I'm kicking around ideas for a DIY "steam look" throttle. There is an ongoing discussion thread about a steam proto throttle much like the diesel version elsewhere on the forum but it's probably a bit more involved and likely, like it's diesel cousin, beyond my means. My idea begins with Geoff Bunza's excellent SMA 30 WiFi throttle and then making it look and maybe somewhat act like a steam loco throttle. All I have are ideas right now and nothing is set except DIY and markedly cheaper for me to build than what's being discussed for manufacture.

I've long been intrigued by the idea of adding working switch locks to the layout as Lance Mindheim, Trevor Marshall, James McNab, and others have done.  They'd slow down operations a bit, draw my crews and me deeper into thinking like our prototype counterparts, and prevent crews from operating on trackage that, on the 1:1 IAIS, is controlled by the Engineering (MOW) or Mechanical departments (diesel house/carmen).  Up until now I've always decided against them since I thought they'd be a hassle when operating alone, requiring both hands to unlock them. 

URGENT! Someone is calling, saying they are from Comfort Inns and they are having computer problems with the reservation system for the 26 the and 27th. To keep your reservation they need you to give them your credit card number for verification. HANG UP!

Follow the Amhurst Sponsor logo go to Accommodations get the hotel number and call them. They are aware of the phishing. They will give you the police number to report the call. They will not ask for your CC number. If you gave out CC number call your card provider.

Hey, Gang. Thought I'd start a new blog for the construction of what I'm initially calling A Full Day of Trains at Loganton.

My rambling, 11-page (so far!) blog on prototype research, historical context, and developing some potential layouts is over at https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/34770. Take a look for some of the background on this and other (hopefully future!) layouts. I'm not done with all the information there, but thought it would be good to break out and start something fresh for what I'm actually going to build.