MRH June 2017's article "A Depot For The Pittsfield Branch" inspired me to build this Walthers kit.  Author Barry Silverton describes useful techniques.   It's a good kit, but the hole next to the left door is not mentioned in the instructions.  I'll cover it with a light fixture. I also added a window to the clerestory over the station agent's desk. 

There's no hole in the Walther's catalog image below.    An overlooked design change ? 

Railfan Danny Harmon's video "Railfanning Jacksonville 09" includes a picture of a track greaser at about the 6 minutes 30 seconds .  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9djPeKGFz0&t=346s 

An unusual close-up view of a train order hoop from photographer Wallace W. Abbey. ​ 

http://www.railphoto-art.org/exhibits/abbey/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_order_operation#/media/File:USA_Train_Order.jpg

Distant Signal Productions is a great railfan source. Danny Harmon does a remarkable job illustrating how railroads run.  At times he uses a drone for getting shots like this.  More important is his articulate narration of operations.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52DK0zqFSe0        other links below.....

AHM diesels made in Yugoslavia are entry level models.   As used items from the 1970's they're in the $20 price range.  It's feasible to add a knuckle coupler by attaching a Kadee 242 coupler box.  This is done by using a #50 bit to drill a hole in the truck mounted coupler bracket.    Illustrations here from an iPhone 5s:

John Allen's "Timesaver" requires switching know-how to move the cars efficiently within the track constraints.  

The phone ap is a good learning opportunity.   Switching assignments increase in complexity as deliveries are completed.  Ten minutes can quickly elapse as an assignment progresses.   If a modeler has free time waiting for something, "Timesaver" is a nice option, otherwise it's a time waster ! 

This November 5th the Northwestern Vermont Model Railroad Association will have the Vermont Rails train show at the Barre, VT auditorium. details:  http://www.nwvrailroad.org/documents/161013_ShowFlyer.pdf

The web site for rail explorers states: "These custom built Railbikes have never before been available in America. "  This six mile ride is in my plans for next summer !

The "One module" challenge contest introduced in the September MRH is a great idea.  Manageable modeling avoids ambition overload.  Building 4 to 8 feet at a time gets usable results, and provides good learning opportunities for people at all levels of modeling.  New techniques are welcome. 

A basic tip: 3/4 inch MDO plywood is good for framing, especially if much moving is likely.  Modules used for portable displays need robust construction.