NASG Dispatch Articles by Sam Powell

2010 #6 December

12

Benchwork

The author reviews three different ways to connect two parts of the layout while still allowing people to pass through into the layout. He then describes how he built his bridge.

1985 #1 Winter

2

Model Railroad Manufacturers

After mentioning several other major changes in the model railroading industry, the author opines about the need for the S-scale community to adopt the new NASG S-scale standard.

1983 #3 Summer

6

Locomotives - Steam

This first installment covers selecting the proper drivers, the matching axle, the cylinder blocks, and the crosshead assemblies. Next, the author uses steel or aluminum U-shaped shelf brackets for the frame. Next up are making scale drawings.

2013 #1 February

20

Model Railroad Philosophy

The author discusses several topics to help determine if the hobby is dying. If not, what is it that we can do to help bring in new blood?

2005 #5 October

5

Model Railroad Shows

In this guest editorial by Sam, he reflects on the 2005 NASG Convention and how he believes that the hi-rail modelers are now the main force in S-scale.

2010 #3 June

20

Operations

This article covers why you might want to hold operating sessions, what you need to have to do operations, and detailed planning to bring it all about.

1983 #2 Spring

4

Locomotives - Steam

The author tackles some design problems that they locomotives have to make them run smoother.

2011 #6 December

20

Product Review

The author reviews the book by Brooks Stover, which covers the prototype BC&G railroad, and how he modeled it in S-scale.

2012 #3 June

20

Product Review

The author builds and reviews the two-stall engine house kit released by B.T.S. Includes several built photos.

2001 #2 April

14

Layouts - S

The author tells a "prototype story" of how his personal layout was sold to the W&OD club, and how he is taking a break from model railroading.

2003 #5 October

22

Layouts - S

The author describes why he decided to demolish the 25 year old layout. He then continues by sharing his thoughts on what the new layout will be like. Includes a track plan.

2006 #2 April

13

Layout Construction

The author is starting a new column in the Dispatch discussing what it takes to get a layout built and running. In this column he starts off with handling all of the common complaints.

2006 #3 June

22

Layout Design

The author helps dissuade negative thoughts that prevent people from building a layout.

2006 #5 October

26

Layout Design

The author presents the idea of a "train layout" as a 3D sculpture.

2006 #6 December

14

Layout Design

How to decide which curve sizes your layout needs.

2007 #1 February

14

Layout Construction

The author shares a letter he got that describes how the modeler got out of his comfort zone, to tackle layout construction. They are part of a round-robin group, the organization of which is discussed in this article. Photos of the author's layout are included in the next several pages following this article.

2007 #2 April

12

Layout Construction

How to transcribe the track plan design to the actual layout space. Also covers how to build table-top sections.

2007 #3 June

22

Layout Construction

Scenic curves can either be mathematically planned, or can just be put in position until the layout builder likes its position. Either approach is acceptable. The author mentioned that actual construction always differs from detailed planning.

2007 #5 October

36

Layout Construction

Why are we drawn to buying locomotives and cars, but not structures?

2007 #6 December

24

Layout Construction

The author makes the case for incorporating grades in your layout. Includes information about how to calculate a grade and how to deal with the vertical transitions.

2008 #1 February

20

Layout Construction

Change can be hard to deal with, but the author makes the case that making minor or even major changes to your layout can breathe new life into your enjoyment of the hobby.

2008 #3 June

14

Structures

The author shares his opinion about building kits by various manufacturers.

2009 #1 February

12

Track

This article describes grade crossings and ideas for how to model them.

2009 #2 April

12

Model Railroad Philosophy

Sam has come to the conclusion that we tend to criticize our own and even others' layouts. This article reminds us that this is just a hobby and that model railroads are because we enjoy the act of creating and enjoying the results.

2009 #3 June

20

Layout Construction

The author describes various ways to make the space wherein the model railroad resides more visually appealing. Includes several photos of his layout.

2009 #6 December

24

Model Railroad Philosophy

Stress is a killer, and model railroading, in moderation, can be the cure, or so the author proposes.

2010 #1 February

22

Model Railroad Philosophy

Keeping notes about your layout in a three-ring binder, even if some information is stored in a computer program, because you can bring a notebook with you when visiting friends. Keeping information such as the background story, track plans, prototype info, operating scheme, etc.

2010 #2 April

19

Model Railroads and People

"The Magnificent Seven" - Seven S gaugers who influenced Sam. They are Ed Schumacher, John Bortz, Frank Titman, Wally Collins, Claude Wade, Walter Graeff, and Jesse Bennett.

2011 #1 February

10

Operations

Sam discusses what operations are, why people like operating session or don't like them, handling stress preparing for a session, car-card system, and how to start the first session.

2011 #3 June

18

Track

How does one get foreign-road cars on one's layout? Via the Interchange Track. This unique and easy-to-model track is fully discussed in this article, which includes how to integrate it into your layout's operational scheme.

2011 #5 October

20

Photography & Videography

The author's layout models the Pittsburgh area, but he had never actually been there in person. A trip with camera in hand allowed him to better model the area.

2011 #6 December

18

Layout Construction

This installment covers the creation of the Mt. Washington backdrop for his layout. Includes a few photos. The backdrop is made from sections of insulation foam.

2012 #1 February

11

Layout Construction

The author describes his struggle with the last major scene on his layout, that of capturing the city of Pittsburgh, which also happens to be the first scene that visitors to the layout see when entering the room. He describes building a raised scenic base, since it is also a staging yard. Includes many photos.

2012 #2 April

12

Layout Construction

The reality of never finishing projects, and how to deal with that reality. How to overcome "destructive" habit in your hobby, and still enjoy the process.

2012 #3 June

10

Operations

The author shares what it was like preparing for, and holding, the first operating session on his layout.

2012 #6 December

10

Model Railroads and People

The author makes the case for associating with model railroaders that are not into S-scale, such as the local NMRA, other conventions, etc., especially after one retires.

2013 #2 April

18

Structures

The author describes 6 details that will make a difference in a structure model.

2013 #3 June

10

Layout Construction

What to do when there is a house-supporting pole in the middle of your layout space? The author's solution was to build a four-sided building around the square pole, which, when the camera is set a the right angle, makes the pole invisible.

1984 #1 Winter

10

Locomotives - Steam

In this next installment of the series on how build your own steam locomotive, the author starts the work of building the frame and installing the driver wheels.

1984 #2 Spring

6

Locomotives - Steam

In this installment the construction and installation of the side rods is accomplished, including how to resolve any binding. Also covered is drive quartering.

1984 #4 Fall

7

Locomotives - Steam

This final installment of building a steam locomotive frame will deal with the main rod cylinder set and crosshead assembly.

2011 #3 June

22

Product Review

The shallow-depth structure was perfect for the author's new town on his layout, so he built it and provides us with his commentary and construction hints.

2005 #1 February

28

Product Review

The author reviews the flextrack and turnouts produced by Tomalco Track now owned by Larry Morton.

2003 #6 December

12

Layout Design

The author shares his thoughts about the compromises we all have to make when designing a new layout.

2004 #1 February

10

Layout Design

The author describes the thoughts he went through developing a design, track plan, and realistic integration of his layout into this available space (he had several options). Includes a sketch of the track plan.

1985 #1 Winter

5

Couplers

How to make the AM coupler be self-centering and some fine-tuning to get it to operate smoothly.