After much consideration with regards to my time, funds, and available space, I've decided to put my Dawson Creek subdivision layout on hold for now. It'll be a project to tackle in a few years once I get an external garage built with proper space for a layout.

I haven't done much on the layout since the last update. The first module is still approximately 80% complete. I moved at the end of April but haven't started setting anything up yet. My new layout room is a very different shape from the rectangle I used to have, so I drew up a new plan in AutoCAD. Hoping to get the first module moved from my dad's house and start on more modules working westward this winter.

Hello All,

When I set the goal for myself to have the first module of the Dawson Creek sub done by the end of the year a couple blog entries ago, I never actually expected to come anywhere close to it, but here it is December 24 and I've made a lot of progress. I was off work due to bad weather Thursday and Friday (perk of being a construction materials field tech, I guess), and combined with the weekend and a couple days off for Christmas, and I've had a few days of prime modeling time.

Hello All,

As I said earlier, I'd post an update of what I got done on the actual layout this weekend. I got all the wiring done for the first module of Dawson Creek and put some ballast down. I also put up fascia board along the module and installed the first of the Digitrax throttle hookup panels (conveniently salvaged from my old layout). The silos are pretty much in their final spot although a couple of them still need to be weathered. Hopefully I can finish up ballasting and maybe start on some other scenery the next time I'm home.

I'm slowly making progress on structures and equipment for my HO scale BC Rail layout modelling the Dawson Creek sub in September, 1987. First of all, I made some changes to the track plan a few weeks ago, lengthening the yard at Dawson Creek. This shortens the staging area and the siding at Sundance a bit, but this shouldn't be an issue considering Sundance is only used to hold short consists of MOW equipment. Having a longer yard at Dawson Creek will significantly improve operating the layout.

For the past few years, I had been working on a layout modelling Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern's PRC subdivision between Pierre and Rapid City, SD. While I was mostly happy with the way the scenery looked on the layout (which was around 70% completion), I experienced regular electrical, structural, and trackwork issues that operating the layout was more tedious than fun. Additionally, the layout was built to permanently remain in the room it was built in, but I will likely be moving within the next year. So it was time for something new.