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This article from Model Railroader discusses the challenges faced by the author in replicating real structures on their San Francisco F Line layout. The author specifically focuses on the circular glass E-Trade building located on Market Street in downtown San Francisco. Since this building is not available as a model kit, the author chose to 3-D print it with the help of a local CAD designer. The article goes on to describe the process of assembling and painting the model, as well as adding finishing touches such as landscaping and a food truck. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Model Railroader discusses the process of adding functioning traffic lights to a model railroad layout. The author found a company called WeHonest that supplies traffic lights and other lighting accessories for model railroads. The lights operate from a printed-circuit board that controls the timing and sequencing of the lights. The article provides detailed instructions on how to wire and modify the lights to achieve a more authentic look. The author also shares tips for installation and suggests adding traffic warning signs for added realism. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Model Railroader provides a detailed guide on how to build a trolley car model. The author, Harvey Simon, shares his experience of building a Peter Witt trolley car in HO scale. He discusses the necessary parts and modifications needed for the project, including widening the floor openings for the trucks and drilling holes for lights and trolley pole housings. Simon also explains the process of painting the shell, adding electronics such as a decoder and speaker, and glazing the windows. The article includes step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for building the model. [Extracted from the article]

It had been more than 15 years since I actively worked on a new layout. After completing the Boston MTA (the subject of a six-part series that appeared in Model [...]

After I've finished laying all the track, I take a piece of .080' strip styrene, a little less than the rail height, and cement that to the Homasote layout surface [...]

Just when you think you've settled on a certain approach to model railroading, a new idea gets on the brain and you find yourself doing crazy things - changing scales, […]

Structures give purpose and add scenic interest to any layout. On mine they are the setting for much of the action and refine the focus of the layout's operation. My […]

It's hard to believe, but this is our next-to-the-last installment. This month we'll install the overhead wire and finally get a chance to run the trolley we built last month. […]

In this installment of my series on building a model of the Boston's MTA, we'll build a trolley car to operate on overhead wire. In 1959 the car roster of […]

Last month we built benchwork and now it's time to install track. We'll use a combination of handlaid girder rail and Atlas flextrack. You say you've never tried handlaying? Not […]

A traction layout is terrific for small spaces. Selective compression is easy and sensible since trains can be only one car long and still look right. You can achieve realistic […]

Discusses how the author has installed an overhead wire in his scale model of a subway. Divisions of the installation process; Two components of the overhead system; Tools needed for successful installation.

Describes the construction of a railroad model's scenery. Reason behind the usage of patching plaster; Materials of the model; Colors of the scenery.

Part I. Discusses the design of HO scale model of the Metropolitan Transit Authority's railroad and trolley lines in Boston, Massachusetts. Choice of the theme; Information on the prototype; Model and track plan; Preparatory work and benchwork; Drawing of the plan; Fitting the subway. INSETS: Layout at a glance;Laying out the plan;Meet Harvey J. Simon.