Toronto Xmas Train Show Follow Up

another one in the can….

The Toronto Xmas Train Show this past weekend went very well. The attandance seemed a bit light, I have no idea how many actually showed up, but it didn’t seem very crowded. The $12.00 to get in might have something to do with that.

As far as Fast Tracks sales, it was very good, sales were brisk and better than expected. The feedback from the layout was also great, always good for motivation!

There were lots of great layouts there and I managed to get around and get some shots, in the gallery below.

The layout survived the trip without any issues. Every time I set it up I find a few things that could be improved. Once I get the trackwork installed perminantly I will have to make boxes to safely transport the sections of the layout. It is starting to show some wear, a protective box will help keep it in good shape. the down side is this will add weight to the pieces and make it more difficult to move.

-T.

About the Author:

I'm your host, Tim Warris, a product developer in Port Dover, Ontario. Since March of 2007 I have been documenting the construction of the former CNJ Bronx Terminal in HO scale. For my day job, I design track building tools for Fast Tracks, a small company I own and operate. Fast Tracks makes it fast and easy to hand lay your own trackwork. Stop by our website to learn more!

Posted by: Tim | 11-24-2008 | 09:11 PM
Posted in: Latest Posts | Next Show | Comments (2)

Trackwork Test

Giving it a workout…

While preparing the layout for the trainshow this weekend, I finally got around to fitting all the sections into a single unit. Until now all the sections kind of laid on top of each other, none of them joined properly. I took some time and fitted them all together around the freight house. This allows me to actually push a string of cars through some of the more complex sections. Shown here are 5 boxcars going through the multiple curved three way turnouts into the quad diamond. Also shown is the cars rolling through the lapped turnout on their way to where the carfloat will be.

Pretend my hand is a locomotive….

All these cars have steel wheels installed, which improves operation significantly.

On to Next Section

-T.

Posted by: Tim | 11-21-2008 | 10:11 PM
Posted in: Latest Posts | Comments (1)

Introducing Warris KitWorks

Elevated Crossing Tower

For the last couple months we have been developing an HO scale laser cut kit to add to our Fast Tracks line.

I designed this structure a couple years ago when we first got our laser cutter. I had always intended on making it into a limited run kit, and now it has finally ready!

This is our first release, an Elevated Crossing Tower based on a CN prototype. While it is a prototype model, it would be at home on any layout.

There are a lot of great features to this kit, such as:

Laser cut micro plywood construction – very solid finished model
Removable roof – reveal the interior
Detailed interior – complete with wainscoted walls, desk and cast pot belly stove
Laser scribed styrene window glazing – simply bend and break for very precise glazing
Multi-layer construction – painting in contrasting colours is a snap
Laser cut and etched sandpaper shingle roof – simple pieces to complete roof
Very detailed exploded view instructions – included on a CD
Stair Jig – for easy staircase construction