Marias Pass Locomotive Collection is For Sale

Since I no longer own the Marias Pass layout, I decided to thin some of my BNSF loco collection, plus a few other odds and ends.  I simply have too many items in my collection, and they don't get used.  Please take a look at my "For Sale" page and shoot me an email if you see anything of interest.

thanks for looking, Nscale Addict

The Marias Pass is FOR SALE

Hey folks,

So, most of you that follow my blog know that I was seeking a new owner for my Marias Pass model railroad several months ago.  Unfortunately, due to circumstances, the buyer that made claim to the layout is now unable to take ownership, so I am once again offering my Marias Pass for sale.  I have posted a lot of photos and details about the layout over the past couple of years, and N Scale Railroading has just printed the 10th article of my 11 article series.  With that much exposure, I feel like the layout pretty much speaks for itself in terms of how it was built, the level of detail it provides, and the amount of effort I put into the project in an attempt to replicate a fascinating place in the NW corner of Montana.

I had a great time building this layout, taking photos of the finished project, and was able to take it to two large annual local train shows.  I am ready to move on to a new project, and am looking forward to finding a new owner that can appreciate it as much I do.

Please contact me with any questions you may have, and indications of interest.  I would also appreciate help in spreading the word about the layout to interested N scale enthusiasts.

N Scale Addict

My Shapeways 3D Model Store is Now Open!

I have been using a company called Shapeways to print my N scale models, and they not only offer printing services for individual designers, but in addition the general public can browse and purchase any items from their website (from various designers), make payment, and have the item printed on demand and shipped directly to them.  Over the past several weeks I have been uploading test files, and have received multiple printed models.  My 43' grain trailer was the first of a few designs that I have completed so far, and I am confident with the results to offer them to other interested N scale enthusiasts at this time.

A couple key points about 3D printing, is that it is somewhat expensive, and cost prohibitive in larger scales at the current time.  As with all technology, this will likely change over time.  In addition, the largest criticism that I have heard about 3D printing within the N scale community is the presence of surface texture, and lines from the "layering" of the model as the printer builds it up.  I personally have seen some very slight variation in models due to the orientation as they were printed, meaning that one model may have been printed right side up, while another was printed standing on its end.  This will cause variance between models due to the supporting material during printing.

In the end, there is a lot of great information on the internet regarding 3D printing.  I am far from being an expert, and am simply taking advantage of a great technology that allows me to design and create N scale models from my home PC.  I encourage you to find more about it if you haven't already.

My 43' grain trailer is now available for purchase through my Shapeways store.  I am making it available as a single unit, or a pair, for a slightly better price than buying two separately.  Look for more models being offered soon, and as I finish new designs.

Simply click on the following link and it will take you directly to my store:  http://www.shapeways.com/shops/NScaleAddict

I look forward to seeing your own completed grain trailers and other models in the future.  As always, please email me with any questions or feedback you may have.

Seeking a New Owner for the BNSF Marias Pass

The time has come for me to seek a new owner for the N scale BNSF Marias Pass model railroad.  Like my previous layouts, I am interested in starting a new project, and as a result I need to find a suitable home for this completed project.  I have many photos and videos of the Marias Pass here on my blog and on YouTube, and will be posting more in the future.  And of course my project article series in N Scale Railroading magazine began in late 2011, which illustrates the evolution of the model railroad from a pile of lumber into a portable N scale empire.

While a picture can say a thousand words, it's also necessary to describe some of the specs of the layout in order to get a full understanding and appreciation for what is being offered here.  This is a chance to own a complete, ready to run, museum quality model railroad.  If you are interested in acquiring the N Scale BNSF Marias Pass, please email me at nscaleaddict@gmail.com.  Serious inquiries only please.  This layout is located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Here are a few of the import features:

The bench work is built from quality birch plywood which results in a very sturdy platform for trains and scenery.  The frame is wrapped in a seamless fascia, providing a very professional appearance.  This layout was built with portability in mind and features folding legs, and a self-contained DCC system, wiring, 110 volt outlets, and extension cord.  This is literally a plug and play model railroad.

The overall dimensions are: length = 10', width = 40" tunnel end, 44" double track end, height = 24" bottom of frame to top of backdrop, 52" track level

The track plan is a single loop with a long passing siding and small yard.  Please refer to the Nov/Dec 2011 issue of N Scale Railroading for a track plan.  Track is Atlas and Micro Engineering code 55.

The operating system is an MRC Prodigy 2 wireless digital command control.  A Digitrax DS44 stationary decoder operates 4 Tortoise slow-motion switch machines.

This layout design is simple yet very effective in capturing the Rocky Mountain landscape near Glacier National Park.  There are over 1400 trees on this layout, many of which were hand trimmed, flocked, and painted to vary color and improve appearance.  Every aspect of this model railroad from the design to construction of the bench work to final details is all original and hand crafted.

Canon Rebel XS 10.1 MP DSLR Camera For Sale

SOLD - I have been thinking about upgrading the family video camera for awhile now, and after posting some videos of my N scale projects here and on YouTube, decided it was time.  I have really enjoyed my experience with model railroad photography over the past few years, and want to begin making quality videos and my current video cam just isn't cutting it.  Instead of looking at a new dedicated video cam, I am looking to instead upgrade my DSLR to a model that has video capabilities.  That being said, I am looking to sell my Canon Rebel XS and thought I would seek indications of interest here on my blog first.  This camera has taken almost every photo on this blog as well as the material in my printed articles.  Oh, and we've taken some photos of the family too.

This camera was purchased in late April of 2009, and is just 2 1/2 years old, and was an upgrade to our Canon Power Shot point-n-shoot camera.  I made a hard sell to my wife at the time that it would be a great "family" camera, but we both knew the truth.  The camera comes with everything included in the original kit including the stock 18-55mm lens, battery charger, and software.  I added a Sunpak UV filter. 

For anyone wanting to get into model railroad photography, and also want a quality DSLR for general photos, this is a great camera.  Please check out the reviews online, check out what these are going for on auction sites, and make me an offer.

The camera is in great physical and mechanical condition. 

Updating my "for sale" page

I will be updating my "for sale" page over the next few weeks with items from my personal collection, as well as some custom weathered items.  Check it out and please email me if anything sparks your interest: nscaleaddict@gmail.com