NOVEMBER 2025: Lance Mindheim takes us on a tour of a detailed HO scale layout he built for a client that evokes memories of the Chicago & North Western “Alco Line” in Minnesota in the 1970s. We also look at two approaches to modeling scrap yard operations with Marc Pitanza’s Roselli Bros. Scrapyard micro layout, and Michael O’Keefe’s Southlake Salvage diorama. Bill Botkin shows us how he scratchbuilt a Lackawanna water tank in HO. All this and more in the November issue of Railroad Model Craftsman!

This Month

November 2025

Vol. 94/No. 11


Features:

Chicago & North Western Alcos to Sleepy Eye

by LANCE MINDHEIM — A detailed HO model railroad designed to evoke memories of Minnesota in the 1970s.

OTDX Container Car

by JAMES KINKAID — An unusual fleet of Thrall cars designed to haul synthetic rubber in modular containers.

Contour Scenery

by ROBERT SCHLEICHER — Using contour maps to develop realistic slopes for hillsides and mountains.

Southlake Salvage Scrap Yard

by MICHAEL O’KEEFE — This modern scrapyard diorama packs huge detail into small space.

Roselli Bros. Scrapyard Micro Layout

by MARC PITANZA — A detailed HO scale micro layout modeled after an old scrapyard on Staten Island.

Upgrading an Atlas O 50’ Boxcar

by BILL YANCEY — Replacing the stock underframe with a more detailed version in O scale.

Build a Lackawanna Water Tank in HO

by BILL BOTKIN — Scratchbuild a steam-era water tank from styrene and wood parts.


Departments

Safety Valve – Letters from our readers

Receiving Yard – Product and industry news compiled by Harry K. Wong

Test Track – Product Reviews

Railbooks – Book news and reviews

Craftsman Timetable – Scheduled events and notices

Perspective

Craftsman Workshop

Collector Consist

Painting & Weathering

Company Photographer

The Layout Doctor

Diverging Points – Opinion by Jason Shron

Editor’s Notebook- Commentary by Otto M. Vondrak


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