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!

Mill Gap on the Chesapeake & Ohio Ryder Sub

March 17, 2023

Mill Gap on the Chesapeake & Ohio Ryder Sub

This proto-freelanced HO scale layout is inspired by elements of Cass, West Virginia, firmly in the Chesapeake & Ohio era of the mid-1970s.

Prototype Modeling Cass, West Virginia in HO Scale

March 17, 2023

Prototype Modeling Cass, West Virginia in HO Scale

Have you ever considered scratchbuilding an entire town? Steve Funsten models Cass, West Virginia, in the modern excursion era.

The Legendary Virginian & Ohio Railroad

February 16, 2023

The Legendary Virginian & Ohio Railroad

Allen McClelland’s legendary HO scale empire pioneered many concepts in model railroad design and operation still employed today.

90 Years of Craftsman History

February 16, 2023

90 Years of Craftsman History

When it comes to publishing the best in scale modeling month after month, we did it first, and nine decades later, we still do it best.

Why Freelance? Lessons Learned on the Tenino Western

January 20, 2023

Why Freelance? Lessons Learned on the Tenino Western

Creating a plausible freelanced model railroad like the N scale Tenino Western has its own unique challenges.

Build a Realistic Photo Diorama

January 20, 2023

Build a Realistic Photo Diorama

Building a photo diorama is a great excuse to get those models off the shelf, and practice your scenery skills.

Southern Pacific Tunnel Motor Upgrade in N Scale

January 19, 2023

Southern Pacific Tunnel Motor Upgrade in N Scale

Upgrading details and lighting on an older InterMountain N scale Southern Pacific EMD SD40T-2 diesel locomotive.

Splitrock Mining Co.: Minnesota Iron Ore Railroading

December 15, 2022

Splitrock Mining Co.: Minnesota Iron Ore Railroading

An Alco-powered tribute to iron ore railroading in northern Minnesota in HO scale.

Ken McCorry’s Penn Central Buffalo Line

November 18, 2022

Ken McCorry’s Penn Central Buffalo Line

Penn Central-era operations on the Buffalo Line over Keating Summit are represented on this barn-sized HO scale empire.

Steve Mallery’s PRR Buffalo Line

November 18, 2022

Steve Mallery’s PRR Buffalo Line

Steve Mallery’s layout captures late-era Pennsylvania Railroad operations from Harrisburg over Keating Summit to Buffalo in HO scale.