Features:

Southern Pacific’s Shasta Route • by Otis McGee — From Redding to Klamath Falls on a detailed HO scale layout designed by John Armstrong.

Boomer Trail Special: Amtrak’s 50th — We celebrate Amtrak’s 50th anniversary with a special gallery of models submitted by our readers.

Reading XLL Boxcars • by Bobb Losse, Sr. — This fleet of 50 boxcars built by Berwick in 1972 for Reading is just now retired.

Illinois Tech Club Expands • by Daniel Rappoport — Students model urban Chicago scenes on their newest Free-mo modules.

Build a Swing Gate • by Bill Schopf — A fully-scenicked swing gate makes a sturdy and elegant entrance into the layout room.

Modeling Realistic Timber Ties • by Mike McGinley — Careful attention to color and texture will make your track look more realistic.

Gently Upgrade a Classic 0-4-0 • by Bill Gill — Replacing a few key details helps the appearance of a 30-year-old Mantua “Pony” 0-4-0.

Departments:

Boomer Trail

Craftsman Timetable

Craftsman Workshop

Dealer Directory • Recommended hobby dealers

Diverging Points • by Jason Shron

Editor's Notebook • by Otto M. Vondrak

Index of Advertisers

Painting & Weathering

Perspective • by Scott Williamson

Rail Books • Book news and reviews

Receiving Yard

Safety Valve

Test Track • by Harry K. Wong — InterMountain Railway General Electric Tier 4 GEVO ET44AC and ET44C4 with Angled Exhaust product review

Test Track • by Harry K. Wong — American Limited Models GATC Postwar Welded Tank Cars product review