Jackson & Burke Railroad

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy my site.

2003


I started my original layout, a simple loop in my backyard.


It sure helped to have battery powered locomotives to start with.


I acquired a number of kits and the Bachmann Anniversary edition 10 wheeler.


I build a camel-back bridge.  

I built some retaining walls for my camel-back bridge.
I built some retaining walls for my camel-back bridge.
A 'Leap Year' passenger run.
A 'Leap Year' passenger run.
Picking up passengers.
Picking up passengers.
Passenger train crossing the camel-back bridge.
Passenger train crossing the camel-back bridge.
The "Stone" bridge (made from styrofoam)
The "Stone" bridge (made from styrofoam)
A view from the gas station.
A view from the gas station.
The whole layout...back in 2004.
The whole layout...back in 2004.
I start making things look closer to 1:20.  The car is a 1:20 metal kit.
I start making things look closer to 1:20. The car is a 1:20 metal kit.
A stone path will be added where the grass is now.
A stone path will be added where the grass is now.
A few weeks later and the stone path is in place.
A few weeks later and the stone path is in place.
The azaleas are blooming.
The azaleas are blooming.
The train is 1:20, but the buildings are the original kits...and SMALL at that.
The train is 1:20, but the buildings are the original kits...and SMALL at that.
The Shay is my second 1:20 locomotive.
The Shay is my second 1:20 locomotive.
#3 Shay locomotive crosses the Camel-Back bridge.
#3 Shay locomotive crosses the Camel-Back bridge.
The 2-8-0 Consolidation is my first 1:20 locomotive.
The 2-8-0 Consolidation is my first 1:20 locomotive.

2004


I continue to build more models to populate the layout.


I keep all of my current buildings (most are kits), but slowly convert my rolling stock fleet to 1:20.

The Layout through the Years

Battery really helps here.
Still have to level the track side to side.
Battery really helps here.
Still have to level the track side to side.
Started out by putting down sectional track temporarily.
This is really just to see how steep the grades are by actually running the train.
Started out by putting down sectional track temporarily.
This is really just to see how steep the grades are by actually running the train.
Now I've got a train running.
Now I've got a train running.
Had to add a few bricks to remove some of the steeper grades.
This is actually an opportunity to build a trestle. I could build up to the track with dirt, but then I might affect the drainage in the back yard. I don’t want ballast washing away.
Besides, a trestle will be a fun project.
Had to add a few bricks to remove some of the steeper grades.
This is actually an opportunity to build a trestle. I could build up to the track with dirt, but then I might affect the drainage in the back yard. I don’t want ballast washing away.
Besides, a trestle will be a fun project.
I attempt to measure the grades and keep them no more than 4%.
I attempt to measure the grades and keep them no more than 4%.
I had this kit left over from my 1986 indoor layout.   It has since been lengthened to be McCown Freight.
I had this kit left over from my 1986 indoor layout. It has since been lengthened to be McCown Freight.
The church is a kit as well.
The church is a kit as well.
There are all sorts of obstacles.
There are all sorts of obstacles.
I'll need a trestle here.
I'll need a trestle here.
I put down some rolled shingle material to act as a base for the track.
I put down some rolled shingle material to act as a base for the track.
Running a passenger train.
Running a passenger train.
I add some ballast to the track after making sure it is level from side to side.
I add some ballast to the track after making sure it is level from side to side.
It looks a lot nicer.
It looks a lot nicer.
I now have a camel back bridge at the lower end, and a stone bridge near the patio.
I now have a camel back bridge at the lower end, and a stone bridge near the patio.
I put my gas station and church in new places.
I put my gas station and church in new places.
The Miracle Chair Company is installed on a siding.
The Miracle Chair Company is installed on a siding.
Switching a flat at the Miracle Chair Company.
Switching a flat at the Miracle Chair Company.
A view from my second floor.
A view from my second floor.
A train crosses the Camel-Back bridge.
A train crosses the Camel-Back bridge.
A little depot (a kit).
A little depot (a kit).
The Camel-Back bridge…
The Camel-Back bridge…
The depot and the future McCown Freight.
The depot and the future McCown Freight.
I made a still (trying to create a scene, but it just didn't last outside)
I made a still (trying to create a scene, but it just didn't last outside)
My school house kit.
My school house kit.
The train passes the gas station.
The train passes the gas station.
I get my first 1:20 car.  Fairly soon I will have converted all to this scale.
I get my first 1:20 car. Fairly soon I will have converted all to this scale.
It snows and it's time to bring out the plow.
It snows and it's time to bring out the plow.
Pretty much the last of taking the train outside in the winter.   Too COLD!
Pretty much the last of taking the train outside in the winter. Too COLD!
Crossing the stone bridge.
Crossing the stone bridge.

2005

This year I continued to build new models, but I also started thinking about a new design for my track plan.  I want to operate trains, not just run them around in a circle.

I build my rolling stock carriers, a bobber caboose, a light inspection car, and upscaled my 10 wheeler to 1:20.

It's a good day to stay inside, but it's a neat picture...
It's a good day to stay inside, but it's a neat picture...
The sign on Miracle Chair is just not holding up very well.
The sign on Miracle Chair is just not holding up very well.
Smith Pond Mill
Smith Pond Mill
The express reefer in a train...
The express reefer in a train...
The Shay passes by Smith Pond Mill.
The Shay passes by Smith Pond Mill.
It's May and the azaleas are in bloom.
It's May and the azaleas are in bloom.
A log train.
A log train.
Peter Mills from Canada (Fred Mills brother)
Peter Mills from Canada (Fred Mills brother)
Smith Pond Mill
Smith Pond Mill
A view of the layout from the second floor.
A view of the layout from the second floor.

2006

This is the year that I started a complete rebuild of the layout as we had fenced in the entire back yard which gave me a lot more room for the railroad.  In May, I tear up the old layout and start the new one.   The old one used AristoCraft sectional track, the new one uses AMS flex track.


I build the boxcab, a speeder shed, a GRAMPS tankcar, an all styrene boxcar, a turntable,  some  trestles, and I design and build some switchstands.

The first thing to do was to buy a compound miter saw. It will also help put up some crown molding in the house...
The first thing to do was to buy a compound miter saw. It will also help put up some crown molding in the house...
I also built a jig to help construct my own version of the ladder method. Using the miter saw, I cut a bunch of the 2x2 for spacers. The jig allows me to easily space them and provides support for screwing them together.
I also built a jig to help construct my own version of the ladder method. Using the miter saw, I cut a bunch of the 2x2 for spacers. The jig allows me to easily space them and provides support for screwing them together.
Here's a shot of one of the plastic strips from Home Depot... They call it TufBoard.
Here's a shot of one of the plastic strips from Home Depot... They call it TufBoard.
Once I've put the spacer in place, I lay the plastic strip down with the appropriate curve and attach a strip to the other side. It holds the curve pretty well.
Once I've put the spacer in place, I lay the plastic strip down with the appropriate curve and attach a strip to the other side. It holds the curve pretty well.
Next, I'll paint it and then stake it in place. It's still a bit flexiible so I can change the curve slightly, but I can also adjust elevation and make sure it's level from side to side. While building my switches, I use a similar structure to provide support. I paint everything with Krylon Ruddy Brown Primer just to get rid of all that white.
Next, I'll paint it and then stake it in place. It's still a bit flexiible so I can change the curve slightly, but I can also adjust elevation and make sure it's level from side to side. While building my switches, I use a similar structure to provide support. I paint everything with Krylon Ruddy Brown Primer just to get rid of all that white.
To me, the real advantage of doing this ladder thing is the ability to do easements. Of course you can do easements with lots of methods, but these plastic pieces give me a natural one. I just bend the track to fit - and the AMS track is very much like the HO flex-track. I don't need a rail bender, I just fasten it down in place.
To me, the real advantage of doing this ladder thing is the ability to do easements. Of course you can do easements with lots of methods, but these plastic pieces give me a natural one. I just bend the track to fit - and the AMS track is very much like the HO flex-track. I don't need a rail bender, I just fasten it down in place.
Not only was the curve ending up in the wrong place, but the grade was too steep at this curve, so a bit of leveling is in order. I already have permission to trim those grasses.
Not only was the curve ending up in the wrong place, but the grade was too steep at this curve, so a bit of leveling is in order. I already have permission to trim those grasses.
It's quite a long curve, and I was originally going to fill it in and create a raised planting area. But, that sounded too much like work, as it goes on for another ten feet or so.
It's quite a long curve, and I was originally going to fill it in and create a raised planting area. But, that sounded too much like work, as it goes on for another ten feet or so.
So, a trestle and bridge comination is in order. I've completed about 6 feet so far and today was the day to seal it. It's hot outside, but it was so much easier applying it there than down in my work room. Of course now I have some sealed mulch as well. Hidden by the trestle is my Garden Metals Model bridge.
So, a trestle and bridge comination is in order. I've completed about 6 feet so far and today was the day to seal it. It's hot outside, but it was so much easier applying it there than down in my work room. Of course now I have some sealed mulch as well. Hidden by the trestle is my Garden Metals Model bridge.
Well, I got a bit done before the heat did me in. (July 30) I graded the side next to the house and put down a bit of ladder.
Well, I got a bit done before the heat did me in. (July 30) I graded the side next to the house and put down a bit of ladder.
Then, the AMS Flextrack on top, along with a few switches. I'm really pleased with how nice the flex track bends. No rail bender here.
Then, the AMS Flextrack on top, along with a few switches. I'm really pleased with how nice the flex track bends. No rail bender here.
Meanwhile, work continues on the other 2/3 of the trestle.
Meanwhile, work continues on the other 2/3 of the trestle.
The basement is cool, so I was also able to put the rail on the first part of the trestle...only 250 spikes...not my favorite activity.
The basement is cool, so I was also able to put the rail on the first part of the trestle...only 250 spikes...not my favorite activity.
It's a rather long trestle.
It's a rather long trestle.
Well...12 feet of bridge and trestle are complete. I now greatly and officially admire anyone that has done more than 4 feet of trestle. There's still some landscaping to be done, but at least I'm done with this part. The original plan called for another two feet, but I ran out of energy, and this SEEMS to fit. Now I have a few bents left over.
Well...12 feet of bridge and trestle are complete. I now greatly and officially admire anyone that has done more than 4 feet of trestle. There's still some landscaping to be done, but at least I'm done with this part. The original plan called for another two feet, but I ran out of energy, and this SEEMS to fit. Now I have a few bents left over.
Well, on one of the nicest summer days in a long time, I managed to get some layout work done today. I put in the length of track that will eventually connect to the double siding in the foreground. Of course, it's a bit hard to see with the train on it. But, now it has me thinking. Would it be better to have an industry for each siding? Instead of two sidings for one industry?
Well, on one of the nicest summer days in a long time, I managed to get some layout work done today. I put in the length of track that will eventually connect to the double siding in the foreground. Of course, it's a bit hard to see with the train on it. But, now it has me thinking. Would it be better to have an industry for each siding? Instead of two sidings for one industry?
And I was able to run a train to check the track out. Found some problem areas and they'll be addressed shortly.
And I was able to run a train to check the track out. Found some problem areas and they'll be addressed shortly.
After a couple of weeks vacation, I finally got around to working on the layout again. It's slow going, but I'm still having fun. Before I started building a railroad, I used to think my yard was not only flat, but level as well. Those delusions are long gone. I've almost finished the town of Jackson. I still have to complete a passing siding near the house. I've changed the track layout a little bit, to allow for stepping room.
After a couple of weeks vacation, I finally got around to working on the layout again. It's slow going, but I'm still having fun. Before I started building a railroad, I used to think my yard was not only flat, but level as well. Those delusions are long gone. I've almost finished the town of Jackson. I still have to complete a passing siding near the house. I've changed the track layout a little bit, to allow for stepping room.
Work continues. I put in the passing siding in Jackson, so the town is basically complete. I removed a switch up by the hose cart, finally concluding that it would be too difficult to spot cars there under the tree.
Work continues. I put in the passing siding in Jackson, so the town is basically complete. I removed a switch up by the hose cart, finally concluding that it would be too difficult to spot cars there under the tree.
I also continued the main past the trestle. This is where I started to believe I had a problem. It's a solid 3% grade the whole way, which is about as steep as I wanted. Actually, I would have liked to keep it under 3%, but that wasn't going to happen if I wanted to get to my underpass.
I also continued the main past the trestle. This is where I started to believe I had a problem. It's a solid 3% grade the whole way, which is about as steep as I wanted. Actually, I would have liked to keep it under 3%, but that wasn't going to happen if I wanted to get to my underpass.
And, the underpass just isn't going to cut it. The white board coming out of the right hand side of the picture is where the track should cross under the track coming from my camel back bridge. It would have to be over 6% grade to get enough clearance.
And, the underpass just isn't going to cut it. The white board coming out of the right hand side of the picture is where the track should cross under the track coming from my camel back bridge. It would have to be over 6% grade to get enough clearance.
A possible solution. I've added a connection to allow for continuous running, but that would not be used during an operating session. Of course this would require making a turntable, but that could be a fun project.
A possible solution. I've added a connection to allow for continuous running, but that would not be used during an operating session. Of course this would require making a turntable, but that could be a fun project.
It starting to look pretty good.
It starting to look pretty good.
A 4' Garden Metal Models is put in place.
A 4' Garden Metal Models is put in place.
It goes right in front of the gate.
It goes right in front of the gate.
I'm starting to like this new plan. Yesterday I finished support for the passing siding and freight spur.
I'm starting to like this new plan. Yesterday I finished support for the passing siding and freight spur.
Finally, I started on the elevated loop.
Finally, I started on the elevated loop.
I put down a box of track.
I put down a box of track.
Very happy with the results...especially since my cars stay on track...
Very happy with the results...especially since my cars stay on track...
First, a Garden Metal bridge, my curved trestle, the Howe deck bridge and another Garden Metal bridge. It just clears the oak tree.
First, a Garden Metal bridge, my curved trestle, the Howe deck bridge and another Garden Metal bridge. It just clears the oak tree.
I think I'm done with most of the supporting track. Still have the yard to do. This shows most of the reverse loop with a passing siding and the support that will allow for continuous running. A spur runs behind the mill. (I may eventually move the mill.). It is now October 1.
I think I'm done with most of the supporting track. Still have the yard to do. This shows most of the reverse loop with a passing siding and the support that will allow for continuous running. A spur runs behind the mill. (I may eventually move the mill.). It is now October 1.
Just another shot of the reverse loop that will serve as my staging area and be called Lexington - the track is done, but not yet tested with a train.
Just another shot of the reverse loop that will serve as my staging area and be called Lexington - the track is done, but not yet tested with a train.
My curved trestle, deck bridge, metal bridge and track...as it curves around the oak tree and through the holly. Looks like the azaleas will survive.
My curved trestle, deck bridge, metal bridge and track...as it curves around the oak tree and through the holly. Looks like the azaleas will survive.
Testing out the trestle and bridge.
Testing out the trestle and bridge.
My current plan...
My current plan...
I will build a platform of treated 2x8. The platform will be 12 feet long and is indicated by the brown rectangle. A turntable will be built and attached to one end. I'm limiting the size to allow for walking around the peninsula to get to the plants. This is a closeup of the yard.
I will build a platform of treated 2x8. The platform will be 12 feet long and is indicated by the brown rectangle. A turntable will be built and attached to one end. I'm limiting the size to allow for walking around the peninsula to get to the plants. This is a closeup of the yard.
I've been working towards a yard design, with a lot of good advice from Doug Matheson. RR Track puts the tracks closer than I will actually have them; I'll probably just have 4 or 5 tracks; we'll see when I actually put it down.
I've been working towards a yard design, with a lot of good advice from Doug Matheson. RR Track puts the tracks closer than I will actually have them; I'll probably just have 4 or 5 tracks; we'll see when I actually put it down.
It will look something like this where I've just laid the track on the boards that will make up the base of the yard. You can see I don't have a lot of room to get around the tree. I'll be building a turntable that will go just to the left of the boards in the picture. And, not much room in the other direction.
It will look something like this where I've just laid the track on the boards that will make up the base of the yard. You can see I don't have a lot of room to get around the tree. I'll be building a turntable that will go just to the left of the boards in the picture. And, not much room in the other direction.
I did elevate the track this weekend. Not a good idea for a one man job, but I eventually overcame the obstacles.
I did elevate the track this weekend. Not a good idea for a one man job, but I eventually overcame the obstacles.
I install the turntable and connect it to the yard platform.
I install the turntable and connect it to the yard platform.
I also start experimenting with the yard layout of track.
I also start experimenting with the yard layout of track.
I've got enough track down to have Jon Kling run his live steam locomotives around.
I've got enough track down to have Jon Kling run his live steam locomotives around.
I just finished a set of three switches using some old and new rail, as well as my brass switchstands. These switches will be put in place at the entrance to the yard. I still have six more switches to make for the yard itself.
I just finished a set of three switches using some old and new rail, as well as my brass switchstands. These switches will be put in place at the entrance to the yard. I still have six more switches to make for the yard itself.

2007


I continue to develop the layout, but it's pretty much operational now.


I acquired my live steam Shay.


I also build: a composite boxcar, Matheson Textiles, 6 all steel boxcars,  a Mogul, a MotorCar, and I build a new light inspection car.

Hard to believe it's January with a high of 73. I'll take it.
Hard to believe it's January with a high of 73. I'll take it.
I complete the track to the main yard.
I complete the track to the main yard.
I install the block of three switches I made earlier.
I install the block of three switches I made earlier.
And, got a bit of a start on the yard. Figured out that I had one too many switches, so I'll probably go with this design.
And, got a bit of a start on the yard. Figured out that I had one too many switches, so I'll probably go with this design.
It's March 27 and I'm ready to work outside. Sunday was a great day to work on the layout, and I got most of my yard completed. I also realigned the track that connects it to the main line.
It's March 27 and I'm ready to work outside. Sunday was a great day to work on the layout, and I got most of my yard completed. I also realigned the track that connects it to the main line.
The layout seems to have survived the winter.
The layout seems to have survived the winter.
March 31: I took advantage of the fine day to put down 2 cubic yards of topsoil.
March 31: I took advantage of the fine day to put down 2 cubic yards of topsoil.
I'll be putting down ballast later. And lots of ground cover. Still got more to do. I think I need another couple yards, but first I need to build a retaining wall. I think I'll either use landscape timbers or some treated 4x4s.
I'll be putting down ballast later. And lots of ground cover. Still got more to do. I think I need another couple yards, but first I need to build a retaining wall. I think I'll either use landscape timbers or some treated 4x4s.
Smith Pond Mill also gets some topsoil.
Smith Pond Mill also gets some topsoil.
Although I built my stone mill a few years ago, it never had a proper spur. Even with my redesign, I couldn't get the track to curve enough to have a siding for the mill. Well, the rain was teasing me all morning, but I did manage to move the mill. It's not that I had to move it THAT far, but I did have to move the "mountain" that provided water for the pond. You can just make out a depression where the old pond used to be, just to the right of the daffodils.
Although I built my stone mill a few years ago, it never had a proper spur. Even with my redesign, I couldn't get the track to curve enough to have a siding for the mill. Well, the rain was teasing me all morning, but I did manage to move the mill. It's not that I had to move it THAT far, but I did have to move the "mountain" that provided water for the pond. You can just make out a depression where the old pond used to be, just to the right of the daffodils.
I also had to elevate the mill - and luckily had some dirt left over. I still need more dirt, but at least I can get to the mill now with my train. The platform is in for repairs.
I also had to elevate the mill - and luckily had some dirt left over. I still need more dirt, but at least I can get to the mill now with my train. The platform is in for repairs.
Raising the mill also provides a little more visual block as well.
Raising the mill also provides a little more visual block as well.
I got the mil pretty much set. It now has a proper siding. I'll have to rebuild the platform - the previous wood rotted out.
I got the mil pretty much set. It now has a proper siding. I'll have to rebuild the platform - the previous wood rotted out.
And the pond got moved into proper position.
And the pond got moved into proper position.
I also got a chance to run my live steam Shay.
I also got a chance to run my live steam Shay.
I finally ran some track to my turntable. The rest of the time, I've been working on my switches. The rolling stock wants to pick the points, so I need to make some adjustments.
I finally ran some track to my turntable. The rest of the time, I've been working on my switches. The rolling stock wants to pick the points, so I need to make some adjustments.
Put in a retaining wall. Now I need to order 2 yards of topsoil and fill it in. Then we'll add some more plants.
Put in a retaining wall. Now I need to order 2 yards of topsoil and fill it in. Then we'll add some more plants.
April 29 and the azaleas are in full bloom.
April 29 and the azaleas are in full bloom.
May 1.
May 1.
 2 more yards of topsoil....
2 more yards of topsoil....
Jean put in a few plants the other day and the mill is much improved!
Jean put in a few plants the other day and the mill is much improved!
 Got the turntable area covered. Now I just need to get some ballast.
Got the turntable area covered. Now I just need to get some ballast.
My all steel boxcars on my trestle.
My all steel boxcars on my trestle.
It's August 31, and a day cool enough to work outdoors. Finally got some ballast for the yard.
It's August 31, and a day cool enough to work outdoors. Finally got some ballast for the yard.
October brings a LOT of acorns.
October brings a LOT of acorns.

2008

This year I redid the body of the motor car, built a reefer and a logging caboose, developed my magnetized glad hands, built a bank, Salmons Produce, McCown Freight, Hardware and Cafe, and a yard office, and also built 2 PNG drop bottom gondolas for Doug.   I win a White Pass & Yukon tank car from Garden Railways.

I don't run in the snow - it's just TOO cold!
I don't run in the snow - it's just TOO cold!
The downtown area.
The downtown area.
A reefer somehow ends up at the textile plant.
A reefer somehow ends up at the textile plant.
March 3.
March 3.
My homemade flagman.
My homemade flagman.
March 14.
March 14.
My magnetized glad hands work well.
My magnetized glad hands work well.
My motorcar compared to the Railtruck. (East Coast Large Scale Train Show, March 28, in York, PA)
My motorcar compared to the Railtruck. (East Coast Large Scale Train Show, March 28, in York, PA)
I traded one of my steel boxcar models for a Rich Yoder brass hopper and brought it back to the "alcove" at the show.  (L-R:  Bob McCown, Ric Golding, Jon Radder)
I traded one of my steel boxcar models for a Rich Yoder brass hopper and brought it back to the "alcove" at the show. (L-R: Bob McCown, Ric Golding, Jon Radder)
April 25 and the azaleas are in bloom.
April 25 and the azaleas are in bloom.
The bank is added to the town.
The bank is added to the town.
It's only been a little over 4 years on the layout but It's already time for some repairs to the Blue Moon Saloon.
It's only been a little over 4 years on the layout but It's already time for some repairs to the Blue Moon Saloon.
#2 gets some water from the column in the yard.   The ballast has just about disappeared!
#2 gets some water from the column in the yard. The ballast has just about disappeared!
Making up a train in Green Springs yard.
Making up a train in Green Springs yard.
The turn table in the background.  No yard office YET.
The turn table in the background. No yard office YET.
Switching Smith Pond Mill.
Switching Smith Pond Mill.
Gaetan Charette and Doug Matheson (both from Canada) operate on my layout before our trip to visit eastern railroads.
Gaetan Charette and Doug Matheson (both from Canada) operate on my layout before our trip to visit eastern railroads.
Doug and Gaetan checking out Green Springs Yard.
Doug and Gaetan checking out Green Springs Yard.
Two PNG drop bottom gondola kits I built for Doug. (July 13)
Two PNG drop bottom gondola kits I built for Doug. (July 13)
Getting ready for a day of operations. (July 23)
Getting ready for a day of operations. (July 23)
Pulling out the caboose for the train today.
Pulling out the caboose for the train today.
Ready to start making up the train in Green Springs Yard.
Ready to start making up the train in Green Springs Yard.
Switching Smith Pond Mill in Occoquan.
Switching Smith Pond Mill in Occoquan.
The boxcar is left at the mill.
The boxcar is left at the mill.
Mills Fuel will eventually go about where that speeder shed is...right now, there's just a spur with the hopper on it.
Mills Fuel will eventually go about where that speeder shed is...right now, there's just a spur with the hopper on it.
Miracle Chair Company is at the other end of the spur that services Matheson Textiles.
Miracle Chair Company is at the other end of the spur that services Matheson Textiles.
On the passing siding next to the house.   The spur you see in the background is the future home of Salmons Produce.
On the passing siding next to the house. The spur you see in the background is the future home of Salmons Produce.
Switching Matheson Textiles..
Switching Matheson Textiles..
Coming off the passing siding next to the house.   That's Miracle Chair in the left background.
Coming off the passing siding next to the house. That's Miracle Chair in the left background.
Crossing the long trestle that leads to Lexington - my staging area and the end for Train #1.
Crossing the long trestle that leads to Lexington - my staging area and the end for Train #1.
August 8.  It's busy in the yard.
August 8. It's busy in the yard.
My live steam Shay approaching Jackson from the Lexington loop.
My live steam Shay approaching Jackson from the Lexington loop.
Bart Salmons comes from West Virginia to operate on the J&B. (August 8)
Bart Salmons comes from West Virginia to operate on the J&B. (August 8)
Bart turns the Shay on the turntable in Green Springs Yard.
Bart turns the Shay on the turntable in Green Springs Yard.
Train #1 is almost ready to leave Green Springs
Train #1 is almost ready to leave Green Springs
September 2.  Mike Oates building the train in Green Springs yard.
September 2. Mike Oates building the train in Green Springs yard.
Mike continues to build the train.
Mike continues to build the train.
Switching Occoquan.
Switching Occoquan.
Mike switches Jackson.
Mike switches Jackson.
The staging track at Lexington.
The staging track at Lexington.
Train #2 arrives in Green Springs Yard.
Train #2 arrives in Green Springs Yard.
First the locomotive is separated from the train in preparation to run around it and push the cars into place in the yard.
First the locomotive is separated from the train in preparation to run around it and push the cars into place in the yard.
September 9.   Now that I've actually operated on the layout, I'm finding a few problems. The first is that my yard is too small. I wish I had room for more tracks. But the last time I arrived with a train, I found that I couldn't hold as many cars as I thought. On a couple of tracks, I just needed about six more inches to comfortably store another car. So, looking at my yard, I decided I could probably extend the yard a bit, hopefully helping out in operations. I bought a 2x8 and cut two sections to length.
September 9. Now that I've actually operated on the layout, I'm finding a few problems. The first is that my yard is too small. I wish I had room for more tracks. But the last time I arrived with a train, I found that I couldn't hold as many cars as I thought. On a couple of tracks, I just needed about six more inches to comfortably store another car. So, looking at my yard, I decided I could probably extend the yard a bit, hopefully helping out in operations. I bought a 2x8 and cut two sections to length.
I put some bracing underneath the platform.
I put some bracing underneath the platform.
Next, I put the two boards in place. This gives me about 14" of extra length.
Next, I put the two boards in place. This gives me about 14" of extra length.
I was also able to extend the arrival departure track - last time, I had to cut my caboose off before I entered it. While the oak tree has been a constant problem with leaves, bark, twigs, and acorns falling on the track, today it really helped. It started raining while I was doing this, but it kept me dry. So, I was able to get all the track in place. It's a good thing I had saved a lot of my short sections.
I was also able to extend the arrival departure track - last time, I had to cut my caboose off before I entered it. While the oak tree has been a constant problem with leaves, bark, twigs, and acorns falling on the track, today it really helped. It started raining while I was doing this, but it kept me dry. So, I was able to get all the track in place. It's a good thing I had saved a lot of my short sections.
Hopefully, this will help next time I operate.
Hopefully, this will help next time I operate.
September 16 and it's time for another ops session.  
Mike builds Train #1 in Green Springs Yard.
September 16 and it's time for another ops session.
Mike builds Train #1 in Green Springs Yard.
A meet in Occoquan.
A meet in Occoquan.
The Yard Office in Green Springs.
The Yard Office in Green Springs.
Turning the 10 wheeler.
Turning the 10 wheeler.
September 30 and time for another ops session!
Building Train #1 in Green Springs.
September 30 and time for another ops session!
Building Train #1 in Green Springs.
Train #1 arrives in Occoquan for local switching.
Train #1 arrives in Occoquan for local switching.
Switching Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
Switching Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
The switching is often challenging in Jackson.
The switching is often challenging in Jackson.
Headed down the hill to Occoquan.
Headed down the hill to Occoquan.
I get an idea to add a two car spur to the main track at Occoquan.   (The spur only survives for a couple of years - it proves too difficult to get to the cars beneath those holly trees.)
I get an idea to add a two car spur to the main track at Occoquan. (The spur only survives for a couple of years - it proves too difficult to get to the cars beneath those holly trees.)
October 10.  Meanwhile, over in Jackson, excavations are under way for the Produce house now being built in my basement.
October 10. Meanwhile, over in Jackson, excavations are under way for the Produce house now being built in my basement.
October 10, I put in a new siding. Occoquan has 3 sidings, but they all face in the same direction. So, this one faces the opposite direction. This will allow me to make switching a little more challenging if I so desire.
October 10, I put in a new siding. Occoquan has 3 sidings, but they all face in the same direction. So, this one faces the opposite direction. This will allow me to make switching a little more challenging if I so desire.
October 21.  The reefer at Salmons Produce.
October 21. The reefer at Salmons Produce.
December 27.  Downtown.
December 27. Downtown.
A new sign for Smith Pond Mill.
A new sign for Smith Pond Mill.

2009

I build a ventilated boxcar, start work on a Mikado, make my first acrylic based boxcar, and I rebuild my 10 wheeler.

January 5.  Downtown still looks good.  (I now bring my vehicles indoors for the winter)
January 5. Downtown still looks good. (I now bring my vehicles indoors for the winter)
A new Ford pickup.  (A metal model)
A new Ford pickup. (A metal model)
A new Model A sedan.  (Another metal model)
A new Model A sedan. (Another metal model)
Cruising main street downtown.
Cruising main street downtown.
January 27.   A bit of snow on Smith Pond Mill.
January 27. A bit of snow on Smith Pond Mill.
I make a jig to produce stirrup steps.   The painted one came from a AMS boxcar.
I make a jig to produce stirrup steps. The painted one came from a AMS boxcar.
February 22.  I start to plan the area for Mills Fuel. It will go where the speeder shed is.
February 22. I start to plan the area for Mills Fuel. It will go where the speeder shed is.
March 2.   Downtown is pretty snowed in.
March 2. Downtown is pretty snowed in.
March 10.
March 10.
March 20.   The redone freight house (now McCown Freight) in place in Occoquan.
March 20. The redone freight house (now McCown Freight) in place in Occoquan.
March 29.   A rare log train on the J&B.  (I don't run logging trains during an ops session, as I have no place for them.)
March 29. A rare log train on the J&B. (I don't run logging trains during an ops session, as I have no place for them.)
Running a train after the ECLSTS.  NOT an operations session - just running a train.
Running a train after the ECLSTS. NOT an operations session - just running a train.
March 29.   Ric Golding and Andy Clarke (as well as some others) visit my layout after the ECLSTS.
March 29. Ric Golding and Andy Clarke (as well as some others) visit my layout after the ECLSTS.
Ric's 'critter' makes it around my layout.
Ric's 'critter' makes it around my layout.
March 29.   My visitors.
March 29. My visitors.
March 29.   Still running trains.
March 29. Still running trains.
A pretty mild day on March 29.
A pretty mild day on March 29.
April 26.   Starting to green up a lot.
April 26. Starting to green up a lot.
April 28.   Azaleas are in bloom.
April 28. Azaleas are in bloom.
May 5.
May 5.
May 5.
May 5.
May 9.
May 9.
May 9 and there's still blooms left.
May 9 and there's still blooms left.
June 7.
June 7.
June 7.   The Olde Frothlingslosh reefer is about 1:22 scale, but I keep it as I built it from scratch.
June 7. The Olde Frothlingslosh reefer is about 1:22 scale, but I keep it as I built it from scratch.
June 16.  An ops session with Mike Oates.   Here we are switching Jackson.
June 16. An ops session with Mike Oates. Here we are switching Jackson.
June 16.  Salmons produce.   The hoppers and tank car are on a spur to Mills Fuel.
June 16. Salmons produce. The hoppers and tank car are on a spur to Mills Fuel.
June 16.  Mike switches Occoquan.
June 16. Mike switches Occoquan.
June 16.   Occoquan with McCown Freight in the foreground.
June 16. Occoquan with McCown Freight in the foreground.
June 30.  Mike is back for another ops session.  
Salmons Produce with Matheson Textiles in the background.
June 30. Mike is back for another ops session.
Salmons Produce with Matheson Textiles in the background.
June 30.  Miracle Chair company.
June 30. Miracle Chair company.
June 30.  Green Springs Yard.
June 30. Green Springs Yard.
June 30.   Mike is switching Occoquan.
June 30. Mike is switching Occoquan.
June 30.   The train is on the main at Occoquan.
June 30. The train is on the main at Occoquan.
June 30.  I run the train coming out of the loop at Lexington.
June 30. I run the train coming out of the loop at Lexington.
June 30 is warm.
June 30 is warm.
August 14.  Ken comes down for an ops session.   The hoppers and tank cars are on a spur that serves Mills Fuel.   Salmons Produce is in the background.
August 14. Ken comes down for an ops session. The hoppers and tank cars are on a spur that serves Mills Fuel. Salmons Produce is in the background.
August 14.   The boxcars are lined up at Miracle Chair.
August 14. The boxcars are lined up at Miracle Chair.
August 14.   Ken in Occoquan.
August 14. Ken in Occoquan.
August 14.   Ken gets ready to switch in Jackson.
August 14. Ken gets ready to switch in Jackson.
August 14.   Ken brings the train into Green Springs Yard.
August 14. Ken brings the train into Green Springs Yard.
October 6.   Mike comes over for an ops session.   Here, boxcars are waiting at Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
October 6. Mike comes over for an ops session. Here, boxcars are waiting at Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
October 6.   Cars in Green Springs Yard.
October 6. Cars in Green Springs Yard.
October 6.   Mike starts to build Train #1 in Green Springs Yard.
October 6. Mike starts to build Train #1 in Green Springs Yard.
October 6.   The train backs in to Jackson.
October 6. The train backs in to Jackson.
October 6.   Switching Matheson Textiles in Jackson.   Salmons Produce is in the background.
October 6. Switching Matheson Textiles in Jackson. Salmons Produce is in the background.
October 20.   Ken with Train #1 in Occoquan.
October 20. Ken with Train #1 in Occoquan.
October 20.  Cars at Miracle Chair.
October 20. Cars at Miracle Chair.
October 20.   Train #1 backs down the spur at Jackson.
October 20. Train #1 backs down the spur at Jackson.
October 20.   Train #1 working Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
October 20. Train #1 working Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
October 20.   Train #1 is done at Matheson Textiles, now it needs to work Miracle Chair.
October 20. Train #1 is done at Matheson Textiles, now it needs to work Miracle Chair.
October 20.  Pulling a boxcar from Miracle Chair.
October 20. Pulling a boxcar from Miracle Chair.
October 20.   All work is complete in Jackson and Train #1 heads towards the staging area at Lexington.
October 20. All work is complete in Jackson and Train #1 heads towards the staging area at Lexington.
October 20.  Train #2 has left Lexington and comes to work in Jackson.
October 20. Train #2 has left Lexington and comes to work in Jackson.
October 20.  Train #2 has completed work in Jackson and is on the way to Occoquan.
October 20. Train #2 has completed work in Jackson and is on the way to Occoquan.
October 31.   Gary Buchanan visits from Ohio.  What better time for an ops session?
October 31. Gary Buchanan visits from Ohio. What better time for an ops session?
October 31.   Gary with Train #1 in Occoquan.
October 31. Gary with Train #1 in Occoquan.
October 31.  Gary is still in Occoquan.
October 31. Gary is still in Occoquan.
December 19.   A bit of snow covers the layout.
December 19. A bit of snow covers the layout.
December 19.   At least you can still see Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
December 19. At least you can still see Matheson Textiles in Jackson.

2010

I completed my Mikado, build a custom parlor car, add more acrylic based boxcars, and a long caboose.

February 6.   A February snow storm covers the layout completely.
February 6. A February snow storm covers the layout completely.
February 8.  Green Springs Yard.
February 8. Green Springs Yard.
Green Springs Yard always gathers a lot of leaves and twigs and bark.
Green Springs Yard always gathers a lot of leaves and twigs and bark.
March 16 and the railroad is starting to green up.
March 16 and the railroad is starting to green up.
April 6.  A bit of winter damage. The laurels down near Greensprings yard didn't make it.
April 6. A bit of winter damage. The laurels down near Greensprings yard didn't make it.
April 9.  First order of business was to remove them. I still have one to take out, but I ran out of steam. I've also got to trim some of the growth back from the yard itself.
April 9. First order of business was to remove them. I still have one to take out, but I ran out of steam. I've also got to trim some of the growth back from the yard itself.
April 9.   Since this opened up the view, I wanted to put a barrier, but we haven't had much luck with plants down there - plus I did want some space to allow movement around Greensprings yard. We decided on a lattice screen.
April 9. Since this opened up the view, I wanted to put a barrier, but we haven't had much luck with plants down there - plus I did want some space to allow movement around Greensprings yard. We decided on a lattice screen.
April 16.  Got some trim pieces and finished up the screen. Today we put some mulch around it and Jean planted some English ivy at the base. Hopefully it won't be too long until it starts growing up the screen.
April 16. Got some trim pieces and finished up the screen. Today we put some mulch around it and Jean planted some English ivy at the base. Hopefully it won't be too long until it starts growing up the screen.
April 16  and the maisus has just popped out. We have some white and some purple...
April 16 and the maisus has just popped out. We have some white and some purple...
April 16.  I took care of a few problem areas on the layout. I built some cribbing to hold the ballast in place. I just made a box out of some cedar strips and plopped it in place.
April 16. I took care of a few problem areas on the layout. I built some cribbing to hold the ballast in place. I just made a box out of some cedar strips and plopped it in place.
April 16.   Over at Miracle Chair, I've had some issues with the ballast washing away. I had a bunch of stone left over from my mill. I took a small strip of black acrylic I had and just glued the stone in place with some silicone cement. It's just a low wall, but I think it turned out nice.
April 16. Over at Miracle Chair, I've had some issues with the ballast washing away. I had a bunch of stone left over from my mill. I took a small strip of black acrylic I had and just glued the stone in place with some silicone cement. It's just a low wall, but I think it turned out nice.
April 17.  I need to get out and do some maintenance - some spikes are popping up. But, I ran around the track today and I only had one derailment - caused by a joiner that had slipped off. Once I fixed that, no more problems.
April 17. I need to get out and do some maintenance - some spikes are popping up. But, I ran around the track today and I only had one derailment - caused by a joiner that had slipped off. Once I fixed that, no more problems.
May 25.   A bit greener.
May 25. A bit greener.
June 14.   My workbench.
June 14. My workbench.
June 16.   Mike Oates and Chuck Nauser come over to run on the J&B.
June 16. Mike Oates and Chuck Nauser come over to run on the J&B.
June 16.  Working at Jackson.
June 16. Working at Jackson.
June 16.   Mike Oates works Jackson.
June 16. Mike Oates works Jackson.
June 16.  Chuck and Mike in Jackson.
June 16. Chuck and Mike in Jackson.
June 16.   The spur at Mills Fuels is full.
June 16. The spur at Mills Fuels is full.
June 16.   Now with a train headed the other way, Chuck starts to work Jackson.
June 16. Now with a train headed the other way, Chuck starts to work Jackson.
June 16.  Jean and I do some volunteer work every week and the place gets all sorts of donations. Most donations are clothing, housewares, or food, but there's always something strange showing up. We got this Korber Models kit in a few months ago and we donated some cash to obtain it. I finally got around to putting it together. It only takes a few hours to put it together and paint it, but it's a nice little kit. It's a bit smaller than 1:20, but fits in nicely on the layout and allows me to attach a label to the interchange!
June 16. Jean and I do some volunteer work every week and the place gets all sorts of donations. Most donations are clothing, housewares, or food, but there's always something strange showing up. We got this Korber Models kit in a few months ago and we donated some cash to obtain it. I finally got around to putting it together. It only takes a few hours to put it together and paint it, but it's a nice little kit. It's a bit smaller than 1:20, but fits in nicely on the layout and allows me to attach a label to the interchange!
July 4.  My Mikado and parlor car.
July 4. My Mikado and parlor car.
July 4.   The Mikado and Camelia on the way to Jackson.
July 4. The Mikado and Camelia on the way to Jackson.
August 14.  The weather cooled off enough to work outside for just a bit. This is a picture of the main headed into Green Springs Yard. The track at the lower right leads to Brunt Interchange and Smith Pond Mill. In this configuration, the yard lead on the right was seldom used; not only that, but sometimes the train would be too long to run around when it got into the yard.
August 14. The weather cooled off enough to work outside for just a bit. This is a picture of the main headed into Green Springs Yard. The track at the lower right leads to Brunt Interchange and Smith Pond Mill. In this configuration, the yard lead on the right was seldom used; not only that, but sometimes the train would be too long to run around when it got into the yard.
August 14.  Earlier, one of my operators suggested that I could put in a switch and connect the yard to the main. I had built up a switch using the spiker and composite ties, but it had been too miserable outside to do any work. It was too cloudy to go birding this morning, so working on the railroad seemed to be a good alternative. I took out my cordless Dremel, cut the track, ripped up some of the ladder and put the switch in place.
August 14. Earlier, one of my operators suggested that I could put in a switch and connect the yard to the main. I had built up a switch using the spiker and composite ties, but it had been too miserable outside to do any work. It was too cloudy to go birding this morning, so working on the railroad seemed to be a good alternative. I took out my cordless Dremel, cut the track, ripped up some of the ladder and put the switch in place.
August 14.  I got tired of the ballast running away from the track so I am using gravel now.  I should have added more fill dirt, but it's on a slope, so something is always going to wash away.
August 14. I got tired of the ballast running away from the track so I am using gravel now. I should have added more fill dirt, but it's on a slope, so something is always going to wash away.
August 27.  I glued some acrylic scraps together at a ninety degree angle and covered one edge with some Precision Products siding. I then put some gravel on top of it, and I have a very quick little retaining wall.
August 27. I glued some acrylic scraps together at a ninety degree angle and covered one edge with some Precision Products siding. I then put some gravel on top of it, and I have a very quick little retaining wall.
August 28.  I liked it so much that I made some brick ones as well.
August 28. I liked it so much that I made some brick ones as well.
September 5.   A work train leaves Lexington on the way to Jackson.
September 5. A work train leaves Lexington on the way to Jackson.
December 7.  The years have taken a toll on Miracle Chair Company.
December 7. The years have taken a toll on Miracle Chair Company.
December 16.   A light snow on the J&B.
December 16. A light snow on the J&B.
January 12.   A bit of light snow on Buchanan Tool & Die.
January 12. A bit of light snow on Buchanan Tool & Die.
March 29.   I start to plan a spur for Oates Furniture. It will come down from Green Springs Yard.
March 29. I start to plan a spur for Oates Furniture. It will come down from Green Springs Yard.
March 29.  I'll have to get a crossing for this to work. Here, I lay out the spur - it will cross the interchange track.
March 29. I'll have to get a crossing for this to work. Here, I lay out the spur - it will cross the interchange track.
March 29.  I put Oates Furniture in place against the proposed spur.
March 29. I put Oates Furniture in place against the proposed spur.
April 10.   I rebuild bases for the structures comprising Mills Fuels as the first ones rotted away.
April 10. I rebuild bases for the structures comprising Mills Fuels as the first ones rotted away.
April 27.  Looks like it's time for a new roof on Smith Pond Mill.
April 27. Looks like it's time for a new roof on Smith Pond Mill.
May 7.   The azaleas are in full bloom.
May 7. The azaleas are in full bloom.
May 7.  The creeping Jenny is nice and green.
May 7. The creeping Jenny is nice and green.
May 7.   A view of my town.
May 7. A view of my town.
June 7.  Smith Pond Mill has new roof shingles.
June 7. Smith Pond Mill has new roof shingles.
June 8.  I finally got my new siding in place. A comedy of errors on my part. I ordered a 30 degree crossing from Rodney, thinking it would fit just right. Unfortunately, I measured BEFORE I put in the switch. So, measuring AFTER the switch was installed told me I needed a 45 degree crossing. I got a nice 45 degree crossing from Rodney; made with the same techniques as the original. It's very sturdy and works great. And, the track fits. The siding comes off of the yard lead in Green Springs, and continues down town. All of the switching will be done from the yard itself and should add some new challenges.
June 8. I finally got my new siding in place. A comedy of errors on my part. I ordered a 30 degree crossing from Rodney, thinking it would fit just right. Unfortunately, I measured BEFORE I put in the switch. So, measuring AFTER the switch was installed told me I needed a 45 degree crossing. I got a nice 45 degree crossing from Rodney; made with the same techniques as the original. It's very sturdy and works great. And, the track fits. The siding comes off of the yard lead in Green Springs, and continues down town. All of the switching will be done from the yard itself and should add some new challenges.
June 8.  Of course all of this started because I wanted a new home for Oates furniture. Now it's finally in place and I put some gravel down to help keep the dirt off of the building. I finished up a new Chevy for the owner.
June 8. Of course all of this started because I wanted a new home for Oates furniture. Now it's finally in place and I put some gravel down to help keep the dirt off of the building. I finished up a new Chevy for the owner.
June 8.   The track side of Oates Furniture.
June 8. The track side of Oates Furniture.
June 8.  Here's a distance shot of the town now.
June 8. Here's a distance shot of the town now.
June 8.  It's a long siding; I'm thinking that there's room for another industry or two along the track. I'll want to leave room behind it for a pathway.
June 8. It's a long siding; I'm thinking that there's room for another industry or two along the track. I'll want to leave room behind it for a pathway.
June 23.  Putting down some new ballast in Jackson.
June 23. Putting down some new ballast in Jackson.
June 25.  I made this little "flanger" card to help spread ballast and clean out the switches.
June 25. I made this little "flanger" card to help spread ballast and clean out the switches.
October 6.   Lexington staging area.
October 6. Lexington staging area.
October 6.  The kids from school love to stop here when I'm running trains.
October 6. The kids from school love to stop here when I'm running trains.
October 9.  A train full of hoppers crosses the trestle.
October 9. A train full of hoppers crosses the trestle.
November 11.  Mike Oates next to his furniture company.
November 11. Mike Oates next to his furniture company.
December 31.   Making progress on the J. Radder 5 and dime.
December 31. Making progress on the J. Radder 5 and dime.
January 13.   The sign on Oates Furniture is already starting to fade.
January 13. The sign on Oates Furniture is already starting to fade.
February 1.   The "detailed" inside for J. Radder 5 & 10.
February 1. The "detailed" inside for J. Radder 5 & 10.
February 3.  About done with the J. Radder store
February 3. About done with the J. Radder store
February 27.   Finishing up my corner office building.
February 27. Finishing up my corner office building.
March 23.  The J. Radder store at the Drag and Brag in York.
March 23. The J. Radder store at the Drag and Brag in York.
March 24.   I enter my hopper in the contest at York.
March 24. I enter my hopper in the contest at York.
March 24.   The J. Radder building does well at the contest.
March 24. The J. Radder building does well at the contest.
April 7.   Clarke & Clarke gets installed at the corner.
April 7. Clarke & Clarke gets installed at the corner.
April 7.  The J.Radder 5 & 10 cent store goes on the other corner.
April 7. The J.Radder 5 & 10 cent store goes on the other corner.
April 4.  April brings greener plants.
April 4. April brings greener plants.
April 17.  The gas station is due for a rebuild.
April 17. The gas station is due for a rebuild.
April 29.  I re-do the entrance to the yard with some treated lumber planks as the new base.
April 29. I re-do the entrance to the yard with some treated lumber planks as the new base.
April 29.  A shot of the town with all the pollen.
April 29. A shot of the town with all the pollen.
May 6.  Looking from Green Springs Yard towards Occoquan.
May 6. Looking from Green Springs Yard towards Occoquan.
May 19.  I decide to take the gas station in off the layout and completely rebuild it.
May 19. I decide to take the gas station in off the layout and completely rebuild it.
May 19.   The roof comes off a bit TOO easily.   It's in pretty bad shape.
May 19. The roof comes off a bit TOO easily. It's in pretty bad shape.
May 19.   The Blue Moon Saloon has also seen better days.
May 19. The Blue Moon Saloon has also seen better days.
May 29.  Jim Stapleton comes over for an operations session.   He's at Green Springs Yard, ready to build Train #1.
May 29. Jim Stapleton comes over for an operations session. He's at Green Springs Yard, ready to build Train #1.
May 29.  Jim at Occoquan.
May 29. Jim at Occoquan.
May 29.  Our last visit from Mike Oates.  Jean watches us operate as well.
May 29. Our last visit from Mike Oates. Jean watches us operate as well.
May 29.  Train #1 is ready to leave Occoquan.
May 29. Train #1 is ready to leave Occoquan.
June 4.  Time to replace the lettering on these two buildings.
June 4. Time to replace the lettering on these two buildings.
June 20.  I don't have a replacement yet for the Blue Moon Saloon, but arson takes care of it.
June 20. I don't have a replacement yet for the Blue Moon Saloon, but arson takes care of it.
June 20.  The fire burns itself out.
June 20. The fire burns itself out.
June 13.  The gas station rebuild is complete.
June 13. The gas station rebuild is complete.
June 13.  It fits in a bit differently than the old one.
June 13. It fits in a bit differently than the old one.
October 30.   Fall on the J&B - looking at the town of Jackson.
October 30. Fall on the J&B - looking at the town of Jackson.
October 30.   The town of Burke.
October 30. The town of Burke.
November 2.   The bucket coaling station goes out on the layout.
November 2. The bucket coaling station goes out on the layout.
November 5.  A "kit" to build a passenger coach arrives...
November 5. A "kit" to build a passenger coach arrives...

2013

I build the Sludge Works, a brass critter, and the Rosseau Hotel.

January 1.   Work continues on my coach.
January 1. Work continues on my coach.
February 2.  The coach is almost complete.
February 2. The coach is almost complete.
February 12.  The coach on my trestle.
February 12. The coach on my trestle.
March 5.  Building the fire escape for the Rosseau Hotel.
March 5. Building the fire escape for the Rosseau Hotel.
March 6.   The Rosseau Hotel is a building flat for my buddy Doug in Canada.
March 6. The Rosseau Hotel is a building flat for my buddy Doug in Canada.
March 9.  The fire escape gets installed on the Rosseau Hotel.
March 9. The fire escape gets installed on the Rosseau Hotel.
March 20.  My coach and parlor car on the trestle.
March 20. My coach and parlor car on the trestle.
March 22.  The Rosseau Hotel makes it to the Drag and Brag in York.
March 22. The Rosseau Hotel makes it to the Drag and Brag in York.
April 20.   Pretty green.
April 20. Pretty green.
April 26.  Burke, on the J&B.
April 26. Burke, on the J&B.
April 26.   Buchanan Tool and Die, the Bucket Coaling Station and my water tower at the south end of Jackson.
April 26. Buchanan Tool and Die, the Bucket Coaling Station and my water tower at the south end of Jackson.
April 26.   The town of Burke, looking north.
April 26. The town of Burke, looking north.
April 26.  Jackson.   Salmons Produce, Mills Fuels and Matheson Textiles.
April 26. Jackson. Salmons Produce, Mills Fuels and Matheson Textiles.
April 26.  A more "down to earth" view...
April 26. A more "down to earth" view...
April 27.  A lot of the spikes have popped up, so I spend time respiking all of my handlaid track.
April 27. A lot of the spikes have popped up, so I spend time respiking all of my handlaid track.
May 31.  My neighbors Andy and his son Max visit to watch the trains.
May 31. My neighbors Andy and his son Max visit to watch the trains.
May 31.  My Shay crossing the bridge.
May 31. My Shay crossing the bridge.
June 2.  Signs printed on vinyl - they didn't last.
June 2. Signs printed on vinyl - they didn't last.
June 2.  This sign for J. Radder has been out just over a year and it's gone.
June 2. This sign for J. Radder has been out just over a year and it's gone.
June 4.   Working on my little all brass locomotive - a "critter".
June 4. Working on my little all brass locomotive - a "critter".
June 14.  A new custom printed sign for J. Radder.
June 14. A new custom printed sign for J. Radder.
June 14.   Also new signs for my hardware and cafe.
June 14. Also new signs for my hardware and cafe.
June 15.   This sign has been out for a long time with zero problems.  It is white vinyl on a painted black background.
June 15. This sign has been out for a long time with zero problems. It is white vinyl on a painted black background.
June 26.  Another operations session.
June 26. Another operations session.
June 26.  Ken comes down from Pennsylvania to run.   He's in Green Springs Yard, ready to make up Train #1.
June 26. Ken comes down from Pennsylvania to run. He's in Green Springs Yard, ready to make up Train #1.
June 26.  Ken is working Occoquan.
June 26. Ken is working Occoquan.
June 26.  After working Occoquan, it's time for the switching challenge at Jackson.  Always an adventure!
June 26. After working Occoquan, it's time for the switching challenge at Jackson. Always an adventure!
June 26.  There's always a lot of moves to get cars in and out of Jackson.
June 26. There's always a lot of moves to get cars in and out of Jackson.
July 7.  I use my work train to haul around everything I need for maintenance.
July 7. I use my work train to haul around everything I need for maintenance.
July 7.  I use my odometer car to measure not only how long I've been working, but how far the train as gone as well.   It's calibrated to 1:20 scale.
July 7. I use my odometer car to measure not only how long I've been working, but how far the train as gone as well. It's calibrated to 1:20 scale.
July 7.  I put stepping stones along the trackwork at Occoquan.
July 7. I put stepping stones along the trackwork at Occoquan.
July 7.   The work train gets loaded with equipment here, as I keep all the tools in the shed in the background just beyond Green Springs Yard.
July 7. The work train gets loaded with equipment here, as I keep all the tools in the shed in the background just beyond Green Springs Yard.
July 7.  A view of downtown Burke.
July 7. A view of downtown Burke.
July 7.   Passing by Salmons Produce.
July 7. Passing by Salmons Produce.
July 7.  Buchanan Tool & Die on the left.
July 7. Buchanan Tool & Die on the left.
July 13.  When Ken was here operating, we discussed the passing siding at Jackson. It's a bit short; very tight with a five car train with caboose.
July 13. When Ken was here operating, we discussed the passing siding at Jackson. It's a bit short; very tight with a five car train with caboose.
July 13.  Looking at it, I know I wanted the switch to not be right on the end of the curve, but I thought that I could move it a couple of feet towards the right and get some more room.
July 13. Looking at it, I know I wanted the switch to not be right on the end of the curve, but I thought that I could move it a couple of feet towards the right and get some more room.
July 14.  Today, the ground has dried out a bit, as it's been almost two days without rain! Of course, the humidity was thick enough to cut with a knife, so it was a moot point.
Anyway, I got the switch moved and the siding should be long enough next time we operate.
July 14. Today, the ground has dried out a bit, as it's been almost two days without rain! Of course, the humidity was thick enough to cut with a knife, so it was a moot point.
Anyway, I got the switch moved and the siding should be long enough next time we operate.
July 14.  You might also notice that I've started using dirt for ballast...instead of crushed granite. The granite seems to wash away to... somewhere.
July 14. You might also notice that I've started using dirt for ballast...instead of crushed granite. The granite seems to wash away to... somewhere.
July 27.  This plant looks to be finished.
July 27. This plant looks to be finished.
August 12.  We had been talking about putting another plant there, but I thought I'd try a couple of stepping stones instead.

I'm thinking I like this better, as it gives me a better place to walk. Previously I had been kicking the switch stands with my foot...now I should be far enough away.
August 12. We had been talking about putting another plant there, but I thought I'd try a couple of stepping stones instead.

I'm thinking I like this better, as it gives me a better place to walk. Previously I had been kicking the switch stands with my foot...now I should be far enough away.
September 4.  Time for another operating session.
September 4. Time for another operating session.
September 4.   Smith Pond Mill.
September 4. Smith Pond Mill.
September 4.  Brunt Interchange.
September 4. Brunt Interchange.
September 4.  McCown Freight in Occoquan.
September 4. McCown Freight in Occoquan.
September 4.  The passing siding also doubles as an LCL in Occoquan.
September 4. The passing siding also doubles as an LCL in Occoquan.
September 4.  Oates Furniture.
September 4. Oates Furniture.
September 4.  Buchanan Tool & Die in Jackson.
September 4. Buchanan Tool & Die in Jackson.
September 4.   Salmons Produce, Mills Fuel and Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
September 4. Salmons Produce, Mills Fuel and Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
September 4.  Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
September 4. Matheson Textiles in Jackson.
September 4.  Train #2 on the staging track in Lexington.
September 4. Train #2 on the staging track in Lexington.
September 4.  Switchlist printed and we're ready to go.
September 4. Switchlist printed and we're ready to go.
September 4.  Ken checks out Green Springs Yard.
September 4. Ken checks out Green Springs Yard.
September 4.  Switching Jackson.
September 4. Switching Jackson.
September.   The locomotive runs around the train on the siding in Jackson.
September. The locomotive runs around the train on the siding in Jackson.
September 4.  There's never enough room...
September 4. There's never enough room...
September 4.   Time for Train #2 to work Jackson.
September 4. Time for Train #2 to work Jackson.
September 6.  I replace the stepping stones with cast concrete stepping stones.
September 6. I replace the stepping stones with cast concrete stepping stones.
September 18.
September 18.
September 18.  I replace the odometer - the original stopped working.
September 18. I replace the odometer - the original stopped working.
November 12. There's already too many leaves.
November 12. There's already too many leaves.
November 16. The leaves are cleared and ready for another operations session.
November 16. The leaves are cleared and ready for another operations session.
November 16.  Ken is ready to go.
November 16. Ken is ready to go.
November 16.  Switching Salmons Produce.
November 16. Switching Salmons Produce.
November 16.  The locomotive runs around Train #2 at the siding in Jackson.
November 16. The locomotive runs around Train #2 at the siding in Jackson.
November 16.   Train #2 is switching Buchanan Tool & Die.
November 16. Train #2 is switching Buchanan Tool & Die.
November 16.  Switching Matheson Textiles.
November 16. Switching Matheson Textiles.
November 16.   All the work is done in Jackson for Train #2.  Now it's time to put the train together.
November 16. All the work is done in Jackson for Train #2. Now it's time to put the train together.
November 16.  Train #2 switching at Occoquan.
November 16. Train #2 switching at Occoquan.
November 27.  Work continues on my little brass "critter".
November 27. Work continues on my little brass "critter".
December 9 - a little snow.
December 9 - a little snow.
December 21.  My small switcher at Buchanan Tool & Die.
December 21. My small switcher at Buchanan Tool & Die.
December 21.   Crossing the trestle between Occoquan and Jackson.
December 21. Crossing the trestle between Occoquan and Jackson.

2014

I build the Reefer, 3 Shops, and a Grocery store.

January 3.   Working on the reefer.
January 3. Working on the reefer.
January 8.   More progress on the Port Lavendar Reefer.
January 8. More progress on the Port Lavendar Reefer.
February 4.   The reefer is done.
February 4. The reefer is done.
February 8.   Working on the three shops.
February 8. Working on the three shops.
February 12.   Downtown Burke.
February 12. Downtown Burke.
March 3.   A bit of snow on the layout.
March 3. A bit of snow on the layout.
March 21.  Some of my creations an the LSC Drag & Brag in York.
March 21. Some of my creations an the LSC Drag & Brag in York.
March 29.   A view of Jackson.
March 29. A view of Jackson.
April 9.   The fronts of the 3 shops.
April 9. The fronts of the 3 shops.
May 4.   The azaleas are in bloom.
May 4. The azaleas are in bloom.
May 5.  The Girl Scouts (Daisies) come to visit.
May 5. The Girl Scouts (Daisies) come to visit.
June 28.  I've now added 3 shops to the downtown area.
June 28. I've now added 3 shops to the downtown area.
June 28.  Downtown, looking north.
June 28. Downtown, looking north.
June 28.  Another view of the newly added shops.
June 28. Another view of the newly added shops.
June 28.  A view of the new shops from behind.
June 28. A view of the new shops from behind.
August 5.  Green Springs yard...looks like most of the ballast is about gone.
August 5. Green Springs yard...looks like most of the ballast is about gone.
August 5.  Smith Pond Mill.
August 5. Smith Pond Mill.
August 5.  McCown Freight in Occoquan.
August 5. McCown Freight in Occoquan.
August 5.  The Bucket Coaling station in Jackson.
August 5. The Bucket Coaling station in Jackson.
August 5.  Buchanan Tool & Die, with the Bucket Coaling station in the background.
August 5. Buchanan Tool & Die, with the Bucket Coaling station in the background.
August 5.  Salmons Produce...Matheson Textiles to the right.
August 5. Salmons Produce...Matheson Textiles to the right.
August 5.  The other side of Salmons Produce, showing the cars at the spur.
August 5. The other side of Salmons Produce, showing the cars at the spur.
August 5.  Matheson Textiles with its two spurs in Jackson.
August 5. Matheson Textiles with its two spurs in Jackson.
August 5.  The turntable and Yard Office at Green Springs.
August 5. The turntable and Yard Office at Green Springs.
August 5.  Kevin Strong visits the J&B with his family.
August 5. Kevin Strong visits the J&B with his family.
August 9.  I got tired of the spur in Occoquan. It was hard to reach and required too much maintenance.
August 9. I got tired of the spur in Occoquan. It was hard to reach and required too much maintenance.
August 9.  So, the spur is gone.
August 9. So, the spur is gone.
September 24.   Ken comes down for an ops session.  Here he is switching Jackson.
September 24. Ken comes down for an ops session. Here he is switching Jackson.
September 24.  Jackson can get a bit complicated to switch. Lots of moves with just not enough room.
September 24. Jackson can get a bit complicated to switch. Lots of moves with just not enough room.
September 24.  Part of the train on the passing siding at Jackson, looking south.
September 24. Part of the train on the passing siding at Jackson, looking south.
September 27.  The yard at Green Springs is ready to be redone.
September 27. The yard at Green Springs is ready to be redone.
September 27.  All of the yard switches are removed and reworked.
September 27. All of the yard switches are removed and reworked.
September 28.  All of the yard track is removed.
September 28. All of the yard track is removed.
September 30.  Ready to apply some roofing paper.
September 30. Ready to apply some roofing paper.
September 30.  It rolls out easily.
September 30. It rolls out easily.
September 30.  The roofing paper runs all the way to Occoquan.
September 30. The roofing paper runs all the way to Occoquan.
October 3.  It's glued in place and bricks are used to hold it until it dries.
October 3. It's glued in place and bricks are used to hold it until it dries.
October 3.  I also glue down the edges with the roofing tar.
October 3. I also glue down the edges with the roofing tar.
October 7.  Then, it's time to put all the track and switches back in place.
October 7. Then, it's time to put all the track and switches back in place.
October 7.  I do end up moving a few switches to give me more room in the yard.
October 7. I do end up moving a few switches to give me more room in the yard.
October 7.  It looks a lot better and should be easier to keep clean.
October 7. It looks a lot better and should be easier to keep clean.
October 8.  My switcher tries everything out.
October 8. My switcher tries everything out.
October 24.  A view of downtown.
October 24. A view of downtown.
October 25.  The grocery store under construction.
October 25. The grocery store under construction.
November 5.  A switching puzzle in Green Springs Yard.
November 5. A switching puzzle in Green Springs Yard.

2015

I built Chandler Furniture (a building for Andy and Jane's BS Southern), a boxcar, and a building for the Nashoba Valley (Bob McCown's RR)

January 14.  An early snowfall doesn't seem to bother the townfolk.
January 14. An early snowfall doesn't seem to bother the townfolk.
January 14.  All of my buildings and people stay out all year.  (I do bring in the vehicles for the winter.)
January 14. All of my buildings and people stay out all year. (I do bring in the vehicles for the winter.)
January 27.  Now it gets a bit deeper.
January 27. Now it gets a bit deeper.
January 27.  Buchanan Tool & Die is under a holly tree.
January 27. Buchanan Tool & Die is under a holly tree.
January 27.  Smith Pond Mill is under an oak tree.
January 27. Smith Pond Mill is under an oak tree.
February 23.  I start thinking about converting this old truck into a brand new fire engine.
February 23. I start thinking about converting this old truck into a brand new fire engine.
May 3.   Spring is greening everything!
May 3. Spring is greening everything!
May 16.  I've given up on ballasting the track and now just use "fines" to fill in.
May 16. I've given up on ballasting the track and now just use "fines" to fill in.
May 16.  Maintenance if a bit more enjoyable if you run a train at the same time.
May 16. Maintenance if a bit more enjoyable if you run a train at the same time.
May 17.  The town of Jackson is set up for an operations session.
May 17. The town of Jackson is set up for an operations session.
May 17.   It's a fun challenge to switch Jackson - there's NEVER enough room!
May 17. It's a fun challenge to switch Jackson - there's NEVER enough room!
May 17.  Hoppers on the siding at the bucket coaling station.
May 17. Hoppers on the siding at the bucket coaling station.
May 17.  The staging loop at Lexington
May 17. The staging loop at Lexington
May 17.  The yard at Green Springs.
May 17. The yard at Green Springs.
May 17.  Smith Pond Mill siding.
May 17. Smith Pond Mill siding.
May 17.  McCown freight in Occoquan.
May 17. McCown freight in Occoquan.
May 17.  Oates furniture is serviced by a spur out of Green Springs yard.
May 17. Oates furniture is serviced by a spur out of Green Springs yard.
June 21.  The track is often used by the local wildlife.
June 21. The track is often used by the local wildlife.
August 15.  I built this boxcar and lettered it for Bob McCown's Nashoba Valley Transportation Company.
August 15. I built this boxcar and lettered it for Bob McCown's Nashoba Valley Transportation Company.
September 20.   After many years outside, I found that the ties in the turntable pit had rotted away and I proceeded to re-do all of the ties.
September 20. After many years outside, I found that the ties in the turntable pit had rotted away and I proceeded to re-do all of the ties.
September 20.   The rail has to be re-spiked into each tie.
September 20. The rail has to be re-spiked into each tie.
September 20.  The pit and turntable after maintenance.
September 20. The pit and turntable after maintenance.
September 23.  Getting ready for another ops session.
September 23. Getting ready for another ops session.
September 23.  Ken Brunt comes down from Pennsylvania a few times each year. Here he is getting ready to make up Train #1 out of Green Springs.
September 23. Ken Brunt comes down from Pennsylvania a few times each year. Here he is getting ready to make up Train #1 out of Green Springs.
September 23.  Ken contemplates the next switching move in Jackson.
September 23. Ken contemplates the next switching move in Jackson.
September 23.  We use a computer program (JMRI) to generate switch lists.
September 23. We use a computer program (JMRI) to generate switch lists.
November 1.   Work continues on a building for Bob's Nashoba Valley in Massachusetts.
November 1. Work continues on a building for Bob's Nashoba Valley in Massachusetts.
November 22.  Clarke & Clarke in downtown Burke.
November 22. Clarke & Clarke in downtown Burke.

2016

I built the Firehouse.   Other than that, a pretty slow year for the layout.  



January 23.  Snow covers the town of Burke.  Almost 2 feet...that's about 40 scale feet...
January 23. Snow covers the town of Burke. Almost 2 feet...that's about 40 scale feet...
January 30.  I get some 3D printed parts to start work on my firehouse.
January 30. I get some 3D printed parts to start work on my firehouse.
February 14.  A view of the layout from my dining room window.
February 14. A view of the layout from my dining room window.
March 21.  This miniature scroll saw comes in very handy cutting holes for windows.
March 21. This miniature scroll saw comes in very handy cutting holes for windows.
April 6.  Downtown seems to have survived the winter.
April 6. Downtown seems to have survived the winter.
April 6.  McCown Freight in Occoquan.
April 6. McCown Freight in Occoquan.
April 6.  Buchanan Tool & Die in Jackson.
April 6. Buchanan Tool & Die in Jackson.
April 6.  Salmons Produce and Mills Fuels, with Matheson Textiles on the right.
April 6. Salmons Produce and Mills Fuels, with Matheson Textiles on the right.
April 6.  A shot of Jackson.  L-R:  Buchanan Tool & Die, the water tower, the bucket coaling station, Salmons Produce. Matheson Textiles blocks a view of Mills Fuels.
April 6. A shot of Jackson. L-R: Buchanan Tool & Die, the water tower, the bucket coaling station, Salmons Produce. Matheson Textiles blocks a view of Mills Fuels.
May 13.  Operating in the rain. Ken Brunt and Vincent D'Agostino trying to switch a train.
May 13. Operating in the rain. Ken Brunt and Vincent D'Agostino trying to switch a train.
May 13.  Jim Kottkamp is the only one prepared for the rain.
May 13. Jim Kottkamp is the only one prepared for the rain.
May 13.  Switching Jackson.
May 13. Switching Jackson.
May 13.  Starting to get a bit TOO wet.
May 13. Starting to get a bit TOO wet.
May 13.  I like to take pictures of cars that need a bit of work, rather than writing down the issues on a piece of paper.
May 13. I like to take pictures of cars that need a bit of work, rather than writing down the issues on a piece of paper.
May 13.  Ken is switching Occoquan while Jim looks on.
May 13. Ken is switching Occoquan while Jim looks on.
May 13.  The track really needed a LOT of work and the layout was just NOT ready for an operations session.
May 13. The track really needed a LOT of work and the layout was just NOT ready for an operations session.
May 30.  Work continues on the firehouse.
May 30. Work continues on the firehouse.
July 30.  The trucks on my Shay disintegrated, but I got some new trucks from Dave Goodson. Out on a trial run.
July 30. The trucks on my Shay disintegrated, but I got some new trucks from Dave Goodson. Out on a trial run.
July 30.  Running past the Azaleas.
July 30. Running past the Azaleas.
August 30.   The firehouse gets a coat of paint.
August 30. The firehouse gets a coat of paint.
November 4.  The firehouse is done.
November 4. The firehouse is done.

2017

I built the replacement for Brunt Interchange, added an "Operations Quality" boxcar, a 17th Anniversary of LSC Boxcar, and performed a LOT of maintenance.

January 20.  I build windows and doors for Brunt Interchange.
January 20. I build windows and doors for Brunt Interchange.
March 3.  Work continues on Brunt Interchange.
March 3. Work continues on Brunt Interchange.
March 14.  A bit of snow covers the town.
March 14. A bit of snow covers the town.
March 14.  It's a LOT of snow to the little boy peeking through the window of the 5 & 10.
March 14. It's a LOT of snow to the little boy peeking through the window of the 5 & 10.
March 14.  More snow - all in March!
March 14. More snow - all in March!
March 14.  A view towards Green Springs Yard.  No green this time of year!
March 14. A view towards Green Springs Yard. No green this time of year!
March 14.   With all that snow it's a good day to work on the operations quality boxcar.
March 14. With all that snow it's a good day to work on the operations quality boxcar.
March 25.  The firehouse goes on the layout after being shown at the Drag & Brag in York.
March 25. The firehouse goes on the layout after being shown at the Drag & Brag in York.
March 25.  Brunt Interchange also gets placed on the layout.
March 25. Brunt Interchange also gets placed on the layout.
May 16.   The town of Jackson.
May 16. The town of Jackson.
June 3.   The sign on Oates Furniture has really faded.
June 3. The sign on Oates Furniture has really faded.
June 6.  An overview of the layout.
June 6. An overview of the layout.
July 29.  I continue work on the LSC Anniversary boxcar.
July 29. I continue work on the LSC Anniversary boxcar.
August 5.   The LSC Anniversary boxcar is completed.
August 5. The LSC Anniversary boxcar is completed.
September 18.  I use my 3D printer to make some new windows  for Smith Pond Mill.
September 18. I use my 3D printer to make some new windows for Smith Pond Mill.
September 22.  Windows are replaced in Smith Pond Mill.
September 22. Windows are replaced in Smith Pond Mill.
October 6.  I'm in the process of building Bob's coach kit for him.
October 6. I'm in the process of building Bob's coach kit for him.
October 20.  The LSC Traveling Outhouse makes an appearance on the Jackson & Burke.
October 20. The LSC Traveling Outhouse makes an appearance on the Jackson & Burke.

2018

Mostly a year of maintenance, but I did build a viaduct to replace a rotting trestle.


January 31.   I continue to build Bob's coach kit.
January 31. I continue to build Bob's coach kit.
April 25.   I will eventually be getting a new floor installed in my basement workshop, so I take a "before" picture.
April 25. I will eventually be getting a new floor installed in my basement workshop, so I take a "before" picture.
May 4.  A very distant shot of the layout, but it is pretty when the azaleas are in bloom.
May 4. A very distant shot of the layout, but it is pretty when the azaleas are in bloom.
May 15.   The new floor in installed in my workshop.  They did the whole house in just one day.
May 15. The new floor in installed in my workshop. They did the whole house in just one day.
June 1.  Scratch built switches don't last forever - even using cedar ties. So, I rebuilt a number of them.
June 1. Scratch built switches don't last forever - even using cedar ties. So, I rebuilt a number of them.
June 1.  The cedar ties just about disintegrate when in contact with the ground for MANY years.
June 1. The cedar ties just about disintegrate when in contact with the ground for MANY years.
June 1.  I also replaced some roadbed. Here I used a solid piece of pressure treated 2x8 for the roadbed.
June 1. I also replaced some roadbed. Here I used a solid piece of pressure treated 2x8 for the roadbed.
June 1.  I decided to try some of the "new" Bachmann ground throws; they've received some pretty good reviews from my railroad buddies.
June 1. I decided to try some of the "new" Bachmann ground throws; they've received some pretty good reviews from my railroad buddies.
June 1.  The pressure treated 2x8 is put in place and covered with some ballast. (Of course the ballast willl disappear somewhere.)
June 1. The pressure treated 2x8 is put in place and covered with some ballast. (Of course the ballast willl disappear somewhere.)
June 6.  I found this track end-bumper on Thingiverse and printed it out on my 3D printer.
June 6. I found this track end-bumper on Thingiverse and printed it out on my 3D printer.
June 6.  Some parts to my water tower had disappeared over the years. I ended up printing some new counterweights on my 3D printer (filled with some BBs for weight)
June 6. Some parts to my water tower had disappeared over the years. I ended up printing some new counterweights on my 3D printer (filled with some BBs for weight)
June 14.  This trestle ended up rotting away and was replaced with the new viaduct.
June 14. This trestle ended up rotting away and was replaced with the new viaduct.
June 18.  I begin construction of the viaduct.
June 18. I begin construction of the viaduct.
June 23.  I have cut out the sides of the viaduct.
June 23. I have cut out the sides of the viaduct.
July 9.   The viaduct has replaced the old rotting trestle.
July 9. The viaduct has replaced the old rotting trestle.
August 29.  The build for Bob's coach kit continues.
August 29. The build for Bob's coach kit continues.
September 7.   David Russell (from LSC) puts together an interior for Bob's coach kit.
September 7. David Russell (from LSC) puts together an interior for Bob's coach kit.
October 19.  Fall...and the railroad is covered in acorns!
October 19. Fall...and the railroad is covered in acorns!
October 19.   Green Springs Yard is covered with acorns as well. The turntable needs work - that will be my winter project.
October 19. Green Springs Yard is covered with acorns as well. The turntable needs work - that will be my winter project.
October 19.  Lots of acorns everywhere.
October 19. Lots of acorns everywhere.
December 7.   The work on Bob's coach kit continues.
December 7. The work on Bob's coach kit continues.
December 11.   David Russell's special interior detail looks good!
December 11. David Russell's special interior detail looks good!

2019

No big projects this year.   Besides regular maintenance, I did some repairs on the turntable as well as gave McCown Freight a new roof and paint job.

February 8.  I THINK this was done by squirrels, but it just doesn't bode well for figures I leave outside.
February 8. I THINK this was done by squirrels, but it just doesn't bode well for figures I leave outside.
February 8.  The turn table looks like it needs some repairs this year.
February 8. The turn table looks like it needs some repairs this year.
March 26.   Brunt Interchange.
March 26. Brunt Interchange.
April 6.  The turntable has been worked on and is ready to go back on the layout.
April 6. The turntable has been worked on and is ready to go back on the layout.
April 6.   The turntable pit needs some cleaning BEFORE the bridge comes back.
April 6. The turntable pit needs some cleaning BEFORE the bridge comes back.
April  6.  Green Springs Yard seems to be a gathering place for all the tree litter.
April 6. Green Springs Yard seems to be a gathering place for all the tree litter.
April 6.  It looks a LOT better when cleaned up.
April 6. It looks a LOT better when cleaned up.
April 20.  Spring on the J&B.
April 20. Spring on the J&B.
April 30.  The passing siding in Jackson.
April 30. The passing siding in Jackson.
April 30.  I include a picture for one of Doug's articles on operations.
April 30. I include a picture for one of Doug's articles on operations.
May 19.  Time for some work on the spur to Oates Furniture in Burke.
May 19. Time for some work on the spur to Oates Furniture in Burke.
May 19.   The old rotted spur is removed.
May 19. The old rotted spur is removed.
May 19.  A new spur is installed.
May 19. A new spur is installed.
May 19.  I ended up replacing a lot of old rotted roadbed.
May 19. I ended up replacing a lot of old rotted roadbed.
May 25.  Work continues on Bob's coach kit.
May 25. Work continues on Bob's coach kit.
June 18.  I build a new drain near Oates Furniture.  The old one kept getting clogged with all of the holly leaves.  There's a LOT of water during a rain.
June 18. I build a new drain near Oates Furniture. The old one kept getting clogged with all of the holly leaves. There's a LOT of water during a rain.
June 19.  The new drain in drier weather.
June 19. The new drain in drier weather.
June 26.  Ken comes down for a work AND operations session.   Although it is really just too humid to do very much work.
June 26. Ken comes down for a work AND operations session. Although it is really just too humid to do very much work.
August 12.   It's about time for a new roof on McCown Freight.
August 12. It's about time for a new roof on McCown Freight.
October 22.  I'm going to convert Ric Golding's locomotive to a boxcar.
October 22. I'm going to convert Ric Golding's locomotive to a boxcar.
November 6.   When I bring McCown freight  inside, the roof looks even worse than I originally thought.
November 6. When I bring McCown freight inside, the roof looks even worse than I originally thought.
December 4.  The roof has been redone and McCown Freight has been re-painted and restored to its place on the layout.
December 4. The roof has been redone and McCown Freight has been re-painted and restored to its place on the layout.