Well the Dames Point Railroad was removed and briefly replaced with an N scale layout. But I discovered N scale was just too small so I sold all of that and I am back in HO. Unfortunately I sold ALL of my HO stuff so I am now starting from scratch on layout #7. Hopefully this is the last one. 

I have finished making the baseboards. Today, I fitted some adjustable bolts to the corners of each board. I then set the boards up on my work top in the hobby room and got everything at a matching level. Here you can see it in place.

Many modelers have used Arduino Pro Mini’s to get great animated lighting effects in their buildings (MRH November 2014, Starting from Scratch with an Arduino Pro Mini (or Moteino) http://mrhpub.com/2014-11-nov/land/#99 and SMA8 Starting Projects and Virtual Rooms for Modeling.

I have started on a master craftsman kit of a Nickel Plate wood caboose. This is a first for me as I've had this kit for 30 years and have never attempted a "scratch" kit requiring thinking, measuring, cutting. gluing, painting and patience.

Need some help! I am starting, for the very first time in my career, to build a wood kit that I've had for nearly 30 years. It's a caboose and the instructions say to glue sides together and then use Scalecoat Sanding Sealer. Since Scalecoat is no longer in business, what is an alternative, keeping in mind I am not building a fleet nor am I sealing the wood floors in my house so pints, quarts and gallons are not acceptable? 

Tonight, I test-fitted a pair of 3D printed collars onto the donor mechanisms of two upcoming projects: a Metra F40PHM-2 based on a Walthers Trainline F40PH (back). and a Metra F40C based on a Bachmann SD40-2 (front).  The collar for the F40PHM-2 fits nice and snug.  Unfortunately, the collar for F40C needs some corrections.

Thanks,

Damin.

Started on third kit, another Barr Mills - Bud Smiley's: I made good progress for me in one afternoon.

 The Bar Mills General Store Kit was actually finished some months ago (slow and steady)! My second craftsman kit.