Model Railroading

The B&ORHS is active in the development of new scale models that accurately represent a structure or an item of equipment that ran on the B&O during its existence.  Our intention is to collaborate with manufacturers making accurate models available to the modeling community.

The Modeling Committee of the B&ORHS is tasked with the objective of supporting modelers and manufacturers in creating and producing the most authentic representations of B&O rolling stock, infrastructure, detail parts, and special run Locomotives. 

Our archives facility has an extensive collection of drawings, lettering diagrams, and photos available to assist modelers and manufacturers. We prefer to see actual historically period correct lettering and details wherever possible rather than re-lettering of models of equipment and structures not owned by the Baltimore & Ohio. We have gathered a full set of lettering information and developed associated computer fonts to assist those who are producing B&O models (or conducting 1:1 scale restoration projects). To view this information, click here.

For a research and reproduction fee, we can provide paint chips, drawings, and photos to assist the model builder to develop a quality product. The modeler or manufacturer needs to state the specific information he or she is seeking for the type of equipment or structure, including components of interest, location, time frame (era), and variations desired.

Input is sought for projects the membership would like to see, including rolling stock, buildings, decals, common trackside details, etc.  Whether you are a commercial entity or an individual with an idea of a B&O product that has a clear path to production (with a recommended vendor), please feel free to suggest B&O-related projects you would like to see produced. Email us at modeling@borhs.org with your thoughts.

B&ORHS-Assisted Projects

Among the projects we have been active with and/or supported include:

  • M-24 USRA single-sheathed boxcar, including a maintenance of way version by Rapido

  • I-12 caboose by Spring Mills Depot

  • Ice Breaker framework for 2-bay offset side hoppers by Bethlehem Car Works and White Rose Hobbies

  • Depressed Center flat car by Class One Model Works

  • I-16 caboose by Pro Custom Hobbies

  • M-26d boxcar by Red Caboose

  • P-25d 53’ bulkhead flat by Intermountain

  • N-34 wagontop covered hopper by Spring Mills Depot

  • E-8 locomotives by Life-Like

  • GP-7 and GP-9 locomotives by Proto 2000/ Proto 2000

  • GP-30 locomotives by Life-Like / Proto 2000

  • Alco FA-2, FB-2 locomotives by Life-Like

  • Budd RDC Coach and Baggage/Coach by Life-Like / Proto 2000

  • B-8 baggage/express Car by Bethlehem Car Works

  • I-1 caboose by Pro Custom Hobbies

  • X-430 Fuel oil tank car by Tangent

  • D-14 combine by Bethlehem Car Works

  • Canstock car by Spring Mills Depot

  • Ice Breaker car decals by John Frantz

  • M-53 boxcar decals

  • O-48 decals for Chad Boas gondola

  • Re number decals for Proto 2000 N-37 composite hoppers

  • Passenger car decals by Andy Hoelzopfel

  • Steam Locomotive deals (President, Lord, Lady, Philip Thomas, George Emerson) by Pro Custom

  • forthcoming C-10 Horse Car by White Rose Hobbies

  • C-15 express car by Pro Custom jobbies in brass

  • C-15 express car by Funero & Camerlengo in resin

  • O-27 gondolas by Westerfield

  • N-17 hoppers (close) by Life-Like

  • M-67b PS-1 box car by Kadee

  • N-43 PS-2 covered hopper by Kadee

  • Forthcoming I-1, I-2, I-5 cabooses by Spring Mills Depot

  • Passenger car sides, roofs, and car assemblies by Bud Stringham

  • Cincinnatian locomotives and cars by Key Imports

In development are rolling stock, structures, and more detailing parts.

B&O Modeler e-Magazine

The B&O Modeler contains detailed modeling information and photos for B&O subjects. It provides articles on modeling specific rolling stock, locomotives, structures, decals, infrastructure, and maintenance of way equipment, as well as reviews and announcements of new products.

There is an index to prior articles from the B&O Modeler indicating the article title, author, scale, issue, and pages. See the B&O Modeler page for more information.

B&O Model Railroad Layouts

Many of our members enjoy building layouts that are based on the B&O. Here is a smattering of several layouts that members have provided as examples of their work and interest in the B&O. If you would like to see your layout represented on this page, please contact webmaster@borhs.org.