Bibliography of Articles on Shortlines in Railroad Model Craftsman
Some of the best articles inRailroad Model Craftsman cover the locale, history, motive power, and operation on shortlines. These stories provide a lot of information for the model railroader. The advantage to modeling such railroads is the emphasis on switching that so many model railroaders like so much. A large part of the appeal to me is the locale in northeast U.S., histories that go back to the late 1800’s or early 1900’s, and the small locomotives.
This is a list of the articles-or most frequently-series of stories appearing in RMC since the late 80’s. I like the detailed track diagrams of the important locales alomg each line. All include suggested track plans for model railroads. Although I can’t imagine using one of these track plans, they are useful for study and would help anyone contemplating building a layout based on a shortline.
D’Amato, Christopher and James Ankrom, 1989, A Classic American Shortline: The Middletown & Unioville/Middletown & New Jersey. RMC, August 1989, p. 70-79; September 1989. Several pages of history accompany photos of early locomotives, depots, passenger and freight trains, and recent 44-tonners. A table lists steam and diesel loco rosters, as well as busses and railcars. The same issue contains plans for M&U no. 6, a 4-4-0.
D’Amato, Christopher and Allen McClelland, 1989, Modeling the Middletown & Unioville and Middletown & New Jersey. RMC, September 1989, p. 72-80. Detailed track diagrams along the mainline allow the reader to develop a track plan, but also the authors have included two layout plans for two size rooms. A later article has plans, many photos, and history of the depot at Slate Hill. Follow-iup articles in a later issue describes modeling a 44-tonner, and the modern enginehouse.
Mohowski, Robert, 1990, The Delaware, Lackawana & Western’s Sussex Branch. RMC, October 1990, p. 87-95. This article has the usual historical summary: the line’s story goes back to mid-19th Century. Track diagrams of important locations accompany brief discussions of motive power--both steam and diesel--and operations. Bill Schaumberg provides a track plan and recipe for modeling the Sussex Branch in an approximately 17’ x 25’ area.
Paston, Jeff, 1991, The Lowville & Beaver River R.R. RMC, October, 1991, p. 91-98. Track diagrams of the actual railroad are used to develop a model trackplan. Pictures show many important locations along this shortline; locomotives, including 4-4-0’s, ten-wheelers, consolidations, and 44-tonners; bridges; and stations. Subsequent issues form an eight-part series detailing construction of a 10’ by 12’ ayout.
Whitney, Scott, 1993, Claremont Railway & Lighting Company. RMC, Nov. 1993, p. 62-69; Whitney, Scott, 1993, The Claremont & Concord Rwy. RMC, December 1993, p. 100-107; Whitney, Scott, 1993, Claremont Concord Railroad. RMC, January 1994, p. 80-84. In a three-part series outlining the development of this New Hampshire shortline as it evolved, the history is traced from the late 1800s to the 1990’s. Each article covers history, operations, customers, and modeling. The interchange with the Boston and Maine changed over the years, and the track arrangement is illustrated at each stage. The line was electrified up to 1954, and the ubiquitous 44-tonner provided motive power. Photos include typical New England factories, mills, and railroad structures.
Whitney, Scott, 1995,The Clarendon & Pittsford. RMC, January 1995, p. 96-104; February 1995, p. 96-101. This New England shortline interchanges with the Rutland and D&H. These two articles describe the history, operations, rolling stock, and motive power. Part two includes detailed track diagrams of major towns and interchanges; particularly interesting are diagrams for Rutland and Center Rutland, VT, where it interchanges with the two railroads mentioned above. Rutland RR’s yard at Rutland is also diagrammed. Also includes a trackplan for a 20.5’ x 14’ HO layout.
Whitney, Scott, 1997,The Ashuelot: A Branchline Adventure. RMC, May 1997, p. 84-91; June 1997, p. 86-93. Another New England line, this one a now-abandoned, 24-mile branch of the Boston & Maine. Text gives a brief history, illustrates a timetable form 1948, and discusses operations. Part two considers modeling, and includes detailed drawings of track arrangements at important switching locations. A single-level, N-scale layout plan published in part two fits a 10’ x 15’ room.
Whitney, Scott, 1999,The Springfield Terminal Ry. RMC, April 1999, p. 59-66; May 1999, p. 87-94. Following a historical synopsis, the articles describe the route and major locations along the line’s 5.14 mile length; equipment ranging from trolley to diesel; track; and structures. Detailed maps show small yards, interchange, and the evolution of alignments. Plans for a 12’ x 12’ layout accompany suggestions for modeling. A passenger timetable is illustrated; tables list customers (some shown are marked on detailed maps) and electric motive power.
Russell, Harold, 1999, The Depew, Lancaster & Western: A Modern Shortline. RMC, October 1999, p. 78-85. One of the best “modern shortline” articles in recent years, this example looks at the physical plant and operations of a line that serves industries and business from an interchange yard with Conrail. This well-illustrated article shows a track plan that includes the now-gone mainlines that once ran through the area, in addition to photographs of motive power, and industries served. A suggested model fits a room 17’ x 25‘.