Things have been pretty quiet around the railroad here. This weeks post will serve as a case in point...
Friday, 1 August 2025
Not a Train to be Seen
Friday, 25 July 2025
A Potash Covered Hopper
It'll just be a short post this week. It's summer and I haven't been spending much time at the trains. I have been working slowly on a Potash covered hopper for Brian. I say slowly because the white artist oil paint that I've been using has sure been taking it's time drying. Like, 2 or 3 days of drying time each time I add a little bit.
The only "before" picture I took of the covered hopper was this one below. I don't really think I've ever seen this happen before...opened the Intermountain/ box to begin weathering of this cylindrical hopper for Brian and had a bit of a surprise.Found both of the air hoses laying loose in the box, and one of the trucks had completely fallen to pieces.
Anyway, here's a couple of looks at what I've done so far to the Potash hopper.
Friday, 18 July 2025
Chain Link Security Fence is in Place
I finally got the chain link fencing that I posted about here a couple of weeks ago (June 27th) in place in front of my Tri-State Paper industry along the GTW line. I'd imagine that management at the Tri-State plant feels the place is much more secure now.
Anyway here's how things are looking as far as that little project goes.
Friday, 11 July 2025
CP Cylindrical Hopper Weathered
Thought I'd just show photos of the freight car weathering project I worked on this week for Brian Smith. Brian provided the car, but inspiration for the weathering on this one definitely came from a similar car that was done by Rob Arsenault.
Although not a copy (well maybe a bit), I offer thanks and appreciation to Rob Arsenault for this one.
I faded the whole car first, then masked off most of it and sprayed SP Red for the large patches. Then faded the sides again, including the patches.
The walkways are done by brushing on a couple of different AK Interactive rust colours.
Friday, 4 July 2025
New Scrap Load
I bought this nice Chooch Industries cast resin scrap load for a gondola from a modeler in BC last week.
Have a good week everyone.
Friday, 27 June 2025
Two Small Projects Underway for the Layout
Started working on a couple of minor projects for the layout this week. First up here is some chain-link fence, using the fence posts from Walthers kit. I tried to use the metal wire that comes with the kit for the top and bottom horizontal chords, but the pieces are rather short, and they're not straight so they are a bit difficult to work with. So, I'm using used guitar B-strings instead.A look at what is included in the Walthers Chain-Link kit. Their short pieces of wire, underneath that is the fabric chain link mesh provided, and the plastic fence posts and gates.
This is the fence jig that Brian Smith made for me some years ago. It's real handy to have around to help get the fence posts evenly spaced. Also in the photo is a section of fence that I did make using the wire and mesh that comes in the Walthers kit. And above that is the piece that is still in progress using the guitar string for the horizontal chord.
The fence I'm making is intended to be put in front of my Tri-State Paper industry, so it'll be about about 49 inches or so in length. I don't think combined the two pieces above are going to be quite long enough to cover the entire length needed.
When I do get the fencing installed between the GTW main and the paper plant spur I think the Tri-State Paper industry will look at least a little more convincing. And I'll probably add an entrance gate across the railroad spur as well. I'll be working on this more in the week ahead.
Friday, 20 June 2025
RBOX 31224
I recently came across this RBOX photo by Colin Reinhart. I liked the white paint-out across the bottom portion of the boxcar, and the white spray painted reporting mark, and thought I could maybe try to do something like this with one of my RBOX's.

Friday, 13 June 2025
Double-Door Boxcar
I used to see PDRR boxcars going to and from the paper plant in Port Huron, Michigan fairly often. As I remember though, they were painted in a boxcar red or sometimes in yellow. Most of the prototype PeeDee River boxcars are now owned by UP and marked BKTY.
This one of mine is an old Roundhouse model that I weathered. I didn't follow any prototype photo for the weathering, but I think it looks believable, so I'm more than pleased with the way it turned out.