Tolga's Railroad Repository

I have decided in recent years to go with a layout of the FEC in South Florida. A fun railroad, FEC is probably, at the moment the most challenging too. For starters, accurate rock equipment is ridiculously hard to come by. You can't find correct 'penguins' anywhere except for a skilfully done set of hoppers by a modeler from South Carolina.  Nobody has as of yet made correct FEC containers, but I am about to try to help the suppliers with that and save them the trouble of doing field research. There are also a shortage of the 45' flatbed CYPZ trailers, but I think someone made something similar that all it takes is a kitbash.  There is a craving for UPS containers being answered by Athearn, so one past hurdle will be resolved soon. But someone needs to step in and mass produce UMAX containers - I only have one set (correct and with placards, from Athearn) and those are quite abundant IRL. But there are elements of the FEC that come across surprisingly e...

The NMRA National Train Show trip was very reflective for me. It broke a few historical records, being the first time I not only represented GFLUG but also ran with ECHOES and FECRS_NTrak. It reflected also the numerous friendships I've made in the train hobby and for that I am very blessed. It also reminded me of how disorganized my LEGO system is, too. Hold that thought! That took a quick turn there! I am always my toughest critic and the display I contributed to the club's massive 30'x50' ensemble shows no exception. I had gray ballast, black ballast (Club), and concrete ties stitched together in the piece. I don't think it bothered the 11,241 guests who showed up but I was like it's time to get consistent. As I am transitioning to university mode and putting away all the toys, I am also working to improve my city components so that I am on the ready the next time around. That will likely be the Tampa show in a little over four months. Keep in mind a ...