Work has started on my shelf-based switching model. I was originally inspired by the "Summer Shelf Shunting Project” by M.C. Fujiwara (which was, in turn, based on Byron Henderson’s “Alameda Belt Line”).

I was all set to start when my wife said “I think you should make it bigger.”

“How much bigger were you thinking?” I asked.

“You should make it a show piece” she replied.

NOTE: I had lost the pictures when doing a web site rebuild. Just found them today (12/22/13) while looking for some other pictures on a thumb drive.

John,

I found the round-tuit button this afternoon. Here are the Atheran F7 shells. One was made into an F3A before commercial models were available. This was Atherans second up grade. The trucks were much improved on these models. Anyway here are the prototype engines.

To All: The railroads going into and out of E. St. Louis in the 1950-1970 era were--Litchfield & Madison (C&NW), NYC (CCC&St.L or Big 4), PRR, NKP, IC, GM&O, Illinois Terminal, L&N, Cotton Belt (SSW), Southern, MP, TRRA, CB&Q, B&O, C&EI, WABASH, E. St. Louis Jct. (in the city only), and Alton & Southern. Also the St.Louis & Belleville Electric RY, St. Louis & O'Fallon, Chicago, Peoria & St.

Ron Newby operates his Alco at prototypical speeds during a recent operating session on Michel Boucher's HO Scale Adirondack Branch of the D&H. To me he really demonstrates the way a train should be handled on a model railroad. It is also a complement to Michel as he ideally takes the stress off the operator by ensuring the schedule is not unreasonable or crowded with other train action. Also the number of cars in the yard is reasonable making room to get about.

Hi All,

Latest video update on the JL&T Railroad progress:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Cheers,

Jas...

Since I had to decide what type of construction (spline vs other) to use in two helixes, and with the comments that I received from the post I made the other day, I've come up with a concept on how to build a test helix that combines spline sub-roadbed with two straight sections to reduce the virtual grade.  The first jpg (n-scale helix top design) depicts a general drawing of the helix entrances and exits.  The second jpg (n-scale helix 1) depicts how I plan to construct the test helix.  I was particularly concerned about the gaps on the sides and the middle that woul

To All: I am a fan of the caboose, that is why I model from 1950-1970. This Litchfield & Madison caboose was kit bashed by me and Champion decals applied (sadly this company is no longer in business). The L&M was a subsidiary of the C&NW, used by that road to gain entry to E. St. Louis.

  Yours, Elvin Howland/E. St.Louis Rail Group layout

 PS: The title to this blog post should be Litchfield & Madison Caboose

To All: Another building I built for my customer in Japan was a power plant in N Scale. Again he sent me drawing of the actual plant to build the model from. This plant was just down the street from the passenger station. The structure is made of styrene as a base and the columns and decorative work built up of layered styrene in the correct profiles.   Yours, Elvin Howland/Layout Concepts,  E. St. Louis Rail Group layout

Hey Gang!

     What's the best way to model deep water?..I want to make the water for my GB&W Fox River Crossing and would like it to be over 1" thick.  I was looking at Envirotex light and multi pours.Is there anything better out there?

Also will the material attack the pink foam river edges?

thanks Paul B

Chris Savage takes us for a spin on Michel Boucher's D&H HO Scale model railroad.  The FNGers (Friday Night Group) in Gatineau near Ottawa.  We had the pleasure of a great visit and ops session.r