bkempins's blog

The bridge at Potomac Creek is finally done. I got it installed and tested over the snowy weekend. The scenery is not complete, but the bridge construction is. Here is a short video showing the first runs across it.

For those building HO scale blast furnace models, Alkem Scale Models now offers
a Goggle Valve detail kit. This laser cut multimedia kit is an HO scale model of
a 72 inch goggle vale. It is designed to fit the stock pipes of the Walthers HO
Scale Blast Furnace model. The detail kit provides all the parts to build a
detailed replica of these important components of a blast furnacel.

 Just waiting for the scenery glue to dry. Almost ready to run trains across it.

 I'll be heading down to the Cocoa Beach RPM Thursday. I'll get to the meet on Friday.  I'll have some of my HO and O scale ACWs cars in the display room. Here is a new O Scale boxcar I have been rushing to complete for the meet.

Hi-res version of this and some other photos at http://usmrr.blogspot.com

I'm looking forward to meeting fellow MRHers at the meet. 

 Yup, I installed the splines for the return loop that uses the HVAC closet to accommodate a 30" radius.

The two O scale holes in the wall are hard to miss. My wife came down later in the evening to help install a piece of fascia. She almost didn't notice them, but alas she did. She shook her head a few times and went back upstairs.  In a few days I should have all my sub roadbed installed.

 Kalmbach Publishing announced my new book, The Model Railroader's Guide to Steel Mills. I am accepting pre-orders for signed copies on my web site at www.alkemscalemodels.com

The book is due in April 2010. 

In progress shot of the Potomac Creek bridge. This sucker has over 1500 parts and it is not yet done.  As usual, there is more detail on my usmrr blog. http://usmrr.blogspot.com

As we started to lay roadbed towards the Aquia Landing area, I decided to expand the layout. Here is the updated track plan with the Aquia Landing scene in the workshop.  There is some more discussion on this subject on my blog at http://usmrr.blogspot.com

I  was in the mood for some CAD time tonight, so I started the drawings for Potomac Creek Bridge. This mock-up is to help me decide which type of bridge to build. I currently think the truss will be the best bet, but the bean pole and corn stalk trestle has a strong historical appeal- any bridge that amazed Abe Lincoln has got to be cool.