Western Maryland 2-10-2 1129 (No such engine, but there was a 2-10-0 numbered 1129 for the Western Maryland) runs downhill to assist a train up over Savage Mountain. My IHC model outside on a Diorama. I got the caboose from a Train show.

I was browsing through my bookmarks today, as I was working on a layout project. Along the way, I found a reminder about why I craft. 

http://joshuadewolfe.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/crafting-on-the-cheap/

You can find the inspiration for this post here: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/5798

The leg team actually finished all twelve legs at their next class session. We set up the tilting table on the drill press so that each student could step up, position their 2x2 leg, and make that very satisfying pull on the feed lever down to the depth stop. 30 seconds that make a big impression when you’ve never controlled a powerful motor before.

Trying to get ready for this weekend's RPM meet in St Louis(Collinsville, IL).....

I started Friday with a nearly empty room....just what was on the one wall of the basement, and had a couple test benchwork fixtures there as well.....

Here's what I started with:

an to the right (90degrees)

This is just awesome!

One of the most important considerations in the design of the benchwork, as with most of what I am planning for the layout, was how easy it would be to parcel out tasks in a way that allowed all students to participate. The benchwork design for the blackboard wall consisted of three 8-foot long modules on legs clipped to the wall under the chalk rail, plus a special 6-foot long section for staging behind the door. That section is just a frame sitting on top of a bookshelf.

After leaving the tunnel at the summit of Matrimony Hill, the C&A main heads east and passes through Mortimer. This is a small but moderately busy town which services passengers and general freight traffic for a few local industries. Fess Allman is the Station Master and he (like many of those employed by the C&A) is an unusual character. More on Fess and his curious staff at a later date…..