Transfer Mockup

Just playing with some cars, track and cork, I've began thinking about building a small module depicting a freight transfer between standard and narrow gauge cars:


I think I could get away with just a single strip on standard gauge track and maybe an Inglenook design for the narrow gauge. I'd also like to feature the narrow gauge track climbing upgrade so the floors of both gauge cars meet, maybe using a cribbed ramp or something similar.

SR&N Gondola

As mentioned, even though there is no layout, I will continue to build Maine style 2' gauge models in HOn30 for as long as I possibly can.

This is a Chivers 26-foot high side gondola built without modification, except to re-gauge the wheelsets to 'proper' 9mm gauge.

This is an older photo (from summer of 2008) showing the model primed in oxide red and black trucks. It's since been washed with D&RGW Freight Car Red and given a load of coal. It's currently packed up with most of my HOn30 stuff, but I'll post an updated view when I can.

SR&N no more

Well, the layout itself has been completely demolished. The only thing I managed to salvage was the Fast Tracks points and the switch machines. All the structures and rolling stock is packed up and in storage for the time being. Maybe once some space opens up somewhere I'll be able to build a module or small switching layout. But as I mentioned before, there's still a good amount of modeling to do without a layout...

No Update

Unfortunately due to an upcoming move the SR&N is going to have to come down. But even without a layout, I have years worth of rolling stock and motive power projects to build, including some exceptional looking kits from Steven's Creek Models and Chivers Finelines. Although it may not happen regularly, I'll keep my SR&N activities updated and public. Stay tuned.

Rocks, Ballast & a Building

I'm pretty much trying to copy what I learned about rocks on this excellent diorama. I have to get a syringe or something to inject plaster between the castings to blend them all together. I left a few areas bare so I can have a go at hand carving because I think it's becoming obvious that I only have three rock molds...


The ballast is plain old sifted yard dirt, (not soil!). The track was painted with Polly-S 'tie brown' before adding the ballast... Still lots to do, quickly becoming my least favorite part of the hobby.


I also finished the roof on the only structure currently on the SR&N. I carved a 'concrete' loading dock (out of MDF, spray painted gray), but I think I'll replace with wood one because I don't think it looks quite right.

Point close-up

Trackwork for the first section of the SR&N is pretty much finished, though there is some fiddling to be done with the switches. The track is all handlaid with the pointwork assembled with a Fasttracks jig...