Shortline Modelers Lounge

Story by Shawn Branstetter
The age-old question. But can anyone really provide an answer? My personal belief is no. That is a question that you, the modeler, must answer on your own. Now there are many thoughts on the matter and all seem to be pros and cons for both sides. This article will be no exception. Its purpose is to speak to the modeler who is new to the hobby surfing to gather information on model railroading.
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A weekly series of web and user inspiration. This will just be images and links to inspire you. If you have photos or links to share, pass them along. Read the rest of this entry »

A weekly series of web and user inspiration. This will just be images and links to inspire you. If you have photos or links to share, pass them along.

Models and Photos by Jack Burgess

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Story by Shawn Branstetter, Photos from the collection of Steven Cope,

Ambitions

California’s Gold Rush in 1849 saw fortune seekers from all around the world hoping to strike it rich. As the mines and timber mills in Toulumne and Calaveras Counties grew in numbers, so was the need to transport the material.

Seeing that need, Thomas S. Bullock, with the help of William Crocker and Prince Andre Poniatowski in 1897, began construction on a line that would branch off of the Southern Pacific in Oakdale to connect with these logging railroads and mines in the Sierras. In 1898, the Sierra Railway reached the town of Sonora. About the same time a major gold deposit was discovered in neighboring Calaveras County and mines were being built all over the area to capitalize on the wealth. A decision was made to build a branchline to Angels Camp in order for the Sierra Railway to capitalize as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Story by Shawn Branstetter,
Podcasting is not a new idea. The technology has been around for sometime and ever since Apple’s iTunes was released, podcasting has been getting more popular and easier to access.

What is podcasting? Wikipedia defines it as a series of digital computer files, usually either digital audio or video, that is released periodically and made available for download by means of web syndication. Read the rest of this entry »

We are beginning a new weekly series of web and user inspiration. This will just be images and links to inspire you. If you have photos or links to share, pass them along.
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Shortline Modelers Lounge is looking for modelers who want to share information or modeling techniques with us. We are currently looking for layout tours, track laying tips, weathering and scenery ideas. Anyone is welcome to submit and if published, you will get paid. If you have any questions for us, please feel free to contact us at shortlinemodelers@gmail.com.

Story and Photos by Shawn Branstetter,

When I first started in the hobby one of my biggest challenges was staining wood. It was to me what a blank piece of paper is to someone who can’t draw, frightening. I didn’t understand that I could practice on scrap first and then tackle the real stuff. Now I know there a million articles in magazines all across the globe which have done “how-to’s” on this subject, however, this one is targeted to the very beginner. Read the rest of this entry »

Story By Shawn Branstetter, Models by Marcel Ackel and Chen Ping,
I have found over the years as a graphic designer, I have a need for detail. I think I am in the majority when it comes to artists of all mediums. Model builders, who are very talented artists, are the same no matter what the subject is or country they are from. It’s the details that count. Read the rest of this entry »

Story and Photos by Shawn Branstetter,

Boxcars sometimes have two lives, revenue service and shelters of various shapes, sizes and functions. I found two old cars at the Sierra Railroad’s shops in Jamestown, CA serving their latter years as a hand car and tool shed. Read the rest of this entry »