WOOHOO! Good weather = time to build

[Gary S]

Call me crazy, just don't call me late for an op session on that railroad!

You are welcome anytime.

Let's see...Texas...If I recall, I was blown away by one thing I saw in Texas that I'd never seen anywhere else - acres and acres of sunflowers. I've NEVER seen that on a layout. You just may have to be the first. Now all you have to do is order a truckload from scenic express, or figure out a way to make 'em cheap, and start planting. Of course, that would set your layout in the late summer, right? August sometime? Not sure what the window of blooming is on sunflowers grown for seed & oil, but it'd make a nice commodity for grain hoppers or tank cars, and a possible industry.

Also, even though I support organic agriculture and small farms, processed food is a pervasive reality in our world and the railroads are a part of that picture. How about a corn syrup facility? Or maybe an industrial sized bakery? Or perhaps a charcoal facility? Do they ship by rail? Just thinking about mesquite.

Good suggestions for thought, although most of the agriculture is on the far outskirts of Houston, whereas the layout is set to represent the industrial parks near where I work. Mostly housing, one or two story buildings and factories, vacant lots, and wooded areas. Some of the vacant fields are used as cattle grazing.

Not sure what to do about your balast color....but I can tell you are vexed by it. Could a balast train be in your future? Are there quarries in that part of Texas?

No quarries because there isn't much rock! Sand pits in some places, black clay in others. There are some pea gravel pits here and there. On the ballast, I'll try sprinkling some lighter color fine sand and glue it down to see what happens.

Will there be passenger operations on your layout?

No, just shortline freight.

Also, tell me again why you paint the benchwork? Is it because of the spiders? I've heard they don't like white.

Originally, I painted the benchwork because it was in a non-climate-controlled garage. In the new building, I am painting it just becasue I like the look. The underside of the layout isn't going to be a mass of unorganized wiring and magnets and turn-out controls. I plan on keeping it neat and perty!