whats_new

After much procrastination, I finally decided on the size and method of construction for the removable modules. I decided the modules would be lightweight in construction, and be 20 " in width, with the longest module being 60". Wider modules (28") would have been ideal, but room size dictated the narrower size. The largest modules (20"x60") weigh only 10 lbs (with the styrofoam board and trackwork attached). The modules are extremely strong, resistant to racking and sagging. I have seen the type of module referred as "table toppers" in the hobby press. At shows the modules are set up on tables supplied by the hosting venue.

The infrastructure was already in place to support the bench work, so why change it. One section of the layout is supported on a 20 foot length of heavy duty electrical cable tray (Aluminum with 6" rails, good for 175 lbs per foot when supported on 10 ' centers) It is attached to the walls only at the very ends (spans 18 feet). The remaining portions of the layout sat on built in shelves. With this information in mind, the typical module construction of 6 " rails of 3/4" plywood , 1/2" plywood tops with some sort of removable legs would not be required. If at a later date I decide to participate in a modular club, it would not be too difficult to add some additional lumber to meet their standards and at the same time, add the structural integrity needed for transporting the modules between various venues.

Plans for 2011 Final dimensions for the Prairie Modules has been established, so bench work can now proceed. Work will continue with more elevators being kitbashed. DCC installation continues as well. Also have built up quite a collection of grain cars. Love the upgrading and customizing the old blue box covered hopper kits.

Mar 2010 Been busy installing DCC (Digitrax) in our motive power, installing the "sound bugs" has proved challenging, but rewarding. Building a DCC powered CN hi-rail service truck has been the latest project.

Jan. 2010 After working 19 months in Winnipeg MB, I realized I'd overestimated my ability to carry on modelling while away from home. So much for my 2009 predictions for building modules and shipping them home. I got a few small projects done, but mainly I added to the pile of kits sitting under the workbench.

The bulk of our spare time was spent searching out old grain elevators, ghost towns, quilt shops, museums and railway stations. We clocked over 60,000 kms on the pickup while photographing scads of old buildings, people and machines tending their crops and even the odd train crossed our path. We managed to shoot over 350 grain elevators in MB and SK. It was sort of a working holiday. We enjoyed every minute out west, even the -51C temperatures do not dampen our enthusiasm.

So for 2010, I plan on slipping back into semi-retirement ( after over 3 years on the road) and get the "prairie module" finished. I also have about 2 dozen half finished CN MOW trucks on the workbench needing attention. Check back often and see how I make out keeping up with this years predictions.

Removing the track work from the Niagara Falls yard section allowed space for 3 removable modules (RMS), each 6 feet in length

Also a water tower and station to complete the scene. Rounding things out will be

a diorama of the "Corner Gas" outdoor film set in Rouleau, SK. And what a fitting

place to headquarter CJR's "Bison Div." then in the rear of the Corner Gas building.

This module will incorporate an asphalt and concrete plant as well as a construction

company. It will showcase some large machinery and the infrastructure surrounding it.

It should be a place to showcase all the construction equipment we have collected over

the years. Rail traffic should be substantial as all raw materials will be brought to site.

Module will start by splicing two Walthers "Diesel Houses" together. A super detailed

interior will be the feature point. Diesels in various stages of repairs will be shown.

Plans for 2009 - I was never really pleased with the Niagara Falls yard section, too much track work with too little scenery. This was basically a "visual staging yard" (according to guru Dave Barrow) and stored way more cars than what the layout could really use. So I removed track, leaving the 2" Styrofoam base exposed. (reused on the South Parry Rwy). I thought it would be more appealing to have interchangeable modular sections . There is room for 4 units @ 4 feet in length or any combo totalling 16 linear feet. This idea should work well as I'm away from home more and more. Should be no problem to build a module on a piece of 2" thick Styrofoam and insert it in the layout upon returning home. The modules would have standards for track spacing etc.

Being in Winnipeg these days, it is fitting that, the first module represent the "Prairies". And it so happens the CJR has branched out into the west, with a "Bison Division" headquartered in Rouleau SK. And so happens to be the location of "Corner Gas" TV set, which will be represented on the module.

Ethanol and Potash are to be shipped to southern Ontario, starting with the CJR "Bison Div." then via "OB Rail" across the Lakehead and next the "South Parry Railway" through central Ontario, then back onto the CJR Niagara Division. Potash will be offloaded along the St. Lawrence Seaway for shipment over seas, Ethanol distributed to refineries across SW Ontario.

So for 2009, it's kitbashing the first module complete with prairie skyscrapers, Corner Gas station and farm equipment. Stop by and keep an eye on the progress !

Mar.1st 2008 - Work has started on Mikes railway "up north" 2.5 hours away, and fittingly its called "CN South Parry Railway" which just happens to be a MOW location in that area. Follow the progress on the South Parry and let us know what you think. We have also ventured into the world of DCC (Digitrax) with this layout.

Sept 9th 2007 Work (out of town) has been occupying most of our time this last year, but we have been stockpiling lots of materials for future projects Hopefully things slow down shortly, so we can get back to some serious modeling !