Vol. 05: Don Cassler's M&K Divison of the B&O
The M&K Division of B&O Railroad is a spectacular model created by Don Cassler and fellow builders, Bill Hanley and Mark Vinski. Don welcomes Allen into his home to unveil the fruits of a 20-year project. The trio’s layout is based on collective memories of cherished train-watching locales, and was specifically designed to suit the space of Don’s basement.
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) is the oldest railway in the United States. Don’s scale model represents the West Virginia portion of this legendary railroad, where towering mountain grades are common and helper engines contribute additional power to inch winding trains of 50 cars up the steep gradients. 20 years of hard work put in by Don, Bill and Mark is without a doubt on full display, and it’s an understatement to call the incredible M&K a true masterpiece.
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2:29Junctions on the M&K
A unique feature of Don Cassler’s M&K layout is the multitude of junctions. In this video, watch the operation of the M&K and follow along as Allen Keller questions Cassler on the intricacies of his model railroad. The model’s major junction, the HA, features a tower that was modeled after an actual tower in West…
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2:35Hidden Staging Yards
Don Cassler’s layout uses hidden staging yards during its operation. Hidden components on a layout can be an operator’s nightmare, but it has worked for Cassler and his team. In this video, not only will you learn about the hidden staging yards, you will also learn about the various modelers’ contributions to the layout, and…
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1:04Brief Overview on Constructing Benchwork
In this video, Allen Keller questions Don Cassler on the benchwork in his layout. The materials used in the layout are those typical of a model, but their durability is unique. Cassler and his fellow modelers built the benchwork so that it could last and hold up after any sort of impact. Cassler also contributes…
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1:33Don Cassler’s Satisfaction in Creating Model Railroads
There are many areas in which a modeler can find satisfaction in their model railroad. Enjoyment can lie anywhere from the art, to the end result, the operation, or the construction. As Don Cassler describes to Allen Keller in this interview, for him the satisfaction lies more in building the model railroad and less with…
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3:29Enhancing Locomotive Performance
In this video, Mark Vinski, a CSX engineer describes to Allen Keller the various mechanisms of his model locomotives which make them so reliable and keep them performing at the top of their potential. Smooth motor operation is just one key factor in locomotive performance. The micro motor that Vinski uses works in conjunction with…
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3:41Super Detailing Model Railroad Cars
Super detailing can really bring your cars to the next level of realness. Though cars and kits may come with a great deal of detail, some custom additions can be added to achieve the ideal effect. In this video, Allen Keller sat down with Bill Hanley to discuss how he became interested in super detailing,…
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5:12Track Detail & Signaling System
One of the many details that make the M&K such a masterpiece of model railroading is the intricate track detailing, and the working signaling system. Working in a team with each member offering different expertise means this model railroad achieves a high level of realness and smooth operation. Track work is at the heart of…
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