I think it looks great, Art and Alan!
OOPs forgot the upper horizontal strip.
i can lower the bolted connection and shift it under the top strip
sorry my mistake
I'm not sure I know which top strip you are referring to, but is it something I can add to what you have already given me? The overall appearance looks good to me, but I will do whatever you think.
Thanks, Art
I haven't been posting much lately as we seem to be in a sort of lull in activities. The signal project has been on pause because Jim hasn't been feeling well. We have all the signals installed on the lower level and also all the signal board clusters. Next steps will be to make and install the logic cables between all the clusters and then begin testing everything.
In the meantime, I have been going through some of my check lists with modifying names on my control panels, installing railings on the signal bridges, adding ballast to the bases of the signals, scenicking (is that a word?) my freight yards, and etc.
Today I want to paint my grain elevator extension and the chutes and assemble it on the layout. I also need to start getting my handhelds updated and ready for operating sessions.
Art
I have painted the grain elevator silos white, painted the grain chutes, and installed them on the silos. I have more detailing to do, but I wanted to get this done so you can see how great Alan's 3D modeling of the grain chutes turned out.
The first two pictures show what the real grain chutes look like on the Farmer's Coop Elevator in Ruthven, Iowa.
The next two pictures are of my Wichita Coop Grain Elevator. I have to add ladders and roof top details and lighting yet, but I think that this adds a lot of detail to the scene. And what a great job Alan did of replicating the real chutes.
Art
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Alan’s handy drawing and 3D printing is fabulous. They really look great painted and mounted on your elevators, Art!
@Mark Boyce posted:Alan’s handy drawing and 3D printing is fabulous. They really look great painted and mounted on your elevators, Art!
Thanks, Mark.
For the first time in a long time, I was able to run a few trains to demonstrate our progress on the signal system. Jim and John were talking shop regarding signals, installation and operations, and David and I were running a few trains. Ran a Milwaukee Road switcher out of Proviso yard and another Santa Fe SD45 switcher out of the Proviso engine terminal. Everything worked as advertised. So next I ran a BNSF Z train out of Proviso on main #4, merged onto main #1, then proceeded past Wichita and then through the race track. Crossed the Mississippi River, rolled through Spencer Junction and entered Spencer tunnel eastbound on main #1. Came out of Spencer tunnel, passed Sabula and rolled past Savana station and pulled into West Proviso entering the yard on track #5.
We haven't had the time to be able to advance the signal system as quickly as we had hoped. But I have been getting a lot of things checked off my detailing list. Operating session scheduled for tomorrow morning on David's Cincinnati Union terminal layout and that will be a a lot of fun as usual.
Sorry I didn't get any pictures last night, but I will do better next time.
Art
Hard to take pix and hold the remote at the same time Art. Sounds like you're having fun tho....👍👍👍
Bob
@Chugman posted:And what a great job Alan did of replicating the real chutes.
Art
Absolutely agree! I don’t recall ever seeing that quality of detail on o scale grain elevators before. Anytime intricate details are added on a big structure it causes me to pause to take in the craftsmanship and then look for more details. You’ve succeeded here with making a large monotone structure that can better engage the viewer. Once the lights, ladders and safety cages are added this is going to be even more engaging.
@RSJB18 posted:Hard to take pix and hold the remote at the same time Art. Sounds like you're having fun tho....👍👍👍
Bob
Thanks, Bob We have been working on signals and other things and never taking any time to run a train. It was FUN to just run something for a change. Maybe we just need to take a break now and then and just do that?
Art
Thanks, Pete. I have been wanting to go back and start adding detailing to several of my structures. When I originally made this elevator complex I planned to go back and add a lot of detailing to it. I never dreamed at that time that Alan would be able to make such accurate and detailed components. He is very talented and I'm lucky to have him as a friend.
Art
@Chugman posted:Still working on a lot of little things to get my layout ready for prime time. I've been doing touch-up painting, adding ballast around signal bases, putting railings on signal bridges, and etc.
Another thing that I have been working on is making my Eola yard look more realistic. I added grass and brush and glued down my ballast. The latest thing is adding junk around the yard. So far I've added ties, rusty old trucks, wheels, and couplers, barrels, skids, and etc. I also added a couple short shipping containers that I weathered to take the shine off of.
Here are a few pictures of the progress so far. Every time I take pictures, I see things that I didn't notice before the pics. Something too shiny or too clean?
I see that I need more weeds, tall grasses, junk in the back of the pickups, take the shine off the pickups, and Private Property signs. What else am I missing?
Art
Eola Yard is pretty clean. Here are some photos from today. Some puddles & sand spills but pretty clean overall.
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Thanks for the pictures, Dave.
The real Eola yard is pretty clean, even the spare ties are neatly stacked. It was a great day for train watching today.
Art
I bought a switch tower building at a recent train show and hadn't figured out just where to put it. So today after giving up on the Bears game, I went down to the layout and searched for a place to put it. I decided it looked much more appropriate at the entrance to my Chicago Union Station interlocking.
So I removed some details I didn't like, painted cement lines and weathered the brick and painted the wood trim a brown color. I sprayed the roof with camo green and made a chimney for it. I researched possible names and found out the name on the first tower in this location was called "Canal Street" so that what I decided to call mine.
The first picture shows the little tower that has been there. It's a fun tower, but too small for this location so I may use it in a problem location at my West Eola yard.
These two pictures show the new tower. I like the looks of it here. I still need to add lights and better postion and scenic the area.
Art
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@Chugman posted:I bought a switch tower building at a recent train show and hadn't figured out just where to put it. So today after giving up on the Bears game, I went down to the layout and searched for a place to put it. I decided it looked much more appropriate at the entrance to my Chicago Union Station interlocking.
So, I removed some details I didn't like, painted cement lines and weathered the brick and painted the wood trim a brown color. I sprayed the roof with camo green and made a chimney for it. I researched possible names and found out the name on the first tower in this location was called "Canal Street" so that what I decided to call mine.
The first picture shows the little tower that has been there. It's a fun tower, but too small for this location so I may use it in a problem location at my West Eola yard.
These two pictures show the new tower. I like the looks of it here. I still need to add lights and better position and scenic the area.
Art
Very nice Art, good decision turning off the Bears too.
Finished the Canal Street Tower by making and gluing the chimney on, gluing in the CTC panel with figures, and adding a ceiling light.
Next I started gluing the signal bridge pole caps and hand rails on. I got eight done and with six to go decided I needed a break.
So, I decided to try my first meet since we began installing signals. I pulled a west bound UP unit coal train out of West Proviso. Then I started an East bound BNSF Z stack train out of East Proviso. The meet was scheduled on the race track at West Eola. The UP coal train had the lower priority and was the longer of the two trains so I set the switches and signals for it to stop at crossover #4 and wait for the BNSF Z train on main #1. The BNSF Z took crossover #4 onto main #2 and passed the coal train and then returned to main #1 through crossover #1. That was fun! While all this was happening Santa Fe El Capitan entered the race track on main #2 and used crossover #3 to reach main #3 and passed both freight trains heading East bound.
Again sorry for no pictures as I was running three trains, being the tower operator, and the dispatcher, but the signals worked flawlessly. I did have to write up a maintenance order on UP #9717 as it was running poorly, suspect dirty wheels.
Art
Art - Nothing short of stunning!! Enjoy my friend!!
Nice looking tower Art. Fits right in at the yard entrance.
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:Nice looking tower Art. Fits right in at the yard entrance.
Bob
Thanks, Bob. I just was looking at some posts and I discovered that the new tower looks like the famous Zoo Tower on the Pennsylvania RR in DC. I read where it was a very busy tower that controlled a crossing between two two-track mainlines. I wish I knew who the manufacturer was as I couldn't find any markings on it.
Art
This tower was originally made by Korber. Owner Ernie Korber was from South Amboy, NJ area and his o-gauge tower was modeled after CNJ Tower. There were 3 different variations of this 'CNJ' inspired tower. I may have some duplicate kits of these.
Walter
I am going to switch gears here for a change. I recently mentioned that I was starting to run some trains to prepare for operating sessions as soon as my new signal system is finished. I was very anxious to try my first meet as I previously only ran trains in one direction on my mainlines. In preparation I had to name everything starting with my mainlines. This meet is on my race track (3-track mainline) where I have four crossovers. I ran an UP unit coal train westbound out of West Proviso and a BNSF stack train eastbound out of East Proviso each on mainline #1. The meet was scheduled on the race track with the coal train waiting for the stack train to pass it.
These pictures document the meet. The first picture shows the coal train entering the race track on main #1.
The next pictures show the train stopping for the red signal that indicates the crossover ahead is set for diverting.
This pictures shows the coal train waiting for the meet. The signals red over green indicate that the crossover on mainline #1 is set for diverting. The mainline #2 signal green over red shows that it is clear and the next crossover is set for straight. Mainline #3 has a green or clear signal.
The next three pictures show the BNSF stack train rounding the curve towards the meet, entering the crossover, and passing the crossover down mainline #2 past the waiting coal train.
The remaining pictures show the BNSF train clearing the first crossover and waiting for instructions from the dispatcher. Mainline #3 is open for an expected passenger train to pass on mainline #3. The dispatcher will have it pass the two stopped freight trains, enter crossover #3 and switch over to mainline #2 ahead of the BNSF stack train.
I am very encouraged that we will be able to have fun running in a prototypical manner soon.
Thanks for watching and letting me share with you.
Art
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All your work is paying off. This layout is quite the inspiration! Thanks again for taking the time to share! Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Mike
@Chugman posted:This pictures shows the coal train waiting for the meet. The signals red over green indicate that the crossover on mainline #1 is set for diverting. The mainline #2 signal green over red shows that it is clear and the next crossover is set for straight. Mainline #3 has a green or clear signal.
I am very encouraged that we will be able to have fun running in a prototypical manner soon.
Thanks for watching and letting me share with you.
Art
Art, great progress on the signals, but there is a major problem above. Main #1 has a medium clear signal (clear route through a medium-speed crossover) for the approaching train. However, Main #2 should display red over red, since the switch ahead is thrown for the crossover move. This is not a problem if you are the only one running trains, but an engineer on Main #2 would reduce speed and proceed past the signal, derailing on the switch ahead.
@Bob posted:Art, great progress on the signals, but there is a major problem above. Main #1 has a medium clear signal (clear route through a medium-speed crossover) for the approaching train. However, Main #2 should display red over red, since the switch ahead is thrown for the crossover move. This is not a problem if you are the only one running trains, but an engineer on Main #2 would reduce speed and proceed past the signal, derailing on the switch ahead.
Bob is indeed correct, i.e. that two headed signal for the #2 main should no way be capable of showing a green (clear) indication with that cross-over aligned against the #2 main. Red over red is the only possible indication.
Impressive call: red over red!
Art- since you have a real operating signal system you gotta obey the rules . . . or else! ! 
really nice call !
@LT1Poncho posted:All your work is paying off. This layout is quite the inspiration! Thanks again for taking the time to share! Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Mike
Thanks, Mike. It is getting very close to the fun part.
Art
@Bob posted:Art, great progress on the signals, but there is a major problem above. Main #1 has a medium clear signal (clear route through a medium-speed crossover) for the approaching train. However, Main #2 should display red over red, since the switch ahead is thrown for the crossover move. This is not a problem if you are the only one running trains, but an engineer on Main #2 would reduce speed and proceed past the signal, derailing on the switch ahead.
Bob, you are right. I must admit that I didn't notice before I posted the picture. My son will probably be upset with me as he isn't finished with this area yet. I knew that the cables haven't been made to connect the blocks yet here on this side, but he hasn't had time to check all the interlocking boards and connections either.
I do appreciate your calling things like this to my attention. I have had the experience many times with taking a picture of the layout and not noticing until I studied the picture that I missed something.
Art
@Hot Water posted:Bob is indeed correct, i.e. that two headed signal for the #2 main should no way be capable of showing a green (clear) indication with that cross-over aligned against the #2 main. Red over red is the only possible indication.
Jack, I appreciate your comment and totally agree. I might add that no model crews were killed or injured during the filming of these pictures, but the photographer was asked to take a drug test. LOL
Art
@AlanRail posted:Impressive call: red over red!
Art- since you have a real operating signal system you gotta obey the rules . . . or else! !
really nice call !
Alan, I was going to try to blame the manufacturer of the signal components. I think I need a new pair of glasses?
Art
Just a disclaimer so I don't give any false impressions. Jim has not finished wiring this section and there are a number of cables that have to be made and installed yet. And it has not been tested yet for what you helped me discover was not working correctly yet. And I was jumping the gun with running trains because as anyone that knows me realizes, I have never been accused of being overly patient.
Art
I have been working on my suburban station stop which I have called Plano. There is a real Amtrak station in Plano, IL and that is what I named it after. But while I was exercising tis morning I got to thinking more about the name.
It is located on my version of the "race track" which is the real triple track mainline of the BNSF between Chicago's Union Station and Aurora, IL. So, I'm thinking maybe the station should be named Aurora? Or it could be called Eola? My friend David said the name Eola was an acronym for "End of Line Aurora" so I looked it up and of course he was right. Eola is an unincorporated community in Du Page County that has it's own zip code and post office. It has a population of 108 people. It is surrounded by the city of Aurora and used to have a station stop there. BNSF has expanded their yard there and it is a very busy yard.
So what should I call my station, Plano, Aurora, or Eola? What do you think?
Art
Hi Art, Eola definitely would make the area a conversation starter. If there’s room, you could even put in a small Zpost Office with the correct Zip code.
@BRicch posted:Hi Art, Eola definitely would make the area a conversation starter. If there’s room, you could even put in a small Zpost Office with the correct Zip code.
I think that is a great idea! So, Friday I drove by it and took a few pictures of the post office.
After I got here I remembered when I used to drive by on this road (Old Eola Road) and how long you would have to wait for trains to go by at times. After the new four-lane divided road was built with the bridge going over the tracks, there has been no reason to drive back into this area unless you like to watch trains.
Good suggestion, thanks.
Art
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Those are good suggestions. I looked at my Ameri-Towne building parts and my stock of windows and doors to scratch build one. Another possibility is the Woodland Scenics post office which I really like the looks of. It's not a dead ringer for the Eola one, but it is a small, quaint building that definitely reminds me of the Eola one. I have to see if the foot print will fit in the small space that I have available for it.
I have decided to name my little suburban station Eola.
Great suggestions, thanks.
Art
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On another note, my son and I talked about a timetable for him being able to work on my signal system again. He has some other commitments that he has to do before he can work on it again. But, we felt that we should start having some "practice operating sessions" to help a core group of operators get familiar with my track plan, how to use the different types of handhelds available, and become acquainted with the new signal system.
We had our first session yesterday evening with a core group of 8 people that were available on fairly short notice. We all experienced different levels and types of learning, but had a great time. Had the first meet with engineers and tower operator other than me which was a bit thrill for me. We were able to run 2 unit freight trains, a Milwaukee Road meat train that switched local packing plants, a local passenger train that stopped at all stations, and allowed everyone to begin the familiarization process.
Here are a few pictures:
Even though there is much work left to do on signals, it was so much fun to be able to run trains with friends again.
Art
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I've been working a lot of small to-do items lately. Things like painting signal bases to look like aged concrete, painting wires that were soldered onto the rails so you don't see them, and etc.
The main thing that I wanted to do was wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. I hope everyone's meal is the best that they can remember, the family gathering is as good as it's ever been, your favorite football team wins, and you get to run at least one train.
Art
@Chugman posted:On another note, my son and I talked about a timetable for him being able to work on my signal system again. He has some other commitments that he has to do before he can work on it again. But, we felt that we should start having some "practice operating sessions" to help a core group of operators get familiar with my track plan, how to use the different types of handhelds available, and become acquainted with the new signal system.
We had our first session yesterday evening with a core group of 8 people that were available on fairly short notice. We all experienced different levels and types of learning, but had a great time. Had the first meet with engineers and tower operator other than me which was a bit thrill for me. We were able to run 2 unit freight trains, a Milwaukee Road meat train that switched local packing plants, a local passenger train that stopped at all stations, and allowed everyone to begin the familiarization process.
Here are a few pictures:
Even though there is much work left to do on signals, it was so much fun to be able to run trains with friends again.
Art
Nice to see that you had an operating session - looks like it was a good time.
I have a loop-runner 3-rail layout but also participate in operating sessions on HO and N layouts, so I'm curious about a few things (sorry if it's already been covered, but I looked)...
Have you posted a track plan for the layout (I scrolled through several pages but didn't find one)?
What is your operational scheme, i.e., switch lists, car cards, etc.?
How do you handle coupling / uncoupling, as this seems to be a challenge with 3-rail equipment?
Thanks.
P.S. I highly recommend searching for local operating sessions - they're an excellent way to have fun, learn from others, and meet some great people.
@Mallard4468 posted:Nice to see that you had an operating session - looks like it was a good time.
I have a loop-runner 3-rail layout but also participate in operating sessions on HO and N layouts, so I'm curious about a few things (sorry if it's already been covered, but I looked)...
Have you posted a track plan for the layout (I scrolled through several pages but didn't find one)?
What is your operational scheme, i.e., switch lists, car cards, etc.?
How do you handle coupling / uncoupling, as this seems to be a challenge with 3-rail equipment?
Thanks.
P.S. I highly recommend searching for local operating sessions - they're an excellent way to have fun, learn from others, and meet some great people.
Thanks for your reply to one of my favorite topics, operating sessions.
I am having a problem making a track plan that is easy to read and understand. I need one for my operating sessions too. I have one that my son made in a track planning software that I will post.
My layout started out as a long double-track mainline that one track was designated as a freight line going one direction and the other a passenger line going the other direction. There are two freight yards and a passenger terminal. Then there is an upper level, single-track branch line that has reversing loops at each end, a long passing siding in the middle, and two interchange tracks connecting it to the lower level. I have 9 sidings with various industries for switching. past operating sessions consisted of running 2 trains in each direction on the mains, switching at local industries, and making up of trains in the yards. I've tried using car cards, but do not have unique numbers on all my cars yet and it really slows down operating sessions. I'm currently trying "exchange 3 loaded meat reefers for 3 empty ones" for example. It seems to work better so far.
I've recently converted my thinking to running all tracks in a bi-directional manner and instead of freight mainline and passenger mainline thinking, it is main # 1 and main # 2 and running trains on the same track towards each other. It has added a new, exciting, realistic element to operating sessions. In order to facilitate this we have been installing a complete layout, working signal system that we will run our trains by. It will require a dispatcher directing the flow of trains, where they will meet, who will take which passing track, and etc. A tower operator to control the crossovers and switches. Two yard masters to run the two freight yards and of course engineers and conductors to run the trains. The complexity and number of trains ran will be determined by how many operators we have and their comfort with the system at each session. With this approach I have at least a taste of it all: making up trains, switching local industries, running unit trains between yards, meets, scheduling, determining which trains have priority during op sessions, and so on.
Coupling/uncoupling is an ongoing problem. May have to eventually go to Kadees? Some couplers work great, a lot don't.
Sorry for such a long reply, but I feel it is a fun topic and deserving of our discussion.
Art
