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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
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
The prototype Hills Line is a combination of the CRANDIC Railway's original interurban line between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the Rock Island's ex-BCR&N line that ran between Elmira and Iowa Junction, Iowa. Both lines are well past the century mark, and therefore littered with railroad relics. I knew from the outset that … Continue reading Evidence of Things Not Seen
A few final details for the signature scene of The Hills Line, the Iowa Interstate's deck-girder bridge over the Iowa River and surrounding area in Iowa City. My favorite material for modeling scrub and weeds is poly-fiber fill. I'll take a small patch and dust it with Woodland Scenics Blended Turf, then seal and attach … Continue reading Finishing Touches
The Hills Line 