Blog

In the layout room, nobody can hear you scream

September 2020

Train Derailment at Santa Fe Junction

Awesome in full screen mode!

Fascinating Video of Derailment Cleanup at Santa Fe Junction


Some Cars Never Die; They Just Fade Away


Seen in Texas in September 2020.
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Seen in Kansas (I think) August 2020
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East Rhineland Gets a New Turnout!

It's been a bit quiet on the Mighty MKT lately, and especially this blog. The Covid virus and then some health problems, have contributed to the lack of activity. We had a great operating session a few weeks back, with the added twist of a remote dispatcher! More on that later.

This posting is all about installing a new, wonderful #8 Kasper Mk VII rev 3 turnout at East Rhineland. For a long while, the old turnout would periodically short, and I had spent HOURS trying to find the problem. It didn't short every time - sometimes 6-axle locomotive would short, but not every time. It was maddening. I implored on my turnout ninja, my buddy Joe, and he came through with a sweet #8 to replace the existing micro engineering #6 turnout. It looks great and performs awesomely.

Thanks Joe!

Joe waiting for the soldering iron to heat up before performing a surgical installation on the fully scenicked portion of Rhineland.
Joe turnout 2


Joe installing the new tortimus throwbar hole for the new #8 turnout
Joe installing turnout


Amateur video of the installed turnout.
Note that the ties still need to be cut to the correct length