..............is the economy of modeling (at least in O scale) picking up?

As many of you might recall, I lost my layout to a fire a couple of years back.  Prior to a move to a new location and starting on a layout, I started purchasing items including structure kits as well as some built ups and rolling stock for both O standard and On30.  Here are some examples of what I found:

Red Caboose 42 ft flats I bought a number of for between $18 and $28.  I bid on one last week but it sold for $42.

I decided to post some pictures and "progress shot" of my layout the Bonaventure & Chambly (HO scale) I'll keep this thread updated as best I can, as I continue to improve, operate, and add to my layout. Hope you'll find this thread interesting. 

Recently I installed a new work desk, and found I needed a new magnifier for it. So I went about shopping on the internet for a magnifying lamp of sorts. I used to have one on my workbench where I used to be employed, and it worked very well for surface mount soldering, but I didn’t know much about it, other than what it looked like. So I set out shopping.

I have seen many, Many, MANY references to "Wet Water". Wet water is simply tap water (the purists among us will insist on distilled water) with a little detergent added to break the surface tension so the water will have better wetting action.

In almost every description I've seen we are told to use dish detergent! Don't do it! Dish detergent is specially formulated with foaming agents that make >lots< of suds (because it looks pretty in the sink?).