Back In Business

All Aboard Is Back

Some months ago, our aging computer conked out for good and, since my wife Susie had just purchased an IPhone, we didn't bother to replace it.  However, there really isn't much substitute for a computer, especially when it comes to printing, etc., so we bought a new one this week.  So I'm back to my blog.

My new layout, which has been under construction since we moved into our present home two years ago, is complete.  Well, as complete as any model railroad ever is.  The track has been tested using my "most difficult" cars, that is, those most prone to derailing over the slightest imperfection, and corrections made.  The scenery is done and all structures installed.  Of course, with an L-shaped 8 x 12 layout, it's really not too hard to get to a completed stage, so don't be too impressed.

I've unpacked my rolling stock and am in the process of checking and, in some cases, upgrading each car to ensure proper coupler height, weight, etc., as well as making sure details like grabirons, brakewheels and steps are intact.  My NW-2 diesel loco runs very smoothly, but my old Rex 0-6-0 needs some overhauling and is confined to the roundhouse until I get around to it; I think it chiefly needs brush cleaning and gear adjustments.

Layout Concept

My layout depicts the main portion of the fictional town of Gulf Harbor, Texas, located somewhere between Houston and Corpus Christi, in April 1947 (which happens to be when I was born).  Gulf Harbor is a stop on the fictional Texas Coast Railroad, which has a main line between Houston and Brownsville and a major branch from Gulf Harbor to San Antonio.  The town and port of Gulf Harbor are served by the Gulf Harbor Terminal Railway, a subsidiary of the Texas Coast.    Industrial sidings include the general merchandise pier, a lumber yard, a wholesale grocery distributor, a bulk oil dealer, maritime supply company, as well as a freight house and team track.

The GHT operated with three old steam switchers until the end of World War II, but has replaced two of them with a secondhand NW-2 diesel which, with the remaining 0-6-0, is sufficient to handle the somewhat diminished postwar traffic.  (The 0-6-0 will remain in service until 1954, but that lies in the "future.")  The GHT has only two pieces of rolling stock, a tank car for loco fuel oil (the 0-6-0 is oil-fired) and an ancient gondola for maintenance-of-way work.  The TC stores some MOW rolling stock near the GHT three-stall roundhouse, too.  A couple of TC passenger cars will be spotted on a depot siding, but these will be more to suggest the TC presence than for actual operation.

So that's a brief look at the GHT.  My next post will have photos.

It's good to be back!