Long Time Between Posts...

There has been a lull of activity here on the blog as business has been great at Mark's Model Railservices. A few items in the modeling world to take note of include the new release from Roundhouse of 4-6-2 Pacific locos. I am interested to see what they have done to upgrade the original Genesis release years ago. Can the 2-8-2 be far behind? Dennis Storzek has a paper posted in the Yahoo group "Soo History" files dedicated to making one of these old Genesis Mikes into a F-22 class Soo 2-8-0. It is something I would love to try soon. Currently I use a Spectrum model that has been heavily modified to match the Soo loco. The boiler is too large in diameter though. It is a nice running model and captures the look of the original, but I would sure like something even closer! What have you done as a Soo modeler to model Soo steam? Do you have a good model match for your favorites road's steamers? Any comments welcomed.

NMRA and Model Railroading

I am active in my local NMRA Division and have found it to be something that adds another element of enjoyment to the hobby. I also have met many of the modelers I consider my mentors at the local shows. There is something special to visiting modelers at their own layouts and having them in person describing what they are doing.
Today it seems like the "shows" in my Division as well as those around the country have suffered a lack of attendance. Don't confuse this problem with the mega-shows like Trainfest in Milwaukee, WI. etc. They are growing! I'm talking only about "NMRA" type local shows where the emphasis is on networking (a.k.a. shooting the bull) and taking in clinics, model contests, and layout tours. It seems to me that the web-based groups have for the most part become a type of "show" that narrows our interests and lets us find out about only what we are interested in and at the same time view layouts without having to leave the comfort of our chairs! The exchange of knowledge can take place as well and we are connected to each other as often as we wish, not just a few times a year like at a NMRA show. Still, I am old enough to remember life before any of this and sometimes wonder if I would have met many of my friends if all we would have done 30 years ago is talk online. Bottom line seems to be that unless "new" events are planned at local NMRA shows, most folks won't bother attending. Please make it a point in 2008 to attend at least one NMRA meet -even if you are not a member.

Super Tuesday

A different type of Super Tuesday on the railroad today as CBS WFRV-TV Green Bay arrived to do a short piece on model railroading. I will have the link to video from the interview posted soon on my website www.marksmodelrailroading.com It was also a good day for still photos along the line since everything was cleaned up. I have an upcoming article in one of the major model railroad magazines and since I promised the editor it would be on his desk by the end of the month, today was the day for taking care of the pics. Now I can mess things up again and start the push to get as much scenery done as possible before the weather turns nice-probably by June!

Model Operation

I rec'd a newsletter today from the I-80 NMRA group that covers the area around Punxsutawney, PA. (ironic because it was groundhog day). Interesting bunch of guys who seem to have the same issues all groups are facing- limited involvement. Always the same names in each newsletter like the Winnebagoland Whistle here in my Div. of the NMRA. The question that was posed by the editor and answered by several regulars was "What Is Model RR Operation"? Like porn, most people can't describe it but know it when they see it! It seems to me that operation is the realistic movement of cars and trains across a layout. What do you think is the best way to achieve this? Look for my Easy Model Railroading Operations Page to be online soon. It will be linked to my website at www.marksmodelrailroading.com