Two more for the collection

 Nice timing
I just finished these 2 cars
The B&O M55 & M55A mini-kits from National Scale Car
https://nationalscalecar.com/product/mk-105-1-baltimore-ohio-m55-boxcar/

 https://nationalscalecar.com/product/mk105-2-baltimore-ohio-m55a-boxcar/

I say good timing because just this weekend National Scale Car has begun shipping to the US again, now that they've figured out how to navigate the maze of tariffs.
These were an interesting project with the Duryea underframe to build and an uncommon slack adjuster. And one should not forget to note the interesting roof and ends for these cars

Useful projects to have on hand to get us through this rather harsh winter.

More cars are being worked on and a rather interesting project is in the offing
I'm building a window display layout for the Local Hobby Shop, photos and details to come
Later

 

Sunshine Models CRI&P rebuild #

 Sunshine kit #64.54

 Progress continues as I work through the stash of kits accumulated over the years.
This Rock Island car being the latest.
I have a real affinity for the variety of rebuilt cars that were present back in the day.

This model started with the stock Sunshine kit with improved details.
Rivets were added to the inside of the corner notches
The end ladders used etched ladder stiles to better represent how the prototype secured the grabs to the ends
Laser cut running board

Painted with Scalecoat and weathered with oils and an overspray of dirt

More cars coming 

Speedwitch Media C&NW PS-1

 

Sort of the last of 2025, or the first of 2026.
Another one of Ted's more recent offerings.
A really neat car. I confess an affinity for 40' Autocars. Much like the BX-34, Ted has included a large amount of photoetch details.
There's a clear path that Ted is on with his newer kits, and I for one, am fully onboard. I welcome the challenge of newer techniques and finer details.
But next will be a couple of NSC mini-kits that I've ignored for a few years now

Happy New Year 

Speedwitch Media Bx-34

 It's been 4 months now since I decided to cease my business operations with Yarmouth Model Works and YMW_Modelu. And I have to say it was a very good decision for me.
Gone are the stresses associated with running a small business in vastly uncertain times. Now every morning starts with, "What do I want to do today?", vs "What do I have to do today?"

I've been able to get more done on the layout, as well as some modeling projects for the pure joy of building great models.
One of them is this beauty from Speedwitch Media

ATSF Bx-34

 https://speedwitchmedia.com/product/p126-atsf-bx-34-duryea-cushion-underframe-modified-aar-box-car/

 This Mini-kit as to be one of the most detailed offerings I've ever seen.
A Fully accurate Duryea underframe, almost 70 parts go into the underframe alone.
Etched ladders with detailed rungs and mounting brackets, etc

The model was a challenge, but well worth the effort. The instructions are well written and guide you through the trickier processes. A normal resin kit I could get ready for paint with 8-10 hours of work, I've built almost 2000 over the years. This model took a good 40 hours. 

I am already started on my next Speedwitch project, the C&NW PS-1. It too has some challenges, but that where the fun is.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing what Ted releases next. I have some inside knowledge on upcoming projects and there is some really cool stuff looming.

 And in other news;
After more than 40 years of struggle, I'm finally getting relief from a chronic pain issue I have as a result of an accident when I was in college. I had a fall of about 20' and damaged my feet, and until very recently no treatment offered any relief including opioids.
I recently learned about a wholly different approach to addressing chronic pain,
Spinal Cord Stimulation
https://www.pain.com/en/chronic-pain-solutions/spinal-cord-stimulation.html
Basically a device is implanted near the spine which sends electrical impulses that interrupt the pain signal to the brain.
I had a 3 week trial period and have been approved for a full implant, surgery likely in January. Which will allow me to spend more time on my feet thus getting more accomplished on the layout.
So excited!
Happy Holidays everyone

So where did those etched parts wind up?

 It can now be told.
Ted Culotta has taken over the line of etched parts
Currently he listing many items on EBay.

See his blog post for more details

 https://prototopics.blogspot.com/2025/09/yarmouth-model-works-etchings.html

Good luck Ted 

So we had a bit of an ops session

 A bit over a week ago, my buddy Trevor was visiting from out west, and as a result an ops session was had
He writes about it better than I can

 Fresno to Friant (Sept 2025) – The Model Railway Show

 

Las Palmas station

 It's remarkable what can happen when one is not distracted by the daily requirements of running a business.

In advance of an operating session this Saturday past, I felt motivated to finally get the station in Las Palmas built.

A rather simple structure after, 20' x 25'. 2 windows in the gable ends and 2 freight doors. What could be simpler?
Out came the styrene and within a couple of hours the model was assembled and ready for paint. Which is where the trial began
Tru-Color offers the 3 SP structure colours. But I have a major loathing for that brand of paint. It can be a battle to get it airbrush properly and forget about ever hand brushing it for touchups, etc.
So a search was started for acrylic alternatives.
AK Interactive Gen 3 has become my go to paint line for acrylic paints. Easy to use, brushes nicely, air brushes like a dream and the colour range is spectacular.
I visited Sunward Hobbies on Friday with paint samples in hand and found these 3 colours.

To my eye, these 3 colours are near perfect match for the SP colours. And I'm well aware that colour perception is hugely subjective. But I'm sticking with these.
The end result was a sweet little structure

Next up is to replace that standin structure in the back ground