Night Train - 07-16-11

The first train cars we purchased were four half-price Grand Trunk Railway boxcars. I've been using two of these cars to practice my weathering and graffiti skills. One has been untouched and the 4th car I have chopped up into my multipurpose car. In December I drilled holes to fasten a snow plow and a camera mount. A lighting mast was added to shine a small light over the top of the plow, but the height was too high for it to fit through the tunnels. I lowered the mast so the light is perched above the camera. I took the modified train car out last night and shot these pictures and video.

Bob

Stations, Poles and Fences

Now that we are in the middle of July, the heavy work on the railway has almost ground to a halt. Though spreading stones for the vehicle roadways has become too difficult to do in this heat I have found smaller things to build and add to the layout.

The largest addition would be the north platform and depot. Stacked patio blocks create the perfect height to load and unload train cars. I’m hoping to get some crates and cargo to decorate the platform soon.

The second addition is the row of telephone poles. Though I’ve photographed my plastic poles I have also picked up some wood sticks to make some poles from scratch.

And lastly I have added 2 new fences. The first is a “horse fence” made from coffee stir sticks and the second is a “highway fence” made from 1/4" chicken wire. I am pleased with both of them and have picked up supplies to make more.