WW&F Combine

I received the replacement car sides for the WW&F based combine kit from GME a while ago. While cleaning off the workbench this weekend, I pulled out the new sides and started the kit. Having built two other GME passenger car/combine resin kits, this one went together fairly quickly.

The floor had warped, a common problem with resin kits, but the system I use to make the car sides and roof removable from the bottom helps to hold the bottom flat. No major issues with this build. I'll need to paint the car, then add the "tin" roof and roof details. A few minor touch up's will be required where the resin parts were chipped off. Overall, I think the car looks close enough to the WW&F combine to meet my needs. The trucks are Coronado scale models with Northwest Shortline metal wheelsets.

Demise of Laurel Jct.

I finally got the nerve to cut through the wall separating Laurel from Laurel Jct (staging) on the DC&L Ry. Laurel Junction was never in the original plans and was born from the idea of adding staging below Collins when the Collins extension was built. At the time, I imagined that Laurel Junction was the standard gauge interchange just a few miles below Laurel. This allowed me to limit the opening into staging to one three rail track. I felt strongly that a larger opening would have been an eye sore. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Operations proved otherwise. Building trains in a space where it was difficult to get one's hands was troubling. Also, the tracks were located where I had space and were not ideally located for switching and staging. While staging definitely added to operations, in the sense of more cars and placed to put them, it also REDUCED operations in that trains were staged and ready for operators to leave Laurel Junction and head towards Deer Creek. I never liked this aspect of the staging yard. For such a small layout, I think it is important for operators to be able to make up their trains and head out. Gives them more work to do and assembling one's train is one of the basics of operation, especially on a point to point narrow gauge.

For the last few years, I have been looking for a location for the coal transfer. I finally gave up on trying to find the perfect spot and just decided to located it right at the end of the Laurel yard. The tipple will serve to block the big hole into staging, I hope. We'll see how it all looks. I already like the fact that I can now make up trains in Laurel to head out on the layout. I also now have better staging for the passenger equipment and cabooses. We'll see how it goes over at the next operating session, which of course, means I need to hold one..........

Times are a Chang'n

Its odd how this May seems to be a strong indication of the times, in the hobby at least. As a O scale narrow gauge modeler, times are definitely a chang'n. This month GrandtLine, a major supplier of parts for O, S, and HO narrow gauge parts has closed it's doors.

I have built several of the Grandt Line 8ton and 18 ton porters, dump cars, etc. but have mainly used their doors, windows, nut/bolt/washer details and many, many other offerings for details in my scratch built and kit-bashed projects. I see their closing as a major loss for scratch-builders. It looks like they may sell their line, but I doubt all the offerings will be available. Let's hope for the best. I'm sure its the end of the line for the wonderfully detailed porters.

When Grandt Line announced their closing, I first ordered a bunch of parts and then looked for future alternatives. Some parts, a few, are available from Tichy, some from Foothillls Models and then some from San Juan Car Company. But, alas, San Juan is for sale!!!

Hopefully, they will find a buyer. While I haven't purchased any of their kits or built up cars, I have found their trucks and parts very useful. Argh!

Then, realizing I'm loosing major suppliers for my hobby, I stopped by the Precision Scale Co website only to find, they have sold and are moving!!! Orders must be in by May 4th. Looks like the parts will be available but who knows if and when the entire line will be available. Quickly ordered some much needed shay parts before they might be gone??

 

Much of these changes are due to those involved getting older and wishing to retire. I understand. But to me it is also a sign of the times. Less and less folks out there are building things. More and more folks in the hobby want pre-built, ready to run equipment. I was hoping the On30 surge would increase those out there building things but not enough, I guess?

In the end, life is all about change. Company's come and go. I'm glad to have purchased and used what these companies have offered and hope to purchase their parts from new suppliers. I hope that they will be available, as my interest in the hobby is more towards building than running.  May is a tough month for us On3 and On2 modelers. Back to the workbench...............