Now that the ballasting was complete the next task was to tidy up the front edge of the module by installing a fascia.  The foam had already started to fray in a few places so it was time.

So after a few cuts with the jigsaw, a bit of sanding, some liquid nails and clamping at last I had a fascia.

After the successful Big Boy test I was satisfied that I didn't need to make any track alignment changes so I went ahead and ballasted the track.

I used Arizona Rock & Mineral Co.'s Northern Pacific Med Gray Granite as the base ballast then added a lesser amount of their Southern Pacific Black Cinder mostly along the rails with a scattering to the sides in a few places.

The Southern Mountain Railroad is an enhanced switching layout utilizing a mix of Alco and Fairbanks Morse motive power.  Here Extra 736 North threads KL interlocking as it departs Cielo Vista behind a normal freight consist of 3 Alco F units.

Detailing a load of utility poles in HO scale

After completing this scratch built HO scale 89’ LTTX flatcar,  it was time to create a prototypically accurate load of utility poles for the car to carry.  

So having completed the wiring of the module it was time for the Big Boy test.

I hooked up my Roco Z21 system, whipped out my iPhone, added a new loco and voila...it worked perfectly!  

Even my 22" curve was ok.

Next I tried out the Intermountain BNSF ES44AC.

It's been quite a while since my last post, so I have quite a bit of catching up to do.

Very soon after gluing the track down my little helper and I tested it out with a recent purchase.

Then I carefully flipped the module up onto it's side and proceeded to start my first ever wiring.

Here is how it looks.

The revisions and whatnot of building the N-scale BTR to the stage that it is currently at has left me with a small stack of spare wood panels and planks. I couldn't leave them with the layout as the "train room" is just off the front door. Early 21^st Century scrap yard is simply NOT an acceptable style of furnishing the so-called living room. So, in trying to find a suitable place to stick said spare panels, I made a happy discovery....

I'm on vacation visiting family and friends in western Canada.  I grew up in the central Manitoba/Saskatchewan border area and have been visiting family there.  I was at the old train station in my home town that has been converted to a restaurant/ice cream parlour when the southbound VIA Hudson Bay rolled by.  I recall a scenic location east of town that I could beat the train to so off I went. 

This year's NMRA National Convention took place in Indianapolis at the beginning of July.  I had a blast as always and here's a quick video on some of the activities that went on:

If you are interested in attending then next year is in Orlando (http://nmra2017orlando.org) so bring the family and do Disney too.