First Coat Plus Some Paint

PIOMIP (Progress is our most important product! (GE))

A little before and after action fully realizing we have a long way to go.

Before

After

 

Added a little rockface to the vertical wall to at least give the staging yards a feel of being semi-sceniced.

Track Cleaning

I know it's a tired old argument with everybody having their favorite method but the (free) Model Railroad Hobbyist on-line magazine contained an article (under "Publisher's Musings") that dealt with the topic and gave a scientific explanation for the dirty track we all fight with.

They also rated 34 products on their effectiveness in controlling the cause of dirty track. Here are the results.

I am sure the "my favorite product" arguments will never fully go away but I hope this at least minimizes their frequency.

I have used Wahl's Clipper Oil for about 20 years, over multiple layouts, and can vouch that I can go without cleaning track (during non-construction periods) for more than 5 years at a time. (The exception being my 63 sets of switch points).

Soaring Possibilities

There are two "periods" when I am thrilled feeling the artistic "soaring possibilities" in model railroading construction:

1) When you first lay track on a wooden benchwork (I get delirious at the smell of freshly cut and recently drilled wood). You can envision the beautiful possibilities laying just down the road and around the construction bend.

2) After you have covered the cardboard webbing of the first scenery mock-ups.

Final scenery, although satisfying, never quite measures up to the unlimited possibilities immediately after the above steps.

Anyway after coming down from my Pepsi high, I should get to see this week if my Sculptamold stash is still usable and get in the first pass ground covering. Wish me luck!

I still have to decide whether to permanently cover 2/3 of the access hatch.

Glassboro Junction

Woodbury to Glassboro

The last 3' of track to complete the mainline.
Bridge will go in after the Sculptamold.