When I first designed the layout I had intended freight cars in and out to come off the main line but then I got interested in car float operations so I add one to the layout. the float and tug are scratch built with the addition of some commercial castings

I finally finished this project; it had been in various states of completion since I started it.  The inspiration came from a photo I found online from James Lalande (posted here with permission.)  The flatcar and tie handler are not exact matches, but capture the look of the prototypes.  The flatcar kit is from Red Caboose.  It had the stake pockets as separate castings, which made leaving some off very easy.  Wire loops were added for the tie downs.

More than 20 years was this small model of a small steam engine in my stock and never it has to do a real job.

This small class G1 consolidation of N&W was a great workaholic beside all the other great engines of N&W, because it was built in 1897 already and was in service until 1955. A real long life for American steam engines!

A couple things. I sold a New York Central Dressel lantern i had been looking to sell for a while, and made $60 off of it. Then, this morning I used that money to get a railroad lantern I wanted Waaaaaaaaay more: a Boston & Maine Railroad lantern with a marked globe! Yes! It is a Deitz vesta, and is in very nice condition. I've been waiting a while for one of these to come up on ebay for a reasonable offer(less than $70). Also, my trackwork has been inching along.