Greetings, I have changed my Cheyenne railfan blog to represent more regions. now RAILTIMEUSA powered by Shapeways. 

http://railtimeusa.blogspot.com/

First thanks to MRH for there booth and support at the convention. I have tons of pictures and video of some really exceptional modelers models.  Great fun had by all 1600 in attendance. More to come. 

Model animation—bringing models to life—adds enormously to the interest and enjoyment of any layout or individual model!  In the midst of the self-created kaos of preparing clinics for the 2015 NMRA convention, I snuck in the time to work on this animation of a DCC controlled UH-1H Iroquois helicopter, that I built for a friend. This video captured the project just after I competed all but the final details and decaling, just before it flew off my workbench.  All the sounds are generated by the model as you see it and hear it.

It has been awhile since my last post. I have had to rebuild the layout. The track plan was layed out several times. Finally settled on the current one. I am now laying down the track and  did some scenery.

Recently had a 3 year old visit my layout and wanted to try my trains.  So I let him use the Lionel-Chief remote figuring even a 3 year old could learn to use it.  I gave him instructions on how to use it and he did fine, except that he insisted on churning the control to full speed.  Well I got though this adventure and decided to build a little wood device I could slide on my remote to prevent a very young child from sending my engine into apoplexy.  I've included the plan here and more details and pictures are available for free download at my blog if you think th

Jonah and me had op session, we switched between conductor and engineer. Main line running and switching at Conway yard. not all was recorded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deF7g7oF3Wk

Jonah and me had op session, we switched between conductor and engineer.
Switching at Conway yard, Jacob Coal Co and New Castle with crew of  extra 475, not all was recorded. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARQAvEjGFJA

Hi all.

I am going to start a layout. I think that is going to be the "one".

I asked for your help to plan a small freight yard, to serve just as staging yard. Well, I was over thinking about it. I opened SCARM and made a buck of trackplans, and all of the looked awful. Then, after reading Mike Confalone Allagash Story Vol1. I decided that should take an approach just like Mike does.

Does anybody have any suggestions of where to look to learn more about using photos for buildings and backgrounds, etc??  I've read Lance Mindheim's blog about using google street view to take screen shots of whatever building you like and then formatting the pic to the right size and then printing it so It can be glued to  foam board or styrene.   I know how to use google street view and there are some industrial buildings I'd like to try and print out to use for some background buildings on a switching layout.