I think one of the most discouraging things about a layout is the sheer time it takes to build one.  In this day of instant access to almost everything via the internet, building a layout is a long, drawn out process.  Whether its dull (or parts of it are dull) is up to you.  

Model animation—bringing models to life—adds enormously to the interest and enjoyment of any layout or individual model! In this installment I revisit The Crane Critter.  In this installment, we begin to teach The Critter how to crawl, when, and where we need it to go!

The Crane Critter with a new? Coat of paint ready to go!

I am designing the trucks so that they fit into the atlas drives without gluing.

My initial design is good, but it will require some strengthening.

Here is an underside shot with the frame ground down and the truck side frames in place

I will be adding a inside end piece for strength and to keep the side frames square.

My initial 3D print arrived and I have done the pre fitting over the Atlas HH600/660 frame.

I am happy with the body but have found a few design issues with my trucks.

I print using Shapeways.com and here you are able to see right into the model and I don't have any clearance issues with the drive. 

Here are a couple of shots of my original scratch built GE 85 ton steeple cab

Before details and the final frame.

I have found another good reason not to lay track and run trains

The inside of the helix is a place that I don't want to visit on any regular basis. Ducking in and out is OK now, but in 10 years time?  - I don't think so!

So I've decided to be ultra cautious on the Helix wiring.

  My apologies to the folks wanting to see what I cooked up using the Scenic Express Super Tree kit!  I have been busy with other projects, but rest assured, I will get them finished off this week.

  With the fiasco of the big meet canceled last month, clam digging with my Dad and a few honey-dos popping up.  I just haven't gotten in the mood to finish the rest of the trees and get some pictures.  A few of them are still hanging on the clothesline waiting to get some sort of leafy coating.

Some things don’t change...including many traits in ourselves and the people we know best. We can always change our behavior when motivated or compelled to do so...to quit smoking, lose weight, etc. But as research has shown, our personalities and preferences that form as a young child tend to be the foundation that helps define us through our lives.

Just spent some time assembling the Walthers Chip loader. I decided to test fit it before painting. I discovered a slight issue. As can be seen in the two photos below. The older Walthers chip car fits nicely. The ExactRail car does not. When I install it at the mill I'll have to pack it up and disguise the packing with a good cover of wood chips. I'm glad I discovered this before installing it as it would have been a pain afterwards.