60' Micro Trains Centerbeam Lumber Load Expansion

After a hot summer and many non-train related activities taking up most of my time, I have begun to slowly get back into allocating some energy into N scale.  Recently I partnered with Wig Wag to offer my lumber loads on their website and in their store.  That has motivated me to expand my product line in the 60' version for the Micro Trains centerbeam flatcar.  While I only have photos of about a dozen different lumber load versions in the 60' length so far, I am now producing every brand of lumber and gypsum load currently available in the 73' version.

I have done my research, and can't find another N scale version of a modern wrapped lumber load suitable for these Micro Trains centerbeam flatcars.  Obviously the 73' cars are more common in our modern era, however, there is no shortage of Micro Trains 60' centerbeams out there, so a lumber load is much needed.

Look for more photos from me of these new 60' lumber load versions.  In the meantime, here are the newest additions:  Interfor Pacific, Millstead, Roseburg, Sea Sno, Simpson, Swanson Group, and Tembec.

Lumber Loads Now Available @ Wig-Wag-Trains!

Has it really been over a month since my last blog post?  I guess the hot and dry weather has made any form of N scale activity undesirable.  We are seeing some lower 80's recently, and we actually got some of that wet stuff that falls from the sky a few days ago after a long 2 month shut out.  You should see more posting activity from me soon hopefully.

If you haven't seen the announcement yet, my lumber & gypsum loads are now listed at Wig-Wag-Trains.com.  They are listed under the brand "Leader Loads".  So the next time you place an order with them, throw in some lumber or gypsum loads in either the 73' or 60' version.  Of course you can always buy them direct from me, and I try to keep some inventory on Ebay at all times too.

I haven't expanded my 73' load offering in a while, however, I am now making every version in the 60' length for Micro Trains centerbeam flatcars.  I don't know of any other source for a drop in modern lumber load for the MT cars.

150th Lumber Load Sold

I just packaged up lumber load #150 tonight, for tomorrow's mail.  It's funny to think that I never intended this little project to be more than a way to fill my own empty Red Caboose centerbeam cars.  This is a prime example of how an addiction can turn lethal, and make you do things that you wouldn't ordinarily do.

For those that have invested in my product, I greatly appreciate it.  I have received some great feedback so far, and a few repeat buyers which tells me that I am doing something right.

I just recently created 6 new load versions for the shorter 60' Micro Trains centerbeam, and have already sold a few.  I don't know of any other source for a modern lumber load for these specific cars.

If you are interested, please check out my dedicated lumber load page here on my blog, or check out my current listings on Ebay.

Get them while you can.  Who knows how long I will keep making these before I lose interest and move on to something else.  Or worse yet, a new layout project consumes all of my hobby time.

60' Lumber Loads List Keeps Growing

As the summer heat approaches, my time in my garage is going to get uncomfortable, so I am looking for activities I can do inside on the most brutal days.  I intend to continue to expand my lumber load selection, and have 4 new 60' versions for Micro Trains centerbeam flatcars.

I am getting some great feedback from folks that have acquired some for their own fleet of Micro Trains or Red Caboose centerbeams, and really appreciate the interest in my product.  This is a great way to have fun with the hobby while helping me fund my addiction.  My production is small and I'm not looking to move oversees anytime soon, but I have a decent offering for those interested in purchasing some.  Visit my dedicated lumber load page: http://www.nscaleaddiction.blogspot.com/p/n-scale-lumber-loads.html

Micro Trains 60' Lumber Load Version - Canfor

Micro Trains 60' Lumber Load Version - Dunkley

Micro Trains 60' Lumber Load Version - Interfor

Micro Trains 60' Lumber Load Version - West Fraser

IPO - 60' Lumber Loads for MicroTrains Centerbeam!

Unless you live under a rock, you probably saw the Facebook IPO (initial public offering) front and center in the news recently, and especially today when it began trading in the secondary market.  Well, I decided to IPO my new 60' lumber load version that is suitable for the shorter MicroTrains centerbeam flatcar.  Similar to my Red Caboose version, the MT version features an accurate printed wrapper over an oak block.  I plan to put some of these on Ebay very soon, or you can contact me here if interested in acquiring some for your own centerbeam fleet.

How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck?

I know the title is cheesy, but I'm running out of material.  I am toying with the idea of creating a lumber yard or re-load facility perhaps on a small diorama.  I have created some variations of my lumber loads in various sizes to replicate a 4 tier stack of scale 8', 12', 16', and 20' dimensional lumber.  Here are a few photos of some samples taken tonight on the kitchen counter.  There's really no limit to what size and configuration I can make with these.

My Lumber Load Inventory is Growing

So I wonder if all of this lumber production qualifies me to be considered for an episode of "Ax Men".  I'm joking of course, but my lumber load versions are growing as well as my completed inventory.  I have updated my Lumber and Gypsum Load Page to reflect the new additions.

Here is a photo of about 75 completed loads in various brand versions.

My latest versions are Idaho Timber, Adams Lake, Clearwater Paper, and Conifex.

Lumber Loads - Adding to the Count

A few additions to my N scale lumber load line up:  Bennett Forest Industries, LP Corp, Tolleson Lumber Company, and a 3 Tier/8' stack version of Sun Mountain Lumber.  I am definitely past the point of no return.

Anyone Getting Tired of Lumber Loads Yet?

So I'm still at it, making more lumber loads.  It has been a nice indoor activity while I wait for warmer weather so I can get out to the garage.  I have enough of these now that I am going to build out a dedicated page here on my blog just for my lumber and gypsum loads.  Eventually, when I get some time, I am going to attempt some weathering on my centerbeam cars so they are more suitable for my layout.  I'm still having a lot of fun making these and looking for more prototype examples to replicate.  I'm listing several of these on ebay periodically now, so if you want some for your own centerbeam cars, please check them out.  I do have plans to make a load for the shorter MicroTrains 60' 8" centerbeam version soon.  

I have 3 new versions to share: Abitibi Consolidated, Douglas County, and Tolko.  I added a very subtle variation to one of the Tolko loads by moving one of the tie down cables. 

More Gypsum & Lumber Loads....

I never thought making lumber loads could be so addictive, but lately I've been hitting the white powder pretty hard... gypsum that is.  I have 3 new versions of gypsum board loads and 2 more lumber loads.

Joining the gypsum line-up are: Pabco, Temple Inland, and Tough Rock by Georgia Pacific

Joining the ever growing lumber line-up are: Babine, and Abitibi Bowater

My goal is to have a steady flow of these on Ebay as I have time to produce them.  I'm only a one man show, and I like to run trains and do other N scale stuff once in awhile.  As always, thanks for looking.

Got Gypsum? A Slight Deviation from Lumber Loads

Lumber isn't the only load that is suitable for my N scale Red Caboose centerbeam flatcars.  I recently made a couple of gypsum loads for Lafarge and American Gypsum.  The stacks are short due to tonnage limits and gypsum being heavier than lumber.  Although I have more than enough different brands of lumber to haul over Marias Pass, I think the gypsum loads add yet another unique variation to my centerbeam load collection.