Jamie Starling
Maker. Model Railroader. Systems Builder.
I build model railroad products, lighting ideas, electronics, tools, and small practical systems. This site is where I share the thinking behind the work — what I’m building, what I’m learning, and how the pieces come together.
This is my personal home base.
Some of my work becomes products through Leaping Cat Model Works. Some of it stays here as notes, experiments, lessons, and observations from the workbench.
I use this site to document the process of making things, solving problems, and paying attention to what the work teaches along the way.
Model Railroading
For layout work, scenes, dioramas, product thinking, and model railroad observations.
Making and Systems
For electronics, firmware, tools, automation, workflows, and useful technical experiments.
Photographs
Various Photographs
From the Workbench
Recent notes on model railroading, making, small shop work, electronics, and the practical lessons that come from building things by hand.
Between Light and Dark
Between Light and Dark January 3, 2026 - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. What caught my attention here was the light moving across the wet sand. The sunset itself is only a small part of the photograph. Most of the image is actually fairly dark and cool, but then you...
Where the Day Ends
Where the Day Ends October 6, 2017 - Cape Lookout, North Carolina. I have always liked photographs where the main subject isn’t necessarily the biggest thing in the frame. What caught my attention here was the small house sitting along the water with this enormous sky...
Streamlining MCU Development with POGO Pins
Streamlining Your MCU Designs with POGO Pins What Are POGO Pins? POGO pins, or spring-loaded pins, are small connectors designed for temporary connections. Each pin is made up of a plunger, barrel, and spring mechanism that presses the pin against a contact point....
Breaking Down C Headers and Include Files : A Simple Introduction
Breaking Down C Headers and Include Files: A Simple IntroductionWhat’s a Header File, Anyway?Using #include: The Key to Connecting Your CodeWhat Goes Into a Header File?How Header Files Keep Your Code ConnectedHeat Shrinking It UpHave a Project or Idea!? Breaking Down...
From Concept to Control: Designing a Versatile DCC System for Model Railroads
Yes, I like trains. I can't help myself. I've been fascinated by them for as long as I can remember. It’s a hobby that pulls together all sorts of things I enjoy—not just the technical side, but also my artistic side. There's something about building and running a...
Leaping Cat Model Works
I also run Leaping Cat Model Works, where I design and make HO scale model railroad detail parts, layout accessories, lighting ideas, and practical products for model railroaders.
That is the shop. This is the notebook behind the work.
About Jamie
I’m a maker, model railroader, and systems builder living in coastal North Carolina. My work moves between model railroading, electronics, photography, 3D printing, software, and the practical systems that help ideas become real.
I’m interested in useful things, honest process, small details, and the quiet work of paying attention.
Read More About Jamie
Follow the Work
I share notes as projects take shape — what worked, what changed, what failed, and what I noticed along the way.