Hello:

The Virginia Southern Railroad, a merger between the Clinchfield and Interstate, presents its paint schemes.

Unit 3000 is a Kato SD40 in the grey / yellow scheme which was applied to the diesels as ordered from EMD. The 3011 is a Athearn SD40 in the black / yellow scheme applied on later units and by the shops.

Both were custom painted by Marty Talley, decals from Stan Cedarbluff. I applied decals and will get railings and weathering applied soon.

Crew change in Shelby on the LVN

Ok, I've got most of the "short" problems solved. However, there is a problem with the code 70 switches not having good steady blade contact and I'm not sure how to solve it. When the engine hits the switch, I can push against the rail with my wood uncoupling stick (to a point the engine hits it) or press down on the ties or the throw bar plastic piece and the rail makes better contact. 

I've been searching for a way to make the Espee Sunset Limited, But more cheaply than buying the set in brass.

And I think I have, Here is my list of items w/o prices,

1. Proto 2000 E7 A-B-B in Espee Daylight Scheme.

2. (1) Walthers Undecorated NYC Baggage/RPO Car w/ N61 Three Axel Passenger Trucks

     Union Station Products : Budd Baggage/RPO car sides

I am attaching three pictures of some foam core buildings I have put together for the Grande Pacific RR.  Two of the Acme Produce Co and One of the Rocky Mountain Printing Co. Model Builders program will give you rock walls.

The next picture will show the frame. Put foam core together with white glue.  3m77 adhesive to stick paper.

I wrote an article on using foamcore for walls and abutments at:

http://royhoffman.com/pwrr/foamcorewall.html

Just a quick update before I sign off to begin the holiday festivities. I have made sufficient progress on the upper valance to be ready for Santa's LED presents to me. The wall angle for the lay-in lighting panels is completed all way round. That allowed me to begin finish work on the valance front. It is taped and first round of mud.

Wall angle:

May each of you be blessed with a wonderful holiday season, and good health to enjoy our great hobby in the coming year.