Slowly building N Scale version of Progressive Rail in a 19" by 72" space.  This railway is based on a prototype, and an article that appeared around 2002 in Model Railroader, which was designed for HO scale.

The goal is to use code 40 rail, and hand laid turnouts throughout the entire scene.  Another goal is for this layout to fit in my camper, so I have something to work on at night when I travel and go camping.

Because I go stalled on my engine kit, I moved to working on two boxcar kits i bought at the National Convention.   I cleaned the flash, which can be a little bit of a challenge.   You have to make sure not to remove some of the details cast into the resin.  I had to make a special sanding stick to help me.  Nothing grand, just a proper sized popsicle stick and 220 grit sand paper.  One kit I had to put the walls and roof together.   The other kit is a one piece.  Now I am putting the grab irons on.

The ScaleTrains reefer containers with sound are very nice units. Here is how I improved a little on the design by installing a magnetic reed switch inside the unit so that you don't have to pick up the unit from the train to turn it on or off.

traindude

How do you buy your rolling stock?

Do you wait around until the right car with the right road name comes around or buy as many cars of the right type regardless of road name and paint them later?