Protection from the elements

Last weekend a lot happend in Silverton (level 2). After finishing the scenery and ballasting the track towards Ironton, I noted that at the left we had a disturbing lack of detail. The project to scratchbuild a snowshed over the SN track had intimidated me for years. But as always, you only discover how much work is involved by starting on a job. Plans for the snowshed had been drawn and copied some time ago, and enough stripwood from Black Bear was available. After the first 3 frames were placed on the foundation, I was hooked. Before midnight the whole structure was ready. Testing with a medium size RS3 diesel engine and a 40’ car was essential to adjust some posts. NBW provide the necessary detail, as long as it can be seen.

To keep the momentum, I moved to the next item that spoiled every view of level 2. The SN engine house, a Gloor Craft kit, had been nothing but a cardboard mockup for 5 years. As this was one of the first craftsman type kits I bought, cutting out the openings for doors and windows seemed too scary at the time. With the introduction of far more detailed laser-cut kits such as those by Blair Line and Bar Mills it’s not as intimidating anymore. And the Gloor Crafts kit wasn’t that difficult either. Following the instructions, using the color scheme of the D&S NG, the engine house is in the right spot to attract the eye between the tunnel portal and the town of Silverton.