Last night I splashed a quick coat of paint and some scenery material around the yard.
That's Phil's GEVO, idling there at Ridgeley while WM 23 gathers some cars for the next interchange run.
I still have to add the cinders and what not, but that will come sooner or later. Probably after the turnout arrives for the west end.
Had a nice run with the boys today. Now that this little shake down is out of the way, I can get started on finishing up the wiring (especially around the engine terminal) and installing the remaining switch machines I need to add.
The next big push on scenery will be the Cumberland area.
At this point I think it's appropriate to offer a word of thanks to all the members here who have had a hand in making today possible. As most of you know, the economy has really taken a toll on my family, and being able to keep working on the layout has been a blessing beyond measure. I guess to some extent it's been a good hiding place, but it's also been very therapeutic, and a good way to mark progress on a lot of things, not just the trains themselves.
Anyway, for all of you who helped out, my gratitude knows no bounds.
John, whose layout and approach to the hobby has been an inspiration since the first day I washed up on your doorstep... what is it, 8 years ago?
Dave Foxx, Phil Hoffman, Ed Kapuscinski, Brian Carhart, Bob Bufkin, Carl Tweedale and Tim Alder, my regular crew, who were instrumental in making the jump from the old layout to the new, and who have contributed countless hours and 6 packs to the cause.
David K. Smith, who puts it all into an image that's worth a thousand hours of labor saved... and whose creativity and innovations continue to push me forward.
Jerry Britton, for getting out of N Scale, and showering me with surplus track. There needs to be bronze plaque on the layout somewhere for you, Jerry. Literally, the layout expansion would not have happened if not for your kindness.
Bryan at ESM and Craig at Bluford, who helped me pull off the hopper car project last year that financed much of the project.
Eric Payne, Dave Vollmer and so many others who have asked the right questions at the right moments to make me think my way out of various corners, whether they involved scenery, operations or what have you.
Thanks also to Victor Miranda, who helped dig me out of a couple of steam loco situations along the way.
Jason, Mike, Gary Hinshaw, Phil, Tim, Ed, John, Bob, and so many others who were happy to dip into their junk boxes to pull out whatever salvage I needed to finish this project or that. I've got plenty of leftovers that I hope one day to "pay forward".
So, onward and upward. Now that most of the railroad is in place, I suppose it's time to start editing those old car cards and way bills!
Lee
