Truly Complex

Final touches on the southern portion of Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. in Hills, Iowa. I owe a lot of credit on this project to my friend Murray Bouschlicher for providing me reference images of the complex. Those photos served as my guide for the prototype layout to best replicate it on The Hills Line. There's … Continue reading Truly Complex

The Front Door

Upon descending the steps into our basement, you're presented with the following vista as your first view of The Hills Line. Not exactly what I would call appealing, is it? However, even in this primitive state, this ultimately represents opportunity. This pile of parts will ultimately become the last section needed to complete the layout … Continue reading The Front Door

Crossing Protection

By far, the one railroad element we interact with most must be grade crossings. Doesn't matter if we're the most devoted prototype railfan or if we're only vaguely aware that flanged-wheel transportation exists somewhere in the world. At some point, we all stopped behind a gate, a flasher, or crossbuck and waited for a train … Continue reading Crossing Protection

Haunted By Waters

"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it." -Norman MacLean- While additional detail parts may eventually find a place, I'm ready to call the first significant rural scene on The Hills Line complete. The 10,000-foot view shows the relative placement of most of the elements. All the foliage and flora follow … Continue reading Haunted By Waters