MMR Don Cassler, modeler of the B&O M&K Division lost his battle with Prostate cancer May 2015. Don's layout was captured in Allen Keller's Great Model Railroads #5 and in the June, 1990 issue of Model Railroader. His layout featured hand-laid trackwork, beautiful mountain scenery, a working signaling system and some great operation in his monthly sessions. His passing places him with other icons of the hobby such as, John Allen, Linn Wescott, and Paul Mallery. His railroad lasted for almost 30 years and he hosted many open houses and op sessions for visiting modelers.

I just received an email from a Kato representative and they are able to donate a  HO scale Metra engine. Also a local club has supplies they can donate and also the donations from David Thanks to all of them.

The last remaining Hawaiian railway roundhouse may be demolished. The owner's want to sell the property and only see the nearly 100 year old building as a liability. What should be done? Should I put up a KickStarter program, seek a benefactor, or put together a partnership and buy it?

There is so much to do on a model railroad! While most of my students are absorbed by the experience of operating, I have more students than available operating positions at any given time, so it's a good idea to keep other activities on tap that make a contribution to the fun and provide an educational benefit.

Building scale structures is one of those things.