Mark, glad to hear that you’re healing nicely, and hope you’ll start PT soon. The burger hut kit looks great. I like your technique for the brick, I might experiment with that myself.
Andy
You are becoming quite the craftsman Mark! Can't wait until you are all better and we get to see how you scenic your layout, I bet it will be gorgeous!
Mark, I am in awe of all you are achieving despite your “issues” and surgeries. You, sir, are an inspiration! Keep it up.
All the best,
Rubin
Thank you, John, Bill, Mallard, Andy, Darrell, Rubin!
John, Thank you. Doc was well pleased with my report and looking at the new x-rays and incision. On to 4 weeks of PT and back for another doctor visit. Everyone's prayers, comments, and thoughts have been greatly appreciated.
Mallard, No I have never had anything published in OGR magazine. I have had thoughts of submitting photographs, but I always thought sceniced photographs catch the eye better. Innovations when working with used materials, basic hand tools, and less than perfect physical capabilities; maybe there is room for that type of article. There are a lot of us out there who are worse off than me, but others who are in a similar boat and don't try. I doubt I would have tried if I had waited to start building a couple years after I did start the layout.
Andy, Bill, I was actually quite surprised at how well the brick turned out on one try. I won't see that happen again! 
Rubin, I think that is the biggest reason for taking the time to document, to help inspire others. I was inspired by authors in hobby magazines in the '60s and '70s with no way to help others. I guess, the desire to help is finally seeing some fruit. Besides, the feedback helps me. My layout wouldn't be what it is without all of you!!!
Mark, your Blackwater Canyon Line is really inspiring ! Thought you would like a recent pic of the Blackwater Falls - what a beautiful area you have chosen to model !
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Rich, thank you so much for the photograph of Blackwater Falls! We’ve been there many times, but it’s been too many years now.
Yes, I have been chomping at the bit to get to building scenery, but I wanted to get the roadbed finished in a way that I will like for a long time. I do have room between my two inclined for the Black Fork, and plan to hide some of the rear incline behind a ridge with no top so I can reach over for derailments.
Good Morning Mark, I am sorry I have been away for so long but this new job is kicking my rear!
I think you did an outstanding job on the Burger Hut building! and I also think the eat sign really adds to the look and era of the building!
I am glad your doing well with your surgery and that the problems have been taken care of! I wish mine would go away! LOL
Just a little advice for those who are retired, if you don't have to work stay retired! Just spend more time in the train room! When the summer is over I am done! LOL
Mike, Thank you! I’m getting along well considering it’s been less than 3 weeks since surgery. I’ve been in the train room puttsying around a bit.
That's great to hear! Can't wait to see what you do next on the layout after your full and complete recovery!
Mark, glad to hear that your recovery is going well. You’ll be back to it in no time.
Andy
Thank you, Darrell and Andy!
I have been able to get in the layout room, after deciding to not start another building kit. I am allowed to lift 20 pounds, and am gaining a little strength and movement. I decided to do some work on the base for the Idaho Hotel area I mocked up before my surgery. I decided to take the suggestion to make the scenery section hinged that I can partly swing up to get at tracks underneath. Coming up with a base to attach the hinges and yet be able to fit in scenery made for one variance in the mock up. I am lowering the lift up 1-1/2" to make things line up. I will post photographs later, since it is 1:00 am and I didn't take any photographs earlier. I decided to type this while I am awake and take some photographs tomorrow. I'm really not pushing myself at all with this lightweight work. There isn't anything outside that I can do at this point, so I thought I would work on this instead. What a shame!
Get better first Mark. Construction can wait.
Geez Mark 1:00am, I guess you couldn’t sleep? Glad to hear you’re slowly moving about, just try to take it slow. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
Gene
Just take it easy Mark! I just missed 2 days of work due to a lower back spasm, I know it's not fun doing next to nothing but the important thing is to heal so you can keep doing want you like to do!
Thank you, Dave, Gene, Darrell for the good advice!! It’s just been bugging me how I was going to get the hinged flip up scenic section attached not too close to the upper level track, but leaving a wide enough area for the hotel. I know, thinking like that can get you in big trouble!!
Here is the photograph of how it will work this fall when I can do it.
The white board between the roadbed and the lift up will be screwed down, then the hinges will he attached to it and the lift up. I can scenic the stationary part with the thin rock cut and there will be enough clearance.
I think I will work on putting the LED lighting kits and new window glazing strips in my passenger cars that will be pulled by the K-Line Hudson that is at Harmon Shops where Pat is reworking it. That should be a nice job to do until I can get back at the layout.
PT went well today. I have felt stiff more than anything. Maybe that’s where you can get in trouble doing things you think you are ready for. 🤕
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Mark, I love your attitude and positivity. This hobby has many benefits, but most of them require participation.
A note on scenery is that I am always looking for some form of perfection that always seems to elude me. It has prevented me from trying different methods at times because I felt intimidated. Static grass and an air brush are two examples. But, I have found most scenery to be easier than I thought it would be, very forgiving, and easy to redo if necessary.
Love your sharing your journey with us.
Art
Oh you poor baby! Forced to work on you model RR due to recuperation. You're not going to get much sympathy from us. Just take it easy and don't take any chances.
Thank you, Art and Myles!
Myles, 😆😆😆😆 I know, it is really a tough row to hoe! Where the surgery was done doesn’t hurt, but the back muscles are tight as our younger daughter’s harp strings. The therapist worked on that with me at my morning visit.
Art, maybe it is from being beaten down so many times in the work world or from having to wait so many years for room to build another layout that has kept me going. I haven’t actually built layout scenery since my mid-30s. There are so many more products and techniques to use common items as well now. I’m looking forward to it.
Hi Mark, I am with the rest of the guys and just take it easy. I am just like you that if I feel a little better it is time to go when it really isn't!
I think the idea of working on the passenger cars is a great idea and not too heavy to work on! The hardest part is knowing things are just waiting for you to get back to things! LOL
To me scenery is painting the table-top green and sprinkling some bagged "grass" while the paint is still wet! Then painting the track brown and fishtank gravel or non-clumping cat litter ballast poured on after the track paint has dried.
EDIT: That curve is about a 10½" radius; a coupled two-car train of WB&A 52' interurbans will go around it.
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