NASG Dispatch Articles by Steve Monson

2020 #2 March

8

Structures - Engine Servicing

The author summarizes the history of the Lehigh Valley Models kit, which is still available via K&P Brick Co. Included are tips & tricks for building the model as well as construction photos.

2018 #4 July

24

Model Railroad Philosophy

Using HO-scale structures in the background in deep corners can yield an effective forced-perspective.

2019 #5 September

4

Structures - Towns/Cities

The author describes how he modified a Walthers HO-scale kit to be usable on his S-scale layout.

2019 #6 November

21

Locomotives - 0-4-0

The author describes how he saved up for the Rex 0-4-0 Docksider kit when it first came out. Now, many years later he found another kit, but it has become a collector's item.

2022 #4 July

26

Structures - Bridges

The author details the history of the Lindstorm wooden trestle bridge owned by the St Paul & Duluth Railroad, including prototype period photos. The author shares how he modeled a compressed version of it on his own layout.

2023 #4 July

16

Structures - Towns/Cities

The author provides drawings and photos detailing how he scratchbuilt his version of a Dairy Queen. (related web page)

2018 #5 September

24

Passenger Cars

A review of the purpose of this special car, and how the author created an S-scale model of it.

2020 #1 January

15

Layout Design

The author describes the key features an engine yard typically holds, and how to model that in as small of a space as possible.

2017 #5 September

9

Couplers

The author shares a couple of examples of upgrading older S-scale models with Kadee couplers.

2017 #1 January

5

Structures - Depots/Stations/Yards

After describing the history and fundamentals of prototype turntables, the author describes in step-by-step instructions how to build a turntable. Includes prototype photos, construction diagrams, construction photos, and a materials list. More photos can be found on page 33 of the PDF version of this issue. (related web page)

2020 #3 May

8

Scenery - Vehicles

The author provides tips on how to improve the look of the steering wheels of Ertl's tractors, painting the tractors, and installing drivers for those tractors.

2023 #3 May

28

Structures - Countryside

Based on seeing these structures in person, the author repurposed, much like the real-world farmers, a box car and a stock car model, put them on a foundation, and covered them with a roof. These made for quick and affordable barn structures for the farm. The article includes prototype and model photos.

2017 #3 May

17

Locomotives - 2-8-0

The author describes how to replace a split/worn gear in this locomotive using a replacement part from NWSL. He also describes how to add weight to the tender, to keep if from derailing on curves that are a bit too tight for the model.

2018 #2 March

4

Layout Construction

The author wants bridges, but didn't want to deal with grades. His layout is only 30" deep. He shares his ideas on how to model them effectively given those constraints. Includes construction photos, final photos, as well as prototype photos.

2016 #3 May

12

Electronics

The author describes how he installed a Soundtraxx Econami DCC sound decoder into a Rex Suburban locomotive. Includes installation photos.

2025 #1 January

16

Layouts - S

Each scene on the author's layout has a story associated with it, whether prototype or fictional.

2019 #4 July

7

Tools

This is a primer on available glues and which to use where.

1999 #5 October

8

Model Railroad Shows

Contest results, and a detailed description of the models, from the 1999 NASG Convention, including some photos.

2017 #2 March

13

Locomotives - Steam

The author examines the sources of noise in our steam locomotives, what we can do to improve their running abilities while keeping them quiet, and his conclusions after replacing and testing several motors. He used four different Rex steam locomotives for his tests.

2019 #1 January

9

Product Review

The author reviews the corn load made by Lenny and Rita Leier (available via eBay).

2017 #4 July

15

Electronics

The days of the large control panels are done. The author is building his layout with DCC and radio-frequency throttle.

2023 #3 May

22

Structures

The author describes how his preferred model-building material has always remained basswood, and he's built a hundred models using that. The accompanying photos show his first and latest model built.

2019 #2 March

24

Layouts - S

The author describes a small (24"x54") layout he built using A.C. Gilbert AF parts. Includes photos and a track plan.

2016 #5 September

8

Layouts - S

The author describes a historical event that caused an NP steam locomotive to fall into the pit of a turntable. The author built a scene on his home layout to replicate the event.

2017 #6 November

21

Model Railroads and People

A fun board game produced by Lionel in 1988, but may be found online still.

2018 #6 November

8

American Flyer

The author describes his desire to own one of these since being a young boy, but he finally had a chance to buy one. He describes the workings of the accessory in this article, accompanied by several photos.

2024 #2 March

8

Layout Construction

Using one of these riding tools to get under the layout.

2020 #4 July

13

Structures - Depots/Stations/Yards

The author reviews and upgrades the tin model produced by Hallmark Cards in 1999. The model is close to S-scale.

2019 #3 May

7

Electronics

A good explanation of how our locomotives have been powered from the 1950s (AC, DC) to now (DCC).

2018 #4 July

4

Structures - Bridges

The author describes how a Howe bridge gains its strength. He provides templates and a step-by-step guide to building such a bridge. Also included are construction photos.