@Putnam Division posted:A monumental task.....well done! It takes courage to tear up and start over. Bravo! This is inspirational to all of us!
Peter
Definitely inspirational Peter...........I don't have the ability at this time to achieve such a task though 
. 
...........but its great to watch this activity of such craftsmen 
A painted BLACK ceiling over a layout in a train room presents an opportunity for a spectacular "scenic effect;" i.e., install twinkling Christmas tree lights (all clear bulbs) at the ceiling to simulate a starry sky. For astronomy-aware buffs, arrange a few lights in the pattern of a constellation -- Polaris and the big Dipper would be recognized by many visitors as a "gee whiz" feature. Tip: use light strings that stay lit even if one (or more) light bulbs burn out.
The next best "starry sky effect" is to install a star projector pointed to the ceiling; most such units have built-in constellations for realism. Tip: hide the projector behind layout scenery - a mountain or a building.
Keep looking up ...
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
Made a change on my gold miner's camp area, 1st photo prior the rest after the changes.
@ScoutingDad posted:@RSJB18 Bob, if you machined all those rails and styles you really did not need to use screws to hold them together, there is plenty of glue surface. I made raised panel doors for a custom book case and glue worked fine. On the other hand I've made other items using a basic Kreg tool with great results ... I agree no reason to use anything else on certain joints. Where did you see using them on the open frame? The way Westcott describes it, there is no need for these kind of joints, unless you do away with the blocks. I did use a few on TPRR1.
Bob, Your wainscotting work looks great. Based on what you said, did you lay in the detail trim or did you do the router/shaper work to get the profiles. Did you make panels or did you just lay the rails and styles over the drywall.
BTW - I work reasonably well by hashing out an idea and then letting it stew in the back of my head for a while. I think I have a workable approach for the multilevel layout using the open frame method. I just need to mull things over for a while. Jeff
Jeff- I'm with you, sometimes it's best to let an idea percolate for a while.
I built the 1x frames and applied them over drywall. I added several different trims to get to the finished product. I didn't want to have a lot of nail holes to fill and the pocket screws ( I also glued the joints during assembly), made for a strong joint and a cleaner finished product. I also used construction adhesive the hold the frames to the drywall so that I could hide the few nails behind the top and bottom moldings. I did the room 5 years ago and not a single joint has moved/ cracked the paint. Don't ask me to paint it again, my knees are still recovering.....
Bob
There been a lot of great work being posted this holiday season. I started my layout in 2019. Worked fairly steady on it until the end of 2020 when the wife and I retired. Due to health issues for her and being overwhelmed with other tasks, I haven't really done much except build structures for future areas of the planned layout. Now that things have become more manageable I've been inspired to shift my original plans to at least get trains running around the layout. I finished joining the two side of my layout so now my passenger loop is complete with a swing down bridge to gain access to the center of the layout. Next is to finish out the bridge with some deck girder sides and the get the freight loop connected with another bridge across the great void. Happy Holidays to all.
Scott
Amazing Scott, Thanks for taking the time to share!!
Well I was cutting roadbed with my trusty old Craftsman jigsaw when it locked up. No jigsaws to be found locally so I’ll have to order one online & maybe upgrade to a Bosch. In the meantime I laid out some track for a reality check on spacing, so far - so good.
Got the last of the Christmas decorations done. 
Bob
Hey Bob, nice Christmas decorations on you layout!! Enjoyed them. How illuminating an experience for the holidays!
have a good one.
leroof.
@Leroof posted:Hey Bob, nice Christmas decorations on you layout!! Enjoyed them. How illuminating an experience for the holidays!
have a good one.leroof.
Thanks Pierre.
The lights are from Evans Designs if interested. They both have battery packs for power. The set on the station roof is 12 light (2- AAA), and the tree is 24 light (2-AA).
Bob
B&O Fan, your progress since 2019 is an inspiration. I'm glad to have some time off for the holidays. Been working on adding my outer loop (Atlas track with RCS switches). Today got the truss bridge level at least, still have to stain and secure it. I like how the tracks make a shadow on the embankments. Merry Christmas to all.
My Granddaughter left Elfie to watch over me on Christmas while my daughter’s family went on a cruise. So I took him with me the clubhouse for my shift at the layout.
Hello everyone! Here is the Christmas video I produced earlier this week. I hope you all enjoy it and Merry Christmas!
No work today, just running. 2 Legacy, 1 LC+ and 2 LC. No switching or changing tracks, just have the five running with the lights dim with Christmas songs playing on the Lionel Bluetooth radio tower. Three of the trains are Christmas related. Polar express, the reindeer cars behind the LC+ engine and a cheep Christmas express set.
@pennsyfan posted:My Granddaughter left Elfie to watch over me on Christmas while my daughter’s family went on a cruise. So I took him with me the clubhouse for my shift at the layout.
WTG Bob Have a Merry Christmas! Mark
@B&O Fan, wow what a nice layout you have, thanks for posting pictures, I love the background buildings, the colorful B&O passenger train, Wow, snd RSJB18, Bob, your Christmas train and decorations are beautiful, @samparfitt, thanks for the beautiful Christmas Greeting Card picture, its very nice, @pennsyfan, very interesting video, really nice, that’s a beautiful layout, @Trainmaster 04, your Christmas train video is really neat, the music is beautiful and the trains do their job, I see the smoking, Wow. Happy Railroading Everyone, it’s Christmas Eve….. 
Thanks, my Son in Laws nephew studied film making. I think he used it towards his Masters.
I enjoyed your photos especially “church street”.
@RSJB18 posted:Thanks Pierre.
The lights are from Evans Designs if interested. They both have battery packs for power. The set on the station roof is 12 light (2- AAA), and the tree is 24 light (2-AA).
Bob
Yes, great holiday lighting, Bob! Do the lights come in "strings" from EvanDesigns or do you have to solder them together? I'm considering using some of their LED's to replace the crummy incandescents on a few of my locos, but your holiday decorations have me inspired to do the same for some trees on my coffee table PE setup.
@Bill Swatos posted:Yes, great holiday lighting, Bob! Do the lights come in "strings" from EvanDesigns or do you have to solder them together? I'm considering using some of their LED's to replace the crummy incandescents on a few of my locos, but your holiday decorations have me inspired to do the same for some trees on my coffee table PE setup.
Bill- they are strings. Very delicate but they are about as plug (insert batteries), and play as you can get. I added the battery packs and switches since they are only used occasionally.
https://evandesigns.com/collec...natures-and-dioramas
I've used many of their products. Great stuff and great people at the company.
Thanks.
Merry Christmas
First off Merry Christmas Everyone!
This maybe a little long, but I have been away from the forum for about a week! LOL
@Putnam Division Peter thank you so much for your comments! To be honest it is amazing layout builders like you that give me inspiration to make changes to my layout! So thank you so much!
@ScoutingDad Jeff looks like you have yourself a nice space there! I look at it this way, getting a few L girders built is in the right direction! Nothing but forward from here!
@DrSteveDC Steve the river and lake look Outstanding! Was wondering what your going to use for the clear coat?
@SitkaThe cut in your facia board for the terrain really makes the scene stand out! Great work!
@B&O Fan Scott looks great and I really love the touch of your amazing backdrops!
@RSJB18 Bob, wonderful work on the Christmas lights! Maybe next year I can get you to make a trip to Washington State to do mine! LOL
@Mick60Mick good looking work on the truss bridge and I really love the folks in the river below!
@Trainmaster04 What a wonderful video you put together for this time of year! Thank you so much for sharing it with the rest of us!
@leapinlarry Larry Merry Christmas and man do I love all the photos of your wonderful layout! Sure, makes the one really dream big!
Well guys as for me I was able to get the track laid to the redo of my layout to the left side of the doorway. My next task is to relocate the control station and start wiring that section while there is nothing under the layout. I ordered new wire and have to set up my Z4000, TIU and a new to me AIU. This will be the slow part for me as I am not great at electrical! Here are a couple photos as you all know if there is no pictures it didn't happen! LOL
I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas and plan on a great New Years! Oh and don't forget to share your layouts with your family and friends!
@@mike g. - Thanks, I’ve been following Marlin of Sweden on YouTube. He recommends a water base high gloss clear coat (the type you would use on hardwood floors). I’m probably going to give it a shot tonight once I wake up from my food coma.
@DrSteveDC posted:@@mike g. - Thanks, I’ve been following Marlin of Sweden on YouTube. He recommends a water base high gloss clear coat (the type you would use on hardwood floors). I’m probably going to give it a shot tonight once I wake up from my food coma.
If you like the results please let us know.
I ran some trains for my 7 month old grandson. Don’t have a video, but his eyes followed the train around the whole layout. What a great time we had watching his face. I look forward to many more sessions with him.
Andy
DrSteve did you use the toilet paper method to create the ripples/waves before painting? Can’t wait to see your finished water. Paula just said, “This is how we can do the Hatteras sand flat/clam bed.
Andy you are starting him young. Wait until he can walk!
Merry Christmas all.
@mike g. posted:
Thanks Mike that insulation board is great to work with, your layout is coming along nice wish I had more room for a bigger layout. God Speed! Mark
After blowing snow outside this morning, I managed to cut some lumber for my 1st framework section. Thought I may as well paint the legs while they’re handy. My in-stock paint choices were flat black, chili red or jungle green,… flat black got the nod. (No pics).
Rich in SD
Now that ballasting has essentially been completed I attacked a base layer of scenery in two of the last 3 hard to reach places that need to get done prior to bringing out a lot of trains. First up, the easy one - adding a fence around the brewery:
I will still need to detail with vegetation and add signs but the fence is in, which was the 'hard' part.
Second, I covered a hillside with vegetation:
I still need to work on the ground level vegetation at the bottom and add some around the rocks but it's a good start, imho.
This is my busiest time of year at work, so I will be doing some incremental detailing the next 2-3 weeks before making roads.
I hope everyone had a great Holiday regardless of which one you celebrate and I really enjoy seeing and reading about everyone's progress!
-Greg
Lots of great work going on here. The creativity is amazing. Hopefully the dr will take me off the DL this week, and I’ll get back to it. in the meantime I ran some trains this morning.
Afternoon guys I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!
@DrSteveDC Steve looking good and thank you for turning me onto Marklin of Sweden! Great video to watch and I can see lots to learn from him!
@Greg Houser Greg the fence turned out looking great and the work you're doing on the hillside looks to be top notch! I bet it will be outstanding when you're done!
@pennsyfan Bob take the time and take it easy! There is nothing wrong with just running trains!
Well guys I was able to get to the train room this morning and worked on my new control station. I used an old rolling cabinet I had in the training room thinking it would be easier to wire things up if I just rolled it out to work on it! LOL
I was able to get my Z4000, TIU and AIU mounted along with a power bar and my 10-amp breakers between the Z4000 and TIU. I still have to hook up the GRJ watchdog system, I just don't remember how! LOL Here are a couple photos!
I hope you all are doing well and would like your comments if you have any!
But most of all I hope you're having fun with your layout and trains!
Thanks Mike.
On to your work. Could you elaborate for this old dog. “GRJ watchdog system” ??
@pennsyfan posted:Thanks Mike.
On to your work. Could you elaborate for this old dog. “GRJ watchdog system” ??
Hi Bob, Gun Runner John here on the forum builds a board that you can hook up to your DCS system that is always putting out the watch dog signal so when you power up a section of track like in a yard or a siding the engine doesn't just take off and run away!
@mike g. Thank-you for the kind words! I do like the idea of using a rolling cabinet for your control station. Really wish I would have thought of that myself! 
-Greg
@mike g. posted:First off Merry Christmas Everyone!
This maybe a little long, but I have been away from the forum for about a week! LOL
@RSJB18 Bob, wonderful work on the Christmas lights! Maybe next year I can get you to make a trip to Washington State to do mine! LOL
Well guys as for me I was able to get the track laid to the redo of my layout to the left side of the doorway. My next task is to relocate the control station and start wiring that section while there is nothing under the layout. I ordered new wire and have to set up my Z4000, TIU and a new to me AIU. This will be the slow part for me as I am not great at electrical! Here are a couple photos as you all know if there is no pictures it didn't happen! LOL
I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas and plan on a great New Years! Oh and don't forget to share your layouts with your family and friends!
Actually Mike, the lights on the layout almost outdid what I put on the house this year. We just had the house re-sided and I was in no mood to start stringing lights this year. A wreath on the door and a spot light were about it.
Next year will be back to normal, maybe......
Bob
@Greg Houser posted:@mike g. Thank-you for the kind words! I do like the idea of using a rolling cabinet for your control station. Really wish I would have thought of that myself!
-Greg
Thanks Greg, I hope.it works out as planned.
@RSJB18 posted:Actually Mike, the lights on the layout almost outdid what I put on the house this year. We just had the house re-sided and I was in no mood to start stringing lights this year. A wreath on the door and a spot light were about it.
Next year will be back to normal, maybe......
Bob
Sounds like a good plan for me next year! LOL
@DrSteveDC posted:@@Bill Webb - yes, toilet paper and glue, here are one pics with one coat of poly. I am going to dry brush some white to the peaks of the waves after the second coat of poly.
Great whitewater! I'm gettin' my rubber raft ready!
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