Custom Model Building Services for Model Railroaders Everywhere
The Southern Pacific Railroad's
Clovis Branch, circa 1951
ABOUT MY RAILROAD... My current layout represents the Southern Pacific Railroad’s Clovis Branch - a 24.5 mile branch line running from Fresno to Friant in southern California. The layout is HO scale, and set in the summer of 1951.I started my version of The Clovis Branch in early 2018. I was unhappy with my previous layout for various reasons. While considering what I wanted in a model railway I decided I wanted to model something more manageable - both to build and to operate - while still taking advantage of my generous layout space.While looking for a new prototype to pursue, I discussed several ideas with friends. One of them suggested I have a look at a book on the SP's Clovis Branch, “Serving the Golden Empire - Branch Line Style” by Joe Dale Morris.Here, I found lots to love.The Clovis Branch served many produce-packing houses, a couple of wineries, a large cotton cooperative, a quarry that supplied ballast to the railroad, and a variety of the typical customers found in any small town. Since I enjoy building rolling stock - so much so that I now run businesses building freight cars for others and manufacturing resin roling stock kits - a model of this branch would be the perfect setting for a variety of equipment. At the same time, the SP ran small steam on this branch - it was an ideal home for the 2-6-0s that crews liked to call the “Valley Malleys” - and my modest roster looks just right pulling modest, layout-friendly way-freights and produce extras.The line itself offered a variety of modelling challenges, too - from vineyards and other farms, to a range of industrial, commercial, railroad and residential structures. There’s even a segment of in-street running as the railroad leaves Fresno, plus a connection with an interurban line (abandoned by my chosen era but resurrected on my layout).The layout is up and running, and has proven to offer a variety of operation too. It works beautifully for solo operating sessions, which was a consideration given that I live a long way from most of my friends. But when we are able to get together, the layout also supports a “harvest season” session with multiple freights and 4-6 operators. Regardless of the number of people taking part, operating sessions are relaxing yet rewarding.All in all, it’s been a terrific journey, and it keeps going.The JD Morris book included enough track diagrams and photos to get me started with confidence. But I’ve learned a lot about the SP and the Clovis Branch since then. Unlike previous efforts, this layout combines a relaxed plan with a generous space, which has made it relatively easy to accommodate changes as I go about Serving the Golden Empire, Branch Line Style ...Please visit often. |
THE LATEST BLOG POST...
Turnout improvementFebruary 20th, 2026 I am a big fan of the Fast Tracks track building system. This and 2 previous layouts were built using that system exclusively. My only complaint is the connection of the point rails to the throwbar. It may be a me thing but I have at least one solder joint fail every operating session. There's a slight rotational force applied to the solder joint every time the points are thrown. So I put on my problem solving hat and came up with a solution I'm very happy with.
 I found the smallest machine screws I could, 000-120, 1/16 long. The idea is to solder the tab onto the inner web of the point rail and then bolt the tab to the throwbar. I'm delighted to report that I managed to tap over 100 000-120 holes and not snap the tap  Installation is a tad fiddly and hanging to those tiny screws can be a challenge, but I'm delighted to report that the concept works.  To date I have 4 turnouts redone and they move far more freely than they did with the original method.
Love it when the tech worksFebruary 13th, 2026 For the last few weeks I've been working on a window display layout for my local hobby shop, We determined which structures could be incorporated into the space and a track plan was figured out.  A simple switchback with 3 turnouts which would feature a short train and a couple of cars shuttling back and forth. The key to this was finding a control system to make this work. Cue those fine folks at Iowa Scale Engineering and their Motorman control system. A bit of electronic wizardry that does exactly what we require for either DC or DCC equipped locomotives. The auto-reverse is triggered by an under the track photo receptor, Trainspotter, which we also used to control the turnout motors, MP1. All in all a rather simple setup I'd post a video, but it exceeds the file size allowed, take my word for it, the layout works exactly as desired Now I can work on ground cover and other such things another couple of weeks it'll be in the store window Two more for the collectionJanuary 25th, 2026 Nice timing https://nationalscalecar.com/product/mk105-2-baltimore-ohio-m55a-boxcar/   These were an interesting project with the Duryea underframe to build and an uncommon slack adjuster. And one should not forget to note the interesting roof and ends for these cars Useful projects to have on hand to get us through this rather harsh winter. Sunshine Models CRI&P rebuild #January 15th, 2026 Sunshine kit #64.54  Progress continues as I work through the stash of kits accumulated over the years. This Rock Island car being the latest. I have a real affinity for the variety of rebuilt cars that were present back in the day. This model started with the stock Sunshine kit with improved details. Painted with Scalecoat and weathered with oils and an overspray of dirt More cars coming Speedwitch Media C&NW PS-1January 1st, 2026
 Another one of Ted's more recent offerings. A really neat car. I confess an affinity for 40' Autocars. Much like the BX-34, Ted has included a large amount of photoetch details. There's a clear path that Ted is on with his newer kits, and I for one, am fully onboard. I welcome the challenge of newer techniques and finer details. But next will be a couple of NSC mini-kits that I've ignored for a few years now Happy New Year Speedwitch Media Bx-34December 24th, 2025 It's been 4 months now since I decided to cease my business operations with Yarmouth Model Works and YMW_Modelu. And I have to say it was a very good decision for me. I've been able to get more done on the layout, as well as some modeling projects for the pure joy of building great models. ATSF Bx-34  https://speedwitchmedia.com/product/p126-atsf-bx-34-duryea-cushion-underframe-modified-aar-box-car/ This Mini-kit as to be one of the most detailed offerings I've ever seen. The model was a challenge, but well worth the effort. The instructions are well written and guide you through the trickier processes. A normal resin kit I could get ready for paint with 8-10 hours of work, I've built almost 2000 over the years. This model took a good 40 hours. I am already started on my next Speedwitch project, the C&NW PS-1. It too has some challenges, but that where the fun is.  And in other news; After more than 40 years of struggle, I'm finally getting relief from a chronic pain issue I have as a result of an accident when I was in college. I had a fall of about 20' and damaged my feet, and until very recently no treatment offered any relief including opioids. I recently learned about a wholly different approach to addressing chronic pain, Spinal Cord Stimulation https://www.pain.com/en/chronic-pain-solutions/spinal-cord-stimulation.html Basically a device is implanted near the spine which sends electrical impulses that interrupt the pain signal to the brain. I had a 3 week trial period and have been approved for a full implant, surgery likely in January. Which will allow me to spend more time on my feet thus getting more accomplished on the layout. So excited! Happy Holidays everyone So where did those etched parts wind up?September 24th, 2025 It can now be told. See his blog post for more details https://prototopics.blogspot.com/2025/09/yarmouth-model-works-etchings.html Good luck Ted So we had a bit of an ops sessionSeptember 22nd, 2025 A bit over a week ago, my buddy Trevor was visiting from out west, and as a result an ops session was had Fresno to Friant (Sept 2025) – The Model Railway Show
Las Palmas stationSeptember 17th, 2025 It's remarkable what can happen when one is not distracted by the daily requirements of running a business. In advance of an operating session this Saturday past, I felt motivated to finally get the station in Las Palmas built.  A rather simple structure after, 20' x 25'. 2 windows in the gable ends and 2 freight doors. What could be simpler?  To my eye, these 3 colours are near perfect match for the SP colours. And I'm well aware that colour perception is hugely subjective. But I'm sticking with these.  TreesAugust 25th, 2025 I mentioned in my last post that I have a preferred process for making trees. I start with these lovely armatures from Model Builders Supply, sadly out of business right now but I've been chatting with the fellow who bought up the inventory.  I clip off most of the branches  And grab some of that lovely Super Tree material, AKA Seafoam, and cutoff smaller branch sized pieces and use ACC(Superglue) to secure to the trunk 
 Precision is not desired. The beauty of using the Seafoam this way is that there is a natural randomness that comes from using a natural material.   I have Noch leaves in a variety of colours on hand    Once that's had a few minutes to dry, another coat of hairspray is applied and then a lighter colour of leaves is sprinkled on to the tree  Poke some holes in the scenery base and plant away 
 15-20 minutes a tree I think they look great, and far more controllable than Polyfibre and groundfoam, in my opinion Back to the fun stuffAugust 24th, 2025 Now that I've made the big decision to cease my commercial operations, it's time to focus on my layout again.  A few hundred grape vine plants from JTT! I seem to have cleaned out North America of this product. The other thing was that I was looking at photos of the area I'm modeling and I came to realize that there were far more trees and shrubs than I had first realized.   It's coming along, I'm very pleased with the results For my US customersAugust 14th, 2025
Due to the threat of new importation restrictions being imposed by the current USA administration,
sales to the USA will be temporarily(we hope) suspended, while we investigate
how to navigate the current restrictions. This is a very distressing development, but with the current set of circumstances, it is felt that we have no alternative. Now taking orders onlineMay 14th, 2025 Our Reading 50' Stretched boxcars can now be ordered through our website; https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-148-2   The last few bits of detail parts are en-route and the final parts bagging will be done shortly, then orders will be shipped. A new kit and a new approachMay 3rd, 2025
Modelers who are keen followers of the anthracite railroads in the years leading up to Conrail will no doubt be familiar with Reading’s “stretched” ACF boxcars. These were a highly recognizable part of the Reading’s boxcar fleet and they represent the bankrupt railroad’s desperate grasp at extending the utility and earning opportunities for significant (for RDG) block of boxcars. 50’ cars were created by cutting 40’ ACF-built boxcars apart and stretching them by ten feet. The middle of the roof received three diagonal panels in the gap created by the stretch. The rest of the roof is comprised of the unique ACF-style panels. Three classes received 8’ doors and one class received 10’ doors. In all, four classes were created: XML e,b,c,h. We’re talking about a total fleet of around 150 cars so this is to be understood as a RDG-specific project. If you’re modelling the northeast and you’re paying attention to freight cars, you know about these. The models feature, one piece pressure cast resin bodies, photo-etched details, detail parts from Moloco and Tichy, and Kato trucks. Along with custom decals and something new, a precut paint mask for the iconic "READING" banner 148.1a XMe
115900-115949 8' door $75.00  148.2 XMLh 19950-19999 10' door $75.00  The new approach, The "READING" banner is not a decal, but rather a precut paint mask, and we've created a paint mix that matches the decal ink for the dimensional statements perfectly. Military modelers have used these masks for some time now, I'm just excited to bring this to the model railroading world The models will be listed on the website shortly A new kit and some other goodiesMarch 5th, 2025 First of all, Tariffs First up, a new kit   The NP/SP&S '51 design 40' boxcar. In a bit of a departure from the standard ’37 AAR design, the NP built some 1500 boxcars, along with 500 cars for the SP&S, that did use much of the '37 AAR guidelines, featured a continuous side sill, making for a unique looking car. The kit includes both lettering options and has all the things you've come to expect from Yarmouth Model Works. For the NYC modelers  and The Despatch 40' roof  And some fun etched bits https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/Products/YMW-406 USRA style lateral support brackets  and another style of 2 rung sill step  All these items are now on the website and available for purchase Follow up on the Tariff blog postFebruary 4th, 2025 So we've been given a reprieve, for now. I want to first thank all those people who voiced support for me and my fellow countrymen as we dealt with this threat. I was touched very deeply and my faith in people was reaffirmed. I also want to drive home how massive a sense of betrayal most Canadians are feeling right now towards what we thought was our closest ally. This is my grandfather; .jpg) Lt Cmd G.M. Oliver on the bridge of the landing craft he commanded for the Normandy invasion. L%20166%20FB.jpg) These were American built vessels that were Lend-Leased to the Royal Navy and 20 were then seconded to the Royal Canadian Navy for invasion duty. It's also important to say, for the most part our issue is not with the American people, but with the current presidential administration. Hopefully this chapter is over. Now onto better news.   My heartfelt thanks for all your support. It got me through some difficult hours. Tariffs!February 2nd, 2025 As of this date, Feb 2, 2025, Trump has decided to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, save oil. Effective Tuesday the 4th. One way or another, everything I sell to my US customers will likely windup costing 25% more. Whether I have to add it to the bill and submit the tariffs to the US government, or the customer has to pay the tariff to the shipper before receiving his package. If the policies announced remain in force through the summer, I will not be attending any of the RPMs I usually frequent. Let's talk about TariffsJanuary 10th, 2025 I've been avoiding writing about this contentious issue, in part because I'd been hoping that is was a lot of bluster from incoming President Trump, but it's looking more and more likely. Simply put, the threatened tariffs will raise the end cost of almost everything we consume in this shared hobby of ours. How the tariffs will be collected remains to be seen, but most likely for mail order items such as my products, it'll be collected by the post office before they hand over to you your package. I'm hoping that wiser heads prevail in this.   Stay tuned NP reefer trucksOctober 2nd, 2024 For you fellows looking to acquire an NP reefer kit from me in Naperville at the RPM; By special arrangement with Brian Leppert of Tahoe Model Works, we have come into possession of a limited number of the NP T-section Andrews trucks.  These trucks are frames only, and will be sold on a first come first served basis. $3.50 a pair ACF proprietary roofSeptember 23rd, 2024 Ben Scanlon was asking for this  New kits for Naperville 2024September 13th, 2024 Where as the summer gone? https://www.rpmconference.com/ It's great to see that Frank Hodina has resurrected the granddaddy of the RPMs. YMW #143.1 CNR wood sheathed reefer  YMW #143.2 GTW wood sheathed reefer  YMW #144 NP wood sheathed reefer  All three feature, one piece body castings and new underframe patterns, photo etched details including prototype specific ladders, laser cut running boards, Tahoe Model Works truck frames and cutom decals from Black Cat Publishing. https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/ Come and say hi at the RPM Some layout improvementJune 30th, 2024 As with so many things in my life, this wasn't planned but just sorta presented itself to me. I was online, poking around for something, don't recall what, when I came across this; https://www.modelrailroadcontrolsystems.com/mp1-version-2-switch-motor/ And I was enthralled.  I have relatively narrow aisles in places, and the choke rods were forever getting caught in clothing and generally annoying me and my operators. Exactly what the doctor ordered. The fascia mount is simple, just drill a 1.5" hole in the fascia for the toggle cup and screw in place  Pass a piece of piano wire up through the existing hole in the roadbed and throwbar, and screw the motor in place, after some brief fiddling back and forth. I found that a piece of double sided tape on the motor helped keep things in place until I could get a screw in. Wiring is simple 12 VDC one lead to the common connection, one lead to the toggle. 2 leads back from the toggle to the 2 options on the toggle The 2 pole terminal makes it easy for me to run a daisy chain to the other motors along the way  There are terminal screws for frog polarity should one desire, I use Hex Frog Juicers, so that's a nonissue. The only thing I struggled with was the actual mounting screws Anyway, one down 51 to go All expectations surpassedJune 7th, 2024 As of today, Friday June 7, 24, advance sales of the helium tank car have ended. My sincere gratitude to all who have committed to buying the kit. Deliveries will start late July Again thanks to everyone for the support  Now available on the websiteJune 5th, 2024 Three new kits are now on the website for immediate sale https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-142-1 https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-142-2    Also Advance sales of the Helium tankcar have surpassed expectations. If you have not made your purchase and intend to do so, I would act quickly. Only 100 kits are being made and over 70 have been purchased Helium tankcar preordersMay 17th, 2024 In a departure from our usual procedure, it has been decided to accept
pre-orders for the Helium Tankcar kit.
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