It's Finally Done!

Well the main line is finally done on the new track plan. I ran the first train around for about a half hour with no issues. Now onto the yard.

I will try to add a video later this week.

A little trip west.

Well it just so worked out that I had to make a work trip to Calgary last week. And wouldn't you know it, Supertrain 2012 was at the end of the week. So the show was a good mix of layouts and vendors, Some very nicely done modular layouts. And I didn't take a single picture of model trains, I saved that for the day spent in the mountains.Would have been better if the sun had stayed out all day, not just when there was no trains.

Some Progress

Nothing much to report, got some of the decals started tonight. Managed to get some time track-side this weekend too, will post pictures later this week.

A new airbrush....

Well, its been a while since i did anything train related so here is an update. Last week i went to Artists Emporium here in Winnipeg. On sale they had an Aztek 470 kit for $79.99 instead of $169.00, Ok I can splurge for that price. And WOW what a difference it makes of the Badger I was using.

So i started re doing some of the U25's that were posted about below. While painting the noses on the units, I had one U25 masked for the usual Reading Green. And while changing paints to the Reading Green from the black, I looked up and saw the unit below.

Now this was the first iteration of the EH&S back in my teen years. That is a Tyco GP-20 sitting on a Athearn GP-9 frame. Fairly basic black & yellow paint, All done with Rattle Can. Upon seeing this I looked back at the one U25 awaiting another coat of green paint, looked at my current cup of black paint in the airbrush and you get the following.

So this units frame isn't quite finished yet, it only has the yellow applied for the battery boxes. But mounted on the frame I think it looks sharp.

Now I am not sure which one I like better......

Woodland Scenics® Tidy Track™

Well what else can i say, this is an impressive little system.

Lets start with Roto Wheel Cleaner™, I like this for the obvious reasons. It cleans engine and rolling stock wheels, Can be placed right on the track to get power. You can also use the clips and use a power pack on the workbench. The other use I like it for is running the loco with the shell off. This makes applying lube to the gears simple and lets it run through top to bottom. I think its well worth the purchase.

I also picked up the Rail Tracker Cleaning Kit™. I like this because I have a number of tunnels that curve. It work well, doesn't take the effort of the bright boy and seems to work as described.

Wanted - Kato

I am looking for two Kato U30C shells with the railings from the older run in the 90's. I don't need the mechanism just the bodies. Send me a PM. Will consider the entire unit if the price is right.

Had a minor issue with some brake fluid......

The next town.

Well started laying out the next town on the line. This will only have a station and two small industries. A Fuel dealer and two small shops for boxcar loads( Haven't decided yet ). There will be a small engine shed located here as it supports the mine around the bend. On the tracks that are temporarily shown in the pictures below, the Tall standing T-Pins are the end of the track.