Positive Feedback

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Conductor

I’d like to thank Willoughby reader Bill (aka “Sarge”) for his nice email to me regarding my Sunset Motel build.

It was very flattering and nice to read someone’s take on my build who is about to attempt the build himself, and taking to heart my notes.  Makes me feel very good that someone out there is actually reading me.  :)

That being said, it does paign me that I have yet to complete the finishished build.  I got about 85% done, then I had a series of personal issues that hit me in a row and knocked the wind out of my sails for a few months.  I’d like to thank those that offered up their prayers and support for me, and my family, and I’d like to report that even though I may not understand His will, I know that God will see me through everything in the end, and I am reminded daily of His mercies and His love for us all.

Anyway, “Sarge” had some exciting news regarding his own Sunset Motel purchase.  Looks like BlairLine may have made some recent changes to their parts: Sarge says that the roof pieces are now one piece, that the top cap looks much better, and the holes look to line up much better.  I hope so.  It’s such a cool little model, and it was somewhat disapointing to see how poorly the original roof was designed or produced.

As I replied to Bill, even though this weekend is shot, he’s kinda reminded me to get on the ball and finish this puppy.  So hopefully next week I can devote some extra time to it and finish where I left off.  I basically need to put the roof vents in, some touch up paint, and then weather it.

Thanks again Bill “Sarge”.  And I encourage anyone else who reads my blog to drop me a line at: jay@willoughbyjunction.com

Categories: Construction, Sunset Motel, Tips | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Railroad Days, 2012 (Part I)

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Conductor

BNSF Loco on display

So I took a few hours this past Saturday, May 5th, to travel to old tonw Fullerton, CA for their annual free Railroad Days event.

I decided to break this up into two posts, both sharing some of the pictures and experiences I had, plus a review of sorts from my perspective.

First things, first: Parking.  While the event starts at 9am on Saturday, your really need to plan ahead to get a decent parking spot.  The small lot fills up rather quickly, and even though there is a parking structure nearby it does not adequately have enough spaces for all those attending over the course of the day.  In my case, I arrived at 9:40am, and was forced to park about 3 blocks away in a 2 hour metered zone.  In other words, unless you want to leave the event every 2 hours or so to changes spaces, it may be better to take the train there or plan to get there super early.

PT Cruiser Cop Car

The event itself is free and takes place in a roped off section of the Metrolink parking lot, but there are donation boxes at the entrance just in case you feel like dropping off a few bucks for their troubles.  I’d also suggest bringing sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses, and light/loose fitting clothes.  There isn’t much shade in the open areas outside of the exhibit tents, and lines for boarding the BNSF locomotive are long and in the sun.  Upon the main entrance there was a PT Cruiser (pictured) that was decked out to look like an old cop car from the ’30′s or so.

Outside the event itself, sandwiched between the parking structure and the exhibit tents is an areas set aside for some various food vendors.  You’ll find the requisite kettle corn, hot dog, ice cream/drink vendors there, and this year a BBQ vendor whose grill itself is shaped like a large steam engine from yesteryear.  I actually remember this same outfit at the Huck Finn Jubilee near Apple Valley, CA from last year.

There’s a few various vendor events selling a lot of train related memorablia and souvenirs (like pins, trains whistles, DVDs, model trains and structures), but unfortunately many of the tents also had junk that had nothing to do with trains, such as stuffed battery operated animals, face-painting, Lego kits, Star Wars action figures, candles, and some other stuff that left me scratching my head.  I did recognize a few vendors from my recent jaunt to The Great Train Expo back in January this year, so I imagine quite a few were locals.  There was one in particualr that was selling some nice train tee’s and hats, but as luck would have it, the one hat I wanted, a nice quality thick fabric Santa Fe Super Chief cap, the stitching was damaged and it was the only one available…so I passed.

If the tents weren’t selling anything, then they were various clubs showing off their modules in various scales.  The one gallery I’ll present here today was that of a Lego city.  Not exactly sure the sclae of Lego Train systems, but they are slightly larger than HO.  Anyway, the whole display was walk around with at least three trains circling it and was highlighted with some unique buildings and architecture. Among them was a Lego roundhouse, a suspension bridge, and a really cool glass skyscraper (my pictures don’t do it justice) where many of the interior floors were decorated as well, teaming with office scenes.

Part II next…

Categories: Expos & Festivals, Reviews | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Memories: Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Train Station

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Conductor

Tomorrowland Station - 1959

Yes, today’s entry is kind of a cheat, I’ll admit it.  The last few weeks of my personal life have been quite crazy and unpredictable and I was hoping to get back on ‘track’ (no pun intended) on my structure building, tips & tricks, and building of Willoughby Junction. 

Alas, I just haven’t gotten around to it and it’s killing me.

That being said, one of my favorite Internet sites I like to visit on occasion, Yesterland, has interesting and fun articles on Disneyland attractions throughout the years, mostly ones that may have disappeared from the park, but not our memories.

It just so happens that their article today will take you back in time to the year 1958, and the creation of the Tomorrowland Train Station.  It was originally sponsored by Santa Fe back when it opened in 1958 and cost a whopping $.50 or an ‘E’ ticket back then. 

You’ll come across some early pictures here and a brief history.  The article could have gone in more depth in my opinion, but it’s still a quick read and I encourage you to take a look anyway.  The station, as pointed out, hasn’t changed much in appearance over the last 50+ years other than a new paint schema and some signage.

As a resident of Southern California my whole life, I used to go to Disneyland at least twice a year when I was younger.  Not so much anymore…ticket prices have shot up, my relatives are a bit older now and don’t get out as much, and traffic is a bear.  I think the last time I actually went was almost 2 years ago for my mom’s birthday, and it was just the two of us.  But every time I go, I make sure I ride the train, at least once around the park, maybe more if I just need to sit down and relax for a bit.

How can anyone pass up the Dinosaur and Grand canyon diorama which is a Disney RR staple since ’58.  Sure, the animatronics may be a bit dated by today’s standards, but it’s still beautiful to look at and brings back so many memories for me.  Just hearing the soundtrack as you enter the lengthy building tickles a special part of my brain that makes me smile.  And of course, seeing the Rivers of America close up on the west end of the park shortly after the western look and feel of New Orleans station, and It’s A Small World.

Categories: Links, Memories, Real Trains | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Railroad Days, Fullerton station, May 5-6 2012

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Conductor
SCRPA Logo

This upcoming May 5 & 6, 2012 the Southern California Railway Plaza Association will be holding its 12th annual railroad days at the historic Santa Fe Fullerton station.

 
It will be help from 9am to 5pm both days at 120 E. Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 and admission is free to the public.  Can’t beat that price on a beautiful and warm Southern Californian day with the family.
 
There will be numerous exhibits including over 8,000 square feet of layouts made up from 13 various modular clubs randing from Z to G scales.
 
Additionally, a scenic garden railroad display will be present along with Disneyland Railroad’s Presidential Coach “Lilly Belle” (named after Walt’s wife, Lillian).
 
Attendee’s can also tour a modern BNSF freight locomotive, as well as vintage passenger cars and cabooses.
 
At current count there are over 40 displays and booths listed, including vintage photographs and detailed models of historic train depots.
 
For more info call (714) 278-0648.
 
I know I’ll be going, and hopefully talk a few friends into going with me as well, and right next door is the Old Spaghetti Factory, a popular Italian restaraunt that shares the lot next to the station.  Parking is a little “iffy” in the area, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.  Fullerton can get a tad warm this time of year.
Categories: Expos & Festivals, Real Trains, Steam | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Memories and brief history of the Santa Fe EMD-7A

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Conductor

Kato N-scale EMD-7A

This past weekend I had initially planned on working on, (or even finishing) one of my currently in-process N-scale structures, but numerous household chores and inclimate weather outside stole my weekend away.  As a matter of fact, I have 3 Model Railroader magazines, which I normally devour in days, left untouched and unread.

So instead of waiting for another week to go by, I thought I’d give a cliff notes history version of engine that inspired me to start model railroading, the EMD-7A.

I have always loved the southwest since I was a little boy.  Not the southwest of my native southern California, but actually the mysterious and romantic four corners area of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.  As a boy my family visitedSanta Fe,New Mexicoon a few different occasions for vacations and I’ve always had a love affair with the name and the warm red and yellow sunset colors of the desert like.

So naturally, I had an affinity for the oldSanta Ferailroad and its color red and yellow color schema and the signature cross within circle logo.  Growing up inSan Juan Capistrano,CAseeing thoseSanta Feconsists rolling through town on a regular basis throughout the 70’s and 80’s just reinforced my fascination with trains andSanta Fein general.

When it was time to look into buying my very first train set about two years ago, and having narrowed it down to N-scale, Kato was an obvious choice.  It just so happens they had the four car EMD F7-A Super Chief starter set, and what a beautiful train it was.

The streamlined Super Chief was the first diesel-powered, all-Pullman sleeping car train inAmerica.  The F7-A & B units were produced between February 1949 and December 1953 by EMD and GMD.  They replaced near look-alike F3 units (and were succeeded by the F9 units later) while providing improved motive power at 1500 HP and usually took 2 A and 2 B units to pull the train.

Originally promoted as a freight hauling unit by EMD, it became more widely known in its passenger hauling service under the Super Chief and El Capitan monikers bySanta Fe.

A total of 2,366 cab-equipped A units were built, and was by far the best selling cab unit of all time.

Phase I (early)

Built from February 1949. Upper grille with horizontal openings. Four horizontal louvered openings on center body panel. 36-inch dynamic brake fan, if dynamic brakes fitted. Flush windshield gasket changed to raised in July 1949. Square cab door corners with kick plates on the steps beneath. Wing window short with square corners. Single drip strip over cab windows and door. Square end door window. Round sand filler cover. Rear overhang.

Phase I (late)

Built from March 1950. Upper grille started out horizontal, as in early Phase I; from March 1951, some locomotives were built with vertical-slotted “Farr-Air” grilles, and by October 1951, all had them. Cab doors became round-cornered, and the kick plates were deleted. The wing windows became larger, with round corners. Two drip strips; one over cab windows, second over door. The end door window became round after November 1950.

Phase II

Built from February 1952. All upper grilles vertical “Farr-Air” type. Center car body louvres became vertical-slotted. Sand filler now with a horizontal, rectangular pull handle. From June 1952, 48-inch dynamic brake fans began to be introduced; from October 1952, all dynamic-brake equipped locomotives had them. At that latter date, locomotives no longer had a rear overhang.

Categories: Memories, Real Trains | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Willoughby Junction Update

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Conductor

Disney Railway, courtesy of Miceage.com

I realize it’s been a few weeks since I made an attempt to post anything here, which pains me, as I truly enjoy model trains, structure building, sharing history, and all around railfaning.

Some of you who stop by on occassion may be wondering why I haven’t posted anything as of late, or made many updates on Twitter.

I’ve wrestled with the thought on how much to divulge to you guys, as your here for all things railroading, and not so much for personal information about someone you’ve never met.  However, at the same time, by sharing some information with you may actually help me heal and let go some of this anxiety and troubles that have been plaguing me.

There’s been a few health related issues in my family.  My grandmother is not doing so well and has already defied the odds the doctors have given her.  At the same time, my uncle was also rushed to the hospital from complications stemming from an infection. pnuemonia, and diabetes but he’s improving.  My nephews biological father just passed from terminal cancer and that side of the family has been dealing with that loss.

And finally, the toughest issue for me, is that my family recently attempted a failed intervention in regards to alcohol abuse with my spouse.  Subsequently speaking, my wife, who I still love and care for has relocated to another state to “find herself” and “figure out her issues on her own”.  While this deeply saddens me, our daughter, and family I can only place my faith in God that my wife finds her way home and is able to overcome “issues” that seem to be impeding her happiness.

That’s all I will say for now on these matters, and I will hopefully resume very shortly bringing back some great content, tips, and pictures to Willoughby Junction.

Categories: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Freedom Train T-Shirt

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Conductor

Sorry everyone for the lack of posts lately.  I’ve had to face numerous family disasters the past few weeks and am relying on God to hold us altogether and get everyone through our various trials and tribulations.

That being said, I did want to make a stop in and post at least something on this Leap Year day.

Freedom Train Cotton Tee

This is a T-shirt I purchased at the Great Train Expo.  They had a couple of different booths selling railfan apparel of different varieties and quality.  Out of the 4 or 5 Freedom Train shirts I saw, I thought this was the best looking because of the American flag in the background and overall prominence of the train.  Others have too busy a background, or the engine was much smaller, etc.

 
I also looked for some Santa Fe clothing such as caps and hats, maybe a nice polo shirt, but they were either too expensive for such small embroidery or I didn’t like the color schemes.  Not to mention I already spent closer to $100 earlier in the day on Kato track for my layout.
Categories: Expos & Festivals, Steam | Tags: , , | Leave a comment