Welcome to our new website on 1/48th finescale railroad modeling. In the past we have operated under the name of the "e Proto Journal". We decided to separate the website from Protocraft and the Proto Journal name to allow the owner, Norm Buckhart, to pursue his interests. We want to thank Norm for his support over the past two years and hope that he is successful in launching the Proto Journal in a printed form.

Our site will focus on scale model building. The emphasis will be on Proto48 standards. We do periodic updates over the course of a year to inform or readers of new products, service and techniques.

We will expand the site content as time goes on. It may be useful to add a list of Proto48 modelers and their contact information. We may add information about individual contributors so as to create a more complete picture of the person. We will expand the list of sources for Proto48 track and wheels as they become available. Meanwhile, this website will be the most visible symbol of the Proto48 movement.

The site will serve as a portal to gain information for newcomers and to exchange ideas and work for those who are active in Proto48 modeling. Our focus will continue to be on scale railroad modeling in 1/48th scale. We would like to extend an invitation to enjoy what we have and to contribute as you can.

WHAT IS PROTO48?
Proto48 is a refinement of the traditional O gauge railroad modeling. It uses wheel and track standards of prototype Association of American Railroads (AAR) scaled to 1/48 of their actual size. It is in effect a scale replica of the AAR standards used by full-sized railroads. The wheel profile was changed to a scale 5.5" in width with a scale flange depth of approximately 1". The gauge was corrected to a prototypically correct 4' 8 ½" rather than the traditional 5' gauge used by modelers since the scale's inception. To more accurately identify this subset of O scale, the new standards are referred to as Proto48.

Proto48 runs on wheels that are nearly the same as HO scale RP-25. Quarter-inch scale models have more mass and will track better than HO even using a similar wheel profile. Proto48 models will not run on standard O gauge. Standard O gauge models can be converted over using wheels and trucks readily available from several suppliers. Steam locomotives will require more work to convert. There are suppliers who offer conversion services to assist individual modelers. Go to our "Suppliers" section to learn more about sources of modeling material.

The emphasis in Proto48 is on scale modeling. The concept can encompass the total model railroad or simply a car or a locomotive. It is about making a scale model. Getting the wheels and gauge right is part of the picture.

I would like to thank George Losse for his time and effort in setting up the site and keeping up-to-date. George is fine modeler who just happens to be a very talented website designer. He is currently doing sites for several O scale companies.

Thanks,
Gene Deimling
Editor, The PROTO48 Newsletter

What is New in Proto48?

SITE:
This is our first issue at the new site. We have carried over all of the old material from the "e Proto Journal". The material will continue be available as we add updates.

• We have an excellent example of a conversion of an Intermountain tank car.
• New products
• We added a few new sections on local shows and stocking dealers to this Update

Local Shows with Proto48 Content:

O Scale West
13-15 February 2003, Santa Clara, CA
Show is held in the Santa Clara Convention Center that is adjacent to the Westin Hotel. The show features clinics, layout tours, lots of sellers and modular layouts including Paul Matineau's Proto48 layout.
www.rodmiller.com/osw.shtml

Chicago Midwest O Scale Meet
15-16 March, Arlington Heights, IL
The show is held at the Sheraton Convention Center in Arlington Heights. The show has a huge selling floor, operating layouts including a Proto48 modular display. James Canter usually hosts a meeting for Proto48 followers. The meet is sponsored by Hill's Hobby & Collectors Shop.

Stocking Dealers:

Des Plaines Hobbies, 1468 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60018
http://www.desplaineshobbies.com
Stocks Proto48 flex track, wheels and trucks

P&D Hobbies, 31280 Groesbeck Hwy, Fraser, MI 48026
http://www.pdhobbyshop.com
Stocks conversion bolsters for converting P&D Bloomberg diesel trucks to Proto48 as well as San Juan trucks and NWSL wheels and conversions for diesel drives

Caboose Hobbies, 500 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
http://www.caboosehobbies.com
Stocks San Juan trucks and wheels

High Sierra Models, 4020 Kietzke Ln, Crossroads Center, Reno, NV 89502
http://www.highsierramodels.com
Under new ownership. Shop is best stocking dealer in the country. Track, track gages, lost wax turnout kits, Right O' Way track parts, trucks and wheels

Supplier News:

Keystone Model Works
http://www.keystonemodelworks.com
Steve Grabowski and his partner are releasing a new PRR GS class gondola done to the same standards as their earlier GLa hopper. The car is available in several versions that depict a specific era or service.

They are going to release their long-awaited 2D F8 50-ton freight car truck in both O gauge and Proto48. The truck will come out initially in brass and later in plastic. This is a most versatile truck going under a wide range of PRR cars. The major classes to use this truck are the X-29 boxcar, GLa hopper, GLca hopper, GLc hopper, K-7 and 8 stock cars, GS gondola, Fm class flat and many more. They also can be used on the X-31 round roof boxcars (technically, the X-31 cars used the 2D F12 which is nearly identical in appearance).