Reply To: I’ve bit the bullet, Jan. 15, 2011

[princessclyne69]

(Author’s note: even though this is a reply to another post, it does contain some layout construction content.)

In some ways, you could say that glues are my best friend because I can glue something, then let it sit while I file or drill something else. I usually get something done every evening, even if not more than a few minutes’ worth.

I’m doing the framing on the last module for the portion of the layout extending from just outside the Wichita yard to Durand, with all the track down on a module or group of connected modules before I start the next one. That’s at least allowed me to run an engine or two back and forth, or (not and) stick fifty freight cars on the main line to get them out of storage boxes. And, I have a workbench in what we call the archive room, so I can be building more freight cars at the same time. It’s pretty brutal here in southeast Texas in the afternoons outside, where the module fabrication takes place, so after this last one gets lifted I’ll be taking a break from module construction until it gets cooler outside. We’re headed into that part of the summer where the air doesn’t move. And, I’ve promised people a few scans, and of the three PowerPoints I’m working on now one is about the railroad…..

So, with luck, in the train room I can work more on scenery, which my wife constantly reminds me about the shortage of. Four modules have most or all of the styrofoam terrain, and three more modules at least have plaster cloth and green paint, even if there are no trees or bushes yet. Fortunately that part of eastern Kansas never did have much in the way of vegetation other than grass.

Ron Merrick