This definitely has to go in the category, "If I can do this, absolutely anyone can." I made my own static grass applicator that really works! I've been working steadily on the scenery of The Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad. I'm creating scenes with more detail than I have on any other layout. On …
Continue reading Make Your Own Static Grass Applicator for Realistic Scenes
Another Founders' Day celebration has come and gone. Except for a few minor problems including a bunch of chickens escaping from a farm float during the parade and running through the streets of Maple Valley, it was a great success. The special guest band for the main event was Hank Rider and the Saddlehorns. It's …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 28: Hank Rider and the Saddlehorns
There's good and weird news coming out of Maple Valley. Folks have been waiting for months to hear about the suit that was brought against Shorty Cloverton and several members of the town council including Sheriff Pete Terkinberry and Mayor Alvin Thrashborn. For those who may not know, which, not ever wandering very far from …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 26: Events Turn
Sheriff Pete walked into the Ya'll Sit Cafe on Monday morning, just like he does every week. Something felt different. He didn't know what it was, but he had the eerie sense he should sit by the door instead of taking his usual seat at the counter. "Good morning, Hannah!" he said. Hannah Cloverton looked …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 23: Ya’ll Sit Breakfast
When you're making plans to build a model railroad, scenery is going to be a big part of it. If you want your layout to be at all convincing, and I can't imagine starting a project like this without deciding to make it as realistic as possible, trees are going to play a huge role. …
Continue reading Adding Trees to the Maple Valley Short Line Railroad
The Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad is operational. I have been running trains on the main lines without any major interruptions or catastrophes. From the moment I first drilled holes in the cement blocks, to securing the last piece of HO scale flex-track, this has been an enjoyable journey. But the journey is far …
Continue reading Building a Control Panel for the Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad
I really hate to say this, but life has moved on in Maple Valley. Sylvia Meisner has been missing for five months. All the arguing has stopped, thankfully. The summer tourist season everyone looked forward to has ended. The Founders Day Celebration now seems forgotten. The Old General is being prepared to take visitors to …
Continue reading Scandal At Maple Valley – Episode 17: Death in Maple Valley
The folks in Maple Valley are working in preparation for the start of tourist season one week from Friday. The last few repairs on the railroad line are finished and inspections led to full certification for passengers on the General. Officials from the National Railroad Safety Association left town this morning and everyone is breathing …
It is a terrible shame the word "scandal" connects to Maple Valley in any way. The citizens of this small town, completely happy to continue in the ways we know, are now, through no fault of our own, tossed together into a chopper yearning to leave nothing recognizable in its wake. The very name, Maple …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 5: Father’s Day
O’Dillmotte Funeral Parlor “Where We Lay You Down Easy” is buzzing with activity. Quintin O’Dillmotte, the proud provider of burial services for the citizens of Maple Valley and all of Kertok County, has been on the phone for hours. No, Sylvia Meisner’s body has not been found, dead or alive. Quintin O’Dillmotte is chair of …
A Coffee State of Mind 