Spring Break, finally!

This week has been a much needed break from work.  It was needed to get a few things done around the house and spending time with the family.  I did get the chance to do some railfanning early on in the week and have ran some trains on the layout.  Did get some odds and ends done on the layout also. Not much but I enjoyed it and really need to get back in there.  I enjoyed running the trains the most.

One of my simple jobs was installing this backdrop on the lower level.  A printed background found on the web.  That my OK paint job on the right.  Trees will help it out eventually.

Doswell has always been is one of my favorite railfanning destinations.  Here are some of the pics I captured on my recent visit on Monday:

A Buckingham Branch side dump car in the Doswell yard.

BB #3 GP16

BB #8 GP16 in newer paint

BB #9 GP16 in the new paint

The old C&O depot now serves as BB offices.

Closeup of #3.  She's one of the original BB locomotives from the Dillwyn branch.   

Frogs anyone?

Here's a video of the infamous Rockrunner that orignates at the Verdon Quarry, just west of Doswell to Newport News, VA on the Ex-C&O line.   The video doesn't have much video quality but the sound is outstanding.  The power is all EMD: SD60M and a SD40-2 do the honors.  The train is 42 gravel loads in ortner cars. So turn it up!

Last post of 2014 and a special guest stops by

Well, 2014 is just about done.  I don't do much for New Years Eve these days, but did get to go out on a date with my wife to a movie this evening!  We definitely don't do that enough.  Looking back on 2014, It's been a good year for the Virginia Midland.  All the track has been laid this year and the lower level is ready for some scenery.  Probably the best improvement has been the restructured east end of the layout with the new peninsula.  It really adds to the layout and captures you when you enter the room.  I completed the sand unloading structure and added the support materials.  I still need some more dump trucks, a maintenance shed and more details.  It's good for now.  You be the judge:

Here's a shot of hoppers being unloaded

Here's the scene as you walk into the room. 

From the other side facing the door.

Another view of the unloader.

Yard office and parking area.

Road/crossing leading to the plant.  Perfect backdrop for the road but lots of work to do with it.

Another view

Also, yesterday had friend of mine, Mike Millitelo stop by to see the layout.  He's the owner of the Great Scale Model Train Show  that runs the four big train shows up in Timonium Maryland.  He actually lives about 10 minutes from me.  Mike had never operated a layout before so I got him to switch out Fredericksburg Flats.  He really enjoyed himself.   

Mike Millitelo stop by for his first op. session yesterday.  Think he's hooked!

Scenery Update, USPS frustration and a sketch of the lower level trackage

This past weekend I had planned on getting the helix out to the garage and start installing it.  Well the USPS made sure that did not happen.  As I posted last weekend, I ran out of track for the helix.  The track has to be laid as you go up.  So on Tuesday, I ordered from Mainline Hobby (the best only train shop on the east coast!) in PA.  As always, I usually get my items 2 days after I order them.  Bonnie who runs the shop always sends out the tracking number on the USPS priority packages.  So it would be here in Thursday as per the tracking.  Thursday comes and no package.  To boot, I was off on Friday because of the weather.  OK, it will be here Friday, Nope!  Did not come Saturday either.  I was a little ticked.  The worst thing was it still said delivery on 1-9 even on Sunday!  This package went to a distribution facility near Baltimore, MD for 2 days, then to another one in Baltimore for a couple of days and then to Richmond, VA for a Sunday trip.  It finally came today.  Very frustrating!

While waiting for the track, I turned to my creative side and put the finishing touches on the scenery at the end of Battlefield Yard.  This is just about complete except the railroad tie retaining wall by a switch.

This is the tail track of the layout.  The tie retaining wall will by the switch stand on the left center.

GP11 #280 tkes a peek at the new scenery.

A detail shot of the weeds and growth.

Add some of my leftover trees to the scene.  Need to probable put a few more in.

I just about have my track plan for the lower level.  The top is complete. It's the lower left corner that's tough.  I'll go with what I have.

85th post and a video update of the layout

This is my 85th post to this blog and hope to continue with many more since the layout will be expanding to a lower level.  All my progress can be found on the video: