Building a coal-hauling model railroad

These six articles show you how to build and operate a 13 x 19-foot HO scale shelf layout set in Appalachian coal country during the 1950s. Although Tony Koester built the Coal Fork extension as an addition to his Allegheny Midland, this layout would make a great model railroad by itself. Along with the track plan, you'll see how to build benchwork, get tips for handlaying track, learn how to build appropriate scenery and structures, and more. Tony will also give you ideas for running the Coal Fork extension just like a real railroad. (46 pages, 9.7 MB)