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Welcome!

This website ( NOT A BLOG! ) showcases my HO scale layout based on the merger of the Boston & Maine and Maine Central into Conrail in the 1980's. The website follows the construction of the layout, as well as how to articles. Also included on the the site are my excursions and restoration of my Woodings CBI and Farimont A5-C motorcars.

Feel free to browse around, and please feel free to contact me with suggestions and comments!

Thanks,
Ian

Modeling Small Town New Hampshire

Written by Ian MacMillan
Wednesday, 03 September 2008
Whittier is starting to come along well. Saying small town in New Hampshire is assuming that there is something larger. Hardly. With a population of about 1.4 million, New Hampshire ranks 42nd in size in the nation, and leaves you to wonder were these people live. Drive north of the southern Counties that have been slowly becoming suburbs of Massachusetts, and you will find picturesque towns that are commonly found in New England media. The average New Hampshire "small" town, has about 3000-4000 residents, while several others still struggle to get above the 1000 mark. A walk down Main Street in most of these communities will bring you back in time to when the town was a generally busy place, and when the railroad still served it. I love small town New Hampshire. Each town has a lot of character, and is a living history. Times are slower here, gas stations and mini marts are few and far between, and everyone seems to know everyone else.
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CRHS Introduces CP Signs for the Conrail Fan

Written by Ian MacMillan
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
The Conrail Historical Society has come out with some great products for the die hard Conrail fan. Last winter we were graced with the introduction of the "Division Signs" where you could get reproduction division signs, or create your own for shop names, ect. These are printed on .040 aluminum or .060 styrene. However, Kris and crew at CRHS have out done themselves this time and brought us the "Control Point" signs. Once a staple on the CR lines, NS and CSX have replaced them when they can, and they fade into memory. There are still a few surviving here in New England...but if you want them...illegal activities are required...and not suggested. While the price may scare some, consider the price of an original one that you would find at say eBay or a swap meet. I have seen some B&M and MEC station/control point signs go for $1200! So its not a bad deal at all. I plan on picking maybe one or two up for the layout room or the speeder shed, and the money goes towards a good cause. Horizontal and vertical options are available, so check out the site to order yours. ORDER YOUR CP SIGNS