Author Archives: Crimson Star

Jigsaw #003: Steyrtalbahn, Austria

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Crimson Star

The Steyrtalbahn is a narrow gauge (760mm) railway in Austria, formed back in 1888. Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, Europe, Jigsaws, Railroads of the World, Steyr Valley | Leave a comment

Hawk Lake Garden Railroad

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Crimson Star

I started my garden railroad in 2005, the year after our water garden was created. The main line is a simple “dog-bone” layout, with a 4% grade connecting the two return-loops. In 2009 I started another line which will eventually … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta, Canada, Edmonton, Garden Railroads, Photo Gallery | Leave a comment

POLA 1763: Village Well

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Crimson Star

I purchased this kit from Ultimate Trains Ltd. It is about 9″ long, 5.25″ wide and 5.5″ tall. Although small, it is expensive because it includes an electric pump. This was one of the first kits I assembled and painted, … Continue reading →

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LGB EPL Template

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Crimson Star

I created this MS Visio 2003 template of LGB EPL electrical devices to help me document my wiring diagram. If your layout wiring blew every circuit breaker in your house, then this template just won’t help… This file is named … Continue reading →

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Jigsaw #002: Hawk Lake Garden Railroad

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Crimson Star

The Hawk Lake Garden Railroad looks its best in early summer, when  most of our alpine and rock garden flowers are blooming.  By August, half of them have already given up the ghost for the season! I set up this … Continue reading →

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Jigsaw #001: Kettle Valley Railway

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Crimson Star

The Kettle Valley Railway’s Trout Creek bridge still stands, and today’s tourist train backs out onto the bridge for a photo opportunity. If you’re ever anywhere near West Summerland, British Columbia, Canada, check it out. Until then, download and work … Continue reading →

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Schloss Thayngen

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Crimson Star

I found this small castle while researching castles on the Internet. I really like half-timbered buildings and castles, so it was love at first sight. I’m going to scratchbuild it for my layout, but first it needs to be “down-sized” … Continue reading →

Posted in Project Ideas | Leave a comment

Swiss Fire Hydrants

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Crimson Star

I spotted these two fire hydrants in Engelberg, Switzerland, during a visit in 1990. Although I didn’t take any dimensions, I think you could just make them the same size as the ones in your neighborhood.

Posted in Engelberg, Europe, Project Ideas, Switzerland | Leave a comment

Great Manhole Covers of Germany

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Crimson Star

While participating in the LGB Tours 2011 Journey through North and East Germany, I discovered that some German towns and cities have so much civic pride that they even turn their manhole covers into works of art! If you want … Continue reading →

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POLA 995: Susi’s Newspaper Kiosk

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Crimson Star

I purchased this kit from Ultimate Trains Ltd. It is about 6.25″ square and 7″ tall. This kit includes some patio accessories, so will actually require about one square foot of display area. This is listed as a 1/22.5 scale … Continue reading →

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