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Sunday, June 30, 2013

Last post for June 2013...

I looked up today and noticed that June is almost over! Holy crap! At least I've got a decent garden in and growing.

I've finished building my new desk that I should have in my office today. That will clear off my workbench for model stuff. The house were in doesn't have a basement in it, cause it's a split level house. However, I do have a room that I can built a good sized switching layout in. So that's the plan right now. And luckly, I've got time in the winter to work on the layout cause the yard will not need my attention. More details to come.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Moved....

Well, we're settling in our new place in Iowa. Yep, a big jump from California but it's a different world and pace. Not too shabby. Got a few warms days but I've found it's not much different than living on the coast.

We're in Adel, Iowa (pronounced A-del). For those railroad folks out there, the former Milw Road line is easily seen from our upstair windows and is used as a hiking/bike trail now. A couple of industries still stand here in town, one still working.


This was probably an iron/metal dealer that got shipments via rail. Not sure on the name, but when I track down my 1958 shippers guide I will look. The ties and roadbed leading up to it are still in place. I'll take a walk before too long for more photos. It would make a great trackside industry. There's a larger one in Des Moines that receives sheet steel and shapes via rail everyday. I'll get some shots of that as well.


The other industry is a brick manufacturer. The photo shows where the siding went downgrade so they could load the cars. The loading platform is bricks stacked up and them concrete on top. I'll also post up photos of this industry as well. The now ship brick via truck and is very active.

There's also many bridges and what not in town. The former Milw depot is just down the road and used by a law firm. There are also several grain elevators in Waukee that are on the old line. We're going to start biking the line, so more photos of the area will be coming. Lots of good ideas for a shortline!