Just finished cleaning up after hosting the Tuesday Night Train Crew. Had about 25 members here and everyone had a great time; good food, drink, and most important everything worked and ran flawlessly. (I was actually able to fix 2 gremlins 10 minutes before everyone arrived) Also for anyone who thinks I hold a grudge about Paul's boorish behavior when he hosted I took the higher road and made a welcoming sign for him. Lol
Bryan was a gracious host. Everyone had a good time and there were nothing but compliments on what he has gotten done on his layout. All the time there the trains kept running perfectly. Now as to that picture of the two of us he must of photoshopped the two of us together LOL.............just kidding............Paul
In anticipation for Oly Ops which takes place this Saturday, I created a new run of the guidebooks for the layout, which I hand one to each new visitor.
The cover looks like a timetable, but it gives directions about General handling on the layout, a complete history of the fictional railroad branch, and I changed some things from previous editions to include corrected typos, a list of Publications the layout has since been in, and I changed the front and back covers.
Each one is hand embossed with an original notary stamp from where the layout takes place, used before WW2 and marked for Carter County Tennessee, which is where the layout takes place.
Many are also going to be marked with an original ticket Dater, to reflect the dates of the op sessions themselves.
5-6 inch
I used some wood putty as surface filler and sanded a bit to clean up the rough plywood suface grain and edge break out since the last shots. Continued with the popsicle sitck/ match stick details. I need to sand it flush on the sides as the match sticks aren't exactly precision cut bass wood.
I ran out of popcicle stick and was stuck rummaging for scraps. The corners suffered because of it. But doing that search I found enough doll house scraps to roof a small platform or depot too. The glue is drying on the roof now.
Far from precision but works to fill the gap.
Ten more inside braces and a small filler on the far inside footings upright and the cutting is done here. Base paint tomorrow. Baking soda & salt rust texturing after that.
Bryan and Paul, I knew you two have just been joking! Nice poster Bryan. The photographs look great! Besides a nice train room, you have a nice place for everyone to gather.
Adriatic, the bridge looks good!
Lee, professional looking document! Have a great time!!
Mark Boyce posted:Lee, professional looking document! Have a great time!!
Thanks.
I did This yesterday mostly to keep my mind off the storm rolling toward my parents and also some friends who live around north Florida, with that hurricane coming today...
This is one of the reasons I left the area for good in the 90s.
Lee, Yes I agree it is a deep concern! I’m praying for everyone there.
FutureRail Productions posted:I just wrapped up on a review and a how-to video for a modification for the new Bluetooth Thomas set for my YouTube Channel. Hit 103 subscribers and taking a break for the holidays. Ah, what an achievement.
Review: LionChief Thomas the Tank Engine with Bluetooth Set
Good videos! Congratulations on going over 100 subscribers!!
Nate, the spike shelf looks great with the new facia! Fit's right in!
Trumptrain, nice way to find use for old junk! I will have to keep that in mind when my pile starts getting to big!
Bryan, I am glad you had a house full of friends! The poster for Paul show that you are a very nice man! The train room you have looks wonderful and I can tell that everyone was having a good time, even Paul for the smile on his face from the pictures! Just a little side note, who made your shelf? They look nice, clean and neat!
Lee, That is a great idea and gift for who attends your op night! I can't make it down there but was wondering if by any chance you could mail me one? I would be very cool to have to post in my train room for motivation! Also our prayers go out to your family and friends to make it threw the storm safely !
Adriatic, Look at you building your own bridge! Its really taking shape and I bet its going to look just wonderful on the layout!
Adriatic posted:I used some wood putty as surface filler and sanded a bit to clean up the rough plywood suface grain and edge break out since the last shots. Continued with the popsicle sitck/ match stick details. I need to sand it flush on the sides as the match sticks aren't exactly precision cut bass wood.
I ran out of popcicle stick and was stuck rummaging for scraps. The corners suffered because of it. But doing that search I found enough doll house scraps to roof a small platform or depot too. The glue is drying on the roof now.
Far from precision but works to fill the gap.
Ten more inside braces and a small filler on the far inside footings upright and the cutting is done here. Base paint tomorrow. Baking soda & salt rust texturing after that.
Love it, Butch! This is what I love about model railroading: not the fancy, expensive, prefab stuff (although they look great) but the homey, do-it-yourself talent, creativity, and problem solving.
mike g. posted:
Bryan, I am glad you had a house full of friends! The poster for Paul show that you are a very nice man! The train room you have looks wonderful and I can tell that everyone was having a good time, even Paul for the smile on his face from the pictures! Just a little side note, who made your shelf? They look nice, clean and neat!
Thanks Mike, the shelving is a self made project. I buy the wood in 8ft sections 6 inches deep and 3/4 thick. I then cut very thin grooves into the wood so the cars wheels will lay perfectly into the groove. Paint them a white and hang them with brackets from home depot. Total cost is less than 8 dollars per shelf and they are very strong.
Thanks Bryan, I did the same with 1x4 cedar, but yours look much better! I am thinking down the road I will redo mine! Thanks again!
Converted three more MTH Passenger Cars to LED lighting.
Still have quite a few to do yet.
Larry
The scrap wood depot may not be a depot after all 
It might be a covered bridge; but I can't tell yet 
We'll see once I extend it's walls by two more boards 
It balances nicely. No glue on the walls yet 
Nice work on the covered bridge!
While not much as been going on for the layout itself, I have been working on a side project.
2 years ago I purchased a Lionel Berkshire and thought it would be a perfect re-paint for the Pere Marquette 1225. The one big issue was the tender. It was way too short to make it look correct. This week I have worked to make it correct.
Here are some pics.
The stock tender and the locomotive
The tender cut and spliced together. I used 2 different tender shells.
Here she sits behind the locomotive and on her new trucks. I still have to fabricate the tender deck, finish filling in and sanding the seam, and paint and re-letter the tender.
When everything is finished I plan to weather the locomotive and tender.
I have this whole project in its own thread here:
Jim, That is a really nice job you are doing on that modification!
Mark Boyce posted:Jim, That is a really nice job you are doing on that modification!
Thanks it has been a fun project
I build small platform (SHARK BAY CITY), need more detailing parts before ready.
Jim, that's one project I don't think I would undertake! I have a hard enough time taking apart old stuff, let alone great looking stuff! LOL
BAR GP7, Nice little platform! It's post like yours that give many ideas to others including me! Thanks for the post!
Swapped out the original motor on my Dad’s PreWar AF Zephyr so it could run on my Ross track and switches. Original wheel flanges were too deep. Had an unused engine that was from a Lionel Black River set. Took that motor out, works great. Does not have to sit on a shelf. Now I just have to find a few more cars.
Got three new cars installed on the layout. Two of them are post-war, one was built for only one year in 2006. Surprisingly my Dad's friend found them at Goodwill in remarkably good condition. The 6670 boom car is in remarkably good shape minus the top bit part of the boom's locking tab doesn't want to hold it up so I have to use duct tape to hold it up.
mike g. posted:Jim, that's one project I don't think I would undertake! I have a hard enough time taking apart old stuff, let alone great looking stuff! LOL
BAR GP7, Nice little platform! It's post like yours that give many ideas to others including me! Thanks for the post!
Mike: Thanks. I am glad to hear that.
Johan
Put the floodlight tower back in my freight yard after redoing it last weekend. Also put trains back in the yard. Still need to redo the engine service are. Getting there a little at a time after the 12 hour day redoing the yard track and ballast this past Saturday. I painted the track in the yard over the last couple of days as well.
Tony H posted:Swapped out the original motor on my Dad’s PreWar AF Zephyr so it could run on my Ross track and switches. Original wheel flanges were too deep. Had an unused engine that was from a Lionel Black River set. Took that motor out, works great. Does not have to sit on a shelf. Now I just have to find a few more cars.
I don't think the prototypes pulled too many cars anyhow. You might want to check out the roster for them.
FutureRail Productions posted:..............The 6670 boom car is in remarkably good shape minus the top bit part of the boom's locking tab doesn't want to hold it up so I have to use duct tape to hold it up.
A simple but better looking temp. fix is a thread loop to that crank axle with a hook from a paper clip or other wire to the upright booms lattices. Tweaking one of the axle holding tabs may hold it upright by thread alone.(my new one doesn't need the stay, but my old one did. The new has a bearing insert than also keeps enough pressure on the crank that it doesn't slip down without a load. I don't recall my PW having that pressurized bearing insert... Or it was too weak to do any good)
Is the stay bent? Is the lower right rivet of the stay loose?(re-set) Post rivet loose?(reset, replace, or use a small bolt or rivet & glue) Or the tab worn/broken?(JB Weld)
I need to fabricate a small wedge for under each wall's corners, some bracing inside, and fill in the area above the walls & portal, but I think the depot idea has been deposed.
If I abandon it as a covered bridge due to shortness vs height, I'll build another closer to being proper (all wood), and longer. I'm seeing this as the best of two world's, tunnels and bridges alike. Plus I like the era.
I also came across a girder bridge that seemed to be encapsulated in a wooded plank "skin" to slow it's deteriorating in the weather. Falling apart but it only added to the interestingly decrepit, highly weathered look of it.
Jdevleerjr posted:While not much as been going on for the layout itself, I have been working on a side project. 2 years ago I purchased a Lionel Berkshire and thought it would be a perfect re-paint for the Pere Marquette 1225. The one big issue was the tender. It was way too short to make it look correct. This week I have worked to make it correct.Here are some pics. The stock tender and the locomotive
The tender cut and spliced together. I used 2 different tender shells.
Here she sits behind the locomotive and on her new trucks. I still have to fabricate the tender deck, finish filling in and sanding the seam, and paint and re-letter the tender.
When everything is finished I plan to weather the locomotive and tender. I have this whole project in its own thread here:
An fyi, I've not missed a beat following this JD. I've just had issues with likes and posting when I wanted to since downgrading to Androids a while back. (If you ever thought' Internet Exploder' was bad, stear clear of this "toy OS", lol)
Nice night time picture Brian!
M. Mitchell Marmel posted:Quick happy snap of some equipment I'm working on for @JohnD's dad. The Polar Express cars got a roof swap, and the one in the back had its roof given a light spray of flat white paint to give it that 'snowed on' look.
Mitch
He sent me a video last weekend of the kids playing with the PE. I noticed the mix of roof styles. I asked if he was going to ask you to paint them. He said no. He told me he was just going to buy more cars with snow on the roof.
He's coming to town later tonight! We'll get to play a little trains together and take a fall foliage train ride.
I can't wait to show him my South Wind passenger cars and diner.
John D. posted:He sent me a video last weekend of the kids playing with the PE. I noticed the mix of roof styles. I asked if he was going to ask you to paint them. He said no. He told me he was just going to buy more cars with snow on the roof.
He's coming to town later tonight! We'll get to play a little trains together and take a fall foliage train ride.
I can't wait to show him my South Wind passenger cars and diner.
Groovy! You can show him his PE cars as well...
Mitch
BAR GP7 #63 posted:I build small platform (SHARK BAY CITY), need more detailing parts before ready.
Looks great! If I could make only one suggestion, get some trash cans down at either end of the bench. In real life, there'd be one there.
Really good work here!
p51 posted:BAR GP7 #63 posted:I build small platform (SHARK BAY CITY), need more detailing parts before ready.
Looks great! If I could make only one suggestion, get some trash cans down at either end of the bench. In real life, there'd be one there.
Really good work here!
Lee: Thank you. Yes, I am gonna put there more some small detailing, also trash cans.
Johan
Platform came out nice Johan. Added more detail to the scene............Paul
As a carpet liner I don't have a layout to work on. Instead I am making a small Christmas layout for a friend's daughter. It will be 5.5' x 4' plywood platform with 2 manual switches to create the inner oval.I have been painting the loco, whistle tender, caboose, tank car and boxcar in red and green motifs since it is intended to be deployed around the Christmas Tree each year. The idea is to be able to stand the layout in the back of a closet once Christmas time is over.
Had some set backs with the loco and tender today. Old trains are proof of Murphy's Law. The engine is a 239 Scout with a headlamp, smoke unit, and reversing unit. As is common with a Scout motor, all of a sudden it decided to go in reverse only. Then it would switch directions on a whim without any controls being touched. I read up on the troubles people have had with the Scout and how chancy it is to attempt repairs. Fortunately I had a couple of Scout motors I picked up as "junk," one of which is a 1060, and was the subject of "Week 7 of the "Motor of the Week" contest. I bench tested the 1060 and it ran like a champion. I cleaned it up, fed its oil wick, lubed it, and treated it to a new light bulb. It fit nicely into the 239 cast shell. The best ting about the 1060 is that it only goes forward. I had to give up the smoke unit but it's a good trade off to have a dependable motor that doesn't change direction when you sound the whistle or sneeze. As for the whistle tender, some gremlins secretly detached a wire from the relay to the field. That was easy enough to fix. Then for some reason the whistle wouldn't sound. A little testing isolated the culprit: the relay got lazy and made little effort to close the contact flap. I had salvaged an old decrepit relay from a junk tender and now swapped it into the 243W. Now it whistles loud and clear. Junk to the rescue!
BTW, does anyone know where at York I could pick up a few Christmassy things to adorn the layout? Thanx!
paul 2 posted:Platform came out nice Johan. Added more detail to the scene............Paul
Paul: Thank you.
Johan
Johan, the platform scene looks great!
Mitch, Nice looking snow!! 
Pete, Sounds like you are making good progress refurbishing some old standbys!
Great stuff guys! Looks like everyone was busy this week. Well it has rained all evening here so I couldn’t paint when I got home so I thought of this idea on the way home from work for my Atlas gondola. Besides having a layout I also build 1/25 trucks I have for about 40yrs and I have lots of left over parts. I rememberd I had these transformers from a lowboy kit I built back in 1987 they look like they would make a great load for my vintage Atlas gondola. I also added vintage Atlas couplers enjoy the pics.
Nice work on the gondola load Lee!
I worked on the Halloween display for my wife’s benefit. No photographs until the unveiling!
Hi Guys, a lot of you know my past story. So I wanted to take this time to share something very special that happened today! My brother came over, you know the one that brought me plywood to start the decking for my layout in the new train room. Well he really stepped it up for the wife CEO! She has been taking care of me ever since we got married, but more so when cancer hit! She took all her energy to take care of me during operations, Chemo Treatments, radiation , to this day! So because my brother and his wife felt so strong about what she gave up for me they surprised here with this! Thanks for sharing this time with me!
Thanks mark it was a fast and fun project. You may see it in action on Saturday Switcher in the morning
Wow Mike!!! That is some set of wheels for the wonderful lady! It is great your brother and his wife appreciate her so much!!
Mike, It is great to have a loving and supportive family.
I enjoy seeing the progress you are making on your new layout.
Sincerely, John Rowlen
mike g. posted:Hi Guys, a lot of you know my past story. So I wanted to take this time to share something very special that happened today! My brother came over, you know the one that brought me plywood to start the decking for my layout in the new train room. Well he really stepped it up for the wife CEO! She has been taking care of me ever since we got married, but more so when cancer hit! She took all her energy to take care of me during operations, Chemo Treatments, radiation , to this day! So because my brother and his wife felt so strong about what she gave up for me they surprised here with this! Thanks for sharing this time with me!
Nice ride! My favorite Jaguar of all those made in the last 20 years.
Last century's X Jaguar was always a favorite for me. The perfect balance of comfort and sport; classic lines too. The next best thing and feel was likely a Lincoln LSC. The later merger has had an interesing and positive influence on, by, & to, both companies design trends long term. The looks are there and the Jag electrical got much better right away. The only "weak link" I recall was severe abuse of the transmission. I.e. repetative high rpm nuetral drops.
In all, your likely gonna love it after a bit as well.
I added the gondola to the roster this morning it’s a little tall but I’m going with it
Thanks guys for the kind words! It because of my wife and brother that I am able to have a train room and soon to be layout! Family is always number one in my book!
This forum has become a big part of my family! All the great people and support, who could ask for more! Thanks again!
That's an amazing gift Mike. Your brother and his wife must be awesome people. Glad you are doing well and that your wife gets such great support.
We are all happy to support your journey to good health, good family, and running trains.
Bob
Mike
you can never go wrong with a good family that stays by you through the tough times. And as a bonus your Hobby friends support you as well. I’m finding out there a lot great people on this fourm including you. I will keep you in my prayers. Lee D.
RSJB18 posted:That's an amazing gift Mike. Your brother and his wife must be awesome people. Glad you are doing well and that your wife gets such great support.
We are all happy to support your journey to good health, good family, and running trains.
Bob
Thanks Bob! This forum is the best place to come each and every day, but is tops when some days are harder then others!
I truly believe between the wife and family is why I am still here! And the forum and the great group of people here are what keep me smiling and full of joy!
Mike, that is a wonderful gift. Second only to the gift of family. And you are blessed to have such a family..........Paul
Mike, you are truly blessed to have such a supporting family.
Running op session right now, overseeing a crew of two at this moment:
Mike, Your family is the best! Right now as you know I'm on the giving end of things with my extended family, but it could be any time now that I could end up on the receiving end. As I have told my younger daughter many times, "Just find a good home to dump me into when the time comes".
The OGR Forum is like a second family to me. If I don't get on here and see what's going on, I feel like my day was incomplete. Thank you every single Forum member. Here's a big Mike G. Thumbs up for yinz!
lee drennen posted:
I added the gondola to the roster this morning it’s a little tall but I’m going with it
Run guy wires so they can't tip if you don't want to cut them down. Going with two may help understate the size a little more .??. They would also be HEAVY! Stiff, solid, "Music wire" is thin so can look like guy wire; but actually be a brace too. Use going to wood/plastic insert(s)on the floor or drill some small holes in the bed to hook it in. Maybe a whole floor insert if you won't actually unload them protoypically.
BAR GP7 #63 posted:I build small platform (SHARK BAY CITY), need more detailing parts before ready.
Very nice Johan. I didn't know the LIRR served Finland. All these years and I could have taken the train to Finland? 
Mark Boyce posted:Mike, Your family is the best! Right now as you know I'm on the giving end of things with my extended family, but it could be any time now that I could end up on the receiving end. As I have told my younger daughter many times, "Just find a good home to dump me into when the time comes".
Mark,
Whenever my dad did something nice for us kids, he always said "The only repayment I want is that you pick a home with cute nurses."
RSJB18 posted:BAR GP7 #63 posted:I build small platform (SHARK BAY CITY), need more detailing parts before ready.
Very nice Johan. I didn't know the LIRR served Finland. All these years and I could have taken the train to Finland?
Bob: Thank you, very funny. Maybe you must try again, welcome anytime.
Johan
Today my Dad (aka Mickey Mantle) and I spent about an hour in the basement. I got to show off my new-to-me (like new still in box!) South Wind PRR passenger set with Station Sounds Diner. He talked me into unboxing my brand new Lionel Legacy Scale Polar Express Berk. BOY OH BOY is she pretty! I got to demo some Mega-Steam for him. He and his wife really like the Hot Chocolate smell. (Guess what Daddy is getting for Christmas?!) We hooked it up to the PRR South Wind and did some laps. Dad is still a kid at heart. "Is that as fast as it goes?" I got it up to about 75% throttle (92 smph) before chickening out and backing off.
Then, I pulled out the Halloween Mikado. I showed off the cell phone Bluetooth App for him. His wife REALLY liked the Halloween Mikado. The eerie church bell does it every time.
Then Dad and I walked the basement and did some layout planning. He's off at a wedding now, so I'm on the computer reading the Mianne website and doing some planning. I'm getting the itch to buy some lumber and lay some track! This little loop in my office isn't enough for me anymore.
Oh, and @M. Mitchell Marmel please don't tell Mr. Gene, but the Scale PE didn't clear his mountain, so I'll have to put it in storage until the new layout is ready for it.
Some of my favorites.
Brian- do you put trains together and then find pictures of the 1:1 or the other way around
BAR GP7 #63 posted:RSJB18 posted:BAR GP7 #63 posted:I build small platform (SHARK BAY CITY), need more detailing parts before ready.
Very nice Johan. I didn't know the LIRR served Finland. All these years and I could have taken the train to Finland?
Bob: Thank you, very funny. Maybe you must try again, welcome anytime.
Johan
Well considering that the LIRR can barely make it across the East River, the chances of making it across the pond are slim to none.
RSJB18 posted:Brian- do you put trains together and then find pictures of the 1:1 or the other way around
YES....
Hm, since I am presently without a layout, I am planning the next layout - of course. Our next home has a dry finished basement, the train room is about 22' x 22' after allowances for sump pump pit & the woodstove clearances. Hope to be moved in by Christmas ! Almost have all the trains & railroadiana packed, you know, the important stuff !
Adriatic posted:lee drennen posted:
Run guy wires so they can't tip if you don't want to cut them down. Going with two may help understate the size a little more .??. They would also be HEAVY! Stiff, solid, "Music wire" is thin so can look like guy wire; but actually be a brace too. Use going to wood/plastic insert(s)on the floor or drill some small holes in the bed to hook it in. Maybe a whole floor insert if you won't actually unload them protoypically.
I was going to put some cable material over the top but I don't like them that tall so I think I will cut them down I thought I could adjust to them but I cant thanks for the Idea about bracing, but these will be unloaded one of these days. I will glue lift rings in the floor instead of drilling holes in the car incase I want to change it up some day
Lee, They could be cut down some and still look authentic. I worked for a power company for 15 years after and before working for the telecom company. I saw lots of transformers brought in by truck and some by rail to the power station. They always shipped them with the bushings in crates along side. I have two low-boy flat cars with transformers and I have the bushings on top of the transformers. They look way more cool that if I did them like the prototype. So, I know better, but I do it the way I like.
John, Great story about you and your dad. There isn't much of anything I can get my dad now that he and Mum are in a home. Snickers bars and mixed nuts-slightly salted is all he wants.
Here is the makeshift Halloween display sans trains. I have them on track and will post them later.
This photograph shows just how makeshift it is. I'll be rebuilding the Christmas layout before you know it, so why go to too much trouble. The trains are a Western Maryland freight with an "unusual" cargo, and the LionChief Hogwarts Express.
Thanks Mark
I can not find any pics of this type of transformers and AMT models has the holes at the bottom I didn’t like them that way so I put them at the top. Can you help me identify these transformers thanks
Worked on some of my All Nations Boxcars today and gave them a test run. Need to add some latters and brake wheels. 2 down 12 more to restore. The REA Reefer car is a old AHM Pola Max car I Custom Painted and Decaled about 3yrs ago.
Adriatic posted:Tony H posted:Swapped out the original motor on my Dad’s PreWar AF Zephyr so it could run on my Ross track and switches. Original wheel flanges were too deep. Had an unused engine that was from a Lionel Black River set. Took that motor out, works great. Does not have to sit on a shelf. Now I just have to find a few more cars.
I don't think the prototypes pulled too many cars anyhow. You might want to check out the roster for them.
FutureRail Productions posted:..............The 6670 boom car is in remarkably good shape minus the top bit part of the boom's locking tab doesn't want to hold it up so I have to use duct tape to hold it up.
A simple but better looking temp. fix is a thread loop to that crank axle with a hook from a paper clip or other wire to the upright booms lattices. Tweaking one of the axle holding tabs may hold it upright by thread alone.(my new one doesn't need the stay, but my old one did. The new has a bearing insert than also keeps enough pressure on the crank that it doesn't slip down without a load. I don't recall my PW having that pressurized bearing insert... Or it was too weak to do any good)
Is the stay bent? Is the lower right rivet of the stay loose?(re-set) Post rivet loose?(reset, replace, or use a small bolt or rivet & glue) Or the tab worn/broken?(JB Weld)
Honestly not sure. Everything is intact. It just won't stay up. I did think about super gluing the tab into locked position, but I just think it's worn down due to age, and the fact it was in a Goodwill and we all know how they are.
lee drennen posted:Thanks Mark
I can not find any pics of this type of transformers and AMT models has the holes at the bottom I didn’t like them that way so I put them at the top. Can you help me identify these transformers thanks
Lee- The scale is throwing you off. These "can" type transformers would typically go on poles to step down high voltage to the end users. Power stations today use larger pad-mount units that have all three phases in one assembly. The number of rings on the porcelain insulators relates to the voltage. The higher the voltage the more rings.
You can shorten both the can and the insulators and they may look more to scale.
Bob
Mark Boyce posted:Here is the makeshift Halloween display sans trains. I have them on track and will post them later.
This photograph shows just how makeshift it is. I'll be rebuilding the Christmas layout before you know it, so why go to too much trouble. The trains are a Western Maryland freight with an "unusual" cargo, and the LionChief Hogwarts Express.
Mark- The Hallow-mas layout looks great!
RSJB18 posted:
lee drennen posted:Thanks Mark
I can not find any pics of this type of transformers and AMT models has the holes at the bottom I didn’t like them that way so I put them at the top. Can you help me identify these transformers thanks
Lee- The scale is throwing you off. These "can" type transformers would typically go on poles to step down high voltage to the end users. Power stations today use larger pad-mount units that have all three phases in one assembly. The number of rings on the porcelain insulators relates to the voltage. The higher the voltage the more rings.
You can shorten both the can and the insulators and they may look more to scale.
Bob
Bob
thats the only ones I came close to finding here’s some pics of the model I got them out of I think AMT made fictitious ones oh well they look cool to me especially after I cut them down. Thanks for the leg work Bob.
This evening I repaired several tank cars whose ladders fell off and/or the walkway/handrails around the dome needed repair. Opened and inspected a pair of K line switches I bought off the Bay. They are in good working order. While doing this I ran trains and did a bit of straightening up in the train room. My Lionel N&W J 611 finally began putting some smoke out of the stack again too! Very nice!! I also added some items to my York shopping list. A most enjoyable evening with the trains
Lee Drennen, I finally found a photograph of what I was thinking of. Back in the '80s and '90s we still had Oil Circuit Breakers out in the substations. Most were three phase, but I recall some old ones that were a bank of single phase ones with trip and close coils for each that were ganged electrically. The article the photograph was taken from is here. https://www.dfliq.net/electric...ts/circuit-breakers/ Vepco, later Virginia Power, now Dominion had ones this size on 115KV lines, that was the lowest voltage transmission lines they had. These were put in service in the '50s or so.
See how the bushings are the same length on yours and the photograph. If they were transformers, the high side would probably have longer bushings than the low side. AMT may have taken their model from single phase oil circuit breakers. And who knows what was used in other countries.
Just a thought.....
The video is to large to upload here https://youtu.be/XGqWGnJRfPA
Kon112H posted:The video is to large to upload here https://youtu.be/XGqWGnJRfPA
Andrew;
Very impressive layout and nice video. Thanks for sharing. That being said, I don’t think I’d like walking down those steps when the trains are running
Mark Boyce posted:Lee, They could be cut down some and still look authentic. I worked for a power company for 15 years after and before working for the telecom company. I saw lots of transformers brought in by truck and some by rail to the power station. They always shipped them with the bushings in crates along side. I have two low-boy flat cars with transformers and I have the bushings on top of the transformers. They look way more cool that if I did them like the prototype. So, I know better, but I do it the way I like.
John, Great story about you and your dad. There isn't much of anything I can get my dad now that he and Mum are in a home. Snickers bars and mixed nuts-slightly salted is all he wants.
Here is the makeshift Halloween display sans trains. I have them on track and will post them later.
This photograph shows just how makeshift it is. I'll be rebuilding the Christmas layout before you know it, so why go to too much trouble. The trains are a Western Maryland freight with an "unusual" cargo, and the LionChief Hogwarts Express.
Mark, this is so so cool. A mixed layout with Halloween and Christmas. I like that. Plus very cool with the Harry Potter figures. Great for Halloween.
Mark Boyce posted:Lee Drennen, I finally found a photograph of what I was thinking of. Back in the '80s and '90s we still had Oil Circuit Breakers out in the substations. Most were three phase, but I recall some old ones that were a bank of single phase ones with trip and close coils for each that were ganged electrically. The article the photograph was taken from is here. https://www.dfliq.net/electric...ts/circuit-breakers/ Vepco, later Virginia Power, now Dominion had ones this size on 115KV lines, that was the lowest voltage transmission lines they had. These were put in service in the '50s or so.
See how the bushings are the same length on yours and the photograph. If they were transformers, the high side would probably have longer bushings than the low side. AMT may have taken their model from single phase oil circuit breakers. And who knows what was used in other countries.
Just a thought.....
Thanks a lot Mark!! This helps I guess it’s back to the drawing board on this project.
lee drennen posted:Mark Boyce posted:Lee Drennen, I finally found a photograph of what I was thinking of. Back in the '80s and '90s we still had Oil Circuit Breakers out in the substations. Most were three phase, but I recall some old ones that were a bank of single phase ones with trip and close coils for each that were ganged electrically. The article the photograph was taken from is here. https://www.dfliq.net/electric...ts/circuit-breakers/ Vepco, later Virginia Power, now Dominion had ones this size on 115KV lines, that was the lowest voltage transmission lines they had. These were put in service in the '50s or so.
See how the bushings are the same length on yours and the photograph. If they were transformers, the high side would probably have longer bushings than the low side. AMT may have taken their model from single phase oil circuit breakers. And who knows what was used in other countries.
Just a thought.....
Thanks a lot Mark!! This helps I guess it’s back to the drawing board on this project.
AAHAA! Wasn't thinking of circuit breakers. Good detective work Mark.
Bob
Guys thanks for all the leg work you did. I always thought they were transformers since I was a kid. I will redo these and detail them out thanks again
Lee, You are most welcome! They intrigued me because they looked so familiar, but I didn't have time to check out my remembrances until late in the evening. We always see transformers modeled for flat car loads, and Vepco had banks of three single phase transformers in the 500KV-230KV substations, but they were always rectangular with the typical cooling fins. All of these are shipped empty, and they need to be filled with mineral oil, current transformers and bushings need installed, and some gauges, etc have to be installed as well. Having a background in power, I find the loads all interesting.
RSJB18 posted:Mark Boyce posted:Here is the makeshift Halloween display sans trains. I have them on track and will post them later.
This photograph shows just how makeshift it is. I'll be rebuilding the Christmas layout before you know it, so why go to too much trouble. The trains are a Western Maryland freight with an "unusual" cargo, and the LionChief Hogwarts Express.
Mark- The Hallow-mas layout looks great!
Bob and Tom, Thank you!!!
Actually, it was more a function of time instead of planning. I never got the Christmas layout taken down, and at this late date, I didn't want to pack all the Christmas buildings etc away. Also I don't have that much Halloween decorations to fit a 4x8. So I decided to make this vignette in the middle and have the viewer focus on the center. I guess there was some ingenuity in imagining how I could set it up in the middle. It was a quick and dirty setup, but it works I think.
I’ve spent the entire weekend cleaning up the basement. It’s amazing how much crap piles up over the summer. With that done I can get back to working on the trains.
Lee, 2 is a start. I am glad you ended up having a good time! A day running trains is hard to beat! LOL
Mark, Its really blessed to have a great family! My dad schooled us in manners and helping others! So today I did what I could and helped a 90 YO neighbor who has already started putting up Christmas lights. I got up on his roof and hung all the lights around his house! He sure has a lot of stories! LOL The Halloween layout is looking great!
Brian, nice pictures once again! But I may have missed it but do you have the BNSF engine in the Red and Silver paint?
John, sounds like you had a great day with your Dad! Soak it in, as these are memories in the making!
Trestleking, good luck on your new home and your future layout! Just remember there is a sump pump in there for some reason, Keep things off the floor! LOL
Lee D., The box cars look wonderful and roll great!
Kon, what a great looking layout! Plus you have a wonderful train room! Fun to watch thanks!
mike g. posted:Brian, nice pictures once again! But I may have missed it but do you have the BNSF engine in the Red and Silver paint?
added it to the wish list...
Atlas had done both, BNSF, and Santa Fe Warbonnets, (4) axle Dash 8-40 BW
Sure is some nice looking engines there Mike!
A wish list must! LOL
Mark, neat Halloween layout. Maybe you are going to be a man of all seasons. Over the past few days I have not really worked on the layout. Yesterday I tried to work on the brewery area but after lining up the flats I think they will work better if I glue them all together then glue them to a couple of furring strips the thickness of the black foam board on the buildings above them. To cut the furring strips I'll have to change the belt on the wheel of the band saw. The old one rotted off just as I finished the last wood I was cutting. Today I have to cut grass. The next two days are calling for rain. So maybe tomorrow for the time being I can start wiring the liftout section and installing those blades in the rails. At least that is what I am hoping for but with York a few days away I might just end up resting up for that LOL.............Paul
Mark Boyce posted:Lee, You are most welcome! They intrigued me because they looked so familiar, but I didn't have time to check out my remembrances until late in the evening. We always see transformers modeled for flat car loads, and Vepco had banks of three single phase transformers in the 500KV-230KV substations, but they were always rectangular with the typical cooling fins. All of these are shipped empty, and they need to be filled with mineral oil, current transformers and bushings need installed, and some gauges, etc have to be installed as well. Having a background in power, I find the loads all interesting.
Thanks Mark I’m not going to cut them down just fix them like the pic you sent and thank you for your leg work and everybody else that replied
Well I’ve started another All Nations Boxcar I’m at a stopping point and going to let the decals cure for a few days before I clear coat. Lee D.
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