Benckwork Beginning

I milled the modular prices for my benchwork this weekend. It will half-lap together to create a 1' x 1' grid to which I will attach roadbed risers. I calculated the cost and found that out was less expensive to use 3/4" birch plywood than solid lumber. It's also more stable. Now I am installing the shelf brackets that will be the primary means of support...

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Working On Structures and Detail Items

I've been getting ahead of myself slightly here lately. I have 28 of the the 32 turnouts I need for the layout completed, along with 20 servo drivers and brackets that I've 3D printed. Even so, I was itching to build some kits and I have been. This is the Walthers Cornerstone interlocking tower that I built for the Laughlin yard. The interior is 3D printed. Not incredibly detailed, but enough that I can do lighting and show it off. I got some fiber optic strands and plan on trying to use that along with a warm white LED to light the building and add a few exterior lights. Next was the Walthers Cornerstone brick mission depot for Laughlin. I modeled the signs on the Northwestern Pacific depot signs which included the elevation and distance to major terminals. In this case, the signs report the distance to San Francisco and Albion. I still need to do the interior and lighting on the depot. This is a great kit. Next are a couple of Accurail 1798 boxcars. ...

Preparing the Space

My wife has graciously conceded to allow me to use the unfinished half of the basement in which to build my empire. The first problem was that our basement is not water impervious! Moisture and model railroads do not make good playmates. My first step was to install a system to catch the water as it enters the basement and redirect it to the sump. This is the first photo of the space. To this point I have cleaned out the area (mostly), installed the water capture system and track lighting. My next step is to paint out the structure above black. I want to do this so all of the joists, wiring and ductwork do not distract from the railroad itself. My to-do list at this point: Paint out the ceiling Install the support cleats Install Masonite for the backdrop Fill and smooth the backdrop Paint the backdrop I've given considerable thought as to how to proceed, and have decided that it makes the most sense to install and paint the backdrop before the benchwork is in the way...

Steam Engine Tender Oil Tank

I have been searching the internet for photos of an oil tender conversion and having no luck. Today Sue and I ended up in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and I saw an old mogul sitting in the yard with a converted tender! Better yet, it was accessible! So I snapped some pics and thought I'd share them...

The Pacific Coast Railroad

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