Railroad Model Craftsman July 2026

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