“Black Ice” Virtuoso model and photo by Bob Springs Virtuosity: Masterly skill or technique in the arts. Many years ago I attended a talk at a sales convention given by motivational speaker Peter Vidmar, the highest scoring American gymnast in Olympic history. The subject of the talk centered on what it took to be […]
Author: Lmind1
The Operations Mindset, Symphony to Be Savored or Bitter Pill to be Swallowed?
The exceptional YouTube video above epitomizes the symphony of sound and motion characteristic of railroad switching operations. When you’re done watching ask yourself, do you want your model operating sessions to capture this flavor or that of a slot car race? Model Railroading is unique in that it allows us to build very delicate, highly […]
My Layout’s Done, Now What?
Through the course of a week I get photos of modeler’s progress on their layouts. Many of them are switching layout based on the Palmetto Spur or plans in my books. To a person, I’ve been very impressed with what I’m seeing. Many are first efforts from those just entering or re-entering the hobby. It gives […]
Under Table Sound
Standing rail side listening to a switcher work his job is a visceral experience. I’ve always loved the sound of large internal combustion engines whether it be throttling up and down or just idling. Even more, I love the feel of that deep bass thumping on my chest. I get the same thrill from the […]
The Structure Quandary
Over the past decade I’ve had a hard time ignoring the similarity between model railroader’s penchant for impulse buying/indiscriminate accumulation as compared to the same issue in any other retail setting. I’m not sure there is a difference between purchasing more shoes than there are days in the week as opposed to buying dozens of […]