Just arrived on the layout is this scrap load from Motrak Models for the recently acquired Tangent PRR gondola. Also arrived is a bag of actual rust chips and powder I intend to use for weathering. Below is the scrap load: Continue reading

Here is the new week’s layout photo from the original Hitop branch: Continue reading

Looks like our next work session on the railroad has arrived with the arrival of the local from Riverside yard. We’ll soon be going to work switching these out: Continue reading

Yesterday was another work day on the local, this time working several hot cars needed by Monsanto Chemical. This trip consisted of Charlie as engineer, myself as brakeman, and Jimmy as conductor. We need to switch out two empty tanks for a loaded tank car and a loaded covered hopper of chemicals. Photos below show… Continue reading

Playing with AI again the other day I came up with these photos and suggestions how to improve the weathering on the layout.  A bit much in some respects, but some good suggestions in other areas to make the layout a more grungy 1970’s industrial scene: Continue reading

Here’s a previous day when our crew was out on second trick working the industries along the Ohio, and ending our work after dark.  Sequence of photos below: Continue reading

Coming soon to the layout are several scrap loads for two gondolas, one is from Motrak Models. I’ll post photos when these arrive! I also had to temporarily postpone all the detail parts from miniprints. Sometimes life’s other issues take precedence, such as car repairs and service! I’ll be ordering these soon however…. Continue reading

Here is this week’s layout photo from the original Hitop branch: Continue reading

Just two of the prototype items I use on the layout, including a PC Southern Region timetable. Useful tools anyone can use to run their layout in a more prototypical manner. I use copies of the actual PC switch list during an operating session. Time can be a factor as well in running a layout… Continue reading

Well, it’s back to work again as the local out of Riverside yard has backed our inbound cars to us, all destined for Monsanto Chemical. Looks like quite a few chemical tank cars! Stay tuned as we start working Monsanto…. Continue reading

Another work day as our crew along with the help of the local crew on GP7 5628, gets to work switching the industrial area in Sedamsville and Addyston. Today our crew is myself as brakeman, Jimmy as conductor, and Fred as engineer as we fire up 8806. Today we need to pull an empty reefer… Continue reading

Here is this week’s layout photo from the original Hitop branch: Continue reading

Today we switch out Monsanto during first trick. Gathering up our coffee thermoses Charlie, Dan, and I head over to our regular locomotive 8806 and fire her up. Today we’re also taking the two empty tank cars out of McGraw fuel and oil. The local with GP7 5628 has come caboose light out of Riverside… Continue reading

As I’m unfortunately taking a break temporarily from weathering with my airbrush parts worn out, I decided to weather two sidings on the layout. Starting with the team track, I took some Vallejo light gray acrylic paint and drybrushed the gray on random ties. I followed this up with some dark earth pigments by MiG… Continue reading

Here is this week’s layout photo from the original Hitop branch: Continue reading