If you’ve ever hesitated to tackle a detail upgrade, this is your sign to jump in. Replacing the side trucks on your EMD switcher isn’t just doable—it’s rewarding. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how I cleaned, prepped, and installed these snap-on trucks so you can try it yourself and see how much difference it makes.
Ever wonder why your locomotive starts running rough even after you’ve “oiled it up real good”? You’re not alone. In this post (and video), I’ll show you why more isn’t always better when it comes to lubrication—and share a simple cleaning routine that keeps your engine rolling smooth without the grime.
Tired of wasting paint and fighting with clumpy mixes? Here’s the dead-simple hack that keeps my paint ready-to-go and shelf-stable for months. Watch the video, then see how this could make your modeling life a lot easier.
Removing side trucks doesn’t have to be scary. All you need is a trusty pair of tweezers and a bit of patience. Follow along as I show you how to clip off those trucks one at a time, protect the delicate copper pickup plate, and prime your model for a fresh set of roller bearings.
3D prints might come out perfect—but sometimes perfect isn’t what we’re after. Here’s why I ditch the airbrush and pick up a cheap plastic brush to bring character to my HO-scale side frames.
In this hands-on tutorial, I’ll show you how to swap out those old friction trucks for 3D-printed roller bearing trucks on your Proto 2000 SW1200. You’ll learn how to clean up supports with an angled nail clipper, wet-sand safely, and even tidy your workspace with a small handheld vacuum. No airbrush required—just a few simple tools you probably already have.
Picked up a $20 thrift store find—an FEC SW1200 HO scale locomotive. In this post, I walk through my power test, check the current draw, and share first impressions before the teardown and DCC upgrade.
Picked up a $20 thrift store find—an FEC SW1200 HO scale locomotive. In this post, I walk through my power test, check the current draw, and share first impressions before the teardown and DCC upgrade.
Picked up a $20 Florida East Coast SW1200 switcher at a local thrift shop and couldn’t pass it up. In this post, I kick off the rebuild project by sharing why I buy used locomotives, what to look for when scouting secondhand models, and my plan to bring this one back to life with DCC, LEDs, and custom upgrades.
We often treat creativity and art as if they’re the same—but they’re not. I’ve been sitting with this for a while, and it’s leading me in a new direction with my modeling. One that feels more personal, more alive. Here’s why I’m moving into freelance model railroading and how I plan to bring more of myself into my work.