I've started to paint up some figures for the layout. I sorted out some that looked like railroad workers and painted them up.

These guys should add a bit of character to the layout when finished.

Probably already done, and I missed it, but... here goes anyway...

Weathering: Plastic buildings (my layout has a few Walthers buildings, and more than a few Plasticville)

Weathering: Steam, and Steam Era.

Oh, and if those ARE already done, cool.

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I  recently  acquired  a  small fleet of tank cars that I  need to add some weight.  I plan on drilling a small hole in the bottom  and adding shot.  From your  experience, do I add glue  and  then plug the hole or just plug  the  hole and let the weights adjust as necessary?

Would  love to hear the disadvantages  of either/both approaches.

Ken

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To All: The MO&G RR was chartered in 1910. It ran from Joplin, Missouri to Denison Texas. In 1913 it was reorganized as the Kansas, Oklahoma & Gulf Rwy. I scratch build, painted and lettered the car. Photo by Elvin Howland. Yours, Elvin Howland/E. St. Louis Rail Group Layout.

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.

When I started to build my Office Park Zone layout, I decided to replace my old Digitrax Zephyr with an NCE PowerCab. The Zephyr doesn't support functions above F9, and the PowerCab has nicer ergonomics for a small layout. While the PowerCab can handle DCC programming without a booster, it doesn't have a separate programming output, so the entire layout becomes a programming track.

Progress continues on the build of my steel framed modules (http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/29849).  

We have been operating module 1 (72"x16") semi scenicked with the prototype 48" module temporarily attached. Module 1 is a main with a transload track and a long industry spur.  Not designed as an inglenook but does look like one. Ultimately the layout will be shelf mounted but for now it's jury rigged on an old coffee table and TV table.  

The water surface is made from toilet paper and wood glue with a top coat of hi-gloss varnish. Here´s how it´s made: