Confessions of a Model Train Geek

This blog has moved

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:15:00 +0000

This blog is now located at http://modeltraingeek.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://modeltraingeek.blogspot.com/atom.xml.

A Site For F40PH-2 Fans

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:09:00 +0000

If you are interested in VIA's F40PH-2 engines, you need to visit this site. It has prototype photos, a modeler's "how to" page, and rivet-counting detail photos for the common VIA units.

As well, under the "for sale" link you can see they are planning on offering a brass sheet of detail parts to superdetail your Walthers, Kato or Life-Like F40PH-2.

Check it out!

There's a Prototype for Everything

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:15:00 +0000

Proving the old adage that there's a prototype for everything we do in model trains, here's a tank car body on a flatcar. I spotted the remnants of GATX 54324 strapped on flatcar CP 315208 in Winnipeg. This would be a quick little modeling project. Note the dent in the far end of the tank, easily done with a touch of a soldering iron.

tjmfishing's Layout

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Taylor is building an HO layout and he has a tour video up. It's a great walkthrough of the layout and his future plans for it.

He also did a few railfan videos on his layout, complete with sound added.

I Want, I Want

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:09:00 +0000

Pacific Western Rail Systems has announced that they will be producing an Alco C-630M model for all major Canadian railroads, with or without sound.

An Amazing Layout

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:45:00 +0000

My uncle pointed me toward this story. Quite a layout.

Model Railroad Hobbyist

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:14:00 +0000

A new issue of the online model train magazine Model Railroad Hobbyist is now online. Give it a read!

Winnipeg Model Train Show 2009

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:00:00 +0000

I'm very late in posting these, but here are a few photos from the October model train show in Winnipeg. I didn't take a lot of photos.

Gallery

The Intercolonial (Model) Railway

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:51:00 +0000

I stumbled across this great web site by Andrew Chisholm. It features his model railroad layout, the Intercolonial Railway: New Glasgow and Pictou Landing Branch. Check it out!

Phoenix Area Model Train Stores

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:35:00 +0000

This is mostly a placeholder for me. Here are a few links to model train stores in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fredericton Modular Layout

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:08:00 +0000

I found these on my camera from May 9, 2009... I think this was the Fredericton modular layout club's layout at the Home Show.

Don's HO Service in Moncton

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:32:00 +0000

I just wanted to point out that Don's HO Service in Moncton has a new web site, www.donshoservice.com. Chuck runs a good shop and it is worth a visit.

BNSF 12580

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Someone pointed out that Overland Models is coming out with a model of Operation Lifesaver caboose BNSF 12580. This caboose is a semi-permanent resident of Winnipeg at the BNSF short line in town.

The model will be "only" $300! I don't think I will be ordering one.

Here's a shot I took of BNSF 12580 in Winnipeg on a cold December 28, 2004.

Last Freight

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:24:00 +0000

I am moving in a month or so and my layout has to go. I started removing track two nights ago and it is going fast.

Here is the last freight train on my model train layout. CN 3125 collected one hopper car and the work train from the Bathurst yard, then did one circuit of the layout.

Moncton Model Railroad Show 2009

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:42:00 +0000

My oldest son and I went to the Moncton Model Railroad Show and took some pictures. By all accounts it was a great show, with good attendance and good displays. I was glad to talk to a bunch of old friends and catch up.

View the gallery

New Model Train Auction Site

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:09:00 +0000

I received an email from ETrainz.com announcing their new site. "Trainz.com is a bid site dedicated to train enthusiasts, built by train enthusiasts."

There are no fees for buying and selling, as far as I can see. There are fees to highlight or promote the item you are selling, and also if you have a store there.

Looks interesting.

Model Train Cars For Sale

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:48:00 +0000

I am cleaning out the items from my model train collection that do not match the era I am modelling. The complete list is on my web site. These prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include shipping. If shipping is required, I would charge actual cost for shipping with no markup.

UPDATE: All sold.

Photos from the Fredericton Model Train Show

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:07:00 +0000

Here are my photos from the Fredericton model train show.

It was a good show. There was a good assortment of displays, from the Fredericton modules to the N-Bender layout to the O-Scale layout from Fredericton, even to the wooden trains my son fell in love with. It was good to catch up with a few old friends there, too. The only problem came when I tried to leave - my son did NOT want to go!

Fredericton Show

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:03:00 +0000

As previously announced, the Fredericton model train show is Saturday, Dec 6 from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Fredericton High School. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 students and children 12 and under free. The maximum cost per family is $10.

Shapeways

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:40:00 +0000

I was contacted by a company called Shapeways. They provide an interesting model-making service where it appears you send them a design, and they print it out as a 3D model and send it to you.

For example, here's an N scale railway station one of their customers made.

They use several different kinds of material.

Just thought you might want to check them out. :)

DISCLAIMER: I have no relationship with this company, other than the unsolicited email they sent me.

Halifax Model Train Show

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:19:00 +0000

The annual Halifax Sportsplex Model Train Show is on this weekend! It will be open Saturday Nov 15 from 9am to 4:30pm, and Sunday Nov 16 from 10am to 3pm.

I will be at the show with the kids on Saturday, and probably on Sunday as well.

Photos from last year

Photos from November Quispamsis Train Show

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Here are some of my photos from the model train show in Quispamsis this past Saturday, November 8.

Jamie loved this table.

Part of Mike's layout.

It was pretty busy when I was there.

A very busy module.

Gallery

Saint John Fall Show This Saturday

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:42:00 +0000

The Saint John Society of Model Railroaders are holding their fall show this Saturday, November 8, at the Island View Lions Club in Quispamsis from 9 AM to 4 PM. I'm not sure if I'll be there or not, but I'd like to go!

I definitely will be attending the Dartmouth Model Train and Hobby Show at the Sportsplex in Halifax, NS next weekend, November 15-16.

Fredericton Model Railroad Show Announcement

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:39:00 +0000

The Fredericton Model Railroad Club will be hosting a Model Railroad Show at the Fredericton High School on Saturday December 6, 2008 from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

For tables ($15.00 each), contact Paul Bourgoin at (506) 455-4479.

Thanks to Richard Curran for the information.

EDIT: Changed date to new one.

New Peninsula Added

steve@theboykos.com (Train Geek) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:56:00 +0000

I have added a peninsula to my model railroad, finally! Here's a video of the first train taking a test trip around.

Obviously a tremendous amount of work remains to be done.