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.
Visit Leaping Cat Model Works
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.
Projects
Various Projects
Workbench Notes
Workbench Notes is where I explore creativity through model railroading, miniature worlds, making, and the small decisions that bring an idea to life. The starting point is often the workbench, but the lessons can apply to craft, business, problem-solving, attention, and creative living.
Field Notes
Field Notes is for observations, photos, and reference material gathered away from the workbench. This includes railfanning trips, railroad details, structures, textures, weathering ideas, trackside scenes, and other real-world observations that can inspire model railroading, making, and creative work.
From the Workbench
Recent notes on model railroading, making, small shop work, electronics, and the practical lessons that come from building things by hand.
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
Table of Contents Breaking Down C Headers and Include Files: A Simple Introduction What’s a Header File, Anyway? Using #include: The Key to Connecting Your Code What Goes Into a Header File? How Header Files Keep Your Code Connected Heat Shrinking It Up Have a Project…
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…
Model Train Projects: Introducing the LumiEase Hub
The goal of the LumiEase Hub is simple: to make it easy for anyone to add LED lighting and effects to their model train projects. For a long time, I’ve been designing modular systems for my own use. But when you’re creating something for yourself, it’s easy to leave…
Getting Started with Your First Embedded MCU Project: A Practical Guide
Table of Contents 1. Define Your Project’s Goal 2. Choose the Right Microcontroller 3. Set Up Your Development Environment 4. Get Your Hands on the Hardware 5. Write and Test Your Code 6. Debug and Troubleshoot 7. Document Your Progress 8. Expand and Iterate 9. Share…
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.