March 2026 - Update

 

I picked this book up while at Great Lakes Hobbies and Trains. I had not seen it before although it was released back in 2022.

I have been doing some visiting and traveling the past week. I stopped in at Great Lakes Hobbies and Trains near Warren, Michigan. It has a lot of general hobby supplies but a pretty good train section. It also has a nice selection of paints and used train model kits.

Royal Oak Michigan was one of my stops (I always go to Trader Joe's on Woodward Ave. when I have time). Years ago CN London, Ontario train crews operated over this subdivision to Flint, Michigan. I worked this train a number of times as a brakeman. Royal Oak along with many other communities are along the line we ran which has some very nice homes. I thought I would stop by the old station location which now is a Amtrak shelter since I was close by. 

Also if you follow Marty McGuirk's blog he has a book coming out on autumn scenery that I think will be a nice addition to ones collection especially if you model New England.

On my way home from Michigan I stopped by to visit Jim Sloan. It has been awhile since I last seen his layout and his nicely weathered equipment. Much of what he has running on the layout is new since my last visit.

On Tuesday I visited St. Thomas  to see the proposal they displayed in the old CASO station. I feel it is more of a pipe dream. I asked the price tag for the three phase reconstruction. The total amount floating around at the presentation was 50 million. I don't see that kind of money being available in these times from local and federal governments. Reality might be finding funds for a quick fix to the structure so it can still be used. After a recent inspection it was found to be not safe to enter. There is some very nice pieces of equipment in the Museum.

Next week I will spend some of the week showcasing some of the slide scans I have made of rolling stock. Many of the slides are by Peter Mumby or from his collection...George Dutka

I was staying in Warren Michigan and stopped by Great Lakes Hobbies and Trains. As you can see a large size store.

Marty's new book.

Jim Sloan did a wonderful job weathering this Rapido model. The roof was totally rusted which looks great.

This is the other side of the same car.

Jim Sloan posed for a photo with his layout. We talked about paint by numbers which he is very good at (he has a Beatles view which looks like a photo that he has done) and suggested trying a custom site that one sends in a photo and they make a water coloring for you to work on. I am thinking maybe I might try a view of my layout in watercolors. Jim is working on a summer view of his garden at the moment.

I thought this view of Jim's Athearn auto boxcar looked great. He had done some very nice fading using a wash overspray of an acrylic gray-tan tone. This is airbrushed on.

On the way to the station platform.

Amtrak Royal Oak on the GTW.

March 12, 2026

Elgin County Railway Museum proposals

Three phase restoration planning. They are looking at maybe rental spaces to micro brewery, restaurant and farmers market maybe to help maintain yearly costs. An event area is also maybe included for weddings and so on.