What's New

I have a number of projects planned for 2007, not sure I'll get them all done but planning is half the fun.

I've been looking at the structures on the layout and realized that many have been serving time for 20 years or more and probably need to be updated. I love to build structures and this provides a great opportunity for me to build a few new ones for the layout which has been finished for a number of years.

Hamilton was one of the older scenes on the layout having been around since 1986 and was in need of a face lift.


Old structures have been removed.	Old structures removed.	Sub base and track are gone. The sub base was made from foam which I didn't like glad it's gone.

I used 2x4 drop ceiling panels and chip for the sub base. This was my first time using ceiling panels and I'm very pleased with the results.	The panels are very easy to cut. and work with. I first cut the chip board to the desired shapes to fit the opening and then were used to mark the panels.	This is the type of panel I used. I picked up the tip for using them from a Yahoo Group site hosted by Jim Six.

Installing the sub base.	Installing the sub base. I attached the panels to the chip board using sheet rock screws. I didn't use any glue but I did run a bead of clear caulk around the parameter to seal any gaps.	After base was installed I started replacing the structures. It turned out to be more of a challenge than I anticipated. I was able to use a few of the old structures and ended up building several new ones.

Structure placement.	Structure placement.	Atlas code 83 track is being installed which is glued to the sub base.

Track installation. Wire drops are in place yet to be soldered. Several new structures in the background.	Track installation. Several new structures in the background.	Track installation.

Track work near completion.	Track has been airbrushed after all soldering is complete and prior to spreading ballast.	Ready for ballast and ground cover.

Work complete.	Stinker Scrap.	Limp Noodle Spaghetti Factory.

Kelly Steel.	Kelly Steel gantry crane.	Kelly Steel gantry crane.

Tri-Angle Paint.	Photo Electric.	Ready for operation.

Structures and scenery changes added at Flanigan, Watercress and Lone Pine Branch.


A structure has finally been added to the old Granite Rock spur. Carbon Fuel should generate a few hoppers full of coal.	Waite Chemical was in need of a new building and a merger and is now Waite Tool & Die.	Business is already booming at Waite Tool & Die.

Oil tanks were made from ABS pipe caps. Plumbing supply houses are great finds for model railroads.	Pillsbury was recently purchased by The Dulaney Holding Company and is now Dulaney Milling.	Flanigan looking west toward Waite Tool & Die.

There are 5 electric lock switch locations on the railroad now with the correct detail parts added.	Electric Lock Switch	Electric Lock Switch

Electric Lock Switch	Watercress no change just having fun with the camera.	Watercress no change just having fun with the camera.