Our friend, Harry Hieke, has been a contributor to the O Gauge Model Railroad Hobby for over 4 decades. He has worked as a product developer for Lionel, and has developed scratch-made prototypes for several hobby manufacturers. 

Born after the war in Philadelphia, his dad was an experienced HO model craftsman. He and his Dad built a large Lionel Christmas layout every year. Grew up making styrene model kits, and relocated to New Jersey when he was 10. 

Joined the Cherry Valley 2-Rail Club at 14, and worked in the Highway Hobby Shop. Earned hobby money scratch building for club members. 

Attended St Joseph College where he earned a BS in Physics and later a EE working on early digital computers. Got his DPM in 1978 from Pennsylvania College of Pediatric Medicine.

Served in the US Army medical corp as a captain, and later went on to private practice in the Hampton Roads Area.

In 1985, got into the 2-Rail Brass end of the hobby and did several scratch built engines, plus modified and weathered a number of them. 

Moved back to New Jersey and retired from health care in 2003. 

Joined the TCA in 2008 and started exhibiting at York. Started a line of resin structures. 

From 2009 through 2015 he made prototype products for Lionel, MTH and Golden Gate Depot. 

Since 2019, he has partnered with us on dozens of custom projects. 

He is known for creating very realistic pieces that can be the focal point of your layout. 

Currently, Harry weathers models for us; and does some creative repainting. He also makes custom buildings and super-details existing buildings and kits.

If you'd like to request a project for Harry to do for you, reach out to us at ramona@mrmuffinstrains.com or support@mrmuffinstrains.com ATTN Ramona.

Service List & Pricing

See all of Harry's Custom Work