Author Archives: csmeclub1959

The original bridge is just a plywood base. An arched culvert is added to the scene Cardboard is used as a base for plaster Plaster is applied As the plaster sets, the stone is carved Jerry works on carving details in the stone The finished product, a stone arch bridge.

Several of our bridges were installed as basic plywood and roadbed, knowing that we would come back someday and upgrade them to more prototypical versions. The old plywood bridge and roadbed have been separated from the rails and dropped out of place. Doug inspects the new bridge for a smooth rail transition across the gap.Continue reading “Bridge Upgrade”

Doug is making progress on the water front. This shipbuilding scene is highly detailed and will be an eye catcher for visitors.

Work continues on the town of Beaver Falls. Some new details have been added. Street improvements have been made. And, unfortunately, crime is on the rise. Officer Landrock frisks “Doug”, the local town hooligan, outside the Green Door Tavern. Chief Brock gives a treat to the firehouse dog, while local hounds harass Gene the mailman.Continue reading “Beaver Falls”

Gene sets up train for operation in the yard, while on the other side, Randy works on some electrical issues Some rock patching has begun on a spliced section of layout Basic cardboard is being used as a base for the rock wall along the upper mainline Is it a double-deck bridge? Jerry is workingContinue reading “Wednesday at Club”

Amtrak 375 rounds the point An unexpected meet as Amtrak 375 rounds the corner. This is what happens when there is no dispatch and the Western Pacific crew decides its time for a pizza break.

Work continues on the CSME railroad. Several members (the retired ones) attend work sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays. The rest of us attend on Wednesday evenings. Quite a bit of progress has been made. The lower and upper mainlines are now operational and members have begun to run some trains. We still have electrical workContinue reading “Workin on the Railroad”

It’s been a long time since we have been able to update this page. A lot of work has continued on the layout, despite Covid. We chose to cancel our November Open House weekends and have high hopes to be open to the public in 2022. We hope to do our best to do weeklyContinue reading “It’s Been Awhile…”

4/24/21 The last report was quite technical and there were more colorful developments this week in addition to DCC documentation.  One of these included a major step in helix construction.  George has worked diligently for several weeks to wrap a fascia around the lower frame of this part of the layout.  This fascia wrap createdContinue reading “Tunnel Vision Dance Steps”