Whenever a guest operator would visit my former IAIS Grimes Line layout, I would always include a quick briefing ahead of starting the session. Each time, I opened with the following statement: "This will take as long as you want it to." That somewhat cryptic comment wasn't meant to serve as some sort of Dante-esque … Continue reading Bespoke Operations
Tag: model railroad layout design
Moving Pictures
Welcome to 2020! To celebrate, it's a new media link on thehillsline.com Despite the fact that it's my vocation, making moving pictures for my avocation is also enjoyable. I had a small but robust collection of videos covering the IAIS Grimes Line, and hope to deliver the same for The Hills Line. Please visit and … Continue reading Moving Pictures
Endless Horizons
I've used the phrase Endless Horizons several times to describe my philosophy and methods in using photo backdrops on model railroads. The goal is to take a 16-inch deep piece of foam board and make it seem as if it stretches for miles and miles. Doubly important than making a model railroad seem bigger than … Continue reading Endless Horizons
Thanks Tony
There's been a subtle but steady uptick of web searches for thehillsline.com over the past few days. And while I'd like to think it's because of the quality of my posts, I know better. It's not my writing, but rather Tony Koester's words that led you here. I would hope that I wouldn't have to … Continue reading Thanks Tony

