While others look on, a lone worker continues "in the trenches" as part of water system and road upgrade projects including new fire hydrants in Smithville, Texas. Contractor crews are using an Ertl John Deere 310SE backhoe and Dodge 3500 Laramie SLT pickup. The Dodge carries the air compressor, water valves, iron pipe, traffic cones, fire hydrant, job box, and hand tools. This scene is the work of Steve Gohman on Devin M. Jackson's Mesquite Belt Railroad, set in Texas and featuring the Missouri, Kansas & Texas route from Houston to Ft. Worth. For more pictures from the 20' x 40' layout, visit www.trainweb.org/mesquitebelt.

Posted March 21, 2008