That is quite impressive, Jonathan! VERY VERY nice! I have an idea for your electrical box. You can make an addition to the mountain that's already in place. A VERY steep face and just use Velcro on the back, so if you need to access it you can just peel it off. Blending the two together shouldn't be that hard. That would be my idea anyway, and by all means please post more pics!

roger that Jward! I sure wish someone would do a modern illustrated diesel poster that has all these !@#$%$# loco's on them so some of us could know the difference right off hand instead of looking stupid on a forum, like I did with my post....

well, yardmaster doesn't hurt to ask I guess eh?

Best,
Bal

Well, I figured a video would be better than pics eh? 
I forgot to say in the video that on that Sunday afternoon those were Accurail hopper car kits I found in an Ebay auction, and those specific cars are VERY hard to find, so yeah, I feel lucky to have them. All of those were assembled in one afternoon. I like them very much and I'm slowly adding metal wheels to all of them.

For those interested I'm doing a video series of all the buildings that will go on my layout, the pitfalls, tips, and things to avoid if you choose to get one of these models. I will have some Bachmann structures as well in the near future so give them a watch if you want! Just look through my channel it's labeled, Modeling Series.

Best and Enoy!
Bal

http://youtu.be/QUMK9fMGko0

Here is a VERY nice video of a guy over in Austria. AT the 1:00 mark it shows how he made his inspection pits, These are the ones directly below the engine not a lower level, btw, this is almost how my engine facility will look. =)
Best and hope this helps!
Bal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaPyb3awmPE&feature=share&list=TLBF04jVRDsVY

Hi there,
Just wondering are there any plans to do the new sd70 and 4400 in an unpainted version? I don't need any of the heritage units but I sure could use a few of those unpainted ones!
Best,
Bal

Some changes to the layout not to terribly much, but some. Changed the #5 turnouts to #4's, and got another line because of it. Changed the industry area a bit to allow for two plastic plant buildings and holding areas. Still haven't decided what will go on the offshoot to the left of the industry area. Widened the bottom right area for a bit more room for the Shaleford Rail head office, Railroad museum, static steam display, and the two amtrack cars that will be converted over to a diner and bar car.  Anywho, here ya go!
Best,
Bal

Hey Brooklyn! Welcome to the hobby!
I have to add in go grab you a copy of the Anyrail program you can download a trial copy to test it out. It's the best money I've spent in the hobby, hands down. It's a layout program and it will answer some questions you have I feel sure.
As regards to your turnouts. The DCC turnouts are expensive and if money is not an issue well then have at it. I like the snap switches better myself.
1. You can group them according to your layout close to the turnouts they correspond to.
2. Less expensive.
3. Avoid the nightmare of trying to remember all those addresses.

I'm about to upload a new pic of my layout in progress. Yes,all there has been a few changes, but it's been done in Anyrail.

Happy time running trains, Brooklyn! Welcome aboard!

this isn't mine, but wow, this just makes my head hurt watching this...jeez...he must have ALOT of 'free' time...
http://youtu.be/dxRJ9rdyX4c

New up to date tank cars? (wishing)

Went out with the little one yesterday and caught this baby doing some work in the South Yard here in my home town. 
http://youtu.be/nYbUcSMrS_4

and this was the first time, Grafton, my little one has seen the Amtrak blast through Magnolia which is about 7 miles south of McComb. hehe...it was so fast he didn't know how to react. =) gotta love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFHG1SuSpFY&feature=share&list=UUHt0AMIYW5JAFV_Ja1wiVPg


Enjoy!
Bal

Thanks, JB. I hope so too!

I finally caught this engine yesterday morning. The view is from the overpass here in my home town of McComb, MS. What you see in the background is what remains of the old Illinois Central train yard.

Also, two other video's...I remember someone in a post a while ago said that there aren't anymore tank cars being used. Here are two vids showing that tanks cars are well in service and being used every day.

Enjoy,
Bal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DC7LCtH73o&feature=share&list=UUHt0AMIYW5JAFV_Ja1wiVPg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Ps56vaKvc&feature=share&list=UUHt0AMIYW5JAFV_Ja1wiVPg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wzNICaX3I0&feature=share&list=UUHt0AMIYW5JAFV_Ja1wiVPg

It is DCC, JB.

Sorry for the name mix up...eep! Well, it if is an Athearn I struck the gold mine then...you can't even hear it running except for the wheels going over the track..seriously it's the quietest engine I have, and it pulls some cars as well with no problem! thanks for the info! Now, if I can just get the back coupler fixed all will be good!

glad to see ya Jerry, thought you fell off the face of the earth, message me your new cell number again plz! Got some news I want to tell ya!
Bal