While I wait for some sheet cork to continue laying the yard tracks and other areas of the smelter, it was time to mock up some additional smelter buildings and see how they might work in the space.  This is the first area of the layout with any significant structures.  I hope to capture the “industrial menace” of the smelter, although the menace part of the equation may have to wait until it is more than just plain cardboard.

I just received an email from a Kato representative and they are able to donate a  HO scale Metra engine. Also a local club has supplies they can donate and also the donations from David Thanks to all of them.

The last remaining Hawaiian railway roundhouse may be demolished. The owner's want to sell the property and only see the nearly 100 year old building as a liability. What should be done? Should I put up a KickStarter program, seek a benefactor, or put together a partnership and buy it?

I'm planning a research and rock gathering trip in a few weeks and was going to take a few tubs home.  Are there any tips or tricks for this type of reconnaissance?  Best lines to use when the state trooper asks what you're doing with a shovel on the side of the road?  Are we looking for the finest stuff, or should we be taking larger rocks with the intent to put them in a blender later on?

Thanks!

Rob