Long Island Rail Road-Oyster Bay Branch

Very nice work Andy! This scene is going to look great when it’s done. Keep up the good progress!

TR is one of my favorites…..bully!

Peter

Great Work, remind me of the picnic area at Belmont Park and Sunken Meadow Park.

Mike

Thank you Mark, Rich, Peter, and Michael.

It’s a fun project that I started on a whim. I was putting some trees in the park area, then I decided to build the pavilion. Then I started thinking about the scene and did some research. It was a reminder to me how much goes into even the simplest project. I’m enjoying myself quite a bit. I know this isn’t the most prominent area of the layout, but I am anxious to see the finished product.

Andy

Great work Andy. I enjoy these types of projects the most.

Bob

I finished adding the trim to the pavilion and primed it. If it’s not too windy tomorrow I’ll paint it. I weathered one of the picnic tables. In the first table picture, the one on the right is weathered. I used some weathering powders to get the look I wanted. I decided to weather the rest and use different shades to show various stages of wear, as the tables were put into service randomly over time.

Andy

They look great!

Thanks Mark!

Andy,

Your project is turning out really nice. I like your weathering of the tables. It's all in the details...

Dave

This is going to be a neat scene. Good job Andy.

Thank you Dave and Bill! I appreciate the kind words and encouragement from everyone.

Andy

Hi Andy, finally caught up on your video's, that your collaborator/friend Bob was asking about. - Sooo professionally explained, on those very important segments on your layout ! Your park project has been looking great - look 4wrd to the placement in the area you designed behind the track yard.  planning a field "follow/walkdown" of your layout route to oysterbay yard to meet my cuz' who grew up in glencove.  i remember it being a nice place for lunch.

Thanks Mr Adventure! I hope you have nice trip there. It’s a great area with lots to see and many good restaurants.

Andy

I painted the pavilion and will start the roof next. I’ll do a simple asphalt roof. The pavilion will sit on a concrete slab. I’ll start that after the roof is done. I placed the picnic tables in the park area. I’ll fix their locations once the pavilion is in place. After that, I’ll start on the fence that separates the park from the yard.

Andy

@Steamfan77 Are you a member of any groups (such as TCA) or any Long Island area train clubs? Your work is awesome!

Nikhil, thank you for your kind words! I am not a member of TCA or any Long Island train clubs. I have thought about it, and maybe I’ll join one after I retire.

Andy

Andy,

This is looking really good man. Once again there is so much you can do to bring this vignette to life. I can't wait to see where you go with this.

Dave

@Steamfan77 posted:

Nikhil, thank you for your kind words! I am not a member of TCA or any Long Island train clubs. I have thought about it, and maybe I’ll join one after I retire.

Andy

You should definitely try TCA - you'll get to attend the York event put on by its Eastern Division!

Thank you Dave! I have a few figures to add to the space once the pavilion and tables are situated. I need to find some ice chests (coolers) and some more hibachi style grills that they would typically have in a park setting. I was thinking about maybe a volleyball net or horseshoes.

Andy

I used N scale ballast for the asphalt on the pavilion roof. This is the first layer. I’ll add another layer to fill in any bare spots. Then I’ll start work on the concrete pad.

Andy

Andy the local Scout that I work with is always looking for a new place to camp. This appears to be a fantastic site in the making. Are there camping facilities and if so, do we contact you for reservations?

Great job on the roof!

Thanks Bill! I still have more to do, but I’m having fun with this project.

Andy

I was messing around with the park scene. I added some figures (more on the way), and a cooler and grill. I also placed the pavilion just to get a feel for how it will look once it’s in place. It will sit on a concrete slab which I’m in the middle of painting. I may add a horseshoe court if I can position it right.

Andy

Andy, it looks great.  A horseshoe court would be an excellent choice!

Looking good Andy!

Travel Easy

Thanks Mark! I think it would be a good addition to the scene.

Andy

Thank you Steve! The flip sign is great!

Andy

Looks great Andy.

Bob

Thank you Bob!

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

I was messing around with the park scene. I added some figures (more on the way), and a cooler and grill. I also placed the pavilion just to get a feel for how it will look once it’s in place. It will sit on a concrete slab which I’m in the middle of painting. I may add a horseshoe court if I can position it right.

Andy

Very nice!

Peter

Thank you Peter!

Andy

I guess it should be mentioned that this is going to be a great spot to do some rail fanning......

Bob

@Steamfan77 posted:

I was messing around with the park scene. I added some figures (more on the way), and a cooler and grill. I also placed the pavilion just to get a feel for how it will look once it’s in place. It will sit on a concrete slab which I’m in the middle of painting. I may add a horseshoe court if I can position it right.

Andy

That is looking very nice Andy. Perhaps this would be a good spot for a flag stop station.

Jay

Andy,

it’s beautiful! May I suggest two additions: a backdrop and a fence separating the right of way from the park.

you’ve made amazing progress.

Bob, it’s funny you should mention rail fanning. The Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum is making all kinds of changes up there. They are refurbishing the station, and it will become the new home of the museum. They recently layed some new track to the turntable, and plant to run some excursion trips with #35 this spring/summer. It will not have A functional boiler(too expensive), so a diesel will do the job. Here is a link to the museum: https://www.obrm.org

Jay, that’s not a bad idea, food for thought, thanks. If you look at the track plan on the first page, you can see the station at the beginning of the yard. There will also be an Express house, freight station and bunk house per the prototype.

Rubin, a backdrop purchase is in the works, and I have mentioned installing a fence as the last step for this scene. Great minds think alike.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, it’s funny you should mention rail fanning. The Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum is making all kinds of changes up there. They are refurbishing the station, and it will become the new home of the museum. They recently payed some new track to the turntable, and plant to run some excursion trips with #35 this spring/summer. It will not have A functional boiler(too expensive), so a diesel will do the job. Here is a link to the museum: https://www.obrm.org

Jay, that’s not a bad idea, food for thought, thanks.

Rubin, a backdrop purchase is in the works, and I have mentioned installing a fence as the last step for this scene. Great minds think alike.

Andy

I believe that the excursion trips with #35 without the functional boiler are temporary, as they are still trying to secure the funds. This museum is one heck of a work-in-progress, from what I have seen!

Nikhil, I can’t wait to get up there and look around, amazing progress. I was granted access to the station and turntable before the work started. It was very exciting.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Nikhil, I can’t wait to get up there and look around, amazing progress. I was granted access to the station and turntable before the work started. It was very exciting.

Andy

Awesome! You ever considered volunteering for OBRM or even RMLI?

I have considered it, and will probably do so after I retire.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, it’s funny you should mention rail fanning. The Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum is making all kinds of changes up there. They are refurbishing the station, and it will become the new home of the museum. They recently payed some new track to the turntable, and plant to run some excursion trips with #35 this spring/summer. It will not have A functional boiler(too expensive), so a diesel will do the job. Here is a link to the museum: https://www.obrm.org

Jay, that’s not a bad idea, food for thought, thanks. If you look at the track plan on the first page, you can see the station at the beginning of the yard. There will also be an Express house, freight station and bunk house per the prototype.

Rubin, a backdrop purchase is in the works, and I have mentioned installing a fence as the last step for this scene. Great minds think alike.

Andy

I will have to plan a trip when it's not 10 below...🥶🥶🥶🥶

We were up there several years ago for the towns tree lighting festival. The layout in the museum was in bad shape. The motorcycle shop across the street was cool though.

A good Springtime day trip.

Bob

I agree completely Bob. I’ll head up there in a month or two.

Andy

I’m working on the slab that will go under the pavilion. I primed it, then painted with a base tan. I added some aged concrete paint, and dry brushed a few lighter colors. Then I gave the whole thing a black wash, and finished up with a light coat of weathering powders. The slab is Masonite. The last two pictures have the slab in place temporarily. I want to clear the grass and ground cover so the slab sits flat. I’ll add some small weeds and grass around the slab to “anchor” it, like it belongs.

Andy

Nice looking concrete, Andy!

Thanks Mark! I was going for aged concrete, but not too old. I can always adjust if I don’t like it. It’s actually slightly darker in person.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

I’m working on the slab that will go under the pavilion. I primed it, then painted with a base tan. I added some aged concrete paint, and dry brushed a few lighter colors. Then I gave the whole thing a black wash, and finished up with a light coat of weathering powders. The slab is Masonite. The last two pictures have the slab in place temporarily. I want to clear the grass and ground cover so the slab sits flat. I’ll add some small weeds and grass around the slab to “anchor” it, like it belongs.

Andy

The slab, at a distance, is a good color. Very nice job and that is a unique use of the space. Are you going to consider some lighting for inside the pavilion and possibly some park type lighting?

Jay

Thanks Jay. The pavilions did not have lighting at that point. I’m going to look into the park lighting. Great idea, thanks.

Andy

The pavilion slab is in place. I added ground cover around it, and will add grasses and weeds here and there. Once I’m happy with the look I’ll add the figures. In the fourth picture I’m starting to check the fence that will separate the park from the Oyster Bay yard. I’m going to need 192” of fence. I also ordered the back drop for this area. I look forward to adding it and giving the scene some depth and a more finished look.

Andy

Andy this has turned out to be to be quite nice. You have got to be pleased. Where did you get the fence?

Well done, Andy!  The fence, people, weeds, a few odds and ends, and the backdrop will make quite a nice scene!

Thank you Bill. The fence is from Woodland Scenics.

Thank you Mark! I like how it’s shaping up.

Andy

I have decided to expand the Theodore Roosevelt park a little. I squared the area up in order to have more space to accommodate a volleyball area and horseshoes or maybe bocce ball. I added the plywood and Homasote. I need to add the foam board and then ground cover. All materials for the expansion are leftovers from other parts of the layout. Total cost = $0. I like being able to repurpose materials for a new project whenever I can.

Andy

Great idea, Andy!  I like using leftovers too!

If only I could expand my layout that easily......

Nice scrounging Andy.

@Steamfan77 posted:

I have decided to expand the Theodore Roosevelt park a little. I squared the area up in order to have more space to accommodate a volleyball area and horseshoes or maybe bocce ball. I added the plywood and Homasote. I need to add the foam board and then ground cover. All materials for the expansion are leftovers from other parts of the layout. Total cost = $0. I like being able to repurpose materials for a new project whenever I can.

Andy

Andy,

I love the use of leftovers and I love expansions, both large and small. Warrenville's most recent expansion was about 8 square inches, needed to accommodate the foot of an Arch under bridge.

Please share the park's completion pics when done.

Warrenville has been expanding since 1983 from its original 4 x 8 (which still exists near its center) to approximately 265 square feet. See: About | WarrenVille RailRoad

Thanks Mark! I’ve been toying with this for a while, and decided to pull the trigger.

Thanks Bob, I wish you could too, but you’re maximizing what you have, most efficient use of space.

Thanks John, that 8 square inches were important and necessary. That’s quite an expansion on your part! Thanks for the link, I’ll go take a look.

Andy

Great outcome with the pavilion and slab!! Expansions are always fun. You can get carried away like me and start building the layout into the closets. LoL. I think the horseshoes would look great! Thanks for sharing Andy!

I placed the foam board, taped the seam, and painted it. It’s now ready for ground cover. I will decide how to position the volleyball area and horseshoes. With this little addition, I’ve almost doubled the park size.

I also ordered the backdrop for this area. Just getting the Masonite ready to cut for the installation.
My next steps for this project are:

Install the backdrop.

Make the volleyball area and horseshoe court. Add the figures, and last but not least, install 192” of fencing.

Andy

Thanks Rich! I’ve been thinking about this ever since I started this area. Originally this scene didn’t exist. I was just going to add the fence and call it a day. Glad I decided to add this, it’s been fun.

Andy

“There’s so much room for activities!“

quote from Step Brothers 😂 LoL

Andy,

Very creative move to make in this area. You're the man with the plan. The backdrop will make a HUGE transformation. It will bring all of the details in the area to another dimension that always exceeds what you actually had in your mind. This is exciting to watch.

Dave

Thanks Dave, I’m really enjoying this project. It has grown in scope as I’ve added details, and I’m happy with the addition. It only took about an hour to cut all the pieces and install everything.

Andy

I had some sand in the shed that I’m never going to use for anything else. Getting it ready for the horseshoe area in the park. I sifted twice and now it’s spread out to dry.

Andy

My late brother loved playing horseshoes  so I’m really looking forward to this scene Andy. I’m planning to incorporate a set on my layout. Are you going to have anyone flying a kite?

Sorry to hear about your brother Rich. I think the kite is an interesting idea, I’ve been thinking about all kinds of scenes. Hard to pick just a few.

Andy

Because my benchwork is already built, and I’m late to the backdrop scene, I will attach the backdrop to the Masonite and then mount the whole set up to the wall. I’ll use paint friendly double stick tape to secure the Masonite to the wall. It’s got a pretty strong tack but doesn’t peel the paint off when removed (I already tested it). Knowing that I would mount the backdrop to the Masonite first, I bought one continuous 10’ piece from Railroadbackdrops.com

Andy

Looking good Andy! 

LIRR lives on...

Andy, that will be great.  Steve’s looks great!

@SIRT posted:

Looking good Andy! 

LIRR lives on...

I know this is Andy's build thread, but a great scene Steve.

Us LIRR guys need to stick together.....

Maybe that building sign should read "Carl Hoppls" or "Raynor's Cabin". Throw Bigelo's Seafood in for good measure!

Bob

Steve, the backdrop is outstanding. Really ties the scene together.

Thank you Mark

Bob, those names bring back some great memories. My Father’s Place, Oak Beach Inn, All American in Massapequa…

Andy

Andy

Adding a backdrop ties everything together, makes the layout stand out even more.  It will look great Andy when finished.

Mike

@RSJB18 posted:

I know this is Andy's build thread, but a great scene Steve.

Us LIRR guys need to stick together.....

Maybe that building sign should read "Carl Hoppls" or "Raynor's Cabin". Throw Bigelo's Seafood in for good measure!

Bob

Bob, since I run over 15 different roads of diesels with caboose combinations, I can’t be too specific in properly naming buildings. Sometimes some things need to be general. Thought it needed something, so I picked the faded white lettering from an earlier time. Company was long gone in history and in many cases, names were never removed.

Just inspiring Andy and others with a semi-finished look. I’m certain he is on the right path as we all can see.

Thanks Mike, I’m trying to get a more finished look.

Steve, I appreciate the kind words. And yes I am inspired by what you’re doing and have done. Lots to learn from and work with.

Andy

@SIRT posted:

Bob, since I run over 15 different roads of diesels with caboose combinations, I can’t be too specific in properly naming buildings. Sometimes some things need to be general. Thought it needed something, so I picked the faded white lettering from an earlier time. Company was long gone in history and in many cases, names were never removed.

Just inspiring Andy and others with a semi-finished look. I’m certain he is on the right path as we all can see.

I get it. It's a great looking backdrop regardless.

I always like this building that I see on Virtual Railfan in Galesburg Ill.

Andy- yea- lot's of great food memories along the LIRR row. I stumbled out of MFP and OBI occasionally too.....

Bob

My wife and I installed the backdrop in the Oyster Bay yard. I removed some trees in order to slip the backdrop in, all 10’ of it. The backdrop changes the look of the area, gives it more depth. I’ll start the process of blending the backdrop and scene. If it looks half as good as Sirt’s I’ll be happy. Lots to do to get it to that point. After that, I can put the park scene together and then add the fence.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

My wife and I installed the backdrop in the Oyster Bay yard. I removed some trees in order to slip the backdrop in, all 10’ of it. The backdrop changes the look of the area, gives it more depth. I’ll start the process of blending the backdrop and scene. If it looks half as good as Sirt’s I’ll be happy. Lots to do to get it to that point. After that, I can put the park scene together and then add the fence.

Andy

Magnificent!

Peter

Andy,

This is an immediate/instant transformation. However, your previous creative work had to be done to allow it to do what it does for a complete scene. Your vision is coming alive and I can't wait to see more.

Dave

Thank you Peter!

Dave, thank you for your insightful response and input. I can’t wait to work on this scene and add more to it.

Andy

That’s a tremendous improvement to an already great scene!

Thank you Mark! I went to the basement before and found myself staring at the backdrop. I wish I had done this sooner.

Andy

It looks great Andy. Really puts the cherry on top.

Bob

Bob if your thinking Raynor's Cabin there has to be a McCluskey's Steak House down the road.

Thank you Bob!
Coach Joe, ah the memories…

Andy

I’ve been working on some woodworking projects, so I haven’t posted in a while. I started working on the park scene again, and I’ve added various ground cover and weeds, etc. In the first picture you can see the beginning of the horseshoe court, to the left of that will be a volleyball area, and behind that, I’ll set up a pole for tether ball. I will also add more trees, and lastly the fence separating the park from the yard.

Andy

Andy, That park is already a ringer!! 

Thank you Mark! I’m working on it…

Andy

Andy @Steamfan77 this scene is coming out incredible! The little people are great along with the grill and cooler and just everything! A kid running with kite and a dog or two running with a frisbee would fit in beautifully.

It is definitely “a ringer” @Mark Boyce! LoL

Thanks Rich! Great ideas for the scene.

Andy

Excellent work Andy. Maybe add a couple of benches along the tracks for the railfans to sit and watch trains too.

Bob

Excellent, subtle modeling.  Parks always have big open (empty) spaces, which most people don’t portray. Less is more! Vert realistic! JohnA

Bob, funny you mention that, I have a few set aside just for that purpose, great minds...

Thank you John! I appreciate the fact that you see what I'm going for.

Andy

Hi Andy, Great park scene - the less is more is spot on. Nice back drop - helps pop your handmade trees n shrubs, & like how you took advantage of the corner triangle to add sooo much to the area. i can smell the burgers an hot dogs . . . hope to still make the tour from Mineola up to the Oyster Bay Museum & yard. Doug

@Steamfan77 posted:

I’ve been working on some woodworking projects, so I haven’t posted in a while. I started working on the park scene again, and I’ve added various ground cover and weeds, etc. In the first picture you can see the beginning of the horseshoe court, to the left of that will be a volleyball area, and behind that, I’ll set up a pole for tether ball. I will also add more trees, and lastly the fence separating the park from the yard.

Andy

Gorgeous!

.....or, as TR would say:  Bully!

Peter

@Putnam Division posted:

Gorgeous!

.....or, as TR would say:  Bully!

Peter

Oh yes!  TR did have a place there!!  Even a guy in ‘Hill Guy Land’ knew that about Lawn Guy Land!  🤪 🫡

Thanks Doug! I hope to make it up there myself one of these days.

Thank you Peter! I think TR would have approved.

Mark, Sagamore Hill (TR’s home) is just a few miles away https://www.nps.gov/sahi/index.htm

Sagamore Hill was known as the summer “White House”.

Andy

Thank you, Andy.  Sagamore Hill, I couldn’t remember the name of it .  I should have.  My aunt and uncle lived in Sagamore Hills, Ohio for about 30 years.  😄

Mark, there is a lot of interesting information and history around Sagamore Hill and Teddy Roosevelt using the Oyster Bay train station for many years.

Andy

The scenes are not complete, but I extended the road from the backdrop onto the layout. I will add a few more details then start putting the fence in place.

Andy

Your road to backdrop looks good. Hard to do. JohnA

Andy, your road blends into the backdrop very well!!  I like the scene.

John, Mark, thank you! I still have more tinkering to do…

Andy

Good work Andy! Blending scenery, roads, etc. into a backdrop can be daunting but you made it work.

Dave

Thank you Dave!

Andy

Looks great Andy!! You definitely have talent with the scenery!!

@Steamfan77 posted:

The scenes are not complete, but I extended the road from the backdrop onto the layout. I will add a few more details then start putting the fence in place.

Andy

Well done!

Peter

Thank you Rich and Peter!

Andy

Great park scene and back drop.

Thanks RJ!

Andy

Andy you got it. Fence will really set it off. Nice job.

That looks awesome Andy. Keep up the good work.

Thank you Bill!

Thanks Joe!

Looking forward to making more progress.

Andy

. . . BEAUTIFUL VIEW FOR THE FUTURE PASSENGER SERVICE COMING N GOING TO O.B.B. STATION.

The backdrop to layout is a tough transition to pull off. Especially using something other than buildings. You Nailed it. It has a seamless transition and it all blends perfectly. Love how the roads disappear into the backdrop. Well done.

Thank you Mr Adventure!

Thank you Dave!

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

The scenes are not complete, but I extended the road from the backdrop onto the layout. I will add a few more details then start putting the fence in place.

Andy

That kinda looks like Johan's work!  very nice

Wow coach Joe, high praise indeed!  Thank you

Andy

I have not been posting much in the last several months due to various other projects that have popped up this year. Lots of woodworking projects (not complaining), we are now in the middle of a kitchen “refresh”, so my time and energy have been devoted to that. Hopefully that will be completed within the next month. My focus is still the park area and pulling that scene together with many more details to come. I’d like to get back to the layout soon. I am enjoying watching everyone else’s progress, it helps keep me motivated. Happy 4th to everyone!

Andy

Wow, Andy = your idea, work, research & example for this project & our forum, doesn't need an explanation.  i think most of us know a happy homefront is "time management" attention to all projects.  i mentioned back when - when your all finished, an enjoying the leisure of making up consists & moving frieght, on the outside chance,  about looking forward to an historical recount of what you've gathered for a nice read.   Doug

Yes other things do get in the way of layout progress.  In the meantime, you can be thinking of many new ideas for the park scene as well as the rest of the layout.

Thank you Doug, I appreciate the kind words.

Mark, I’m keeping my next steps on the layout in mind, and yes, planning.

Andy

What memories riding from Queens to Montauk Point to fish Bluefish in the Race, or ride the Ronkonkoma branch to beautiful Greenport to Striper fish near Gull Lighthouse. NY was something then. Gull and Bug light.

@Steamfan77 posted:

I have not been posting much in the last several months due to various other projects that have popped up this year. Lots of woodworking projects (not complaining), we are now in the middle of a kitchen “refresh”, so my time and energy have been devoted to that. Hopefully that will be completed within the next month. My focus is still the park area and pulling that scene together with many more details to come. I’d like to get back to the layout soon. I am enjoying watching everyone else’s progress, it helps keep me motivated. Happy 4th to everyone!

Andy

I've been in the same boat this Spring/ Summer Andy. And I still have a kitchen to renovate!
Hard to spend hours in the basement when the boss has other plans.

Happy 4th to you!

Bob

Hard to spend time in the basement when you don't have one AND the boss has other plans.

Great pics Speedo.

Thanks Bob! Happy 4th to you as well.

I hear you Coach Joe.

Andy

I was able to spend a few minutes working on the layout. I started to install the fence for the park scene. This is the opposite end from where the park is, closer to the turntable. Not much, but it’s a start.

Andy

That looks real Andy. I like the little build up of ballast on the rail and general area. Very nicely done. I’m going to incorporate something like that.

Jay

Thank you Jay! I appreciate the kind words.

Andy

Andy,

  It all looks very good!

Tom

@Steamfan77 posted:

I was able to spend a few minutes working on the layout. I started to install the fence for the park scene. This is the opposite end from where the park is, closer to the turntable. Not much, but it’s a start.

Andy

Looks like the real thing!

That really looks great, Andy!  The fence and bumper really look realistic, and the trees and backdrop blend in well!

Thank you Tom!
Thanks ThatGuy!

Thank you Mark!

I appreciate the kind words from everyone.

Andy

My last day of work was yesterday. I’m officially retired after 45 years of working.
That being the case, I can now devote more time to my layout.

In the short term, I have the following projects in mind:

Complete the park scene next to the Oyster Bay yard

Finish the Mill River bridge scene

Build some kits that I’ve been meaning to get to.

Run some trains…

I have lots more work to do on the layout, but now I have more time to enjoy it.

Andy

Congratulations Andy!

Looking forward to your new projects.

Is your wife on the same page with expanded layout time?

Bob

Andy,

Congrats, what a milestone. 45 years shows your dedication...now time for more train time. Look forward to your upcoming projects.

Dave

Thanks Bob, she’s on board, she mentioned it before I did!

Thanks Dave, can’t wait to get started.

Andy

Great to hear Andy, Congratulations to you & your wife. 45yrs down the rails is a milestone - much happiness & progress on your incredible Oyster Bay Branch.  looking forward to your schedule.   Doug

Thanks Doug, I look forward to the next chapter.

Andy

Being a native Long Islander albeit from the Montauk branch side of the island I love what you are doing.

Congratulations Andy!  Enjoy doing what you want, when you want, any day you want to.

Congrats, Andy…….you will love retirement!

Peter

@Steamfan77 posted:

My last day of work was yesterday. I’m officially retired after 45 years of working.
That being the case, I can now devote more time to my layout.

In the short term, I have the following projects in mind:

Complete the park scene next to the Oyster Bay yard

Finish the Mill River bridge scene

Build some kits that I’ve been meaning to get to.

Run some trains…

I have lots more work to do on the layout, but now I have more time to enjoy it.

Andy

Andy,

  After all the recent rain events in the Northeast, I am starting to get back to fun things. Yours was my first topic that I have posted on lately. Best wishes for a long and healthy retirement.

  Very happy that you have gotten to this point...I am right behind you literally as my last day is next week.

Tom

Thank you Scotie, high praise from a fellow Long Islander.

Thank you coach Joe, I can’t wait.

Thank you Peter, I look forward to more time to do what I want.

Thank you Tom, I appreciate you commenting here. Best of luck to you next week. Please post about it!

Andy

Andy,

Congrats on your retirement Andy, and yes, the grass is greener on this side of retiring.  Enjoy your newfound time with family friends and the layout!  All the best!

Mike

@Steamfan77 posted:

Thank you Scotie, high praise from a fellow Long Islander.

Thank you Tom, I appreciate you commenting here. Best of luck to you next week. Please post about it!

Andy

Add me to the list Andy. Your build is one of my favorites. And the fact that it's in my backyard adds to the cool factor. I was just at Davenport for lunch last week. The area is just not the same without Nassau Tower and the power house anymore.

@PRR8976- T Minus 5,4,3,2,1........

Bob

Thanks Mike, it's a nice club to belong to!

Thank you for the kind words Bob, I'll try to live up to them. I agree with you about Mineola, doesn't have the same feel anymore, what a shame.

Andy

Congratulations, Andy!  45 is the same number of years I worked.  I’m looking forward to seeing your layout progress!

@Steamfan77 posted:

Thanks Mike, it's a nice club to belong to!

Thank you for the kind words Bob, I'll try to live up to them. I agree with you about Mineola, doesn't have the same feel anymore, what a shame.

Andy

On the plus side, since the grade crossings are gone, no more train horns to keep me up at night and the traffic backups are a thing of the past.

Gotta look for the silver lining. 😆

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

On the plus side, since the grade crossings are gone, no more train horns to keep me up at night and the traffic backups are a thing of the past.

Gotta look for the silver lining. 😆

Bob

From what I hear, folks living on Long Island need all the silver linings they can scrape up. 

Thank you Mark! Mark, we have lots of pluses, we are just more vocal about the things we don’t like 😂
I agree with you Bob. That will reduce traffic and be a plus for commuters too.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Thank you Mark! Mark, we have lots of pluses, we are just more vocal about the things we don’t like 😂
I agree with you Bob. That will reduce traffic and be a plus for commuters too.

Andy

😄😄

Starting to weather the fence sections for the park. Since the fence is right next to the yard, it’s pretty dirty. The sections are 6”, but I’ve glued several sections together to make a “sub-assembly”.

Andy

@RSJB18 posted:

Add me to the list Andy. Your build is one of my favorites. And the fact that it's in my backyard adds to the cool factor. I was just at Davenport for lunch last week. The area is just not the same without Nassau Tower and the power house anymore.

@PRR8976- T Minus 5,4,3,2,1........

Bob

Is it still the Davenport Press or have they dropped Press?  I can't believe it's still there.

@coach joe posted:

Is it still the Davenport Press or have they dropped Press?  I can't believe it's still there.

Yep- still there, still "Press". The owners actually fully renovated the place after covid. And he just got the LIRR to repave his parking lot due to the damage done by all the construction.

https://www.davenportpress.com/

@Steamfan77 @Mark Boyce- We Lawn-guy-landers have big mouths........not shy about using them either.....

Fencing looks good Andy.

Bob

The fence is looking good, Andy!

Bob, I’m glad you added a link for the Davenport Press.  I thought it was either a heavy industry or a newspaper office.  I never expected it to be a restaurant!  I suppose there was no chance a non Lawn Guy Lander could know!!  😆😆😆

@Mark Boyce posted:

The fence is looking good, Andy!

Bob, I’m glad you added a link for the Davenport Press.  I thought it was either a heavy industry or a newspaper office.  I never expected it to be a restaurant!  I suppose there was no chance a non Lawn Guy Lander could know!!  😆😆😆

It was.....

https://longislandweekly.com/d...stay-in-county-seat/

@RSJB18 posted:

It was.....

https://longislandweekly.com/d...stay-in-county-seat/

Thank you, Bob!!  I wasn't too far off!