Okay, well I blew it this year. I have absolutely nothing ready to post for Halloween. I haven't built any more of the spooky paper houses, and haven't photographed any more toys. Yeah, I'm in a slump, but I can do something that ties in with our Western theme we've been on for a few days now. Back in 2002 I built this small layout using leftover Marx stuff. The Marx cabin is missing the base, the bridge had been repainted, some straight track was shortened (pieces were cut off to make filler track for my big layout). The figures were a mix of new product from Wal-Mart and a couple of vintage Marx and of course there's the Marx Wm. Crooks train. What makes this layout unusual is the ground cover used. The whole layout was covered with different color sand bought at a Michael's Craft Store and used to make the sandy surface as well as the wheel ruts and shadows. I also made a backdrop but never photographed the layout with the backdrop attached :-( The layout (sans train) was sold shortly after it was made and by gosh I'm almost tempted to make another one just like it! Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina
