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
"That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, but coming from you I'm not surprised!" Sheriff Pete hollered into the phone as he slammed it down. Meanwhile, the mysterious calls from someone identifying herself as Sylvia Meisner suddenly stopped after Pete held the special meeting at the Ya'll Sit a few months ago. No …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 39: O’Dillmotteville
I have to admit, I have been working on my Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad control panel for more than two years. I can run the layout just fine using Atlas Selectors to control power to the blocks, but I really want a panel with a layout diagram to make operations easier. Plus, I …
Continue reading I Use DPDT Switches for AC and DC Power on my Model Railroad Control Panel
Sheriff Pete Terkinberry recently called a town meeting to be held at the Ya'll Sit Cafe, and urged everyone in Maple Valley to attend. Despite efforts by Quintin O'Dillmotte to spread rumors the sheriff called the meeting because he is worried about his chances of reelection, therefore, it would be best if the good folks …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 38: Hotcakes With a Side of Lies
Sheriff Pete Terkinberry recently called a town meeting to be held at the Ya'll Sit Cafe, and urged everyone in Maple Valley to attend. Despite efforts by Quintin O'Dillmotte to spread rumors the sheriff called the meeting because he is worried about his chances of reelection, therefore, it would be best if the good folks …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 38: Hotcakes and Lies
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
For all the visitors to Maple Valley, it was just another day in make-believeville. Maple Valley is an idyllic town with perfect weather enjoyed by happy people strolling pristine streets, greeting loving neighbors mowing weedless yards, watching delightful children sharing all their toys, while barkless dogs play with scratchless cats. The coffee at Ya'll Sit …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 37: The Phantom Phone Call
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 …
I have to admit, even though I don't want to, this winter darkness has not had as much of a detrimental effect on my mental state as in other years. At least it doesn't seem so. But winter isn't over. There is another hype-filled round of snowpocalyptic prognostications beginning to fill the air, even as …
Continue reading Model Railroad Scenery, Coffee, Earl Klugh, and a Sunlight Therapy Lamp
I have to admit, even though I don't want to, this winter darkness has not had as much of a detrimental effect on my mental state as in other years. At least it doesn't seem so. But winter isn't over. There is another hype-filled round of snowpocalyptic prognostications beginning to fill the air, even as …
Continue reading Winter Therapy: Building My Maple Valley Railroad
A Coffee State of Mind 