Welcome aboard The HARM Switchlist, the monthly online bulletin of the Harford Associates for Railroad Modeling—where serious operations meet good company trackside. Each issue keeps members in the loop with a quick, friendly read: Pick-Ups looks back at the highlights and happenings from the past month, Set-Outs flags the upcoming sessions, events, and opportunities you won’t want to miss, and the YardMaster Report spotlights a member, organization, or manufacturer helping keep the hobby rolling. Whether you’re here for the timetable precision or the coffee-and-conversation crew, grab your orders and let’s get to work.
Pick-Ups
The highlight of the month was HARM hosting the NMRA-MER Chesapeake Division meeting at the Perryville Railroad Museum and Station (follow them on Facebook as well) on March 28, 2026. The venue was perfect, and the trains even cooperated. Rich Hafer of the Perryville Railroad Historical Society opened the meeting with an overview of the society and museum. Scott Wooddell presented on the history of railroads in Cecil County. Bill McAleese presented (via recorded video) on building Metcalfe Models cardboard structures. After the meeting, members toured several local layouts (Scott W., Bill F., Ken P., and Dave D.). Scott Wooddell was awarded two Achievement Certificates—Master Builder: Scenery and Chief Dispatcher—by Kurt Thompson, MER AP Manager; he also earned the Golden Spike Award earlier in the month. Many thanks go out to all the individuals that helped this event to be a success. This should encourage more division events in this part of the state.
Set-Outs
April 11-12, 2026 - Great Scale Train Show at Timonium Fairgrounds. We will not have a T-Trak layout setup for this event, but plan to NMRA Conventionreturn in October.
April 18, 2026 - Perryville Train Show at the Perryville Railroad Museum and Station. The show is in the station from 10am - 3pm.
July 27 - August 2, 2026 - NMRA Convention, Chattanooga, TN.
Sept 12-13, 2026 - Altoona N-Scale Weekend, Altoona, PA.
October 1-4, 2026 - Mid-Atlantic Rail Prototype Modelers Meet, Double Tree by Hilton near BWI Airport
October 15-18, 2026 - NMRA-MER Convention, Virginia Beach, VA.
YardMaster Report
Conowingo Models is a small, specialized manufacturer in the model railroading hobby industry based in Conowingo, Maryland, known for producing detailed, craftsman-style kits in scales such as N, HO, O, and On30. Founded and operated by Chris Coarse, the company emphasizes hands-on building and creative customization, offering kits—often made from laser-cut wood with additional detail components—that allow hobbyists to interpret and personalize their projects rather than simply assemble pre-made parts. Its products stand out for their attention to subtle architectural features like roofing and foundations, enhancing realism while still encouraging flexibility and imagination. Drawing inspiration from real-world railroad prototypes, Conowingo Models blends authenticity with creative freedom, and it has expanded its offerings by incorporating and modernizing kits from other brands, including assets from Sugar Pine Models, sometimes using updated techniques like 3D printing, making it a popular choice for hobbyists who value craftsmanship, detail, and affordability over mass-produced simplicity.
Bill M. and Scott W. unknowingly tackled the same Conowingo Models Grey Street Company House kit at the same time—Bill on the HO version and Scott on the N scale. Bill’s HO build went smoothly: he replaced the provided rolled roofing with individually applied shingles, carefully completed paintwork, subtle weathering that brought out the siding and trim, and clean glazing that made the windows pop. Scott’s N scale version was rewarding: tiny parts required a steady hand and a magnifier, paint was applied with patience, and the final, compact model captured the same character as Bill’s larger house. Both finished with pride and complementary results.
