What did you do on your layout today?

I started on dual wooden tanks for a vinegar car, to go with my Menards pickle plant.  I think I will use a Menards flatcar as the base, but its trucks are modern roller bearing, although I see prototypes with Bettendorfs...so I may scratch build the base and frame, too.  I also began painting another Lionel vat car.  I had the vats circled in stripwood, and painted them and the body of the car.  I will make it a Von Allmen's Pickles car.  Making scribed wood bend around cardboard towel rolls for the vinegar tanks will be interesting.

Added power, and took it for a test drive!

See the first trip here!

Played around with the DCS record a operating session, haven't done that in awhile.

Clem k 

I worked on the third level for a few maybe an hr or so seemed like today everytime I tried to get up there to work on it something came up. had to do some work on a website for a o scale model builder. him and I have been working on it off and on for awhile now. today I moved it off of a temp server to a server I have at my business's colo so it is finally on a real server. had to move databases and change links on a bunch of image files but finally finished it about 12:00 tonight so spent a few upstairs playing. build some pink foam walls and ran track across the metal bridge on the top level so I finally got to run a train across it not completely since there wasn't enough track laid but enough to get the idea here is a few photos and a video

Started wiring the switches for their own power instead of track power, and setting up my switch control panels. Business is taking me away from home for the next few days, so nothing else happening until next weekend. 

Bought some grass mat for my postwar style layout... Gotta remember where all my PlasticvilleAtticville kits went though lol.

Started some roadwork that will lead to my refinery,and planted some trees!

Jhainer posted:

I worked on the third level for a few maybe an hr or so seemed like today everytime I tried to get up there to work on it something came up. had to do some work on a website for a o scale model builder. him and I have been working on it off and on for awhile now. today I moved it off of a temp server to a server I have at my business's colo so it is finally on a real server. had to move databases and change links on a bunch of image files but finally finished it about 12:00 tonight so spent a few upstairs playing. build some pink foam walls and ran track across the metal bridge on the top level so I finally got to run a train across it not completely since there wasn't enough track laid but enough to get the idea here is a few photos and a video

Jim nice work. I have a similar situation with a finished attic room here in NH. How large is you layout it looks like it around the walls? What brand of bridge is that?

Jhainer posted:

I worked on the third level for a few maybe an hr or so seemed like today everytime I tried to get up there to work on it something came up. had to do some work on a website for a o scale model builder. him and I have been working on it off and on for awhile now. today I moved it off of a temp server to a server I have at my business's colo so it is finally on a real server. had to move databases and change links on a bunch of image files but finally finished it about 12:00 tonight so spent a few upstairs playing. build some pink foam walls and ran track across the metal bridge on the top level so I finally got to run a train across it not completely since there wasn't enough track laid but enough to get the idea here is a few photos and a video

JHanier nice work. I have a similar situation with a finished attic room here in NH. How large is you layout it looks like it around the walls? What brand of bridge is that?

Today while running trains, of course, I worked on replacing more evergreens. I only have a few more to go in a corner of the upper level. I took pics before and after replacement. Maybe after dinner I'll try to do the remaining trees. The ones I pulled out I will still have to redo them so I can reuse them on the layout..................Paul

Today I tried to trouble shoot the problem with my TMCC command base.  It is not getting any power even though it is plugged into the power strip.  Tried plugging it in to another power strip but still no response.  My thinking  is that it may be the transformer that is attached to the plug in wire.  It could also be that the base unit itself has just given up.  I've had the unit for about 8 years or so. Who knows?  It may very have become time to install my new DCS system.  I'll check with my repairman about the TMCC command base.  

I adjusted the sound volume on one of my MTH diesels.  Also put some cars and engines back on the shelves.  Trying to keep the train room somewhat orderly

Love the stone wall.  Is that carved foam?

Took the Lionel 675 I just got a few days ago and put a two wheel truck and on the rear.  It will be a 2-6-2 until I get a 4 wheel trailing truck.  The donor engine was a nice, clean little 1655 that I had picked up cheap.  Nothing has been altered so I can reverse it if I ever want to. Now I need a boiler front.

Did some more work tearing down the old layout. I'm getting there slowly but surely.

-Greg 

Purchased this sign from a Michigan Company, and found a place to hang it up. This is the darkroom door from the trainroom. I grew up in East Tawas, Michigan and used to hang out at the D&M roundhouse and yard. Still a big fan of The Detroit and Mackinac Railway.

Metal (14 inch dia.), but they are a Fallen Flag.

The Detroit and Mackinac Railway, informally known as the "Turtle Line", was a railroad in the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. The main line ran from Bay City north to Cheboygan; it operated from 1894 to 1992. Wikipedia

jim pastorius posted:

Took the Lionel 675 I just got a few days ago and put a two wheel truck and on the rear.  It will be a 2-6-2 until I get a 4 wheel trailing truck.  The donor engine was a nice, clean little 1655 that I had picked up cheap.  Nothing has been altered so I can reverse it if I ever want to. Now I need a boiler front.

nooooooooooooooo!! never cared for the four wheel rear truck on the 675.

Jacobpaul81 posted:

...

Love the stone wall.  Is that carved foam?

They are from Scenic Express, with a little weathering and foliage added. They are stiff but can be cut/carved/shaped with a utility/exacto/boxcutter-type knife (with care ).

The reason I used them there, besides finding them attractive, is that their being so vertical allowed me to have more space at their base for more real estate scenery (!)

FrankM.

Layout Refinements

I am working on grade crossings. I had some 1/8” pine that I had planned out earlier in this year and discovered that it was sized perfectly for planking my grade crossings. I still have to build up some of the approaches but the wood pieces are cut and shaped to fit. They are now painted with the same paint that I used on the track (RUST-OLIUM Camouflage earth brown). One grade crossing is on a slightly curved section of track and I made a templet by taping a piece of paper over the area and used a crayon to transfer the curvature. Taped the cut out sections to my stock wood piece and cut them out with a band saw. Had to bevel the edge next to the track to fit it snug. Building a layout is like eating and elephant. Bit by bit or bite by bite, things get done and the elephant may get consume. In reality, does a layout ever get finished? I guess that’s the way it works - provides perpetual enjoyment!

Darlander,

That pine for the grade crossings turned out fantastic!

I got the DCS WIU working today. Installation was a cinch! Added my first engine, a WM 0-8-0 as easy as pie! I'll have to get used to it, but so far I think I am going to like it better than the original remote.

The grade crossing ver nice.

trainroomgary posted:

Purchased this sign from a Michigan Company, and found a place to hang it up. This is the darkroom door from the trainroom. I grew up in East Tawas, Michigan and used to hang out at the D&M roundhouse and yard. Still a big fan of The Detroit and Mackinac Railway.

Metal (14 inch dia.), but they are a Fallen Flag.

The Detroit and Mackinac Railway, informally known as the "Turtle Line", was a railroad in the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. The main line ran from Bay City north to Cheboygan; it operated from 1894 to 1992. Wikipedia

Hey Gary,

When are you going to come over to my side of the state? I'll take you to see the club layout. When the weather is better.....like spring.

Took more pictures. Stuff I got at York. Bait shop, police station, lighted flag pole, MTH street lights. Engines and rolling stock. Different angles of the layout.

DennyM posted:

Took more pictures. Stuff I got at York, bait shop, police station, lighted flag pole, MTH street lights and just engines and rolling stock. Different angles of the layout.

Hi Denny - Great finds at York, for your layout,  "Wow"

Cheers from Gary @ The Detroit and Mackinac Railway 

I worked alittle on the layout ran power wires for 2 more signal lights painted a few things and vacuumed the train room some days you have to do house cleaning in the train room too. then decided to run trains well with all the comments of when I run trains I am surrounded by them they must take me to a different place well with that in mind I figured from my stool I would record a video of 3 trains running from my point of view. did it with the phone instead of the go pro but you will get the idea. first one is in the dark and the second is with the lights on.

Jhainer posted:

I worked alittle on the layout ran power wires for 2 more signal lights painted a few things and vacuumed the train room some days you have to do house cleaning in the train room too. then decided to run trains well with all the comments of when I run trains I am surrounded by them they must take me to a different place well with that in mind I figured from my stool I would record a video of 3 trains running from my point of view. did it with the phone instead of the go pro but you will get the idea. first one is in the dark and the second is with the lights on.

 

 

Nice setup. I kinda wish I had looked on YouTube before I built my layout. Not that there's anything wrong with it. I could have gotten some other ideas.

DennyM  thank you 

I was limited on space and wanted a bigger layout so the multilevel idea came to me . in my previous layout  the upper level was supported on 2x4's with 1x4 frame work but when I built it it wasn't high enough so whenever and track needed to be layed under the second level I had to cut out archways that turned in to a pain and it also had a lot of unused space in the middle that I couldn't get to and limited the layout so for this layout I decided to put the upper level on pedistals that way no obstructions. and treat both levels as main levels that way the lower level isn't a subway. I do have 2 trouble areas as I don't know what to do with them yet one being the area under the station and the second being the dormer area. these are better videos as my phone has a case on it and the case has spots in front of the camera so the videos come out fuzzy.

Jhainer posted:

DennyM  thank you 

I was limited on space and wanted a bigger layout so the multilevel idea came to me . in my previous layout  the upper level was supported on 2x4's with 1x4 frame work but when I built it it wasn't high enough so whenever and track needed to be layed under the second level I had to cut out archways that turned in to a pain and it also had a lot of unused space in the middle that I couldn't get to and limited the layout so for this layout I decided to put the upper level on pedistals that way no obstructions. and treat both levels as main levels that way the lower level isn't a subway. I do have 2 trouble areas as I don't know what to do with them yet one being the area under the station and the second being the dormer area. these are better videos as my phone has a case on it and the case has spots in front of the camera so the videos come out fuzzy.

 

 

 

Nice layout. What brand of bridge is that? Is that a real metal bridge or plastic?

My son Chris and I spent most of the day working on the incline between the first and second levels of our layout. When this is complete, trains will be able to reach all three layout levels through the elevated connections. This particular section is a retro-fit and many areas are very difficult to reach. Train clearances are also very close. There is more to be done. I am glad Chris is on semester break for this project. He can still get into places that I cannot anymore due to age and some disability. I am hoping that this section will be done by the end of this week. I wonder if the Pennsylvania Railroad had this much trouble when building Horseshoe Curve?

Today I got my DCS WI-FI working and it is really cool. I can't wait till MTH comes out with the full version.

Randy Harrison posted:

My son Chris and I spent most of the day working on the incline between the first and second levels of our layout. When this is complete, trains will be able to reach all three layout levels through the elevated connections. This particular section is a retro-fit and many areas are very difficult to reach. Train clearances are also very close. There is more to be done. I am glad Chris is on semester break for this project. He can still get into places that I cannot anymore due to age and some disability. I am hoping that this section will be done by the end of this week. I wonder if the Pennsylvania Railroad had this much trouble when building Horseshoe Curve?

Yeah Randy and Chris!!  Get er done!!  Once you drive the golden spike on this part of the project your train running enjoyment is going to be epic!!!

I placed a couple of tiny tree branches ( real branches I found in the park ) on the layout within the log cabin scene.  Looks good!  Not much done today but at least something

I have to be honest, I haven't done squat lately. But I might start soon... ��

I am wrapping scribed wood around a towel roll for two vinegar tanks.  I forgot to get some heavy thread for cable, or a Menard's flatcar for the base while I was out, so that is delayed.  The Von Allmen pickle tub car is delayed while I research color some more.  I did find a builtup HO Ambroid model done in tuscan, but dunno if that was the prototype color.

Received my Lionel 6-82205 ES44AC Diesel - BNSF "Golden Swoosh" #7695 today. Both had the front MU cable broken off. Luckily they are nice clean breaks where they were attached. So hopefully an easy glue or epoxy fix. Each engine runs great individually and in a lash up. Pulled a coal car consist for a bit. Checked operation. All looks and sounds good.  One thing I can say. The front and rear lights are **** bright!

Seacoast posted:

Jhainer posted:

DennyM  thank you 

I was limited on space and wanted a bigger layout so the multilevel idea came to me . in my previous layout  the upper level was supported on 2x4's with 1x4 frame work but when I built it it wasn't high enough so whenever and track needed to be layed under the second level I had to cut out archways that turned in to a pain and it also had a lot of unused space in the middle that I couldn't get to and limited the layout so for this layout I decided to put the upper level on pedistals that way no obstructions. and treat both levels as main levels that way the lower level isn't a subway. I do have 2 trouble areas as I don't know what to do with them yet one being the area under the station and the second being the dormer area. these are better videos as my phone has a case on it and the case has spots in front of the camera so the videos come out fuzzy.

 

 

 

Nice layout. What brand of bridge is that? Is that a real metal bridge or plastic?

a real metal one I got off of the bay.

Today I got the last of the trees done. Nothing more to do tonight. It's Tuesday night train group. So tomorrow with a fresh start in the morning I'll get them planted.........Paul

I've finally got around to laying some ballast and a little ground cover.  

Jhainer posted:

DennyM  thank you 

I was limited on space and wanted a bigger layout so the multilevel idea came to me . in my previous layout  the upper level was supported on 2x4's with 1x4 frame work but when I built it it wasn't high enough so whenever and track needed to be layed under the second level I had to cut out archways that turned in to a pain and it also had a lot of unused space in the middle that I couldn't get to and limited the layout so for this layout I decided to put the upper level on pedistals that way no obstructions. and treat both levels as main levels that way the lower level isn't a subway. I do have 2 trouble areas as I don't know what to do with them yet one being the area under the station and the second being the dormer area. these are better videos as my phone has a case on it and the case has spots in front of the camera so the videos come out fuzzy.

 

Great video, your layout is sweet. Mine is a 6x8 with 4x5 section connected to it.

Bond1975 posted:

I've finally got around to laying some ballast and a little ground cover.  

Fabulous looking ballast work!!!  Bravo!!!!

Today I added a feeder wire to a section that was having some voltage drop issues. It seems to have worked. I also changed the glass tube fuse holder to a plug one. I have nerve damage from a accident back in 2014 and it was difficult to change the fuse. I use the fuses on my PW ZW. One is a the A side that runs the trains and one is on the D side that I use to power the train yard that blocked off from the main track.