Facebook

I have decided to try something a little different. Since this page is supposed to mainly be focused on what I plan to model or have modeled, along with some information regarding the Oregon Trunk I am going to make some changes. I am creating a Facebook page to post information covering my recent projects, so the Projects In Progress page will see less activity. I am also going to be bringing back pages for each of the stations along the Oregon Trunk to both provide information and help me consolidate resources. If you are interested in following what I am up to on a more frequent basis please feel free to check out the the new Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/mountaingoatgreg/

Where has the time gone!?!?!?

Do not worry I have not given up on the Oregon Trunk, I just have been extremely busy from the first of the year. I have been working on a few projects, but nothing really related to what I am doing here, so that is why I have not posted anything.

A few updates:
I have been asked to present at the 2017 Spokane Portland and Seattle Historical Society Convention in July. I will be talking about my journey in researching and modeling the Oregon Trunk. More information will be posted once the official announcement is made.

I have completed an inventory including photos of all my equipment. I have also decided to trim the fat, as it were, and get refocused on my goals. This has freed up some space and also given me some monies to spend on things I really "need."

Madras switching layout is under the process of being remodeled. I am no longer using it for training as I am not currently teaching those classes locally. I have decided to use the existing benchwork and attempt to salvage the trackwork to model something else, details coming soon.

I am also stepping back my Free-mo involvement. I have decided to sell off two of my modules as I have yet to participate in a large group setup since moving to Lewiston. I have two modules that are more than 75% done that I will complete in hopes I can participate in the future.

I may also be changing what I post on this page too, but for now I am going to keep it to projects I am working on that relate to the Oregon Trunk and other related model railroad stuff. 

A little bit closer...

I have added Mr. Drinkwater to the roof and his son out front bringing him some more supplies. I also added some weeds, more junk and even a "project" in the garage. I have also worked to get the lighting done in the house and some basic interior details. Before I can move on to the next building or part of the module I have a few more items to complete. The items I plan to finish before moving on are as follows:

• Complete roof structure and detailing
• Finish house interior; window glass, window dressing, other details
• Add some more exterior details, firewood pile, detail around fallen tree, also more junk
• Figure out how to blend the backdrop and scene together, possibly a fence and maybe a tree

 With this basic plan in place here is where I am at now.

Natural Lighting

The Drinkwater place seems to have had a little problem with the garage recently. It looks Mr Drinkwater has been attempting to make some repairs using some reclaimed corrugated metal siding. From the looks of it the material has been sitting around for awhile, probably in the backyard, but it most likely was the right price, free! I was thinking about adding some LED lighting to the building, but with the current condition of the roof I figured the electricity probably was not working. Also with the large skylight it appears there would be enough natural lighting to be able to see the details inside without adding the LEDs.

More photos of the available on the Projects in Progress Page (CLICK HERE)

Look at all this junk!!

I have been making progress on the garage, and also the exterior details that will really set the mood for this part of the layout. I also decided to call this the Drinkwater place, no particular reason, just sounds like a good idea. Next will be to continue to add the details then I can move on to getting the roof taken care of. I also have decided that I will model Mr. Drinkwater and his eldest son working to make repairs to the garage door.

More pictures in the Projects in Progress page.

Working up Hill (Street)

There is a gentlemen named Andy Kramer that posts on the Big Blue Trains forum regarding his progress of his 1950's Milwaukee Road Layout. (Click Here for Link) He is  a good modeler and does a good job detailing each scene, but what really impresses me is his approach to his modeling. He essentially completes one whole area before moving on. He will build benchwork, get his backdrop done, lay track and then start working on the scene. He will work from the back of the layout towards the front and from one side to another, not moving along until that section is completed. I have tried a number of times to get projects only to get them somewhere between started and almost finished, but never done. I have decided to try Andy's approach with my Hill Street module. The plan is to start from the back to front and I will be working from left to right. Since I have already started a number of these structures it will not be in the full Andy Method, but it will be better then just building more stuff to put in a box.

 Here is my first structure that I will be completing and it is a bit of a run down house on the edge. It will feature a garage that is falling apart being held together by the junk inside of it. The house will also be run down needing at least a coat of paint, probably also a new roof and of course a good cleaning of the yard. I have more pictures in the Projects In Progress page of the buildings.