by Thomas P. Farrell, Jr.
On August 3, 2024, the model railroading community lost Al Judy, a revered figure often referred to as the “John Allen” of On30 for his unparalleled modeling skills, artistry, and storytelling. Al’s creativity and craftsmanship inspired countless modelers, through the many Facebook pages he created and administered — reaching over 20,000 members — to his annual Harrisburg Narrow Gauge O Scale shows, decades of published articles, and generous mentoring. Al left an indelible mark on the hobby and his passing creates a profound void, and he will be deeply missed.
Locomotives
No one could weather and model an On30 locomotive like Al Judy. His unmatched attention to detail struck the perfect balance of wear and tear, capturing years of hard use without going overboard. Al’s signature work included expertly faded paint, subtle rust streaks, and the judicious use of tarps, all blended with artistic flair. These elements, combined with intricate details like chains, tool kits, and oilcans, brought his locomotives to life in a way few could replicate.
Al’s signature use of chains often sparked good-natured humor among fellow modelers, but it was always clear that his creative touches brought locomotives to life in a way few could match. By adding intricate details like chains, tool kits, oilcans, and custom-built parts, Al infused every model with personality and realism. His weathering techniques, grounded in a deep understanding of the narrow-gauge.
Al approached this project with incredible attention to detail, starting with the locomotive’s spark arrestor smokestack. He replaced the standard stack with a unique spark arrestor, giving the engine a rugged, backwoods appearance. To add realism, the stack was painted with heat-stained effects, blending gradients of blackened soot and rusty discoloration, mimicking years of exposure to intense heat and harsh operating conditions.
Next, he constructed a sturdy snowplow and attached it seamlessly to the locomotive’s pilot. Designed to look both functional and well integrated, the plow featured realistic scratches, gouges, and dirt buildup. These details conveyed the impression of years spent tirelessly clearing snow-covered tracks, adding to the locomotive’s story.
Al’s mastery of weathering techniques truly brought the model to life. Using a combination of dry brushing and powders, he applied just the right amount of rust, dust, and grime. Rust streaks appeared around bolts, rivets, and seams, varying in tone from fresh orange to deep brown to simulate water collection. Dust settled in crevices, while grime built up around the boiler and footplates. Soot stains were dry-brushed onto the firebox and smokestack, capturing the wear and tear of daily operation with remarkable precision.
To enhance the locomotive’s personality, Al scratchbuilt or repurposed a small toolbox and mounted it on the running board. This tool box was weathered with subtle paint chipping and rust streaks, while metallic highlights on the lid or hinges hinted at frequent use. These small but thoughtful details added an extra layer of authenticity.
Finally, Al’s overall integration of paint and weathering tied every element of the locomotive together. From grease stains on the side rods to slight wear on the handrails, every feature looked cohesive and natural. Details like spilled coal or wood chips on the tender completed the narrative of a hardworking locomotive, making it a standout piece that blended artistry with storytelling.
Structures
His talent for creating scratchbuilt structures was extraordinary, combining masterful craftsmanship with a deep understanding of how these buildings aged and functioned.
To achieve remarkable realism, he expertly weathered wooden structures using techniques like drybrushing, staining, washes, and pan pastel powders. Carefully placed scale figures, rusted debris, oil stains, grime buildup, and overgrown weeds added depth suggested rich stories within each setting. Interiors were equally lifelike, featuring detailed workbenches, tools, oil drums, and spare parts. Every element was thoughtfully positioned to enhance the narrative, making his models immersive and authentic.
His enginehouses, in particular, were not just models but works of art that captured the grit and character of hardworking rail facilities. They appeared to have endured decades of hard service, with faded paint, peeling signage, and soot-streaked walls reflecting the challenges capital-short narrow gauge railroads faced in maintaining their facilities…
