Video

Found this while perusing the N Scale Limited Facebook page, check it out:

Mike's Auto Parts

Newest addition: Mike's Auto Parts, from the "Jim's Repair Shop" kit made by Walthers Cornerstone Series.

This was made specifically to sell, as this past week I've been selling-off my collection of DPM models for a pretty good price. Kathleen's Bookstore has been rebranded and is up for sale, Eric's Hobby Shop is also up for sale, but the Robber Barons pub, 305 Main Street, and Taylor Pharmacy have already been shipped to their purchasers.

Hopefully, it won't be too long before our financial situation improves and I can replace these kits for my own use. Until then, I think I'll keep selling them, as I enjoy their construction, and actually make a tidy little profit!

I think what I will do with this kit is allow the purchaser to design a new sign that I will use to replace this one. It seems rather boring to me. Hmm. Especially considering the detail in the add-ons. It has a wall in the middle, floor to ceiling, with a picture of a real auto parts store on it. In addition, I gave it a "wood" floor, and added the signs inside and out. I also fixed the Quaker State sign on the side that fell-off shortly after this picture was taken (whoops). Not enough glue!

My next project: Springfield Cafe, a Laserkit by American Model Builders, Inc

Undead Rotory Tool

I have a thing for zombies.

Anyway, I've had this battery operated cordless Dremel for a good 10 to 15 years. Some time ago, I lost the battery pack. Don't ask me how. I have moved a lot though.

Instead of trashing the tool itself (and all it's accessories), I held onto it, thinking I might find the battery sooner or later.

I never did, but a few days ago I had the idea to skip the battery and turn it from a cordless into a corded Dremel, by hooking the motor to a spare locomotive power pack I have.

And it works! AH-hahahahaha!

Update January 2012: I've replaced the test cord above with one stolen from an old VHS camcorder that I had. The cord allowed the camcorder to be played directly off the car's 12V DC (the cigarette lighter in other words). Clipping off both ends gave me a convenient spiral cord that works really well. I had a couple of spade terminal connectors in my junk box too, making connection and disconnection really quick. 

Hilltowne Hotel

Currently working on the Hilltowne Hotel, which I will rename....as soon as I come up with a new name. Ideas?

Progress is slow, this is a big building with a lot of small details. It's not as big as the factory of course, but it has a lot of small details that should be different colors than the surrounding stone and brick.

As such, I present it as a Work in Progress:

Update, January 2011: I stripped the brown paint from the front, didn't think that was the look I was going for. Also removed the rooms from inside (except the lobby) as they didn't quite "work" for me. Removed some of the window for glazing issues with the superglue. Removed the back wall so that I could get at the interior better and add windows (which I really should do before assembling the walls), as well as sand the inside edge of one wall to make it fit more flush against the side wall.

Uncle Eric's Hobby Shop Renovations

Decided that the front facade needed painting. 

 Then I noticed some leaks in the roof and decided to have it redone. Whose bright idea was it to have flat roofs in Maine, anyway?

Did I not post this building after it was done? Whoops.

In any case, I believe that it is DPM kit "Char's Soda Shoppe."

Can you see the Bachmann, Walthers, and Atlas signs in the window?

Quinntopia

My new favorite model-railroading related website is "Quinntopia." Check it out!

Here's a recent video he made, its pretty sweet:

October 2011

I still have work to do with the details of the Woods Factory kit, and a bit of work on a couple other buildings in the picture, but here you can see where the layout currently stands.