My challenge this year will be a scratch built Casey Jones style railbus ala the Silverton Northern prototype. Mine will not be an exact copy but a close approximation. Hopefully very close. We shall see. I have done my material search, and have all necessary bits on hand. Obliguring Sketch attached. Looking forward to starting this one.
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Dang Vic, that looks more like a scale drawing than a napkin drawing 
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Love that plan!
However considering Craig’s first prediction was on point last year Vic, what are your contingency plans to keep you occupied for weeks 2, 3 & 4?
LOL this one is going to be as you say, a real bugger. That’s because it’s going to be track powered and mounting the motor and axle right now is is pure guesswork. That and sorting out power pickup on all three axles. I have to work out the chassis before I can begin the bodywork. The given time to work on it is also up in air just as it is for everyone else. I’m going to finish it regardless of deadline or cost, but I’m pretty certain I won’t need to buy anything else.
Looks great VIC, ambitious build.
Well, all things considered, I’m as ready as I can be. I have all my bits ready. Basswood in the garage and a rough vision of the build in my mind. I still am experiencing anxiety due to the fire but I’m looking forward to something normal again.
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Just glad to hear you can participate, was worried for you that you were gonna have to bail out for obvious reasons. Glad to hear you still have a home and a stash inwhich to participate.
Day one and I’m finished…with trimming back an overgrown bush in the front yard. All I’ve managed for the challenge was to clean off my workbench. Well that’s something at least 
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Well, Vic, you’re ahead of me in that regard. As soon as I find my workbench, I’ll attempt to clear enough space to work.
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Vic I’m just thankful you still have a workbench to clear off. Now you can get down to some serious modeling.
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“Serious Modeling”… What the heck you talking about Devon? This is the MIK…!!!
Bubble gum… Bailing Wire… Coffer stirrers… Soda Cans… Used Pallets… Fence Pickets… 2x4’s… And Band Aids…
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Don’t forget the duct tape 
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Day 2 and I’ve finished… getting our laundry done at a laundromat, our clothes stinked of smoke. I’m probably going to have to unload a full can of Fabreeze in the house. I started last night on the drive motor, but fell asleep before getting too far. Had a dream I smelled smoke like on Wednesday morning, and couldn’t immediately fall back to sleep so I got up at 3:30 am to monkey around with making the drive work and was able to conceptually work it out before going back to sleep. This morning I finished what I had in mind. Its the drive from an HLW Waddling Goose mated to a Scientific wheel truck I cut out the center part and created the mounting as shown. Not very pretty but it works, even has wheel power pickups. So hopefully tomorrow I’ll start the basswood chassis frame.
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Sorry for your ptsd. Not a laughing matter. Glad you can a least sorta enjoy the lighter side if such exists.
Enough with your past??? Are you done yet
Im trying to get done before you.
get used to it. that will stay for years. but the good side effect is - you’ll discover many things in and around the house, that can be made “safer”.
My landscaped front yard is overgrown, I’ve had a laize-fair attitude towards it, not anymore. Going to redo it from xeroscape to more fire resistant by switching to succulents.
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Large amounts of “Prickly Pear” Cactus works also as a defense against unwanted guests…
And requires very little of our New Mexico Water too…
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Something else to consider planting in your area. Agapanthus is widely planted in the hills here for their ability to absorb embers in bush fires.
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Thanks Bill I’ll look into that.
