I've been thinking about starting a new blog topic on installing my tipple, and since all my photo links are now broken might as well get a clean start.  (Not even going to get into my thoughts on how PB managed their "transition").  For the time being I'll upload my railroad photos here on the MRH site.

Now that my coal tipple is built it is time for mountain building.  As I mentioned in a previous blog entry I am using mostly foam for landforms.  The major benefit is ease of planting trees which is especially important for Appalachia.  Just make a hole with an awl and plant a tree.  If it doesn't look good, then pull it out and move it or try another.  I spent hours playing around with trees in the finished areas to get them to my liking.

I am done messing around with loco repairs/upgrades for a while and concentrating now on building my coal mine tipple.  I really like laser kits and I've got several from BTS under my belt but this will be the most complex kit that I've tackled.  I expect it will keep me busy for some months to come.  I am going to post progress pics here with some thoughts on construction as I go along.

It should turn out something like this.

I just fixed the photo links on this blog.  The GW loco wiring is really crazy so this thread is an important reference for anyone that wants to upgrade one to DCC.

I haven't worked much on the layout or the mine kit since retiring from the job a few weeks ago.  Spring cleaning, family and honey-do's have had most of my attention.  But I did make some interesting purchases.

I've got my third phase benchwork complete and most of the track down.  Just one more turnout and a few lengths of flex and I'll have all of the mainlines in place and operational.  I've been running trains around the upper level and everything works great.  My EM-1 will easily pull all the cars I own up the grade without even breaking a sweat.  And with quite a few hours running now no derailments anywhere on the layout.

I never started a blog before but here goes... I am going to use the blog just to throw stuff out there, and see what sticks.  Sort of my own "build progress thread".  Comments and suggestions are welcome.  And happy to answer any questions- can't say I am doing things right but willing to share anything and everything.

A bit of background.