The greenbrier logging and coal co

[OleSmokey]

Leg didn't bother me much today. feels pretty good. I ordered some Timber Cribbing from Chooch. And i got just enough for the front of the tunnel enclosure. It was easier to use and the biggest thing is getting more now to use on the back side of the new section of the layout. I also need two double track tunnel opening. Chooch makes them too. Lots to do and i am planning to pick up some to get ready for plaster and plaster cloth to make the mountain side to match the coal mine I may have to add another turnout not sure yet. Shots of the Cribbing below.

 

[Rico]

Just catching up again Smoke.
Cribbing looks great so far, and glad the leg isn’t bothering you so much!

 

[OleSmokey]

Went to the dr today and he told me to pull the boot off and start using more of my muscles to build them up the right leg is smaller than the left I can remember building up the muscles before when i broke a leg so i know what to do. Got home and felt so good that i worked on that door with the hinges and plaster it up well. I got the screws turned all the way in but its flexing so i am going to pull the hinge screws and use some CA on them and screw them back in tight and see if i have any other things that need to do to that. Shots below and i will finish the screws later this evening. Later Smokey

 

[OleSmokey]

I really took a bite out of the mountain. I got the plaster cloth and plan to try and do some of the plaster mud this afternoon.

 

[OleSmokey]

well it bit me back. that mountain had to increase and the rest of the company had to drop to fit that part of the layout correctly. The track is in place. The processing plant is in place and the head house is on the mountain itself. I will do the top of this mountain like i did on the other side and flatten it out. I am also working on a plan to use that top of the mountain to come off and give access to the tunnel track and forget the door in front. It don't look right and i am having issues with the hinges staying tight. I will get it but just have to figure out which way to go with it. Have nothing to report on the leg. if i get it in the stand up position it will let me know all about it after awhile. If i get it into a bend when under the layout it will tell me all about it too. I try and put a hour or so to the layout and then rest. Play games on the computer or check out the sites. I take it as easy as i can but get really bored, even with the games, I am really tired of tv. So i try and read a book or something about the railroads from back a 100 years ago. Anyway, shots of the latest fun below. I hope all the folks down in Florida got through all the hurricanes and tornadoes.

 

[OleSmokey]

Wow, I can't keep up with my posts. Lots done. The lower parts of the mountain is ready for sanding. The joiner that connects the old to new section of the layout is ready to sand. That part is all ready to sand. My office will turn white with plaster dust! I forgot just how much dust there is!
I got several shots of angles with the top last. I plan to take that piece outside to sand. Make less mess I can use my power sander when i do that part and that will be less in the room. I knew i should have waited for this part to be done before i put the carpet down..Shots below, Smoke

 

[OleSmokey]

The winds are howling away and the place is more and more looking like a desert. We have had no rain at all this month. its no matter as to why we have red flag warnings and fire warnings all over here. The ground here is brown and or bare earth. And you can't water anything. we lost one tree and there are three others that might fall. i thought they might do that last year but somehow they made it. My power connectors for the track is all done and i have only two switches that needed to be powered and the wiring will be done. The mountain i have worked on but its not finished yet. I have a couple of shots of the mountain. I ran into a small issue so i need to figure it out yet. Thats all for now folks. It may be a few days as i have family coming out to see us. There Debs family and i get along with them really well. Her brother loves the fighter jets that fly around here so i will take him over to the base and let him have some fun with that. Thats about all for this area. shots below and still doing rain dances, Smokey

 

[OleSmokey]

wow, been awhile since i posted anything. Its been kinda busy around here family coming and going and had to get the truck in for some winterizing. been doing a few honeydew's around here and there shots below of the work. It looks rough but i had just put another coat on and will need another sand before i call it quits. Its about time for first coat of the greys and browns to be shot with a air brush. I wish i could get a shot of how that mountain looks I can get to all the turnouts and the yard under it. That lid covers it all! It has worked out great. I can work under and all over the layout now. I got one more area that needs some mud and i should be finished. Shots below, Smokey

 

[OleSmokey]

I finally got the plaster smooth and looks right. got the houses and buildings for the mine in place. they look right. I want to do too things as i want a small creek and a fire tower or forest tower however you call it. its about time to start painting it up to give it a brown/grey mix of color. shots below.

 

[OleSmokey]

I took the painting with some ease. the old air brush is plastic but for the nozzles and paint holders. I was able to finish it but there are some places that didn't go like i wanted. The air gun is breaking and it isn't working like it should. it did help me finish what i needed. The greys are not as dark as it is really. shots below, Smokey

 

[OleSmokey]

Well, time for a update. With the Christmas gift cards i got pretty much everything for the layout so its coming. Have a new controller for the coal mine side for the track. I also got a fire tower and a log cabin coming too. Deb grabs my list and lets the family know what i need. I hope everyone has a great Merry Christmas and a super New Year for 2025!!

 

[OleSmokey]

even if i have everything, i can't do much of anything with my left hand. it kills me with pain. even with a brace it don't do much for relief. I will be going to the hospital for hand surgery the 23rd. i will be in a special cast they make. Can't tell about that as i haven't seen one yet.i will let you know as i get there. I haven't been able to do much of anything with the hand bothering me. The right hand isn't as bad but it needs something to be done ,maybe another surgery on it too. anyway i will get something done sometime this year.

 

[troyphoto]

even if i have everything, i can't do much of anything with my left hand. it kills me with pain. even with a brace it don't do much for relief. I will be going to the hospital for hand surgery the 23rd. i will be in a special cast they make. Can't tell about that as i haven't seen one yet.i will let you know as i get there. I haven't been able to do much of anything with the hand bothering me. The right hand isn't as bad but it needs something to be done ,maybe another surgery on it too. anyway i will get something done sometime this year.

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

 

[PMW]

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Same here

 

[OleSmokey]

had the surgery today. the hand is sore and feels hot. the bandage don't but the hand feels like its burning up. in a few days i will see the doctor in a few days and will let you know how it is going. laters

 

[PMW]

had the surgery today. the hand is sore and feels hot. the bandage don't but the hand feels like its burning up. in a few days i will see the doctor in a few days and will let you know how it is going. laters

I hope the surgery helps! Good luck

 

[OleSmokey]

went in today to see the doc and got the soft cast off. the stitches were still hard to move and i hate that feeling when they move them around. they will come out next week. i have 8 weeks of therapy till i am healed and pretty much able to work on the layout and the truck.
Will let you know how it goes, laters all

 

[BigGRacing]

went in today to see the doc and got the soft cast off. the stitches were still hard to move and i hate that feeling when they move them around. they will come out next week. i have 8 weeks of therapy till i am healed and pretty much able to work on the layout and the truck.
Will let you know how it goes, laters all

Get well soon!

 

[OleSmokey]

Just a update. They took the stitches out Monday and replaced with Butterfly stitches. Wednesday they took the wrap off and redid it. Now i don't have anything but the cloth wrap to protect my hand for the cast. This cast is custom molded and is held in place with velcro strips. it works so far and i am doing the exercises to build the muscles back up. i hope i can get the cast completely off maybe Wednesday. I started cleaning up the track for the last couple of days. I can get the engine to go both ways in the yard area and the run around track. i will do more as i can. I cannot clean the track in the tunnels or the back side if it needs my left hand to support me while cleaning. that will take a few more weeks for the hand to heal. laters

 

[shortwrench]

Just a update. They took the stitches out Monday and replaced with Butterfly stitches. Wednesday they took the wrap off and redid it. Now i don't have anything but the cloth wrap to protect my hand for the cast. This cast is custom molded and is held in place with velcro strips. it works so far and i am doing the exercises to build the muscles back up. i hope i can get the cast completely off maybe Wednesday. I started cleaning up the track for the last couple of days. I can get the engine to go both ways in the yard area and the run around track. i will do more as i can. I cannot clean the track in the tunnels or the back side if it needs my left hand to support me while cleaning. that will take a few more weeks for the hand to heal. laters

I know it is tempting, but don't overdo.