Here are links to some of my more recent blog posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try using the Search box or the Archives list – both located at the bottom of this page. Also at the bottom of the page, you’ll find a place to subscribe to my blog via email, so you’ll never miss a post.
Port Rowan Abandonment Proceedings
Nine years of blogging about Port Rowan ends with big news.
When I’m 1:64 at an online convention
160 people from around the world Zoomed in for an hour to learn about S scale. I know – right?
Join me (online) at the Railway Modellers Meet of British Columbia!
May 21st at 7pm Pacific Time, I’ll be winding the mainspring on my computer and firing up the ZOOM!
Establishing Shot
Borrowing a trick from TV and film production.
Leedham Mill
Scratch-building an important customer at the end of the line.
CNR 8789
This heavily modified brass model carries baggage and express to Port Rowan.
NYC steel gondolas
One of the few S scale resin kits offered by Funaro & Camerlengo.
Fresh photos of Port Rowan in 1:64
The April 2020 layout tour.
The Railway Modellers of British Columbia convention 2020
Moving a conventional convention onto the web.
So what’s going on here?
Don’t you already blog – a lot – somewhere else?
A Pennsylvania express baggage car in RMC
An accidental brass purchase gets a handsome paint scheme, thanks to a trip to the military modelling shop.
CNR 3640 in RMC
An extensive rebuild of an S scale brass model, including custom paint masks.
Southern Pacific 1010 in RMC
A diesel with trolley poles? You bet I’m interested!
A pair of Seltzers
A pleasant gift – twice!
“Cue the train…”
That time two dozen people spent 13 hours in my layout room, shooting scenes for a movie.
Austin Eagle: Layout Tours
Some of the excellent layouts I saw while visiting Texas.
David Barrow’s vision
David Barrow influenced a generation of hobbyists. Here’s what I learned when I visited his layout.
Jim Zwernemann’s Proto:48 masterpiece
A visit to an exceptional model railway in Proto:48.
Austin Eagle: Operating Sessions
While in Texas, I joined a couple of operating sessions.
The Austin Eagle is in the books!
I went to Texas to speak at an NMRA regional convention. Here’s what I talked about, and what I learned.
Investing in others: Roweham
An example of how one can engage with and contribute to the hobby – even when one does not have the space or time to build a layout of one’s own.
Start your own supper club!
A great way to expand your hobby horizons.
Speaking at OVAR – March 2018
I had a great time seeing friends when I spoke at this amazing supper club in Canada’s capital.
Scratch-built snow fencing in RMC
Bring on the miniature snow: I’m ready.
Thinner throwbars in RMC
Don’t use a tree to throw your switch points!
Big sound for a BURRO in RMC
A small model gains big sound and better performance, thanks to DCC.
“Go on, what’s the THIRD verse?”
Tigers are fierce, they can’t be beat…
Shooting a Cover
The challenges of tilting the camera 90 degrees.
Narrative RPGs and Ops Sessions
Thoughts from one hobby influence another…
CNR 52247 and CNR 52274
I painted and finished a pair of brass scale test cars.
CNR 4204
A beautiful model of a Canadian National 2-10-2 built for me by my friend Simon Parent. What’s it doing in Port Rowan?
Exporail 2016 is in the books
Members of the S Scale Workshop put on a show at Canada’s national railway museum.
Working telegraph system in RMC
Dot-dot-dot dash-dash-dash… Yes, it really works.
CML 1952
Paying tribute to a layout builder who inspired my own trip through this hobby.
Al and Al Fresco
Adding Al Fresco, the open air driver, to a live steam Garratt.
How about a layout plan?
The preliminary plan for my rendition of the Simcoe Sub to Port Rowan in 1:64.
Why the Canadian National?
Familiarity with the prototype and available equipment are the key.
Why S scale?
It’s far from everyone’s first choice, but it worked for me. Here’s why.
Why Port Rowan?
My reason is purely practical. Here’s why.
Breaking Marley’s Chains
It’s hard for hobbyists to admit they’re not enjoying their model railway. But if they’re not, it’s time to take drastic measures.
The Peterboro Project
Building a modular layout for exhibition with a friend.
Modelling Smithville
Anatomy of a junction – and my first serious layout.
Running trains with John Armstrong
Meeting an icon and his influential layout.
The Boston and Maine Claremont Branch
My first achievable layout and the start of my feature-writing career with RMC.
CP Rail Action Red in MR
If memory serves, this was my first article for the hobby press.
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