Think I resolved all the electrical issues on the layout. Also, I removed some of the locomotives I had sitting on the layout for evaluation. I have one more 5' section that has to be wired into the buss. Hopefully tomorrow. As
Guy remarked, earlier, I have a lifetime's worth of structures to complete and place.
Heard on another forum, the new Lionel Catalog came out, recently, and everything has an average 25% price increase. HO Brass prices for collectable "Tin plate".
Louis might be on the right track here... The two reasons cited were the demise of MTH, and the usual scapegoat, Covid-19.
I have no interest in Larger scales, but seems like this is putting O Scale and Hi-Rail further out of reach to everyone but seasoned collectors.
I saw that the two Rapido locomotives that I have on order do not have a delivery date until Winter 2021. When I ordered them it was a delivery date of Winter 2020.
I've had a pre-order for a Western Maryland RS3 from Bowser, historical society only numbered unit, since 2018, still waiting.
Greg and Karl: Simply stated, Don't hold yer breath, waiting...I have an SW1200 that was ordered back on 1/27/2019, and it is now expected sometime in the Second Quarter of 2021. Once this one shows (if it does?), no more advance orders for me...I'm not getting any younger.
Nice photos. Your bridge will make a great scene.
Curt, (and Garry): I used an old picture, the bridge is in place, and handling trains. The river bed has been painted, and is waiting for the acrylic sheet to be cut. Based on the prototype photo, my bridge is much too clean.
I may go back-1 and get a few of the 101S as well to see that goes. I plan to use all ground throws in the yard and various sidings but all my switches on the 2 mains will be powered.
James, (and Willie): The only place I currently use ground throws is a code 83 crossover on my PRR branch. I use the 101, successfully. PECO and Micro Engineering switches are sprung, so I just flip the points, no grown throw or motor necessary.
I liked the way the logs turned out, they are spruce sticks.
Dave: The logs look great..so real
.
It has been nearly 60 years since I have been there, but the memories are just as good.
Hughie: I feel the same way...The last time I was over the bridge that I posted the contemporary photo of this morning, was 1977, when I worked out of Stoney Creek, (crick). Of course, back then the bridge was capable of opening, and still employed a bridge tender/crossing watchman, 16 hours / day, 7 days a week. Sometimes, memories are all we have left.
Well, I am not winning on my stock market wagers this week!
Willie: Can't help but think this is a reaction of the Private Capital and Hedge funds to punish "Retail"investors (aka dumb money), for beating them at their own game, as well as bringing about scrutiny from regulators and politicians. The professional investors are not happy this week. Looking to do some cherry picking of bargains next week.
I'm not sure what they were thinking when creating these laws. You win more you pay less taxes
George: These laws predate 1968, when I spent my summer as Fireman on the Delaware Park race Train. Back then $600 bucks was a lot of money and betting schemes were fewer and more limited. There was always an IRS representative at the track to collect withholding on big wins. Most of the professional bettors, that lived off the their winnings, avoided large payouts, and generally kept winnings quiet. Easy to hide cash back then.
Thanks for the complements and the likes.
Conrail PICA01 [Conway to Camden, NJ] crossing Columbia Bridge in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park near the end of Conrail as we knew it. (Love the trees growing on the bridge) .
Uncredited slide of Southbound Conrail freight (Possibly TV-23), crossing the Anacostia River in DC, headed for Potomac Yard, VA.. Structure on the right is the movable portion of the bridge.
My "simple" little layout seems to be well on its way to something far more complex than originally planned. But that is the nature of a living organism, forever growing, adapting, and evolving into a newer, bigger, better version of itself. Guess all I can do now is buckle up and enjoy the ride. The train has left the station and I can't seem to locate the brake lever. 
