![This Appekunny Mountain observation car was similar to the same cars that we run on the Western Star. This Appekunny Mountain observation car was similar to the same cars that we run on the Western Star.](https://www.greatnorthernfan.com/wp-content/gallery/ft-benton-to-havre/thumbs/thumbs_img_0992.jpg)
![I think this was layout number two. It did not go too far but I built is all by myself. This is probably around 1975 in our basement in Fridley, MN. I think this was layout number two. It did not go too far but I built is all by myself. This is probably around 1975 in our basement in Fridley, MN.](https://www.greatnorthernfan.com/wp-content/gallery/railroading-runs-in-the-family/thumbs/thumbs_image002.jpg)
![Here is a shot of the model as it is being fitted to the removable frame. Notice the stiffeners along the base of this framework. Here is a shot of the model as it is being fitted to the removable frame. Notice the stiffeners along the base of this framework.](https://www.greatnorthernfan.com/wp-content/gallery/coal-banks-trestle/thumbs/thumbs_bridge_model1.jpg)
![coal-banks-bent-profiles coal-banks-bent-profiles](https://www.greatnorthernfan.com/wp-content/gallery/coal-banks-trestle/thumbs/thumbs_coal-banks-bent-profiles.jpg)
Welcome to the new incarnation of www.greatnortherfan.com! I have rebuilt my site using WordPress. Now I not only have a website (so nineties) but I am now also a blogger. Lot’s of work left to do but stay tuned and it will get better. Check out the Prototype Inspiration page for starters.