Spend several hours trying to create an illusion of a cane field. After three separate sessions of frustration it has about 24" of sugar cane. There has to be a better way than planting a few stalks at a time and certainly end up looking more realistic. First my effort with some wet backdrop paint:

And a photo of some real sugar can fields for comparison:

Since I don't have a layout I've been buying up rolling stock kits and the shows I attend.  I have of these kits that I'm working on assembling.

Index*

One advantage of using sheets of homasote as a base layer for my roadbed is that the sheets have slightly natural dips and crests. This is an advantage when modeling an older branch line because those gentle rolling waves are realistic when viewed from a lower angle. 

I didn’t plan it this way, but it’s a nice discovery.

Creating a modular, stackable N scale layout that can store in IKEA shelves:

I made a five minute video of the techniques I used to apply a faux rust effect on my fascia.  A special thanks to Tim Warris and his Bronx Terminal layout for the inspiration!

Are there any means in modern times to move a freight car without an engine?

Let's assume there is an industry which receives some bulk material in a covered hopper. It can be unloaded in an underground bunker, but only one outlet at the same time, then the car has to be moved until the next outlet is over the bunker. 

There are several professional streetlights on the market. Although some of them are reasonably priced, making it your self gives a lot more satisfaction.

Here is how I make them:

To make a simple streetlight we need the following parts:

- Brass tube (1 -1.5mm diameter, 2 – 3″ long)

- 3mm led

- Washer with 3mm hole

- Piece of wire

- Resistor

- Centerpoint and hammer

- Solder iron

- Pair of pliers

If I was getting paid by the unit I think I would starve. I have handlaid turnouts in the past in place. So I tried the templates and it took me about 4 hours to build a code 83 turnout with track that is the old style. 74 thousands at the base. And so I built another one same method and it took about the same time and will actually see the layout.

Mind you, 4 hours without the wood ties yet.