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 …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – 45: Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend
The first step in creating your dream HO scale model railroad is building strong benchwork. Solid wall brackets are the key to strength and safety for a shelf-style train layout. The Benefits of a Shelf-Style Train Layout You have easy access to the layout. Front legs are not required. Storage space is created under the …
Continue reading Easy Wall Brackets for Strong Shelf-Style Benchwork
Are you dreaming of building an amazing HO scale model railroad? If so, I can help you get started on a great shelf-style layout to make your dream a reality. In this post, you will learn important steps for building a strong foundation for your layout. There are several styles of benchwork used in model …
Ever since Sylvia Meisner disappeared nearly three years ago, Maple Valley folks have been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Tourists arriving in Maple Valley do not feel the dread that lives in this delightful place. All the happy visitors believe the notions they have about this dreamland where there are no worries, unpaid …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 43: All Is Calm, All Is Wrong
I want every square inch of the Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad to be a story in a scene. I am way beyond watching two trains travel on a continuous loop through trees, mountains, and buildings. I want to know what people are talking about as they stand outside the Ya'll Sit Cafe. Maybe …
Happy villagers in Maple Valley are preparing themselves for the wonders of Christmas. Music of the season is blaring loudly on the streets of town so visitors know Maple Valleyers are fully into the spirit of Christmas. Quintin O'Dillmotte has, at least for the moment, been strangely quiet. The O'Dillmotte Funeral Parlor is pleasantly adorned, …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 42: The Wonders of Christmas and Other Stuff
Stress lives in Maple Valley, and the onset of the holidays kicks it into high gear. What would Thanksgiving be without worrying whether the turkey is big enough? Or if there's enough stuffing? Or potatoes? Or antacid? As if worrying about food isn't enough, there is always the possibility of uncomfortable situations. Every Maple Valley …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 41: Dear Doctor
Village council meetings in Maple Valley are generally docile. Minutes are read, dates approved, reports adopted, motions to adjourn bring meetings to an end. Last week will stand out in the history of Maple Valley council meetings, as Quintin O'Dillmotte's shocking and outrageous plan to change the name of Maple Valley resulted in a high …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 40: The Railroad and the Church General
My wife and I love watching HGTV network. I am amazed by the vision of the designers featured on the shows. Without exception, they exhibit an incredible ability to see what a space can be and share it with hopeful homeowners, long before the first board is nailed in place. Vision gives life to imagination. …
Continue reading Before and After on The Maple Valley Model Railroad
I enjoy looking behind the obvious scenes, which is why details are so important. More things are happening than we can see at first glance. A lot of life takes place in hiding. Maybe the good folks of Maple Valley aren't hiding on purpose, but not everyone sees everything they're doing. That's good. No one …
A Coffee State of Mind 