Railroad Model Craftsman July 2026

Features: A Model Railfan in the Midwest by KEITH M. KOHLMANN - Fine Midwestern modeling in N scale captured from a railfan’s perspective. Pullman-Standard ‘New Family’ Gons by JAMES KINKAID - A modern 1970s design that streamlined production with an updated center sill. Depot and Junction at Cameron by BOB WUNDROCK - Scratchbuilding a station and freight platform for a Midwestern junction scene. Building an Illinois Central GP11 by MARC SIMPSON - Building a Paducah Geep from a Kaslo Shops 3D-printed kit in HO scale. Updating the Venerable Athearn RDC by JIM AULT - Building an updated drive system and installing lighting for the Athearn Budd RDC. Scratchbuilding the Jefferson St. Bridge by JONATHAN JONES - Using traditional materials to build a skewed steel truss bridge in N scale. Departments: Safety Valve — Letters from our readers Receiving Yard — New product reports and industry news/compiled by Harry K. Wong Test Track — In-depth reviews of new hobby products Rail Books — Conway Yard: Keystone of the PRR/review by Harry K. Wong Timetable — Listings of railroad-related events contributed by our readers Perspective — The Case for Another Brown Boxcar/Brooks Stover Boomer Trail — 2026 NMRA National Convention Tour Preview/Otto M. Vondrak Layout Doctor — More Smooth Runnin’/Paul Hurly Painting & Weathering — Roof Weathering for Covered Hoppers/George Dutka Diverging Points — Preservation Across the Pond/Jason Shron Editor's Notebook — Commentary from your editor/Otto M. Vondrak Dealer Directory — Listing of our favorite recommended hobby dealers Index of Advertisers