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!
July 20, 2026
Waites River Railway: North Arlington
Building a cameo-style HO scale layout to pack big scenes and switching action reminiscent of New England short lines in an apartment.
July 20, 2026
Simple Styrene Barns
Easy techniques using styrene sheet and strip to scratchbuild weathered wooden barns for rural scenes of any era.
June 15, 2026
A Model Railfan in the Midwest
Fine Midwestern modeling in N scale captured from a railfan’s perspective, showcasing Chicago & North Western, Milwaukee Road, and more.
June 15, 2026
Scratchbuilding the Jefferson St. Bridge
Using traditional materials to build an N scale model of an unusual skewed steel truss bridge once located on Jersey Central’s Newark Branch.
May 22, 2026
Squawbottom Depot on the Cease & Desist
Scratchbuilding an ornate junction depot in HO scale inspired by John Allen’s Gorre & Daphetid.
May 15, 2026
Century Club: New York Society of Model Engineers at 100
As the New York Society of Model Engineers celebrates its 100th anniversary, their Union, Hoboken & Overland is a celebration of craftsmanship in HO.
April 16, 2026
Canadian National Caramat Sub in HO Scale
This well-designed HO layout recreates 1990s CN and VIA Rail main line railroading in Northwestern Ontario.
April 16, 2026
Build St. Johnsbury’s Purina Complex
This kitbashed HO model is inspired by a large rail-served feed mill located in Vermont, but it typical of facilities across the country.
March 14, 2026
Mike Rose’s Conrail Lehigh Line in HO Scale
This expansive HO scale model railroad captures the essence of classic Conrail operations in eastern Pennsylvania.
March 14, 2026
A Modeler’s Guide to Conrail Eras
Covering the various eras of Conrail from the early “rainbow” years to the post-split era of CSX and Norfolk Southern.
