Like everything else on my layout, car forwarding is based on prototype practices. While the popular car-card and waybill systems would have given me the same final outcome, the system isn't appropriate for a modern era (post-2000) layout. Instead, the Grimes Line uses computer-generated yard reports.

I'm introducing a new operating procedure on the Grimes Line, one that goes un-modeled on a lot of layouts. Mis-routed cars. In my modeled era an empty GATX tank car was spotted on the Grimes Line, sat there for three days, and promptly left. What was most likely a result of bad routing has become the next enhancement for my layout.

The last remaining area to develop and scenic on my Grimes Line layout, the PDM Spur, is underway. On the prototype the spur parallels Swanson Blvd thru a small commercial/industrial area and ends at Chicago Bridge and Iron, a large mill that fabricates water tanks for commercial, industrial, and government use.

Over the holiday week I tore down the two peninsula valances on my IAIS Grimes Line layout and put up wrapped fluorescent fixtures in the middle of the basement. When construction began 2 1/2 years ago, my lighting design was simple. Lots of it and cheap. I went with tried and true fluorescent lights behind a hardboard valance. The result was even, focused light on the layout.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3j87kADmsE

As a follow-up to my article "Locking Up Your Layout", here's a behind the scenes look at how the switch locks work on my IAIS Grimes Line layout. More details are available in the December 2013 edition of MRH.

James

During a recent op session I was having pickup problems on my turnouts causing trains to stall. I discovered that I was loosing power on the switch points since I was relying on the hinge connection instead of wiring a dedicated feeder.

I apologize for the blatant self-promotion. This weekend I'll be presenting at the 2013 St Louis RPM Meet. The clinic is scheduled for Friday morning at 10:30, and will detail how I create expanded scenery on narrow benchwork.

It's titled, "Endless Horizon on the Grimes Line"

Hope to see you there,
James

Follow Train DMSW-08 as it pulls two empties from Beisser Lumber in Grimes on the Iowa Interstate's Grimes Industrial Track.

James