Saturday, April 9, 2011

Progress Report 04.09.11

Worked on the layout some more today.

A total of 6 locomotives have received their new speed matching CV programming. 

Joliet prisoners have been busy working on road paving projects.  Road projects in progress today: Blue Island downtown, Rock Island downtown, Stockdale downtown, Stockdale country road into town pass the corn field/ADM Milling, and Illinois Valley Grain Co. 

The unnamed farm field has been cut and ready for installation in Stockdale.  Basic scenery has been going well.  I'm really excited to see it progress!

N Scale 1yr Anniversary!!!

Well, today marks the one year anniversary of officially converting to N scale by purchasing three cars at the Little Choo Choo Shop in Salisbury.  After only a week since the initial email was sent out to Larry and Marcus declaring a possible defection from HO, it was done! 

I immediately set off to sell all my HO scale items.  I was fortunate to find a buyer to take it lock, stock and barrel.  This sped up the process of acquisitions greatly!  With guidance from Larry and Marcus, I was able to procure some quality equipment at a rapid rate.

Construction began Memorial Day 2010.  A small amount of construction began the Friday night preceding the weekend.  By the end of the day on Saturday with a lot of help from Marcus and Larry, 80% of the basic benchwork was complete.

Work continued at a swift pace during the summer months.  By September, a date was set for the first op session.

November 20th, 2010 marked the first op session with Marcus, Larry and David.  16 trains were run that day.

During the following months, an expansion of the N&W Meredosia Branch and wye for the Peoria Branch were installed.

February 26th, 2011 marked the second op session with Marcus, Larry and Jeff.  18 trains were run this session.

Scenery has now begun as roads are being paved in all the towns.  It is rumored that the Peoria Branch will be extended prior to the next planned op session May 14th. 

Construction of the layout and three op sessions under my belt within a year of the first board being cut!  Wow!  What an achievement!  I truly appreciate the assistance and advice from fellow modelers Larry Keller and Marcus Neubacher! 

With so much that transpired in the first year, I really look forward to my second year!  The layout has been a dream come true for me!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Progress Report 04.07.11

Although crews had a very small window of time to work today, they continued to work on road projects.  I'm *very* pleased with how the roads are turning out.  A light sanding and BAM! they are done!  Well, not quiet, as I need to paint them.  I'm going with a medium/dark gray.  I will probably add highlights and weather them up some too.  I hope to post pictures later this weekend.

Concrete crews have moved in forming the framework for the sidewalks in Joliet. 

Road crews have moved up to Stockdale now.  It is rumored crews will try to make it over to Blue Island this weekend.  If so, we will have street running for the next op session!!  I'm real excited about that!!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Progress Report 04.06.11

Once again, crews get back to work on the CRI&P!

More cardboard strips were installed between Joliet and Stockdale.

Graders were working out at the Franklin Farm between the Mississippi River crossing and Rock Island.  Crews graded the country road and prepared the ground for Eulice Franklin to start planting his crops.  The scene is coming together nicely.  I'm really pleased!

A major road paving project began this evening.  Crews were able to lay the rough roads for all of Joliet, IL.  Crews also did some minor repaving work over in Davenport and Rock Island.  Working on the roads tonight brought a big smile to my face.  It was just the energy shot I needed. 

The CRI&P crew is back!!!

Time to get back to work!

Well after nearly a month of slow progress and a little over a month before the 1 year anniversary op session, I created my To Do list (pretty lengthy) to complete before the next op session.  I need to get off my duff and starting working!!  Progress reports should start flowing freely again soon!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Progress Report 04.03.11

Well, after many days of doing nothing, I finally got around to working on the messy task of laying plaster cloth.  I guess it turned out ok.  It is my first attempt working with it since I was a little kid.  I try to remind myself it doesn't need to be perfect as it will be covered with trees and ground cover.