NKP Bluebirds break-in run at the Keystone Model Railroad Club. Walleys Yard (WY) to Coaldale (CD) to River (RV) to White City via Town (TN) and return - opposite main with crossover at Valley (VY) - to Durff (DF) to Walley West (WW). A great first shakedown run.

I am a "happy camper!" Just got my new NKP Bluebirds with sound from a great deal on eBay, They are MTH engines as a replacement for the old converted Athearn diesels that have a few hiccups every now and then. Now to get over to a friend's house so he can program all the electronics for bells, whistles, horns, lights etc.

I have a preliminary plan for the left side of the new layout which will start construction in January. I would appreciate comments and suggestions once you have viewed and thought about lit.

I am planning the 5th (hopefully the last as I am getting older each year) iteration of my switching layout for me and up to 5 operators. There is one thing I, and perhaps others, need help with - a suitable control panel for my Zypher, accessories power pack and all the buttons/switches etc. that need to be centralized. Most photos posted show these beautiful fascia single and double deck layouts with sweeping panoramas, extravagant lighting and people with walk-around throttles. I'm looking for the guts of an operation for smaller layouts.

Progress! Not too bad for a first effort. Now for some decal lettering. . . . .

I'm visiting my brother, John, and helping him put together his N Scale layout. Plans from a publication call for use of two 15 degree crossovers. The layout will be using Digitrak DCC equipment. My question for those with any advice/knowledge is this:

The wood craftsman caboose kit is coming along and, fortunately, I learned a few things before I got started:

1. Read the directions. That's what they're there for.

I have started on a master craftsman kit of a Nickel Plate wood caboose. This is a first for me as I've had this kit for 30 years and have never attempted a "scratch" kit requiring thinking, measuring, cutting. gluing, painting and patience.

Need some help! I am starting, for the very first time in my career, to build a wood kit that I've had for nearly 30 years. It's a caboose and the instructions say to glue sides together and then use Scalecoat Sanding Sealer. Since Scalecoat is no longer in business, what is an alternative, keeping in mind I am not building a fleet nor am I sealing the wood floors in my house so pints, quarts and gallons are not acceptable?