Layout Projects
Logging Camp
The logging camp project is nearing completion. The branch line from Boulder Creek to the saw mill in Dawson is fully operational and the scenery at the camp is complete. Still to be done is the scenery around the engine house, the completion of the engine house structure and making the track from the branch to the run-around below the camp and the spurs into the engine house operational.
Yaquina
With the exception of a small piece of prime industrial real estate in the northeast corner of town, all trackage in Yaquina is now fully operational with switch machines and control panels completely installed. The City Council is looking for a suitable use for the last undeveloped area. In the meantime, work on the structures and scenery in the rest of town continues. This will probably take some time to complete, since a port city offers many opportunities for detailing.
Mill City
Mill City is nearly complete. The track has been ballasted, ground cover applied and detailing begun. All that remains is additional detailing and yard lighting.
Cascade Yard Lead
In preparation for the Marysville redevelopment project (described below), the existing double track Cascade yard lead behind Marysville has been converted to a single track and moved close to the cliff separating Marysville from Boulder Creek. The track work for this project was completed for the April operating night. After the track in the new Marysville industrial area has been laid the cliff will be replaced by a gradual slope which includes a tunnel for the yard lead. This change will provide more scenic opportunities for the Marysville project and eliminate the "wedding cake" look of the vertical cliff.
Marysville
The trackage and scenery rough-in for the new industrial area in Marysville were completed as planned in time for the Open House in November, 2005. This area will take some time to complete since it requires extensive scenery, several new structures and many details.
Switch Machines Upgrade
This ongoing project involves replacing track switch machines as needed with new electrical DCC-friendly ones. An additional benefit will be to simplify maintenance by making the new machines pluggable rather than hard-wired as the old ones are today.
Scenery Upgrades
The main objective of the scenery upgrade project is to replace all the hastily made skewer-and-floss clone trees with a variety of more realistic ones. In addition, vegetation and other natural detail is being added to the bare areas and rocks are being recolored where necessary.