VIA Rail 6404 runs through the wash area after completing maintenance in the shop and new paint on my layout, The Trenton Subdivision in N Scale. 

Just finished this Kato USA, Inc. F40, including modifications to the shell, installing an MRC sound decoder and a full repaint in VIA colours. Decals are from Highball Graphics Decals. 

I used the recently released Black Cat Decals etched end cages for slabside hoppers to fix up a TLT car.  These can also be used on F&C and Sylvan kits as well.  More here:

https://hudbayrailway.blogspot.com/2021/11/etched-end-cages-for-slabside...

I have always been fascinated by wayside signals. I created a design in 2006 based on hardware using combinational logic ICs. It didn't take long to discover that a pure hardware solution was very complex. A few years ago I began exploring creating a signal system based on monitoring the Digitrax LocoNet for block occupancy and turnout position.

My long term goals in order are

1. Reconfigure the woodchip lot by adding multiple conveyors and transfer towers
2. Find/make a wrap-around, free-hanging backdrop for a consistent background.
3. Add animated truck lift and bulldozer to completed woodlot.

  The photo below attests to the very slow progress made on all these goals, yet progress it remains!

Sometime about 4-5 months ago I posted about this sprayer:

It has been a while since I posted about the progress on my 3D printed Shay, and it may not show it in the pictures but a lot has been going on.  The project ran into an issue when I went to make some weights to put in the boiler and tender.  I am using a low melting temp alloy that I pour into 3D printed molds.  The first mold when into the boiler, and it worked great.  I then created two more weights that I mounted inside the tender, and that is when everything went wrong.

After having read about the marvels of low temp solder in a couple MRH-RE columns (https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/running-extra/2021-10/ah-ha...) I've been looking forward to trying it for myself.  I ordered a new iron (Hakko FX888D) to replace my ancient weller, and I ordered a couple types of low temp solder from Digikey:

Well its been awhile since I posted. I now have a resin printer and have been working on the UP/Relco vegetation control train which I hope to make available through ETSY in the near future. I wanted the model to use the headlights shown below, but these are no longer made so I decided produce them myself.

Hello gang, I have not worked on my trains in a very long time. The boss told me to get working on it or get busy selling it... I decided to set some goals and work a couple of hours every couple of days on it. Worse, she said if I don't start working on it, I can not go looking for precious junk at any more train shows. Damn... anyone live with a woman like that? I am just kidding. I mean she does have a valid point. 

The switching lead on my mini test layout would be pathetically short without an extension.  Since I expect to carry the module up and down stairs and round corners, the extension has to be removable.  I wanted it to lock nicely into place and be easy to install and remove.  I ended up using a threaded insert and a screw with a knob.

Here's a side view of the extension installed.