Another fallen flag.

2020 has not been a good year.  We have been notified that we have until the end of the year to move out. In a hurried discussion we tentatively agreed that we may operate until the end of Sept. And then start to tear it down. This also means we have until then to find a new location, I do not think that we will be able to do that, but who knows.
People who have anything stored under the benchwork should remove it as soon as possible. We would appreciate it if you could not remove anything from the layout like rolling stock or buildings until we shut down.
If we don't find a new location we will sell all the clubs equipment when we can and divide the money.
Any ideas please let me know.

Top photo has the branch line freight headed into the tunnel. The second picture is the ore train being switched. The last picture is a meet between The ore train and the oil train between Lincoln and Jutland.

Jim's Baxter coal

Jim's Baxter coal detailing.

See some of you tonight.

Railroad open again

 I will be there around 6 pm. To wipe down and prepare the layout. Covid rules are in effect.

Here is the difference between men and women described in terms model Railroaders will understand.

Extreme Heat

Layout sessions down until July 14th due to the heat, unless the weather changes.

Tuesday night at the Huff and Puff

The first night back went well. Everyone wore masks, thank you! Social distancing was a little harder however. Four or five trains were run, with few problems. After being idle for months not too bad. I suspect that heat expansion could be causing some derailment problems.
Dave brought in a couple of his projects, see the motorcycle in the picture below.

As usual, great job Dave.

Scratchbuilt Structures

This is Baxter's Building Supply as scratchbuilt by Jim Fox. With
scratchbuilding, you work from a set of plans either bought or borrowed or made by the builder. Jim works in H.O. scale which is 1 inch = 87 inches so you need good eyes and good dexterity to make all the parts and assemble them to make a structure like Baxter's. Note the detail not only in construction but also in the colouring and weathering to make everything look realistic.

Here are the ends of the big reddish building above after Jim constructed them board by board just as one would in making a full size building. But remember this is H.O. scale or 1:87. No problem lifting the boards, though.

This photo shows the two ends above joined to make the whole building minus the side and roof boards. Look at the coffee mug behind to get an idea of the building size and note the plans Jim is working from under the building. 

The scene is being completed with the rail siding going into the building. Note the sections beneath the rail to hold the sand,  gravel, etc dumped from hopper cars. Note the ramp that joins the lower and upper parts of the Baxter property [see Photo1].

This is another one of the structures that Jim has completed. The idea is to show that this is anything but a new building and the roof patches with whatever was handy show this well. Note also the rust of time making its way down the roof from the smokestack. It looks like Jim has added a shade behind the window as another detail. 

Layout prepared for operations.

Glen and I went up on Tuesday to check out the layout. Trains were set up and all the starting positions were checked for proper rolling stock. After all was verified and corrected, Glen an a train from Wellington to Elsewhere, without any problems.

Covid rules.
                Face masks are required while operating or closer than 6 feet to someone else.
                 Practice social distancing.
                 Stay home if you don't feel well
Supplies are available for your use. Let's try and keep everything wiped down.