The decision to lock a recent blog due to "... getting a LOT of complaint emails about this thread" is very disappointing. I noticed that there were no complaints IN the blog that had very well thought and apparently accurate information that could be of use to many of us. If it had gone off track into areas that are inappropriate or hurtful, then it could have been controlled and, if necessary, shut down.

But once again ,the need of the few outweigh the good of the many.

This was my latest creation based on the Time Saver switching puzzle plan in HO scale. It will now be expanded based on a 13 year old former(?) layout that has been stored in my son's garage!!!

I have had various train setups and layouts over the years, but never with scenery (or even ballast). After decades of armchair railroading, I am attempting to really build something worth having.

Hard to believe, but I have never painted or ballasted track. So yesterday I decided to give it a try. Jumped right in and didn't bother to check out "how to" threads here or elsewhere, knowing I knew everything I needed to know. WRONG! I used my test track that I use to program my decoders or to test running of engines with my Raspberry Pi 3 and JMRI. First big mistake was I didn't wet the ballast properly with the right solution and then didn't bother to scrap, research, and do it right. It turned "eh" but was happy with the painting.

Just wanted to share my "keep the peace" work cart. Although we have been married for almost 50 years, my wife is not yet tired of me! She much prefers that we spend significant time together, even we are not directly communicating.

I have had JMRI for quite awhile now and just recently I took advantage of that to successfully try to use it for wireless train control for my NCE Powerhouse Pro. I downloaded the free Engine Driver for both my Android phone and my Kindle from enginedriver.mstevetodd.com (also available at Google Play). I have JRMI installed on my Raspberry Pi computer and gave it a shot. Worked exactly as the instructions in Engine Driver said it would, though to get at the Tools/Throttles/Start WiThrottle Server, I had to open PanelPro3, not DecoderPro3.

After two hours of Google and YouTube searching and checking out the BLI website, I cannot find a manual for disassembling the BLI Hudson. I believe I had it at one time but now can't find it. Specifically, I want to get at the wiring in the engine because I appear to have a loose wire for the headlight as it it is intermittent. I have removed the LED from the smoke box, tested it, and replaced it and ensured it is not shorting on the weight.

Does anyone have a link to the documentation or a YouTube video?

I believe an earlier repair job of mine is at fault!

For my first blog entry, thought I would share two of my videos that I took on 8mm videotape back in 2002. Some of you have probably seen these on another forum.

Had this on 8mm video tape for years (obviously) from July 6, 2002. Recent messages here got me interested in digitizing it and here it is! And, yes, that is me taking pictures at trackside (still haven't digitized them, they are 35mm film). Taken in Mt. Prospect, IL (just north of OHare Airport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufOUPKyAZdU