asking for some help

Are you asking for help with physically setting up and building your layout or advice on how to?

It sounds like physically helping?  Is that right?  I'm a bit confused as well.

Hello guys What I am asking for is some guidance with completing this project that I started over 12 years ago. I truly understand  that I don't seem to complete sentences in there proper order.  I just need some help trying to get past this hurdle of not quite understanding how move on to the next step and what needs to happen next. and I think that I am at that time needing a little push in the right direction.

    Just another thing I want to let you all know this is really hard for me to do. Because I guess I'm showing my weak spot and aren't we all human and don't we all have mistakes that we will make in our lives. This Hobby was the greatest thing 15 years ago  and it the greatest thing still today. I wish you all could see all the stoping to check and to figure out the proper wording that I must do each and every word that I typ. This is another place wear I would love to go back and not go trough ever again and that is the 2 minor strokes that I have gone trough. I'm also aware of the typing mistakes that I make that I have got some e-mails pointing them out to me 1 comes to mind wear I mis typed the word AMTRAK. So maybe I should just go back and just take the Photos but that's not what I want to do in this journey we all go through.

 So please offer me some advise as I am getting a lot closer to jumping into this major Model Railroading  part of my life .

    I'm just looking for some advise on what I plan on doing next. Wear I need to be,

what  parts do I need when it comes to the legacy or tmmc. So I truly under stand how some of you feel about my typing skills  since I went through all of my medical problems   so for now Thank you all that have read this    Scot

proper grammar and spelling is in some cases a lost art. but those here that know what you've been through will understand. always look forward to your great pics.

Scot, I have always appreciated your posts here on the forum.  I know sometimes it's hard to ask for help, and sometimes the best we can do is to just get the general idea out there without getting too painfully direct about it, and hope somebody gets the hint.

 

I can't help with TMMC or Legacy, I just run old fashioned traditional and DCS.  If I was doing it over again I'd leave out the DCS.  If you're a whizz at electronics and enjoy the extra complexity, then okay, but at our age when the hand-held just gives you error messages, what are you going to do?  If there is only just so much time left to us, do you want to spend it upside down under the layout tracing wires, looking helplessly at a black box that won't work – or relaxing on a stool beside the track watching the trains run?

 

It sounds like you might really need someone close by who can come over and help you once in a while.  But whether you can find that or not, I would just recommend keeping it as simple as you can.  Don't create headaches for yourself.  Your worth does not depend on how complicated your layout is!  Life is short for all of us.  And in spite of all the complicated stuff you read about on the forum, there are a lot of us here who just enjoy running traditional trains around loops of track.  Just get some simple track up, so you can enjoy running some trains.  If that goes well, you can always add complexity afterwards, a little at a time.

 

At least, that would be my 1-1/2 cents worth.

 

I wish you the best with this my friend, and keep us posted with some pictures and commentary as you progress. And don't worry about the typing, we can figure it out.

 

david

 

 

is the LCCA close to you?

 

contact.

If you would like to contact the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) you can do that in several ways.

1. By email

office@lionelcollectors.org

2. By USPS mail

LCCA Business Office
P.O. Box 529
Peru, IL 61354-0529

3. By Fax

815-223-0791

 

 

they like email the best.

Scot,

  Wish I lived closer so I could actually give you a hand, and please read the note at the end of everyone of my posts.  You only answer to the Supreme Architect he reads in all languages and understands all, don't worry about the language God will let us figure it out.

PCRR/Dave

You know Scott it's so easy to become overwhelmed and just not know where to start.   I would suggest that you step back, take a breath and tackle one thing at a time.   Work at your own pace,  at your leisure and enjoy it all.  Remember that it's a hobby and not a job.   Now it sounds as if you have a good inventory of what you have to work with. ..do you have a track plan?  Or like myself. ...have it in your head?

I wouldn't worry about the grammar, typos and writing. I don't do well with words either, much better at talking to someone than typing things out. This whole long winded thing may not even make sense?

 

Maybe getting some on site advice and/or assistance would be a good idea, as hojack suggested above. Perhaps someone from the Dupage County train meets you attend could come by after the train show for coffee or something and a look at the layout? Sometimes another set of eyes on the project first hand is really good for a lot of suggestions and advice.

 

I live too far away to come by or I would be happy to, but I will try to tell you what I have been doing on my layout. First I am no expert by any means, so please take that into account here. I wanted to get something up to run trains on, to try and see what I liked, did not like, and maybe learn a thing or two in the process about what I wanted to end up with. I have never had a permanent layout before and still am not sure what I really want to end up with. At least you already have a track plan and a very nice one too. I have that plan in an RR-Track library. If I can help you there in any way I would be happy to. I'm no RR-Track expert either, but I can do a few things with it.

 

I got a simple track plan with a couple of ovals some sidings and spurs.

Got some bench work, 6'x16'.

Laid the track. I am using Atlas track, same as you are.

Ran the wire for powering the track and hooked it up.

Got out some trains and started running them.

Then wired the switches, using only the #56 switch controllers that came with them.

Mounted the #56's next to the switches. 

Needed a couple more switch controllers for the cross over tracks and added them.

Added a few lights and wired them up.

 

Just kept going like that. There is a lot left to do and I am far from finished, but I get a little enjoyment running trains and my grandson can come over and run them and play with the stuff on the layout. I have a lot of 1:43 vehicles that he also likes to play with. I don't have a final expansion plan yet, still working on that, but I think I can do my adding on and still be able to run some trains if I plan it all just right. Or at least maybe with a minimum of down time anyway.

 

This may not be the best idea, but I am thinking that maybe if you laid your road bed and track, got it powered up and ran some trains it might get things going (so to speak). Then you might think, hmmm...now I need the switches to work, so I need to mount the switch machines and wire them up. Then I need the 6924's wired in, etc. My thought is if you get something running you will see what you want to do next or what you want operating next and when that is done something else will need to be done and on and on it goes...(and BTW, the experts say these things are never finished.)

 

All the while you will be able to get some fun in running some trains when you get tired of the layout work. It breaks up the constant work on the layout and gives some entertainment in between work sessions. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, or however that went. Gotta have some fun in there somewhere with all the work.

 

Anyway, just some thoughts here and maybe some ideas. At any rate it is either what to do or what not to do and maybe it will help you somehow one way or the other?

Hi Scot,

How much of the yard from the O-20 plan are you building?

Scot - I have been holding back as I am probably the worst one to ask.  I think that rtr12 is giving some really good advice.

 

My thoughts are very similar to his. 

1. Get everything cleared off the bench work, I mean everything. 
2. Lay some track that you are reasonably sure you know where it's going to go.  Not a lot, just enough to be able to run a train a short distance.
3. Connect it to a power pack and run a favorite engine or two.
4. Add a switch or two.  Use them manually for now.  Then wire a switch and play with it until you are comfortable with everything about.
5. Add TMCC or DCS.  Make sure it works on small area of track.  It will be easy to get at and easy to trouble shoot if you have any problems.
6. Have fun doing it and don't stress over any issues. 
7. Just keep expanding and before you know it, you will be where you want to be.

Getting some success under your belt will increase your confidence and make you feel good about the layout and yourself.

 

Good luck and keep sharing your progress.

 

Art

 

Scot,

I think Art and rtr12 have good advice.  If you need a physical hand with some of those tasks, I am hoping that as more of us respond, the better chance of someone who lives near you will see your topic and be able to lend you a hand.  

 

I have developed some physical limitations myself, but they are nothing compared to yours and not worth mentioning.  I am so glad you are undertaking this layout, which will do you good.  I am looking forward to seeing how it goes, and am praying you will find the help and encouragement you need.  I wish I lived closer!!

Carl (Moonman)  Well if you are looking at the plan  the plan it enters the garage at the (#16   Switch control) Then it runs 20' down the back wall of the garage. It picks up the (# 28  switches) Then it heads toward the overhead garage door.   With a bunch of switches through out the last 16' of the added track plan.

 

          Thanks Carl  (Moonman)

 

         

 

I will reply to each and every one of you    Scot

Mark Boyce  You are and have been there just by  replying to some of the posts I have posted I could start naming a bunch of you guys butt you all know who you guys are.

Thanks Mark

 

 

 

          Scot

 

 

         

Hey Art. You have been to my house and you have seen the mess I have delt with. If you wear to show up today you would see that I want to do,  Or should I say I want to get this project back on the road.  And I have been working hard on it almost everyday.  One thing that I need is to call Atlas  (Again)   and ask them if there is anyone who can help me with this.  or  trying to see all the tiny track O Gauge Insulated Rail Joiners, O Gauge Blackened Rail Joiners. & O Gauge Nickel Silver Rail Joiners  Locations.    I'm  sorry started to run off on a rant   Thanks Art  I will try and follow each and every tip you and  every one offers

 

         

rtr12 I under stand that a great number of you guys live a good distance away from wear I live but being able to talk to others is a positive thing. If you guys only knew how long or should I say how many hours I have spent on this computer. I know there are people who spend more time then I do  but I have spent many many hours on the O Gauge forum. This lands in that category  wear I cant quite figure things out. My good friend who I worked with for over 25 years keeps telling me that all I need is to do it and it will all come back to me. Plush I have this property to take care of which takes me 2 to 3 times longer then it would take any of you.

    Who knows may  be I will start to reply more to a lot of the posts that I read.

well Thanks  rtr12 I know my posting went off the subject but just reading it has helped me quite a bit       Scot

N&W Class J   Chris.  We talked quite a few years ago, and I know you only live the next town away from me. who knows I probably passed you at Walmart. I know we wear on the other side of rt34 when a train went through Oswego a few months ago.

 Chris I do have a good inventory which I started to collect almost 15 years  ago. Yes I cheated and I am going with the Atlas O-20  Texas Western.  I have all the track some what in place.  I would love to show you, I know you are a 2rail guy which I can care less we all have ideas. I live in Lake Holiday.  just over 1 mile on suzy st.  thanks Chris

 

 

          Scot

Pine Creek Railroad   Dave. sorry it has taken me 18 hours to reply. It really gets to me how I used to typ  and communicate on the computer & now its almost like I have no skills. It takes me some time for only a few words wear I need to check and double check that thay wear typed correctly.  Just being on the forum and giving advise is great. Who knows maybe some time I will open my mouth an offer up some of my advise .

bigdodgetrain   The LCCA are in the same county of Lasalle Ill. But we are about 50min to an hour away.  It never crossed my mind to see wear some of these company are located. Which this Co is in my backyard.  Thanks bigdodgetrain

 

          Scot

hojack  David. This is hard on me opening up and letting my shortcomings out wear all can see. Well I am going direct with it and I am asking for the help. Not the physical but I need the Mental help. Well I don't have problems tracing down wires since I was an Electrician. This is wear I just have to go and do it Like my friend  keeps telling me.  One thing that I need to do is get all of my Trains together and sorted out with all of my Transformers, Tortoises ,Fuses , Fuse holders ,  Non-Derail Boards ,Selectors , Etc , Etc .

  So yes I need the help and I am asking for it now guys. You may live in the next Co. over or you may live in 5 states away who knows  we may even become friends .Thanks for your 1-1/2 cents worth David

 

          Scot

Dave  Steamer.     I under stand wear you are coming from saying its a lost art. Well that is not the way I was brought up. I still believe in using proper Yes Sir. and yes Mam. and trying to talk useing proper words.

Yes I have been through some life threating situations So I hope you all under stand and help me out on the Mental side of things    I truly think that my camera has helped me through a lot of the physical aspects with my Leg. Thanks Dave

 

          Scot

N&W Class J   Chris. Wear back to you. No what I am looking for is more of a mental help. Every thing I have built has been built by my hands. My Son helped me Rip down a couple sheets of plywood and helped unload a couple of times. So I can use some advise  & some mental help Showing me what I need to or adviseing me wear I may be heading for disaster.  Again thanks Chris

 

          Scot

WestinghouseEMDdemoguy   Hello  what I looking for is  advice on how to?

 I am getting very close to needing this help and I know there are people out there who have been in the same position wear I am now, I know you wear the 1st person to contact me  and I am finally getting back to you. which You should of been the 1st person that I contacted  So I am sorry about that.  

 

          Scot

This is an excellent idea and I would make that the very next thing on your to-do list. Getting things organized, sorted and all laid out where you can see what you have is something that always helps me. See, you really do know what to do next.

 

You need a place other than the layout like some shelves or a fold up table or something like that where you can lay all these thing out, get them sorted and then leave them there permanently until you can get them installed. That should have been a suggestion I offered in my earlier post, but I didn't even think of it. I try to keep organized too, so I should have. Something very worthwhile will have been accomplished and I think you will have a whole new outlook on things. Or at least you will be able to look out on your new things...I know extremely poor play on words...Just trying to inject a little humor here... or should that be  or  ? 

 

In an earlier post, Chugman wrote:

 

"Getting some success under your belt will increase your confidence and make you feel good about the layout and yourself."

 

I think this is also an excellent piece of advice and will also make you want to continue right on to the next piece that needs to be done. Each small accomplishment leads to wanting to do another one. I think getting everything organized will be a great starting place. Then some road bed, some track, some power and run some trains and you will be well on your way. When you get frustrated or feel like you are stuck (it will happen again) you can sit back for a few hours or days or whatever and just run trains and admire what has been done so far.

Scot,

Right now you have taken the first and most often the most difficult step. You are reaching out to your peers for help. While I'm not able to give my help physically I offer my prayers.

rtr12   I have come a long way so far I have done some major cleaning these past couple of months. Within a week Ill be ready for some new rust-oleum  epoxy shield  paint on the floor in the Breezway.  I have moved all of my trains from my Daughters room and moved them into my Sons former bedroom.  So the room is clean  but then I cleaned almost the entire breezeway and things are a little clutterd right now. 

   Chugman Has been to my house and he would be the 1st to say my house needs work on the cleaning side.      I would be happy to show him my progress on the house anytime because I have been busy with the layout & the outside work that keeps me busy all the time .     And remember I do all of this by my self since my son moved 2 months ago.  I built this layout 98% by my self.  These photos wear taken today on 7-27-15

my thought on suggesting the LCCA is if you join then you have access to the entire membership list and can find many who do not post here that might live close to you.

 

good luck.

hey Scot,

yes, I was looking at the plan. I recalled your photos from the winter when the breezeway was starting to get to cold. I didn't know you were going through the wall to the garage. It makes sense now.

 

The breezeway looks good. You have organized quite a bit.

 

I was considering putting the plan into software with a possible wiring diagram. If you like it, you could take it to a shop and have some large format prints made. (or email to them and have the prints mailed to you.) Not real expensive for a 2 or 3 prints.

 

Do you think that would help get you past the electrical roadblock?

 

Chessiefan72 has a nice tutorial for wiring the non-derail boards.

 

Elliot has some nice details for wiring and installing Tortoise switch machine and extended manual throws.

 

Finishing laying the roadbed and track for the main section in the breezeway would be a big start. Then you could get some power to the rails has some have suggested. It is inspiring and therapeutic when you run a train for the first lap. 

 

Let me know if you want me to do the track plan for some prints. I am 800+ miles away, so we have a geography issue on the physical help. 

 

 

 

 

ChessiesFan 72's tutorials

Atlas uncoupler

6924 non-derail board

 

Elliot's layout thread  it will take a little page hopping, but you'll find the tortoise posts

Hi Scot,

My thoughts are with you,I hope you get your layout up and running as it will be a good morale booster.

Mikey

Carl (moonman)  Thanks for the links from ChessiesFan 72]  or  Stewart,   And I had the chance to meet Elliot when he came into town and saw  Chugmans (art) layout.

 I would love it  if you have time to do my layout on the computer any type of help is welcomed by me. But don't go out of your way. I have had this layout  on my to do list for almost 13 to 15 years now.

One person I want to talk to soon is Mike CT.  maybe he can answer a few Questions that I have on the Turnouts.

Hi Scot,

 

Yes I am in Plano, basically by Rt34 & Eldamain so I am close.  I would love to see what you have going on, heck I'm working on a 3 rail scale layout as well right now myself. 

 

 

Chris is this layout being built at your house ?  or are you building it for someone ? The only reason is that I remember you working on a 2 rail layout.

Hey guys I have another quick question to ask.  Maybe Mike CT  could answer it?  I cheated I put it on video.    

Yes it's at my house.   I'm working on a 2 rail but also this 3 rail layout as well,  it just works better for my 2 boys at this point.