NASG Dispatch Articles: Model Railroad Philosophy

2018 #4 July

24

Steve Monson

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

2014 #2 April

2

Bill Winans

The author covers some info about changes within the NASG organization. The majority of the article is about the incorrect use of "gauge" vs. "scale" within S-scale and the industry in general. Gauge is the distance between the rails, and scale is the ratio to the prototype that we are modeling.

2019 #3 May

6

Jeff Madden

The author postulates that the growth of the scales other than S has been due to the convenient availability of ready-to-run product, of which S seems to have always lagged behind a bit.

2013 #1 February

20

Sam Powell

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?

1996 #6 December

5

Jeff Madden

The author proposed the idea of promoting S-scale as the "last builder's scale".

1998 #1 February

5

Jeff Madden

What should be defined as the "standard S-scale modeling" at this point in time? Associating S-scale with A.C. Gilbert in the late 1990s makes no sense, since the company has been gone for many decades. The author proposes code 125 hi-rail as the current default definition of what S-scale is.

1998 #2 April

5

Jeff Madden

What should be defined as the "standard S-scale modeling" at this point in time? The author continues with last issue's discussion covering track and coupler default standards.

2002 #4 August

5

Jeff Madden

Consider the idea of quality over quantity, e.g. building a smaller layout, especially if you are new to S-scale.

2002 #6 December

5

Jeff Madden

The idea of introducing both idealism and humor into our model railroads.

2003 #1 February

5

Jeff Madden

The author describes the "pros" for modeling the transition era, and the "pros" for modeling the modern era, and answers the question of whether the transition era is still #1.

2006 #6 December

5

Jeff Madden

The visual appeal of S-scale models becomes apparent when seen in person.

2007 #1 February

5

Jeff Madden

The author answers the question: Is S-scale still a scrounger scale? With Lionel and American Models much more is available.

2007 #2 April

5

Jeff Madden

Why do we procrastinate working on our model railroading projects?

2009 #4 August

7

Jeff Madden

How do we go about promoting S-scale to the hi-rail modelers?

2010 #5 October

5

Jeff Madden

Keeping "model" in model railroading. The hobby still requires model building.

2019 #1 January

19

Brooks Stover

The author asked several modelers about what they consider to be top lessons learned in their decades of modeling, and he summarizes them in this article. Includes photos of the layouts built by these modelers.

2018 #5 September

11

Jim Kellow

The author indicates that mentors are available for helping someone to build a layout in S-scale.

2022 #1 January

3

Richard Caugherty

Dealing with aging and doing what you can still do to enjoy the hobby.

2012 #6 December

5

Jeff Madden

The author answers the question, "Why do I like the oddball scale S?" (having switched from many years in HO-scale).

2013 #1 February

5

Jeff Madden

The author proposed ideas for the main S-scale manufacturers to implement.

2013 #3 June

5

Jeff Madden

What kind of modeling can one do during a period of economic recession? The author provides a list of ideas that cost little or no money.

2014 #1 February

11

Jeff Madden

The author captures his thoughts on how far you are willing to compromise on your layout to model the real world, and what is the definition of "good enough".

1988 #1 March

4

Ed Loizeaux

Is critiquing a brass model in a public forum a good idea before consulting with the manufacturer first?

1989 #2 April

5

Ed Loizeaux

Why has S-scale not grown at the rate the N-scale and G-gauge has done since their introduction?

2019 #2 March

2

Will Holt

Constant promotion is the key to bringing in new modelers.

2015 #1 January

22

Jeff Madden

After briefly reviewing the history of S, the author proposes that we latch onto Lionel and MTH as the main drivers for the future of S-scale modeling.

2009 #2 April

12

Sam Powell

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 #6 December

24

Sam Powell

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

2010 #1 February

22

Sam Powell

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.

2017 #4 July

14

Jeff Madden

It is the size of S- and O-scale equipment that attracted the author to S-scale.

2010 #6 December

22

Jeff Madden

Is Sn3 able to compete with the other scales' narrow-gauges? The author describes what happened with Bachmann introducing their On30 product line.

1996 #1 February

28

David Heine

After explaining what Sn3 is, the author describes the benefits of Sn3 over HOn3.

1996 #2 April

28

David Heine

This is a product review for the Berlyn Locomotive Works Sn3 car kit, a C&S Type II box car. Includes a photo. Part of the article got chopped off during editing of the magazine; the text is included in the next issue's column.

2004 #6 December

8

David Heine

The author makes an argument for why one might want to model in narrow gauge.

2018 #4 July

10

Jeff Madden

The author shares his personal story about how he evolved in his modeling interests, and how some well-known S-scale modelers are doing something similar now.

2018 #5 September

2

Jeff Madden

Should we add clutter to our layouts and dioramas?

2017 #5 September

6

Jeff Madden

Are we are railfan first or a model railroader? The author shares his life's experiences.