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Originally Posted by Jhainer:

I just line up a scrap piece with the edge take a pen and draw a line then with a xacto follow that line then cut 90 following the front plastic cover of the foam once I have the rabbit joint done I go back and scrape any leftover foam off the front plastic cover. it's all done by hand no straight edge. then using hot glue gun on low setting I glue the 2 edges and push them tight .

and thank you for the compliment these are the first ones I have done I still have a lot of detail work to do on them but it has been fun building. I still have one more printed out to build. then I want to build the station . attached is a photo of the station .

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Thank you for the reply. You, sir, have steady hands! Also, the station that you posted looks great. Do you have a complete set of working drawings of it that you would be willing to share?

"Model Railroading is fun!"  The old motto written and read many times over!  I sarcastically said that to myself over and over and over today as I began "tracing" wires to figure out all of a sudden why my "B" transformer for my main line would no longer make the train power on.

 

I operate conventionally, even though I have a large layout.  I did this subscribing to the KISS (Keep it simple stupid) knowing that others will operate this layout in the future.

 

My power both positive and negative lead from the "B" transformer to a plug in which leads to a power strip which leads to an Atlas Selector.

 

The "A" transformer powered the train in the block; there fore I knew the wire to the block was correct.  I started with my "meter" testing at the transformer, then at the plug in, then at the power strip and finally to the Selector.  Yet it still wouldn't work.  

 

All of a sudden I simply take my screwdriver and touch the wire that is connected to the "B" transformer input of the selector.  Wham!  The engine started rolling down the track.  I then continued and tightened the screw.

 

Some times the problem is the most simple thing.     

 

"Model Railroading is fun!"   Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I think I need to tighten my screws!  

Last edited by John C.
Originally Posted by John C.:
FANTASTIC!  I do hope to come to St. Paul to see the Hill House and the Jackson Street roundhouse.  I was planning this summer but right now other priorities may prevent a trip.  What a piece of engineering this is! 

John (and everyone else), there has always been an open invitation to visit. The hard part for most people is getting to the Twin Cities. If planning a visit, just email me, so we can set up a time.

 

I believe the two train attractions you mentioned are open year round, as is the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum which has a very nice 2 rail O display, and a growing collection of 3 rail layouts.

 

The Twin Cities are also home to Milwaukee Road 261. At this time there is only one trip planned using the cars, and not the steam engine. The Cedar Rapids (Skytop observation car) and some of the other cars are undergoing restoration.

 

Just a guess, but look for summer and fall trips to be announced in the not too far off future.

Recently picked up a prewar American Flyer 580 diecast green double street lamp, and a matching 579 single, so I spent some pleasant time getting them working, and then installed them on the layout, one on each side of a little Bing freight shed.  They're pretty nice, with a different shape than any of the Lionel lamps.

 

 

Continuing to work on my industrial park area that I'm building inside one of my reversing loops.  I just finished painting the plywood with earth colored paint.  I hope to get the uncoupling tracks I need this weekend at DuPage and will then lay the track.  I left a 24" by 48" access hatch in order to be able to reach inside.  I will build buildings and detail it at the workbench. 

 

 

industrial1

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Last edited by Chugman

Today I FINALLY laid down some track.

I followed my SCARM Printout and it was about 85% correct.

Two things I noticed today.

1) I am sooooo happy I have the outer loop running a train or two

2) I NEED A BIGGER HOUSE.

The train gets from point A to point B anb back way to fast. So I suggested to my wife that she call the real estate and list this house.

Boy!! that would be great. But I will survive with what I made and enjoy it to the fullest.

Tomorrow I need to go to local Hobby shop and buy some more 5 inch straights and a few more 48 curves and a few more switch tracks.

Keep you guys posted.

 

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Originally Posted by BrianEso:

Today I FINALLY laid down some track.

I followed my SCARM Printout and it was about 85% correct.

Two things I noticed today.

1) I am sooooo happy I have the outer loop running a train or two

2) I NEED A BIGGER HOUSE.

The train gets from point A to point B anb back way to fast. So I suggested to my wife that she call the real estate and list this house.

Boy!! that would be great. But I will survive with what I made and enjoy it to the fullest.

Tomorrow I need to go to local Hobby shop and buy some more 5 inch straights and a few more 48 curves and a few more switch tracks.

Keep you guys posted.

 

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IMG_0057

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IMG_0054

IMG_0053

Looking good so far!  Post a track plan!

Originally Posted by Jdevleerjr:

Today I ended my job of 17 years and will start a new one on Monday.  Not a career change but a new beginning.  In the meantime I haven't done much to the layout but plan to work on the locomotive yard this weekend.  I will add in a 3rd siding to the yard and move the engine house.

Good luck on your new job. Today I added a couple of switches.

 

Art

THE GLACIER LINE UPDATE:

 

03-06-2014    I repaired the support bracket near the Glacier Gravel Company.  I placed the main line transformer into its semi-permanent position.  Connie painted the backdrop and “earth” in several places.  Connie re-painted the Camp Disappointment Marker.  Connie placed multiple trees in the area of the Goat Lick Bridge.  I installed a ton of ground cover, pathways and bushes mostly in the area of Garry and Walton.  

Originally Posted by Jdevleerjr:

Today I ended my job of 17 years and will start a new one on Monday.  Not a career change but a new beginning.  In the meantime I haven't done much to the layout but plan to work on the locomotive yard this weekend.  I will add in a 3rd siding to the yard and move the engine house.

Best wishes on your new employment endeavor! Enjoy the time working on your layout.

Went to Train Express in Indianapolis gave my wife the old "Don't buy any more rolling stock" speech because we need more turnouts/track to complete or to at least start a hidden staging area...and of course this store just had to have a fantastic bargain on two cars that they purchased from an estate sale.  Each car was marked $25.00 and both are MTH premier line cats that retail for $69.99 to 89.00 dollars and the suggested retail price by MTH was $99.00.  Yes I bought them!  I gave the wrong person the speech.

Trusten Buzz Lee trains AND our new cars 006

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  • Trusten Buzz Lee trains AND our new cars 006

Spent most of the day following the Stout train auction on line.  Sheesh!

 

Also, built an insert to modify my Wolverine Coal Loader to hold more capacity; based on the information posted by forum member "David from Dearborn" some time ago, on the Tinplate forum.  Looks like it's going to work.  Paint it tomorrow after the glue dries.  Thanks David!

 

 

Nice cars!  Are they in the post-merger set ... also had a SP&S car?  Not sure.
 
Originally Posted by John C.:

Went to Train Express in Indianapolis gave my wife the old "Don't buy any more rolling stock" speech because we need more turnouts/track to complete or to at least start a hidden staging area...and of course this store just had to have a fantastic bargain on two cars that they purchased from an estate sale.  Each car was marked $25.00 and both are MTH premier line cats that retail for $69.99 to 89.00 dollars and the suggested retail price by MTH was $99.00.  Yes I bought them!  I gave the wrong person the speech.

Trusten Buzz Lee trains AND our new cars 006

 

This week I purchased a MTH PS2 N&W Y6B from a fellow forum member.  It looks, runs, and sounds great.  I ran it on the carpet first to see how it does.  Since my only layout is the Ceiling Central, I want to check it out before hoisting it up there.  I also want to make some improvements since this is the most expensive and heaviest engine I have.  It will be great when the daughter moves out and I can have her room.  I apologize for the picture quality.  The only digital camera is on my phone.  The video took a while before it would run on my computer.  It's the first time I tried that.

2014-03-05 22.03.36

2014-03-05 22.05.51

2014-03-05 22.05.23

2014-03-05 22.01.56

 

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2014-03-05 22.08.06
Last edited by Mark Boyce
Originally Posted by jmiller320:
Originally Posted by Mark Boyce:

  It will be great when the daughter moves out and I can have her room.  Good luck with that.  My daughter is waiting for me to move out.

 

 

 Good point.  My wife says our daughter is trying to push us out.  What is it with kids these days.  ;-)

Last edited by Mark Boyce

Had an embarrassing day.  Could not find my powermaster.  Looked around.  Went through 25 boxes.  Found it in box 23.  But it gets worse....

 

During the search I found a set of Metra passenger cars I had been searching for on Ebay.  Yikes i already have them.  Why is this worse?  Because if the wife ever found out about this....

 

Putting the stuff back I drove the top of my head into the closet door frame.  Your skin is real thin up there.

 

Then I relaxed by cleaning my newly built benchwork with the shop vac.  I had to put on some Brit Floyd to calm me down. 

 

I am impressed with the Home Depot soundboard.  Cuts way cleaner than Homasote and cleans up easier.

 

Last edited by TurtleLinez
She loves you dad!  
 
Originally Posted by Mark Boyce:
Originally Posted by jmiller320:
Originally Posted by Mark Boyce:

  It will be great when the daughter moves out and I can have her room.  Good luck with that.  My daughter is waiting for me to move out.

 

 

 Good point.  My wife says our daughter is trying to push us out.  What is it with kids these days.  ;-)

 

Originally Posted by John C.:
She loves you dad!  
 
Originally Posted by Mark Boyce:
Originally Posted by jmiller320:
Originally Posted by Mark Boyce:

  It will be great when the daughter moves out and I can have her room.  Good luck with that.  My daughter is waiting for me to move out.

 

 

 Good point.  My wife says our daughter is trying to push us out.  What is it with kids these days.  ;-)

 

Yes, John.  That must be so.

Last edited by Mark Boyce

Today I Installed the following:

Drop down control shelf in front of the layout.
Installed 2 Volt Meters through a project lid and then installed that onto a piece
of 1/4" plywood and mounted all of it on an angle in front of the 2 controllers. It is actually drying overnight. I had to glue and angles piece of wood to make it angle on the shelf. Sought of..

I installed the electric feed to a power switch and then to the power bar.

I installed 1/2 of the Rope Lites under the layout. MUCH BETTER...

I made the backboard for all the power and power strips.

Here are some pictures of today.

 

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I put my new Lionel 2-8-0 though its paces.  It is a nice scale size locomotive but it needs some work.  

 

1) It is only 1 chuff per rev!   Made in 2008 with 1 chuff!  Alex Malliae will be changing it to 4 chuffs with other modifications.

 

2) Needs to be converted to kadees.  

 

3) Needs a total repaint and reletter.  It has a beautiful Western Maryland fireball on it but sorry it is not a road I run.   I haven't decided if it should be Pere Marquette, GTW, or my Michigan and Great Lakes.   I am leaning towards Pere Marquette but I just got some GTW decals and are really calling for a locomotive to be placed on.

 

4) The rear headlight is red!  Needs to be changed out to a white led along with a normal headlight.   The rear marker lights need to be disconnected since I do not want them on 100% of the time.

 

5) Needs to be weathered.  Alex Malliae will take care of that for me also.  

 

Should be a fun project locomotive.  

I've been quite busy working on the Mountain Division of the Free State Junction Railway since my last post.  

 

I build the country road that partially runs along the base of Mt. Randolph.  I did this buy cutting a roofing shingle into strips of roadway ( cost was $2.00 and I still have half the shingle left ).  I laid the roadway in place and sealed any exposed joints using fine black or fine brown ballast.  Works great and looks great.  See pics.

 

I planted a garden alongside the Mtn Div. mainline.  I used Woodland scenics garden veggies and some sunflowers that I bought at Niagra Hobbies in Buffalo.  Also have a bird house as well.  I don't have a specific pic of the garden but you can see it alongside a freight train in one the accompanying photos included in this post.

 

I made a dirt road leading into a farm where Henry has parked his truck.  See photo.

I used Bachman gravel, some Woodland Scenics brown turf and the road was complete.

Of course I put down some Elmers glue first and sprinkled the above mentioned stuff on top.

 

I used a Plasticville cabin for a corner.  Place some lumber jacks near the cabin.  See photos.  

 

I put up a photo backdrop behind the cabin.

 

Sceniced along the shingle country roadway using lichen and trees.  

 

Created various scenes at the end of the spur coming off the MTN DIV mainline.

 

Fixed an electrical connection to the spur.  Now I have an operating remote control track section and the lights in the caboose operate  

 

Here are some ( actually alot of photos ) of the Mountain Division.  Hope you like them.

More work to be done FSJ Railway

More work to be done FSJ Railway

MT Randolph completed more or less MTN DIV PHOTO

MT Randolph completed more or less MTN DIV PHOTO

MT Randolph completed more or less MTN DIV PHOTO

MT Randolph completed more or less MTN DIV PHOTO

MT Randolph completed more or less MTN DIV PHOTO

Roofing shingle roadway MTN DIV PHOTO

Roofing shingle roadway MTN DIV PHOTO

Roofing shingle roadway MTN DIV PHOTO

Country Road MTN Division Photo

Country Road MTN Division Photo

Country Road MTN Division Photo

Country Road MTN Division Photo

Motor biker on country lane MTN DIV PHOTO

Country Lane MTN DIV PHOTO

Motor biker on country lane MTN DIV PHOTO

Motor biker on country lane MTN DIV PHOTO

Woodchoppers Ball PHOTO MTN DIVJPG

Woodchoppers Ball PHOTO MTN DIVJPG

ONE AX ONE MAN ONE Flat of logs. MTN DIV Photo

A good days work

Woodchoppers Ball PHOTO MTN DIVJPG

A good days work

A good days work

A good days work

A good days work

Still choppin MTN DIV PHOTO

Still choppin MTN DIV PHOTO

Still choppin MTN DIV PHOTO

Still choppin MTN DIV PHOTO

What now

What now

What now

What now

Break Time MTN DIVISION

Break Time MTN DIVISION

Break Time MTN DIVISION

Break Time MTN DIVISION

Exciting game of checkers MTN DIV PHOTO

Exciting game of checkers MTN DIV PHOTO

I caught a fish this long! MTN Div Photo

I caught a fish this long! MTN Div Photo

Afternoon Freight Rear Brakeman MTN DIV PHOTO

Afternoon Freight Rear Brakeman MTN DIV PHOTO

View of Mt Randolph

MT Randolph completed more or less MTN DIV PHOTO

More work to be done FSJ Railway

More work to be done FSJ Railway

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  • Roofing shingle roadway MTN DIV PHOTO: Roofing shingle roadway $2.00
  • Country Road MTN Division Photo: Roofing shingle road blended into the scenery
  • Country Lane MTN DIV PHOTO: Roofing shingle road blended in with scenery
  • Motor biker on country lane MTN DIV PHOTO: Roofing shingle road, Mt. Randolph in background
  • Switching on the MTN DIV PHOTO: MTH Docksider and log car both my own weathering projects
  • ONE AX ONE MAN ONE Flat of logs.  MTN DIV Photo: Using a photo back drop for this pick.
  • A good days work: Plasticville log cabin ( needs a chimney yet ) gives a logging flavor to scene
  • Woodchoppers Ball PHOTO MTN DIVJPG: This guy had a ball chopping those logs.  His name is Woody Herman
  • Still choppin MTN DIV PHOTO: Chopin firewood for tonights fire in the cabin
  • What now?: This guy has nothing to do after a long days work
  • Break Time MTN DIVISION: These guys are chillin!
  • Exciting game of checkers MTN DIV PHOTO: Railroaders super low impact aerobics :-)
  • I caught a fish this long!  MTN Div Photo: At the end of the spur Zeke tells a fish story to the fellas.
  • Afternoon Freight Rear Brakeman MTN DIV PHOTO: The garden is to the right of the caboose.
  • Rear brakeman Mtn Div PHOTO: Rear brakeman protecting the train.
  • View of Mt Randolph: A panoramic view of Mt. Randolph.  I made this mountain between Christmas and New Years
  • MT Randolph completed more or less  MTN DIV PHOTO: More to be done and ALOT has been done to get this far.  A major hurdle has been jumped! :-)
  • More work to be done FSJ Railway: Now there is the rest of the layout.  But this should be a much easier go.

Forum members:  I apologize for the redundancy of some photos in my most recent post.  For some reason the OGR site would not allow me to choose a photo size for each entry.  Somehow the post came out with all the photos I wanted to include, however, there are many examples of the same photo.  I've not encountered this problem in the past.

 

There are captioned photos at the bottom of my previous post ( with no redundancies ).  If you wish to check them out just scroll down to the bottom of my previous post.  Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Finally wired in my timer relay for the dispatch button.  Push the button for 1/2 second, and the track by the station gets power for 4 seconds.

 

The new girlfriend helped.  She's an OB-GYN/Surgeon. She actually asked if she could strip some wires and button them down to the terminal blocks.  She enjoyed helping and asked if she could run some trains, too!  She might be a keeper...or an enabler.

Originally Posted by trumptrain:

I've been quite busy working on the Mountain Division of the Free State Junction Railway since my last post.  

 

 

 

 

 

Break Time MTN DIVISION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat,

Excellent scenery work! That B&O SF-43 combination Boxcar/Caboose is awesome; I snagged one of them at York back when the Yellow Hall was still active.

Last edited by pennsyfan
Originally Posted by John C.:

On THE GLACIER LINE THIS MORNING BY NOON:

 

03-11-2014    I changed two more of the basement light fixtures to the three adjusting spot lights and replaced the Coca Cola light diffusers with the original white diffusers. 

The lighting looks great.  That is one thing as my eyes get older, I say you almost can't have too much light on a layout.

Last edited by Mark Boyce
I agree Mark.  My only regret is that I didn't put more lights down the "center" of my basement.  I put perimeter lights all around and added several more fixtures.  However, there aren't lights following my center support beam.  I could take down some sections of ceiling now but honestly I'm too lazy to do it.  There are too many other things that need my attention.  Maybe one day...  At least the layout is well lighted everywhere. 
 
Originally Posted by Mark Boyce:
Originally Posted by John C.:

On THE GLACIER LINE THIS MORNING BY NOON:

 

03-11-2014    I changed two more of the basement light fixtures to the three adjusting spot lights and replaced the Coca Cola light diffusers with the original white diffusers. 

The lighting looks great.  That is one thing as my eyes get older, I say you almost can't have too much light on a layout.

 

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