Goodbye theater, hello layout.

I’m sorry for your loss, David and dealing with Covid too!  
The layout looks great, you’ll figure out how to make the most effective switching moves

David KS - I was trying to install one of those on a curved Ross switch where the extended ties, which would otherwise hold the caboose throw, were cut off by the previous owner (or who ever took down the layout). Taking a lot of futzing around and still not right. Maybe I should put a spring between the caboose operator and  the throw bar so alignment is not so critical. 

Best wishes in this trying time. Jeff

David

Never feel bad about unloading here. We are all here for ya. Sometimes it takes working or muttzing on trains to just clear our head and hearts. Trains and the process of building a layout can be soothing even the parts that some do like to do. It is different for everyone. Some hate bench work or wiring where I love both of those. Others love scenery while I struggle with it. But I come here and read and express and get support of how I can make it thru the struggling parts and am reminded constantly of two big things.

1. Running trains or even working on them can be a major stress reliever and people here tend to be supportive

2. If I say I am struggling due to health or other issues People again here will build me up and support me to bring me out of the gloom and doom while either offering words of encouragement or prayers. Both are successful as I have received both many times.

So remember we are all here together, we all have or have had health, or family or whatever happen to us. Yet we are a big family that not only shows it to each other but also needs each other.

Enjoy the forum , the company and the trains.

Curtis

David Sorry about your losses. I lost my mom a couple months ago.

I think I mentioned this in earlier post, Have you thought about building Down to create storage tracks. As long as your layout is you could ramp the trains and cars under the layout for storage and easy access. My friends layout we build a massive 14 track yard to hold all his consists complete. They also stayed cleaner under the board. We designed off the back side with a reversing loop to bring them back out. Also being in the rear we were able to leave future expansion for a subway system along the front side.

we all know how rapidly our fleets expand.

@CSX FAN posted:

David Sorry about your losses. I lost my mom a couple months ago.

I think I mentioned this in earlier post, Have you thought about building Down to create storage tracks. As long as your layout is you could ramp the trains and cars under the layout for storage and easy access. My friends layout we build a massive 14 track yard to hold all his consists complete. They also stayed cleaner under the board. We designed off the back side with a reversing loop to bring them back out. Also being in the rear we were able to leave future expansion for a subway system along the front side.

we all know how rapidly our fleets expand.

I have thought about that and it’s a possibility in the future. Hard to see in most of the pics but there is a couch along the one wall that was moved last night. That’s the proposed location of at least one yard. I have about 10 feet of length and would probably go no deeper than 3 feet or less so that I could reach the back. Either plan is for sometime in the future. The yard “lead” is installed, but is just a dead end for now.

David- sorry to hear about the loss of your mom and step-dad. Always hard when a loved one passes. Looks like you are doing  well with your therapy with the layout though.
Things are looking good. I'm with @CSX FAN- a hidden yard below the table may be the answer. You have a long run along the wall where you could build the ramp down and then have room for a big yard. It sounds like you want to run long trains and not build and break them down all the time.

Hope your kids recover soon and you and your wife don't catch it.

Bob

Dave Here is a shot of Paul's Passenger station. This is on the leading edge of his layout and was used to store Passenger Trains. Pure storage was one layer below this level. Paul was very good creating multiple levels along with his "Highline" you were operating on three tiers. Not good for TMCC operation, which we had to add several ground plans in an attempt to operate Lionel. Great for DCS operation though.

This allowed Paul to use more of the surface for scenery and sidings. 

Thanks to each and every one of you for the well wishes. I’m not replying to each individually as to not turn this into pages and pages of a memorial thread. But thank you.

I like the under table idea but I have a few small issues. I built the table at 36” as I’m only 5’8” and that’s the table height that looked pleasing to me. Issue 2 is under table storage. It seems as soon as I got a piece of bench work installed and wired the underside was filled with Christmas stuff or other things to store. It’s definitely a possibility in the future though.

@David K. Simpson posted:

Thanks to each and every one of you for the well wishes. I’m not replying to each individually as to not turn this into pages and pages of a memorial thread. But thank you.

I like the under table idea but I have a few small issues. I built the table at 36” as I’m only 5’8” and that’s the table height that looked pleasing to me. Issue 2 is under table storage. It seems as soon as I got a piece of bench work installed and wired the underside was filled with Christmas stuff or other things to store. It’s definitely a possibility in the future though.

The issue we had with Paul's was I had to be sure all the wiring was complete. I board several holes through the supports to make sure we didn't have to do it in the future.  I ran miles of wire under his and my layout. I think we had his dead storage about 24" off the floor. It wasn't high. His base bench work was probably at 40" and raised as much as 12" to the high line. 

The boxes need to find a new home. I have been dealing with that for years my self.

@RSJB18 posted:

David- sorry to hear about the loss of your mom and step-dad. Always hard when a loved one passes. Looks like you are doing  well with your therapy with the layout though.
Things are looking good. I'm with @CSX FAN- a hidden yard below the table may be the answer. You have a long run along the wall where you could build the ramp down and then have room for a big yard. It sounds like you want to run long trains and not build and break them down all the time.

Hope your kids recover soon and you and your wife don't catch it.

Bob

The funny thing about my original plan to not do any switching and just run long trains is how much it has changed. I’ve run very few long trains and instead  have taken the greatest joy from my “no hands” rule and moving things from one location to another. Reminds me of working the service track at the railroad with the amount of strategy required.

@David K. Simpson posted:

The funny thing about my original plan to not do and building and just run long trains is how much it has changed. I’ve run very few long trains and instead  have taken the greatest joy from my “no hands” rule and moving things from one location to another. Reminds me of working the service track at the railroad with the amount of strategy required.

David Are you near Bob Bartisac? (spelling) He has a beautiful layout with a lot of switching/ industrial sidings. he does operating sessions with locals. You might want to contact him and visit his layout. It becomes very prototypical to operate if you want that hands free operation.

@CSX FAN posted:

David Are you near Bob Bartisac? (spelling) He has a beautiful layout with a lot of switching/ industrial sidings. he does operating sessions with locals. You might want to contact him and visit his layout. It becomes very prototypical to operate if you want that hands free operation.

No clue.

Not much of an update other than I got the DD40X back and the Boom car for the crane showed up. Other than money reasons, there is no way the crane and boom cars should have been sold separately. They absolutely need each other. Also picked up a speeder which is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen run. Also brought my DOA Dash-9 back to life by sacrificing the board from my Alaska F40PH which I never really liked. GGG fixed the DD40X for me and did a fantastic job. Very thorough. Unfortunately it seems the shipping company used the box as a football and the rear steps got broken. Not AT ALL the fault of GGG. It was packed better than any package I’ve ever received. Still a shame though.

Just fits on the TT!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Just fits on the TT!

You said early on it would barely fit, and you were right.

Need to remember not to pull on to “dead” tracks. Went to put the DD40 in the roundhouse with the turntable tracks shut off. Big spark from the roller and all the TT engines powered up. I can’t imagine that load is good on the electronics as basically the DD powered all the TT tracks through its circuitry. Anxiously awaiting GRJs PBD.

PBD?

Since each of my TT tracks are individually powered, that issue never comes up.  If I pull onto a dead track, it's just that, a dead track and the engine stops.

A DD40 and speeder in the same post. Talk about opposites. Dress the speeder to look like a mouse and I think the cat will be entertained forever.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

PBD?

Since each of my TT tracks are individually powered, that issue never comes up.  If I pull onto a dead track, it's just that, a dead track and the engine stops.

Perpetual barking device. Maybe I dreamed it but I thought that’s what people were calling it in the post about it. I’m still trying to resist a switch for each individual track out of not much more than laziness.

@RSJB18 posted:

A DD40 and speeder in the same post. Talk about opposites. Dress the speeder to look like a mouse and I think the cat will be entertained forever.

The cats basically think I built the layout for them and look at me kind of strange when I dare touch it. They are definitely fascinated with the speeder though. Might have to mount a laser pointer on it.

I didn't recognize the acronym.  I just call it the Watchdog Generator, less obscure.   Having those on all the secondary tracks really makes a big difference in operation, I don't have to make special considerations for DCS locomotives.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I didn't recognize the acronym.  I just call it the Watchdog Generator, less obscure.   Having those on all the secondary tracks really makes a big difference in operation, I don't have to make special considerations for DCS locomotives.

Yep, I’m excited to get one from you and put it to use.

Small victories...

Something nice about seeing your creation work completely for the first time. Crazy to think it’s only been 60 something days.

One loco with 12 cars made it around both inside and outside loops in both directions using the reversing loop and crossover without a derail or catastrophic failure at 30smph without stopping.  Probably laughable to most, but with all used switches and very little experience, I couldn’t be happier.

Again, greatly appreciative of all the help and support.

Its a major accomplishment in my opinion. Always nice to see things operate the way they are supposed to.  Nice work.

@David K. Simpson posted:

Probably laughable to most, but with all used switches and very little experience, I couldn’t be happier.

Not laughable at all, we all have some "bobbles" if you do enough of this stuff.  I'm still tweaking my new switches for 100% operation, so getting it done with used ones is even better!

Thanks. The lucky loco to lead the train was the DOA Dash-9 I bought that got the F40 5v board transplant. GGG hooked me up with the correct sound file and while I was certain it would probably sing happy birthday or something when I turned it on, it instead decided to perform perfectly. Really happy I installed the caboose ground throw switch controls. They serve me perfectly and add a bit of ground man realism that I enjoy.

Keeps bothering me that there are B&O as well as MEC locos at the “UP” roundhouse so I picked up a 2 bay loco shop at menards that will go at the far other end of the layout. So that will be the “eastern” railroad and the peninsula wil be the “western” end. Funny how the eastern end was the original focal point to me and now it is all but forgotten since building the peninsula with turntable and roundhouse. Will be nice to break the operations in half.

Have a UP rail inspection car/loco on the way and quite excited for it to get here. It’s PS2 5v so I’m slightly terrified based on the Dash-9 showing up dead as well as the B&O steamer but after reading and reading, I think I’ll open it up and replace the battery before it ever sees track power. Hoping for the best as it’s a pretty neat unit.

@David K. Simpson posted:

Have a UP rail inspection car/loco on the way and quite excited for it to get here. It’s PS2 5v so I’m slightly terrified based on the Dash-9 showing up dead as well as the B&O steamer but after reading and reading, I think I’ll open it up and replace the battery before it ever sees track power. Hoping for the best as it’s a pretty neat unit.

I have that one.  I bought it dead cheap, and put a 3V board in it when I got it.

I paid 150 which isn’t “dead cheap” but cheaper than all the others I’ve seen for sale. Of course, emotions got involved because I really want one. Worst case scenario is it will get a 3v board. Of course, there’s a show in Medina in a month and I’ll probably find one for 50 bucks or something but that’s where lack of patience get you.

If it runs, that was cheap.

Any other recommendations before putting it on the track? I read a few posts from GGG about trying to start locos with white batteries and it killing the boards. That’s what happened with my Dash-9. Seller said it ran perfect and I saw it on his layout. Showed up dead and the white battery had 0.4v. He claims you should never try to start one with a white battery. I’ve been using Amazon basics rechargeable 9v batteries in my other 5v locos with success so far. Including the F40 board that is now in the Dash-9.

Most certainly treat it to a new battery before powering it up!  If it already has the green MTH battery, it should be OK, but if you see a white or silver one, DO NOT USE IT!

Yep. Wish I knew that before trying the B&O or the Dash-9.

Can you enlighten me on what exactly is the issue with firing them up with the white battery? My theory is they get so dead they reverse voltage and when the board tries to charge it it shorts. (This happened in real life on the green goats so that’s where I pull my theory).

Not sure, I suspect it depends on the condition of the battery.  Obviously, many of them get turned on with the old battery and don't die, but enough have died that rather than anguish over why, I just pitch the old battery and never look back.   My suspicion is maybe the battery appears as a short at times and damages the charging circuit, that's curtains for the 5V board.

Makes sense. We had many green goats burn to the ground when the diesel would fire up and try to charge the batteries that were so dead that they went to a reverse polarity state and basically caused a dead short. Regardless, it will get a new battery before it ever sees the rails.

@David K. Simpson posted:

Small victories...

Something nice about seeing your creation work completely for the first time. Crazy to think it’s only been 60 something days.

One loco with 12 cars made it around both inside and outside loops in both directions using the reversing loop and crossover without a derail or catastrophic failure at 30smph without stopping.  Probably laughable to most, but with all used switches and very little experience, I couldn’t be happier.

Again, greatly appreciative of all the help and support.

David, you are in the right place for sure. And, I can relate as we all find the bumps in the "Switches". lol

I, too get great satisfaction when I find answers from these kind folks and it runs... Love that! I squeeze my dollars and take a chance on repairs to get a smoking 2025 that pulls a small consist including a GI-Raffe car that DUCKS. I'll have to check the MEDINA site. Might see you there. Cheers

Yep. I’ll be in medina. Can’t believe I missed Canfield as that’s pretty close to me. I have a hard time finding a list of shows though.

David, I went over to the Canfield show, and a 48” Atlas true bridge followed me home.  Coming from “Shutdown Happy” Pennsylvania, I was surprised at how many people were allowed in at a time.  Folks were itching for a train show.  I saw the flyer, but Medina is a little far for me, as I had trouble driving back from Canfield.

There is a show in Kittanning on March 14th.  That is 25 miles east of me here in Butler, so it may be too far for you.

@Mark Boyce posted:

David, I went over to the Canfield show, and a 48” Atlas true bridge followed me home.  Coming from “Shutdown Happy” Pennsylvania, I was surprised at how many people were allowed in at a time.  Folks were itching for a train show.  I saw the flyer, but Medina is a little far for me, as I had trouble driving back from Canfield.

There is a show in Kittanning on March 14th.  That is 25 miles east of me here in Butler, so it may be too far for you.

Kittanning may not be too far. I’ve gone to the G&W shop in Butler many times and it’s not too terrible of a drive. I’ll have to look it up. Thanks.

Looks like it’s 2 hours from my door. Any clue what “type” of show it is? Meaning, we went to a show or two last year that were 99% HO or whatever flavor you choose but had very little O. Hate to drive 2 hours to look at a scale I’m not working with.