New Buys and Detail Progress

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

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

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....

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

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

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

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. ;)