While visiting my wife’s family in Anchorage and Soldotna for the Thanksgiving holiday, I spent most of my time working on the wiring for my father-in-law’s N-scale layout, modeling a fictitious Alaskan town. While in Anchorage, I was determined to visit the ARR gift shop and spend some birthday money and a hand drawn “gift card” from my 12-year-old daughter, Anna. Because of staffing limits, the shop is open very limited hours, and so the only time that worked for our schedule was 7:30 am on the Saturday morning of our departure back to Portland. My daughter and I headed to the depot early (but not bright) and purchased a few treasures, including a caboose for my father’s layout. And then spent time in the 17° morning taking pictures of the soon to depart Fairbanks bound Aurora Winter Train. I was fortunate enough to meet the conductor, Chris and chat about our mutual love of the ARR and our friend, John Combs. 

Thought I’d pass along some updated pics of my father-in-law’s N scale layout that I helped with in November. It really turned out great and I can’t wait to see it again in person on my next trip north. Keep in mind, this is the first model railroad he’s ever built. I’m in awe of his scenic and modeling abilities. Certainly not my forte.  Not only did my electrical skills come in handy for the town, but the entire freight train is from my collection and is on “extended loan” on his layout. It sure looks good going through that Alaskan mountain pass! From Daniel: This week I completed my project of building a model railroad in a fictitious town in Alaska. It’s taking me six months to build it from scratch. Lots of work, but lots of fun too!

Added 10/3/23