Pictures from ben's tutorial

Ben’s tutorial is now available in the freebies section, here are some teasers of this excelent tutorial.

An example of a great build from Ben Streeter

More train show news

I don’t know why the train gods are smilling on us but we just got word that our location at the show has been seriously modified.  Originally we were lucky to get in at all with the waiting list.  Initially we were to be in the 4th and newest building.  We just got notice that we have been moved to the main building and we are located with Dave Frary to one side and Scotty Mason on the other.  Could you want a better location.  I think not.  Though I did have to take a critical look at some of the prototype kits I’ve used on our layout.  The prototypes are test builds and as such can have a rough corner or three.  Maybe I’m overreacting but the potential increased scrutiny has motivated me to revisit (scrap) a couple of those structures and replace them with new builds of the final release versions of two kits.

Brother Dave is also in a mad rush to find replacement motor brushes for our paper box cab which died unexpectadly during a layout burn in session.  Another new addition to our roster of motive power, an 0-4-0 with paper cab, side tanks and snow plow is also undergoing some tune ups.

Good thing I like building models.

Thom

Amherst train show

I am finding myself excited to attend the Amherst show.  As I’ve said before, we don’t get East much, but we were specially invited.  The show has a long waiting list and they jumped us to the front because they like our kits.  I’m looking forward to seeing all the new layouts.  I know if you live out East, you’ve already seen most of this.  Sure it’s a huge show but it’s likely you’ve seen it before.  Here in the midwest, when we do shows, you get to know everyone and you see the same train layouts.  Thats OK. We have made a lot of friends and I look forward to every opportunity to see them, but the East coast scene is completely fresh to us and I can enjoy not being jaded for a wile.  We have a lot of customers out East and I’m hoping they will stop by and chat for a bit.

I finished module number two of our three module demo layout (module one has been ready for some time). Brother Dave is now making sure it runs and putting a few finishing touches on the rolling stock.  Module three runs but will be unlandscaped for this show.  Still this will be the first time we take it on the road and that’s pretty exciting too.

Hope to see you at thew show.