For those of you who saw the birth of this "economy" switcher a few weeks ago  - here it is at work.

The next thing to work on is my photography skills - new camera - no clue !

Isn't this hobby great - endless horizons, always something new to learn

A little while ago I started working on a digital model of a F40PHM-2 in N scale.  These were the last batch of F40PH manufactured by EMD in the early ninties.  These units were delivered to Metra for use in commuter rail service in and out of Chicago.  Like I said, I'm building a digital model (i.e. a 3D model on the computer).  When it is finished, I plan to upload the file to shapeways.com and get it made in resin using their 3D printing (a.k.a. rapid-prototyping) technology.

Hey everyone. Got a NCE DCC question. I know you can use 2 power cabs on the same layout. NCE directions say you can use youre power cab as a pro cab on the club layout. What i want to know is will it function as a 2nd power cab allowing me to use all the functions, or will they "fight for control" with each other? I am using the SB3 booster with the 5 amp power booster. Any hints will help.

Got started on a signature but non-rail served industry on the Grimes Line, Pallet Recyclers of Iowa. As the name implies Pallet Recyclers rebuilds and resells pallets to companies. The rather unique warehouse is located on Meredith Drive backed up to the rail line. Because of it's location I only had to model the rather plain backside as a backdrop flat.

As you can see the plans have changed a fair bit from the earlier plan. I have secured a better location consisting of half a bedroom, so it is now an L-shaped layout.  It will feature a main urban industrial area and a small harbour (something I've always loved!)

Status Report

Benchwork: 95% complete

Tracklaying: 10% complete

Wiring: 5% complete

Scenery: 0% complete

So we're all familiar with my stance on the present buttonry and boondoggles already on the market.  They're the epitome of 1989 technology, and even then, the technology was 10-20 years old.  AKA, it's obsolete, the technology is practically an antique.  When I see manufacturers investing money into things like the new DT402R series, I groan.

Last month I described in words the laminating process.  I took a few pictures the other day when I was cutting up two sheets of masonite hardboard into strips for the spline helix that I am building.  This is my method and there may be others but this is how I do it. Updated 6 Sep with additional pictures.

I'm always too optimistic. As feared, a bunch of Real Life happened for the past two months, and I've made no progress beyond tweaking the benchwork and lighting a bit. But it wasn't all down time as far as railroading is concerned: we took a three week camping trip around northern Ontario, ending in Cochrane for the Ontario Northland Railway Historical & Technical Society Convention.

On the way, we spent most of a week at Neys Provincial Park, on the beautiful Lake Superior north shore -- and right by the Canadian Pacific mainline:

Joe,

I can't believe I've been reading this for more than two years now.

It just gets better and better, I don't even miss the slicks anymore. I just look at the newest MRH and satisfy all of my model railroading fetishes and longings.

I was wondering if any thought had been given to a members gallery where readers could post images of their own layouts in the magazine?

Keep 'em coming, I'm hooked for life!

Jerry Sparrow