Max Magliaro's SP&S 4-6-2 in June 2016 Model Railroad Craftsman

[Cajonpassfan]

Max's last installment, Part 4, is in the most recent issue, and it's a doozie
A great article, it alone is worth the price of the issue, with detailed, large format progress photos only some of which we've seen here. Magnificent workmanship, and a real plug for N scale as a "modeler's scale". I'm probably violating some copyright laws by posting pics here, but I don't care, Max does incredible work showing all of us the art of the possible.
The only thing I miss in the article is an actual scale size elevation of the engine, for the reader to realize just how diminutive some of the assemblies are. The photos look like a larger scale model, and modelers in larger scales have no clue of just how incredibly difficult it is to build credible N scale "scale" models such as this; everything has to be scratch built. Max, congratulations and a big thank you for shining a light, under a magnifier, on what is possible in N scale steam!
My hat's off to you, sir! :
Otto K.

[Chris333]

Max for president!

[mopacaustin]

I might have to go buy that issue of RMC just for Max's 4-6-2 

[mmagliaro]

You know, guys, you really have to knock off the head-swelling compliments. 
But thank you all the same.

As for copyright violations, maybe it technically is, but if some folks go out and buy the magazine, or better yet,
subscribe to RMC, then that may be well worth it.  Frankly, that has always been my favorite magazine and I am deeply
greateful to Stephen Priest and White River Productions for saving it.  I think it has come roaring back better than
it ever was before since he took it over.  I'm darn proud to be in it.

[djconway]

Max,

That whole build is an inspiration for all.  I enjoy seeing your work, I may never reach that level but it gives  me something to shoot for.
Keep up the great work.

[jpwisc]

Thanks for writing the article Max. I'm waiting for the digital issue to be available. This looks like a great issue, as I'm also a fan of the CW&E.

[Joetrain59]

Bowser Buckler Z scale coupler??????
 Joe D

[Cajonpassfan]

As for copyright violations, maybe it technically is, but if some folks go out and buy the magazine, or better yet,
subscribe to RMC, then that may be well worth it.  Frankly, that has always been my favorite magazine and I am deeply
greateful to Stephen Priest and White River Productions for saving it.  I think it has come roaring back better than
it ever was before since he took it over.  I'm darn proud to be in it.

That was my thinking, too. I love the new RMC magazine format and quality, substantive articles such as this. I decided to support it by resubscribing when they first started the new venture and am very pleased with it (although I wonder why I bother with the *other* magazine and their mostly lame content).

And Max, those compliments are all well deserved, that loco is truly a work of art and of love. If someone were to put a price tag on the model remotely representative of your time and craftsmanship, the number would be shocking.
Well done sir!
Otto K.

[basementcalling]

He is now to be known and Max Mag!!     Or is it Mag Max for an a$$hat name.

[chicken45]

Woooo! Not only is Max a god tier modeler, he's a super nice guy, too.

[mmagliaro]

Bowser Buckler Z scale coupler??????
 Joe D

Yes!   These are awesome little beasts, if you can find them.  They have a a smaller, thinner footprint, particularly on the rear part where the coupler box is, so they fit into steam pilots without getting in the way of the pilot truck.  Sometimes, even a Microtrains Z Scale coupler has a coupler box that sticks back just far enough to get in the way.  The only way I know of to get those Bowser Bucklers these days is to buy packages of the Z Scale trucks that have them (Full Throttle - William Dean Wright, sells them in packages of 8, 24 and more).  It's a pricey thing to have to buy and then cut the coupler boxes off.  I know some folks have convinced Bowser to do special large runs of the couplers - perhaps if you are willing to buy hundreds from them. 

A fellow forum member provided me with a few for my 4-6-2 project, but I'm not going to repeat his name here lest people start bugging the daylights out of him for couplers.
 
In general, I don't know of anywhere you can just buy some of the couplers without buying packages of those trucks.

[SAH]

I've been following Max's series in RMC.  Having written a few of those "how to" articles I fully appreciate how much effort he put into the process.  Layer on some innovative solutions to vexing problems N scale scratchbuilders run into, top it off with a beautiful finished product and only the thing I can say is INCREDIBLE.

Many +++++ regarding the rebirth of RMC too.  I look forward to receiving it every month.  I know they'd love to have more N scale stuff to print.  Mark Dance has stepped up big time.  The talent participates on this site.  How about it fellas?

Steve Holzheimer

[up1950s]

The swelling head comments is our attempt to knock off the competition . We won't stop till we see the cranial crown explode and the purple smoke comes out .

[peteski]

Yes!   These are awesome little beasts, if you can find them.  They have a a smaller, thinner footprint, particularly on the rear part where the coupler box is, so they fit into steam pilots without getting in the way of the pilot truck.  Sometimes, even a Microtrains Z Scale coupler has a coupler box that sticks back just far enough to get in the way.  The only way I know of to get those Bowser Bucklers these days is to buy packages of the Z Scale trucks that have them (Full Throttle - William Dean Wright, sells them in packages of 8, 24 and more).  It's a pricey thing to have to buy and then cut the coupler boxes off.  I know some folks have convinced Bowser to do special large runs of the couplers - perhaps if you are willing to buy hundreds from them. 

A fellow forum member provided me with a few for my 4-6-2 project, but I'm not going to repeat his name here lest people start bugging the daylights out of him for couplers.
 
In general, I don't know of anywhere you can just buy some of the couplers without buying packages of those trucks.

Congratulations Max!

Are these couplers the "Lee English" couplers thoroughly digested deep in the bowels of this

[mmagliaro]

Yes, the Bowser Bucklers are the Lee English couplers - created by Lee (from Bowser) as a side project for Z scalers that is not technically part of the Bowser company.

And Yes.... everybody... WRITE.  I think RMC has made it abundantly clear that they do not have any bias against N Scale (a long-heard lament about both MR and RMC).  That is, and always has been, pure bull.  Even before White River, The Carstens folks were more than happy to run N Scale articles.  The problem was that they received almost none from authors because there was this perception that they were only interested in large-scale stuff. 

In fact, RMC's editorial column within the past few months put out a specific request for N Scale layout feature articles.

As far as I'm concerned, White River has put their shoulder to the wheel.  They saved that magazine, massively improved it, tightened up the writing, the photography, print quality, and made it a first-class magazine.  It's up to us now.  Don't be shy.  I've seen plenty of good projects and photography in this very forum that I'm sure would be good enough for the major magazines.