I'm pretty much in the same boat as Ken and his friends. I had hoped
to complete several more projects than I started, but that didn't
happen early enough. Maybe if the year was longer Ken, Myself and
Congress could get more done--but maybe not!
However, I started working full time on four PRS house cars that I'm
building for a friend. I hadn't built one in awhile, but like riding a
bike it all came back very quickly. What I did forget was the
difficulty of assembling the PRS trucks. Everybody likes the slippery
plastic until you need it too be less slippery--and the color being
black didn't help. I remember building most of my kits without my
opta-visor but now it's almost full time!
I also have to start building a test model of the new Soo Line stock
car. I hope to do some initial work on that tomorrow. It seems to be a
wonderfully designed kit with the use of the industrial laser. Since
it's a ground-up kit I will have the opportunity to add some straw
bedding to the floor fairly early in the construction as well as any
visible weathering in the inside--smells optional!
And speaking of laser kits, I also have the other half of an Altoona
grain elevator to complete. I'm trying to think of things I can add to
add some character to it. I also dug out a kit a bought several years
ago, but didn't have a spot for it--it's the Fos Magic shop or something
like that. I've never heard of anyone building it, nor have I seen any
more releases from Fos. It looks like a great but tiny structure with
lots of character. It will not be a magic shop on my layout--perhaps a
shoe repair or handimans' shop. There was a little shop in my hometown
called--Fred's Fix-it Shop--sounds good to me.
Ken also talks about politics (or lack of it) in their group. We pretty
much have the same philosophy in our group. Pretty much everything is
voluntary, we have no dues, and although our modules are strictly scale,
we do have several who like taller rail for their home layouts. We find
that most step up to the plate when needed--advancing age is our only
main problem.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
On 12/30/12 9:31 PM, mhrywest wrote:
Greetings from the Minnesota Heartland Railway. As we hit the end of
the year, a few new things have been done to the railroad but not
enough to really brag about. Still as always, it has been a good year
to be an S Scale model railroader and there is always next year.
As Mike mentioned, he visited the last Pines and Prairies S Scale
Workshop meeting and following our traditions, he became our newest
member and club president. Mike will remain president until we get
another new member or until he tries to do something presidential and
is impeached. Politics in the PPSSW are simple, come over to have fun,
support your fellow modelers and don't get to full of yourself.
Thanks to all of you who have enhanced my enjoyment of the hobby with
your reports on what you doing in the hobby. Next year, I will really
get much more done myself!
Ken Zieska
