The Blackwing and Western Branch

The last update had us moving to a new house and building out a room for the layout.

Unfortunately we decided that the house was not quite suitable for our needs and moved again about 11 months later.

Our new house is a bit larger, and in a better location. It also has space for my layout (an important criteria.)

I decided I’d make a page listing the web sites and on-line stores that I use for research and for purchasing model railroad material and supplies.

First off though: If you can buy what you need at a local hobby store, you should do that even if it costs a little more. Support your local hobby store or they won’t be around later.

Model Building Kits

• Wild West Scale Models – Mainly old-timey Western style building kits, they also have some modeling supplies.
• ITLA Scale Models – lots of kits and detail parts.
• Railroad Kits – has structure kits and the Fine Scale Miniatures pewter castings.
• American Model Builders Laser Kits – some very nice laser kits of buildings and rolling stock.
• Showcase Miniatures – kits for buildings, vehicles and rolling stock. Some nice detail parts also.
• Motrak Models – kits for buildings, freight car loads and rolling stock.
• Paw of a Bear Model Structure Kits – Laser cut building kits.
• Evergreen Hill Designs – Laser cut kits.
• Blair Line – Laser cut kits and details.
• JL Innovative Design – Laser kits, also owners of the Durango Press line of kits.
• Inter-Action Hobbies – Kits and detail parts.
• Scale Structures Limited and Alloy Forms – Kits and cast metal details.
• Rail Scale Models – Kits and detail parts.
• Mine Mount Models – Laser kits.
• Owl Mountain Models – Freight car kits, loads and details.
• Dr. Ben’s Scale Consortium – Kits and detail parts.
• Resin Car Works – resin freight car kits, trucks, details and decals.
• Diamond Scale Products – kits for engine terminal buildings.
• Maple Leaf Trains – building kits and detail parts.
• JV Models – craftsman building kits.
• Berkshire Valley Models – laser building kits and mine details.
• Bollinger Edgerly Scale Trains – building kits and lots of detail parts.

Detail Parts

• Rusty Stumps – lots of detail parts including some nice HVAC ducting.
• Alexander Scale Models – lots of detail parts for rolling stock and buildings.
• Cal Scale – Cast brass detail parts.
• National Scale Car – detail kits for superdetailing fright cars.
• Yarmouth Model Works – detail parts for freight cars.
• Plano Model Products – photo etched details for freight cars and vehicles.
• Wiseman Model Services – detail parts and vehicles.

General Building Materials

• Northeastern Scale Lumber Co. – Scale lumber, siding, etc.
• Fast Tracks – Jigs and parts to build trackwork and turnouts.

Decals

• Precision Design Co – custom decals and accessories.
• Archer Transfers – decals to add rivets and other details.
• Black Cat Decals – decals and some etched metal details.

DCC Info and Sales

• DCC++ – Open source DCC command station.
• Allan Gartner’s Wiring for DCC – Tons of DCC wiring info.
• Litchfield Station – DCC sales and installation.

General Hobby Stores

• Arrow Hobby – kits and detail parts, grab irons, etc.
• Yankee Dabbler – Hobby shop with a good selection of DCC parts for sale.
• Bob the Train Guy – great prices on just about anything you can think of.
• Hobbylinc – full hobby store with good prices and lots of model railroad stuff.

Vehicles

• Oxford Die Cast – lots of scale vehicles

Misc Useful Sites

• Time and Seasons – downloadable signs to print for your layout.