Weekend Update 7/27/25

[rickb773]

Not really sure why I decided to do these.
I do not have a home T-Trak layout,
     I really have no convenient place to store these, and
          my wife will not be pleased to see me add them to my collections.

But I got hooked on some of the Woodland Scenics buildings with interiors and lights and I kept coming home from the “N Scale Gatherings” in Egg Harbor Twp (NJ) with estate buildings that were too good to pass up. [Stay away from Gary Mulford (TruckNut-NJ, HobbyNut-NJ,)! You will always leave with an empty wallet.]

I am mulling re-doing my home layout again and I figured another T-Trak module might distract me long enough to let that idea pass. So, I decided to do another 3’ module. Unfortunately, my ideas wouldn’t fit in 3 feet so I started (2) 2-foot modules. They are about 70% done.

I am not crazy about standard modules so I added 4” to the front of the modules for more scenery. I also read it is best to elevate scenery behind the tracks so I did that also. To keep Lee (@wm3798) happy I added below level scenery to both modules. Ed (@Ed Kapuscinski) won’t be happy but I don’t care who else has the same buildings (and whoever painted those estate buildings did an outstanding job). I will find other ways to be different.                               

Wiring these is going to be a hassle. Some buildings have W.S. Plugs, others do not. The street lamps are probably a different voltage also. I added a light to the signal tower and will put roomettes in some of the estate buildings. I’ve ordered stop signs and parking meters and I plan on adding other road signs and telephone poles.

(Unfortunately, I am still thinking of re-doing the home layout.  )

[samusi01]

I was up at the Spring Creek show early in the month viewing all the FreemoN stuff... one of the modules there inspired me to revisit a project from last year to make it more suitable for traveling.



Blades are now magnetically attached to the hub for easy removal and transport.

[vermonter_railfan]

I was up at the Spring Creek show early in the month viewing all the FreemoN stuff... one of the modules there inspired me to revisit a project from last year to make it more suitable for traveling.

I wonder which module set that would be......

[ednadolski]

I wonder which module set that would be......

you should put some scale golfers near that round hole in the RH module  (and then maybe have a caption contest )

Ed

[vermonter_railfan]

you should put some scale golfers near that round hole in the RH module  (and then maybe have a caption contest )

Ed

Haha, that hole actually no longer exists. Ever since I upgraded Windmill loop (built by @Mark W ) to MSS I redid that hill to allow some more space for the MSS signals. I was actually planning on making it "oil loop" and placing some of Walther's oil derricks where the windmills use to be.  But after finally meeting @samusi01 in person at the Spring Creek 25th anniversary show and the fact that Delaware Free-moN now has "oil loop", windmill loop will be windmill loop again thanks to Sam's amazing windmills! 

[OldEastRR]

The much-altered Atlas Maywood Station kit has been assembled and weathered. The original one was so huge (18' walls and,  higher than that, roof, 3" long) it looked like HO!!



This style station looks almost exactly like one of a picture I have with a NH commuter pulling into it on a branch line. So that was nice. The main city (Milford) has over half it's buildings completed or in final stages. Still a couple of blocks to go!

Also: the Greening of Lee's Corner.



Will have to get some Super Trees, the foam clusters to be shaped into trees, and basic ground cover installed but this has been a fun "little" project to do of a small area, not like the big city scene. Next: power poles.

[btrain]

My weekend was a bit delayed, with a little thanks to an industry I work in that demands round the clock coverage. But with personal grievances aside, I did enjoy myself greatly today helping out with Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Indiana Rail Camp.

Once again I helmed the model railroad segment, where 25 participants from around the country were introduced to the hobby, along with taking part in a timed switching puzzle.

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It was quite enjoyable seeing kids work in pairs as a conductor and engineer with the timer ticking along until they completed their moves. Lots of team work and creative thinking was at play on my Lakeshore Central, which served as the checkers board at Camp Little Turtle, a retreat for Fort Wayne’s Boy Scouts.

The winner’s received HO tank cars from Athearn, while each camper received pristine boxcars from Rapido Trains. With all this recent talk of uncertainty in the hobby, it was very heartwarming to see the generosity of these manufacturers for the FWRHS youth program.

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[dandopinski]

So good to see the young guys getting involved in the hobby, and using their intelligence to solve switching problems-hands on!

[wm3798]

@rickb773 that block of buildings looks great!  Thanks for the nod.  But you're way ahead of me.  I haven't done anything on my layout in months.
But I've been making progress on other fronts!


A few more details and the screen panels, and the Crew Lounge will be complete!

Lee

[DeltaBravo]

Big thanks to @Ed Kapuscinski  for the new background on my lower level. Here is a N&W passing the yard in Hagerstown.

[craigolio1]

A trio of Rock Island GP7's are in charge of the SB local as it crosses over the rain swollen and muddy Ouachita River.

Outstanding. That river looks awesome.

Craig

[Bendtracker1]

Outstanding. That river looks awesome.

Craig

Thank you Craig!

[up1950s]

@rickb773 that block of buildings looks great!  Thanks for the nod.  But you're way ahead of me.  I haven't done anything on my layout in months.
But I've been making progress on other fronts!


A few more details and the screen panels, and the Crew Lounge will be complete!

Lee

Looks like a great porch to plink/target shoot from .

[craigolio1]

My layout will have a gravel unloader - starting to mock up the scene

The rock piles and ground look very realistic. I love the subtle variation in colour. How did you achieve that? Washes  and airbrushing maybe?

[DeltaBravo]

My layout will have a gravel unloader - starting to mock up the scene

Looking good John, can't wait to see the progress in person.