Hi all,

My Bradford Valley Lumber co. layout models a backwoods logging operation, with a single-track line, and only one train running at the one time.  As such, the layout is designed for one person to operate.

While I was figuring out exactly how the BVLC's operations would work, it struck me that I could use Arduino microcontrollers to simulate and semi-automate various functions related to operations.  

Just starting to get active in the hobby again, and thought I would post some photos I took of my (mostly fantasy) baggage cars here as well as the Amtrak group.

Also painted and lighted the interior of my Heartland Flyer coach. 

Having found some time to do some modeling these past few days I thought I would update my blog with pics of some of the structures I've been building for the layout. Structure modeling is not one of my favorite things but you pretty much have to have them so I usually will carve out the time to build a couple in a row. The only structures i have so far on the layout are involved with the engine service area which is known as "Westcott".

I tell you, I did not want to rush the process of building this module. My plan was to take several weeks tinkering with it. But that was not to be. The Great Train Expo is on our doorstep and every effort has been made on my part to have something that resembles a partially built module ready.

I had a container of these brass paper fasteners laying around for years.  Looking at them, they shouted "roof vents!"  Here is how I used them for ventilator caps:

From the distant future, we wait for the invention of the Star Trek Replicator.  Today we have affordable 3-D printers.  But in 1894, there was the Automatic Sculpturing Machine, the great granddaddy of part duplicators.  

I added the text to these--

If there is one thing that makes N feel like the unwanted tag-along little brother of model railroad scales, it's the availability of RTR vehicles. Particularly modern cars, and more specifically, North American cars.  This makes putting together a modern layout (say, 1990s+) somewhat challenging.  It seems as though Ford is the only company which has licensed its vehicles in N (Atlas), and even those are few in number.

I'm sitting here fighting a cough and cold viral flu now for the 14th day. Time to start feeling better and work on a project I can manage while recuperating. This brings me to my scrap box and a couple of cars that are less trucks and/or missing other items and not deemed repairable - the perfect vehicle to practice on!

I am rebuilding a Lionel gang car into a steeple cab. It won't be prototypical, but will be very close to a steeple cab. Main difference is mine has one truck, and larger wheels. I'll post some pictures of how it is progressing. I have already started, considering on doing an interior. I'll put pics in when I have the time to shoot some. This project is being made out of low budget materials. No, wait. I meant "no budget" materials! I'll try to get in posts once a day, if I can. It's gonna be a slow project.