What did you do on your layout today?

mike g. posted:

suzukovich posted:

Happy New year.  Well vacation is over and back to doing things train wise again.  Been following the thread and there has been some nice work. Art with the parking Garage, The rico restaurant and others.  Today first order of business test a newly arrived Atlas ATSF GP9 Zebra then build a lash up with other Atlas ATSF GP9. Couldn't get the lash up to work right and raised the white flag. Turned out to be a simple fix but had some help. https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...ly=70693071086103124  Lash up now working fine. Of course the cool part I now have all three Atlas ATSF GP9 Zebras. 2 powered and one dummy. Still need to install kadees, but that will come.

 

 

Looking nice! I don't know so I have to ask, when you do a lash up do the fallowing engine lights not come on? Just wondering. I don't have enough engines to know or the layout to try! LOL

With the Atlas and Lionel engines it seams only the lead unit in either direction the classification lights work.  MTH engines I can set them to be on or off.

Chugman posted:

Got a little bit done today.  I installed Atlas track on the banks of my Mississippi River valley.

Very impressive so far, can't wait to see the finished scene!

well got some more done. made an arch for that area now need to do some details to make it a little more 3d

A momentary on/ off/ momentary on switch choice is better to keep from accidentally leaving a coil powered.

Jhainer, If that line fails let's open a farmers market and flea market in the old space.

Visually, I buy that so far. I'd put a building on it if they let me too. Some concrete and blocks could date various portions, for an upgraded section .

You need one of those Target store, stick on, wide angle, fisheye camera lenses. You've got all kinds of width to show and no distance to do it from, lol.

  Speaking of all the stonework lately, I think Chugman once had some Masons secretely shrunken to 1:48 for a nice job many pages ago too if I recall right.  Looks like they learned to mix and pour concrete as well.

Mark Boyce posted:

I agree with Mike !  What a transformation to the RICO!

Mark, Mike G. and those who sent likes. Thanks for the comments and thanks for the "likes" . I copied the paint colors from another forum member's Rico repaint.  There is a thread on the forum Show your Rico stations.  It was enjoyable to assemble and has interesting architecture. Tonight I printed some Evans brick paper and glued it to the sides and ends.  Hope to start detail work on the freight house later this week.

Back at it today, after life intervened on Sunday and Monday. I had wanted to finish the Dayton's Bluff scene by the end of last week, but I fell a little short. Just a tiny bit left, then I have to decide what to attack next.

Some final sanding, and this wall will be ready for primer. Then I get to turn my attention to the wall on the right which will be much easier I want this whole corner ready for the dispatch desk by the end of the month.

All of the roadbed is carved...

Just a few holes left to fill in, a small one on the left, and a couple behind the camera.

Let's do something a little different here. I'll let you guys help me decide what I should do next.

1. Paint the rail on this section.
2. Start filling in the deck on a different section.
3. Get out the pink foam and build the bluff on the right.

Vote early and vote often.

You forgot option D: let the spouse do it while you work on other stuff!

Also, let the kids help: let 'em earn their 'keep' for once!

I thought you were going to say D. all of the above.

Actually, my wife does help with projects for the layout, but not this kind of stuff. My kids grown and live out of town, so this will be all me.

Elliot, I say do what you hate doing first, that way it done and out of the way! LOL

mike g. posted:

Elliot, I say do what you hate doing first, that way it done and out of the way! LOL

I agree with that, if it is practical to do so.

Elliot, definitely C. as I want to see how you do it.  I am debating between pink foam and plaster on several areas, so this would be educational for me.

Art

Elliot, I agree with Art.  C - Build the bluff!  

Dave

Thanks guys, it sounds like the choice is C.

I'm rather excited to try this, because I've never really worked with foam before. The bluff will have to be very light, because the sections will need to be removable in order to access the hidden tracks below. I have some ideas on how I'll attack this project, without making a huge mess, which is always an issue when dealing with foam.

This will be the true start of scenery. Here is what I want it to look like.

Chugman posted:

Elliot, definitely C. as I want to see how you do it.  I am debating between pink foam and plaster on several areas, so this would be educational for me.

Art

Does blue foam count?

Elliot- I vote for the bluff too. Getting a major scenery piece done is a major milestone. It may give you ideas for the rest of the area as you go too.

Eliot - What I did was use pink foam as a support and WS shaper sheet for the actual structure.  I did it in 4' sections and only built a foundation in place while building the actual mountain off line on the bench.  After doing the landscaping, i dropped it on the foundation, i.e. the tunnel.  I've also built all foam mountains the same way - OFFLINE,i.e. on the bench.  I didn't take photos as I Progressed.  On the mountain/tunnel project,  the mountain is attached to the tunnel base with 2 twist ties so I can remove it for maintenance on the back side of the layout.  Good luck with your project.

That turned out really nice Matt. Four foot sections are exactly what I had in mind. I plan to make them hollow too.

I am currently busy installing the Atlas Signal System (12 of 20 installed).  They are working wonderfully on a stand alone basis.  They really add to the fun of the layout.  I am going to make my own connecting cables to get them connected so they work interchangeably.  That will actually add to the cosmetic appeal by having them functionally more important during operating sessions.  

Not much today. Worked on a low budget Lionel RS3 6-28844 and remover the front guard rail when I found it would hit a O27 switch I have on the small Lumber yard loop. So something is better than nothing.

 I must say, some of you have very neat layouts,,,,,,WOW!!!!!!!!!!!   

Work continues on the corner cliff. Laid the roadway pieces and ballasted the track going up the hill around the bend.

I used Rustoleum textured black spray paint on the road. I think it looks like real asphault.

KRM posted:

Not much today. Worked on a low budget Lionel RS3 6-28844 and remover the front guard rail when I found it would hit a O27 switch I have on the small Lumber yard loop. So something is better than nothing.

 I must say, some of you have very neat layouts,,,,,,WOW!!!!!!!!!!!   

KRM- I have  a similar RS-3 6-28832. The overhangs on the trucks is a killer. I added a second motorized truck to mine. It only had a single motor when I bought it and couldn't get out of its own way. Pulls like a champ now.

Picked up 6 more 072 Standard guge curves for the other end of my loop. Laid out the track, figured where I had to make some changes and cut on the straights and all went well. I had tested them for shorts before hand.  After an hour or so of hard work I turned on the juice - short !!  I suspected the last two pieces I put down, a short straight and the last curve. Took awhile with much frustration but finally got it all fixed. really glides through the wide curves. the main problem was a pin hole  leak in the one cheap, soft cardboard(?)  insulation piece.  It wouldn't be a dead short with sparks or heat so, I suspect, when the heavy engine went over it the short occurred. The track isn't tacked own yet but waiting to see if it needs to be.

We have another work day scheduled for today.  Hope to get the fascia installed that will determine the shapes of the sides of a double-track tunnel that is on the right side of my curved stone arch bridge.  Also want to install all the rest of the fascia except where it abuts my 5 control panels.  Jim also wants to get approval on the final designs for the new control panels so he can start producing them.  Next steps after that will be to do an extensive check on my DCS signals, get them all where they need to be so I can start ballasting track.  Exciting times for my railroad.  

Art

Sounds like a full days worth of work. I sure hope everything goes smooth for you, but then again as long as your having fun its all the same!

Yesterday, I finished up filling in the benchwork deck and carving the roadbed. My wife helped me get the old TV off the wall, then I started mudding and taping that section. Today the plan is to throw some more mud, and get started on the bluff. Pics later.

Worked on the reconfiguration of this section of the layout.

Terry L, That's really sharp, the way it draws the eye and moves it along to several directions. And the balance and combination of various aspects of the landscape make realistic sense, to me. Also, the color tone of it all is unifying.

Bravo! A really nice job.

FrankM

Appreciate the comment.  Here are a couple of other angles.

As promised, here are some pics of what I did today.

The dispatch corner is coming along nicely. I can't wait to get this primed and painted. It's going to be black  with two big screen TV's.

I added this little wing wall, which allows the bluff to taper out, and also hides the security camera that watches the east end of the 3 track storage yard under the bluff.

The track coming through the opening is part of a reverse loop, but by the time I'm done, you'll never know it. There will be a road bridge that further covers the hole.

Here we see the west end of the 3 track yard. I have one more piece of foam left to cut, then I'll cut the vertical pieces. Finally, I'll fill in the slope by stacking strips of 2" foam.

This is what the west end camera sees right now. This will change when the foam gets a little further down the line. Everything above the plywood cross brace won't be visible after the foam is done.

Here's what the east camera sees now. I'm going to have to add some LED lighting so the camera will switch back to color instead of the low light B&W.

Looking good Elliot, You sure are moving right along. You are a man of many talents, mudding, sanding, foam working, camera work. Are you sure your not some big wig from Hollywood that build sets for movies? I think I seen some of your work before on the BIG screen! LOL Great work!

Wow Big Boy, I am really impressed with the great quality of construction and planning on your Big Layout.  It looks like everything is reachable, which makes life easier as we get Older...Very Nice dry wall work and great ideas...Keep us posted...Thank You...

What I did on my Layout Today was Start up my new VisionLine GG1 and I am very Well Pleased, Legacy Start Up, Sounds, Operation...It's Amazing...

Larry,

The VL GG1 looks great!  Everyone says they run and sound great too!  Congratulations!

Boo Man posted:

I am currently busy installing the Atlas Signal System (12 of 20 installed).  They are working wonderfully on a stand alone basis.  They really add to the fun of the layout.  I am going to make my own connecting cables to get them connected so they work interchangeably.  That will actually add to the cosmetic appeal by having them functionally more important during operating sessions.  

You don't need those telephone type cables to make the signals work. Just run a single wire from J5-2 DOUT of the next block signal board to J5-4 YIN of the current block signal board. That will give you the same 2 block yellow function as the telephone cable connection.

Thanks Mike, Larry and the rest of my followers and "likers". You keep me motivated.

Some people here are aware of my history with train displays, but many are not. I try to stay very low key about my past, but every once in a while it comes up. This seems like one of those times to mention it.

Later this year will be the twenty fifth anniversary of the opening of enterTRAINment at Mall of America. While it was not a financial success, the layout was a huge hit, with over 100,000 paid visits in the 14 months that it was open. It was a wonderful and horrible learning experience all at the same time.

So, what does one do after "climbing Mount Everest"?

I give you the Twin Cities Central!

Much of the material used in this layout was salvaged from enterTRAINment, track, switches, wire, electronics, some structures, some accessories, scenic materials and a bunch of other junk. But the biggest take away from that adventure was knowledge and experience. I've taken all of that, added another 25 years, updated some materials and techniques, and voila.

So Mike, I guess in a roundabout way, I sort of am a "Hollywood Big Wig".

Larry, I tried to stick to the 4' or less rule, and for the most part, thing on the layout can be reached. Sometimes it's necessary to get creative.

It gets a little sticky for my "well rounded" and aging body to get into some places under the layout.

Elliot, I wish I would have had a chance to see enterTRAINment, but living on the west side of the world just a little to far for me to drive! LOL Keep up the great work!

Elliot,

I see you make things as comfortable as possible for your helpers!!  Smart man!!  

Yes, I see the takeaway from Entertrainment was enormous!  Now I am really starting to get a handle on your background and why you would attempt such a massive project!  Excellent!  And it is fun and informative to watch!

Gary E posted:

Boo Man posted:

I am currently busy installing the Atlas Signal System (12 of 20 installed).  They are working wonderfully on a stand alone basis.  They really add to the fun of the layout.  I am going to make my own connecting cables to get them connected so they work interchangeably.  That will actually add to the cosmetic appeal by having them functionally more important during operating sessions.  

You don't need those telephone type cables to make the signals work. Just run a single wire from J5-2 DOUT of the next block signal board to J5-4 YIN of the current block signal board. That will give you the same 2 block yellow function as the telephone cable connection.

 

Gary,

Did not see this before connecting via the phone cables.  Its working great though and I love it the signal system.  

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Thanks Mike, Larry and the rest of my followers and "likers". You keep me motivated.

Some people here are aware of my history with train displays, but many are not. I try to stay very low key about my past, but every once in a while it comes up. This seems like one of those times to mention it.

Later this year will be the twenty fifth anniversary of the opening of enterTRAINment at Mall of America. While it was not a financial success, the layout was a huge hit, with over 100,000 paid visits in the 14 months that it was open. It was a wonderful and horrible learning experience all at the same time.

So, what does one do after "climbing Mount Everest"?

I give you the Twin Cities Central!

Much of the material used in this layout was salvaged from enterTRAINment, track, switches, wire, electronics, some structures, some accessories, scenic materials and a bunch of other junk. But the biggest take away from that adventure was knowledge and experience. I've taken all of that, added another 25 years, updated some materials and techniques, and voila.

So Mike, I guess in a roundabout way, I sort of am a "Hollywood Big Wig".

Larry, I tried to stick to the 4' or less rule, and for the most part, thing on the layout can be reached. Sometimes it's necessary to get creative.

It gets a little sticky for my "well rounded" and aging body to get into some places under the layout.

Big Boy, 

Cool layout.  Is that railroad worker an Artissta figure?  He does not look scale.  LOL!

Mike, you just have to put your mind to it and make the trip. Visitors are always welcome.

Mark, I'm glad you are liking my updates. I enjoy sharing them with you. When my ex-wife and I decided to build our dream house back in 1999, I asked myself how much space I wanted for the train room, and decided I wanted the same space I had at the mall. The layout concept was just an expanded (double size) version of the layout I was starting at our previous house.

Thanks Bob, that figure is oversized  even at 1:1 scale.   Sometimes laying down on the job is a necessary evil. That wedge cushion made all the difference.

Starting on some scenery in the far corner.

Had a very productive work day yesterday.  Filled in some more gaps in the fascia and got a good start on the most difficult section.  We started by reviewing the proposed new control panels.  Everything looks great so we can now get into production mode on those.  That is the single biggest road block that is preventing me from operating sessions.  It's hard to operate a layout if you don't know the track plan and can't operate the switches.  We made the decision to only allow the switches to only be controlled at the control panels, not manually so that makes it doubly important.

Here are a few pictures of the fascia progress.

The next pictures are of the difficult area.  We had a good discussion about how best to treat this area scenically.  We ended up calling a friend to give us his two cents worth.  He had a great suggestion about placing buildings over the tunnel on the left side.  We all liked that idea and then began constructing the tunnel structure that will be the support for the fascia in this area.  There are pictures before we started and then some of where we left off.  We got the left side tunnel portal in and the support structure.  The right hand tunnel portal is also installed.

The last picture is the fascia on other side of my Mississippi River area which I can now start working on the scenery on.

Art

Chugman posted:

 

Wow!

Great looking work. its always nice to have friends to bounce things off of. I cant wait to see what's next!

mike g. posted:

its always nice to have friends to bounce things off of.

Too true. Some of the best things on my own layout came from suggestions of folks who saw it in progress. I don't think my layout would be anywhere near what it is right now if I'd come up with everything by myself.

Boo Man posted:

I am currently busy installing the Atlas Signal System (12 of 20 installed).  They are working wonderfully on a stand alone basis.  They really add to the fun of the layout.  I am going to make my own connecting cables to get them connected so they work interchangeably.  That will actually add to the cosmetic appeal by having them functionally more important during operating sessions.  

Is this the system which connects signals together with phone-type cord so they interact (Red, Yellow previous block, green two blocks back?)

I've been looking for those type.

"Sometimes laying down on the job is a necessary evil"

That reminds me of painting houses for a guy years ago. I'd done the toe mold paint in three rooms in 1/3 of the time as others and did a better job. "Good work, you others are too slow".

But days later, on room 6 or 7, when he saw me laying down on my side to do it, he had issues with it. He didn't care about results, only uncomfortable knees, and sweat. So, I asked him to hold my brush, and I went home. I can still see him with my brush in the window looking shocked, lol.

Mostly, comfort speeds production IMO.

Though I admit to falling asleep under a Skeeball game before. A pillow would have nice

Adriatic posted:

That reminds me of painting houses for a guy years ago. I'd done the toe mold paint in three rooms in 1/3 of the time as others and did a better job. "Good work, you others are too slow".

But days later, on room 6 or 7, when he saw me laying down on my side to do it, he had issues with it. He didn't care about results, only uncomfortable knees, and sweat. So, I asked him to hold my brush, and I went home. I can still see him with my brush in the window looking shocked, lol.

Though I admit to falling asleep under a Skeeball game before. A pillow would have nice

Yeah, in the military, I saw this all the time, they didn't care so much about results, but how it looked as you accomplished them.

When I was in command, I couldn't care less what my people did or how they did it, so long as nobody got hurt and what we needed to do, got done. We once had to dig fighting positions and there was an engineer unit in the next field. We bribed them with the hot chow we had, and they used their vehicles dig out the holes in record time. When the Sgt Major came back through and saw us topping off the last of the sandbags when the other units in the perimeter hadn't even broken the topsoil yet, he went bonkers. He knew no human could dig out that fast, so he made my people fill them in and start over. Then, the Brigade commander came by 30 minutes later and asked why we were taking so long with the holes. I told him straight up what we'd done (emphasizing the initiative to get the holes dug so fast, other mission elements we were ahead on and had to them jump backward) and his own CSM's reaction to that. You should have seen the look on his face and I think he said something to the CSM behind closed doors afterward.

As for falling asleep, I can still, many years into civilian life, fall asleep almost anywhere. I once did a night land navigation qual and I feel dead asleep, snoring no less, while walking at least a kilometer. I only woke up when the road bent but I kept walking straight and went headfirst into a (thankfully dry) ditch.

It's really hard for me to watch movies anymore at home because there's always that memory my body has from getting sleep whenever/wherever I can. I've fallen asleep during countless movies, even the ones I really wanted to watch. And when I fly, I am usually asleep before we get to the runway. That drives my wife nuts, as she hates to fly (nothing's ever happened to her in a plane, yet I stumbled out of two chopper crashes, you figure that out)...

It could be how you ended up in command Lee; unique initiative. Lol.

When I started last night, the postwar gondala had MPC trucks and the MPC Giraffe Express and postwar PRR caboose had postwar trucks with one pickup each...

Now the 6417 has both postwar trucks with pickups, the gon has proper postwar trucks and the MPC caboose has MPC trucks with added pickups...

Naturally, Shop Supervisor Norma Bates Kitteh had to get into the act.

Mitch

LOve the kitty !!

Kerrigan posted:

Boo Man posted:

I am currently busy installing the Atlas Signal System (12 of 20 installed).  They are working wonderfully on a stand alone basis.  They really add to the fun of the layout.  I am going to make my own connecting cables to get them connected so they work interchangeably.  That will actually add to the cosmetic appeal by having them functionally more important during operating sessions.  

Is this the system which connects signals together with phone-type cord so they interact (Red, Yellow previous block, green two blocks back?)

I've been looking for those type.

 

Yes it is.  I have 14 connected now and have them integrated.  I am doing some scenery before installing the rest.  If you are interested in them, check out this post on the forum.  

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...33#70693071104213833

Last few days I have been thinking up a design for another bldg just as a lark, while waiting for paint and glue to dry/cure on the machine shop. Still have a few more details and a sign on the rail side to do. Also made a brick extension for the restaurant. 

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Thanks Mike, Larry and the rest of my followers and "likers". You keep me motivated.

Some people here are aware of my history with train displays, but many are not. I try to stay very low key about my past, but every once in a while it comes up. This seems like one of those times to mention it.

Later this year will be the twenty fifth anniversary of the opening of enterTRAINment at Mall of America. While it was not a financial success, the layout was a huge hit, with over 100,000 paid visits in the 14 months that it was open. It was a wonderful and horrible learning experience all at the same time.

So, what does one do after "climbing Mount Everest"?

I give you the Twin Cities Central!

Much of the material used in this layout was salvaged from enterTRAINment, track, switches, wire, electronics, some structures, some accessories, scenic materials and a bunch of other junk. But the biggest take away from that adventure was knowledge and experience. I've taken all of that, added another 25 years, updated some materials and techniques, and voila.

So Mike, I guess in a roundabout way, I sort of am a "Hollywood Big Wig".

Larry, I tried to stick to the 4' or less rule, and for the most part, thing on the layout can be reached. Sometimes it's necessary to get creative.

It gets a little sticky for my "well rounded" and aging body to get into some places under the layout.

Lookin Good!   Dont get to much done before we get there in Feb i want to see the construction eh LoL

Not to worry Chad, there's plenty left to do. BTW, that picture of me on my back wiring, is from two years ago.

pennsynut posted:

Last few days I have been thinking up a design for another bldg just as a lark, while waiting for paint and glue to dry/cure on the machine shop. Still have a few more details and a sign on the rail side to do. Also made a brick extension for the restaurant. 

Things are looking good, are you going to light your buildings? If so what did you use to make the windows? After more and more reading on here I have a lot of stuff needed to build some buildings. Just don't know what to build. Still thinking on that.

Plans are to try to finish the tunnel enclosure and get the fascia installed around it today.  Decided to use a lift-off section above the left-hand side of the tunnel for easier access.  I am going to put some buildings on top of this area and an added benefit of the lift-off will be I can do all the work at my bench.  This area will be at the edge of the layout where it will get a lot of close inspection so being able to detail it at the bench will work out great.

Art

mike g. posted:

pennsynut posted:

Last few days I have been thinking up a design for another bldg just as a lark, while waiting for paint and glue to dry/cure on the machine shop. Still have a few more details and a sign on the rail side to do. Also made a brick extension for the restaurant. 

Things are looking good, are you going to light your buildings? If so what did you use to make the windows? After more and more reading on here I have a lot of stuff needed to build some buildings. Just don't know what to build. Still thinking on that.

Mike. I made the windows on the machine bldg with Evans paper and stretched them so I could cut the parts out that I wanted.  I just glued them on the masonite after I had papered with Evans brick paper. The windows for the restaurant were made by gluing baking paper inside the window openings. With printers its possible to create your own and I have also bought gray construction paper and drawn on the window mullions with colored fine point sharpies. As far as what bldgs to put on a layout, I have done a lot of thinking as well. For me, I have gone back and forth on whether to buy a few highly detailed ready mades (1 or 2) as focal pointsor buy kits to bash and scratch build others. At this point I have room for one more bldg and the location is probably suitable for a scratch built because of the other scenic elements. There are so many great product offerings for structures that are really superb.  My biggest challenge continues to be visualizing a scene and the possibilities. I hunt on the forum and other sites for creative ideas. As far as lighting, I decided long ago to forgo lighting structures and even my passenger cars. I might change my mind someday, but I am trying to finish "problem corner" and finally run some trains.

Boo Man posted:

Kerrigan posted:

Boo Man posted:

I am currently busy installing the Atlas Signal System (12 of 20 installed).  They are working wonderfully on a stand alone basis.  They really add to the fun of the layout.  I am going to make my own connecting cables to get them connected so they work interchangeably.  That will actually add to the cosmetic appeal by having them functionally more important during operating sessions.  

Is this the system which connects signals together with phone-type cord so they interact (Red, Yellow previous block, green two blocks back?)

I've been looking for those type.

 

Yes it is.  I have 14 connected now and have them integrated.  I am doing some scenery before installing the rest.  If you are interested in them, check out this post on the forum.  

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...33#70693071104213833

If you're using the Atlas signal system and want to have the signals work prototypically around turnouts then check out Custom Signals (customsignals.com) . Terry was authorized by Atlas to build and sell Atlas signal system compatible circuit boards. His Turnout Control Module is plug compatible and controls the signals around turnouts.

Gary E posted:

Boo Man posted:

Kerrigan posted:

Boo Man posted:

I am currently busy installing the Atlas Signal System (12 of 20 installed).  They are working wonderfully on a stand alone basis.  They really add to the fun of the layout.  I am going to make my own connecting cables to get them connected so they work interchangeably.  That will actually add to the cosmetic appeal by having them functionally more important during operating sessions.  

Is this the system which connects signals together with phone-type cord so they interact (Red, Yellow previous block, green two blocks back?)

I've been looking for those type.

 

Yes it is.  I have 14 connected now and have them integrated.  I am doing some scenery before installing the rest.  If you are interested in them, check out this post on the forum.  

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...33#70693071104213833

If you're using the Atlas signal system and want to have the signals work prototypically around turnouts then check out Custom Signals (customsignals.com) . Terry was authorized by Atlas to build and sell Atlas signal system compatible circuit boards. His Turnout Control Module is plug compatible and controls the signals around turnouts.

Custom Signals website says he is going out of business in the middle of 2016  .... yes/no?

Hi guys,

 Not a lot but, I added another insinuated track section to the kids loop so the crossing gate will fall before the train is already above the roadway and ran trains

 Got two replacement Lionel O42R O27 profile switches for stock seeing they don't make them anymore and they seem to be going for gold.

Added trim around the windows. Except for adding some signs on the bldg I'm finished with the machine shop. The green bldg in the background is a cardboard box I cut, folded and glued to see if the design could if into the scene.

Kerrigan posted:

Gary E posted:

Boo Man posted:

Kerrigan posted:

Boo Man posted:

I am currently busy installing the Atlas Signal System (12 of 20 installed).  They are working wonderfully on a stand alone basis.  They really add to the fun of the layout.  I am going to make my own connecting cables to get them connected so they work interchangeably.  That will actually add to the cosmetic appeal by having them functionally more important during operating sessions.  

Is this the system which connects signals together with phone-type cord so they interact (Red, Yellow previous block, green two blocks back?)

I've been looking for those type.

 

Yes it is.  I have 14 connected now and have them integrated.  I am doing some scenery before installing the rest.  If you are interested in them, check out this post on the forum.  

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...33#70693071104213833

If you're using the Atlas signal system and want to have the signals work prototypically around turnouts then check out Custom Signals (customsignals.com) . Terry was authorized by Atlas to build and sell Atlas signal system compatible circuit boards. His Turnout Control Module is plug compatible and controls the signals around turnouts.

Custom Signals website says he is going out of business in the middle of 2016  .... yes/no?

He is trying to sell the business and still has a lot of stock.

If anyone is interested in signals we will be reintroducing the Keil Line signals shortly. The first ones will be the crossing signals, then the rest of the line shortly thereafter. the crossing signals are on our website and click on the photo of the catalog cover to see the list of other signals that will be available shortly.

http://www.scalecitydesigns.co...unpainted_p_311.html

 These are extremely well detailed and scale sized. 

As usual a lot of great work.

Elliot On your pole. I would have thought you could do both painting the track and start the pink foam.  While paint is drying you can do the foam work..

Art Enjoying your updates. Looking forward on how the area along the Mississippi is going to turn out.  

For me slowly getting back into doing things. A few months ago I had rebuilt the train station.  I had decided to go with a rock retaining was around the station and platforms.  I came across a guy in Greece selling on E bay   stone work in various scales. I liked how it looked and bought 15 sheets.  Today I finished the last section.    The printing is in 3d using wall paper. Yes wall paper.  Well it worked out rather well and easy to use. Once it dries excuse the pun ,it hard as a rock. A couple of things to note: You need to dampen the wall paper to make it pliable, and it will take about 8 hrs to set and dry. Also when applying using the same technic as putting up wall paper plenty of glue and you need to squeeze the air bubbles out as you are putting it on.

 Finished an reinstalled on the station

Doug,

Thank you for the tips on the rock wall source.  Your finished station area looks great!

I did absolutely nothing on the layout today.  I spent the day at Trainstock!

-Greg

suzukovich posted:

As usual a lot of great work.

Elliot On your pole. I would have thought you could do both painting the track and start the pink foam.  While paint is drying you can do the foam work..

Art Enjoying your updates. Looking forward on how the area along the Mississippi is going to turn out.  

For me slowly getting back into doing things. A few months ago I had rebuilt the train station.  I had decided to go with a rock retaining was around the station and platforms.  I came across a guy in Greece selling on E bay   stone work in various scales. I liked how it looked and bought 15 sheets.  Today I finished the last section.    The printing is in 3d using wall paper. Yes wall paper.  Well it worked out rather well and easy to use. Once it dries excuse the pun ,it hard as a rock. A couple of things to note: You need to dampen the wall paper to make it pliable, and it will take about 8 hrs to set and dry. Also when applying using the same technic as putting up wall paper plenty of glue and you need to squeeze the air bubbles out as you are putting it on.

 

 Finished an reinstalled on the station

 

 

Doug, that looks just great! I could see that application on lots of things here in model rail roads! If its ok with you I will drop you an email asking more questions. I think that is something I would really like to try! Again GREAT work!

Another long day working on the layout, but feel that we got a lot done.  The work around the tunnels has been more difficult and time-consuming than I original thought it would be.  We were able to complete building the frame around the tunnel and install the fascia.  But we still have to complete the tops of the tunnel framework.  All of this is complicated by the fact that we used thin sheet metal for the roadbed of the one track above the tunnel.  That was done because we were trying to achieve a 2% maximum grade on the interchange track between my main level and my upper level.  There is 8 inches between levels.  By using the thin metal sheet we achieved a 2 1/2% grade, but it is hard to attach framework to the metal without interfering with the clearances.

We still have another full day of work to complete this area.  here are a number of pictures of our progress.

Art

Doug, there will be plenty of time for paint to dry. I have a zillion projects going on simultaneously. Been chipping away on that drywall by throwing mud when I get downstairs, then moving over to the layout while it dries. Repeat, repeat, repeat. I'm almost done with the walls.

I really like that wallpaper stone. What a neat idea. I'll have to look for that on the bay.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Today, I worked on the foam a little more after doing more mud. Then it was off to Menards for some poplar for the door trim, more 2" foam for the scenery, a counter top that will be the dispatcher's desk, and some wire for LED lighting under the layout in the hidden yards. It is all going to come together for the end of April layout tour.

suzukovich posted:

 I came across a guy in Greece selling on E bay   stone work in various scales. I liked how it looked and bought 15 sheets.  Today I finished the last section.    The printing is in 3d using wall paper. Yes wall paper.  Well it worked out rather well and easy to use. Once it dries excuse the pun ,it hard as a rock. A couple of things to note: You need to dampen the wall paper to make it pliable, and it will take about 8 hrs to set and dry. Also when applying using the same technic as putting up wall paper plenty of glue and you need to squeeze the air bubbles out as you are putting it on. 

 

Could you supply a link to the eBay listing or item number?

THANKS.

Art, the layout is coming along nicely. Your stone arch bridge is very nice

Pingman posted:

suzukovich posted:

 I came across a guy in Greece selling on E bay   stone work in various scales. I liked how it looked and bought 15 sheets.  Today I finished the last section.    The printing is in 3d using wall paper. Yes wall paper.  Well it worked out rather well and easy to use. Once it dries excuse the pun ,it hard as a rock. A couple of things to note: You need to dampen the wall paper to make it pliable, and it will take about 8 hrs to set and dry. Also when applying using the same technic as putting up wall paper plenty of glue and you need to squeeze the air bubbles out as you are putting it on. 

 

Could you supply a link to the eBay listing or item number?

THANKS.

I think this might be the wall paper stone work eh

Chad, I checked the eBay link in your reply; looks like you are correct. 

THANKS.

Got my 2020 Turbine partially converted from the old lamp-based smoke unit to a liquid smoke unit, but one of the flapper screws broke off in the frame, resulting in my making critical comments about said screw's parentage, Oedipal tendencies and general character... 

Have started a new thread about alternate concepts, smokewise:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...-postwar-s-2-turbine

Feel free to chime in! 

Mitch

suzukovich posted:

As usual a lot of great work.

Elliot On your pole. I would have thought you could do both painting the track and start the pink foam.  While paint is drying you can do the foam work..

Art Enjoying your updates. Looking forward on how the area along the Mississippi is going to turn out.  

For me slowly getting back into doing things. A few months ago I had rebuilt the train station.  I had decided to go with a rock retaining was around the station and platforms.  I came across a guy in Greece selling on E bay   stone work in various scales. I liked how it looked and bought 15 sheets.  Today I finished the last section.    The printing is in 3d using wall paper. Yes wall paper.  Well it worked out rather well and easy to use. Once it dries excuse the pun ,it hard as a rock. A couple of things to note: You need to dampen the wall paper to make it pliable, and it will take about 8 hrs to set and dry. Also when applying using the same technic as putting up wall paper plenty of glue and you need to squeeze the air bubbles out as you are putting it on.

 

 Finished an reinstalled on the station

 

 

Looking good. I like the textured paper. I used plain printouts on card stock for my stone wall. Added dimension with some bump-outs.

Chugman posted:

Another long day working on the layout, but feel that we got a lot done.  The work around the tunnels has been more difficult and time-consuming than I original thought it would be.  We were able to complete building the frame around the tunnel and install the fascia.  But we still have to complete the tops of the tunnel framework.  All of this is complicated by the fact that we used thin sheet metal for the roadbed of the one track above the tunnel.  That was done because we were trying to achieve a 2% maximum grade on the interchange track between my main level and my upper level.  There is 8 inches between levels.  By using the thin metal sheet we achieved a 2 1/2% grade, but it is hard to attach framework to the metal without interfering with the clearances.

We still have another full day of work to complete this area.  here are a number of pictures of our progress.

Art

Art, I think its looking wonderful, are you going to do something to the in side of the entrance and exit areas before you put the top on? You know like inside walls and dark paint or something? Also what are you using for the fascia? Keep up the great work and I look forward to your future post!

Thanks, Mike.  I am going to make inside tunnel walls of thin foam, paint the portals, and ballast the tracks.  I haven't decided what color I want to paint the tunnels liners, black, concrete, or somewhere in between?  The fascia is 1/8 inch tempered Masonite.  It bends well and is easy to work with.

Art

Thanks for the information Art!

chester7 posted:

Pingman posted:

suzukovich posted:

 I came across a guy in Greece selling on E bay   stone work in various scales. I liked how it looked and bought 15 sheets.  Today I finished the last section.    The printing is in 3d using wall paper. Yes wall paper.  Well it worked out rather well and easy to use. Once it dries excuse the pun ,it hard as a rock. A couple of things to note: You need to dampen the wall paper to make it pliable, and it will take about 8 hrs to set and dry. Also when applying using the same technic as putting up wall paper plenty of glue and you need to squeeze the air bubbles out as you are putting it on. 

 

Could you supply a link to the eBay listing or item number?

THANKS.

I think this might be the wall paper stone work eh

Good morning just saw this.

Here is the link to where I got this from http://www.ebay.com/sch/Buildi...e=&_ssn=starboc1   above link same guy.

And some better pics. Also Its 3D but not flat. When you rub your fingers on it you can feel the stone work.  

RSJB18 posted:

suzukovich posted:

As usual a lot of great work.

Elliot On your pole. I would have thought you could do both painting the track and start the pink foam.  While paint is drying you can do the foam work..

Art Enjoying your updates. Looking forward on how the area along the Mississippi is going to turn out.  

For me slowly getting back into doing things. A few months ago I had rebuilt the train station.  I had decided to go with a rock retaining was around the station and platforms.  I came across a guy in Greece selling on E bay   stone work in various scales. I liked how it looked and bought 15 sheets.  Today I finished the last section.    The printing is in 3d using wall paper. Yes wall paper.  Well it worked out rather well and easy to use. Once it dries excuse the pun ,it hard as a rock. A couple of things to note: You need to dampen the wall paper to make it pliable, and it will take about 8 hrs to set and dry. Also when applying using the same technic as putting up wall paper plenty of glue and you need to squeeze the air bubbles out as you are putting it on.

 

 Finished an reinstalled on the station

 

 

Looking good. I like the textured paper. I used plain printouts on card stock for my stone wall. Added dimension with some bump-outs.

Its 3D but not flat. When you rub your fingers on it you can feel the stone work.  

Spent the morning trying to check signal strength on my mainlines. Upper mains check out at ten. Went to the lower mainlines and at first had trouble getting an engine running. Finally did and the third main check out at ten. But when I went to check the last main I could not get the same engine to run. Have to figure out what is wrong. Engine says out of range on that track. So after lunch I will try again............Paul

Two things.

Art, your layout is looking great!  I really like seeing again the curved stone viaduct you were working on a year ago.  The facia is great too!  Thank you for the advice on the 1/8" Masonite.  I worked with 1/4" before and that was tough.  1/8" sounds better.

Everyone, on the various materials for stone.  I have seen all methods done well.  I may want textured on the foreground, but the excellent paper offerings these days are fantastic.  Carved foam works great too, and I am thinking that is what Art did if memory serves!

Great work everyone!!  I hope to be taking your advice in the next few years as I get started on my new layout.

Continued working on the realignment of the upper level, lowering it to 2% max grade ... about 100+ feet of roadbed benchwork.  Ugh.

Chugman posted:

Thanks, Mike.  I am going to make inside tunnel walls of thin foam, paint the portals, and ballast the tracks.  I haven't decided what color I want to paint the tunnels liners, black, concrete, or somewhere in between?  The fascia is 1/8 inch tempered Masonite.  It bends well and is easy to work with.

Art

A technique I've used is aluminum foil. Crumple it up, spread it back out, paint black and grey, use spay glue to hold it to walls and roof!

Chris, Please correct me if I am wrong, but the foil will not affect DCS?

Today I put away all my Christmas trains, cars, and figures...back under the layout till after next Thanksgiving.

Back to Ordinary Time on my layout.

Rather than keep dreaming about catenary , this weekend I took action towards the goal of running under wire.  It's best that it all gets installed now, instead of after the scenery is finished.  The first 10 feet was a combination of prefab construction, plus a certain amount of soldering in place.  The flat green paint was just a trial, which will probably be changed to dark grey in hopes of making the oversized wire look less obvious.

Upright poles are 1/4" hardwood dowels.  The flimsy looking assembly begins to gain the necessary strength after a few sections are completed.  Never the less, some extra care will be needed around the layout to avoid accidentally bending or busting stuff.  All the wire is soldered, forming a very solid bond, something that couldn't be done with plain steel wire.  Working with pure copper just wouldn't be robust enough.

The wire is actually TIG mild steel welding rod that is copper coated.  It's ability to stay ridged, as opposed to the same gauge copper, gives enough solidity to prevent deflection by the pressure of the average deployed pantograph.  A simple jig allows the majority of the soldering to be done at the bench, producing 30" lengths.  I rough in the uprights and cross-member assemblies at the bench too, then the appropriate attachments and details are added in place. 

The new Lionel GG1 was the inspiration to get going on building catenary.  It was always a planned addition, since my fleet of electrics existed well before the layout.  Hopefully I've hit upon a catenary system that is also durable...only time will tell.

That 10 feet of double track catenary came in at roughly $13.00.....$9.99 for the TIG rod, $1.25 for dowels, plus tax and solder.

Bruce

Nice work on the cat !!  Looks good.

Bruce, that's a very impressive project.  It looks great so far.

Art

Love the catenary!

I bow to your superior catenary-fu!  Well scrounged!  <3

Mitch

Chugman posted:

Thanks, Mike.  I am going to make inside tunnel walls of thin foam, paint the portals, and ballast the tracks.  I haven't decided what color I want to paint the tunnels liners, black, concrete, or somewhere in between?  The fascia is 1/8 inch tempered Masonite.  It bends well and is easy to work with.

Art

Hey Art just wondering if you would have a layout plan to share?

Chad, I'm sorry but I don't at this time.  We entered everything into RR software, but have made changes and don't have a copy.

Art

Bruce most impressive catenary work! WOW!!

Today some of my family came over to see the layout in action.  It was a great time! ... no derailments or weird electrical component behavior/failure.  The family loved the detail work and really took in every square foot of the layout. 

Tonight I ran trains for one hour and totally enjoyed the experience!!

Your on a roll lately Patrick.

Chugman posted:

Chad, I'm sorry but I don't at this time.  We entered everything into RR software, but have made changes and don't have a copy.

Art

Ok   Thanks eh

Bruce,

Great job on the catenary.    Please keep us posted on your progress. I love electrics - especially Pennsy Electrics. When you are finished, I would love to see a video of the trains running under catenary.

brwebster posted:

Rather than keep dreaming about catenary , this weekend I took action towards the goal of running under wire.  It's best that it all gets installed now, instead of after the scenery is finished.  The first 10 feet was a combination of prefab construction, plus a certain amount of soldering in place.  The flat green paint was just a trial, which will probably be changed to dark grey in hopes of making the oversized wire look less obvious.

 

Bruce

Looks Great! The TIG wire is a stroke of genius.

brwebster posted:

Rather than keep dreaming about catenary , this weekend I took action towards the goal of running under wire.  It's best that it all gets installed now, instead of after the scenery is finished.  The first 10 feet was a combination of prefab construction, plus a certain amount of soldering in place.  The flat green paint was just a trial, which will probably be changed to dark grey in hopes of making the oversized wire look less obvious.

Upright poles are 1/4" hardwood dowels.  The flimsy looking assembly begins to gain the necessary strength after a few sections are completed.  Never the less, some extra care will be needed around the layout to avoid accidentally bending or busting stuff.  All the wire is soldered, forming a very solid bond, something that couldn't be done with plain steel wire.  Working with pure copper just wouldn't be robust enough.

The wire is actually TIG mild steel welding rod that is copper coated.  It's ability to stay ridged, as opposed to the same gauge copper, gives enough solidity to prevent deflection by the pressure of the average deployed pantograph.  A simple jig allows the majority of the soldering to be done at the bench, producing 30" lengths.  I rough in the uprights and cross-member assemblies at the bench too, then the appropriate attachments and details are added in place. 

The new Lionel GG1 was the inspiration to get going on building catenary.  It was always a planned addition, since my fleet of electrics existed well before the layout.  Hopefully I've hit upon a catenary system that is also durable...only time will tell.

That 10 feet of double track catenary came in at roughly $13.00.....$9.99 for the TIG rod, $1.25 for dowels, plus tax and solder.

Bruce

Bruce:

That is great workmanship and designing. I have been wanting, for years, to add catenary to our layout. Can you post some pictures of your jigs that you use for soldering? Also, how do you handle maintaining the same pantograph height through tunnels? I have a very long tunnel under a mountain that is already in place. Thank you for any help and thank you for sharing your catenary project.

After 13 years I have finally started on my basement office and layout. This has definitely been a cart / horse issue. I need room to build storage, I need storage in order get more room.

There is not a final track plan yet, but there will be a single track main around the entire basement.

I still have to add backs and face-frames to these units, and this represents about 30% of what I am building, but 75% of the book storage.

Lower cases (15ft)

With Upper cases and the room to room portal

Using my Schnabel to give an idea of clearance,

The room to room portal