Author Archives: timf

A Few More Freight Cars

As I baby sit the laser cutter (can’t really leave it run alone, there’s a good risk of fire,) I’ve been building more freight cars. Mostly I buy cars that I think look interesting. Cars that catch my eye with … Continue reading

Posted in Rolling Stock | Comments Off on A Few More Freight Cars

Hawley Brothers Machine Shop

A while ago I was gifted a couple of large boxes of model railroad stuff by a friend. It had belonged to her husband and he was no longer interested in it. Most of the stuff inside was junk, but … Continue reading

Posted in Industries | Comments Off on Hawley Brothers Machine Shop

Adding More Ground Cover

I seem to have gotten over the hump and I am starting to work on the layout again. I decided where Western Crate was going to be located so I put down some ground cover there.

Posted in Industries, Scenery | Comments Off on Adding More Ground Cover

Build Update

Well, I haven’t made a build update for a long time. And there is a reason for that. My hand built turnouts are giving me troubles and I got disgusted and stopped working on the layout. If you read my … Continue reading

Posted in Track Work | Comments Off on Build Update

A Couple of Seaboard RR Box Cars

I picked up a couple of Seaboard kits the other day and just finished assembling them. They are not super-detailed so assembly was quick. The first is an Accurail kit of a 40′ box car. Seaboard #23164.

Posted in Rolling Stock | Comments Off on A Couple of Seaboard RR Box Cars

10/08/2020 Photo Dump Update

I realized that I’ve been posting a lot of photos over on my Facebook page and on the Model Railroad Forums site, but neglecting my blog. I feel kind of like the blog is for larger posts with more detail. … Continue reading

Posted in Industries, Misc, Rolling Stock | Comments Off on 10/08/2020 Photo Dump Update

Upgrades for Consolidation 1246

I have this 1980’s vintage Tenshodo model of a GN Consolidation. It’s a pretty nice looking model so a while ago I replaced the motor and installed a Soundtraxx DCC decoder. But it never really ran very well. A couple … Continue reading

Posted in Motive Power | Tagged | Comments Off on Upgrades for Consolidation 1246

Western Crate

This is a Bar Mills kit to build “Crown Crate”. I followed all the instructions, but changed the name to something more suitable for Montana. Since it’s a Bar Mills kit, it’s a little fiddly to build. But the end … Continue reading

Posted in Industries | 1 Comment

Building Branchline Blueprint Series Box Cars

I’m building my second Branchline Blueprint Series Box Car model and I thought I’d document my process. It’s a little different than what the instructions suggest you do. The instructions are a little vague about what order you should assemble … Continue reading

Posted in Rolling Stock | Comments Off on Building Branchline Blueprint Series Box Cars

Mickey’s Diner

When I was at the train show I decided the residents of Blackwing needed somewhere to eat. There was a vendor with the Walther’s “Betty’s Diner” kit for sale at a reasonable price and since it fit my time period … Continue reading

Posted in Industries | Comments Off on Mickey’s Diner