Funds have been really tight for my family as of late and back a few months ago when I decided on a scale change from N to HO, it probably wasn't the smartest decision as far as hobby finances. It had to be done though. As much as I've always loved N scale, my nerves were getting to the point where I just could not handle dealing with couplers and small detail parts anymore. Even installing stick on windows on laser cut structures was becoming stressful for me and the last thing I need from a hobby is stress.  I managed to get a decent start on the new HO layout with the proceeds from the sale of my N scale stuff. I was able to salvage some of my N scale bench work  and buy what extra lumber, hardboard and supplies as well as track and turnouts I needed to get the layout to the point seen in pictures posted in this blog. The problem was though that my motive power, rolling stock and structure inventory was next to nothing. I had managed a Bachmann Mogul with sound and a bulk pack of six Tichy USRA boxcar kits but that was it. A couple of weeks ago I had finally managed to scrape together enough money to get my hands on a Walthers New River Mining kit and I thought that was going to be it for awhile but as luck would have it my family got a bit of an unexpected windfall the other day. We need to save as much as we can for a rainy day but I did mange to talk the CFO ( wife) into an appropriation for railroad supplies so heres what I just ordered....

Micro Engineering Tall Steel Viaduct and bridge kit, Bridge track for the kit, Five pieces of Atlas code 83 flex which will help to finish the branch to the mine, Six Accurail USRA 55 ton "data only" hoppers, Two bags of Highball ballast and last but not least, a Bachmann GP-7

Not meaning to brag, it's just that hobby funds have been really scarce lately and I'm pretty stoked about my acquisitions so I had to tell someone! The hoppers are just the tip of the iceberg for what I eventually figure I need. My estimate is about forty or fifty but hey, I had to start somewhere and six was all that MB Klein had.

With everything else going on with the goals I had set for the 120 day challenge and the new acquisitions, I think I can stay busy for a little while!

Michael