Hansen Revisited

The earliest article in the hobby press I read that I can distinctly remember reading was Modeling Hansen Storage by Gordon Odegard in the March 1992 edition of Model Railroader. Looking back, I'm confident the reason I have such strong memories of the article was the fact that I thought that extending the track beyond … Continue reading Hansen Revisited

Drainage

The three most important things a railroad right-of-way needs are drainage, drainage, and drainage. Excess water in the railroad infrastructure decreases, degrades, and ultimately destroys tracks, ties, and turnouts. On The Hills Line, I've not modeled lineside ditches. Instead, the track is laid directly on the foam board sub-roadbed to replicate the not-as-high-speed-as-the-main look present … Continue reading Drainage

Realignment

It's humbling to discover that even after living with a design for the better part of four years that there are still ways to improve on my original concept for The Hills Line. Such is the case on the north end of the town of Hills, where I've realized that I could shorten the length … Continue reading Realignment

Finding Focus

With the annus horribilis that was 2020 done, I'm hopeful that 2021 will be just a little bit better for everyone. As far as The Hills Line is concerned, the start of a new year gives me opportunity to define my goals for the layout over the next 365 days. Producing The Hills Line with … Continue reading Finding Focus