The trains run to new places ...

This weekend was actually a very big week for the J&C Railroad. I have been saying that we have run trains within the Freight yard which was a huge step but it only wetted our appetite to do more. So on Friday night, David cleaned track and I installed the Auto Reverser on the Wye & built a temporary bridge structure within that curve on the Wye. With all of that we were able to run trains on the entire layout. It seems like it has been an eternity since we have actually run trains. We also were able to test the tunnels with a double stack well car. To our surprise there is only a few tweaks needed but the tunnels accept the extended height of these cars. It is truly amazing what happens when the track is cleaned and good power is run through the rails. We would like to at least now set the track and bridge on the drop in bridge section that I have labeled as Old Grizzly gulch. I have a Walthers Cornerstone Trestle that I am going to put in that place. Once this bridge is functional the only place yet for track will be the Lumber Yard facility. David will be working on the design of this during the week. I seem to keep putting off laying any ground cover. My main reason is that I have never done it and there is always the initial fear and nervousness of doing it. I know once I start, I will be saying “Why hadn’t I done this earlier. I am going to make a better effort of working on the site through the upcoming days so come back soon for updates. If you would like to receive an email when updates are posted email me your name and address. I will place you on the list to be notified of future updates. Thanks for visiting and we look forward to seeing you soon!

A new month and new progress ...

So it is a new month and new thing to learn. Our site has broken the 100 hit plateau and just as I enjoy watching our layout take shape, I am also happy that the website seems to be finding a place as well. I hope that the site is a welcomed stop for some as they continue their own travels during the building of their layouts. Please sign up for our free forum so that we can get to know you also. I have found the numerous forums out there to be a valuable asset and resource; I hope that one day ours will be as well. Currently, David and I are still working on the Freight Yard leg of the layout. David’s concentration as been within the Engine Service Facility. He is working on creating the Fueling and Service Pad next to the turntable. It is coming together very well and he will be posting his thoughts soon on this project. My attention has been on a background building. We have many building on the layout but are any completed? Not really. So I am working on getting this one to the done state and with that I am practicing my weathering and painting of the building as well. This is my first attempt at this but I am pretty happy on how it is coming together. Check out our gallery to see pictures of my progress thus far. I have also stripped away the paint and decals from the GP40 as I prepare it for the Tacoma Rail paint job. I am awaiting some specifications from Tacoma Rail on the paint scheme so I will give updates on this at a later time along with the review of the paint striping that I had done.