Top Ten Model Railroad Authors

[Anonymous]

I’ve been musing recently about folks whose articles in the model railroading press have had a big effect on my own modeling. I came up with the following list:

JOHN ARMSTRONG
Everything I know about layout design seems to have come directly or indirectly from John Armstrong.

TED CULOTTA
If there were a Pulitzer Prize for model railroad journalism, surely Ted’s ongoing “Essential Freight Cars” series in RMC would win hands down. A master class in resin kit construction, detailing, painting and weathering, not to mention a gold mine of prototype information.

PAUL DOLKOS
Paul’s Boston & Maine layout has to be one of the most beautiful model railroads ever built, and Paul has shared many secrets of his (and other people’s) success through his excellent writing and photography.

J. H. GEISSEL
I’ve always loved prototype drawings, and Geissel’s are the best. His subtle control of line weight and shading elevates his draftsmanship to the level of art. I taught myself drafting by copying Geissel’s work.

BILL HENDERSON
An MR editor once said (more or less) “No one captures the grime and glory of coal railroads better than Bill Henderson.” Couldn’t agree more. His Coal Belt is a wonder.

LOGAN HOLTGREWE
My interest in urban railroading dates to the December 1975 issue of MR and an article entitled “The urban scenery of Severna Park.” Logan’s towering, scratch built structures were a revelation to me (and I suspect, to others as well).

JIM SIX
Master of detailing, painting and weathering diesels. One of his articles almost lured me into modeling the Penn Central. Fortunately, I came to my senses.

EARL SMALLSHAW
Another master of modeling the urban scene. I don’t generally care for “humorous” signage, but I always get a chuckle out of the slogan Earl came up with for the Miracle Chair Company: “If it’s a good chair, it’s a Miracle!”

ROBERT SMAUS
If Bob didn’t invent the phrase “uniformity of finish” he has certainly showed us what it means. Bob’s handling of color, texture, composition and detail puts his SP layout in the first rank of model railroads. Another great writer and photographer.

MEL THORNBURGH
Whenever I find myself wishing for a bigger workbench or more elaborate equipment I think of Mel, who could whip up beautiful scratch built steam locomotives on the kitchen table with about a dozen hand tools.

So that’s it: my Top Ten Model Railroad Authors. My hat is off each one of them. Who would you include in your top ten?

- Charlie

[bwftex]

I add to that.................

Linn Wescott
Jack Work
Andy Sperando

Bruce

[Anonymous]

James Kincaid for his articles in Mainline Modeler on the Auto Parts Cars.
Jim Eager for his many articles on the proper prototypes for the cars that are availiable by the manufacturers.

Rick

[tjsmrinfo]

how about Dean Freytag?? or Jim Hediger?? or even our own Fundy Northern????????

uhh what about these guys???


oh i know you just don'tkike these guys. is that it??
i actually met Dean and got to see his South Ridge Lines in person


tom

[IRONROOSTER]

My subjective list is:
John Armstrong
Bill Schopp
Linn Wescott
Frank Ellison
E.L.Moore
John Allen
J. H. Geissel
Bob Hegge
Harold H. Carstens
The Old Yardmaster

There are many others I have enjoyed over the years.
Enjoy
Paul

[orsonroy]

I'll add to the above (in no particular order):

Tony Koester
Bill Darnaby
John Swanson
Bob Hundman

[PennsyHoosier]

I like Dave Frary and Lou Sassi for scenery. All the rest mentioned are tops, too!

[davekelly]

Just Ten? There are very many. I agree with all the above, but would add . . . .


Gordy Odegard would definately make my list. I think his building a brass steamer series was excellent. Although I will probably never tackle that project - I enjoyed reading each and every installment.

Art Curren. I consider Art the kitbashing guru. His creations were fantastic. The cool part was that upon finishing an article I always said "I can do that!" To me that is the sign of an excellent author.

Tony Koester. Although I doubt I will ever be into operations as much as him, I do enjoy reading his take on our hobby. I can disagree with his views while still enjoying his articles - yeah I'm weird.

John Page - I loved his "looking back" column. Makes one really appreciate what we have today.

[Anonymous]

As a 31 year old guy, here are my pics:

Bob Smaus (already mentioned)
David Barrow
Michael Tylick
John Armstrong
Tony Koester

(have lots of old Linn Wesctcott books on the shelf that were my Dads that are older, but I've still learned from them)

[Anonymous]

Add,

Jim Vail
Boone Morrison
Harry Brunk
Paul Scoles

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Trainnut1250

Add,

Jim Vail
Boone Morrison
Harry Brunk
Paul Scoles

Sounds like a fan of the Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette!

Me too!

Bob Boudreau