MikeHohn

An absolute gem!

Much improved in my view. Here's what I'd be asking myself: 1) Do I really need that kickback and engine shed? Does it add operations value to the layout? Without the kickback, points for sidings could be moved to the right, and the siding through the goods shed could be longer. It would also put more siding within easy reach. 2) Why not extend the siding through the goods shed and stub end it at the station building, like the prototype? Mike

It would be aesthetically pleasing if you could maintain a gentle curve of tracks and platforms through the station, similar to the prototype.

Do you mean thickness? I use 0.040”.

I enjoyed the photos. Your layout is very nicely done with the subtle range of colors and many textures, especially stone. Mike

I’ve built several of the Tichy kits including the boxcar and find them absolutely the best on the market. But they do require a lot of patience and I agree the instructions are not always clear. Looks like a good plan you have for a turntable.

With the freight house built you have some hope of generating a little revenue.

Austere but realistic, your scene invites the viewer to come up with a narrative, just as you have done.

Ballasting: one of my least favorite modeling activities. Maximum opportunity to foul turnouts; rail needs a good cleaning afterwards; dead spots show up where glue gets into rail joiners (we do know that every section of rail needs its own electrical connection but we still try to get away with not doing so). . . . But the results improve track appearance so much. RS11: one of my favorite locomotives. Steamer looks great as well.

The great feature of the cement silos is that the complex-looking detail on the tops is so prominent. Worth taking one’s time to build.

During colonial times in New England, a frequent practice with wood frame houses was to graduate clapboard siding with narrowest boards at the top. Sometimes very subtle. It was a deliberate design element.

Another attractive and instructive video. I agree with John that your layout is like a textbook of ideas and methods. I liked seeing the big hand throwing some of the levers. Seeing your track is a reminder for me to get working on mine. Mike

It is always a pleasure to see progress here.

Very nice video. Particularly the two trains crossing at 2 min. Excellent timing! Mike

I am catching up with your progress here, impressed by what you accomplished before the big show. Lots of texture and details, interesting buildings and that back alley look that you do so well. Are you building your own turnouts because you want to learn a new skill or are you wanting more flexibility in turnout radius etc etc? Hand-built ones certainly look more realistic.