploring the old modeling methods long forgotten (or ignored).  But most importantly, I wanted to push the boundary of how much could be done using recycled or free materials, an approach I have coined ‘1940s Modeling’, when materials were scarce, forcing the modeler to make due with what they had at hand.

Model Railroad Organization:

Rolling Tool Chest: steps to converting an inexpensive office credenza into a comprehensive layout tool chest.

Organizing Supplies: