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!

Montana & Colorado Southern

February 26, 2024

Montana & Colorado Southern

A fond look back at Steve Rodie’s freelanced HO scale showcase of Western railroading that was rebuilt for operations.

Scratchbuilding Palmer Union Station

February 21, 2024

Scratchbuilding Palmer Union Station

Recreating the signature Boston & Albany cut-stone passenger station in Palmer, Mass., with a laser cutter in HO scale.

The HO Scale Galeton & Chestnut Lake

January 17, 2024

The HO Scale Galeton & Chestnut Lake

The freelanced HO scale Galeton & Chestnut Lake recalls coal and lumber hauling in central Pennsylvania.

Dummy Third Rail for Modern Transit Scenes

January 17, 2024

Dummy Third Rail for Modern Transit Scenes

Easy techniques to model an important detail for modern urban scenes, used by many commuter railroad and rapid transit lines alike.

O Scale Pennsylvania Railroad Nassau Division

December 18, 2023

O Scale Pennsylvania Railroad Nassau Division

This freelanced O scale empire recalls Pennsylvania Railroad heavy electric action in central New Jersey at mid-century.

Build Boston & Maine SW1 1109 in HO

December 18, 2023

Build Boston & Maine SW1 1109 in HO

Adding details, paint, and weathering to a Walthers model to recreate a specific Boston & Maine diesel switcher.

Don Janes’ HO Scale Green Mountain Division

November 16, 2023

Don Janes’ HO Scale Green Mountain Division

This beautiful HO scale layout depicts scenes of New England railroading of the 1950s centered around White River Junction.

Model a Steam Era Cinder Pit in HO Scale

November 16, 2023

Model a Steam Era Cinder Pit in HO Scale

Cinder pits were used to collect waste from steam engines as part of the normal servicing routine at engine terminals across the country.

Clinchfield Railroad: Carolina Division in HO Scale

October 18, 2023

Clinchfield Railroad: Carolina Division in HO Scale

Set in the summer of 1977, this double-deck HO scale layout depicts the Clinchfield Railroad in the Carolinas.

Build Sacco’s Esso Service Station

October 18, 2023

Build Sacco’s Esso Service Station

Turn a simple City Classics HO scale mid-century gas station kit into a special scene for your model railroad.