Switcher Saturday: 2017-Aug-19

Rich, That looks great. Maybe if you reduced the size of the center "donut hole" you could have more room for either more sidings or accessories on your sidings? 

Happy Switcher Saturday everyone. My contribution is my prewar #231.

Tom 

Here is one of my favorite switchers working the "file cabinet branch" at my office.

Yay SWSat is on!

We are off to a good start (as usual) this week. This week I have some pics I took two weeks ago in the Bronx at MO tower. I found Metro North GP35 with a brand new paint job waiting for a job. 

There was also the Burro self powered crane that usually is stationed here but the big catch was a Sperry detector  car rebuilt from a vintage doodlebug. Originally this car was built in 1926 by EMC for Lehigh Valley as thier car 29. A bit unique to see a 91 year old rail vehicle still in commercial use.

You can see the double door 40 ft boxcar still in Conrail paint  next to the sperry car in that last pic.

Here is some more quick pics of the work crew gathered around an end cab Switcher from my commute at 125st on the ABCD  track work. 

Have a great week. 

Andy, is that behind Cardinal Hayes HS?  What would MetroNorth use that GP35 for?  New paint job is too fancy for MOW.

coach joe posted:

Andy, is that behind Cardinal Hayes HS?  What would MetroNorth use that GP35 for?  New paint job is too fancy for MOW.

That is Cardinal Hayes. The unit is for switching and MOW. I guess everything gets new paint now and then. The Brookvilles and EMDs in Switcher duty do have the most varied paint in MN. There are yellow units and orange and black Alpert inspired New Haven paint as well. 

briansilvermustang posted:

cool !  .......but no info on these.....

The blue unit was made by GMD in Canada. There were 2 one is in preservation at a museum. 

The lower black unit is Republic Loco Works and uses old trucks and traction motors from decommissioned SD units. 

Happy SWSAT!

The week away went way too fast but not without some train stuff.

We were heading to the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Pottersville NY and stumbled across Dunham Studios! I stopped by after the cave tour but no one was around. I was hoping to get a peak inside. Maybe next time.

Locally the RSJ&B will be getting back to work after its summer break as well. A new storage shed just arrived and is being set up near the engine yard.

Great posts so far everyone.

Bob

Rich that looks like that would be a good start. 

Murnane posted:

It's #SwitcherSaturday time!!!!

Lots of us out there love switchers (shifters, docksiders, yard goats, critters, etc.), so lets keep #SwitcherSaturday (a.k.a. SWSAT) rolling!

If you missed last week's SWSAT you should really go take a look, it was a ton of fun!
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...saturday-2017-aug-12

This week at the Murnane house...
I'm working on a plan here for an 8' x 8' "donut" layout, with a little bit of switching action - and I'm hoping to hear some feedback from you guys.  Below are the pictures (created with Railmodeller - Mac), the parts list, notes as follows, feel free to let me know what you think!

1. Overall size of 8'x8', which I can "expand" later. 

2. The benchwork: I'm planning on building individual "benches" (size 2'x4' - like found on the following link, picture below). I think I'm going to use pre-cut MDF tops - which I can buy from HomeDepot or Lowes. I don't have a pickup truck, so I can't buy full size plywood. I can ask them to cut the 2"x4"s (or 2"x3"s) so I can fit those in my car (small SUV). I'm also not a great carpenter, so building 6 of these tables seems "achievable" and budget friendly.
http://www.hammerzone.com/arch...bench/below20xl.html
Note: each grey box is a 2'x4' section in the picture, I realize in the picture they aren't "connected", that is for illustration purposes. I'm also not sure if I should include "leveler feet".

3. I'm planning on using FasTrack which I realize isn't "the best", but I'm not a very crafty and I want to get this set up and start use it, and not spend months laying ballast/etc. Nothing wrong with that style, I just can't justify the time on it right now, plus I have the FasTrack and I can focus my attention and budget elsewhere.

4. I've added a "bump & run" for my trolley, I'd love to squeeze in a "street" loop, I need to think about that one.

5. I might add some "height" to the inside loop. Maybe something simple that does not require an advanced degree in carpentry.  Maybe adding height will allow me to do a street.

6. I plan on not adding a bottom shelf to one section so we can crawl through it and stand in the middle.

7. Height: I'm planning on it standing about 3' to 3.5' high, so higher than a standard table, similar to a kitchen counter. I'm kind of short (5'6"),  but I hate bending down to see things. I wish I had measured my old workbench layout height, it was the perfect height for me.

I have no idea if this is where I'll actually end up, I might change my mind, particularly since I'm not sure this design has enough "switcher action", again ideas are welcome. Keep in mind, I'm not a good carpenter, and I like to "run" trains (loops, etc.), as well as do switching.

I would love to have been able to jump on this layout instead of starting from scratch - but even though it's a bargain, it's still beyond my budget, and I think it's 350 miles away from me:  https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...-attention-to-detail

Sorry no new pictures but I do hope everyone has a nice weekend and if you get a chance - please post some switcher stuff here!

All the best...Rich Murnane

p.s. Miss the post on Saturday? NO BIG DEAL, just keep posting pictures of your favorites until the next #SwitcherSaturday

Rich- good to see the train juices flowing again.

A couple of thoughts:

Add turnouts between the loops so that you can switch trains between tracks.

From everything I've read on this forum I'd recommend deciding what industries you want the sidings to serve first. Not sure if you are into operating accessories but I learned the hard way that they take up a lot of room and the track plan needs to account for this. I'm torn between running and switching also and tried to achieve both in a small space.

The bypass siding is kind of short too. I agree with Tom that if you make the cutout smaller you could fit a couple of sidings on the inner loop as well.
If you are thinking about expansion in the future you may want to add a couple of turnouts on the outer loop where you would expand. This way you wouldn't have to take anything apart later. They could be short spurs for now, something for a single box car maybe.

It looks like you have a solid start though. Hope you get some trains running soon.

Bob

Happy Switcher Saturday to all. Shark Bay R.R. Baldwin RF16 sharknose switching at Cape Shark.

Rich, you could add another level on the end opposite your bump and run, build a little town/city and get your street running there.  You could leave the sides open, dressing them up with arches or the like so you can see the trains running underneath.

Pittsburgh and Ohio Central "green goat" number 1402 in McKees Rocks, PA

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Happy Switcher Saturday to all. Shark Bay R.R. Baldwin RF16 sharknose switching at Cape Shark.

I LOVE this. I hope your crews call this one "Bruce" after the shark in Stephen Spielberg's Jaws. Definitely in the same mode as the LIRR snow plows paint scheme. Very cool! 

Silver Lake posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Happy Switcher Saturday to all. Shark Bay R.R. Baldwin RF16 sharknose switching at Cape Shark.

I LOVE this. I hope your crews call this one "Bruce" after the shark in Stwven Spielbergs Jaws. Definitely in the same mode as the LIRR snow plows paint scheme. Very cool! 

Silver Lake: Thank you very much. "Bruce" would be a nice name on this engine. Also B-unit is a ready for the service but need first some weathering. Thanks for the excellent name idea.

Johan

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Silver Lake posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Happy Switcher Saturday to all. Shark Bay R.R. Baldwin RF16 sharknose switching at Cape Shark.

I LOVE this. I hope your crews call this one "Bruce" after the shark in Stwven Spielbergs Jaws. Definitely in the same mode as the LIRR snow plows paint scheme. Very cool! 

Silver Lake: Thank you very much. "Bruce" would be a nice name on this engine. Also B-unit is a ready for the service but need first some weathering. Thanks for the excellent name idea.

Johan

Bruce was also the name of the shark in Finding Nemo

Is your name not Bruce?

Successfully adapted a can motor plus Cruise Commander into the iconic Lionel B6.

Only downside...Baby's got back.

Bruce

brwebster posted:

Is your name not Bruce?

Successfully adapted a can motor plus Cruise Commander into the iconic Lionel B6.

Only downside...Baby's got back.

Bruce

UH OH!

G'day Bruce, how are you Bruce, Nice to see you Bruce. What? Your name's not Bruce.

WELL! We need to work on that then!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyVX3uJpqxc

And the Loco looks good too!

Here's a little something extra.  Lionelchief little puffer pulling the PolEx, and my original 8902, cranked up to 15 volts to make any speed, still showing it can do the job

Happy SWSAT everyone!!  Love all the photos and info!!!  Thanks!! 

Rich your layout schematic looks fine!  You are off to a great start and good to know the train spark has not diminished with the move.    I certainly understand your strong desire to get trains running sooner than later!  

I'm under the same thinking as Tom and Bob in that a smaller donut hole will allow for more sidings.  I too like the idea of being able to switch trains from loop to loop.  You may have thought of this already, however, just thought I'd mention to use sound reduction material under the Fast Track.   Fast Track can be pretty loud if there is nothing under it except plywood.   

Today's video is of three switchers on the point of mixed freight.  Lead by a B&O GP 9, a B&O SW 9, and a SW9 calf.    Have a fun and creative week everyone!!!

brwebster posted:

Is your name not Bruce?

Successfully adapted a can motor plus Cruise Commander into the iconic Lionel B6.

Only downside...Baby's got back.

Bruce

We don't like no stuck-up sticky beaks around here!

My new little switcher thought it was a road unit

brwebster posted:

Is your name not Bruce?

Successfully adapted a can motor plus Cruise Commander into the iconic Lionel B6.

Only downside...Baby's got back.

Bruce

Not sure if you mentioned your model is the 1989 re-issue. You can try and hide the motor (if you want to) with some faux cab curtains. You can use an old white t-shirt, maybe darkened soaking it with a tea bag (as nothing ever stayed white on a steam loco) roll it up and use some thicker thread as rope. Poetic license could allow yours to be slightly larger to hide the motor (hey, maybe your engine crew are not as tough as others in the yard?). 

I've done this before, but I found someone else who conveniently posted it online: 

http://www.fiferhobby.com/maki...-a-steam-locomotive/ 

Tom 

clem k posted:

My new little switcher thought it was a road unit

Nothing wrong with a switcher stretching it's legs a little.

Brian here is a real prototype NW-2 B&O Switcher Engine  (9546)

Great stuff!

Peter

clem k posted:

My new little switcher thought it was a road unit

Clem K - It's nice the 44 tonner gets out on the main once in a while.  It's taking those Amtrak coaches to the repair facility?    Btw- you have a fabulous looking layout!!!

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Happy Switcher Saturday to all. Shark Bay R.R. Baldwin RF16 sharknose switching at Cape Shark.

Love that paint scheme. Really enjoy seeing your layout. Thanks.

trumptrain posted:

clem k posted:

My new little switcher thought it was a road unit

Clem K - It's nice the 44 tonner gets out on the main once in a while.  It's taking those Amtrak coaches to the repair facility?    Btw- you have a fabulous looking layout!!!

I second Patrick's comment Clem. Very nice layout, we need to see more of it. You've been holding out on us. Please share more pix.

Bob

please see,  

Train running at Clem's.......

ChessieMD posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Happy Switcher Saturday to all. Shark Bay R.R. Baldwin RF16 sharknose switching at Cape Shark.

Love that paint scheme. Really enjoy seeing your layout. Thanks.

CHESSIEMD: Thank you very much. I am glad you like it.

Johan

Here, Here!  Really nice looking .  I appreciate the weathering on everything; even the rails!

theoldsourdough

Here is my contribution in I converted 3 switchers to command control, 2 K-Line units to Cruise Commander lites, and the Lionel 8911 to a mini commander with some directional LEDs. All run very well. Eventually I might add electrocouplers but I have to figure out fitment first. I have attached some pictures.

Dear Rich,

I would suggest that you could significantly lengthen your passing siding by building the curved leg of a switch into your  curve, rather than completing the curve, then using a switch on the straightaway. Do something similar to the way I used the switches on the inside loop in this picture.  Just ignore the outside loop and look at it as a passing siding for the inside loop. You also might be able to do something similar to lengthen your yard tracks.

I just picked up the Reading boxcar at the Nicholas Smith tent sale, and rotated the consist running on the floor of my apartment.  Pennsy Power Road Switcher running point on this one with Santa Fe switcher sitting to the side.

Hi JUS,  This is a real nice picture.  I like that color scheme.

OSD