Just completed two CNR Maintenance-of-Way vehicles to add to my layout, the Trenton Subdivision in N Scale. These are resin and metal casting, Magnuson Models Hi-Rail crew cab trucks that I purchased several years ago. Decals are Highball Graphics CN MOW, Microscale Canadian flags and Hazmat placards. For the solid cast windows, I first applied a layer of gloss black, followed by a coat of Tamiya Clear Green.

I am thinking the time has come for me to invest in a static grass applicator. I have read a few threads and articles concerning different varieties of applicators, from home-made to some costing well over $100. I'm not afraid to invest the money in a quality unit, but I don't want to waste money either. So I am hoping that some folks in this forum will offer some insight based on experiences both good and bad that will help me select or build a unit that works well.  

How high were the brake wheels? I would have thought they'd be at a height comfortable for the "brakeman" to be able to turn them. However, in the many pictures I've seen, brake wheels seem to be at all kinds of height. Especially where the brakeman is standing. Like on the top of a house car. I've seen pictures where the wheel is barely above his foot - and others at his waist. And were the variations due to the RR? The location in the U.S.? The car manufacturer? Or is it that all I'm seeing is models that have no real basis in a prototype.

Hi, Brand new here and to model RRing.  I build (and built) cars, model WWII ships (English), diecast cars, balsa/tissue planes, wooden planes and then I switched gears when I ran across an old wood/metal Pullman car that looked interesting to restore. That lead to more old kit cars, always wood/metal. Parts all over the place. I saw a project here to upgrade a diecast Mantua 4-6-2 Pacific so I got one, and a spare boiler, figuring I might screw up with grinding.