This will now become the official blog of my first chainsaw layout (actually 3rd, but first one I'm actually going to scenic and have for operating).  I changed the plan a bit from the last blog, but I'm going to alter when its on the table some more to not have such strict curves (I haven't figured out the flex track tool in XtrkCad, or even if there is one).  I'll post the plan at a later time, but thought I would get this post going.

It's Friday, October 30, 2009, and it's time for some more info on my layout. I really haven't done anything but look at it since this past Sunday. I suppose it's hard to get into it right now and I don't really know why. I suupose I keep looking at it and realizing that I really haven't gotten as much done as I would like to have done. But then I think that this isn't really a job and it doesn't have to be. There is no timetable that says that I have to get this done by a certain date.

I am looking for picture of a Cotton Belt 50' Plug Door Boxcar from the 50's in orange paint w/black ends and  the blue and white logo. It's a 50' GARX style Plug Door Boxcar, they were built in 1954. I've checked all of the websites I know of and it took hours with no luck. Any help is greatly appriciated as this is for a project I am dying to sink my teeth into.

Cheers,

Mike Martin

I know I had promised not to do another weather report, but today it is raining. Normally I wouldn't say a thing about but it is an opportunity to do some more work on the Hudson and Hartford. I don't know about you guys but such days lately have been good for getting work done on the layout.

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I'm looking for some ideas, advice, etc. on hand laid - highly detailed - track work.

I have used and like the Fast Tracks turnout jigs in HOn3.

Now, I'm looking for something with more detail.

Ideas, suggestions, sources of material are all welcomed.

Scale is immaterial - the larger the better - aging eyes!

Thanks for you inputs,

                                Bruce

 I've been pretty busy at work and traveling and haven't had a lot of time for updating the blog, or actually doing a lot TO update the blog, more aptly.  But I'll give it a go as I'm "getting there."

Nor much has gotten done on the Hudson and Hartford other than laying plaster cloth of the center penninsula. But that is Ok because it made me realize that I have to clean off the stuff that has been stored on top of the portion that has been made ready for this part of the hardshell base need for laying roadbed and track.

[NOTE: This blog was formerly titled At a Crossroads: The Quest For a Duck-Free Layout]