Paperback

I would absolutely love to see this done in paperback with hi quality color photos. It would be a best seller in the model railroad community.

Tim

Paperback series

In paperback, it would be almost $30 a book, or over $100 for the set four -- plus there's shipping on top of that. Paper anything isn't getting any cheaper. Get yourself a tablet and you'll never miss paper again.

That said, we have talked about doing the series in paperback but it would not be nearly as affordable as the eBooks. We may still do it ...

Also while we're talking about this series, Mike Confalone is working on a volume 5. Mike will cover all the many updates he's done to his layout since the series was first released.

Paper Books

Tim,

I'm 5 decades old and I sort of agree. I lament the days of buying a book and having that paper copy...

However, the nice thing about the digital is that you can actually zoom in on the photos, being digital they are exponentially higher in resolution than what you'd get in a paper copy... also, I have mine stored in my iCloud drive and I can access them from any device. So if I am out and about and bored out of mind somewhere I can instantly watch or read.

Also... Joe, I bought the Ten Mile Creek video set from MRH as well. To everyone that reads this, that video series is HIGHLY recommended. You did an awesome job with that Joe. It will be interesting to see you top your work on your new endeavors. 

Paper version

Tim,

Maybe someday a paper version could be done. Would need to speak to Joe about that and determine if there is demand. First up would be a V5 of the ebook. There is a lot to cover.

Before that, there are articles and video coming between now and June 2018 and likely another scenery DVD. I'm starting to get busy again!

Mike Confalone

Ballast

Hi Mike,

Any chance you could enlighten me as to the question about the ballast you're using? 

Another reason I ask is that your ballast does not look uniform in color.

Ben

V5

I can’t wait to see volume 5. Good to see you getting busy again. I miss the Allagash. Since you’ve moved the date up I hope the Allagash is investing in more EMD units. If the Allagash decides to purchase more GP38-2s or GP40-2s, I’d recommend the extended range Dynamic Brake option. They’ll come in handy moving that coal down that heavy grade of yours.

Tim

Ballast

Hi Ben,

I stopped using that method described in the ebook. Far too labor intensive. I use Arizona Rock & Minerals ballast, in several different flavors. Very few railroads had uniform stone color. Depended on which pit/quarry that got it from. I'm very happy with the Arizona stuff and it saves MAJOR time vs. the old method.

Mike Confalone

Allagash power

Tim,

Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Since we're part of Guilford now, there won't be any new purchases. What you see is what you get. The additions to the Allagash property are coming from MEC/B&M/D&H as the FOUR railroads co-mingle the power in one big pool. Makes things very interesting for sure.

Here is a recent shot at Madrid of a set of power for a loaded coal train. You can barely see the Lehigh Valley (D&H) C420 in the trailing position. The 425 is the only AGR unit in Guilford paint.

Mike Confalone

​ 

Nice shot!

Nice shot Mike! I really like how you have transformed your railroad. It definitely fits right in for the era and locale. 

Most folks probably remember the Guilford for the Springfield Terminal SD26 Units but seems to me they owned a bunch of GP40s. I think I even remember seeing some ex high nose former NW units. Is that right? If so, and you do ever get around to adding or replacing I think the GP40 is a mighty fine locomotive!

Tim

Arizona Rock & Mineral

Thank for the update Mike... I mis-worded my question, I had meant that the material from the hardware store looked to uniform and that your ballast had that variation that is seen on a real right of way. I've always felt that most model railroad ballast is to uniform in size and color. 

What color or colors did you end up using out of curiosity?

Ben

Arizona Rock

Ben,

I think I used a Pennsylvania RR blend and maybe a Northern Pacific blend separately if memory serves.

Mike