Progress Report 08.31.12

Since I'm nearly complete with my lengthy Project To Do list that I started back in August, it's time to get back to some fun work on the layout like scenery!

Real Estate Boom
Although 1978 mortgage rates are rising (currently at 10.11%), it doesn't seem to deter consumers from building new houses in Bureau.  New roads and infrastructure are going into place.  Local residents eagerly wait for passenger service to return on September 29th.

Major road infrastructure is also going in Peoria, LaSalle and Ottawa.

Late in the evening, I went through all the locomotives.  I consisted sets and identified locomotives that need coupler height adjustments.  Carrie Ave Shops has been very busy lately.


Pre-Session Project update
1) Install slide switches
2) Re-stage the layout
3) Repair identified rolling stock that doesn't meet code 
(This is complete other than a few random cars that will be need more than a basic fix.  Those have been sent to the car shop for long term repairs).
4) Repair identified motive power that doesn't meet code
5) Construct Hennepin Canal bridge
6) Install LED Lights
7) Test all new trackag

Progress Report 08.30.12

After working on it for the last few days, the layout has been re-staged!  It was quite a project this first time around since the major renovations getting everything straight.  It typically doesn't take that long to re-stage.

I really need to continue the weathering of the freight cars.  The weathered cars look 100 times better than the non-weathered cars.

I think this weekend I will work on locomotive coupler heights and some scenery in the new section.  The locals are demanding new roads and infrastructure be built!

Pre-Session Project update
1) Install slide switches
2) Re-stage the layout
3) Repair identified rolling stock that doesn't meet code 
(This is complete other than a few random cars that will be need more than a basic fix.  Those have been sent to the car shop for long term repairs).
4) Repair identified motive power that doesn't meet code
5) Construct Hennepin Canal bridge
6) Install LED Lights
7) Test all new trackage 

Progress Report 08.28.12

Late yesterday, Carrie Ave Shops released twenty more cars for freight service.  That should leave around 10 to 12 remaining that need some attention.

The new station (used Pola kit) for Peru/LaSalle is in place.

This morning, I fell back into my routine of getting the kids off to school and then 30-45 minutes to work on the layout before work.

I found the spur at the Peru Power & Water plant was a little steep.  So, I modified that to level it off.

I then began the process of staging the layout.  I started in the new section.  All I can say is wow!  The added operations by changing the layout is incredible!  The operator of the Ottawa local will be one busy person!  I definitely think it might be a two shift job now that the cars are in place.