Shrinking Florida's Railroads 87 Times

Reactivating the Blog

2010-08-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

I decided that as I got back in the mood of continuing construction on this layout, this blog which has seen a lull lasting several months would see reactivation.
The new plan is coarsely altered; it's now a CSX switching layout as I elect to start smaller.
The "segments" will be reactivated but in a smaller extent. I will sporadically offer model railroading advice.
So let's kick this off with the new plan!

Trade Prospect: Soon (Preview next car)

2010-01-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

In the near future I will do Damian a favor by previewing my next acquisition with a trade to benefit his KCS system.

Warrick's Hobby Superstore has at least two KCS Trinity Grain Hoppers for 24.49 each... Great deal, but there's always RTR with 14 copies for 25.99 if need be.. but you probably know where I'll look first... *Runs north to Plantation

He, in return will offer the Intermountain BNSF new logo ACF hopper he got from a trade, same msrp so fair trade. For Q453 and 452 I am making a grain set myself that will feature BNSF hoppers among CSX ones, probably since Mildred bound Grain comes from BNSF...

More in the coming weeks on this when my LHS trip comes...

Avoid Stress in the Hobby

2010-01-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

So brushes were used to upgrade CSXT 6126 into YN3. I was hopeful it would heavily improve the model, giving it a new, modern look. The model was already falling apart with a section of the rear pilot chipped off due to a incident from 7 years ago and one of the steps was not stable enough. I was sort of happy, and here is how it now looks.

I was not happy however hat the brush strokes kept on, as much as that is a common recurring problem. I had not the finances to buy an airbrush and did not consider spray paint.

Unfortunately, dissatisfaction drove some kind of stress. This was a frustrating stage at which the old, dilapidated model was not getting much better. I can put money in the bucket that half of the parts for it are discontinued, being the Athearn Blue Box unit it is.

But, what you want to do is feel more confident that two will do the trick. I hope to be able to cleanse the paint job off the unit and start over, hoping to have the airbrush I wish to have or a flat paintbrush for fill purposes. This is considering that the airbrush costs so much to purchase... So I want to extend the solution to frustration: If you fail, strip it and try again.

Saturday: Walthers Deals of the Week

2010-01-22T23:02:00.001-08:00

I will resume my checking often there... even though the LHS may be cheaper...

-Pretty decent Tomar stuff, 15-20% off, for instance the FREDs....

My future commodity the Mark-IV #6s at 12.50 instead of 16.00

Additional Atlas C83 items are on sale, similarly fractioned
BLMA's items are up for sale, 10 to 20% off, such as the Billboard for a little over 10%

Every little bit counts; MU Cables at 2.98 in lieu of 3.50

Perfect for FEC, NJ Int'l has crossing signals at 6.00 off.

We remain hopeful for Walthers to still have their NSCs... $12!

Probably to relaunch their corn line with higher prices (well who knows) they are still halving off their 16ks to end up at about $15

For half the price of their new equivalent, 89' Flush decks.... 20 bucks

That's all for today; LHS might beat Walthers's prices, but never be too sure. Their cars remain interesting while they are among Athearn, InterMountain, and Atlas.
I am not endorsing anyone, just pointing out my findings of interest.

Friday Night: Returning to the Blog

2010-01-22T22:46:00.000-08:00

Didn't post because of lack of purpose... Did quite a bit though. I got my dirty hands on a KATO Maxi-4 well set. I really liked it and bought three supplementary ATH containers to be mounted in 2-stack.

Similarly, I began to procure the easy, intermediate step of concrete flex instatement. I "yanked" out the last 2 ties on each end to allow the joints to be placed. A medium sized sterilite plastic container houses the pieces which will be reused in a circuitious fashion. Instead of the I've Been segment, I will add video updates each monday and add how to videos and tips on top of that instead of the Tip of the week.

Also, I bought a UP 60' boxcar. No biggie, no photo necessary. Same thing as the TTX...
Next up, I will be at the LHS Tomorrow. Hope I can find parts for CSXT 6126 which by the way will be recoated to YN3. I may also paint discovered wooden rods the color of concrete. Stay tuned...

New Buys and Detail Progress

2009-11-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

My next project in the books is detailing my CSX GP40-2. This is going to be considerably gradual, ulltimating in the recoat to YN3. So far, I started by replacing the common coupler with a McHenry. (other one's bracket is missing) While these aren't the best, they were available for chump charge and I went with that as they are similar to the ones on Athearn rolling stock. Also, I bought some Container Chassis from Warrick's, the last one they had under CSX CHASSIS POOL.

Next in line: MU Hoses

Sunday Morning: LHS Finds

2009-11-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to a PC after a stint of teen speak on an iPod touch. I went to Ready To Roll Trains in NMB and was beyond impressed.

Personally I do not care so much that BBs are discontinued; I never need to use them, since all I have that is a BB is a CSX GP40-2. I will definitely get around to detailing it to full realism (and repainting it and numbering it 6120, Shhhh!) As a result of this, a whole section of shelf was restocked entirely with their broad modern Athearn RTR trains, wow, very namesake. ;)

I bought the last swoosh Auto-Max carrier they had, among three left, the old BNSF, the new one which is gone from the store, and a UP one.

I also bought the only ADMX 16000 gallon tank car that the store had, under Walthers. I kept a keen eye recently for "what goes on 222" so I can accurately represent the train, proto layout or freelance.

One would never be disappointed; a lot of modern boxcars, plenty of tank cars, intermodal maxi stacks, spine cars, centerbeam and bulkhead flats, and many more can be found in the store.

I found the freight selection more broad then Warrick's. It has been thought from the beginning that the containers dominated RTR more so, now I am waiting for those darned 53 feet chassis to come in at the end of the month, man, that's a pretty hot seller there. :)

Layout Reshift

2009-11-06T20:03:00.001-08:00

For the time being, effective thusly the FEC layout that will be built is out of my noggin. I think prototypes are rather boring, as today there are too few trains and with a creativity-based layout, more trains can be set up and fictional locations can be coveyed.

Sunday: I've been....

2009-10-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

I sharpied up the BLMA crossing surfaces. They leave it to the user to customize the surface, and I do NOT recommend painting it if black. Using a straightedge and a sharpie helps recreate a dk grey/black edge. (LEGO Tiles were used to elevate the panels. The crossing surface was not glued yet)

Once benchwork is complete the first area is going to get this. Speaking of which I just found a solder iron to use! :D

Sunday: LHS finds at Warrick's

2009-10-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday railfan outing and no outing is complete without a trip to the Hobby shop. Originally planned Ready To Roll trains but a tip from Ted led me there. I was impressed with the prices, getting a set of 3 spine cars for 72 dollars instead of 90, and containers for $6 less, but I was disappointed that there were no Auto-Maxes. If they aren't there at Ready To Roll in my visit in one to two weeks, I will likely buy it off the net.

Finds are as follows:
Athearn dominates the HO section
lots of FEC flats from Walthers,
lots of BLMA at tiny discounts,
LOTS of TTX Spines,
some Well cars in CPR (Cameron will be happy)
some boxcars
lots of locomotives

What I bought:
Plastic cement (the adhesive)
BLMA's surfaces (which I'm kitbashing now)
Athearn Spine car set of three TTRX 361009
CSX 53' containers Blue/Dulux gold set of 3 Discontinued from Athearn!
EMP 53' Containers
TTX Boxcar TBOX 660217

Monday: Walthers Deals of the Week

2009-10-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here are this week's deals that I find remarkable. I will try not to repeat last week's news.

BLMA Radio Towers and Billboards are on sale this week, among others.
Details West Leslie Airhorns Great for FEC! 50c off.
Herpa Cylindrical cd hoppers at $5 off.
JL innovative whistle posts, nifty at 50c off for 4, looking at it in a bigger scope, order 80 at $10 off.
Kibri Intermodal Kits at $12 off
PECO C83 concrete flex track at 1.90 off.
Remarkable FEC friendly Walthers deal: ADM Tanks at half off http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-7223
Otherwise, most if not all Walthers deals are intact this week.

Sunday: Tip For Today

2009-10-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Maintennance tip;

To be able to sift through easily and neatly, I suggest organizing your wires and regularly rinsing the scene. This tip is recycling tips from Al Mayo and Lance Mindheim since I unanimously agree with their ideas and my room is uninsulated (which is not a problem since Florida got swept by a neat-o cold front and it feels like 50 while truth be told it's 60-65. Maybe it's because that room was a sauna days ago. Plus, it helps when space doesn't galore. ;)

Sunday: I've Been Working on the Layout

2009-10-18T15:05:00.001-07:00

Lots of cleanup. The room is almost set for benchwork, almost.... Some work will contend this pre layout stage over the next few weeks, for sure!

By The Way: A Local Hobby Shop visit is only six days away. Believe me, those 6 will go like an Amtrak Acela. Why? Cause I have no school tomorrow. ;D

Tuesday: Walthers Deals

2009-10-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Rather unusual that I use Tuesdays to report this but I am having a little reprieve from hard core homework.

Tomar's pricy crossing signals remain on sale.
Atlas had wonderdul GATX tanks at $8 off 30 but those were sold out. They remain listed.
Code 83 track joiners and wooden flex remain!
"Whew" BLMA signals remain on sale.
Several Kadee items are on sale.
NJ International's in the game too... Crossing signals! Perfect for the FEC
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/525-1164
NICE Peco C83 flex. http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/552-SL8300
It's 17% off.
Whew! TTX Well cars remain at their 30% off. These are perfect, especially since these were seen in videos of FEC Trains by area foamers.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-3949
NICE looking centerbeam at 40% off
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-4136
husky stacks are on sale, too.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-4305
Consider this and its 16000 Gal sister (though that may not be on sale)
Perfect since they are served at NS's terminal at 37th Ave.
FEC carries, NS distributes.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-7267
Bilevels are almost half off
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-40107
TTX 89 footers as well
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-40327
And finally, the usual quagmire of containers, I'll put one up for the buyer's convenience
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-1712

Always recommended are a look at these deals when seeking a purchase.
My birthday's 1 1/2 weeks away, that means a trip to the Hobby shop, so I might miss these deals or beat em!
Speaking of gift giving/celebrations, you bet that X-MAS is around the corner! Never to early to hide a wonderful train gift for your friend or family member.
Finally, stay away from Life Like and Bachmann. I may be biased but their models are money NOT well spent! Life Like had an FEC on sale thru Walthers, and it looks bad.
It's better to stick to the brands mentioned before. Atlas, Walthers, Athearn, BLMA, and Peco.

Monday: Collective Work from Fri - Sat

2009-10-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday were working days, and I can happily say the room is in a much better shape than before. More is out of the room now and boxed, including an infamous ream of gift wrap papers.

Wooden sticks were found, these can quintuple in function, either as power lines, pipeline, bridge piers, garage or building columns, or traffic control device supports.

With the existing table empty, some of my LEGO creations (fairly namesake to my screename) were stored, particularly the longer displays such as my Firestone model and my warehouse whereas other places are full or not wide or long enough to accomodate these items.

There will be no Walthers Deals until Thursday, which I dub a "relief day" due to school.
No tip either. Will have one ready on Thursday.

Thursday: Findings

2009-10-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sifting through the room in days past I came across these things;

-A though cut out, 3 x 3 board of cork!
-A huge sheet of possibly 4 x 6 foot metal screen. Great for a chain link fence! :D
-A classic Woodland Tree Kit with a slab of brush, helps with slash pines!
and;
-Assorted paints, spray paints, and plastic friendly glues and adhesives.

I might have pictures available over the course of the weekend. These items are albeit useful!

Wednesday: Tip For Today

2009-10-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today's tip has a different approach;

If you are a railfan, use your hobby in model trains! If you are a videographer with good sound, that sound can be used nicely to ease decoding of your locomotives, or play sounds as a train hits an area to give a great feel. Photos too, can obviously make structures realistic, heck, that is what most models are based on!

Monday: I've Been Working On The Layout

2009-10-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

The drastic leak that marred a bunch of wood boards / other storage elements was finally fixed today!

Furthermore, the center table is getting a gradual clear up. This will allow more outbound items to be temporarily stored before leaving for good.

The opening and hump that the seeping rain caused is not fixed yet, but it should not be too big of a deal whereas the tiles only need to be replaced, nothing more.

Meanwhile, I did find an old Woodland Scenics box with tree elements. I believe it allows custom trees to be built. Ah, maybe a longleaf pine or two! :D

Monday: Walthers Deals of the Week

2009-10-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

This week's unique deals are as follows.

Bumping posts remain on sale.
Less BLMA deals, notably surfaces gone
Example:
Kadee couplers at roughly 10%
Much of the Walthers deals remain intact, namely well cars at 25% off, gunderson boxcars at about 45% off, coil cars, tankers and trinity hoppers, 89'4 flats at half off, etc.
auto carriers are on sale too.
Containers are a third off but it is preferred the modeler turns to Athearn.

What is clearly noticed is that these deals tend to be pretty repetitive. As aforementioned, indicators that deals are intact signify that there is not much to post. Some old clicks from the beginning of my entries may still, in fact, be available on the cheap!

Sunday: Tip For Today

2009-10-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Subscribe to newsletters from suppliers like Athearn. Such subscription will allow you to know firsthand by email when a new product is announced. Thus, you can preorder their items before they even sell out before release. This advance knowledge can structure budgeting more so than finding out days or weeks later.

Sunday: I've Been Working On The Layout

2009-10-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

More clearing, and will take care of floor problems. What happened was accumulating rain caused a hump in the floor which bursted today. Great. All of my plans for benchwork are delayed until this problem is cured.

Saturday: Tip For Today

2009-10-03T23:51:00.000-07:00

Today's Tip: If you want buildings, custom make them.

I am a modern builder and want to make everything one of a kind. I don't want to spam my layouts with the same Jack In The Box that Big Al has. It shouldn't be expensive to buy styrene and several acrylic or spray paints. Wal Mart has a bunch of Krylon spray paints for plastic surfaces.

Saturday: Train Item of the Week

2009-10-03T23:48:00.001-07:00

http://www.blmamodels.com/cgi-bin/webstore/shop.cgi?ud=CAIMDAoPAgEDBxQUEBEcHAENBQ8HBA0ECQkTEQAA&t=main.blue.htm&storeid=1&cols=1&categories=01001-00011&&c=detail.blue.htm&t=main.blue.htm&itemid=4030

The BLMA Modern Cantilever Signal Bridge.

I really like this revolutionary company's products. They make spot on models of modern and classic infrastructure as seen on today's railroads. Like Matt Bown said in their NMRA video, "This is the type of stuff BLMA makes"

This signal is very exemplary of their quality. I was impressed when I first saw it. No one can beat these minute details, especially much of the HO signals I have seen before.

In my model layout, the Port of Palm Beach module will be hugged by two of these cantilevers. The real deal protects an intermediate block by the lead to the port, thus mandating a cantilever since there are three tracks, two of which are signaled.

Wednesday: I've Been Working On The Layout

2009-09-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today's progress included some more clearing and shifting. Already working in the northern quadrant sounds promising, as that's the last bottleneck before "secondary clearing", if you will. A cleared room is coming soon!

Wednesday: Tip For Today

2009-09-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today's tip is:
Check with your Local Hobby Shop.

It can be very possible that they have deals to begin with, like discounting items without saying SALE.

I manage to find a few deals at Ready To Roll, some that may make gas money a worthwhile investment, like BLMA cantilever Darth Vaders at 75.00 instead of 90.00!

I did get a HPPX hopper MSRPed at 20.00, but for 13.59.

Monday: Tip For Today

2009-09-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to instate Tip For Today as frequently as I wish, sometimes a daily segment, sometimes not.

Today's tip is:

Find a connection in the craft or model train industry. You may save money by ordering or buying from them. In critical hobbies like model trains, it's always great to stretch a buck and buy more for less.

Monday: Walthers Deals of the Week

2009-09-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here are the deals found today.

Bumping Post is the same deal today.
Working RR Crossing signals at 10% off roughly
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/81-862

All BLMA deals are the same
PECO C83 Flex Track

Coil cars - intact
Well cars mostly remain intact
Centerbeams at nearly 25% to 50%
Husky stacks at 25%
Gold line cement hoppers at 40% http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-5385
16000 and 23000 gallon tankers remain on sale
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-7262 at 25% while the 16000s are at 50% More / less
CSX 86 footers at little over 50%

Autoracks and 89' flats remain on sale
Containers too, though I recommend Athearn for that.
Cantilevers as well.

Walthers Deals of the Week highlights all the good deals Walthers offers. Some impressive deals are included.

Sunday: I've Been Working On The Layout

2009-09-27T20:47:00.001-07:00

Saturday, it was pouring. No progress.

Sunday: Substantial progress. Cleared a whole section. Thus, benchwork is getting closer. :)

I've been working on the layout is a daily segment accounting progress on my layout and the room that is fostering it.

Sunday: Tip for Today

2009-09-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

This model railroad layout tip is pretty straightforward:

Stretch your buck. Find things already existent that can be used. In the mess hall I am cleaning up, I found several wood scraps and even a cork board, albeit thin.

There will always be leftover material in most scenarios. Always put that idea into use and think well OUTSIDE the box. :)

"I've Been Working on the Layout" is somewhat henceforth.

Saturday 3: Item of the Week

2009-09-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Before I get into the dirty work of clearing up my shambled room, the model railroad item of the week is the Athearn Auto-max.

http://www.athearn.com/ProdInfo/ATH/450/ATH96208-450.jpg

I really find this model stunning due to the increasing ubiquity of it on the FEC. This is a must buy due to its detail and that cars like these can help a modern layout.

It is in fact on my Ready To Roll Trains budget, for Halloween, for which I have already hit half of the budget.

Saturday 2: Photos of the Cars I have that Really Count

2009-09-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have a bunch of Like Like cars, but they are so out of date and flawed that I am going to sell to a newbie or two or give it away.

These are the cars that COUNT!

Saturday 1: Room Photography

2009-09-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here are my photos of the room that is being cleared to accomodate the room;

And no, I am not using that center table. I intend to get a new set of boards and assemble adjacent to the walls.

Friday: Continuation of I've Been Working On the Layout from Wednesday

2009-09-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

Found some time to photograph the room, especially the leak since I had to photograph the leak to send an email to the townhouse association. The photos, though stored on my desktop, will be uploaded in a separate post.

Wednesday: Only I''ve Been Working On the Layout... Not

2009-09-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Schoolwork and a rain shower annulled my progress on the layout room. That room is still leaking. I hope to get the matter fixed tomorrow. Now to take some pictures of the leak to send to the correspondant. And I thought they'd come Monday. :(

Monday: I've Been Working On The Layout

2009-09-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here's Monday's installment, and a "T - 10 and holding" sort of update.

While clearing up a room unused for years, I encountered a puddle. Later that night, when some precipitation arrived, it was obviously discovered to be a leak, but a substantial one. :(

That room is going to become my Model Railroad room.

On Monday (Today for now), my folks have called up a person working with leaks to come over to fix it, but they didn't. |:(

Plus, quick maintennance. To kill them bugs, the room was sprayed.

No decent work until the leak is fixed.... It dominates a huge section of wall. and once they fix it, the room can continue to be worked on, rain or shine.

I've Been Working On The Layout is a 4 time a week report on updates to the layout, both major and minor.

Monday: Walthers Deals of the Week

2009-09-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Walthers is a great place to look out for cheap deals in the MRR industry.

It's monday, and I always check the site for deals that stand out to the modeler.

NOTE: All percentages denote how much is "OFF".

Deals (and hot links) are as follows:
Bumping post at 20% off: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/81-80883
Crossing gate at 10% off http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/81-863
Underground RC point at 25% off http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/150-65
Wooden flex track (good for yards) at about 20% off http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/150-500
Hot BLMA modern cantilever at 11% off (used to be a bit cheaper but my LHS has a better deal) http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/176-4030
Concrete surfaces and rubber surfaces (both plastic) at 15% M/L http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/176-4105
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/176-4106
Fencing for under 10% http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/176-4205
Gold Line Coil Cars (here's the good deals) at 40% http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-3822
NSC Well Cars (HOT!) at 25%
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-3943
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-3944
Individual well cars at 25%
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-3949
your everyday centerbeam at 20%
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-4135
All purpose wells at 25%
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-4305
2 bay trinity hoppers at 40%
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-5385
Tankers at nearly half off at 16,000 gal
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-7224
Bi-level autoracks (not as cool as Athearn automaxes) at half off
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-40101
89 footers at nearly half off
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-40322

I always recommend Athearn for containers, which almost any containers from the cornerstone series is on sale.

Rarely get Bachmann or Life like. Those usually do not help a modern layout as would BLMA, Walthers, Woodland, Athearn, and in some cases, Atlas and MTH.

Hope this has helped!

Sunday: Tips and Progress

2009-09-20T15:21:00.001-07:00

Progress: Clearing future model train room. Room is leaked and was a mess for an untold amount of time. Photos coming when the room is completely vacant enoughso to allocate a train display.

Tip: When doing benchwork, innovate a portable, modular section. I advise a uniform width but any length, depending on the area. Hollywood, for instance, will be aimed at maybe 5 feet by 3 feet while Lauderdale yard will be about 10 feet by 3 feet (or wider depending on the TOFC.

I aim to put a board on 2 supports, clipped on to support girders outside by a simple, LEGO like, method. If that works, then one will be able to take these to trainshows without any headaches! :P

Welcome

2009-09-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is my inaugural post here, I would like to welcome readers one and all, this blog will include tips on modern model train building and progress on my impending Florida East Coast Layout. Updates: 4 times a week, with these segments:

Walthers Deals of the Week = Deals gearing a layout in the likes of mine only made available on Walthers, Monday nights;
I've Been Working on the Layout = Progress. All 4 times, usually Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays;
Train Talk = potential input from fellow foamers and modelers, Wednesdays only;
Train item of the week = Self explanatory, Saturdays only;
Tips = Self Explanatory, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
LHS Goodies = Stuff I score / find as a good deal at Ready To Roll Trains or some other joint. Sporadically, usually 6 to 7 times a year, without forseeable growth in frequency noted.

Hope you have a great time here.

Tolga E.
Miami, FL
Model Train enthusiast, train sim fan, railfan, art enthusiast, average teen