Company's Coming!

Once again the Railwire Field Service has dispatched another team of skilled craftsman to unleash their talents on the N Scale Western Maryland. Traveling from points all over the globe, including upper Delaware, they will be descending (or is it ascending?) on my attic to help me make the final push to get a train running fully from Point A to Point B.

Of course, this means several critical things have to take place today. First, the beer fridge will need to be properly stocked. Everyone knows that a machine works better when well lubricated...

Second, I'll need to get a rake and a dumpster to clear the aisles so we can actually move about in the room to get things done. This will be no small task. Since there are wiring projects to do, much of the junque that's stowed beneath the layout has to be pulled out. At the same time, there will be carpentry and track work going on above decks, so there's a need for floor space.

Somewhere amid all this confusion, hopefully we'll be able to check off the items on the "to do" list. These include:

• Adjusting and wiring the staging yard turnouts (hopefully I can get this done tonight, but don't hold your breath)
• Building the necessary supports to carry the new yard platform.
• Installing the remaining 24 feet or so of track to tie the two ends of the railroad together. (Maybe I should have some champagne on hand to go with the beer!)
• Then putting in the gazillion wire drops that will be necessary to make the whole mess work.

We've only got a few hours to work with, but based on previous experiences, I'm hopeful... confident even, that we will be able to accomplish great things in the time allotted.