Ok so , i have started the Benchwork for my new layout, this section is 2'x4" and is labeled The Rusted treasure Scrap yard ... well for now its called that. 

started mounting the Shelving style benchwork at 11Am By 3:30 the sub bed and homosote road bed and track have been installed. Wired and soldered  ready for paint and ballast. 

last picture i started experimenting with the layout of the scenery for the Scrap Yard

more pictures and video to come later, I had the perfect spot right on the middle platform that it came by.

I’ve decided to scrap the Clackamas line 1 shelf edition and (like Joe) start over with a new edition!  

The Clackamas line 2!

Well i am again in deep thought on developing a new layout, and needing motivation ... i just cant seem to settle on a good mainline layout  and work my industry's into the right area to be realistic to prototype. inspired by Ken Rice post  from a  few days ago  I went on to Google maps and found several industries i would like to have on my layout. ..Lumber, Propane /gas/petro, general warehouse shipping, Quarry /crushed stone . set in the area of central Indiana era 1972 -82' ish.. 

When I realized I had 82 photos under this category, I decided it deserved it's own blog post. To put it simply, the Northern Utah Division, PSR, NMRA was definitely out there in promoting the hobby to the youth of the area, and were happy to show how they were doing it.

Nothing new, I just realized how that i should have been making individual blog posts instead of just adding to one post.  So I just copied this post to a new blog post.

We held the session Saturday morning.  I had invited Joe Atkinson to come for a session on my layout.  Joe was able to make it down and op with us.  After a little bit of chit chat and explaining of the layout, we got to work.

Hi All,

I have recently started up a new ‘How To’ series on my YouTube channel that I plan on publishing around the 15th of each month. My layout updates will still show up at the end of the month.

After being bitten by the weathering bug, I decided to dirty up my Atlas ballast hoppers.  The interiors were a real challenge since I lacked color photos of prototype car interiors for the late 50's.  A lengthy email exchange with a former BN employee gave me some ideas.  I armed myself with PanPastels, some oil paints, and a variety of applicators and set to work.  The following posts show my attempts.

I spent some time this weekend re-assembling the Siever's benchwork (great stuff!) from my previous layout in my attic space this weekend and it fits pretty nicely.  This benchwork is over 12 years old and this is the third layout that I have used it on.  Here is how it looks in the room:

Although it’s the aspect of the hobby I dread the most, I’m pressing ahead with wiring. I’m taking it slowly and deliberately: testing each connection as I make it, and then disconnecting it to add the next one.  So far so good,

EXCEPT

I'm finding some of my Insulfrog turnouts seem to be unresponsive electronically unless I hold it together.  My guess is the need a good cleaning and then maybe some persuasion. My question:  what’s the best way to clean and tune up these beasts?

Thank you! 

Geof