NKP – Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads

The Minster Branch – Update 1

Fellow Pre-Depression Era modeler and long time friend Dave Campbell shared an update on his new layout. The lead image was a selfie I snapped on a 2017 visit to his multi-level HO scale layout, which is now gone. Here’s Dave with his new layout story.

With the decision made to tear down my old, multi-level, four-times-around-the-room HO scale layout, and at the 70% demolition point, I decided it’s time to start developing the new layout plan. There’s nothing like waiting until the old layout is nearly gone to light the creative fire for the next project.

Weight

Adding weight to some of our models can be challenging. I’m working on a couple of HO scale gondola kits and both of them need additional weight. Adding weight with a load is one avenue but I want these models to be run when empty, too. Time to review some options.

Workbench Update – October and November 2020

I’ve been busier than expected the last couple of months. The lead photo is where I left off on the gondola models. Progress has moved forward to expand the freight car fleet.

Workbench Update – August and September 2020

Yup, this report was filed late. Let’s catch up on a few models that have been moving along.

Progress on the Lake Erie & Western

Ray Breyer recently sent photos of his layout progress. Since my Wheeling Freight Terminal is not set up, I figured it’s time for a layout feature. Ray is focused upon the First Subdivision, Peoria Division, Lake Erie & Western District of the Nickel Plate Road, circa 1929. Got that? Here’s Ray with some details and photos.

I spent a couple of weeks recently roughing in scenery, dropping feeders, and soldering joints on the layout. These photos document progress along a couple miles of mainline.