Model Railroader January 2012

Hauling freight in Hawaii
By Joseph Kreiss
The HO scale Big Island Rail plays “what if” in the 50th state
pg. 34

How to add DCC sound to a compact HO switcher
By Don Janes
An ESU LokSound decoder and speaker work well in this Bachmann 44-tonner
pg. 41

Kitbash an offset swing bridge
By Jim Richards
Modifying a styrene kit to model an unusual counterweighted prototype
pg. 44

Build The Virginian: A 4 x 8 with more
By David Popp
Part 1: The plan and operation for our HO scale project layout
pg. 50

9 tips for an organized workbench
By Matt Snell
These tips can make completing projects easier, faster, and more enjoyable
pg. 60

From grass mat to weed patch
By Thomas Klimoski
Use long grass fiber mats to add overgrown areas to your layout
pg. 62

Adding background sound to your layout
By Kathy Millatt
Portable compact disc players, sound effects CDs, and computer speakers make this an easy project
pg. 66

Track plan for an N scale urban terminal railroad
By Bill Carpenter
Lift-up and roll-away sections allow easy pass-through access to this 10 x 13-foot downtown switching layout
pg. 68