NASG Dispatch Articles by Dick Karnes

2019 #1 January

10

Model Railroad Organizations

Dick Karnes is the last remaining original founders of the NASG organization. In this article he reflects on how the organization was formed, and how it has grown over the years. Includes a photo of his original membership card!

2007 #6 December

36

Track

After covering some general advice about track laying, the author provides a quick review of the various S-scale manufacturers that produce track products (at the time of the article's writing).

2003 #1 February

18

Track

The author describes how he uses the DPDT switches to control the turnout's throwbar and the polarity to the frog. Includes an installation diagram.

1988 #5 December

12

Layouts - S

After a brief introduction on how Dave got into S-scale, there are several pages of photos of his NYC/UP layout, including a full-page photo of his scratchbuilt trestle bridge.

1991 #2 April

6

Layouts - S

The author describes Ron and his layout, and shares many photos of the work Ron has done. Ron specializes in scratchbuilding rolling stock.

2002 #1 February

11

Locomotives - Electric

How to add ladders below the cab doors. Includes model photos and drawings.

2019 #2 March

19

Model Railroad Shows

The NASG Contest Chair announces new rules that go into effect at the 2019 NASG Convention, which includes processing 3D-printed models.

2014 #6 November

14

Electronics

How to determine wheel-slip current draw and stall current, so that you can find the appropriate DCC decoder, is described in this article.

2021 #1 January

11

Model Railroads and People

The author reviews his personal history of how he got into S-scale modeling, and a brief description of the layouts he has built. Includes a photo of his layout in 1952.

1985 #4 Fall

2

Model Railroads and People

Dick starts off as the editor of this Dispatch with this issue.

1988 #1 March

22

Model Railroad Manufacturers

The author lists things he would like see manufacturers produce in S-scale.

1988 #3 August

4

Model Railroad Magazines

A photo tour to Spokane, WA, and this is the first Dispatch issue with a theme: tracklaying.

1988 #5 December

20

American Flyer

Dick describes his transition from A.F. to scale. His request is for more A.F.-related materials to be published in the Dispatch.

2016 #4 July

30

Model Railroads and People

Remembering Wally Collins, one of S-scale's pioneers.

1987 #4 Fall

12

Electronics

Breaking a storage yard into small blocks allows the controlled movement of just one engine in the yard, without the others moving as well.

2022 #1 January

6

Couplers

The author compares San Juan Shops Evolution (On3), Kadee #802/808 (S), and Kadee #5 (HO) couplers, based on his practical experience.

2006 #2 April

24

Structures - Bridges

The author describes the Walthers HO-scale Bascule bridge kit he built. It is plenty big for use in S-scale.

2024 #6 November

5

Model Railroads and People

The author briefly describes Bill Young's history and S modeling efforts. Includes photos of his layout.

2007 #6 December

12

Passenger Cars

Introduction of the passenger car interior details made available in a joint special project between the NASG and Palace Car Co.

2023 #1 January

17

Model Railroad Magazines

Dick Karnes signed up to volunteer as the Dispatch's assistant editor for "scale" modeling in S. He gives his history into his involvement with S. Dick is one of the founders of the NASG.

1991 #1 February

13

Layouts - S

This American Flyer-based layout measures 15'x25' and is 5 feet tall, covering several levels. The article includes several photos of the layout as the Greater Seattle S Gaugers club met at John's house.

1989 #4 August

12

Model Railroad Shows

The author reviews the 1989 NASG Convention.

1989 #4 August

16

Model Railroad Shows

A listing of what was new at the Convention.

1986 #1 Winter

8

Freight Cars - Flat Cars

How to convert an A.C. Gilbert American Flyer flat car into a "scale" model. Includes drawings showing how to modify the body, and includes a parts list.

1986 #2 Spring

11

Freight Cars - Gondolas

Taking A.C. Gilbert American Flyer gondola bodies and converting them into credible "scale" models. Includes model photos and cut diagrams. Also covered is the 42-foot hydracushion box car.

1986 #4 Fall

12

Freight Cars

The series continues with converting A.F. cars to scale models, by converting a quad hopper, and a wine tank car. Includes diagrams and model photos.

1987 #1 Winter

12

Freight Cars

The author describes how to create a Virginian-style rotary coal car and a transfer caboose. Includes model photos and diagrams.

1987 #4 Fall

18

Locomotives - Electric

Using paper copies of locomotive diagrams, the author describes how he "paper-dolled" the engine together by cutting out pieces from the diagrams. Includes the "kitbashed" diagram, and a photo of the finished locomotive.

2003 #2 April

23

Model Railroad Organizations

The author compares what a life membership entailed in 1970, and what a 2003 NASG membership means.

1991 #2 April

5

Model Railroads and People

The author introduces Kent Singer, a Dispatch columnist, to the audience.

2018 #5 September

19

Model Railroad Shows

A quick review of the contest entries, with plenty of photos. More photos are found starting on page 45 of the PDF version.

2019 #3 May

5

Locomotives - Electric

The author describes how he built a set of multiple-unit electric commuter cars. Includes photos.

2006 #6 December

22

Model Railroads and People

The NASG BOT wants to launch SIGs that represent the three groups of modelers within the S-scale community, similar to the NMRA SIGs.

2017 #5 September

20

Model Railroad Shows

A description of the contests, and photos of the winning models.

2019 #6 November

18

Model Railroad Shows

The NASG's Contest Chairman announces the changes made to the contest rules applicable to the contests held at the NASG Conventions.

2004 #2 April

8

Passenger Cars

In this article the author answers questions raised about the joint NASG/American Models/Artist-Aid heavyweight Pullman passenger cars.

1988 #4 October

8

Model Railroad Shows

The author reports on his visit to the 1988 NASG Convention. Includes several photos, including most of the contest winners' models.

1989 #4 August

8

Model Railroad Clubs

The first meeting of Oregon state-wide S-scale modelers, to gauge interest in a state-wide meeting, and to consider organizing a joint NASG/NMRA convention. People brought models, and John Verser (of Pacific Rail Shops) brought the latest box car model. Includes several photos.

2022 #3 May

23

Electronics

A tip on using a stereo plug to prevent track near a removed lift-out section from continuing to be powered.

1987 #3 Summer

20

Locomotives - Electric

Having left the East coast in 1964 to move to the West coast, the author's visit to the east has him noticing everything that once was is no more.

2005 #1 February

8

Model Railroad Shows

Some information about what goes on at an NASG Convention, and detailed information about the upcoming 2005 one. Includes photos of nearby activities.

2017 #6 November

22

Model Railroad Organizations

The author identifies the issues involved in trying to promote S-scale to non-S-scale modelers.

1998 #1 February

12

Scenery - Vehicles

How to make license plates for S-scale vehicles.

2022 #6 November

7

Tools

Using lead shot to weigh down locomotives for better traction, and how to determine what is sufficient and what is too much.

2023 #1 January

9

Structures

The author shares how he creates signs and shows examples of them on his layout.

2023 #2 March

10

Track

The author describes methods by which he remotely uncouples cars on his layout.

2023 #3 May

8

Layout Construction

Dick's layout is very high up, which eliminates the need for some typical details. He uses mirrors to make the layout appear larger than it is, of which he describes a few in this article (with photos).

2023 #4 July

9

Track

The author claims he never cleans his layout's track; he uses an oil instead.

2023 #5 September

9

Track

The author briefly describes how he indicates to which turnout a fascia knob belongs.

2024 #1 January

6

Structures

The author shares how he does structure window and other signs.

2024 #2 March

8

Scenery

The author describes how he adds license plates to his automobiles.

2024 #3 May

7

Locomotives - 4-8-2

The author shares a tip he uses to ensure that various holes line up on the side of a steam locomotive boiler.

2025 #1 January

6

Model Railroads and People

The author has moved into a senior living apartment and describes how that has changed his modeling efforts.

2022 #4 July

9

Track

The author had a fully-functional layout when the NASG decided to tighten-up the track standards so that the guard rail was closer to the stock rails. This is the current NASG and NMRA standard for S, but the author was reluctant to relay all of his beautiful track work, so he describes in this article what he did to make it all interoperate anyway.

2022 #5 September

12

Tools

The author uses lead shot to weigh down his engines to be properly balanced. He does not add weight to cars, and explains why.

2023 #6 November

9

Operations

The author describes how he does way freight operations on his layout.

2024 #6 November

7

Structures - Trackside

Making a cattle pen more realistic. Includes a photo of one on the author's former layout.

2025 #2 March

8

Couplers

Replacing the coupler spring to simulate the running out of the slack on a train getting started.

2025 #3 May

6

How practical are operational springs in locomotive and car trucks?

2022 #2 March

6

Tools

The author describe how he glues similar and dissimilar materials together.

2022 #3 May

7

Couplers

Using the Kadee delayed-uncoupling feature of their S-scale couplers, and the adjustments he makes to those couplers to have them work more reliably.

2018 #5 September

16

Locomotives - Diesel

This articles describes what NorthWest Short Line's Stanton drives are, what their advantages are, how much they can pull, how to install them, along with plenty of photos.

2024 #3 May

19

Model Railroad History

This article dives into the history of S by covering Cleveland Model & Supply, A.C. Gilbert, Nixon Model Co, Northeastern Scale Models, Exacta Scale Models, Arden Scale Models, Super Scale Models, Robert L. Miller Laborartory, Enhorning Industries, Rex Engineering, Dayton Model Products, Bob Peare Engineering, Atlas Tool Co, Tru-Scale, Midgage, Kansas City Kits, Nord, Ambroid, Kinsman Scale Models, Chester Industrial Arts, and PermaBilt.

2024 #4 July

16

Model Railroad History

The author covers the track system choices available to modelers prior to the 1960s.

1993 #6 December

6

Modules

The club's modules do not necessarily conform to the NASG's S-MOD standard, but the layout has been set-up a number of times in 1992. Includes several close-up photos.

1990 #1 January

31

Product Review

Reviewed is the Omnicon PRR M1 4-8-2. A number of issues were found with the four review samples, which Omnicon owner, Charlie Sandersfeld offered to correct, but he had become seriously ill at the time.

1989 #3 June

16

Layouts - S

A visit and tour of Ernie Horr's layout. Includes several photos, some of which are full-page.

2022 #1 January

10

Model Railroads and People

Preparing for our eventual demise as related to our train collection. The NASG has his Disposition Plan available. Go to https://www.nasg.org/, then click on "NASG", and then click on "Estate Planning" under the "Membership Benefits" sub-heading.

2022 #2 March

26

Model Railroad Shows

Part of the NASG annual contests includes "conformity", which the chairman of the Content committee describes in this article.

2017 #2 March

24

Passenger Cars

The author describes his system for getting the window glass to sit flush with the outside of the passenger car body, just like it is in the real world. Includes a couple construction photos.

1987 #2 Spring

11

Electronics

This article covers how to wire your layout's single-ended or double-ended yard, including an automatic stopping section. Several diagrams are included to clarify the text.