Wow, it’s been a few weeks since my last post, which appears to be the new norm for me. I get so focused on tasks and work sometimes, I forget to stop and simply make some posts on any new progress that has been made on the layout.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been really focused on getting my engines detailed and weathered. I’m getting close to finishing up that task, but still have about 15 or so engines I need to finish in the coming weeks. I’ve also started converting some of them over to sound units with ESU LocSound 5 decoders and Scale Sound Systems decoders.

Another task I’ve been working on is improving the Athearn Genesis SD80MAC and SD60M ditch lights. The units are pretty good out of the box, but the way they did the porch mounted ditch lights leaves a lot to be desired because of how dim they are. I’ll have a post about how I upgrade those to LED’s in a future post, but here are a few before and after shots. The angled views really show how far back the lights are on the factory units. Stock unit is on the left, modified on the right:

I’ve also received another round of figures from jojonz on eBay. It takes about 2 months to receive an order, but the wait is worth it. It takes a while to get them because they are made to order and he’s located in Indonesia. Some of the best work I’ve seen so far in HO scale.

The last few are 3D prints from a small company located in Canada – Mini Prints. I’ve picked up a few of their animals and figures and they are outstanding in quality as well. Only difference is you have to paint them yourself, which takes some patience and a really small paint brush. Here are a few that I’ve added:

And finally, I started pulling cars off the layout that need to be fully weathered. Any car that does make it will have their wheels rusted and Kadee couplers added, but I didn’t realize I had that many that still needed the full treatment….yikes!! 🤦🏼‍♂️

Until next time….but hopefully not in a month though!