I recently decided to add a mining train to my layout, in order to provide a bit more operational interest.  At the moment, there's no 'through traffic' on the layout.  My trains originate at Camp A, then go to either Camps B or C (in staging) or Camp D (on the other side of the layout).  As such, I've decided to expand the backstory of the BVLC slightly, as follows.

Hi all,

Scratchbuilding and kitbashing locos and rolling stock is one of my favourite aspects of the hobby, and On30 is a good scale for this.  As such, about a third of the rolling stock on my layout is scratchbuilt.  The most recent addition was a 16' logging flatcar.  This was built with the method I usually use for my scratchbuilt rolling stock.  I'd like to share this method here, in case someone else finds it useful.

(With apologies to Kermit the frog)

Thanks to advice from other members of this forum, I've figured out how I'll be installing the lights on my BVLC layout.  I've decided to build a shadow box, using pine timber for support and MDF board as the 'roof' of the layout.  It has to be self-contained, as my current house is a rental.

Hi all,

My Bradford Valley Lumber co. layout models a backwoods logging operation, with a single-track line, and only one train running at the one time.  As such, the layout is designed for one person to operate.

While I was figuring out exactly how the BVLC's operations would work, it struck me that I could use Arduino microcontrollers to simulate and semi-automate various functions related to operations.  

Hi all,

Currently, my DCC control system consists of two systems, with 'junction box' set up to allow me to safely switch between the Lenz system (which I use for testing) and the SPROG3/JMRI WiThrottle system (which I use for operations).

To be perfectly honest, I'm not really happy with either system.  The Lenz system only offers a modified cordless phone as a wireless controller.  A third-party wireless throttle is available, however, it is expensive, and this price includes features that I won't normally use.

Hi all,

I've created this thread to document progress on the construction of my On30 Bradford Valley Lumber Co.  I'll be posting updates below.

Cheers,
Tbdanny

Hi all,

I've started kitbashing a work caboose for my On30 Bradford Valley Lumber Co. layout, to complete my work train.  I wanted a model that looked like it had been built in a backwoods workshop.  After learning that Boulder Valley Models makes cast resin baggage car sides, I decided to combine these with a Bachmann short caboose to get the car I wanted.

Here's what I started out with:

Hi all,

One of the main reasons I got into On30 was because I enjoy scratchbuilding and kitbashing, both structures and rolling stock.  Freelancing a logging railroad allows me to enjoy this aspect of the hobby, and I'd like to share some of the models I've built:

Hi all,

My name's Daniel, and I'm an Australian modeling the Pacific Northwest of the United States in On30 scale.  My layout is based on a freelanced logging railroad, the Bradford Valley Lumber Company, and is set during the year 1947.

A History of the Bradford Valley Lumber Company

Hi all,

I've managed to get a bit more done on Bradford Valley Lumber Company #8, an On30 2-6-6-2T I'm scratchbuilding in styrene.

I've added the bands and domes to the boiler, as seen here: