HARM Switchlist - June, 2026

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

  • Scott W. attended the annual Erik Seidelmann N-Scale Gathering on May 2–3, 2026, in New Jersey, an event hosted each year by the New Jersey Southern modeling organization. Held at a local community center, the gathering brought together N-scale model railroaders and enthusiasts for a weekend dedicated to the hobby. The event featured several impressive modular layouts, including T-Trak, N-Trak, and Free-moN setups, each displaying unique scenery, operations, and modeling styles. Attendees enjoyed watching trains move across the layouts while exchanging ideas and techniques with fellow hobbyists. Several vendors were also present throughout the weekend, offering rolling stock, locomotives, structures, scenery materials, and other model railroad supplies. The event provided a welcoming atmosphere that highlighted both the creativity and strong sense of community found within the N-scale modeling world.

  • Alan F. spent time railfanning at the historic Aberdeen B&O Train Station on May 16, where he captured video of CSX action passing directly in front of the station. One of the highlights of the visit was catching a southbound CSX freight led by a heritage unit, creating an exciting scene against the backdrop of the classic railroad station. The combination of modern freight operations and the historic architecture of the former B&O station made for an especially memorable railfanning experience. Moments like these continue to draw railroad enthusiasts trackside, especially when special locomotives appear unexpectedly on busy mainline routes.

  • On the evening of Friday, May 29, 2026, several members of HARM gathered at Phil's house for a relaxing session of railfanning along the Northeast Corridor. From the comfort of his backyard, the group watched a steady parade of Amtrak and MARC passenger trains pass by as daylight gradually faded into dusk. Between train movements, members shared stories, discussed model railroading projects, and enjoyed the fellowship that has long been a hallmark of the group. The combination of pleasant weather, good company, and frequent passenger train action made for a memorable evening trackside.

Set-Outs

YardMaster Report

The Operations Special Interest Group (OpSIG) is a group within the model railroad hobby dedicated to promoting realistic railroad operations. Rather than focusing solely on scenery or train watching, OpSIG encourages hobbyists to recreate how real railroads function through organized train movements, freight switching, dispatching, signaling, and timetable-based operations. Members share ideas and techniques that help layouts operate with greater realism and purpose.

Through articles, clinics, operating sessions, and online resources, the Operations Special Interest Group has helped many model railroaders discover a deeper level of enjoyment in the hobby. The group publishes a quarterly magazine called The Dispatcher’s Office, offers its own Achievement Program focused on railroad operations, hosts regular Zoom meetings, and maintains an active Facebook community where members share ideas and experiences. Whether on a small switching layout or a large basement railroad, operations add teamwork, problem-solving, and realism that bring layouts to life. Membership in OpSIG costs only $10, making it an affordable way for model railroaders to gain access to valuable operational knowledge and connect with others who share an interest in realistic railroad operations.

Scott Wooddell