Welcome!

This site is dedicated to my model railroad, the HO scale Virginia Midland Railroad. This layout comprises a 12X9 room with two levels. The upper level is complete and the lower level scenery has just begun.

I do a handful of train shows in the Virginia/Maryland region with Makin Tracks.
I also can help you find that freight car/locomotive or other hard to find item.

Email: virginiamidlandshops@gmail.com
You tube videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/Virginiamidlandrr/

Sunday, February 26, 2012

SCL Family Lines hopper

Finished a project I have always wanted to do.  Being near the former RF&P sub, I would always see FL and Seaboard System covered hoppers.  If you are a CSX modeler in the modern and even in their infancy you have to have lots of Family Lines freight cars with the  forgotten Seaboard System cars thrown in.  Intermountain finally produced a 4750 covered hopper in both Family Lines and Seaboard System.  So those are 2 cars I won't have to do.  So this leads me to the 4650 covered hoppers.   Intermountain and Atlas do produce the 4650 hoppers but not in Family lines or Seaboard System.  Now these are becoming rare to see, especially the Seaboard System ones, I used some Herald King decals and produced one a FL one.  I used the Atlas 4650 hopper.  The decals are for the open hoppers but they are close enough for the covered hopper.  I plan on doing a couple more.  This one has escaped the CSXT patch for now.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Work continues on the canal

Well added more "water" to the canal this long holiday weekend.  The Woodland Scenic realistic water is good and easy to use BUT make sure you have your cavity completely sealed before pouring.  I found out that the hard way.  The only good thing was the cavity was sealed after the first application.   You add about 1/8 of an inch per pouring until you get to the height you want.  I also scratch built the dock and added some details for now.  I need to build a ladder and add a jib crane for raising and lowering freight from the dock.  I also need to build a small barge for the canal.  No idea on how to start on that.