Updated 10/17/2009...
I had some inquiries from forum members while at York and figured I should update folks. We are not quite back in operation, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. All plastic storage bins have been transfered from under the layout to the furnace room. The train room carpet has been cleaned and most of the ceiling tiles are back in place. At some point in the near future, I will take the opportunity to inspect the bins, inventory the contents, and replace them back under the layout. Please see photos 4 & 5.
In January, I completed a scratchbuilt model of the Weirton Steel Open Hearth (greatly foreshortened of course). It's actually an oversized 3-dimensional backdrop. It's made of foamcore backing with Plastruct and Evergreen roof and sides. Two Lionel Industrial smokestacks add smoke to the room. That is in photo #6.
I also completed my hidden storage yard (photo 7) and was a few hours away from installing it when the water damage occurred. I still need to get it back in place, program the DZ-2500 switch machines, and wire it to the rest of the layout.
While all this was going on, Tommy Gilbert in Gettysburg completed the repainting and detailing of a Lionel Western Pacific Alco S-2 (TMCC, Railsounds) into Weirton Steel #208. The prototype joined Weirton Steel's roster new in December 1949. In photos 7 & 8, note the modified stack, safety striping and prototypical paint and details. Many thanks to forum member Price Bradshaw for storing the locomotive on his layout and allowing me to photograph it there.
More steel mill buildings, a highway overpass, some buildings and other things are in the planning stages, but first I need to get the layout powered and operational again.
Comments and questions are always welcome!
George
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