Since I'm expanding into the alcove it makes sense to complete the mountain area that has been a "skeleton" for a number of years now.  I like the idea of working on movable sections because I can work on them comfortably outside of the train room.  Below are some pictures of the section that will complete the area:

I hear SoundTraxx is finally shipping the SurroundTraxx.   Of course I noticed quite a price jump, but that is not surprising considering the unit has been in the pipe for many years.

Anyone have their hands on one?  Looking for a review and the actual instruction manual... not the sell sheets on the SoundTraxx site.

I can't quite decide on my layout - I need some help

I'm currently using a fold up ping pong table to run some trains on - I'd like to stick with this due to space requirements

I've got a lot of equipment to run (Athearn Challenger, Bachmann Centennial, few other smaller locos) as well as lots of passenger coaches and lots of freight cars

I've already got a NCE Powercab and a heap of flex track, as well as alot of Hornby track (of a suitable radius for my Challenger and DD40AX)

I've recently been informed that my open house date for the Piedmont Pilgrimage will be on October 15th - the first day of the event.  The Piedmont Pilgrimage is the annual tour of model railroads for the Piedmont Division of the NMRA and this year will have over 80 model railroads on the tour in the Atlanta, Georgia area that goes until late November.