This and That...

The train hobby is a hobby that can sit for a while. Aside from low-level maintenance (mainly track cleaning), the layout can sit for weeks on end, untouched, without any kind of impact.

The hobby has many different aspects - scenery, rolling stock, details, scene setting (such as the valence) - and running trains, of course.

With the valence in place, I enjoyed taking photos of my trains in the new light.

...and

This is a favourite shot

I also worked on other projects.

Weathering

Shiny boxcars and cabooses received grime and new couplers.

Box car and Caboose...

Reviving an S-3

My main power on the layout has been an Atlas S-2. But I've had an Alco S-3 (from Life-Like) sitting in the cupboard for a few years. I had a sound and DCC (Digital Command Control) decoder installed in it a few years ago, but the dang thing never seemed to work.

The S-3 is a less powerful version of the S-2 (660 HP vs 1000 HP) the CPR used in its secondary terminals. The engine is a good fit for the short trains of the Aston Spur. The main spotting difference between the S-3 and the S-2 is the different trucks.

After reading a Model Railroader article, I reset the settings and the S-3 came to life. I changed out the couplers and it is now an active member of the fleet.

While it needs weathering, it is a good looking locomotive.

Note the trucks

A few details

When my friends come over and see the layout, it is the details that they tend to enjoy - aside from the gorgeous growling sounds my diesels make.

So the boys at the Aston road crew have started added some road signs as appropriate. More signs to come.

And, in my next post, I'll cover a late November train trip.