Wow. Sort of forgotten about this thread.
I've lived two life times (in HO scale "fast time"! 
) since the last post!
In a nutshell (IF that's possible for me):
* Proceeded with my HO scale KC&G in the Ozarks layout theme. It's been up and 100% functional for many months. Still at the Plywood Pacific stage, but that will be changing soon: Time to install the backdrop boards, seal/smooth them, paint it sky blue, then install lighting and valance, lastly fascia on the layout edge. Once I have all that accomplished (1-2 months), it will be much more pleasant to the eye, and then scenery can happen as mood inclines.
* Before the Covid mess, I was hosting 3 person operating sessions semi-regularly. Recently I've had a long time model railroad and railroading friend over for some operating sessions. The layout theme is working out EXACTLY like I conceived. (That doesn't always happen.) Enjoying operating, either with others or solo, is the reason the backdrops and stuff mentioned above keeps getting procrastinated!
* Had decided to let the Ozark layout host a dual era with careful thought about structures and scenic features, one being the diesel era (Autumn of 1964) the other the late 1880s. (Thus scratching that 1880s itich) Also decided to re-purpose the existing unused bench work in this computer room for a small shelf switching layout in HO based on the Kansas City West Bottoms area. (Thus scratching the KC Lines itch!) So far no real progress on either the 1880s or KC Lines idea.
THAT brings you up to date. BUT...
As of recently: The conundrum being discussed here has reared its head again, but this time I think I have it better thought out.
Now, for a random pic before I shuffle off to other things...
A pair of KC&G GP7's clears the north switch at Piney. Biscuit's already swapped ends and he's ready to ease 'em back south on the main and drop down The Mountain to get the rest of their train. Things don't always go as planned on the KC&G's Ozark Sub. Battling those tough Ozark mountains with power that's might nigh plum worn out'll do that. Should'a had enough power for the pull... but that depended on the tired old Geeps being able to blow their guts out one more time to get up that wretched mountain. Too bad about the governor reset kicking out on the #409. That caused 'em lay down an' even though Biscuit kin work wonders on the throttle... there was no way they he'd have a fightin' chance to get started again on that back breakin' grade. SO... only thing left was for Stringbean to start poundin' the chat to go back and make the cut so's they could double 'em up. Ain't no doubt about it, North Extra #412's day is gonna' be a whole lot longer, now.
(Pic taken on my HO scale "Kansas City & Gulf: Ozark Subdivision" layout.)
All fer now!
Andre
