When I started designing and building my current layout, I had a list of things I wanted to incorporate into my dream layout but didn't have a prototype in mind to follow.  Not a problem right?

     For those of you who know me, you know that for the last couple of years I have been debating on adding a top deck to my layout.  Well, the time has come to move on to the next step and I wanted to share the experience with all of my friends here on MRH.  For the last couple of weeks, I have been hard at work finishing up the research and sketching out a few track plans.  And I feel that a trip to my local home improvement store will be in the very near future.  But there is a twist to this project and I would love to hear your comments on thi

As I wrap up my day working on the railroad, I find myself with nothing but smiles and a feeling of accomplishment!  For the first time in my model railroad life, I have taken a week of vacation from work and have devoted myself to a week of model trains!  Yesterday, Ken Rickman and I spent the whole day working on his Danville and Western Layout and from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm got alot accomplished!  From trackwork to scenery work and everything in between, we had a lot to show for our e

Well here it goes!  I'm going to try and explain how I used a "Selector Plate" instead of using switches in my staging yard.  I found this technique works well to save money, time and space.  Lets face it....turnouts are expensive!  One benefit is that all staging tracks are of the same length and you can space the tracks any way you want.

On the East End of my layout I have a 5 track staging yard.

I have found a way to make quick and easy scrap loads for my gondolas using the leftover shavings from a machine shop.  These loads can both be made permanent or removable depending on your needs.  I first use a block of leftover ceiling tile for the base, cut and shaped to fit into the car.  Then I cut the block of tile in half to fit nicely inside the car.