The new track is up and running

I have a lot of new track laid out and the New York Central passenger train is making it's way around the layout. The freight train is also on its way. This is all due to my loving family understanding how much I wanted the track. Thank you family. Now all I need is a few more pieces and the layout will be complete. Then I start work on the tables to put the track on. This part is going to take some planning, as the tables need to be irregular in shape and need to be portable so I can move the layout if I need to.

Hanukkah Harry was good to me

Well the first night of Hanukkah came and went and I found myself with enough funds to buy a lot of track for the New York Central layout. My kids made sure I was all setup. I am still a bit short of the original setup design but I'm a lot closer than I was. I will be picking up mare track today.

Looking for a good book

Lately I have been looking for a good historical reference on the Ann Arbor Railroad. I've discovered that libraries don't really stock many books on railroads. I turned to the Internet and found there are only a limited number of sites out there that have anything to do with the Ann Arbor Railroad. If anyone can tell me of a good book I would appreciate it.

Big surprise

Yesterday my son John gave me his old laptop. Now I can conduct my business without having to use other peoples computers. He got me all decked out with Google chrome and an anti virus package. He also used this picture as my wallpaper.

Taking a break

Well the holidays are upon us. I have had to divert finances to holiday gifts. My hope is that Hanukkah Harry will see fit to drop off some track so I can expand the track. It's only about half as large as I plan it to be. We will just have to see what happens.

Freight train freight train rollin round the bend.....

I have decided to add a New York Central freight train to my passenger train layout. It requires a lot more track, but I really like the visual of two trains passing each other. If I can figure out how to do it, I will post a video of the two trains as soon as I am able. The video will show the very simple state the layout is in at the moment. i.e. no tables no scenery and simple track layout. I still have a long way to go to complete this project.

Dining car quick fix

I was running the New York Central passenger train and I discovered that the dining car would derail. I could not figure out what was happening. I examined the car very carefully and saw the the steps on the model was keeping the wheels from turning completely. It came down to the question of model detail vs functionality. I broke off the steps and now the car runs just fine on the track. I can barely notice the step is not there.

The Lansing Michigan Model Train show

I attended The Lansing Michigan model train show Sunday. It was huge. There was everything from N scale to G scale. I found every kind of Walthers heavyweight passenger car made except the New York Central RPO I've been looking for. There were posters of old railroads, books, movies, coffee mugs, mouse pads, T shirts, metal signage, and a tun of other railroad stuff.

Mamma is in the house

Barry has made me co-author of the Blog. Thanks Barry. I will be posting on this blog bringing the female perspective.

Today we went to the Lansing Michigan train show at the MSU pavilion. It was a very large show. Barry walked up and down every aisle in the place. I was able to check out a few horses while we were there. We almost found a Walthers heavyweight New York Central RPO for Barry, but almost doesn't count.

It's Running

The New York Central passenger set is running as of today. I got together enough track to put together a small oval and I am using F1 A & B units to pull the cars. Its long and it looks great. I far from done however; I still want to add more curves to the layout and I want to build a nice big table to put it  all on. That's not to mention the buildings and scenic elements I want to add. Besides I am still trying to find a steam locomotive to pull the cars with. I also haven't found the Walther's New York Central heavyweight RPO (railroad post office) Walthers item number.931-787

I found a nice New York Central Locomotive

This is a nice New York Central HO scale steam engine. Check it out 80-3126-1 | I would prefer a less expensive one however.

New York Central passenger train layout

 The New York Central passenger train layout is under construction. I am using Walthers heavyweight passenger cars that I have already collected. I still need an RPO The Walthers RPO is HO and The original Walthers part number was 931-787. The track I am using is Bachmann eztrack. I am laying it out on my sunporch until I can find a more permanent home for it. I also am saving up for a steam locomotive to drive the train.
A special thanks to TC and Frankie for joining this site.

Ann Arbor Railroad

I have been working on an HO layout of the current Ann Arbor railroad. it is set in the town of Shepherd Michigan.
Also I am working on a New York Central passenger train layout. I am not very far along with that one however. I still need a lot of track and tables to set it on.

false alarm

20-6533 |

mthtrains.com

False alarm

thats O scale and I needed G scale or 1/32 scale

Pere Marquette passenger cars

just what I've been looking for Pere Marquette passenger cars 1/32 scale

20-6533 |

mthtrains.com

A Great book

I have been reading a great book called "The Michigan Central Railroad History of the Mainline 1846 - 1901" writen by Nicholas A. Marsh. It is very well written and a very detailed history of the railroad. I recommend it to anyone interested in Michigan railroads.

New York Central RPO update

I need to clarify the Walthers RPO is HO and The original Walthers part number was 931-787. If anyone knows where to get one please let me know.

History

I have been building my model railroad for 3 years so I guess that makes me a beginner. I use HO and G scales. The one thing I've noticed is that I need a lot of help because I dont really know what I'm doing, but I do try. I model New York Central, Pere Marquette, and Ann Arbor. I hope to post pictures in the near future.

Looking for an NYC RPO

I am on a quest for a Walthers New York Central heavyweight RPO if anyone can help please advise