Model Railroad Publications
Magazine articles
Now that I’m involved with large-scale model railroading, I’ve begun writing on that topic too:
Miniature Masonry Part 1
How To Build Real Stone Retaining Walls
Miniature Masonry Part 2
How To Build Real Stone Arch Bridges
Portraits In Clay Parts 1-4
How To Sculpt Realistic Figures
A four-part series on sculpting lifelike, scale figures for large scale model railroads.
Garden Railways, December 2009
Garden Railways, February 2010
The Concrete Bungle...
If I’d Only Known
A short piece on replacing the concrete access panels over my tunnels.
The In-ko-pah Railroad
A unique line set into a steep hillside
This was a feature article on my In-ko-pah Railroad.
Garden Railways, December 2011.
Build A Rustic Structure Part 1
Styrene construction is easier than you think
This two-part series explains how to make realistic, heavily weathered rustic structures, using styrene to simulate old wood.
Garden Railways, December 2012.
Build A Rustic Structure Part 2
Styrene construction is easier than you think
Part two of this series finishes up the structure and covers paint and weathering.
Garden Railways, February 2013.
Creating A Radio-Controlled Railbus
Scratchbuilding the “Tin Lizard”
This article tells how I built a Model T railbus, including choosing the motor and electronics.
Modeling With Sintra
Part 1
The first of three parts detailing the use of Sintra PVC board for creating scale structures. Part 1 shows how this versatile material can be used to create a stone building.
More to come!
Another article about using styrene to model heavily-weathered wooden buildings, including a board-by-board replica of part of an old cabin in Tonopah, NV.
Model Railroad Hobbyist -- Imagineering
In early 2015 I was one of six modelers chosen to take turns writing a column about freelanced model railroads.
The first column was an introduction to the writers, with each of us getting a two-page spread. It’s in the April 2015 issue, available for free online, here:
Model Railroad Hobbyist, April 2015
The June 2015 issue has my first full column, featuring an in-depth look at the concept for my In-ko-pah Railroad. See how I drew from multiple real-life sources to create a believable fantasy railroad. Available for free online, here:
Model Railroad Hobbyist, June 2015
The June 2016 issue has my second full column, featuring a look at the scratchbuilt structures on the In-ko-pah Railroad, and my thoughts on creating realistic buildings for a freelance layout. Available for free online, here:
Model Railroad Hobbyist, June 2016
The March 2017 issue has my third full column, which focuses on how to develop your modeling skills.
Available for free to read online or download to your device:
Model Railroad Hobbyist, March 2017
Copyright Notice:
The contents of this entire site are property of Ray R. Dunakin III except where noted, and may not be used without permission.