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I understand why there are so many “Plywood Pacific” layouts* out there. Mine has been largely in that state for a while. (Although, since I’m using foam and ceiling tiles, it’s more of a “Tile Pacific” as the photo below shows.) Starting a layout is easy. You have grand plans. …

I was reading through my Facebook feed today and someone had posted a link to a blog post titled “No one is living the life they post on social media” and subtitled “It is merely a small piece that fits into a picture.” Turns out that the post is mostly …

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the concept of “good enough.” That phrase is often thrown into the mix to talk about the concept of detailing locomotives and rolling stock just enough to look “the part.” But it clearly creeps into everything we do on our layouts. I’ve also …

My layout room is a mess. (What does this have to do with track plans, you ask? Bear with me.) If you’ve watched any of the videos I’ve posted on my YouTube channel, you might think that my layout room is a pristine oasis. You’d be so So SO wrong. …

A month ago (as I write this) I attended the Amherst Railway Society’s Hobby Show as a spectator rather than a vendor. I’ve talked about the inspiration a really good train show can provide, especially the modules. But I also find that viewing the layouts does a good job of: …

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I recently got a chance to return to the Amherst Railway Society’s Hobby Show as a spectator rather than a vendor. I’ve talked about the inspiration a really good train show can provide, especially the modules. But I also find that viewing the layouts does a good job of: Reinforcing …

I recently got a chance to return to the Amherst Railway Society’s Hobby Show as a spectator rather than a vendor. I talked last time about the inspiration a really good train show can provide, especially the modules. But I also find that viewing the layouts does a good job …

Last weekend (as I write this) I attended the annual train show hosted by the Amherst Railway Society in West Springfield, MA. We decided to shut down The Pixel Depot last year (again: anyone want to buy a turnkey business?), so I was able to experience the show as a …

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“Now, the world don’t move to the beat of just one drumWhat might be right for you, may not be right for some”—”It Takes Diff’rent Strokes”, Alan Thicke You may be wondering what a quote from the theme song of an early 1980s sitcom has to do with model railroading. …

So, last time I talked about my decision process on whether to build a wood and cardstock mock-up of the large General Motors building. Spoiler alert: I was in. I do, however, want to call out this quote from that post: Normally, I’d jump right in and start construction on …