I started building the second generation Wildcat Valley Railway a few weeks ago. I had been thinking I’d work on it in my spare time and would get it done sometime in the not too distant future, but I had forgotten how much thought and work it takes to get something of this scale done. […]
In designing the new Wildcat Valley Railway, I wanted to have a two level track plan, but I really don’t like the idea of a helix. I do really like mountainous terrain with tunnels and bridges though, so I plan to use a couple of areas with looping track that is mostly open and visible […]
I’ve decided that the idea of removable sections of layout may not be the way I’d like to go. I’d like a more stable and permanent layout, since in all likelihood that this may be my last. We’re going to go with this arrangement… L – Girder for the lower level support and a C-frame […]
After about two weeks of dealing with some sort of flu, cold, sinus infection, or all the above, I have finally been able to finish up the train room! The ceiling is done, carpet is down, the trim is up, and the nail holes caulked. I’m currently enjoying a Beam on the rocks to celebrate! […]
I’ve been working on the new train room for some time now. The lights are in and the carpet is laid. I just finished up installing the ceiling tiles in the workshop end tonight, including putting in the HVAC ductwork. Once I finish with the ceiling, I can cut, paint, and install the trim. Then […]
Well, I’m still trying to get the train room in shape so I can get back to workin’ on the railroad, someday. Putting up ceiling grid this week. Picked up carpet last night. I have to fill the expansion joints in the floor. Got to pick up some light fixtures and get those in place. Starting to […]
Here we are, sailing off into a new year, but I would be remiss if I failed to consider the events of the previous year before planning for the new one. The wife and I had been discussing selling our house and in February we contacted a realtor. By mid April, we had sold and […]
At this point, I have little experience with railroad signal systems (except maybe grade crossings), but the internet shall provide… I found a great resource for signal implementation with many rulebook pictures from different road names – Railroad Signals of the US. I will be modeling the 1920’s and 30’s era on the WVR so […]
At one time, we had a lake house which consumed all our summer and kept us active during the season. When the Indiana winter came around in 2014, I was in emanant danger of becoming a couch potato. Falling back on my days of youth, I decided that model railroading would keep me occupied and […]
After Months of work on the basement, I never thought I’d get here, but I now have a work area for my hobby. That benchtop will never be this clean again!
