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Project Finished 11-26-99

11-13-99

I have always been interested in Trains and Models.  Back in the late 70s and early 80s I probably put together over 100 models in the 1:25 scale.  Back then it was mostly military stuff and some sports cars.  That dwindled off and came to a final ending a few years later.
3 - 12' long wall shelves held this collection.   Get the picture!  Yep, the top shelf gave way and took the other 2 shelves down onto my bed while sleeping.  OUCH.  Looking back I wish I had just shoved it all into boxes so that I would have some great kit bashing materials.  The trash man ended up with it.

You can't get away from yourself.

So here I am again. Back to the same scale, basically.  I just finished my first building, a POLA watering tower.  The next model started is a 1931 Ford Model A Woody.  It looks more like a car accident than a car right now but the final product should be done in a week and pictured here.

For engines I have decided to just start with the Bachmann Great Northern Express set that I received last Christmas from my wife.  I was also fortunate to receive a Lionel set for the 25th Anniversary of Disney Land from my Aunt who has connections with someone at Lionel.  I doubt that set will see much action though.  I also think I am going to pick up a Mighty Mack from Hartland Locomotive Works and kit bash it into a small mining engine.  This will be my first kit bashing experience and good or bad I will post it here for everyone to learn from.

Track is a big think to me.  Mostly because of the expense.  I have a rather large yard and in the coming years I hope to put together an extensive rail line.  I have basically decided to go with the R/C battery operation setup.  Personally I would rather spend more time running the trains than trying to find out where my power connection is broken.  So you should see an article here on R/C conversion and battery setup also. (Lots of ideas but time and money will tell the real story.) 

Back to the Track.

I am going to try and build some of my own track first.  I have lots of ideas on putting the track together with jigs and specially cut ties.   Hopefully I will have some valuable information on this for you in the future.

The table saw and planner are calling my name.

I have a pile of 1x6 cedar fencing boards from a old fence and a pile of 8/4 oak decking boards from a trailer.  A full day of plaining and cutting and I should have some good stock for Building, Kit Bashing and Rail Ties.

Well, that's about it for now.  Wish me luck and speed and you should start seeing things popping up all over here.

Remember, "If the Women Don't Find You Handsome They Should at Least Find you Handy!"

Johnny F.