RMC Extra Board
Welcome to Craftsman Extra Board! This section is updated periodically with short features contributed by our readers, as well as some recent favorites straight from the pages of Railroad Model Craftsman. Check back as we continue to add new articles!
January 20, 2026
Denver & Rio Grande Western Gunnison Division in HO
Art Lort’s detailed HO layout combines standard and narrow gauge operations on the Denver & Rio Grande Western set in 1928.
January 20, 2026
Rebuilding Classic Brass ‘Red Cars’
Upgrading details and drivetrains of older brass models of Pacific Electric freight motors imported by Suydam.
December 15, 2025
BNSF on Marias Pass
Modern main line action in HO scale along Montana’s Glacier National Park, with a focus on manned helper operations.
December 15, 2025
Scratchbuild a Coaling Trestle in HO
Scratchbuild a realistic alternative to tall coaling towers for engine facilities, based on a Colorado Midland prototype once located in Basalt.
November 18, 2025
Delaware & Susquehanna
This proto-freelanced HO layout based on operations in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Gorge region employs a multi-level design for maximum main line running.
November 17, 2025
Model Mecca: New London, Connecticut
This Connecticut shoreline city was once served by New Haven and Central Vermont, and is the perfect setting for a model railroad.
October 15, 2025
Chicago & North Western Alcos to Sleepy Eye
A detailed HO model railroad designed to evoke memories of Minnesota in the 1970s on the Chicago & North Western “Alco Line.”
October 15, 2025
Roselli Bros. Scrapyard Micro Layout in HO
A detailed HO scale micro layout modeled after an old scrapyard on Staten Island, served by Baltimore & Ohio subsidiary Staten Island Rapid Transit.
September 17, 2025
Build Realistic Bridge Abutments
Simple materials and easy-to-follow techniques for building realistic bridge abutments in any scale.
September 17, 2025
Return to the Ryder Gap Sub
A deep dive into the plausible backstory of a proto-freelanced HO scale model railroad based on Chesapeake & Ohio operations of the 1970s.
