Iowa Business Supply

Out of the 19 planned structures on The Hills Line, a grand total of two are served by the railroad. That ratio is all together appropriate for the modern era, but means a majority of the industries on the layout are pure filler. The goal then becomes how to replicate these offline buildings so that … Continue reading Iowa Business Supply

Going For Distance

Reconstruction of the Lafayette Street backdrop required a bit more work than just paint and glue. However, the overall effect is far stronger and cleaner than my first effort, and offers a vista unique to The Hills Line. I've come to understand the pros and cons of using rolled aluminum flashing for my backdrop. On … Continue reading Going For Distance

Reach For New Horizons

One of the downsides of modeling from afar is the physical distance from me to my prototype. For the IAIS Grimes Line, I could (and routinely did) conduct research to and from work, since I crossed the line on my daily commute. With The Hills Line, it's a two-hour drive one way from here to … Continue reading Reach For New Horizons

Everywhere a Sign

"The sign said you've got to have a membership card to get inside"-Five Man Electrical Band- I'm continuing on my detailing kick. Mostly to avoid tackling some of the larger, and possibly more pressing needs on the layout. But also because it's a lot of fun... even if the final product only takes up an … Continue reading Everywhere a Sign