The Harpers Ferry Layout II - N&W Class J comparison

@Steamfan77 posted:

Looking good Ken. Nice smooth running with the additional drop.

Andy

Andy, we've been told to add drops every X feet but I think it depends on the track system you are using, the # of switches and even how new the track is.   I bought some of my Atlas O used but I'm using a lot of new connectors.   MTH DCS operators can send a command to the engine on track to show the track voltage on the remote as it goes around the loop.   I've used this feature on my previous layout to know where I need to add another drop (power connection).

So true Ken. I definitely over did it with the drops on my layout, but I’m happy with the signal and voltage. Using new connectors is a key I think. The results speak for themselves. I’ll check that feature out about the voltage, sounds interesting.

Andy

I've added a Lionel TMCC B&O EM-1 to my engine roster now that I have a minimum O72 loop.   To run in command control I got all of the Lionel/MTH components to run TMCC.   Although Legacy offers more features/sounds the models basically look the same.   Adding TMCC to my layout has made a much larger variety of engines available to me.   Not unlike when I got into MTH Premier with PS-1 engines I converted to PS2, the older (early 2000) engines are great values.   For those of you MTH DCS operators who haven't added Orange (or DCS Wifi app) to your Purple collection I hope this video is helpful.

This is a philosophical post.   Yet another weekend has slipped by and all I accomplished on my layout was a video on my TMCC setup.   Layout progress has been stalled ever since I started a new job.   I started the layout between jobs last June.  Its been keeping me busy (even on weekends) but it has made it more affordable for me to expand my collection a bit.   The time spent chasing the $$ is keeping me from pursuing passions like model railroading and cycling.   I'm approaching "early" retirement age (back in the day most retired at my age) and I'm thinking I could do more with less.   Working from home during COVID I learned that I can get work from anywhere (some part-time).   My retirement savings/pensions could pay existing bills.   I see so many of us work until they only have a few years to enjoy their trains, etc.   They may or may not complete their layout.

My Dad worked for the gov't well into his 80's.   Now he's too weak to enjoy his sailboat.  I don't see him as often as I'd like cause I work like 50hrs a week to keep up with younger coworkers.  I work online from moms house once a week but thats not really a visit since I'm busy all day.  If I retire early I'll have less money for stuff.   But I'll have more time to enjoy the stuff I've collected (and more importantly, my family & friends & dogs).  Last year I joined a bicycling club and I just achieved my annual mileage goal of 3000 miles.   I lost 20 lbs in the process and I'm in the best shape I've been in in a decade.  However, my senses aren't as sharp as they used to be and that is adding to my work stress.   I understand now fully why we model in O gauge (easier to see, hear, and manipulate).   As an extrovert (people person), I miss the daily relationships with coworkers that working from home doesn't satisfy.   Another adverse effect of the Pandemic.   So, should I get off the treadmill?   As a longtime forum member, I value your experiences and opinions.

This is a question only you can answer.  I "retired" earlier than I expected because my federal government employer eliminated (technically, reorganized) my position, affecting about 300 other similarly situated people.  We were all supposed to apply for other equivalent positions or take a downgrade and go back to our old positions.  Most were not being selected for the "equivalent" positions, and since I was only 2 years away from normal retirement (the downgrade would neither increase nor decrease my pension at this point), I simply retired.  Best choice I ever made.

I sleep better, spend more time with family and friends, travel more, and generally enjoy life more.  I spend more time with my hobbies, charitable activities, and reading stuff I never had time to read before.  My health wasn't real bad, but I now have time to take better care of myself exercise wise.

BUT, while I've been retired nearly 11 years, I do still miss the work camaraderie.  Many others that I know "tried" retirement and hated it because it seemed like their life lost purpose.  They then either went back to their old jobs, found new "time-filling" jobs, or continued living their lives in retirement misery.

This is why I say only you can answer the question for yourself.  Good luck with your decision.

Chuck

Chuck,  thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post.   Your perspective is exactly the type of response I was looking for.   Not a "you should do this" answer but a life testimonial.   I think that the lack of interpersonal relationships with coworkers/customers is a main reason I don't find my current work as satisfying as when I worked for gov't (I'm a IT consultant now).  The gov't made my dad work from home during the Pandemic (which was healthier) but he really misses his coworkers relationships.   His work was his purpose.  He was unable to successfully transition his knowledge and skills to an online work environment so he retired.   He considers himself "unemployed" not retired now.  I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the extra time afforded by not working full time.   I plan to consult my financial advisor and make sure I could step off.   I also would like to start a coffee shop business with my son who is a "Coffee Master" at Starbucks.   So I guess don't want to stop work entirely, but I would like to have more time with family (thank God they all survived Pandemic) and friends (I lost one to Covid) and to pursue my other interest.

Ken

Ken, as Chuck mentioned, you know what is best for you and what carries more weight or has more meaning for you. I retired from my job in 2018 with the understanding that I would continue to work. I was lucky, and found a much less physically taxing job. I worked throughout the pandemic and started working from home three years ago. I know what you mean about the work atmosphere, but for me the new job didn’t have the same relationships. I do enjoy the work itself, but I find that doing something outside of work, even a small task or accomplishment is more rewarding than before. Maybe age has given me this perspective, I’m not sure. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll work. It’s still strange to think that I won’t be working anymore in the near future, but I have many other interests to fill up my day. Sometimes your first impression or instinct is the right one. Best of luck.

Andy

Ken, I can add in my experience.  In 2015, the company I worked for pushed another early retirement.  My name was picked, and I accepted the retirement, not knowing what I would do since I was only 59.  I was a telecommunications engineer, having been a technician for most of my working years.  I ended up working in an open ended contract for the same company for 3 years until a change in management cancelled the work we were doing.  After being out of work for 6 months, I realized how my skills were with old technology and couldn't find anything.  I took an entry level position at a cable TV company in technical support.  I absolutely hated that job.  I couldn't keep up the pace.  After less than a year, I finally needed knee replacement surgery, and told them I wouldn't be coming back when therapy was done.  Then the pandemic hit.  I ended up signing up for social security.  I then needed lumbar fusion surgery.  By this time my wife was having health problems, so we decided she should retire a year ago.  Money was tight, and I looked at several options, but wouldn't be able to keep up the pace.  My wife turned 62 in June, and we finally decided to take her social security as well, receiving her first payment last week.  I'll be 66 in 2 weeks, and know we are both done working, so we will make due with whatever we have.  We can start taking money from some of our investments if we need too.

I am an advocate of retiring as early as you can unless you have a job you really love and can physically handle it.  None of us knows how much time he or she has left.  Only you can decide since what is good for one isn't good for others.  I wish you well on your decision.

@Obsidian and all,  tough call when its your choice. Usually unpleasant when someone makes it for you.  I am 66+ at this point, still working at a desk job, and looking to "retire" by the end of May 2023, with "terminal leave" it may be the end of February. We have bought a new house to be close to our grandkids and are almost done with this one - fingers crossed the closing goes off without a hitch. For me having been invited to look for other opportunities at 55 (with 32 years of service / retirement eligible) it gave me a perspective I would not have had otherwise. If its time for you to go, then go do something else. Took me 5 months to land at the university and they wanted me there. What a refreshing perspective. 11 years later its time to move on, make room for the next generation and then find new things to learn and experience. Some of our interns are PhD students finalizing their work earning their degree. They are moving on to a new career and new challenges, but so am I, statistically I can expect another 20 to 30 years - wow looks like another career to me - and another opportunity for adventure. Guess what, now I have the time and resources (spent wisely of course)  to do the things I want to and drag a few along for the ride. 

You mention time and money. The money part is something you have to work out and feel comfortable with. Maybe spend less (except on trains of course) work part time, rearrange priorities... then of course there are the health issues, some of which impact what you can do - stories are all over this forum -  and then comes the time. That is our most precious commodity and the most uncertain. Make the time to spend with family and friends - make new friends. Funny, my grandkids triggered my getting back into model trains and ultimately finding this forum. So model railroading is certainly in the picture and railfanning and, well, who know what other doors will open for a new adventure. 

Best to all ... Jeff

@Mark Boyce posted:

Ken, I can add in my experience.  In 2015, the company I worked for pushed another early retirement.  My name was picked, and I accepted the retirement, not knowing what I would do since I was only 59.  I was a telecommunications engineer, having been a technician for most of my working years.  I ended up working in an open ended contract for the same company for 3 years until a change in management cancelled the work we were doing.  After being out of work for 6 months, I realized how my skills were with old technology and couldn't find anything.  I took an entry level position at a cable TV company in technical support.  I absolutely hated that job.  I couldn't keep up the pace.  After less than a year, I finally needed knee replacement surgery, and told them I wouldn't be coming back when therapy was done.  Then the pandemic hit.  I ended up signing up for social security.  I then needed lumbar fusion surgery.  By this time my wife was having health problems, so we decided she should retire a year ago.  Money was tight, and I looked at several options, but wouldn't be able to keep up the pace.  My wife turned 62 in June, and we finally decided to take her social security as well, receiving her first payment last week.  I'll be 66 in 2 weeks, and know we are both done working, so we will make due with whatever we have.  We can start taking money from some of our investments if we need too.

I am an advocate of retiring as early as you can unless you have a job you really love and can physically handle it.  None of us knows how much time he or she has left.  Only you can decide since what is good for one isn't good for others.  I wish you well on your decision.

Thank you so much for your reply.   I really appreciate you sharing you health issues since my deteriorated senses is a factor in my decision making.  I am "only" 59 but I have been working full time since I was 25 and I have over 35 years of gov't and consultant service.  I left my gov't job for a much higher paying contract position with another local gov't.   When COVID hit and revenues fell short, contract staff were released.   Luckily I found more work within a couple of months with a Turkish-based company serving a local utility.  Problem was they offered no benefits (including retirement) since unlike the US, Turkish citizens get state medical and retirement.   Next job was very technical and I had a hard time keeping up.   So if my career could be described as a cross country airplane flight its been pretty uneventful.   However, my destination airport is fogged in, and there is a strong cross wind on approach.   I'd like to stay aloft and divert to another airport with better weather but I'm low on fuel and I'm having technical issues.   That said the forecast is improving and other pilots (you guys) are reporting safe landings.   I'm looking forward to getting on the ground (retiring) and riding (playing with) the trains into (my layouts) town.

Winter is coming and I should be able to trade some of my outdoor cycling time for indoor layout building time.   Perhaps once I find a better work/life balance my retiring urges will subside.   I missed York, but went for a ride and took my wife to a black tie gala.

Balancing.

Ken 

Ken, I think stories like yours and mine are not uncommon.  They all have a different twist, but all provide for ‘interesting’ navigation!  You will arrive at the proper airport when the time is right.

As Red Green used to say, “I’m pulling for you.  We are all in this together”

Goal this winter was to build a floor to the Potomac River crossing on my layout.   Progress has been made and I'm experimenting with a novel technique for river water.   Let me know what you think.

Ken glad to see your progress on the bridges, etc. Can’t wait to see what you are doing with the water and am quite interested as we have a similar opportunity for a Roanoke River crossing and zero experience.

Please keep us informed.

Ken, you are making a great replica of Harpers Ferry!  The trains look great running through the bridges!  I’ll be glad to see how it progresses, too!

My retirement strategies: Save as much as possible in a retirement account while you are working. Pay cash wherever you can, like for a car. Pay your credit card bills in full every month. Pay down your mortgage with extra principal payments. Aim to be debt-free by the time you retire. Apply for Social Security as soon as you reach "full retirement age". Reduce your living expenses so you can live on your pension and Social Security, and avoid dipping into your savings as much as possible in retirement.

I've been retired 7 years.

Oh, and I'm enjoying following your progress.  I've found that I have an easier time modelling when I have a specific scene or location in mind.

@West Side Joe posted:

My retirement strategies: Save as much as possible in a retirement account while you are working. Pay cash wherever you can, like for a car. Pay your credit card bills in full every month. Pay down your mortgage with extra principal payments. Aim to be debt-free by the time you retire. Apply for Social Security as soon as you reach "full retirement age". Reduce your living expenses so you can live on your pension and Social Security, and avoid dipping into your savings as much as possible in retirement.

I've been retired 7 years.

Oh, and I'm enjoying following your progress.  I've found that I have an easier time modelling when I have a specific scene or location in mind.

I did 100% the same here, and have also been happily retired for about the same length of time.

Good advice for those not yet retired

Looks great - keep the updates coming - trains on bridges / always cool

Ken......it is looking great!

Peter

Absolutely superb!  I really like the video and the references to the prototype.  Excellent!

George

Excellent job Ken, the engines look great running across the bridges. That will make for a terrific scene.

Andy

I've been working on the backdrops for my layout lately.   The concept of attaching 4x8 sky blue painted masonite panels to the 2x4x8' benchwork posts is working.   

I've completed the panel installation and now need a printing service to print my 36"x72 backdrop photos.   I'll install the photos by trimming each print along the tree line like I did on my previous layout:

I need a recommendation for a large format (36"x 72") printing service that can print my backdrop photographs and ship to me.   Currently the decking is unsecured so I can move it out of the way and work on the backdrops without climbing onto the deck.  Once installed I'll be able to permanently attach my decks to the benchwork and lay track.

I added a couple of more 1x4 joists and 2x4 legs to reinforce certain parts of benchwork.  I've also stabilized my benchwork with angle braces.   Unlike my last layout which was secured to wall studs this room is unfinished and the benchwork needs to be stable on its own.

When we look at an unfinished room in the basement we see a train room.   She sees a storage room.   An element of any successful marriage is the ability to live together.   So for now the room looks a mess (I need to post a "Under Construction" sign on door).   She wanted me to have the room framed and drywalled.  Hah!  I know a trap when I hear it.  If the room had been finished she would have said it was "too nice" to be a dedicated train room.  When the layout is done I'll be able to hide storage items under the benchwork and behind skirts.   I do plan to have the studded wall shared with the rest of the basement drywalled so I can paint it sky blue as well.   Hmmm, should do that sooner (before laying track) than later since drywall finishing produces a lot of dust.

Ken, great video. I like the plan of working on the backdrops and leaving the room unfinished. Sometimes a good strategy is needed to keep the peace 😉

As far as a backdrop, I recently got one from here: https://railroadbackdrops.com/home/Contact

I’m happy with it, but not sure if they’ll use your photos or not. It’s worth asking.

Andy

Everything with the layout looks great!  The backdrop sheets seem to work well. 

Made good progress on the viaduct this week.

Nice! Rolling right along!

How do you like the battery powered jig saw? I'm still rocking the cord but I'm considering an upgrade. It would be awesome for stuff like this!

I retired just over one year ago. It appears I had a limited capacity to suffer fools gladly, and used it up. I went to a financial planner an old friend of my wife uses. I have no pension, only 401(k)/403(b)/IRA savings. He ran 100,000 Monte Carlo simulations and said there was an 89% chance our investments would last until we died (based on historical market performance).  He said if less than 86%, you should not retire. If more than 90%, your investing is too conservative. I second the idea that you must look after your health, meaning what you eat, regular exercise, and enough sleep. No point in being retired if you have to spend it in the doctor's waiting room, or hospital. I delight in retirement. There is no sense of urgency to complete things. I have accomplished many projects around the house and made much progress on my 20+ year-old layout, but don't sweat anything. It can wait. I began volunteering in the shops of the Wilmington & Western RR (historical steam), and continue to edit the Sentinel, the quarterly publication of the B&O Historical Society, as I have done for the past 6 years. I have ventured into new areas, including submitting an article to OGR that's supposed to be published later this year and a crossword puzzle I recently submitted to the LA Times. Continue to learn and stretch yourself, meet new people, get plenty of fresh air, and enjoy life. We all have earned our retirements. I heartily recommend it!

@BillYo414 posted:

Nice! Rolling right along!

How do you like the battery powered jig saw? I'm still rocking the cord but I'm considering an upgrade. It would be awesome for stuff like this!

The cordless jigsaw made this job so much easier.   I use to have a corded saw.  I have a collection of Ryobi battery tools so I already have a couple of batteries.   This saw was like $50 on Amazon without battery and came in 2 days.   My favorite tool for this project has been the cordless nail gun.   Next task is to cut the arches into masonite and bend across the front of the curve to make the facade.

Nice @Obsidian. The only downside to these cordless tools is the way you sort of get trapped in the brand haha but it's all good.

I still gotta catch up on your Youtube videos. I'm so far behind!

Ken, nice job. I imagine you have more control with the cordless? I might get one for myself. Can’t beat $50, not including the battery.

Andy

Completed basic construction of the viaduct.   Still needs scenery (stone wall facade).  Should be able to lay track and operate this section of layout soon.

@Obsidian posted:

Completed basic construction of the viaduct.   Still needs scenery (stone wall facade).  Should be able to lay track and operate this section of layout soon.

Ken.....magnificent!  Your craftsmanship is out of sight. Great choice of bridge to model!

I went looking for that bridge in 2015....it is only about 5 minutes off I-95 via Route 1 and I think it's a "must see" for train people......

Looking forward to the next set of pics/video!!!!

Peter

@Obsidian posted:

Completed basic construction of the viaduct.   Still needs scenery (stone wall facade).  Should be able to lay track and operate this section of layout soon.

I watched this morning when this was posted to YouTube.  Looks good!  Can't wait to see it finished.  I really like the step by step.  A dog bowl has been used in a few of my projects.

Ken, the viaduct looks great!  It has a very sturdy base too.  From the camera angle I couldn’t see where the missing underside of the arches were noticeable.  Of course if it is above someone’s eye level, they would see that.  

Peter, great photographs of the prototype!  Thank you for sharing them.

That thing is awesome! Definitely going to be a great place to rain fan on your layout.

Sorry for the long absence since my last layout post (death in the family & new work project).   Those of you who are subscribers to my Youtube already know that I've been running my new Lionel Chessie Greenbrier around the completed outer loop.   Benchwork done, bridges are now in place and inner/outer loop track laid. 

Very nice! The layout is coming along too. That river scene is going to be quite a sight.

Dave

Amazing. I love what you have done.

Ken, that engine looks and sounds great!  It is really a great match for the MTH passenger car set!  Wow! 

The river scene is going to look great!  You have done a nice job!

Latest addition to the layout.   Should look very prototypical running across the B&O bridge over the Potomac.  First video with with outer and inner loops going.   My 4K action cam takes a ride along too.