Post Pages

  • Building a Control Panel for HO Scale Model Railroads

    Building a Control Panel for HO Scale Model Railroads

    I began working on the control panel for my HO scale Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad five years ago. My initial step was to create an outline of the layout using 1/8″ artist tape. The first one was too small, so I had to do the tape project over again. I chose to build… Read more

  • Changes Coming to A Coffee State of Mind

    A Coffee State of Mind will go through some structural changes at the end of this year. I have to admit, I’ve had some difficulty finding a consistent footing. I don’t often write about personal things. Some writers focus primarily on personal stuff. I can’t do it. That’s the reason ninety percent of my content… Read more

  • We Love Camping!

    We Love Camping!

    Have you ever been camping? You really haven’t lived until you’re in a tent, it’s midnight, raining, cold, and only then do you discover the promises of a waterproof tent were lies. Wet sleeping bags do not dry quickly. There’s only one way to dry wet underwear, and that’s on the line between you and… Read more

  • Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 46: Doctor Wackstuber

    Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 46: Doctor Wackstuber

    Everything in Maple Valley is moving back to whatever normal is. The snow storm that buried the village is forgotten. Huge piles of snow are nothing new. Shorty and Hannah Cloverton are thrilled to announce the reopening of Ya’ll Sit Cafe. The kitchen fire did not do as much damage as feared. Everything looks awful… Read more

  • Five Easy Steps to a 4×8 HO Gauge Railroad

    Five Easy Steps to a 4×8 HO Gauge Railroad

    You can build a great HO gauge model railroad in four by eight feet of space. Use these five easy steps and you’re on your way. Start With a Reasonable Track Plan Four by eight feet of space gives you plenty of room for a terrific layout. Track-plan books are available, but you can also… Read more

  • Scandal at Maple Valley – 45: Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

    Scandal at Maple Valley – 45: Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

    Maple Valley is a dream. We who live here go about our daily business without ceremony or fanfare. The sun comes up and goes down. Sometimes clouds roll and rain falls, but sunshine always returns, except when it doesn’t. Despite the quaintness of Maple Valley defined by the expectations of outsiders. we are just like… Read more