One of the great things about HO scale model railroading is that the modeling never ends. I suppose that can be true of any scale, but for me, HO scale is a perfect example of a modelers dream. I started building the Maple Valley Short Line model railroad four years ago. My train room is …
Continue reading Mistakes I Made on my HO Scale Model Railroad: The Maple Valley Short Line
It finally happened. Quintin O'Dillmotte has lost his marbles. The wheels fell off. The cows went to pasture. The dog left home. The last chicken's been plucked. While Sheriff Pete Terkinberry works feverishly to solve the greatest mystery to ever grip the good folks of Maple Valley, Quintin O'Dillmotte, of O'Dillmotte Funeral Home, "Where we …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 32: Quintin O’Dillmotte for Sheriff
It really is amazing how great a firestorm a few bones can create. The good folks in Maple Valley are falling into old routines that have not been put aside in honor of Thanksgiving Day. Maple Valleyans are thankful for many things, please don't misunderstand. They're thankful for the Ya'll Sit Cafe where they can …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 31: Tongues are Wagging, Again
It's difficult to say what has become of our happy little community in Maple Valley. Gossip has always been one of our strongest characteristics, but it's getting ridiculous. Last week, Vee Burthrap was convinced Shorty Cloverton was having an "uncommon relationship," as she called it, with Wilomena Shermer, the good reverend's wife. Vee Burthrap doesn't …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 30: The Bones Investigation
Sixteen months doesn't really seem like a long time. One summer, one Halloween, one Thanksgiving, one Christmas. The new year is not so new and will soon join the list of forgotten others. For close friends of Sylvia Meisner, months have been years. One day Maple Valley folks were happy, greeting each other, opening their …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 29: Bones
I ordered a package of one hundred HO scale people. Having never purchased so many figures at the same time before, I didn't realize there would be so many duplicates. No worries, I just made sure I didn't place a bunch of the same ones in a small area. The second mistake I made was …
Continue reading Adding People to the Maple Valley Model Railroad
I ordered a package of one hundred HO scale people. Having never purchased so many figures at the same time before, I didn't realize there would be so many duplicates. No worries, I just made sure I didn't place a bunch of the same ones in a small area. The second mistake I made was …
Continue reading Mistakes to Avoid When Using HO Scale Figures
My new layout is basic, no clever design schemes, just two mainlines for simultaneous train operation and some sidings. There is a long branch line that runs from one end of the layout to the other. The destination is Maple Valley. The train running the line will be a vintage model engine like “The General” …
Continue reading How to Install Foam Risers on Your HO Scale Model Railroad
My Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad in HO scale has more detail than any of my previous layouts. Model railroading is a learning experience, which is a big part of the fun. Scenery on a layout is never quite finished because there is always some little item that can be added to make a …
This is the Maple Valley Supply Company. It sits on the line that brings passengers from Midtown to Maple Valley on The Old General. The two-story structure is scratch-built in balsa. The windows and doors are plastic models purchased at a model railroad swap meet. I drew plans for the structure on card stock. I …
Continue reading Scratch-Build a Two-Story Trackside Structure in HO Scale
A Coffee State of Mind 