The response to our Reading Company Wayside Sign Decals has been very positive - Reading Modeler Contributing Editor John Caples (rdg1187prr) has written a review (unsolicited!) offering his feedback on them, as well as his methods for constructing and installing them.  Click here to read John's review.

NOTE:  We are VERY interested in your opinions on model railroading products that are out there in the marketplace, whether directly related to the Reading or otherwise.  If you would like to share your experiences by writing a review, click here to submit one.  Tell us what you think, and we'll take care of any editing and technical stuff.  Thanks for helping out your fellow modelers by offering your thoughts!

UPDATED 5/4/08 - New modeling article added!

John Caples has spent a considerable amount of time researching the Reading's Continuous Welded Rail Train, and a new article outlining the history and operation of this unique collection of Reading equipment can be found here.  We're also pleased to announce the first installment in John's series on modeling the CWR Train with an article on constructing the End Protection Car!

The Reading Modeler is pleased to announce the release of our Reading Company Wayside Sign HO Scale decal set!  Based on official Reading Company Maintenance of Way drawings, these cast-iron signs could be found at various locations along the right-of-way.  Produced by Rail Graphics for The Reading Modeler, this is an extensive decal set that will help add an extra degree of authenticity to your layout - nothing says "Reading" like the railroad's trademark cast-iron Whistle posts and yellow "Close Clearance" signs, and they're all included in the set, ready for installation on your layout!

Click on "Read More" for more details and info on how to order...

Here is some information regarding upcoming model/toy train shows in Pennsylvania.  The Reading Modeler will try to publish information regarding similar events on the site as we learn of them; if you know of an event that is not listed here, please click on Contact Us to let us know!

Saturday/Sunday, May 17th and 18th, 2008: The Great Lehigh Valley Train Meet
Merchants' Square Mall, 1901 S. 12th Street, Allentown, PA
Sat 10:00am - 4:00pm - Z, N, On30, HO, Brass, DCC and Scale
Sun 10:00am - 3:00pm - S, O-27, O, Standard & G Scale, Lionel, American Flyer, etc.
Adults $5:00, Children 12 and under Free, 2-day pass $7.00
For info, contact LVtrainmeet@yahoo.com or visit www.lehighvalleytrainmeet.com

Saturday/Sunday, May 17th and 18, 2008:  Reading Society of Model Engineers Spring Open House
RSME headquarters, Iron Horse Lane off of Mt. Laurel Road, Temple, PA
12:00pm - 5:00pm - Admission by donation
Outdoor ride-on live steam and diesel layouts, O, On3, Tinplate and HO modular layouts, displays and refreshments
For info, contact RSME at 610-929-5444 or visit www.rsme.org

Sunday, June 1, 2008:  Spring Hamburg Dutch Train Meet
Hamburg Field House - Pine Street, Hamburg, PA
9:00am - 1:00pm - Admission $4.00, Children under 12 Free
For info, contact Ralph Maurer at 610-987-3144 or 610-374-7632

Sunday, July 27, 2008:  Summer Hamburg Dutch Train Meet
Hamburg Field House - Pine Street, Hamburg, PA
9:00am -1:00pm - Admission $4.00, Children under 12 Free
For info, contact Travis Lenhart at 745-856-0963 or tllenhart@comcast.net

We're happy to announce that after a somewhat slow start, the Reading Modeler Forum is taking off, with several users engaging in dialogue on several topics.  A big "thank you" to RDG-Barry for starting a variety of topics and encouraging users to get involved!  If you haven't done so already, register as a member (it's free!) and check out the Forum!

We here at The Reading Modeler have several articles and projects in the pipeline to keep enhancing the site, but we can't do it alone.  We need your knowledge and support to keep the community growing and adding to the breadth of Reading Railroad modeling knowledge that is out there.  We would really like to see more user-contributed materials on the site.  There are several ways you can contribute - if you've got prototype or model photos that you'd like to share, if you've got some good prototype information that is useful for modeling purposes, personal reminiscences, anything and everything related to the Reading would be welcome.  Please remember that we also have the "Reading Modeler Reviews" feature on the site - if you've had an experience with a modeling product, a book or destination, we'd love for you to share your opinion with the community by writing a review!

You don't need to worry about being able to spin prose like Hemingway or being a Photoshop master, we will take care of the editing and the technical stuff, all you need to do is send us your material and we'll do the rest.  You can reach us via the Contact Us or Contribute Material links in the Main Menu, or, you can e-mail us at conductor@readingmodeler.com.

We've worked had to get The Reading Modeler to this point, and judging from some of the feedback we've received, we think we're off to a good start.  However, we need your help to take site to the "next level."  We encourage you to help us get there by contributing material to the site for the benefit of the Reading Modeler community!

Thanks,

Tom Jacobs
Webmaster

The Reading Company Technical & Historical Society has produced and has made available for limited release an HO Scale kit of the Reading Company's Rushland Station, located along the New Hope Branch outside of Philadelphia (the present-day New Hope and Ivyland Railroad).  Although specific to Rushland, this kit is typical of Reading construction and could be used to represent any number of locations on your layout.  If you're feeling ambitious, more than one kit could be combined to replicate a larger depot.  The kit includes laser-cut wood sides and trim pieces, roofing material, clear window glazing material, and a cast-metal chimney.   Detailed instructions are included.  In addition to looking great on your layout, your purchase of a kit helps benefit the Society's preservation efforts and the launch of the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg, PA.

Please note that all proceeds go directly to the RCT&HS.  The Reading Modeler is promoting the availability of this kit to help the Society and to raise awareness to Reading fans that might not be Society members.  Supplies are limited - order yours today!

Click on "Read More" for photos and instructions on how to order...

The Reading Company Technical & Historical Society has produced and has made available for limited release an HO Scale Reading Company Crossing Shanty kit.  These shanties appeared at grade crossings all along the Reading system, and existed even into the mid to late 1960s in some locations.  The kit includes laser-cut wood sides and trim pieces, cardstock roof pre-embossed with shingles, clear window glazing material, and a cast-metal smoke jack and toolbox.   Detailed instructions and a prototype photo are included.  In addition to looking great on your layout, your purchase of a kit helps benefit the Society's preservation efforts and the launch of the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg, PA.

Please note that all proceeds go directly to the RCT&HS.  The Reading Modeler is promoting the availability of this kit to help the Society and to raise awareness to Reading fans that might not be Society members.  Supplies are limited - order yours today!

Click on "Read More" for instructions on how to order...