• DCC,  Rolling Stock

    ESU LokSound 5 installation

    ESU LokSound 5 with built-in keep-alive installation on an Athearn Genesis GP9 Step-by-step installation of an ESU LokSound 5 DCC decoder with built-in keep-alive on the BC&W GP9 #171. I started by removing the clips that held…

  • Planning

    Testing the track plan

    Testing the track plan with a 1:1 scale drawing Before committing to layout construction, testing the track plan is an important step. So, I printed the plan in full 1:1 scale and laid it on the floor…

  • Repainting a GP9: yellow handrails at both ends
    Painting and Weathering,  Rolling Stock

    Repainting a GP9

    Repainting an Athearn Genesis GP9 in Great Northern Blue Sky into BC&W paint scheme It’s 1980, and the Buffalo Creek & Western railroad has just purchased from Burlington Northern its first locomotive, a GP9 that needs a…