Just real pleased at having discovered this site and look forward to a long association with it  We need fresh voices in the hobby and an online magazine might just appeal to the younger generation so tht our beloved hobby can continue to move forward.

It has been several months of life stuff and not working on my MEC and B&M Scenic RR.  But I continue to plan.  One of the photos of this week here on MRH led me to reexamine some photo evidence around the Dover NH yard I am modeling and question my earlier assumptions. 

The same day I finished the last update, I received the Grandt Lines smoke jacks in the mail. So this part we'll deal with the base roof assembly and installing the smoke jacks.

So first off I have a question as to why they are called smoke Jacks? If anyone knows out there let me know.

So first image I set the two roof halves in place and tacked them with some CY glue. The roof can be removable so I just glued the ridge together. This way you can add interior detail later and retrieve that derailed loco too.

I need assistance with two Walthers H10-44's that I'd like to convert to DCC with sound. Does anyone have step-by-step instructions/recommendations for a decoder installation or can anyone recommend someone or a shop that can do the conversions for me?

Thanks.

Wow, yesterday was a great day for me.

I was scheduled to operate with James on Bob's WC Kimberly Sub in Winnipeg for the Evening. I had 2 client stops to make and otherwise, lots of time to wander. The first client for the afternoon happened to be near Emerson, so I checked in at Emerson on my way.

The siding and wye outside of town were packed in with mixed freight. Got some great photos for rolling stock. Nice.

I have made a few Fast Tracks turnouts. I will be staining my wooden ties . The color of the ties used is a grey/brown tie & bridge stain from micromark. Now those shiny wonder PC ties need to painted. Do they take paint and if so as I am not doing a airbrush application, what have you kind fellows used?
Any help certainly appreciated.
Thanks. Transfer.

Here are some shots of two related projects I am working on...a powered tool car, and an unpowered rail truck that it can push. More to come!

To All: Anyone out there know the color on the Wabash S-2 Diesel Switchers? Was it black or blue?

           Any info will be appreciated. Yours, Elvin Howland/E. St. Louis Rail Group Layout

I now have most of what I need for a new truss rod flat car for the Standard Gauge portion of the Great North Central.

Yes--it's a bunch of scale 12 x 6's, brass wire, planks, couplers, stirrups, and trucks.  The queen posts, turnbuckles, bolsters, and brakes are on order.  The photo is poor--sorry about that--but at least gives an idea of what I'm starting with.  If I have a chance later, I'll shoot for a better pic.