HARM Switchlist - May, 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

  • On April 11, 2026, Andreas and Scott W. attended the Philadelphia Division NMRA-MER meet held at the Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, PA. The hosts provided an impressive spread, including fresh-baked muffins, donuts, Philly pretzels, and drinks. The meeting featured clinics presented by members Kevin Feeney and Steve Wysowski. Kevin’s clinic focused on using die-cast and toy vehicles on a model railroad, highlighting important considerations such as scale and level of detail. Steve, the Education Coordinator at the Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, PA, spoke about the history of the railroad and his role there. Both presentations were engaging and informative. Additional activities included show-and-tell presentations, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and vendor tables. Following the meeting, attendees were invited to tour a 220-square-foot layout at the community center, built by residents. The HO scale, transition-era layout features steam through first- and second-generation diesel operations in the Mid-Atlantic region. It includes a double-tracked main line along with an HOn3 loop, and supports both DC and DCC operation. The layout was featured in the August 2025 issue of NMRA Magazine. The second layout visited, owned by Dr. Steve Wysowski, depicts his hometown of Darby, VT, in 1913 in HOn3 scale. The motive power consists of a mix of MDC kits and brass steam locomotives, all re-powered and re-geared by the owner. Structures are either kitbashed or scratch-built and include numerous detailed scenes. Overall, the meet was a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to see how other divisions host events.

  • April 18, 2026 featured visits to two historic railroad stations. The first stop was in Perryville, MD, where the semi-annual Perryville Railroad Historical Society Train Show was held. The station, built in 1905, dates to the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge across the Susquehanna River. Vendors included Conowingo Models, along with others offering used equipment, railroad-related items, photographs, and apparel.The second stop was the former B&O Railroad station in Aberdeen, MD, which was hosting an open house. The exterior of the station has been fully restored, while plans for the interior restoration are still underway. It is great to see these historic stations being preserved and brought back to life.

Set-Outs

YardMaster Report

  • Mudd Creek Models is a small, specialized manufacturer serving the model railroading community with a focus on detailed, prototypical structures and scenery products. The company primarily produces N-scale craftsman kit structures—true to its slogan, “N-scale kits of distinction”—catering to modelers who enjoy hands-on building and fine detail work, while also occasionally offering select items in HO scale.

    Owned and operated by Frank and Natalie, the business reflects a personal, hands-on approach. Their involvement is evident in the thoughtful design of each kit, with an emphasis on capturing the character of small-town and industrial railroad scenes.

    In addition to structure kits, Mudd Creek Models offers an extensive line of 3D-printed detail parts. These finely crafted components give modelers access to unique, highly specific details—from industrial equipment to trackside accessories—that enhance both realism and individuality on a layout.

    The company continues to expand its offerings and recently became a dealer for AK Interactive, providing modelers with access to high-quality paints, weathering products, and finishing supplies alongside their kits and details.

    With a strong reputation for craftsmanship, innovative use of 3D printing, and a focus on prototypical design, Mudd Creek Models remains a valued contributor to the hobby, especially for N-scale enthusiasts looking to bring their layouts to life.

    Pictured below are several Mudd Creek Models kits that have been built by member Scott W. He has several more that have not yet made it to the layout.

Scott Wooddell