H-mmm. Without needing any further elaboration, any "weathering" pattern is by definition alone a distinctly unique attribute. To "factory apply" such a feature is a contradiction in terms. I would st

My current understanding is that virtually all, if not all of the "primer" paints available to us as modelers are nothing more than just another color or formulation of ordinary paint. However, I note

After stating confidently that the HO model 40' long-rib side car that I held in my hot little hand had 4/4 ends, Ed Hawkins comments- Ed is of course correct, and although knowing better, I also cann

Richard notes- Richard has that exactly right. Over the years Russ has been the first to carry some of the most interesting and useful scratch-building and detailing products that railroad modelers co

I have in my collection of "old things" a beautifully-built HO 1939-style 40' single door, long-ribbed, Milwaukee boxcar with 7'8" corrugated Youngstown-type doors (not the "postwar" pattern of the 6'

Russ Strodz inquires about the CSRM's recent shipment of the ATSF M-190 [articulated motor car] to New Mexico. Very briefly and in one breath (before Mike or Jeff can get to their keyboards and Send K

For those attending Winterail in two weeks and wish to take advantage of doing some library research at the California State Railroad Museum on the immediately-preceding Friday, the Library will open

I claimed in a recent informal review of these new Ribside� boxcar kits that the 1944 prototypes modeled had very thin and shallow intermediate ribs that were not reproduced on the sides of the models

Don Worthy writes- This is an MDC (Roundhouse) cast metal car produced between the approximate dates 1955-65. The model number was G-100. One of the cars in my roster is F/P and lettered for the South

A former USN 50' boxcar in the CSRM collection at Jamestown, CA rests on Chrysler trucks. Unfortunately, it is in storage and is not readily available to the casual visitor. Denny

I have the following duplicate for sale: THE CAR BUILDER'S DICTIONARY, The Railroad Gazette, Chicago 1906; republished Newton K. Gregg, Kentfield CA. 1971. Large format hardbound. No wraps. 568 pp. Mi

Tim O'C comments- My understanding is that IM is doing a slightly different version, but which one I do not know. It is not listed on their web page and they are holding their cards close to their ves

I had the opportunity this morning of examining Jim Singer's new 5th Ave Car Shops custom iteration of this new short-ribbed car kit recently produced new by George Schmidt's Ribside Cars� representin

Its good to hear all of the good recollections of two modeler/giants who I always held in awe- but never saw nor met in person. Bill Clouser taught me modeling with Strathmore- a medium that is still

Update on bulk purchases of HO brass air hoses from both Bowser or PSC. ------------------------------------ Cal Scale (Bowser) #190-277 4/$2.95 (current standard packaging) @$0.75. Bulk: 200 count mi

Tony comments that these kits are still "hell to assemble". Well, he has that exactly right. Other problems, besides attempting to get all of the stamped steel and cast metal parts aligned correctly (

For some of us who truly enjoy the very process of working with and modeling in wood and paper, old kits can be, and are treasures. I am in the process of finishing a c.1940 Varney foil covered and si

Current brass air hose products: Cal Scale #190-277 4/$2.95 PSC #3150 6/$2.25 I have been attempting to get some "bulk" quotes in an effort to make these more affordable. From Bowser I have been able

IMHO, there is not a HO single plastic air hose yet produced that will stand up to the slightest ordinary handling, much less effective bending/curving into shape. I do carefully handle my cars, and I

At the risk of being thrown off this list, I too will add my kudos to the organizers, the administrators, presenters, and the unusually-high level of modeling expertise and depth exhibited by so many