For modeling steel cable, don't use sewing thread—it has stray fibers that look ratty, especially after painting. Instead, use beading thread. This material is thermally bonded, so there's no fraying. Example product: Beadalon WildFire .006 inch (0.5mm) thick, in black, light grey and other colors. Available at Michael's and most craft stores.

The sawmill has a permanent place in our hobby as an industry built in the sticks. The location of these structures usually is located far from civilization [ ... ]

A favorite animated film of mine is "The Man Who Planted Trees".  In it, a man spends a lifetime planting trees, and in different ways, affecting thousands [ ... ]

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, [ ... ]