Well, "Great" may be overstating it just a touch, but it is what it is.  As those that have been following my pitiful blog over the last few weeks know, I have decided to switch from N scale to HO scale for two main reasons:  I've been collecting as much or more HO stuff (that mostly isn't available in N) which has created a divide in my hobby allowance forcing me to put off doing stuff on my N scale layout.  I felt more I needed to pick one and go with it, and the availability of stuff I want in HO wins hands down.  

As those familiar with my modeling interests may recall, I've said that I know I will eventually move to HO scale as N will eventually be too much for my decreasing dexterity and vision.  While I think I still have several years left in me, I've been thinking that maybe an earlier switch might be more appropriate.  Like now.  Why?

In my apparent continuation of free advertising/promotion for Rapido products, I thought I'd post some pictures of my newest acquisition.  Yesterday finally saw the arrival of my Rapido VIA Rail FP9's from Dallas Model Works that had been originally ordered back in 2009/2010.  After pulling them out of the shipping container, I got out the camera and took some photos as I opened them. 

OK, so I now have about two weeks at home where I have several honey-do items as well as errands, but plenty of free time.  I have several projects I want to work on to keep my interest level up.  One of them is Monroe Models' Ellie's House kit.  This will be the farm house for my scene in the middle of the return loop in the area where I have the backdrop.  

As Rapido Trains rolls out their Canadian train sets in HO scale, they were also contracted by VIA Rail Canada to produce some cars for VIA to sell as collectables.  This was a pleasant surprise to many of us and I quickly snatched up a couple.  Much to my delight, they arrived today and they are magnificent!  Here are a few photos, starting with Glacier Park:

And Kootenay Park:

OK, I figure I'm just going to start a new blog post on this.  After operating on rfbranch's layout a month or so ago, it was clear to me if I'm going to do some operations, I need a bit more reliability in the track work.  For the most part, Rich's ran smooth as can be.  The only issues he had were a couple trip pins that needed to be bent up, otherwise I can't remember a derailment.  

Well, I've been home a total of 4 days in the last 30 and am off again tomorrow for another 7 before I get to spend 5 straight at home.  However, while its been exhausting, while in Connecticut this past week I got two offers to visit layouts.  Unfortunately, I couldn't make one due to scheduling but on Saturday I was able to visit rfbranch's layout and take part in my first ever ops session.  

OK, I'm trying this video thing a la Jason and his JL&T railroad, so I hope I don't bore any of those that dare to watch it.  I figure viewing it is much easier than explaining it.