davefromacrossthepond

I've decided that instead of fighting what I can't, I'll leverage the time and effort ebay and facebook spend to my own advantage. A month or so before my birthday and Christmas I make it a point to do some heavy duty searches of some power tools that I've been eyeing as well as whatever train related stuff we're likely to run into at the next show (there's a large one in Springfield Mass right after Christmas). Works like a charm!

OMG what have I created? I'm soooooo sorry.

Don't forget a thread dedicated to complaints and stories about how back in the day you had to make your own cakebox from homemade cardboard/paper.

Drive my Car - The Beatles

Yellow Submarine - The Beatles

Fool on the Hill -- Beatles

Love will Keep Us Together - Captain and Tenille

I think you made a good decision. If the current layout isn't "doing it" for you, then yes, start anew. Or to use a marketing phrase from a well known shoe company "go for it!" Looking forward to the new thread. Dave

So that I understand . . Mrs. Mike is more artistic? Wow.

Willie and the Hand Jive - Johnny Otis

I plan on being a winner in the competition. I won't win a prize (too many way talented and imaginative people here) but I will win each time I read/see a post with something new on it that I can learn from. This is what I like most about these things - seeing not only the results of people's efforts, but reading how they did certain things. Of course, someday wouldn't it be cool to actually be a prize winner?!?

I think what you'll find is that if you were to ask 10 people what the best decoder manufacturer is, you would get 11 different answers. On questions like this no sooner will one person post that he's never had a single problem with the 10 brand A decoders he's installed, another will post that he likes brand B because every brand A decoder he used "blew up." I don't think either is telling a mistruth, just providing their experience. It's kinda like going to Texas and asking a bunch of ranchers - "Which truck is better Ford or Chevy?" When reading decoder posts, be sure to take note of the model decoder being discussed, it's advertised specs, its pricepoint and the use it was put to. And while I don't mean to upset anyone here, take note of who it is making the comments.

Peter, I just discovered this thread after seeing your post on the Great Electric Train Show thread. The overall picture of your layout immediately grabbed my attention and after a short search, here I am. I am simply blown away by Palin's Yard. I think what grabs my eye the most are its structures and how you have arranged everything to "fit" so it is no longer a collection of buildings, but rather one complete picture. Crowded, but not over crowded. Now it's time to slowly go through the earlier pages of this thread. Should be a very enjoyable learning experience! Dave

As an aside, our local division of the NMRA (Little Rhody Division) has at its annual dinner a "One Square Foot" contest (popular voting). It has become quite popular - especially for those giving something different (scale, era, prototype etc) a go. A few years ago, my entry was a small diorama centered around the Ratio OO Good Sheet. Was a very fun exercise in what was for me a new scale/era/prototype. In short - way fun!

Not seeing a thread here for H&A Models, and believing it is important to post good experiences, I decided to start this thread. I have been searching for Cambrian's Southern 15 ton brake vans for a while. On another thread there was a post to check out "H&A Models." Not having heard of that shop and Googled and checked out their website. I ordered three and some wheels. I have to say that I am impressed and H&A has joined my list of places to shop. Even though this was an international/transAtlantic order (I live in Rhode Island, USA), I received my order in about a week's time - excellent. Moreover, the shipping charge was very very reasonable. Overall I am a totally happy customer and look forward to buying from H&A again in the future. (Usual disclaimers). Dave

Just wanted to close the loop on my earlier post. I did receive my order from H&A today. I have to say that I am very impressed with the speed at which H&A shipped out my order (yesterday was a holiday here in the U.S. and but for that and the Sunday, I believe it would have arrived even earlier.). Moreover, I think H&A overseas shipping charge was entirely reasonable. Overall, I am a very satisfied customer (no ties, just very happy buyer) and look forward to buying from H&A again. Dave

Shout - The Isley Brothers

When painting I usually don't worry about the finish. If I am going to put decals on, I'll spray (spray can, cheapy stuff) a gloss coat over everything as decals stick better to that. After that is done I usually do an overall spray of flat. Weathering chalks and powders seem to "stick" better to flat finishes also. Then after weathering, another spray of clear to "lock" in the weathering.

Boy band? How about "Boys With the Coolest Toys"?

Every Little Thing She Does is Magic - The Police

I'm guessing one of the best part of the challenge is getting the box ready for use. I'll see if I can talk my wife into getting me a box this weekend!

Every Rose Has Its Thorn - Poison

Oh no! I was originally planning on just getting the Southern green version. But the Bluebell version . . .. . . very nice!

Midnight at the Oasis - Maria Muldaur

Welcome! I think you'll find the vast majority of folks on here will freely admit they were once "beginners" and are more than happy to share their knowledge and experiences. I will say that there are some, for lack of a better word, "grumps" but they are greatly outnumbered.