THE V.I.P JOURNAL

The engine in your photo appears to be an electric loco with pantographs, and not a diesel?

Tinplate Art posted:

The engine in your photo appears to be an electric loco with pantographs, and not a diesel?

Yowser! My first Letter to the Editor, and you are correct. I will probably remove the pantographs, as I will not be putting up wires for them in V.I.P. I have also corrected my post.

May I ask which manufacturer made that engine, and is it based on a European prototype? Also, what is the track gauge of your engine? I notice you are living in the famous west Mexican state of Jalisco, reportedly the birthplace of both Tequila and Mariache music, and also the location of the famous city of Guadalajara! Viva Mexico, and WELCOME to our forum! ☺

The engine is manufactured by Lego. The track gauge is 1.47 inches, making it bigger than O gauge. If it is based on a real engine, the real engine has a bad design: the front and back are identical (two engineers). If you are pushing a train, neither engineer can see anything.

But I just finished a test run on the floor, and it runs great.

Would it be impolite to ask your age? Many younger folks enjoy LEGO trains.

Tinplate Art posted:

Would it be impolite to ask your age? Many younger folks enjoy LEGO trains.

 

I'm 66 and happily retired in Mexico with my wife. We're both Americans.

I finished the log car, and it is so ugly that I turned it into a flatcar. You can do that with Legos.

I finished the bottom of the crane car, and then decided that it is time for a test run. I used half the tracks to set it up on the floor, and it survived its first run.

I, too, have built my share of LEGO trains, including the Harry Potter set. Mostly for my grandkids, who are now grown up. I am 76. The LEGO engines I built were all motorized. I never saw that electric loco but it looks cool! GOOD LUCK with your plan!

I just finished the crane car. It is better than the Lionel crane car my Dad had that was made around 1953, which I fondly remember.

Vincent Massi posted:

 If it is based on a real engine, the real engine has a bad design: the front and back are identical (two engineers).  If you are pushing a train, neither engineer can see anything.

There wouldn't be two engineers, just one.

Without knowing what country's railroad it's supposed to represent it's difficult to find a prototype photo, but this French locomotive is sorta close:

However, many European diesel and electric locomotives are double ended so they don't require turning.  If in "push" mode on a passenger train, there is a control cab car.

Rusty

Rusty, we had a trackmobile at the paper mill, and it had seats for a driver in the front and back. When it pushed cars, you couldn't see anything, but we had a man on the ground (often me) with a radio. Assuming that that loco is used as a switcher, the problem can be solved.

Vincent Massi posted:

Rusty, we had a trackmobile at the paper mill, and it had seats for a driver in the front and back. When it pushed cars, you couldn't see anything, but we had a man on the ground (often me) with a radio. Assuming that that loco is used as a switcher, the problem can be solved.

These double ended locomotives are pretty much road units.  The Europeans also have hooded locomotives for most switching duties.

Possible the worst "switcher" in the world was when the Santa Fe  added footboards front and back to FT-A units until more switchers could arrive:

I've done some switching also, at the Illinois Railway Museum using the Russian Decapod.  30 feet or so of boiler and 25 feet of tender doesn't enhance visibility much and we always had one or more groundmen as needed.

And the view wasn't a whole lot better from the cab of their Shay:

Rusty

Rusty, that is a good, informative post.

VINCENT: THAT is one cool crane car!

I'm not sure where I grabbed this shot. I don't recall any details on it today, but maybe someone could do an image search with it (that search engine doesn't respond to my browser lately.) It's about the closest I recall to Vincent's. I'm thinking maybe French or more so, Italian.

That is a famous French locomotive called "Femme Enceinte" (Pregnant woman). See here: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/2D2_5500

Regards

Fred

May 1, 2019

Plagued by a long series of delays, construction has officially began on V.I.P. 

Piles of building supplies, along with one overworked fork truck, litter the area. A temporary rail line has allowed the V&N Railroad to move equipment and a large crane around the site.

The chief delay has been caused by my need to go to Guadalajara on Friday and HOPEFULLY buy another train. Another delay involves sorting, storing, and retrieving equipment from several different containers.

Observers expressed surprise at the tight security when night fell.

With everything FINALLY stored where it should be, construction crews led by Vince "Iron Horse" Massi restored a temporary rail line for visitors. Executives are waiting for a final decision on tomorrows potential train purchase before making rail line construction permanent.

Observers also questioned why the security guards are using a 1936 Cord automobile.

V.I.P. PURCHASES NEW TRAIN SET!

Purchase Includes Additional Tracks.

Ending weeks of speculation, V.I.P. has finalized the purchase of a dead rail passenger train, along with a total of 40 pieces of track. The tracks are compatible with V.I.P.'s construction train, which is already in service.

Construction crews hope to have the train running within a few days.

SANTA FE RAILROAD CONNECTS TO V.I.P.!

Passenger line completed--but no passenger train.

Utilizing V.I.P.'s ability to connect to different times and places, the Santa Fe Railroad completed a connecting line to V.IP. today. V.IP. intends to become a major switching yard and hub for a variety of railroads.

Meanwhile, Ferromex, the Mexican rail system, finished constructing a passenger rail line. However, their passenger train is still under construction.

ROCK ISLAND RAILROAD BRINGS THE POWER OF STEAM TO V.I.P.!

V.I.P.  completes construction of longest single rail line on site!

Massive reconstruction and relocation of Ferromex's construction line, along with a still-unused passenger line, were necessary to add a fourth rail line to V.I.P., but the powerful 2-8-0 Consolidation will greatly increase V.I.P.'s ability to benefit from the power of steam

DINING CAR ADDED TO UNUSED PASSENGER LINE!

Mysterious sightings at V.I.P. continue!

FEDERAL INSPECTORS RAISE MORE QUESTIONS THAN THEY ANSWER!

A surprise inspection by federal regulators found all permits and licenses in order. But uneasy construction workers reported being questioned about super heroes and time travel. Inspectors paid particular attention to a 1936 Cord automobile used by security forces.

Workers also finished building a passenger car that looks exactly like the dining car finished the day before. Site manager Vincent "Ironhorse" Massi was heard muttering something about converting them both to gondolas.

V.I.P. OFFICIALLY OPENS!

Months of Construction Still Lie Ahead!

With the completion of the Hiawatha Passenger Line, V.I.P. has officially opened its rail switching service. Four locomotives are providing construction, freight, and passenger service. A fifth rail line is definitely in the works.

V.I.P.'s next major project is construction of a giant supercomputer. Towering hundreds of feet into the sky, the supercomputer will have a full staff of people inside, including living quarters.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON THE "ARCHIE HARRISON SUPERCOMPUTER!"

Supervisor Darby O'Gill explained that we have lost too any paths to computer success, and he is trying to restore them. "Computer in the 1950's actually had people inside them," he explained. "And computers often had computers inside them to help those people." O'Gill also explained that mainframe computers still have potential when used by people working inside a giant computer.

Today a mainframe computer, a portable crane, a bathroom sink, a secretaries' office, and an outdoor pizza parlor were installed.

Managers denied reports that a highly-trained security guard killed a dinosaur accidentally brought through a time portal by an unauthorized construction worker.

Vincent Massi posted:

I finished the log car, and it is so ugly that I turned it into a flatcar. You can do that with Legos.

 

I finished the bottom of the crane car, and then decided that it is time for a test run. I used half the tracks to set it up on the floor, and it survived its first run.

That's really cute, My cat loved trains. When I fired mine up he would run into the room to watch.

SUPERCOMPUTER WORKER FALLS TO DEATH!

With the uncompleted Archie Harrison Supercomputer already operating, a construction worker apparently climbed off the top into an observation galley on the west side. Unfortunately, the floor of the galley had not been installed, and  ROM Commodore plunged to his death inside the computer. Workers are unable to recover his body.

Site Manger Vincent "Ironhorse" Massi stated sadly that ROM will always be with us.

CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED ON ARCHIE HARRISON SUPERCOMPUTER!

For a virtual guided tour, click on each picture below:

C&O INSTALLS NEW RAIL LINE AT V.I.P!

Five Trains Now Running Successfully!

ELEVATED STOCK YARD INSTALLED!

After a week's vacation, Vincent "Iron Horse" Massi announced that construction has reached the point that rolling stock can be stored (and displayed) on V.I.P.'s new elevated stock yard. A rolling stock repair facility is due to be built on the same site.

Okay, Gang, I've been busy, I ran out of money, and I had problems with light-weight HO locomotives. But today I bought this beautiful six-axle Ferromex locomotive (I suspect that I am the only one on the forum who owns one) and now have five trains running successfully again.

I also purchased five HO scale construction workers and have placed them in the Archie Harrison Super-Computer.

SUPERHERO VACATION RESORT COMPLETED!

 Bruce Wayne announced the successful completion of a vacation report for superheroes who need a break. The reclusive billionaire deferred questions to V.I.P.'s new press secretary, Clark Kent.

Kent, who continues his job at the Daily Planet, told reporters  "I am angry at portrayals of Superman and Batman being enemies, when anyone who has read the comics for decades knows that Batman and I, er, that is, Batman and Superman, have always been best friends."

Although not intended as a retirement home, superheroes can stay there for extended periods in return for providing security.

Another outburst of criticism broke out today, when observers spotted Captain America in V.I.P. Critics repeated claims that the Captain is involved in time travel, and it is even reported that there are two Captain Americas, with one of them frozen in a giant ice cube.

Press secretary Clark Kent alleviated fears of time travel by explaining that the Captain was on a honeymoon with his 25 year old bride, Agent Carter. Mr. Kent ended the press conference abruptly when a reporter pointed out that Agent Carter had been born in 1915. 

Vincent, I do not know where I have been, but this is the first I have seen the VIP Journal!  Some of the items look familiar from other topics, but there is a lot of good information here!!  Having fun whether 6 or 66, that's what it is all about!!

Animal rights activists filed a series of complaints against V.I.P. today, when a group of dinosaurs appeared on the site. Superman explained that he had been on a mission in the past when he spied the dinosaurs about to be drowned in a world-wide flood.

Not wanting to alter the timeline, the Man of Steel brought the creatures to V.I.P., where they will serve as deterrents to trespassers, as well as keeping the grass cut.

That’s great!  I need some of those guys to cut my dad’s grass!

Nice. So what is happening with the naval/port/pirate episode?

Vincent Massi posted:

Okay, Gang, I've been busy, I ran out of money, and I had problems with light-weight HO locomotives. But today I bought this beautiful six-axle Ferromex locomotive (I suspect that I am the only one on the forum who owns one) and now have five trains running successfully again.

I also purchased five HO scale construction workers and have placed them in the Archie Harrison Super-Computer.

Is that a Walthers Mainline or Athearn Genesis? Having both, I can say they are both very impressing models...

NS6770Fan posted:

Vincent Massi posted:

Okay, Gang, I've been busy, I ran out of money, and I had problems with light-weight HO locomotives. But today I bought this beautiful six-axle Ferromex locomotive (I suspect that I am the only one on the forum who owns one) and now have five trains running successfully again.

I also purchased five HO scale construction workers and have placed them in the Archie Harrison Super-Computer.

Is that a Walthers Mainline or Athearn Genesis? Having both, I can say they are both very impressing models...

It is a Walthers Mainline, and it is the pride of my lay-out.

Incidentally, I was wrong. There ARE other people on this forum who have Ferromex locomotives, as well as other Mexican locomotives.

PRRMP54 posted:

Nice. So what is happening with the naval/port/pirate episode?

After defeating the pirates, the members of MUK Pack have been engaged in rebuilding. They took a financial setback when Bruce Wayne withdrew from the alliance and started working with V.I.P. instead. And with no danger in the area, Israel and Poland have withdrawn their naval forces to the tops of my kitchen cabinets.

However, they are mining the extensive underwater mineral wealth of MUK, and the overall picture is good.

LOL

My Coca Cola bottle cap manufacturing and repair facility is having problems: Coke stopped using cardboard cartons here, and I need one to build on to.

However, yesterday I found a $6 battery-powered HO set with two gondolas, so we now have rail freight.

There is always an alternative!!

"Coke a Coal a" Railroad Opens for Business!

With four steam-powered locomotives (one of them themed for Christmas), one coal car, three gondolas and one hopper, V.I.P.'s newest rail line opened today. The railroad will haul material to and from the Coca-Cola Bottle Cap Manufacturing and Repair Center, which is not yet built.

Asked why there is only one coal car for four steam locomotives, a V.I.P. spokesman explained that the train doesn't go anywhere. 

Vincent, where did you find all the pop bottle caps??  They could be a collectors item nowadays!!  Looks great!!

Mark Boyce posted:

Vincent, where did you find all the pop bottle caps??  They could be a collectors item nowadays!!  Looks great!!

Lying in the streets. I walk my dog 3.16 miles to the lake every morning, and over the last four years I have acquired some amazing finds.

Excellent!

Love your approach to trains. May not suit many of us but you seem to be having too much fun.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON "CIRCUIT CITY"!

Workers finished an elevated platform at V.I.P. today, and construction began immediately on "Circuit City." Not literally a city, the restricted area will deal with high-level circuitry improvements for V.I.P.  To protect industrial secrets, access to and from the area will be provided only by helicopter and hot air balloon. An anti-aircraft gun will ward off intruders.

The industrialized section will continue to grow as more circuitry is acquired.

Circuit City!!  I love it!  Our older daughter used to grab any bad circuit boards I came across and called the components 'houses'.  Great minds think alike as they say!!

Mark Boyce posted:

Circuit City!!  I love it!  Our older daughter used to grab any bad circuit boards I came across and called the components 'houses'.  Great minds think alike as they say!!

Thank you, Mark. My cheap camera can't get a good photo, but for $16 I got five HO sale construction workers who are working among the circuitry.

TIME TRAVEL EXPERIMENT FAILS!

Captain America Blamed For Massive Time Line Disaster!

Prestigious Law Firm Files Suit Against V.I.P.! Divorce Firm of Cheater, Runne, and Hyde Files Class Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Clients They Don't Represent!

V.I.P. Claims Problem Corrected Within a Short Time!

Business Outsider--A failed experiment created multiple timelines within V.I.P. today, but timely intervention by technicians solved the problem within a short time. Billionaire Bruce Wayne, however, called the experiment a success that will "enable us to access the minds of some of history's greatest thinkers." Wayne dismissed threats from lawsuits, saying that they were not filed on time, in a timely manner, or at the right time.

That’s a fine mess you’ve gotten me into, Stanley!  It is all about Time!!!  I’m glad Mr. Wayne got the skinny on it all and whipped them all into shape!! 

PRESTIGIOUS LAW FIRM WILL REPRESENT V.I.P.!

In an unexpected public announcement, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne announced that Wayne Industries has purchased the law firm of Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe. Mr. Wayne explained that V.I.P.'s time travel experiments had enabled Wayne Industries to acquire a trio of representatives whose thinking processes have been a legend for over eight decades. These three men will handle all future lawsuits against V.I.P.

Eight decades of excellent service!

MASSIVE LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST V.I.P!

A coalition of law firms, representing clients without their permission, has filed a class-action lawsuit against V.I.P. The plaintiffs are represented by:

Schiester & Schiester

Bicker, Back & Forth

Wangle, Finagle & Settle

Bickers & Bickers

Shadee & Smarte

Anna Turney

Celia Faite

V.I.P. is being sued for unauthorized time travel, creating alternate timelines, and posting copyrighted photos that don't hurt anybody.

A spokesman for Bruce Wayne assured reporters that V.I.P. is adequately represented and will prevail in court.

V.I.P. WINS MAJOR LAWSUIT!

Declaring that he has never encountered three lawyers with thinking processes on the level of the team of Howard, Fine, and Howard, Judge Roy Bean threw all complaints against V.I.P. out of court. He also threw Howard, Fine, and Howard out of court.

The judge then barred all future lawsuits, declaring that if he ever sees any of the contestants again, he will hang them.

I'm glad The Honorable Judge Bean had the good sense of justice to throw the complaints and the incompetents out of court!!  Let the projects continue as planned!!!

V.I.P. PURCHASES FACTORY CRANE AND ACCESSORIES!

Coca-Cola Bottle Cap Manufacturing and Repair Center is Ready to Go! (If it ever gets built).

COCA-COLA BOTTLE CAP MANUFACTURING AND REPAIR FACILITY OPENS! (Finally)

Months of frustrating delays had caused emotions to bubble to the top, but problems fizzed away late this evening as construction on the facility was completed. The highly-complex facility has amazed corporate spies who can't figure out what's going on, and V.I.P. executives refused to give away their industrial secrets.                                  Press secretary Clark Kent promised better pictures tomorrow when they have better light.

SCIENTISTS BAFFLED BY SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF BOTTLECAP FACILITY!

"It Works, But We Can't Figure Out Why!"

Get Clark Kent to use that 'special vision' to 'look into it' to figure out how it works. 

Mark Boyce posted:

Get Clark Kent to use that 'special vision' to 'look into it' to figure out how it works. 

Actually, there have been a few accusations that they are using Kryptonian science, but no one takes that seriously.

One never knows!  It could be in an episode of 'The Outer Limits'.  Showing my age on that one!!  

V.I.P.SIGNS MAJOR CONTRACT WITH SODOR ISLAND!

Just one day after beginning construction of the Baldwin Iron Works, V.I.P. scrapped the project and entered a joint contract with Sodor Island to build a massive railroad construction facility. The project calls for the demolition of V.I.P.'s elevated switchyard, along with several minor structures, to make room for the new facility.

The new structure will handle manufacture and repair of locomotives and railcars, as well as handling switching, storage, and other railyard duties. Construction is expected to begin tomorrow.

Fast moving for such a large enterprise!  I'm looking forward to seeing the progress!

VINCENT "IRON HORSE" MASSI BLAMED FOR MASSIVE POWER FAILURE!

A major power failure struck the city of Chapala last night while Vince was dismantling V.I.P.'s elevated switchyard and running various locomotives. A 12-block area lost electricity for fourteen hours when a power box near Vince's house exploded last night.

Claiming innocence, Vince had almost convinced the court when he acknowledged that he had been running a Bachman HO locomotive when the black-out struck.

But a lawyer for Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe convinced the judge of Vince's innocence. Attorney "Curley" Howard explained that Vince can barely assemble a Lego building, and could not possibly  have the knowledge required to blow out a major portion of the city.

I have been known to cause a power outage or two myself while working for the power company.  Maybe that is why they offered me a severance package back in ‘95!  

Great job Curley Howard Esq.

V.I.P. RACKED IN CHAOS!

Company moves ahead with another controversial Decision!

With four of its five trains dismantled, V.I.P. is undergoing massive and time-consuming improvements. The addition of a three-story elevated rail-switching yard has made major renovations necessary. And a long-overdue cleaning has required that everything be moved.

Critics received another unwelcome shock today when the company decided to purchase the new controversial Disney Lego train set. Released just yesterday (September 1, 2019), the controversial set is already selling well. Powered by a motor in its tender, the steam locomotive has difficulty turning its wheels properly when pushed by the tender. Lego's very unpopular decision to use plastic axles guarantees that the  train will have problems farther down the line.

But Vince "Iron Horse" Massi explained that it is exactly when he wants for his 2019 "Disney Christmas" lay-out. The tracks are compatible with the tracks for his other two Lego trains. And assembling nearly 3,000 Lego pieces ought to keep Vince out of trouble for much of September.

There’s a critic for every decision! I think VIP Vince is going to have a grand old time!!

Fun with LEGOs.

BALDWIN IRON WORKS COMPLETED!

It Don't Go Nowhere, But It Works!

Often frustrated but always enthused, V.I.P. workers completed a massive clean-up operation before successfully building the Baldwin Iron Works. Towering 41" over the lay-out, the three-level structure includes the former Coca Cola Bottle Cap Manufacturing and Repair Facility, the former elevated switchyard, and the former Coca Cola Railroad. Complete with four cranes, the structure is such a scientific marvel that scientists can't explain how it works.

V.I.P. RESUMES PARTIAL OPERATIONS!

Baldwin Iron Works Begins Manufacturing Bottle Caps!

With the entire eastern half of V.I.P. shut down for cleaning (The two sheets I have under my lay-out were really filthy), V.I.P. currently has no working rail systems in operation. But supporters were encouraged that after absorbing the Coca Cola Bottle Cap Manufacturing and Repair Facility, Baldwin Iron Works is operating at  full capacity.

So the bottle cap works will have to stockpile bottle caps until the railroad comes to town??  Looks like the workers are going to town!!  

MASSIVE CLEAN-UP COMPLETED!

V.I.P. Begins Restoring Services!

Working late into the night, V.I.P. employees resumed some operations. The Santa Fe Railroad freight line was re-opened, giving V.I.P. one operating train. The newly-upgraded Archie Harrison Super-Computer is operating at full capacity. Circuit City has returned to full capacity.

The newly-purchased Disney Lego train arrived last evening and workers are holding off most other re-construction until they see where things are going to be placed.

Has the VIP management considered upgrading electric power production?  I can see why decisions need made about prime placement of the Disney unit

Mark Boyce posted:

Has the VIP management considered upgrading electric power production?  I can see why decisions need made about prime placement of the Disney unit

Mark, V.I.P. doesn't have an electric power plant.

That might explain some of our problems.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON DISNEY RAILROAD!

Locomotive Completed after only 6 1/2 hours of work!

It was a good day with lots of coffee, Christian music, an ice cream soda, and a (mostly) pleasant time assembling the unpowered locomotive to the Disney Lego train set. There was some alarm when a large rodent showed up, but construction was a success.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   My smart, intelligent wife (She married me, you know) applied all the decals, and the locomotive actually looks very nice.

No power plant!  We don’t need no stinking power plant...we got rodent power!!

Mrs. M did a great job!

Mark Boyce posted:

No power plant!  We don’t need no stinking power plant...we got rodent power!!

Mrs. M did a great job!

If I set it up like this promotional picture, I'll call this room "The Rat's Nest," because it's where all the rodents hang out.

LEGO RAIL LINE COMPLETED!

Largest rail line in V.I.P. history will run two dead rail trains simultaneously!

Two hours of re-arranging structures were needed in order to install a large rail line for V.I.P.'s three Lego trains. The remote-controlled trains will run two at a time, providing freight and passenger service to the lay-out's most inaccessible areas, as well as to advanced industrial sites.

DISNEY LEGO TRAIN ENTERS SERVICE!

Critics Ask: What Kind of Mickey Mouse Railroad is This?

With Mickey standing on the roof, a powerless 4-4-0 locomotive and its motorized tender roared around the V.I.P. tracks today. Construction of passenger cars is already in progress. 

There sure are a lot of critics in VIP Territory!  You would think they would wise up!  No, that is too much to ask

PASSENGER SERVICE RESUMES AT V.I.P.!

Two Rodents Now Operating Train! 

The Disney Railroad added a beautiful passenger car, hosted by Dale (the chipmunk brother with the pink nose), restoring  passenger service to the lay-out. One more passenger car is waiting to be assembled.

That makes for a real nice looking train!  All you need is a hamster and wheel and you will have your power source!! 

Mark Boyce posted:

  All you need is a hamster and wheel and you will have your power source!! 

Hmmm.... Another rodent...

DISNEY RAILROAD COMPLETED!

"Triple R" (Rodent Run Railroad) restores passenger service to V.I.P.!

Two beautiful passenger cars (one with a removable wall) will provide first-class service to  V.I.P. travelers who don't mind being on a train operated by rodents. The train is planned to be part of the 2019 "Disney Christmas" lay-out, but it is so popular that nobody wants to take it down.

Those Rodents Run a Respectable Rail Road! 

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON DISNEY RAILROAD STATION!

Goofus D. Dawg (aka G .G. Goofy Goof) Named as Station Master!

The entire floor, one corner section, and two doors have been installed on the new Disney Railroad Station. This amounts to 18% of the entire structure. So far, viewers are impressed with the beauty of the structure. The building also appears to be sturdy enough to survive both storage and Lego add-ons at future dates.

Is Station Master Goofy overseeing construction?  I’m not sure if it is good or bad if he is.  LOL 

Not only is Goofy overseeing the construction work, but he will be station master when it is completed. I finished the third bag of parts today.

Wow!  I didn’t know Goofy had it in him!  Looks great so far!

WORK CONTINUES ON DISNEY TRAIN STATION!

Extensive Work Reveals That the Inside Will be  BEAUTIFUL!

DISNEY RAILROAD REACHES 2/3 MARK!

First Floor Roof Successfully Installed!

Under the watchful eye of supervisor G.G.Goofy Goof, workmen installed the entire roof over the ground level of the Disney Train Station. A few minor additions were also made to the interior and to the outside walls.

And security has been improved with the arrival of former Rescue Ranger "Chip," who joins his brother Dale as a conductor..

I’m glad Chip is chipping in!  

Its looking great!

EXPLOSION ROCKS V.I.P.!

New Train Station Damaged by Blast, But Construction Continues!

An explosion blew out a small section of the second-story front wall, destroying a window and some decorations. Security forces quickly pinpointed the blame to Vince "Iron Horse" Massi, who they allege pressed too hard while snapping a section of Lego blocks into place. Damage was quickly repaired, and the place is actually looking pretty good.                                           Building manager G.G.Goofy Goof  told reporters, "Gawrsh!"

Gawrsh is exactly right 

Vincent

I am having a great time (vicariously) along with you. Keep at it and keep up the fun in model railroading.

OBSERVATION BALCONY COMPLETED!

Disney Train Station Only Hours From Completion!

DISNEY TRAIN STATION COMPLETED!

Architectural Marvel Astounds and Delights Visitors!

Internet photos of the Disney train station do not do justice to this impressively beautiful structure (I'll post photos tomorrow when I have better light). It will serve as a sharp-looking addition to V.I.P. until November 1, when it will become a major centerpiece of my Disney Christmas display.