John’s been back in touch – he’s been busy adding to his HO scale mining structures:
“Hi Alastair,
The maintenance module from my last post is in place on the layout, and the back-drop is painted and in place. Wiring is well underway on the mine end of the layout and the control panel is in place.
The scene is a long string of empty hoppers is being backed around to the tipple for filling. Mine dump trucks are moving product, and the maintenance shop is…well…maintaining.
I added a closeup of the old mine shed as I’ve been working on “super-detailing” that section of the scene.
Take care, next update may be awhile as the wiring will be most of the next work.
John from Baltimore”
A huge thanks to John for sharing his HO scale mining structures – stunning stuff. Can’t wait to see how he talks us through the wiring.
Lawrence has been in touch with his BNSF model train – I do love a layout with a backstory:
“AL
I wanted to make a small version of the Lincoln Nebraska BNSF rail yard.
My sister works there as the bus driver for the train engineers when they have done their designated hours, and replaced with new engineers.
The trains stop where ever they are when the engineers work time is up.
The first set of pictures shows the actual BNSF Terminal. The first picture is the front of the terminal taken from the street using the Bing maps.
The second picture shows the back of the terminal using the Google maps. I actually took about twenty pictures of the terminal from different angles.
Some of the pictures are show at my work desk as I prepare to start cutting out the styrene.
Due to space limitations I did not make the terminal as long as the real one. From the pictures I took the model is the length of one BNSF engine too short.
The printed pictures of the terminal the colors darker then from actually looking at the terminal on the maps on the computer.
The next email of three pictures:
The first picture shows almost all the styrene pieces needed to build the terminal. I ordered Chooch walls to cover the front of the terminal, they were close to the original.
The next picture displays the back of the model terminal with personnel in the observation deck.
The last picture displays the front of the terminal, the power sources, sign, radio tower, and external building. The stairs on the front of the building and flags have not been constructed at this time.
To prevent brush strokes, I used a paint sprayer to paint the roof. Looking at the terminal on line did not show any weathering so I will not weather the model.
I will send more pictures of the rail yard in the near future.
Lawrence”
I absolutely love what Lawrence is doing. If you missed his last post, it’s here.
Now on to Cassio. A man of few words, but the pics make up for it:
“Dear friend Alistair, I am sending some more photos of the evolution of the decoration of my model.
Thank you.
Cassio”
A huge thanks to Lawrence for sharing his BNSF model train, and to Cassio too.
I should also thank everyone that has supported the site over the last few days, and taken the plunge with the Beginner’s Guide.
(Frankly, without you, there wouldn’t be a site.)
What has surprised me, however, is this.
This year – and I have no idea why – I have had lots of comments thanking me for the site and the Beginner’s Guide.
I’m only human, and when I get a nice mail in my inbox it really does make my day, so thank you.
PPS Still unsure about the Beginner’s Guide and the shipping containers?
Here’s what Hall of Fame member John has to say about it:
“I recently got and read “How to Create A Breath Taking Model Railroad for The Complete Beginner.” Even though I’ve been modeling for some years and consider myself pretty knowledgeable in the building of miniature railroad worlds, I still learned new things.
The logical layout of the book and the background information was easy to follow, made good sense, and if done will save many hours of reworking mistakes. Every chapter has good information, is easy to read and understand. I particularly enjoyed the scenery tips, and how several different types of scenery building was discussed.
The numerous tips collected from Al’s website printed at the end of the book are a great addition to the knowledge contained in the book. Many I’ve tried myself!
It occurred to me that this book would be an ideal gift for someone we know who looks at our layout and says, “I’d love to do something like this, but I just don’t know where to start.” Haven’t we all heard this from friends and co-workers? Give ‘em the book, and be available to assist as they take saw and screw-gun in hand!
I recommend this beginners guide for all of us in the great hobby of Model Railroading without reservation.
