I have been scratch building HO scale models since about 1961. That is a long time to commit precious “spare” time to a personal interest, i.e., a hobby. Since, most of the time, I am of sound mind, there must be other reasons for this interest to persist. There are, really simple and banal ones. I do it because I relish the challenge to my modeling skills and the accompanying “thrill of the chase”, which is imbedded in the search for sometimes rare and obscure information. A bonus benefit is the opportunity to meet very accomplished and interesting people.

This probably sounds daunting to the person contemplating the addition of scratch building to their repertoire. My advice to this person is simple. Find a “project” easy enough for a beginner and do it. It is that easy!

I have attached a drawing from the UNION PACIFIC HISTORICAL SOCIETY collection of Union Pacific drawings.  It is a narrow gauge flatcar and it can be built using skills and tools acquired in your  practice of the modelling hobby. In short, get going on the sort of modelling that will be enjoyed for the years to come. In 1961, I did and I am enjoying every minute of it.

If you have any questions for me, The Old Machinist, use the comment feature of this Blog and I will reply ASAP.

Link to drawing:https://olrailpics.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/blog-n-g-flatcar-26050163.jpg

Click on the image to enlarge.

SUITABLE FOR A BEGINNERS FIRST SCRATCH BUILDING PROJECT