What did you do on your layout today?

Thanks Doug...When the SauerKraut Factory was first introduced by Menards, I always thought it would be better viewed as a brewing facility, especially with it's design, architecture and all of the rustic details that it offers. We just happen to have the "real life" version of this brewery in our small town...so as with the various buildings and structures that are spread around my layout, most including the brewery,  have signage that correlates with a real business that is located here. When someone sees the layout...they automatically pickup on those buildings with the familiar names of local businesses and it kind of eases them right down into the Main Street of the layout...everybody thinks its great!!!

I have a sneaking suspicion, that the clues from Mark the Menards Guy this week, might just be leading to a new Brewery Building from them...we'll see next Tuesday the 21st...in any event...I'm happy with mine and will stay the way it is!

This is one of the places I put static grass in place, last night. I like how it turned out.

Got a delivery from eBay in the mail yesterday:

Now if I can't get into serious mischief with a small herd of wide eyed innocent looking chibi gi-raffes, well, I'm simply not trying very hard!

Mitch

Was a little laid back so far today. Was waiting for my Weaver TOFC cars to come. Now that they came and I have open them and put them on the attic layout I am heading down to work some more on the basement layout. Have to clean the tables off where the power plant is so I can layout a track plan. Pics of the cars................Paul

Mitch, are those brakemen or zoo keepers on those cars?

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Mitch, are those brakemen or zoo keepers on those cars?

The lines are becoming increasingly blurred... 

Mitch

I have been very under the weather lately, along with putting in about 70 hours a week at work, geeze I wonder if being sick is caused by so much work!

I actually have a 3 day weekend and felt well enough to finish the benchwork!  I also cut all the 1inch foam for the top of the layout.  

Here is my blank canvas! 

Today I painted a track side shack I purchased from Brad along with a Marine travel car and a coal car.

At first I was just going to put it together and slap it on the layout but then I figured it was about time to start doing some detailing,,,that was after I painted all the first set of trestles. Didn't like the pink color so they are now black, going to do some brown touch ups on them The second set is already black so I'll add some brown to them to show some rust and also the rivet heads.

Just a short note to DJEVLEERJR, enjoy the time you have with your 2yr old,,,somehow mine turned into a 50 yr old in July!

But I do have a silly question I just can't figure out.  How long would an average American car measure on a 027 scale layout....trying to find some that will look appropriate...

Dennis Jansen 010117 posted:

Today I painted a track side shack I purchased from Brad along with a Marine travel car and a coal car.

At first I was just going to put it together and slap it on the layout but then I figured it was about time to start doing some detailing,,,that was after I painted all the first set of trestles. Didn't like the pink color so they are now black, going to do some brown touch ups on them The second set is already black so I'll add some brown to them to show some rust and also the rivet heads.

Just a short note to DJEVLEERJR, enjoy the time you have with your 2yr old,,,somehow mine turned into a 50 yr old in July!

But I do have a silly question I just can't figure out.  How long would an average American car measure on a 027 scale layout....trying to find some that will look appropriate...

Well, since O27 is basically S scale equipment on O scale track, you can get along fine with Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars... 

Mitch

p51 posted:

I made a big order to Scenic Express, and it arrived today. I now have three rabbits running free on the layout, and finally a scarecrow for my cornfield. I also bought several sheets of static grass mats, two of which went in place on the layout tonight because I couldn't sleep, and the rest are going to be put on the layout this weekend.

Lee nice work. The scarecrow and animals are a nice touch.  Now you just hope you don't wind up with a rabbit problem as they can multiply rather quickly.    As for working when you cant sleep, been there and done it. 

 Of course my sleep issues weren't caused by the crud( School disease: germs sent home by the school districts to punish parents) but I can understand as finally got rid of it myself.  As for drugs, don't take them if I can avoid it and defiantly stay away from steroids as I do like to sleep.  Docs on base gave me scrips for my back and to help me sleep, with 3 kids I cant afford to be in la la land. So its infantry candy for me as I have done all these years, Docs finally gave up and gave me a permeant scrip with unlimited refills for Bayer Back and muscle pain as I am now immune to motrin.  

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

After a little fun running on Monday, it was back to work (still fun). My ADD was in full swing today as I got into a bunch of different projects.

One major one is to move the hidden yard control panels (big and small) over to the dispatcher's corner.

This is the current big hidden yard control area. The three components are the monitor, the panel and the track occupancy board. The monitor has already been decommissioned. The track occupancy board is easy to move. It's the control panel that will take work, because of all the wires, 30 to be precise.

I had some very large old phone cables. This one has 50 pairs. I'm only using less than half the conductors. These will be control lines and throw relays which will handle the track power.

I cut a grommet into the new desk top.

This little spread sheet tells me which colored wire is assigned to which function.

Preparing to build the new relay panel.

The panel behind the vacuum is where the relays will be mounted, on the other side, under Red Wing

Eliot, It looking a lot better, Once again although the panel move went smooth for you I still get a headache when you start talking about wiring.

Speaking of Red Wing, it has been a long time since I've seen it. It was buried under a blizzard of junk for the last couple years. All gone, and the dust with it!        Did find anything moving or dead?

Yes, this is just an ordinary room fan...

and this is an empty box with a furnace filter taped to the bottom. The idea is to place the fan in the opening and have it blow the air through the filter. I'm getting ready to paint rail! Last time there was a huge cloud of over spray. I hope this works.

I spent an hour last week calling all over the country to get these. Cleaned out two stores and put a dent in the stock of a third. All they are is the non-illuminated plastic bumpers for tubular track. It's weird, because people keep telling me they aren't being made anymore, but they are on page 106 of the brand new Lionel catalog. Go figure!     That explains the nation wide shortage and rumors of price gouging.

All that remain from that pile, is one box of three. They go fast when you put in 8 at a time.    They maybe old school but still look really good

   Looking forward to the next instalment.......

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Got a delivery from eBay in the mail yesterday:

Now if I can't get into serious mischief with a small herd of wide eyed innocent looking chibi gi-raffes, well, I'm simply not trying very hard!

Mitch

From the looks of things and the position of the guy on the roof, mischief has already started.  Attack of the Killer chibi gi-raffes!!!!!!!!

suzukovich posted:

From the looks of things and the position of the guy on the roof, mischief has already started.  Attack of the Killer chibi gi-raffes!!!!!!!!

It gets worse.  Reinforcements arrived in the mail today:

I don't know about you guys, but *I'M* sleeping with one eye open tonight...

In other news, I've refined the gi-raffe/brakeman choreography a bit.  Turns out the brakemen are happier if they can lie down for a couple carlengths before popping back up: 

This was taken after half an hour or so of continuous operation, to let 50 year old solenoids loosen up and warm up after what is probably decades of snoozing...

Mitch

I finally got the basement cleaned up and organized.  Taking a break from scenic chores so I can run trains.  I am starting to spot rolling stock in start positions for the freight segment of the first session.  I worked out a somewhat logical sequence for switching manuvers at town businesses with the aide of a schematic of the track, location of businesses and color coded the activity (Drop, Hold, Take) for each car initially spotted.  Then I specified the order of the switching consist in the freight train.  The consists of the passenger train and mail train will pretty much remain the same, as well as the oil tanker train.  The "thought freight" will just be made up of any 8 or 9 cars left over in the yard for sorting. 

I sent one of my switchers off for repair and upgrade.  I have a new legacy switcher to run this weekend.

I just finished taking out my track wiring.  Removing 4 switches and taking the center pin out.   Finding out that two of my manual switches had metal plates on the bottom that are usually only on remote switches.   Had to take out a bunch of tiny screws to get in them and bend the tabs to raise the rail up.  Not bad work but time consuming putting all those tiny screws back in.   So now the center rail is isolated between my two loops.   Wired up two CW-80s using common ground.    Finally can run two trains with two throttles!!   : )   While not paying attention and patting myself on the back,  I didn't notice I left one on the switches set the wrong way.   Big crash!   Wabash passenger car to the floor!  Wheels everywhere!   SHEEEESH!   Just took a few minutes to fix.....grrrrrr

Jim

First off, I apologize for diverging from my catenary build.  The layout required a few preliminary rough ins before I can continue.  Case in point, the workbench went through another morphing , its third, from the original design.  Basically, the legs supporting the layout behind the desk were cut off, the desk pushed up against the back wall with the layout resting directly on the desk, resulting in another 16 sq ft of floor space opened up.  Guest should appreciate things not being so claustrophobic.

I felt it necessary to rough in the future station location before more cat was installed.  That includes the addition of a station spur and the accompanying benchwork involved.  Along with the new spur, I added lower shelving and what will be another spur where repair candidates can be run off and stored.

Here's where I got distracted.  After roughing in raised platforms, I played with the placement of station elements like the enclosed passenger bridge and stairs.  Keeping the components loose until their positioning is finalized, then I can proceed installing cat.  Those familiar with Lancaster station on the old PRR, that's the inspiration for this design. Unfortunately, the cramped quarters won't allow for the station proper...only the pedestrian bridge and platforms.  I spent this evening indulging in some detail work on the stairs...totally distracted from the more important work. 

Bruce

Nice work, Bruce.  I'm eager to see more shots of the overhead wire!  Even better with that GG1 running under it.  Cheers from another wire junkie.

For everyone else, I had the choice tonight of working on the control board circuitry or running a live catenary test at different speeds.  Life is short, so I chose the latter.  I sheepishly admit most of the YouTube views are probably mine.  It was so much fun to watch the pantograph follow the wire at speed.  As soon as I get the chance, I'll post other details.  I just couldn't resist trying a speed run and posting it to the good folks here.

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

suzukovich posted:

From the looks of things and the position of the guy on the roof, mischief has already started.  Attack of the Killer chibi gi-raffes!!!!!!!!

It gets worse.  Reinforcements arrived in the mail today:

I don't know about you guys, but *I'M* sleeping with one eye open tonight...

In other news, I've refined the gi-raffe/brakeman choreography a bit.  Turns out the brakemen are happier if they can lie down for a couple carlengths before popping back up: 

This was taken after half an hour or so of continuous operation, to let 50 year old solenoids loosen up and warm up after what is probably decades of snoozing...

Mitch

Better hire this guy quick!

RSJB18 posted:

Better hire this guy quick!

You may be right!

I was updating my "Two Foot Gauge" cars (fastening the rubber feet down with two sided foam tape and running chains from corner to corner), and next thing I knew, I had a tiny kibitzer... 

Mitch

Woke up early and replaced some of the ceiling tiles in the train room.  Some near the back had a bit of water damage from a leak a few years ago.  Don't worry they are not directly above the layout.  

I also stayed up last night and worked on a track plan.  I posted it on my build thread but here it is for those to who follow it.  

Agreed (quote:"Nice work, Bruce.  I'm eager to see more shots of the overhead wire!  Even better with that GG1 running under it. ") Cheers from a GG1 Junkie. my first really heavy O gauge lionel. Its still fun to run her. and, AND, Salute on the Vistadome car in Orange, shes a beauty... Thanks for sharing

Jim,

Nice track plan for you and the kids.  At first I thought it needed a second crossover in the other direction, but then after tracing a train's route in both directions I see I was wrong.  The area in the corner by the boat; is that open for access to the back of the layout?  I didn't quite get what you are doing when I saw your photos on your build topic.  The plan makes it clear except for the access question.  I'm enjoying that topic!

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

I was updating my "Two Foot Gauge" cars (fastening the rubber feet down with two sided foam tape and running chains from corner to corner), and next thing I knew, I had a tiny kibitzer... 

Mitch

I hope you aren't planning on going dancing with those. You do realize you have two left feet.

First thing I thought of when I saw those was Monty Python.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

I was updating my "Two Foot Gauge" cars (fastening the rubber feet down with two sided foam tape and running chains from corner to corner), and next thing I knew, I had a tiny kibitzer... 

Mitch

I hope you aren't planning on going dancing with those. You do realize you have two left feet.

First thing I thought of when I saw those was Monty Python.

That's why here isn't allowed to dance at train shows. What's scarier is he puts them on flats when not in use. 

Lot of cool stuff and Spelling on my reply to Elliot's post is another reason I should try to sleep at night.   Really nothing major other than finally got the lash up between my Atlas GP35 and the Lionel GP35 to work. Also made a new video, hopefully we wont see video of Mitch with his two left feet dancing to the music.

https://youtu.be/KojLgaDuTe4

suzukovich posted:

Lot of cool stuff and Spelling on my reply to Elliot's post is another reason I should try to sleep at night.   Really nothing major other than finally got the lash up between my Atlas GP35 and the Lionel GP35 to work. Also made a new video, hopefully we wont see video of Mitch with his two left feet dancing to the music.

https://youtu.be/KojLgaDuTe4

 

 

Doug, I want to thank you for the best 3 minutes and 28 seconds! It made my day, but most of all it was made special do to the fact that my 2 year old grandson wanted to watch it 3 times in a row while sitting on Grandpa Choo Choo's lap! Thanks again!

Doug,

I hadn't noticed the cardinals in the winter trees before!  As always, a great video!

Made some more progress toward my first operating session. I am still fine tuning the concepts of my operational structure.  It is supposed to be a simple alternative to the car card system. I think I will start a new thread so I can chart my successes and mistakes.  Developing this is qite enjoyable.

mike g. posted:

suzukovich posted:

Lot of cool stuff and Spelling on my reply to Elliot's post is another reason I should try to sleep at night.   Really nothing major other than finally got the lash up between my Atlas GP35 and the Lionel GP35 to work. Also made a new video, hopefully we wont see video of Mitch with his two left feet dancing to the music.

https://youtu.be/KojLgaDuTe4

 

 

Doug, I want to thank you for the best 3 minutes and 28 seconds! It made my day, but most of all it was made special do to the fact that my 2 year old grandson wanted to watch it 3 times in a row while sitting on Grandpa Choo Choo's lap! Thanks again!

Mike, Glad he liked it. Most likely the music though after all its eurotrash as us GIs called it in Germany. Song did make to number one on the German top 20 charts  the year I meet my wife.

suzukovich posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

I was updating my "Two Foot Gauge" cars (fastening the rubber feet down with two sided foam tape and running chains from corner to corner), and next thing I knew, I had a tiny kibitzer... 

Mitch

I hope you aren't planning on going dancing with those. You do realize you have two left feet.

First thing I thought of when I saw those was Monty Python.

That's why here isn't allowed to dance at train shows. What's scarier is he puts them on flats when not in use. 

But he could do a serious "Silly Walk" with two left feet. Where's John Cleese!

Put the freight depot on the layout today.

RSJB18 posted:

Put the freight depot on the layout today.

Nice Build! Love the floor!

MG&L RR,  I would also add a couple of switches over from the center circle to the outer circle by the station area. The layout as shown requires a train to back up through the switches to get from the inner to the outer circle. Nice plans.  Good luck.

Thanks Mike. I made the boards from balsa wood cut in strips.

Bob

Replaced some switches in the yard today

Mark Boyce posted:

Jim,

Nice track plan for you and the kids.  At first I thought it needed a second crossover in the other direction, but then after tracing a train's route in both directions I see I was wrong.  The area in the corner by the boat; is that open for access to the back of the layout?  I didn't quite get what you are doing when I saw your photos on your build topic.  The plan makes it clear except for the access question.  I'm enjoying that topic!

Marc,

The area your talking about is for several reasons.

1) My arms arn't 10 feet long and I do not want pop up access hatches. I can reach the other side of the layout from back there to work on it or clear a derailed train.

2) There is a water shut off for the outside hose bib right above it.  I need to access it every fall to shut it off and in the spring to turn it back on.  It has also leaked in the past and if it ever leaks again I do not want it over the layout.  It is the only water pipe in that room so I am not worried about the rest of the layout.

3) It will serve as my harbor for the car ferry and possibly another scene.  I might make it my total water front with buildings along the one wall with a dock and some fishing boats.  

Jim, That all makes sense!  You will have a harbor, but don't need real water.  :-)

suzukovich posted:

Lot of cool stuff and Spelling on my reply to Elliot's post is another reason I should try to sleep at night.   Really nothing major other than finally got the lash up between my Atlas GP35 and the Lionel GP35 to work. Also made a new video, hopefully we wont see video of Mitch with his two left feet dancing to the music.

https://youtu.be/KojLgaDuTe4

(dance) (dance) (crash) (ow)

RSJB18 posted:

suzukovich posted:

That's why here isn't allowed to dance at train shows. What's scarier is he puts them on flats when not in use. 

But he could do a serious "Silly Walk" with two left feet. Where's John Cleese!

MY BRAIN HURTS! 

ObActuallyWorkingOnTrains: If you have a 3535 Security Car or anything else using that shell, and the end tabs break off, a couple of 1/4" brass L channel pieces cut to the proper size and cemented in place (I used ACC gel) will do the job nicely!

Mitch

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

suzukovich posted:

Lot of cool stuff and Spelling on my reply to Elliot's post is another reason I should try to sleep at night.   Really nothing major other than finally got the lash up between my Atlas GP35 and the Lionel GP35 to work. Also made a new video, hopefully we wont see video of Mitch with his two left feet dancing to the music.

https://youtu.be/KojLgaDuTe4

(dance) (dance) (crash) (ow)

RSJB18 posted:

suzukovich posted:

That's why here isn't allowed to dance at train shows. What's scarier is he puts them on flats when not in use. 

But he could do a serious "Silly Walk" with two left feet. Where's John Cleese!

MY BRAIN HURTS! 

ObActuallyWorkingOnTrains: If you have a 3535 Security Car or anything else using that shell, and the end tabs break off, a couple of 1/4" brass L channel pieces cut to the proper size and cemented in place (I used ACC gel) will do the job nicely!

Mitch

Repaired just in time for the stand off in the other thread. But now for something completely different a Alligator disguised as a Zebra. A killer chibi gi-raffes worse nightmare.  

I Luv it, Great job! I want to build one, but it will never looks as nice as the Original.  you done good sir