Cover Poster From Model Railroader

David Popp of Model Railroader sent me a nice poster of the November 2008 cover featuring the Rochelle Subdivision.  I guess they used it for their booth at train shows.  Makes me feel a bit full of myself to have it handing on the wall, but I like it!  Thanks David!

Last Chance to Vote and We're only a few votes behind!!!

Today is the last chance to vote and the Chicago/Rochelle route is only a few votes behind.  Clink on the banner above to vote!!  You can vote once everyday so make sure you vote today (unless you are voting for the Little Rock route then never mind)

Daryl

Basic Scenery Complete and More Signals

Basic scenery is complete on the Geneva Subdivision.  Now work will turn to ballasting, bridges, roads, structures, details, etc.  Actually, before I get to all those areas, I plan to spend some time weathering all the new rolling stock I have purchased over the past few years.  As I weather them, I will also be adding a resistor to one wheel set of each car.  Eventually I plan to have a resistor wheel set on every car, but getting them on just the newly weathered cars will be a big step forward.  Also included in the pictures/video are additional signals that have been added.  Only signals left to install are the west Proviso yard entrance/crossover.

 

Help Me Ride the UP Steam Train

Just realized that if you go to the link above and vote for the Union Pacific Steam trains, I earn a point with the program.  Top five point earners get a free ride on the excursion train.  You vote is appreciated!!!!

Union Pacific Excursion Train

Union Pacific is holding a voting contest to determine the route of their Steam excursion trains.  Click on the lick above to go to the site and place your vote.  Of course I recommend you vote for the route that takes them through Rochelle.  Thanks!!!!

Newest model railroader

Last Thursday, December 30, our daughter Shannon gave birth to our first grandson and second grandchild.
Here's little Thomas.  I've already been explaining to him how much fun n scale model trains are!

Scenery @ Proviso / Clinton

As I continue to apply basic scenery to the layout, the next section is the Proviso / Clinton Yard area.  Its a big chunk of real estate, but with the large amount of track and area set aside for warehouses and other industrial buildings/roads, there is not that much scenery involved.  First step was to attach aluminum screening. 

I got a new small staple gun for Christmas that made the work so much easier than my old 25 year old generic model.  Should have gotten it before I started on the scenery.  Oh well, water under the bridge. 

Next, is the messy step of model railroad building and probably my least favorite; plastering.  I mix up the plaster of paris and apply it to the screening with a butter knife.  I know there are lots of newer methods out there, but this is the one I know. 

Finally, painting and application of ground foam.  Also a bit messy, but doesn't bother me as much since its closer to the finished product.  Before I began, I first covered up the track with masking tape.  A step that I also did before plastering, although for that I just taped the track next tot the plaster.  Here it all gets covered up.

After getting a second gallon of paint, I got to work and completed yet another section of basic scenery. I now have just one more section left to do.  I hope to get that completed before the end of Christmas break next Tuesday.