2026 Mid-Atlantic Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet

The 2026 Mid-Atlantic Railroad Prototype Modelers (MARPM) Meet, held October 1–4 in the Baltimore area, brought together model railroaders for several days of clinics, layout tours, operating sessions, model displays, and plenty of opportunities to exchange ideas. Several members of Harford Associates for Railroad Modeling (HARM) attended the event, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn new techniques, visit outstanding layouts, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow model railroaders.

Clinics and Hands-On Learning

One of the major attractions of MARPM is its extensive selection of clinics covering prototype railroading, modeling techniques, and layout design. The presentations offer something for modelers of all scales and experience levels.

HARM member John Zdanis particularly enjoyed the hands-on weathering clinic, where participants brought their own rolling stock to practice techniques they could immediately apply to their models. John also found the clinics on small layout design especially interesting, offering practical ideas for modelers working with limited space.

Greg Meeks appreciated the opportunity to see actual models discussed during the clinics. Todd Hermann brought several structures featured in his presentation, allowing attendees to examine the finished models up close and better understand the techniques used in their construction.

Layout Tours and Operating Sessions

Layout visits and operating sessions are always popular activities at MARPM, giving attendees opportunities to see how other modelers approach layout design, scenery, and realistic railroad operations.

John Zdanis participated in an operating session on Jeff Mutter's railroad, describing it as a great-looking layout with smooth operations and an enjoyable operating experience. He hopes to have an opportunity to return for another session.

Although his schedule did not allow him to participate in an operating session, Greg Meeks visited four layouts during Friday's open houses, each offering a different perspective on prototype modeling.

  • Lance Mindheim's Miami Downtown Spur: Greg had previously attended a clinic about the layout and was pleased to finally visit it. He particularly appreciated its realistic portrayal of everyday Miami railroading, focusing on local switching and the routine work of serving industries. The layout demonstrates how ordinary railroad operations can be fascinating when modeled accurately.

  • Kelly Regan's B&O Georgetown Branch: A well-researched and carefully modeled representation of this Baltimore & Ohio branch line. Greg had visited previously and noted the continued progress on the layout, which attracted considerable interest from visitors.

  • David Vaughn's Nickel Plate/Canandaigua Southern: An impressive O-scale railroad incorporating a substantial portion of John Armstrong's legendary Canandaigua Southern, along with other notable O-scale modeling and Vaughn's own Nickel Plate. Greg described the layout as unique and special. Visitors were even invited to take a throttle and operate trains during their visit.

  • Andrew Dodge's Central Maine: Another remarkable O-scale layout featuring impressive locomotives and distinctive waterfront scenes, including a passenger vessel and a barge tender. Greg noted Dodge's transition from his previous Colorado Midland layout as a reminder that model railroads are constantly evolving and that opportunities to visit them should not be missed.

These visits provided plenty of inspiration and demonstrated the wide variety of approaches modelers take to recreate prototype railroading.

N-Scale T-TRAK Makes an Impression

A new addition to this year's MARPM Meet was a prototype-inspired N-scale T-TRAK layout presented by Scott Wahl and HARM member Ed Kapuscinski. Ed was particularly involved in the setup, which featured approximately 15 modules demonstrating the possibilities of prototype modeling within the popular T-TRAK modular format.

The display included a variety of detailed scenes and creative modeling techniques. Greg Meeks was particularly impressed by the sky and cloud lighting effects on Scott Wahl's modules, describing them as a showstopper.

The layout demonstrated that T-TRAK is not limited to simple modular displays. With thoughtful planning, prototype inspiration, and attention to detail, the format can support highly realistic modeling while retaining the flexibility and portability that make it popular with N-scale enthusiasts.

Models, Raffles, and Camaraderie

Beyond the clinics and layout tours, the model display and vendor room provided additional opportunities to examine outstanding models, discover new products, and exchange ideas with other hobbyists.

Greg Meeks emphasized that one of his favorite aspects of MARPM is the knowledge sharing and camaraderie among attendees. The opportunity to talk with other modelers, learn from their experiences, and see their latest projects makes the event a valuable learning experience.

The meet's raffle was another popular attraction, offering a wide selection of prizes and plenty of opportunities for attendees to take something home.

As anyone who participates in HARM's weekly gatherings knows, some of the best parts of model railroading happen when modelers get together to share ideas, solve problems, and enjoy each other's company. MARPM provides another excellent opportunity to experience that same spirit on a larger scale.

Another Successful MARPM Meet

The 2026 MARPM Meet offered a great combination of learning, inspiration, and fellowship. Whether participating in an operating session, visiting a layout, attending a clinic, or examining models on display, there was something for everyone.

Events like MARPM are valuable even for modelers who do not strictly follow a particular prototype. The modeling techniques, layout design ideas, and operational concepts presented throughout the weekend can be applied to railroads of virtually any scale or era.

HARM encourages members to attend events like MARPM and take advantage of opportunities to visit layouts, participate in operating sessions, and learn from fellow model railroaders.

Thanks to the MARPM organizers, clinicians, layout hosts, vendors, and volunteers for another successful meet. Special thanks to HARM members John Zdanis, Greg Meeks, Kelly Regan, and Ed Kapuscinski for sharing their experiences and helping document the event.

We look forward to next year's MARPM Meet!

HARM Members Hit the Road for the Mainline Hobby Supply Layout Tour

Several HARM members recently spent a weekend exploring some outstanding model railroads during the annual Mainline Hobby Supply Layout Tour. The event provided a great opportunity to travel through Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, visit layouts normally tucked away in private homes and clubs, and enjoy two full days of model railroading with friends.

Our travels took us to an impressive variety of layouts representing N, HO, S, O (both 2-rail and 3-rail), and G scales. The layouts ranged from compact home railroads to expansive model railroad empires, each offering its own approach to scenery, operations, track planning, and prototype modeling. With the tour taking place in Western Maryland territory, it was especially interesting to see several layouts devoted to different portions and eras of the Western Maryland Railway.

Saturday's travels included visits to the Canadian Central Railway, Western Maryland Railway layouts of Jay Voight and Larry Thompson, the Keystone Southern, Brian Wolfe's Western Maryland Railway — Blue Ridge Division, the Quincy Model Railroad Club, Dave Moltrup's Beaver Falls & Shenango Railroad, the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, and Mike Shockey's Great Northern Railway: Spokane Division.

The tour continued Sunday with another full schedule. Stops included Bob Morningstar's Western Maryland, Joe Goodrich's Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad — Middle Division, David Sullivan's Allegheny Corridor RR, Steve King's Virginia Midland Railway, David Vaughn's Canandaigua Southern, and David Hughes' Western Maryland Railway.

One of the best parts of a layout tour like this is seeing how other modelers solve the same challenges we all encounter in the hobby. Whether it was a clever track arrangement, realistic scenery, an interesting operating scheme, or a particularly well-modeled scene, nearly every stop provided an idea or two to take home.

Of course, spending the weekend traveling from railroad to railroad with fellow modelers was just as enjoyable as the layouts themselves. The Mainline Hobby Supply Layout Tour continues to be a great way to experience the hobby beyond our own layouts and operating group, and we appreciate the many layout owners who opened their homes and shared their railroads with us. Thanks also to everyone involved in organizing the tour and making another enjoyable weekend of model railroading possible!

HARM Members Attend the 2026 Altoona N-Scale Weekend

Several HARM members made the trip to Altoona, Pennsylvania, in September for the 2026 Altoona N-Scale Weekend, a gathering that brought together N-scale model railroaders, modular clubs, vendors, and enthusiasts from across the country. The weekend offered plenty of opportunities to see impressive layouts, talk with fellow modelers, and enjoy everything N scale.

One of the highlights was the enormous Free-moN modular layout, which included approximately 12 scale miles of track spread across 110 sections. Modules were contributed by 22 modelers representing 12 states, with some traveling as far as 1,500 miles to participate. The layout demonstrated what can be accomplished when modelers from around the country bring independently constructed modules together to create one large operating railroad.

The event also featured an impressive variety of modular groups. Baltimore Area N-Trak (BANTRAK), Northern Virginia NTRAK (NVNTRAK), T.R.A.I.N.-Trak, Capital PenNScalers, Northern New Jersey N-Trak, Keystone N-Trak, Iron City N-Trak, and many other clubs were represented. Together, the layouts provided visitors with a great look at the variety of approaches to modular N-scale model railroading.

Beyond the layouts, the Altoona N-Scale Weekend was a great opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet other model railroaders, exchange ideas, and pick up some inspiration for future projects. Events like this are an important part of the hobby, bringing together modelers who might otherwise only interact online or see one another a few times each year.

HARM would like to thank the Altoona Association of Model Railroaders and everyone involved in organizing and supporting the weekend. Putting together an event of this size takes a tremendous amount of work, and their efforts provided an outstanding weekend of model railroading and fellowship. We look forward to another trip to Altoona!

HARM Switchlist - September, 2026

Welcome aboard The HARM Switchlist, the monthly online bulletin of the Harford Associates for Railroad Modeling—where serious operations meet good company trackside. Each issue keeps members in the loop with a quick, friendly read: Pick-Ups looks back at the highlights and happenings from the past month, Set-Outs flags the upcoming sessions, events, and opportunities you won’t want to miss, and the YardMaster Report spotlights a member, organization, or manufacturer helping keep the hobby rolling. Whether you’re here for the timetable precision or the coffee-and-conversation crew, grab your orders and let’s get to work.

Pick-Ups

HARM member Scott Wooddell attended the 2026 National Train Show, held August 1–2 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, following the NMRA National Convention. The centerpiece was the World Record–breaking National T-TRAK Layout, covering more than 10,000 square feet with 715 modules—the equivalent of 1,511 standard T-TRAK modules—built by more than 170 modelers. Its "Scenic City Route" featured an incredible 93.47 scale miles of continuous mainline, more than tripling the previous record of 28.4 scale miles. Numerous other modular and club layouts representing a variety of scales were also on display.

Many of the hobby’s major manufacturers attended, including ScaleTrains, Bachmann, Atlas, KATO, Rapido Trains, Walthers, Woodland Scenics, Athearn, Broadway Limited Imports, SoundTraxx, and many others. The show gave visitors a chance to see new and upcoming products, shop with vendors, and talk directly with manufacturer representatives.

The Craftsman Corner showcased smaller manufacturers and cottage industries, including Conowingo Models, owned by Chesapeake Division member Chris Coarse, along with Mine Mount Models, Mudd Creek Models, Rail Scale Models, Motrak Models, Phoenix Model Buildings, Tully Models, and others. Between the layouts, manufacturers, and vendors, the National Train Show provided a great finish to a week of model railroading in Chattanooga.

HARM members Bill McAleese, Alan Feldman, and Scott Wooddell participated in Model Railroad Days at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, August 14–16. The three joined the Keystone N-Trak club’s T-TRAK setup, contributing modules and operating trains among the museum’s impressive collection of full-size historic locomotives and railroad equipment. Several other modular clubs representing a variety of scales also participated, making the weekend a great opportunity to share model railroading with the public while enjoying both model and prototype railroading.

Congratulations to HARM members John Zdanis and Ken Poznaniak on earning the NMRA Golden Spike Award! This award recognizes model railroaders who have demonstrated a broad range of skills in areas such as rolling stock, scenery, structures, trackwork, and electrical operation. It is a great accomplishment and an important milestone in the NMRA Achievement Program. Hopefully, the Golden Spike is just the first of many Achievement Program awards for John and Ken as they continue developing their modeling skills and enjoying the hobby. Congratulations to both on a well-deserved achievement!

Set-Outs

YardMaster Report

November means Model Railroad Open House Month, when model railroaders throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey open their layouts for fellow hobbyists and the public to visit. It’s a great opportunity to see some outstanding layouts, pick up new ideas, meet other model railroaders, and perhaps discover a railroad you’ve never visited before. Want to get involved? If you would like to host an open house, visit ModelRailroadOpenHouse.com after the first week of September to sign up. Then, check the website again in October when the complete schedule of November open houses will be posted. Be sure to mark Sunday, November 22 on your calendar! Several Chesapeake Division members in Harford and Cecil counties will be opening their layouts that day, making it a great opportunity for HARM members to spend a Sunday visiting some local railroads. Whether you host a layout or simply spend a day touring them, get out and enjoy Model Railroad Open House Month this November!

Learn more and sign up: ModelRailroadOpenHouse.com

HARM Switchlist - August, 2026

Welcome aboard The HARM Switchlist, the monthly online bulletin of the Harford Associates for Railroad Modeling—where serious operations meet good company trackside. Each issue keeps members in the loop with a quick, friendly read: Pick-Ups looks back at the highlights and happenings from the past month, Set-Outs flags the upcoming sessions, events, and opportunities you won’t want to miss, and the YardMaster Report spotlights a member, organization, or manufacturer helping keep the hobby rolling. Whether you’re here for the timetable precision or the coffee-and-conversation crew, grab your orders and let’s get to work.

Pick-Ups

The 2026 NMRA National Convention recently came to a close after being held during the last week of July in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For one week each year, model railroaders from across North America gather to celebrate the hobby through education, fellowship, and plenty of railroading.

A National Convention offers something for every model railroader. Attendees can tour outstanding home and club layouts, participate in operating sessions on layouts of every size and scale, attend dozens of clinics presented by nationally recognized modelers, and enjoy rail excursions showcasing the host area's railroad heritage. Many conventions also feature tours of local model railroad manufacturers and hobby businesses, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at how many of their favorite products are designed and produced. The week is rounded out with numerous social events, where old friendships are renewed, new ones are made, and ideas are exchanged long after the day's activities have ended.

HARM was represented at this year's convention by Scott Wooddell, who presented a clinic on the Operations Special Interest Group (OPSIG) Achievement Program. The presentation introduced attendees to OPSIG's fun and informal recognition program that encourages participation, learning, and service while maintaining a sense of humor along the way. In addition to presenting, Scott attended clinics, toured layouts, visited the National Train Show, and took part in a rail excursion sponsored by Scale Trains and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. The excursion was powered by Southern Railway steam locomotive No. 4501, which had recently returned to service in its freshly restored Southern green paint scheme, making for a memorable highlight of the convention.

Several members of the Mid-Eastern Region (MER) of the NMRA also attended the convention, representing the region through clinics, committee work, volunteer service, and participation in many of the week's activities. As always, attendees returned home with new ideas, fresh inspiration, and renewed enthusiasm for the hobby—proof that the NMRA National Convention is much more than a gathering of model railroaders; it is an opportunity to learn, share, and build lasting friendships that strengthen the hobby for everyone.

Set-Outs

YardMaster Report

If you're looking for inspiration for your layout or simply want to spend time with fellow model railroaders, this fall offers two outstanding opportunities close to home. The Mid-Atlantic Railroad Prototype Modelers (MARPM) Meet, October 1–4, 2026, in Linthicum, Maryland, is one of the premier prototype modeling events in the country, featuring presentations, manufacturers, historical societies, and hundreds of prototype photos and modeling ideas. Just two weeks later, the Mid-Eastern Region (MER) Convention – Tracks to Tidewater, October 15–18, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offers a full schedule of clinics, home and club layout tours, operating sessions, vendors, contests, and plenty of opportunities to meet and learn from model railroaders throughout the region. Whether you've attended dozens of conventions or have never been to one, I encourage you to consider making the trip. You'll return with new techniques, fresh inspiration, and maybe even a few new friends—many of whom share the same passion for operating railroads that we enjoy here at HARM.

HARM Switchlist - July, 2026

Welcome aboard The HARM Switchlist, the monthly online bulletin of the Harford Associates for Railroad Modeling—where serious operations meet good company trackside. Each issue keeps members in the loop with a quick, friendly read: Pick-Ups looks back at the highlights and happenings from the past month, Set-Outs flags the upcoming sessions, events, and opportunities you won’t want to miss, and the YardMaster Report spotlights a member, organization, or manufacturer helping keep the hobby rolling. Whether you’re here for the timetable precision or the coffee-and-conversation crew, grab your orders and let’s get to work.

Pick-Ups

This month’s writeup is by David DiCarlo and his experience biking the Gap Trail.

My bike with all the gear needed for a night.   As mentioned I had to pack a little heavy as the next day on the way back and later that night temps were about 20 degrees cooler.    Lugging the bike with gear up a 20+ mile grade was a great workout!

Last October I had the opportunity to combine two of my favorite hobbies—railfanning and bicycle touring. I rode the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail from Cumberland, Maryland, to Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, spending a night along the way.

The GAP follows the former Western Maryland Railway through some spectacular scenery, including familiar landmarks like Helmstetter’s Curve and the Keystone Viaduct. It also closely parallels CSX’s Keystone Subdivision over Sand Patch Grade through Meyersdale. Since the CSX line is the one I model, it was especially enjoyable to see many of the locations I know so well in person.

Views from the Ramada on the “train side”of the hotel are great and there always seems to be train activity going on.   This is the west side of the yard so often trains will hold here waiting for clearance to leave the yard.   In this shot I had the Cumberland Virtual Rail website up which is a couple miles east of the hotel to give me notice of approaching westbound trains.  The same intermodal train on my iPad is right outside the window!

I’ve ridden this section of the GAP several times, but usually with non-railfan friends. This time I could stop wherever I wanted to photograph trains or simply enjoy the railroad. That freedom made the trip even more memorable.

I spent the first night at the rail- and bike-friendly Ramada Inn in downtown Cumberland, overlooking the west end of Cumberland Yard. Years ago, when it was still a Holiday Inn, I stayed there many times while traveling for work. If you request a trackside room, you’ll have a front-row seat to the yard activity throughout the night, especially between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m. You won’t get your best night’s sleep, but you’ll certainly see plenty of railroad action!

On the way to the Ramada Inn downtown I stopped to check out some of the action at Mexico Farm Road bridge on the east side of the yard. There is a nice gravel parking area just before the bridge on a hill overlooking the tracks.

Before turning in for the evening, I spent some time railfanning at CP Mexico east of the yard and around downtown Cumberland. Dinner was at one of my favorite local spots, the Baltimore Street Grill, which serves great food, cold beer, and is just a short walk from the hotel.

The next morning I began the 32-mile ride to Meyersdale. While the trail is gentle by railroad standards, it climbs nearly 1,000 feet over the course of the trip, making for a steady uphill ride. I carried my overnight gear on the bike and packed far more clothing than I needed during the pleasant 60-degree ride. As it turned out, the extra layers came in handy when temperatures dropped into the low 30s overnight, making for a chilly and breezy ride back the next day.

A few miles east of Meyersdale you reach the eastern continental divide.     All rainwater to the east of this point goes to the Chesapeake Bay while west goes toward the Mississippi River.

In Meyersdale I stayed at the Red Lantern Inn, a charming seven-room bed-and-breakfast in a Victorian home located right beside the CSX main line on the 1.5% climb toward Sand Patch. Yes, that location was chosen very intentionally! Although the tracks sit in a deep cut and can’t be seen from the house, you can clearly hear trains working hard up the grade. A nearby road bridge with a sidewalk offers an excellent vantage point, and with several grade crossings nearby, the locomotive horns make sure you never miss an approaching train. Meyersdale has a handful of restaurants for dinner, but reservations are a good idea during busier weekends.

Description showing where you are along with the grades encountered.    The Western Maryland scenic rail line runs right along side the Gap Trail from Cumberland to Frostburg.   There are two narrow tunnels that both the trail and track share which make for interesting meets.

The following morning I set out in temperatures in the upper 30s. Before heading back to Cumberland, I rode a few miles west to enjoy the views from Salisbury Viaduct. Then it was time to enjoy the mostly downhill ride back.

One of the highlights of the return trip came at Keystone Viaduct. Hearing horns echoing from both directions, I waited long enough to witness a two-train meet on the bridge—a perfect reward for my patience. From there the GAP gradually moves away from the CSX main line until reaching the Narrows near Cumberland.

The next day I actually rode a few miles west of Meyersdale to cross the impressive Salisbury Viaduct.     The GAP trail follows the old Western Maryland Railroad and you can still see old remnants of the rail line.   East of here I got a nice two train meet while on the Keystone Viaduct.

Just east of Keystone Viaduct, a short ride on local roads leads to the west portal of Sand Patch Tunnel. I’ve made that side trip several times on previous rides, but skipped it this trip to stay on schedule.

Back in Cumberland that afternoon, I spent a little more time watching trains across from the hotel before loading up the bike and heading home. After a night of listening to freight trains, I finally got a good night’s sleep!

The Great Allegheny Passage remains one of my favorite rail-and-bike destinations. The combination of outstanding scenery, fascinating railroad history, and frequent CSX action makes it hard to beat. I’m already looking forward to doing it again this fall.

Detailed information about the significance of the Narrows.    This was the spot where for many years there used to be to be a Budweiser billboard between the tracks and the road and often when there wasn’t room in the yard for manifest trains to be switched dispatch would tell train crews to “hold at Bud Board”!      On my layout which is set in the early 2000’s and the sign was still there I put a Budweiser billboard up and will have trains held there before entering the yard!   

Heading back into Cumberland, like on the way out, you go through the very impressive Narrows with its 1100 foot overlook in a narrow gorge.    Back in the day this was a huge transportation landmark with the B&O, Western Maryland, a river canal and the old National Highway heading west running sharing this narrow funnel.    The double stack train in view is the Chicago to Chambersburg, PA intermodal train.     This was before the Howard Street tunnel completion so this train was easy to pick out as the Baltimore to Chicago train was only single stack.  

  • Scott Wooddell has been busy contributing to the model railroad community with articles appearing in two recent publications.

    In the current issue of The Dispatcher's Office, the quarterly publication of the Operations Special Interest Group (OPSIG), Scott's featured Field Report takes readers inside an operating session on his freelance N scale Deer Creek & Susquehanna Railroad. The article highlights the layout's operations, railroad design, and the role-based experience that keeps operators engaged throughout a session.

    Scott also has an article featured in the July/August issue of The Local, the official publication of the Mid-Eastern Region (MER) of the NMRA. In the article, he demonstrates how an air eraser can be used to safely remove factory-applied paint from freight cars and locomotives in preparation for applying custom decals. The step-by-step article offers practical tips for modelers looking to customize their rolling stock with professional-looking results.

Set-Outs

YardMaster Report

For more than three decades, Bar Mills Models has been producing some of the hobby’s most distinctive laser-cut structure kits. Based in Maine, the company is known for capturing the character of weathered wooden buildings, rural industries, and small-town America.

Their product line includes depots, mills, warehouses, waterfront structures, homes, and countless detail kits that help bring layouts to life. Many of their kits feature clever design, fine laser-cut wood, and cast detail parts that reward modelers who enjoy building and weathering structures.

In addition to their kits, Bar Mills regularly shares modeling tips, project ideas, and inspiration through their website and social media. Whether you’re looking for a signature scene or simply want to improve your structure-building skills, Bar Mills Models is well worth exploring.

HARM Switchlist - June, 2026

Welcome aboard The HARM Switchlist, the monthly online bulletin of the Harford Associates for Railroad Modeling—where serious operations meet good company trackside. Each issue keeps members in the loop with a quick, friendly read: Pick-Ups looks back at the highlights and happenings from the past month, Set-Outs flags the upcoming sessions, events, and opportunities you won’t want to miss, and the YardMaster Report spotlights a member, organization, or manufacturer helping keep the hobby rolling. Whether you’re here for the timetable precision or the coffee-and-conversation crew, grab your orders and let’s get to work.

Pick-Ups

  • Scott W. attended the annual Erik Seidelmann N-Scale Gathering on May 2–3, 2026, in New Jersey, an event hosted each year by the New Jersey Southern modeling organization. Held at a local community center, the gathering brought together N-scale model railroaders and enthusiasts for a weekend dedicated to the hobby. The event featured several impressive modular layouts, including T-Trak, N-Trak, and Free-moN setups, each displaying unique scenery, operations, and modeling styles. Attendees enjoyed watching trains move across the layouts while exchanging ideas and techniques with fellow hobbyists. Several vendors were also present throughout the weekend, offering rolling stock, locomotives, structures, scenery materials, and other model railroad supplies. The event provided a welcoming atmosphere that highlighted both the creativity and strong sense of community found within the N-scale modeling world.

  • Alan F. spent time railfanning at the historic Aberdeen B&O Train Station on May 16, where he captured video of CSX action passing directly in front of the station. One of the highlights of the visit was catching a southbound CSX freight led by a heritage unit, creating an exciting scene against the backdrop of the classic railroad station. The combination of modern freight operations and the historic architecture of the former B&O station made for an especially memorable railfanning experience. Moments like these continue to draw railroad enthusiasts trackside, especially when special locomotives appear unexpectedly on busy mainline routes.

  • On the evening of Friday, May 29, 2026, several members of HARM gathered at Phil's house for a relaxing session of railfanning along the Northeast Corridor. From the comfort of his backyard, the group watched a steady parade of Amtrak and MARC passenger trains pass by as daylight gradually faded into dusk. Between train movements, members shared stories, discussed model railroading projects, and enjoyed the fellowship that has long been a hallmark of the group. The combination of pleasant weather, good company, and frequent passenger train action made for a memorable evening trackside.

Set-Outs

YardMaster Report

The Operations Special Interest Group (OpSIG) is a group within the model railroad hobby dedicated to promoting realistic railroad operations. Rather than focusing solely on scenery or train watching, OpSIG encourages hobbyists to recreate how real railroads function through organized train movements, freight switching, dispatching, signaling, and timetable-based operations. Members share ideas and techniques that help layouts operate with greater realism and purpose.

Through articles, clinics, operating sessions, and online resources, the Operations Special Interest Group has helped many model railroaders discover a deeper level of enjoyment in the hobby. The group publishes a quarterly magazine called The Dispatcher’s Office, offers its own Achievement Program focused on railroad operations, hosts regular Zoom meetings, and maintains an active Facebook community where members share ideas and experiences. Whether on a small switching layout or a large basement railroad, operations add teamwork, problem-solving, and realism that bring layouts to life. Membership in OpSIG costs only $10, making it an affordable way for model railroaders to gain access to valuable operational knowledge and connect with others who share an interest in realistic railroad operations.

HARM Switchlist - May, 2026

Welcome aboard The HARM Switchlist, the monthly online bulletin of the Harford Associates for Railroad Modeling—where serious operations meet good company trackside. Each issue keeps members in the loop with a quick, friendly read: Pick-Ups looks back at the highlights and happenings from the past month, Set-Outs flags the upcoming sessions, events, and opportunities you won’t want to miss, and the YardMaster Report spotlights a member, organization, or manufacturer helping keep the hobby rolling. Whether you’re here for the timetable precision or the coffee-and-conversation crew, grab your orders and let’s get to work.

Pick-Ups

  • On April 11, 2026, Andreas and Scott W. attended the Philadelphia Division NMRA-MER meet held at the Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, PA. The hosts provided an impressive spread, including fresh-baked muffins, donuts, Philly pretzels, and drinks. The meeting featured clinics presented by members Kevin Feeney and Steve Wysowski. Kevin’s clinic focused on using die-cast and toy vehicles on a model railroad, highlighting important considerations such as scale and level of detail. Steve, the Education Coordinator at the Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, PA, spoke about the history of the railroad and his role there. Both presentations were engaging and informative. Additional activities included show-and-tell presentations, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and vendor tables. Following the meeting, attendees were invited to tour a 220-square-foot layout at the community center, built by residents. The HO scale, transition-era layout features steam through first- and second-generation diesel operations in the Mid-Atlantic region. It includes a double-tracked main line along with an HOn3 loop, and supports both DC and DCC operation. The layout was featured in the August 2025 issue of NMRA Magazine. The second layout visited, owned by Dr. Steve Wysowski, depicts his hometown of Darby, VT, in 1913 in HOn3 scale. The motive power consists of a mix of MDC kits and brass steam locomotives, all re-powered and re-geared by the owner. Structures are either kitbashed or scratch-built and include numerous detailed scenes. Overall, the meet was a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to see how other divisions host events.

  • April 18, 2026 featured visits to two historic railroad stations. The first stop was in Perryville, MD, where the semi-annual Perryville Railroad Historical Society Train Show was held. The station, built in 1905, dates to the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge across the Susquehanna River. Vendors included Conowingo Models, along with others offering used equipment, railroad-related items, photographs, and apparel.The second stop was the former B&O Railroad station in Aberdeen, MD, which was hosting an open house. The exterior of the station has been fully restored, while plans for the interior restoration are still underway. It is great to see these historic stations being preserved and brought back to life.

Set-Outs

YardMaster Report

  • Mudd Creek Models is a small, specialized manufacturer serving the model railroading community with a focus on detailed, prototypical structures and scenery products. The company primarily produces N-scale craftsman kit structures—true to its slogan, “N-scale kits of distinction”—catering to modelers who enjoy hands-on building and fine detail work, while also occasionally offering select items in HO scale.

    Owned and operated by Frank and Natalie, the business reflects a personal, hands-on approach. Their involvement is evident in the thoughtful design of each kit, with an emphasis on capturing the character of small-town and industrial railroad scenes.

    In addition to structure kits, Mudd Creek Models offers an extensive line of 3D-printed detail parts. These finely crafted components give modelers access to unique, highly specific details—from industrial equipment to trackside accessories—that enhance both realism and individuality on a layout.

    The company continues to expand its offerings and recently became a dealer for AK Interactive, providing modelers with access to high-quality paints, weathering products, and finishing supplies alongside their kits and details.

    With a strong reputation for craftsmanship, innovative use of 3D printing, and a focus on prototypical design, Mudd Creek Models remains a valued contributor to the hobby, especially for N-scale enthusiasts looking to bring their layouts to life.

    Pictured below are several Mudd Creek Models kits that have been built by member Scott W. He has several more that have not yet made it to the layout.