This video runs the layout of the SP/UP CP Main viewing from the head end of of the train. The tour starts in our model of Fairfield Ca and runs the main level to the end of our layout in the Fruitvale District of Oakland and around the helix. 

The industries and areas are noted along the way.

Enjoy 

I wrote this last night in a thread where the "art of model railroading" was brought forth and discussed because of the title of a new book. Upon reading it and re-reading it, I've decided it belongs here in my blog because it really puts forth my philosophy on model railroading these days, especially pertaining to the Black N' Blue. I was going to address some of this when I wrote the fictional history of my pike up and I may yet repeat myself since my wife and kids tell me how good I am at doing that.

Just had my left hand and arm done a few days ago. My right is not near as bad as my left is or was. I am now wearing a brace on it when I sleep but it probably will need surgery too. Scenery is no real issue but structures and rolling stock are. Hopefully that will change as even though I don't need many more structures for my little pike, I'm going to need at least a dozen or more Tichy wooden ore cars. I don't think RTR will do for the look and feel I want for the Black N' Blue unless someone knows of  RTR cars out there I don't.

i would like to model 2 or 3 oil pump jacks on an area of my layout. Probably in a farmers field. This is in HO scale.

We set up our modular layout, the Adirondack & Lake Champlain at the local mall this past week. You can read about it here, here, here, and here.

Here's the gift every train fan needs.

The Golden Spike oval roaster by CampChef. LOL

Hi! :) The video this week shows how super realistic corrosion can be added to any plastic surface with a really simple method. The resulting surface can be studied under microscope without flaws.

This method is also a foundation for applying more advanced methods of detailed weathering, which will be covered in future tutorials. Here´s a link to the video:

I have been away from the hobby for a bit, due to family.  Our daughter returned home to finish college, We  support all our children in their endeavors. Unfortunately she came with two cats. We love our daughter, not so much the cats.

Starting to bake in a simple Ops Handout, but make it visually fun to use.  I will also have what I call the plain text version on a 3x5 card too..

On the back will be a Diagram of the layout and a few other useful tools like how to use the NCE Cabs etc.

When Folded for the Operators it looks like this.