Tag: model railroad layout design

The Iowa River

by James McNab, posted in Construction

Little known fact... The Hills Line is the first layout I've built where I chose to model water. Let me clarify. Yes, it's true that there was water on the IAIS Grimes Line. But the Raccoon River was an afterthought brought on when I decided to redo to staging yard into a model of Fleur … Continue reading The Iowa River

The View from Madison Street

by James McNab, posted in Construction

As I previously mentioned, the large potable water tank just north of the IAIS deck-girder bridge in Iowa City doesn't play a role in the operating scheme of The Hills Line. However its presence is commanding enough to warrant inclusion on the layout. The tank itself is part of the larger Madison Street Services Building … Continue reading The View from Madison Street

Slinging Rock

by James McNab, posted in Construction

"I loaded sixteen tons of number 9 coal and the straw boss said, 'Well-a bless my soul!'" -Tennessee Ernie Ford I understand why most model railroaders dislike ballasting track. It's a tedious, repetitive process that takes patience and concentration; two traits that I have in short supply. However, much like benchwork and wiring, its a necessary … Continue reading Slinging Rock