What did you do on your layout today?

Adriatic posted:

Still the original cloth cord, lol.

  I got it with a PW Hudson. I was told it was bought for the set new, and pulled on a 4x8 till the 70s. Its worked for me fine for about ten years, except once it did do this same thing when left plugged in for a day or two, then began working again about a week later. But this time, I'm not suspecting a fluke bad connection due to carbon on spring loaded terminals. The Jefferson Midget is a good quality piece of equipment. Despite the failure, nothing about the internal safety makes me cringe. Its a solid little brick that was used to death, but was made to be abused. I'd use another anytime. Thinking back, I think I did bounce it off the floor a week or two ago. I checked saw lights, moved on. Oh well, nothing is forever, lol.

Older then dirt, maybe not. From what I could find 30s or 40s. Either way that's when they built things to last. Just like the converted TV ( as long as you could find parts )of course we no longer use hamsters on on a wheel to make power.

Unless we own a hampster and think its fun

Not a hundred percent sure but I think its late 40s , 48 - 52. A gift after passing on a bunch of stuff I couldn't use anymore, for cheap. He showed up one day and wanted me to have it. The story of the Hudson doesnt match the guides. A death places purchase pre-1950, the son says it was new Christmas of 48. Guides say 52. All original, still has the roof sticker inside, etc. no backhead,(normal?) So, you can see the motor. 

I think the one on the left is even older!

John Pignatelli JR. posted:

Looks like Matt was there, 

Boy. One little string-line incident and you never live it down. The main was only blocked for about 45 minutes...at an open house!

On another note, tonight, AGHRHowie and I put the fascia boards on the corner work we started a few weeks back. Some TMCC/Legacy signal issues took precedence and delayed the work. We'll try to get some paint on them next week after the business meeting. What's going on here is that we're planning to install a passing siding and industry spur for the Bullshipper's CO-OP feed and supply store. Also, curved fascia's look cleaner than angled if you have the space.

DMRRC Passenger Car, 2 Rail ‘O’ Scale on my Lionel Layout.

DMRRC Passenger Car, On my work bench as I look over all the issues.

This is a take home project, from the The Detroit Model Railroad Club, that I am going to start working on tomorrow.  Today I was out looking for paint, I have 2 Rail Scale Trucks, Diaphragms & maybe the plastic for windows. Plan ‘B’  I may use glass microscope slides for the windows.

My to do list for this project.

Step 1 - Repair window posts

Step 2 - Replace window glass.

Step 3 - Replace and weather the trucks

Step 4 - Replace both diaphragms

Step 5 - Touch up the paint & light weather.

Gary

I finished changing trucks on a San Juan Car Co tank car.....what a job, with many changes to frame and  Weaver trucks. Need a breather before doing second one so went back  to and made progress on Majestic feed mill kit bash into elevator. Using Indiana book on elevators to add more odd angles and annexes .  Wish people would do one of these elevator books for all the plains states 

Worked on bringing more boxes of trains down to the basement. While doing that USPS brought me another package from Beth at Public Delivery Track. Got them out of the box and on the track. After lunch it is back to taking boxes down to the basement. Pics of the new additions...........Paul

Joe was over Tuesday, and worked on three projects. First he finished laying the last of the industrial sidings.

Then he wired up all the feeders.

Finally he installed the Atlas turntable that has been sitting there for months. We traced the footprint, then he cut the fiberboard, leaving a 1/2" deep hole. Just a little too deep so we made some 1/8" shims to get it to the perfect height. The base of the turntable was warped when I got it, but once he got it screwed down the operation improved greatly. Still needs a little work before it's ready for the motor kit.

The gap between the bridge and the TT lead is one of the last pieces of track left to do on the layout.

The only other track is a connection from a switch on the left to the crossing on the right...

and from the crossing to the turntable that will sit inside the helix.

Yesterday, I installed 6 Caboose Industries ground throws at Roseville.

As I was wandering around the room looking at things and cleaning up a bit, it occurred to me that I could add another industry very easily. I grabbed a couple switches from my depleted stash, bringing the layout total up to 305, and giving me a couple tracks to deliver coal to the power plant.

I was already planning to place my Korber power plant on the main level to represent the old NSP (Northern States Power now Xcel Energy) High Bridge power plant. There will be a coal pile next to the building, and the two tracks will run past the pile and behind the building.

Elliot,

I love what you are doing.  Wish i could visit you and your empire one day!

Thanks Randy, sorry I live kind of far away from the center of the train world. If you do manage to get out to Minnesota, let me know. Visitors are always welcome.

Went to the space cabinet and launched the Marvin the Martian War Bonnet. While out, I began painting and decorating the hats of the various villainous characters the Bugs clones have in hand. The magician top hat, the witches hat, and a fez. Future hats will be the vaudeville straw hat, country straw hat, purple turban, and a tall top hat and beard (Lincoln)

Lee, I think you have done a great job, amazing detail! I hope when I get there I too can have something proud to show!

After several days of effort, I finally finished my first attempt at adding ballast to Lionel Fastrack.

Using Brennan's Better Ballast and with much-appreciated installation guidance from OGR member Jim Policastro, I feel very happy with the results.

Today I went to the train show in Berea Ohio. I went last year and there was hardly any O gauge but I decided to give it another try and there was definitely a lot more O gauge there. I found a Weaver 2 bay BC rail hopper car. And I met a lot of friends there and enjoyed the time there talking to them. Pic of my buy..........Paul

As usal some great work being done.

Adriatic "My Christmas Midget refuses to work hard anymore. It can handle a string of lights OK, but a heavy load is too much. It won't even spin load free wheels."  Wow just realized you also having labor issues. Ok I am a blond.

Elliot I was thinking which sometimes can be a bad thing. Considering the size of your empire, but did you remember to get the waver from the Feds for installing PTC since you are now running equipment? 

HMorgan125  The ballast came out real nice.

Boy. One little string-line incident and you never live it down. The main was only blocked for about 45 minutes...at an open house!

Matt, If we cant blame you that takes the fun out of it. Somebody has to stand in for Wreck it Ralph.

Made another video. I know what your thinking, he's at it again with that euro trash music   

suzukovich posted:

Elliot I was thinking which sometimes can be a bad thing. Considering the size of your empire, but did you remember to get the waver from the Feds for installing PTC since you are now running equipment?

Actually, I don't think I need a waiver, just the extension of the implementation deadline, like the real railroads. The plan is to have the computer run some of the mainline trains all by itself. This will be done with detection, switch and signal control, and will probably take a couple years to implement.

Elliot, You and your trustworthy helpers sure have done some great work! It sure look like everything is coming together quite well. But suzukovich brings up a good point, maybe if you would have had the PTC implemented the accident on the Helix would have never happened! Just a thought, but like in real life I bet the FED's will forgive you and tell you to get it fixed soon! LOL

Again I love all the work you guys have done, it show real PRIDE in the hobby!

Sorry Mike, but I don't think PTC would have come into play in the case of my accident. While ultimately the cause was operator error, it did not involve excessive speed or signal violation. It started off as a mechanical problem in the form of a derailment, and ballooned into a full blown disaster when I failed to shut it down.

I try made a some trees.

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

I try made a some trees.

 

Just gotta ask....what are you pruning to produce the light green armatures?  Are they fake plastic plants?  

Whatever they be, the end result is really beautiful, and the repurposing is extremely clever.

Bruce

Removed a small K line Plymouth switcher from the interior of Mt. Randolph.  The Plymouth has been stuck inside the mountain for several months.  The Muse was with me as I was energized to begin and complete the project.  Here is the little critter pulling a B&O ore car today.

John Pignatelli JR. posted:

I unpacked a 34" Millhouse river turntable, it looks like a week long project but it should be beautiful when completed. Good job Al!

Now that I am retired it is time to get busy on the Philadelphia & Western RR.

Thank you John. Just saw your post. I've been swamped with builds. Just shipped out a pair of 24's with indexing for a museum layout! The pro layout builder just sent me a note this morning that I am now his go to source for any turntables! See you at York!

I screwed this small (4" diameter) builders plate I bought today onto the fascia of the layout. I think it looks really good where it is, as opposed to putting it on the wall, given its size.

While the back of the plate mentions the Virginia & Truckee, it's a good replica of the plate for ET&WNC # 11, which was the favorite locomotive of the crews for that railroad and is represented on the layout.

brwebster posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

I try made a some trees.

 

Just gotta ask....what are you pruning to produce the light green armatures?  Are they fake plastic plants?  

Whatever they be, the end result is really beautiful, and the repurposing is extremely clever.

 

Bruce

Yeah, I'd like to know more, as well.

p51 posted:

Yeah, I'd like to know more, as well.

Add me to the list of curious onlookers. I love the dense branch structure, and could use it for a winter scene.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

p51 posted:

Yeah, I'd like to know more, as well.

Add me to the list of curious onlookers. I love the dense branch structure, and could use it for a winter scene.

I know what he did. You can find them in any craft store.  I also seen them fore sale at train shows even. The trick is to find the ones that will have a lot of branches to do what he did. Another out of the box solution that's a pretty good idea.

brwebster posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

I try made a some trees.

 

Just gotta ask....what are you pruning to produce the light green armatures?  Are they fake plastic plants?  

Whatever they be, the end result is really beautiful, and the repurposing is extremely clever.

 

Bruce

Thanks everyone for the interested and nice comments.

Before they was a silk flowers and my friend tell at she gonna put them garbage can, but i say give them for me i can try made some trees and i think the results are quite nice. The body is plastic and after primer i use turpentine and pan pastels colors. After that i use BranchBunches & hair spay, then some mixed turf and more hair spay. -Johan

Thanks, Johan.  I will have to search out the local craft stores to see what's available up here in the Great White North.  The wife says all the Halloween and Xmas decorations are now on the shelves at Micheal's, so a visit in the near future is in order.

Also, is that steel wool you're using as foliage?  Far cheaper than fusion fiber!

Bruce

Placed Woodland Scenics sculpting plaster onto the foam scenery and installed some Faceted rock faces.  You can see the pink foam sub-base to the left, with a rock face in place.  Really like this plaster product, easy to work with, dries with a texture and makes for an excellent base for further scenery.  Much to do, but making progress.

ChessieMD posted:

Placed Woodland Scenics sculpting plaster onto the foam scenery and installed some Faceted rock faces.  You can see the pink foam sub-base to the left, with a rock face in place.  Really like this plaster product, easy to work with, dries with a texture and makes for an excellent base for further scenery.  Much to do, but making progress.

Looking good!  I'm going to have to bring over an engine to run and a six pack of beer one of these days!

I got the plywood down for the new power plant tracks.

Then I cut in the new switch.

I secured most of the fiberboard.

Just need one more chunk to complete it.

That just took a couple hours. The whole thing will be done in another couple hours.

My layout is basically a square about 12' x 12' with a 4'x6' opening in the middle for access to all the track. I have found I don't use the access much and looking at ways to close it off but leave it useable.  Therefore, I don't want any track on it.  Might use cardboard to test ideas.

Looking good Elliot, after all this work you might have to treat yourself and the wife with a nice dinner out!

mike g. posted:

Looking good Elliot, after all this work you might have to treat yourself and the wife with a nice dinner out!

Thanks Mike, I'll go you one better, I'm taking her out on a quick overnight trip to the headwaters of the Mississippi to see the fall colors. Dinner won't be fancy, but it should be good.

Today I started getting out more buildings for the town and along with that my ore car from the Gadsden Museum came today. At least this time I took a pic of it on the layout. Pics of the car and buildings I going to use so far. The jig saw puzzle commences.......................Paul

Installed a Williams dummy upgrade kit for my F3 A-A pair. With both units powered and
the motors wired in series, they run nice and smooth even at low speed.

In this video: Conventional mode, 7 track volts, 25 cars - no problem.

Elliot, sounds like a great time, you both deserve it!

Paul, I like the way its looking, cant wait to see whats next!

Ralph, it does sound and look smooth! I also like how your layout looks. You can tell you put some work into it!

Weekend train show find.  Now I need to customize a steam engine to complete the set.

Ralph M posted:

Installed a Williams dummy upgrade kit for my F3 A-A pair. With both units powered and
the motors wired in series, they run nice and smooth even at low speed.

In this video: Conventional mode, 7 track volts, 25 cars - no problem.

 

Nice work and layout. I have a FA1 A and B units powered and wired in series. B unit is tethered to A units reverse board. Very strong pullers at very low speed. I had planed to upgrade to PS2 but every time I run them I change my mind. 

I am working on several kit bashing structures, passenger cars and this is how I get my windows. Go out to the garage, where my Ford 150 sits outside. Use deli dishes for windows. Spray them with Testors Dullcote, cut them down to size. Press dough / windows.  Need to clean-up the garage, low / to no priority.

Gary