Greeting from Sunny and HOT Arizona. Trying to stay inside during these dog days of summer. 

Several years ago I constructed Yakima Apples I and II. I built two models of each. One set is on my layout and the other is on Tom Langford's layout. During the design and build timeframe, I also made a white model of Yakima Apples III which has been sitting on a shelf in the train room for many years. Well, I finally got around to the build of Yakima Apples number three. I'm a bit rusty on using the forum, so I need a bit of time to post photos of the model. Another problem I am facing is finding a location for the structure. It is big. 60 x 100 scale feet by 50 feet tall. The first floor is stacked stone that I buy from B.E.S.T. The original builder of the stone molds was a dentist from New England. He made beautiful molds, but left the hobby. Fortunately, he had the wisdom to sell them to a hobby business ( B.E.S.T.) so that others can continue to use his wonderful plaster molds. 
More to follow tomorrow.

Frank aka ERIEMAN  

Good Day all. Thank you for all the kind words. Been some time. Hot here as usual. Another 100  plus degree day. I'm in the train room working on another structure. HAHA. This building three of Yakina Apples. I'm suprised I found some space. Actually I removed two smaller structures for this new building. Been a while since I posted anything so I am having to learn how to repost photos, etc... Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

We are In the early stages of discussing the dirty word " Downsizing". Don't want to cut up the layout if I dont have to. Not a pleasant thought, but the boss has mentioned downsizing more than once. There is a local club that might have enough room in their building. The real concern I have is longevity. While we are both in good health but in our mid 80's. More about that later.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Frank aka Erieman

Good Evening All,

It has been quite a long time since I have been on the forum. I guess it is an age thing. What do I mean by that? I have been spending a lot of time on an new structure. I call it Yakima Apples 3. Many of you may remember Yakima Apples I and II. I constructed a white model of the Yakima Apples 3 structure several years ago and it has been on the shelf since then. Well, I started the Yakima Apples 3 about two weeks ago. Some changes have been required to bring it to completion. Photos will follow soon. My wife asked where I was going to "plant" this new building. Good question and  I have been looking at several locations. This is a big building and requires quite a bit of layout space. That is potential problem because of the current number of structures on the layout and density of buildings on the layout. The current count is about 400 structures. Whew! I'll be taking some photos of the layout and Yakima Apples III and post them soon. 

All the best,

Frank aka ERIEMAN

     

Good Afternoon All,

Yes, it's me. Been quite some time since I was last on the forum. 

I just came in. I have been working outside reassemblying a stone fountain in our courtyard. I had to clean the water basin from decomposed leaves from the bouganvilla. Now I am back in the train room. Currently assemblying Sylvan cars. I have been installing LED headlights. In some cases I also add tailights. There are cars, buses and trucks with headlights. Probably have 50 plus vehicles with lights. The effect is wonderful, especially when you turn the room lights down. I'll need to take some pictures and add them. 

Is the layout Done? The answer is typically never. That being said, actually, it is close to completion since I'm not getting any younger.  I do not need to add anymore structures. Some need lighting or billboard/signs. And of course, my wife needs to paint more people so I can fill in several of the scenes. Drop me a hello when you get a chance.

FRANK / aka ERIEMAN
  

OOPS, I forgot to mention the kit. I am looking for parts for the concrete mixer. The company in Kansas does not make this kit. Appreciate everyones help in finding the other company.

Frank / Erieman

Good Day All,

A while back I purchased a Scale Structures Limited kit at a swap meet. I have finally gotten around to building the kit and, you guessd it, several parts ar missing from the box. To make thing even more confusing, there are two companies with similar names. The is Scale Structures in Kansas. I talked with them thismorning only to find out that there is a second company with a similar name in Kentucky. That is the good news. The bad news is no one seems to know the address, phone number of the other SS company. It is a nice kit and I would like to finish it. I need the base and a few other components. Anyone know the name, phone number and location of the other company that manufactures and sells this kit. your help is greatly appreciated.

Frank / Erieman 

Jeff,

Thank you for following my article on Elwell's Bar. You did a fine job. Lots of angular shapes to cut and glue which made it an interesting challenge. Thank you for following along. Glad you enjoyed the build.

Frank / Erieman  

Mike, 
Beautiful Work. How large are these modules? Looks like fun. I recent found an engine in the back of one of my storage drawers that I could possibly build a small module. You ask, what is the size of the engine. It is an HOe 0-6-0. And it is small at 2 1/2" long. The engine was made by Roco. I cannot tell you when I bought it or even why I bought it. Might just build something for it ( in my spare time) .

Frank / Erieman

Good Evening Mike,

Hope you had a wonderful birthday like some train time, birthday cake, etc... Some how birthdays just keep creeping up, but remember it is only a number. 

I'm in the train room installing led lighting in buildings. Some installs are easy and others are not.

All the best,

Frank aka Erieman

This is the most recent video that Toy Man Television uploaded. Dale was our guest speaker at our regional convention last year. The convention was held in Flagstaff, Arizona. Dale was not able to come down to Phoenix, but asked that i put together some more recent video of my layout. As you will see in the attachment, Dale starts and ends the video with some snipets from the former video he did of my layout.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3YpdPgWNs&t=233s&ab_channel=ToyManTelevision 

Frank / erieman 

Quote from: Vietnam Seabee on January 09, 2024, 01:59:49 PMFrank...if I remember correctly you have a website/link to your layout?
What I don't remember is what the link is....
Help me out here
Terry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3YpdPgWNs&t=233s&ab_channel=ToyManTelevision

Good morning All. This is the second day of "Frost on the pumpkin" here in Arizona. Night time lows have been just below 32 degrees downtown and a bit lower where we live. During this period we have to put frost blankets on the more sensitive plants to prevent them from dying from the frost. We put foam cups on the tops of several cactus to prevent frost damage. Yes, these cactus have spikes. Some of the trees are also prone to frost, especially if they are new citrus trees. 

I know, we are pussies out here in Arizona. Well I lived back where it snowed and was cold and i'll keep what i have here in Arizona. Yes, i know it also gets hot in the summer. Oh well, poop happens!

The good news is that i can work on th layout more because it is so cold outside. 

As many of you know or have seen my layout, i have a rather large city area at one end of the layout. Many of the buildings are quite tall, with several ranging from 6 to 12 stories. I am adding fire escapes to many of them. A bit tedious, but will look good in the final view. I'll post some pics soon.

Have a wonderful day.

Frank / Erieman 

Good afternoon All,

Each year Christmas seems to get bigger family wise. The Grandchildren continue to grow and now we are hearing that  
a great grandchild is on the way. We might have to get a bigger table for everyone to sit around. Everyone is doing well otherwise. Our weather had finally turned acceptable. No high temps, just plenty of sunshine. My wife gave me a early Christmas gift that I could buy some more train stuff!!! Actually i am in need of fire escapes, roof top water tanks, roof vents, etc. 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have over 50 structures in my cityscape area. All are plastic and many are heavily kitbashed. They are two to 15 stories high and form a wall along the northside of the layout. All if not most will also have led lighting, interior details etc.... I'll try to take some pics for my next post. Many need to be removable for access to tracks on three levels. For those not familiar with my layout, that sounds a bit crazy. I'll take some close up pics so everyone can visualize this area better. You can also see the layout diagram of my layout in the 2019 Great Model Railroads issue.

I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and may Santa bring you all lots of train stuff.

Frank / Erieman 

Good Morning or Good Afternoon, depending on your time zone. We had a great rain day over the past 24 hours. Rain is something sorely needed out here in the desert. I have been here for over 45 years and have never experienced a summer so dry as this past one. The UV rays were strong enough to effect some of the desert vegetation.
We are celebrating Christmas this evening with the family. Plently of cooking, presents to be unwrapped and some final yard work and wiring to be completed. Had to replace a manifold of water solenoids that had been leaking ever so slightly. The dry summer also effected our water usuage and water bills. Your don't want to know what they were, trust me. The price we pay for a green lawn.
We wish everyone a joyous and healthly holiday. I hope to post some pics in the coming days. Working on installing led lighting in many of my city buildings. Something like 60 structures. Five are done!

Best wishes to one and all.

Frank 

What is with the clock? It seems to be way off. Are we on  GMT?

Frank/ Erieman