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.
Final wiring is done and ditch lights are in! In this phase of the KNR 90 rebuild, I wrap up the electrical work and share a few thoughts for those getting started with model upgrades. A few simple tools, some patience, and a steady hand—that’s all it takes to bring your models to life.
Ever start a project with all the energy in the world, only to feel like the wheels just stop turning? You’re not alone. Here’s what I discovered about that feeling—and why it might not be a bad thing.
Sometimes the best tools are the ones you build yourself. Here’s how I put together an airbrush turntable that’s made my model painting easier, cleaner, and more fun—even if the first attempt wasn’t perfect.