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Our basement is a less-than-stellar layout space. That simple statement has driven the design of The Hills Line, and continues to do so. Despite improvements made to the space over the years, I'm still making improvements to the layout due to the space. Case in point, the two lift-out sections. To allow access to both … Continue reading Gap Insurance
The IAIS lease of the CRANDIC's Hills Line was a failure. That may seem harsh, but it's accurate. An agreement was made between the two companies that, in theory, should have been beneficial to the point that it would still be in place today. But obviously that didn't happen, since the Iowa Interstate chose not … Continue reading Milepost 31.83
"Compromise is like the middle of the road; always safer to walk on than the edges." -Dwight D. Eisenhower- The north end of the modeled portion of The Hills Line features what I believe is the signature scene of both the prototype as well as the entire Iowa Interstate Railroad: The IAIS's deck-girder bridge in … Continue reading The Curve
There's something cathartic about the sound of a UPS Truck idling in front of your home, followed closely by the resounding THUMP of a heavily-loaded parcel landing on your front porch. Especially when you've been anticipating its arrival. After several months of room prep, benchwork construction, backdrop painting, and fascia installation, it's finally time to … Continue reading Gandy Dancing: Turnouts
The Hills Line 