On January 2, 2004 I (David Keith) paid a visit to fellow Minibunch member Jim Amato.  It had been 12 month's since we had seen Jim's layout, so it was a nice chance for all 3 of us to share ideas.

Jim has completed the majority of the benchwork on his HOn30 Maine 2-Foot layout.  Probably the best indication of how Jim's layout will look is his finished backdrop.  See photos below.

As you enter Jim's train space, you will be greeted by a large harbor scene.

Here is the sketch Jim is using the design of his layout.  The harbor and entrance are lower right.  The track arrangement is a folded dog bone with extension into the harbor.  Jim's layout is probably most inspired by the WW&F, however Jim's railroad goes all the way to the sea.  The other end of the layout is a lake resort area inspired by Rangeley, ME on the SR&RL.  In the middle, the railroad will encounter farming and lumbering.

This view shows the peninsula which will have a lumber town and a lake town.

Jim is most definitely in the construction phase.  Here you can see the impact of a valance to hide the lighting.  Jim's temporary valance is foam core board hung by hooks.  While it seems vary temporary, the ease of removal to maintain lights and is appealing.  It will not hurt the head so much either.  Jim and I both agree it would be nice to get seal off the light that leaks out the top.