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 …
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
I love looking at photos and videos posted by fellow model railroaders. I have learned a great deal about scenery by watching others do what they do best. I recently discovered I've been making a mistake. When I go into my train room, I tend to look at my whole layout from one end to …
Continue reading More Scenery Details on the Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad
I love looking at photos and videos posted by fellow model railroaders. I have learned a great deal about scenery by watching others do what they do best. I recently discovered I've been making a mistake. When I go into my train room, I tend to look at my whole layout from one end to …
Continue reading Transform Your Model Railroad Layout in Small Steps
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
One of the beautiful things about model railroading, and scenery in particular, is that beauty is in the eye of the creator. If you think it's incredible, then it is. We all like to be told our work is terrific, but the truth is you are the only one to please. I pondered backdrops for …
Continue reading Painting Beautiful Backdrops for Your Model Railroad
One of the beautiful things about model railroading, and scenery in particular, is that beauty is in the eye of the creator. If you think it's incredible, then it is. We all like to be told our work is terrific, but the truth is you are the only one to please. I pondered backdrops for …
Continue reading DIY Model Railroad Backdrops: A Beginner’s Guide
Everyone loves a parade, and the good folks in Maple Valley are no exception. When news quickly reached everyone that Sheriff Pete Terkinberry would soon patrol the three streets of town in a new squad car, excited anticipation of a parade swept like a wind-blown grass fire. From one end of town to the other, …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 25: Finding Sylvia Meisner
Sheriff Pete couldn't drag the phrase from his mind. "Don't Stop Looking!" Vee Burthrap had told him. "What does that even mean?" he thought, walking toward the cafe. After the horrible dream Pete had a few nights ago, he was hesitant about going back to the Ya'll Sit, but he needed a cup of coffee …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 24: Don’t Stop Looking
A Coffee State of Mind 