"Paper is cheap..."

"...and studio time is expensive."

The above was a cryptic adage taught to me early on in my music career by one of my first mentors. As I hastily crammed extra measures onto an instrumental part in an effort to save paper, he slung those words at me in an effort to remind me that using more paper and putting the extra effort into preparing the parts well would be a cheaper investment than running the clock out in the studio as the musicians struggled to read the tightly formatted music.

What does this have to do with model railroading?

The adage occurred to me as I created a few cardstock mockups for the MVRR. Paper is cheap, cheaper than styrene, basswood, and Grandt Line castings. What better way to test out the composition and arrangement of structures in a scene than creating some mocked-up buildings as stand ins?

There is a dangerous mentality in this hobby; that is, the idea that if we aren't actually building models or running trains, we are not actually "accomplishing anything." I fall into this trap a lot. I feel rushed to jump into the next project in the race to get the layout finished. I feel like if I don't spen money on materials or kits, I can't do anything productive or enjoyable.

On the contrary, we should relax, take our time, and think about the important decisions with patience and clarity. We can use materials on hand to help accomplish these tasks.

One of the things I want to get better at is composing a scene. When faced with the relatively shallow dimensions of this little layout, it calls for some extra planning to create a believable scene. Before I commit to scratchbuilding structures, I want to see how all the elements will work together in the scene, and how the topography will help contribute to the overall composition of sight lines, sub-scenes, etc.

We start with our little depot, which is almost finished, but has a paper stand-in as I test out the position and placement of the platform. This is the alignment I like best, though it does have the drawback of crossing over the joint in the modules. I'm trying to avoid having elements overlap the joint. One idea would be to eliminate the longer tail of the platform all together.

I intend for the platform to cross over the tracks, to allow scale passengers to cross between them.

Here is a good example of a "pondering spot", as I haven't really decided what kind of industry will occupy this spur. I haven't even tacked down the spur yet. Right now, the mockup is holding place as a generic freight warehouse of some type. It's also conceivable that a second industry could occupy the south side of the spur, since this track can hold two car spots.

Here is an area where I want to introduce some "verticality" to the layout of the buildings. Imagine the road (center bottom of photo) crosses the tracks, then splits in a "T"; the right turn heads to the depot and the freight house, while the left road crosses in front of the hotel and cafe, climbing gently up the hillside until it crosses over the railroad tracks on a timber bridge or stone viaduct.

The hotel and cafe would be "built into a hillside," so to speak, as the topography gently rises towards the left side of the photo. This gives the right-of-way a convenient "exit point" under the overpass, since I intend the rear track to be hidden behind the ridge/treeline at the back of the layout.

I could also see the cafe and hotel swapping places, which would accentuate the rise of the hill; however, in its current place, the hotel serves as an added viewblock on the lower-level topography. Both buildings are of the "false front" variety, with either board-and-batten or clapboard siding.

Making these mockups was simple with a scale ruler, pencil, a sharp xacto and some cardstock I had on hand. It's an enjoyable and quick way to start composing the idea scene.

Tinkercad

I have been fascinated by the advances that have been made in the area of 3D printing. More and more people are taking advantage of great services like Shapeways to create unique and varied parts and kit conversions; it really allows anyone with 3D design ability to create an unlimited array of specific, customized elements, on the same level as a major kit manufacturer.

As I become more involved with the HOn30 world, I've really been pondering the utility of being able to design custom parts for loco and rolling stock conversions. I've dabbled in graphic design for some time, but I've never crossed the threshold into 3D.

Enter Tinkercad, a web-based CAD platform that leads you through a series of basic tutorials to get you started. By using a predetermined palette of shapes and tools, it really makes it a snap.

I burned through the tutorials in an hour or so (many concepts from vector graphics programs apply to CAD), and was knee deep in trying to design some basic steam locomotive parts in no time.

A completed steam dome, and the beginnings of a headlight visor.

When you start to visualize 3D objects as interactions of basic geometric shapes, it begins to make a lot of sense.

I'm really excited about this program, basic as it is, and am enjoying it immensely. The OCD side of my personality loves the ability to design a precise rendering, and have the part produced for me.

I'm already brainstorming new ideas for a series of conversion kits and detail parts for HOn30 steam locos and rolling stock. Who knows? This could develop into a side business.

Father/Son Ops

When my kids and I spend time together, it's not usually around the trains...they have acquired a passing interest in Dad's hobby, but each of them tends to have their own set of different interests.

My 8 year old son, the only boy, has shown the most interest of the three; after all, trains tend to be perceived as a "boy thing," so the girls don't tend to hang around it as much. Usually, when I have a layout in operating condition, the roundy-round variety of operations is the extent of my son's interest; however, the other night, after running 15 minutes of laps on the Marmion Valley, he pointed to the shelf layout.

"How do the trains run on that one?" (this referring to the lack of a loop)

I explained that it is like a puzzle; picking up and dropping off the cars in certain spots. He was sufficiently interested enough to want to grab a throttle and run a few trains.

Picking up two cars from the team track.

We had a nice little 30 minute ops session, learning about runaround moves, picking up cars, and learning how to operate the NCE Powercab throttle. I uncoupled cars and acted as general help (especially runaway train patrol), but he did all the helming of the throttle and decided all the moves to make.

In a burst of logic, he also announced that "The train looks like it's going slow, but if you were a person that size it would be going fast."

Wha-a-a-a? Inference of scale speed? Unprovoked? We might have a model railroader on our hands. Alert the authorities.

Pickup acquired, running around the consist.

It goes to show you; I make the assumption constantly that a switching layout is too complex or involved (read:boring) for younger kids to enjoy. That assumption is wrong; my son was totally engrossed with the activity, and enjoyed it immensely.

Layouts "for kids" don't have to be roundy-round tail-chasers by default. The "game factor" involved with a switching layout can be very engaging, and it even sneaks in a little bit of educational problem solving and logic.

Heading off with consist in tow.

Best of all, it was a nice Father/Son evening activity spent together. It reminded me of the sessions my own father and I used to have building our N scale layout; who knows? Perhaps the bug will pass down another generation.

Model Power Madness

One of the things I love about HOn30 is the fact that there are so many kitbashing and scratchbuilding possibilities using N scale donor mechanisms. 

I recently scored eBay deals on two popular N Scale steamers that are often used for said conversions; a Model Power 4-4-0 and 2-6-0. The locos were recently discontinued, so finding a couple for my loco stable was a must.

These little gems are well detailed for their home scale, and run very smoothly. They also have the benefit of being fairly easy to convert to DCC, with leads already provided for soldering in the tender.

A user by the name of Myner Models (a.k.a. "Pinndle") produces a series of conversion parts available on Shapeways that can turn these locos into convincing, freelanced HOn30 steamers.

I received the 2-6-0 first, and it is a nice little runner. Only problem is, it doesn't really play nicely with the 7" curves on the Marmion Valley mini layout.

I had hopes that the 4-4-0 would have a better chance, but these locos are built on the same basic frame; unfortunately, both of them pop off the track on such tight curves. It seems that the mini layout will have to be the sole domain of the Minitrains 2-4-0, and other similar short-wheelbase stock.

The HOn30 addiction is taking hold, though, so I'm sure that there will be other pastures for these locos to roam soon. Once I complete the smaller layout, I have it in mind to build a modular style switching layout with larger turnouts and bigger curve radii.

I'm thinking that I will keep one of these intact as an N scale loco, and convert the other to HOn30. The 4-4-0 seems more like the "narrow gauge" candidate to me...what do you think?

Coupler Discovery

As I ponder the near-future of the layout, the fact that I'll need to standardize couplers is looming very soon on my to-do list. If it's one thing I've learned from other layouts, it's that your rolling stock must be reliable and bullet-proof to keep trains rolling and interest in the layout piqued.

Minitrains rolling stock comes with European-standard "hook and loop" style couplers. For an American-style layout, Micro Trains 1015 or similar knuckle-style couplers are more appropriate and tend to be a universal fit.

I put my MT coupler gauge on the track to test out how I might go about converting the passenger cars. Imagine my surprise when the "loop" part of the truck's coupler snuggled right over the post of the Micro-Trains trip pin.

Believe it or not, the fit was quite snug and secure.

So, I think that the upshot is, for now, I can keep my passenger consist with their original couplers, and still use them in mixed consists as I upgrade my loco and freight rolling stock.

I had a chance to work a bit on the new tender for #2:

Mounted a drawbar pin in the chassis; the parts are primed and awaiting a coat of black paint. Then I'll go to town with fitting some lead weight to give it some "heft," as well as mount the MT 1015 coupler at the rear.

20 Minutes

I find myself plagued by an unusual habit.

I liken it to the recent trend of "binge watching" entire seasons of TV series on Netflix; once I'm hooked and in the garage working on hobby projects, I tend to be out there for hours. Now, as you might imagine, it's a rare occurrence that I can find such a large block of time to devote to my hobby.

So, more often than not, I work on the layout(s) in sporadic bursts; long work sessions, punctuated by great lengths of time where I don't do any work on the railroad.

In many aspects of my life lately, I have been taking a systematic approach to create a streamlined, simplified, uncluttered workflow approach. Basically, the idea is this: approach each task in small, measurable steps. Focus on nothing but the step in front of you until it is completed in a high-quality manner.

It's a simple idea, but it is revolutionizing my productivity in all areas of my life. So why not apply it to my hobby as well?

Before, when the thought of going out to the garage to work on trains popped into my head, here was my usual thought process:

• I don't have time to do that now. I have more important things to work on.
• There are so many projects on my workbench, and so many things to accomplish on the layout; I don't know where to start and what I want to work on anyhow.
• ergo, I probably won't enjoy myself. I'll just put it off.

Guess what all that translated into?

...you guessed it: No progress. No hobby time. No fun.

Today, I decided to start a new habit: 20 minutes, focused.

Sure, I can find 20 minutes in my day, right? I had just started a batch of lentil soup, and it had a while to simmer; perfect.

The first step: focus. What needed to be accomplished? There are loads of projects I am working on, but my focus had to be on making sure I think logically about the general progress on the layout.

The decision? Solder the rail joiners. That's it.

I set a timer on my phone for 20 minutes, headed out to the garage. Spent a couple minutes setting up the soldering iron, fluxing the joiners...worked my way around the layout, and got all of them done. I set up a consist on the track, and rolled a few test circuits with the train.

Ding! Soup's on.

...and that was it. Maybe it sounds boring to you. I will say it wasn't particularly exhilarating. But here's the important part: I worked on the layout today. It was relaxing. I made progress and got a mundane task out of the way.

And, perhaps most importantly: I did all that on one of the busiest days of my week.

This, I am convinced, is my new workflow. Make a list; attack each task with Zen-like focus; eat the whale one bite at a time.

You also have time to work on your hobby. 20 minutes of working on the layout, building a kit, or running trains isn't hard to find most days, and it will translate to more productivity, more enjoyment, and more time spent on your craft. Try it out.

Trains are Running!

Trains are running on the Marmion Valley!

I dropped a couple feeders today, and hooked them up to two terminal strips that power the entire layout. I attached a couple main buss wires, and hooked up the power pack for a test run.

Things went fairly smooth; I'd definitely like to drop a few more feeders to make sure power is getting to each section of track adequately. Plus, soldering all the rail joiners together will help that as well.

Here's a short video I edited together of the first run (watch on YouTube for higher resolution):

You might think it's time to break out the champagne, but here on the M.V.R.R., a few stiff shots of Kentucky rye is a more appropriate libation. #2's engineer is rarely without a fifth of the stuff on hand.

A one blog man in a one blog town

Today I closed down my other blog, "The Thrifty 1:160." It was about a year older than this blog, and had precisely one more follower, for a grand total of two!

I'm simplifying many areas of my life right now. Thrfty 1:160 was being neglected in favor of my other hobby interests, and having a central blog that will reflect all of my pursuits will be more manageable and clean.

While the focus of this blog will remain on my fictional HOn30 shortline, the author hopes his general readership won't mind the occasional foray into my N scale pursuits as well.

I will have more updates on my layout coming shortly. Stay tuned, and please subscribe!