You can't see the forest....

One thing the layout needs in large numbers (besides coal hoppers) is trees. Fortunately, N Scalers in Northern Virginia have developed a great way to represent the lush green foliage of the Alleghenies in spring and summer.

Woodland Scenics Foliage Clusters are the key. First step is to spend several evenings in front of the TV tearing the clusters into N scale treetops. Roughly-shaped spheroids (think a fuzzy green football) about 1" to 2" across are about right.

There are several means of attaching the clusters to the mountainside. I used to use hot glue but have found that clear caulk is easier to work with. It doesn't get hot or leave strings behind. Spread about a square foot's worth of caulk and attach the foam. The caulk is sufficiently tacky that the "trees" will stay on even an almost vertical surface. If not, hot glue is a backup method.

The first couple acres of forest have been planted near Horseshoe Curve. Many more are on the way.

Scenery Progress

Over the past few weeks, we have made quite a bit of progress on preparations for actually making scenery. If you squint a bit, you can almost see what the finished layout might look like. We ought to be doing things such as detailing the roadbed, spreading ballast, and planting trees on the mountainsides in the next few months.

Getting there!




Here, a westbound (uphill) merchandise train meets a coal extra coming downhill at the curve.




A PRR I-1 shoves uphill while a set of F7s brings merchandise east.