Vacant lot on the extension model of my LAJ layout. The key to realistic composition is to model the typical, the ordinary, what the eye subconsciously expects to see. In our world, a common element is the mundane vacant lot. Personally, I find these trickier to pull off than you’d think. A typical open lot […]
There is a direct link between understanding prototype operations, layout design, and how enjoyable operating our layout is. Richard Paseman’s “Railroad Man” is an absolute clinic on switching operations. Page 61. “One night on the Harbor District, we ran cab hop from Watson Yard to Alcoa and kicked the waycar down the spur. The other […]
Federal Cold Storage gets switched out on my LAJ layout. In the foreground is my newly acquired Rapido MTC (Mechanical Temperature Controlled) reefer. Located at the intersection of Downey Rd. and District Blvd., the prototype was imposing to be sure. Although it did receive rail service, from listening to former LAJ workers, I get the […]
A duo of Nashville and Western units uses a series of push/pull moves to switch the 3M plant in Old Hickory (Nashville suburb), TN. After posting yesterday’s blog and track plan, I reached out to my resident expert on prototype operations, retired NS railroader, Tom Holley. My question was, at what point does a shoving […]
My latest project of late has been the W.S. Dodge structure on the LAJ extension (prototype address is 3710 Fruitland Avenue). I chose this particular structure because of its nondescript appearance and typical “LA look”. Construction followed my usual photo laminate technique over a styrene core. The base images were captured from Google Streetview. It […]