Add detail to boxcars with open doors.  Add some crates, boxes, tarp load, or figures to your boxcars that have open doors.  There are even lumber, barrel, or bag loads you can place into an opened boxcar.  You can even add a fake wood flooring to add more detail.

A few days ago I received the set that I REALLY wanted in the first place - the 81862 30th Anniversary set from 2002.

For some inexplicable reason Marklin [ ... ]

I've read lots of advice, howto, intro, and helpful things on the internet about modeling railroads.

But nowhere is there any information for the beginner, [ ... ]

I have always wanted to start a blog, but 'starting' it is usually the first stumbling block.  This is true with a 2' by 5' canvas behind me for a [ ... ]