I want to be clear that any links or referrals I include to experts in model railroading are an effort to be helpful and not a result of having any kind of sales affiliation with them. Many helpful skills in model railroading can be learned by watching YouTube videos. Just about any question you have …
Stories are swirling in Maple Valley. This isn't new to anyone who lives here. News in Maple Valley means people are talking about things that other people wouldn't consider to be news at all. But because Maple Valley is such an important tourist destination for thousands every year, we tend to think things that happen …
Continue reading Scandal At Maple Valley – Episode 16: Miss Wonderment
I am thrilled, excited, relieved, exhausted, and happy to report track on the entire Maple Valley Short Line Railroad is finished! Well, the track is all in place. Installing ballast is yet to come. This model railroad is the largest layout I have ever built. I started with a blank canvas three years ago and …
Continue reading Model Railroad Progress on the Maple Valley Short Line
In case you haven’t been following the news in Maple Valley on a regular basis, I will fill you in. Sylvia Meisner disappeared nearly a month ago. Several people saw and spoke to her one day, she was gone the next. In fact, figuring out who the last person to speak to Sylvia actually was …
I can't stress enough that you can do this. Believe me, if I can paint backdrops and have them turn out half-way decent, you can do it too. In Part 1, I included a list of the paint colors most often used for painting backdrops. All of the paint is acrylic, which cleans up easily …
Continue reading How I Painted Backdrops for My Model Railroad – Part 2
Quintin O'Dillmotte's alarm clock screams at 4:30 a.m. He wants to be the first one up, the first one on the streets, making sure everything is ready for the Maple Valley Independence Day Celebration. He is very proud to be the chairperson of the planning committee for this great event. Overcoming the crape paper disaster …
Quintin O'Dillmotte has been working very hard to bring our town to complete readiness in anticipation of the Maple Valley Independence Day Celebration. Erasing all potential reminders of the crape paper disaster of last year is more important to him than planning for this year. So far, talk about a repeat has been minimal. Everyone …
There are eight very exciting days in the Maple Valley calendar year. It goes without saying that the residents of our small town each have our own favorite, but we celebrate them all as one big family. The Hands-On Father's Day Project is a happily anticipated event. Mother's Day is celebrated with equal fanfare with …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 8: Father’s Day
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 …
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 