Scenery Beginning to Develop on Jim's Layout

The first noticeable difference when we entered Jim's train room were the new developments in the scenery department. Jim has been testing his hands with a few molds he had been given by some of the boys. The effects of two particular castings were present on the rock face behind Chemainus Yard. One mold created natural looking rocks while the other presented stone laid in a specific pattern. The fruits of his labour create a vertical backdrop which some of these images will show.

Jim has yet to decide which "look" he prefers. He may even combine the two. We'll have to look to the future to see how this rockface develops.

These two close-ups show the mainline in Chemainus. To the lright, the main curves and enters a tunnel on the layout before passing in behind the mountain...the same elevation the logging track will climb.


Now, here's a hoot of picture if you ever saw one! Jim, what did you put in those cookies as Bob certainly has a look that I've never seen on his face!

I know that he was working the logdump down in Chemainus...but I've never known it to be "that exciting" of a job!

Now I know why Chris snapped this shot with my camera. It's because this is the first tree Jim has "planted" on the layout.

The track below is the elevated line beginning its climb up to the mine and the logging camp which you can make out way off in the distance behind the two lads.

I'm running Train Extra 8008 from Nanaimo to Esquimalt and I've got traffic to exchange with the crew in Ladysmith. Thats's John and I cavorting for the camera.

John was quite busy working the wharf at Ladysmith, but in no time at all did he have our traffic ready for our train. He even assisted us with the block of traffic to be removed from our train. Now, that's what I call teamwork!

Jim's layout can handle up to ten visitors comfortably with six or seven working at any given time and the rest hanging out in the crew lounge sharing stories and looking at mags. Of those working the layout, one is assigned the Ladysmith Job, another at Chemainus while two crews of two work the mainline trains. Throw in the coal and lumber job up in the developing mountains and the room becomes a hive of activity.

A layout does not require a lot of scenery or even the entire fleet of diesels painted for an operating session to be fully enjoyed. Last evening the boys were kept very busy and suitable entertained. This shot is indicative of two crews working together. John is operating the Ladysmith switcher which is the painted diesel to the left. A crew has arrived Ladysmith from the south and must exchange traffic. It's those little things like the "sharing of responsibilities" that we see occurring here that make for a rewarding session.

I had to post this picture of Bob to show what he really looks like. Now that's his "typical" smile! We spot Andrew off in the distance and to the left you can see the rock wall Jim is "playing with" behind the yard in Chemainus. The tracks climbing in behind and above that wall represent the line climbing to the mine which is seen and further up to the logging area which is still pretty much further development for Jim.

Jim tells us that his shirt is multi-purpose. The beaver is there to represent the environmentalists. The basketball below represents those sports-minded. The red is worn in honour of our troops every Friday and the final group represented by his shirt are the geologists. "The geologist?" I query Bob. "Sure!" he replies, "There's the Canadian Shield!" Yes, the Friday Night Boys certainly have a sense of humour.

After the session, there's always plenty of discussion. Jim is interested to learn how the train orders went. "Fine, Jim!" we tell him.

In this pic we see John and Stan discussing the various scenery supplies Jim has purchsed. That's Jim with Mike M. in the background discussing other events that took place throughout the evening as well as the overall design of the track and how it has worked throughout the session.

Thanks to Jim for hosting! And, on this Remembrance Day of 2006, may our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have served in the past and who are presently in service as well as their families.