I put the layout back up over New Year, so I thought I'd take some new photos showing areas which are not normally seen from the front of the layout. The subjects are an Intermountain U18B and an Athearn CF7, as yet unweathered or sound-fitted.

I am seeking some help.  I am trying to find a way to obtain flextrack ties in Concrete & wood.  Ideally from Atlas is what I am seeking, but I have contacted Atlas and they don't do just the ties.  I am modelling code 100 on my main line and find the ME track to restrictive to get it where its needed prior to putting it down.  I am not interested in Proto 87 tie strips, as I was sent samples, and was very disappointed with them.  If anyone maybe able to help me with getting just the ties it would be helpful

Does anybody have any idea's on building a scale house for a steel mill that weight's iron ladle's?

I plan on removing cast-on details from some of my rolling stock. I'm concerned about gouging the plastic and such and want to know what is the best way of doing this.  What do you use and what are your opinions on using modeler's chisels for this purpose?  Do they work?  Could I simply use an exact-o knife with chisel blade?

Opinions and suggestions please?

P.S.  Would be great if we could have a separate section for new/old tool reviews- what works and what doesn't.

George