John’s been back in touch – this time with his HO scale oil refinery.
I have no idea how long it took to make, but seems very worth it – I can’t wait to see it on his layout:
“Hi Al,
Well, it’s been awhile since I wrote to you and the thousands of model railroaders but rest assured that I read the Blog twice a day – every day.
Since retiring in April last, I’ve been just to busy to get around to sending an update…it’s complicated.
Anyway, I’ve completed another module to “finish” all the scenes and main aspects of my West Virginia Energy railroad.
This is the shale to oil processing and refining plant. Here oily shale is separated from it’s sticky crude oil and refined into good old low sulfur diesel fuel.
As is the case with most of the WV Energy businesses, it’s working on a string and a prayer. Some leaks and stuff always needing help. Rust always attacking anything not covered in oil or old paint.
Some brave souls climbing those ladders!
When it finely gets installed in the corner of the layout I’ll send more.
Regards to you and all our model railroad friends across the world.
John From Baltimore”
A huge big thanks to John for sharing his HO scale oil refinery. I do love his layout – his last post is here:
And another oil refinery that springs to mind, is Fred’s:
Next up is Bill.
He’s sent in the below, and I’d really like to hear your thoughts – it’s a subject we all mull over:
“Alastair,
I am sorry to say that I have to give up this hobby.
It has just gotten too expensive for me as I am a senior on a fixed income.
Locomotives that used to cost $100 or less are now $300 and up with DCC and DC locomotives are becoming increasingly rare.
Passenger cars that I used to get for $25 are now twice as much.
Freight Cars are up in price also.
Just can’t afford it anymore.
Bill”
Please do leave a comment below if you’d like to add to the conversation.
That’s all for this time folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the big day when you get back in the saddle and join in the fun, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.
Buy second hand, cheapest at model railway shows, here in the UK you can used wagons for £2 to £5 and coaches from £5 to £15 and loco’s from about £30 up. Some may need a little bit of TLC, but don’t we all as we get older, thank God we have the NHS to keep all us aging model makers still functioning.
John, absolutely incredible detail. Only wish that I had that level of artistic skill. Bill, I understand where you’re coming from. I have been purchasing locomotives that I truly wanted here and ther while I’m still semi=retired due to the ever increasing prices. But my thoughts are, liked I explained to the wife, I don’t drink, smoke or do drugs and my only other hobbies are a little golf now and then and some woodworking. Have to stay sane somehow!
An oil refinery is an unusual thing on a model railroad. I cannot imagine why, unless the detail is intimidating to most modelers. Nice work. Certainly, you see enough refined and unrefined petroleum on the rails. Rob
John, great modeling. I am amazed at what is being charged for equipment today. I highly recommend looking on ebay for things. I agree with Richard Ott, you have to do something. Remember the root of the word Senility is sessile.
There are still some inexpensive ones if you check train shows, EBAY. Buy used and fix them and add details. Many videos how to. Some of the new Locos and cars that are high cost have a lot more detail. I’m sure the tariffs are having some effect.
Hey Bill. Dont give up what you enjoy. Stay with it. It will maintain ur sanity. If you already have some trains be happy with them. You don’t necessarily have to add to what u already own. But maintain sanity. It’s very important in our GOLDEN YEARS. Ya gotta have something to keep you going.
hey bill i agree with you. I have found a lot of cheaper stuff at estate sales and garage sales. You need to check around. You may not get exactly what you want but its worth a try.
That’s quite an impressive scratch-built refinery John. I especially like the lighting on all the tanks and the fire burning off the methane fumes. Where exactly will the rail service be provided to the refinery? Presumably there will be tank cars delivering crude shale oil and other tank cars receiving the outgoing diesel fuel. Looks like they’ve got a lot of leaks; better hope the EPA inspectors don’t pay them a visit. 🙂
Good lord. Amazing work.
Bill ,You can still run trains but don’t purchase anything else just maintain what you have. This way you can still enjoy the hobby. With out spending. I’m sure they’ll be some unforeseen repair purchases but that would be at a minimum. Good Luck
The Critic