Author Archives: Jamie Starling

Model Train Details : Painting Realistic 55-Gallon Drums

In this video, I walk you through the process of prepping and painting one of my HO scale flat top 55-gallon steel drums. These 3D resin-printed drums are available in packs of ten from my website and are designed to bring added detail to your layout—whether you’re modeling a diesel shop, an industrial siding, or just want some realistic clutter.

Restoring & Upgrading a Proto 2000 SW900 – The KNR 90 Rebuild : AAR Type A Trucks Replacement

As part of the KNR 90 rebuild, I replaced the stock friction-bearing trucks on my Proto 2000 SW900 with 3D printed roller-bearing versions, modeled after AAR Type A trucks. In this post, I share why the change matters, some railroad history behind it, and what it took to get the fit just right.

Restoring & Upgrading a Proto 2000 SW900 – The KNR 90 Rebuild : Paint Removal

In this post, I walk through how I removed the factory paint from my Proto 2000 SW900 without damaging the model. It’s a simple method using 91% alcohol, and I share a few things I’ve learned that might make your own projects go a little smoother.

Restoring & Upgrading a Proto 2000 SW900 – The KNR 90 Rebuild : Tear Down

While exploring rail lines on Google Earth, I stumbled across KNR 90, a hidden SW900 switcher that inspired this rebuild. In this post, I start tearing down a Proto 2000 SW900, sharing tips, lessons learned, and the first steps toward transforming it into a modernized KNR 90.

Restoring & Upgrading a Proto 2000 SW900 – The KNR 90 Rebuild : History

The KNR 90 Rebuild Project is more than just a restoration—it’s about reviving a classic switcher, the EMD SW900, and transforming it into a working piece of model railroading history. Follow along as I strip, rebuild, repaint, and upgrade a Proto 2000 SW900 into Kinston Railroad KNR 90, bringing new life to a locomotive with a story worth telling.

Restoring & Upgrading a Proto 2000 SW900 – The KNR 90 Rebuild : Overview

Taking an old Proto 2000 SW900 and turning it into something unique—this rebuild goes beyond a simple repaint. Follow along as I strip it down, add new details, repaint it in KNR 90’s custom livery, and upgrade it with DCC. It’s more than a model—it’s history in miniature, brought back to life.