Shrubbery: low-maintenance bushy plants

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1. The Rhaetian Railway’s (RhB) Bernina Express runs from the Chur area in Switzerland over the Alps to Italy, here modeled with 12 varieties of thyme and other herbaceous perennials from the Mediterranean. Top left, pink fanflowers (Scaevola sp.) hang over pink stems of golden oregano (Oreganum vulgare ‘Aureum Crispum’, Zones 5-9). Underneath, lining the […]

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House of Balsa false front building kit

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Kevin Strong 1:24 scale, false-front building kit House of Balsa 10101 Yucca Rd. Adelanto CA 92301 Price: $39.95 Website: www.houseofbalsa.com 1:24 scale, plywood and balsa building-flat kit for wood-frame storefront. Dimensions: length, 9½”; depth: 1¾; height: 9½” Pros: Good instructions; easy construction; laser-cut parts fit well together Cons: Not suitable for outdoor use; smaller parts […]

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Northwest Short Line wheelsets

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Kevin Strong Replacement wheels for USA Trains diesel locomotives Northwest Short Line PO Box 1349 Hamilton MT 59840 Price: $36.95 for 8 wheels Website: www.nwsl.com Nickel-silver replacement wheels for USA Trains diesel locomotives (#2662-6); 40″ diameter at 1:29 scale Pros: Smooth finish, easy to install Cons: None Kevin Strong Kevin Strong I’m modifying a USA […]

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Member video: Sean Moore’s G scale Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh model railroad

Sean Moore's G scale Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh model railroad

It’s a busy day on the G scale Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh railroad. You’ll see many different steam powered trains on the move! You’ll see trains on tall trestles and short ones too! You will ride in the cab and caboose, and see the railroad go by from a hobo’s vantage point while perched […]

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Member video: Sean Moore’s G scale Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh model railroad

Sean Moore's G scale Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh model railroad

It’s a busy day on the G scale Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh railroad. You’ll see many different steam powered trains on the move! You’ll see trains on tall trestles and short ones too! You will ride in the cab and caboose, and see the railroad go by from a hobo’s vantage point while perched […]

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Refurbishing a railway in the redwoods

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1. The Sierras. From Little Truckee River’s sawmill, trains pass several towns all the way to Lake Tahoe’s mines in the distance. Thirty years ago, Don and Sue Watters planted more redwoods in their already woodsy backyard to remind them of their favorite recreational area. The effect is quite dwarfing for viewers, who can picture […]

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Phoenix Sound Systems remote-controlled coupler

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Kevin Strong Remote-controlled coupler Phoenix Sound Systems, Inc. 3514 West Liberty Rd. Ann Arbor MI 48103 Price: $47 Website: www.phoenixsound.com Large scale, remotely controlled coupler; online instruction manual Pros: Simple installation and hook-up; compatible with a variety of manufacturers’ couplers Cons: Available in truck-mounted configuration only Kevin Strong With today’s advanced electronic controls (DCC, battery […]

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The Train Department gauge-1 wheelsets

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Marc Horovitz 1:20.3 scale, gauge-1 wheelsets The Train Department 26 Coral Drive Hazlet NJ 07730 Price: $9.50 per axle Website: www.thetraindepartment.com Cast metal, gauge-1 wheelsets; stainless-steel axles; raised letters on face and back of wheels; raised fins on inside of wheels; coned tread; long or short journals available (see text); wheels insulated at hub. Dimensions: […]

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