I picked up this kit because I wanted to try a laser cut wood kit that used peel and stick windows and doors.  My first impression upon opening this kit was the extreme detail and precision with which each part had been created.  The instruction manual was very clear and easy to understand, with very detailed expanded drawings demonstrating each step.

I assembled the inner skeleton using wood glue, the rest of the kit I used Zap-a-Gap to glue parts on it.

I was impressed that the siding was installed using the peel and stick method.  I found that an x-acto knife with a #10 blade was the best thing for removing the backing.  I was very impressed that each part required only minimal prep before assembly.

This picture shows another technique that I have found useful.  I spread out a sheet of sandpaper on my desk and use it when assembling wall sections.  It allows me to quickly true up and remove burrs from wall panels.

Here are more pictures from Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad north of Santa Cruz, CA.

Trestle on a curve:

Watering the Dixiana, two truck Shay locomotive:

This picture below demonstrates the tremendous traction of a Shay locomotive.  You can see the train on the right fork of the switchback, the picture was taken right over the switch.  At this point on the switchback the grade was 9.25%.  To put this in perspective 4% is considered a very steep grade for your average railroad, most grades are less than 2%.

Today I went down to the SLHRS layout and worked on adding piping from the refinery to the storage tanks located next to it.

I used the Walther’s kit to create this.  Today my goal was just to build the shapes, I will paint and weather them once I get all of them assembled.  I ran the piping from the refinery down so that it will go underground to get to the storage tanks.  I intend to come back up on the other side and connect the loading platform for the tanker cars and also the storage tank on the hill overlooking Oleum (further to the right).

Here is the left side of the refinery.  I have this piece fully constructed, however I am considering making this piece bend towards the ground right at the refinery so that it doesn’t stick up as it hits the backdrop.  I also intend to add to the scenery in this area so that it doesn’t look so much like a soccer field (or UFO landing site as various club members have suggested).

Last weekend my wife and I went to Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad north of Santa Cruz, CA.

Here is a sample of some of the pictures I took while there:

Water tower:

A two truck Shay locomotive:

Close-up of the cylinders:

My wife and I took over 200 photos and about 40 min of video while we were there.  As soon as they are uploaded and edited I will post them.