What did you do on your layout today?

mike g. posted:

Elliot, things are turning out just Great, next thing you know it you will be sitting back running trains! I know it would be only for a little while till you start the next phase of the project. but it all looks wonderful!

Thanks Mike. Actually, sitting back running trains may never really happen. I get more satisfaction working on projects. I have a bunch of structures  to build, backdrops to create, cars to weather, C/MRI to figure out and wire, etc, etc, etc.

Now having people over for operating sessions, that's my idea of fun running trains. My layout is really a "railroad simulator". A chance to do real railroad activities on a small scale, using all the modern technology. I guess in a way, I want to implement PTC. May even get it done before the real railroads do. That's my idea of cool!

Not much today but before Easter dinner I wanted to use the 1044 to run my accessories and the upper loop. Hooked it all up and I found out the 1044 is not big enough to run all of my accessories and the 8 car postwar set behind the Lionel 2065 Hudson and the new elevated level. Too many lights and other stuff pulling on it. So I pulled it off the table and put my back up ZW on the table and split the loads up between the both of them. All is good.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Busy week since Dave was here last Saturday. More ballasting and unpacking of trains were the main order of business, but I also got my computer relocated to its permanent home.

 

 

Ballasting switches is time consuming.

 

The computer in its new home, at the center of the layout. It is right next to the TMCC command base, and I'll be making that connection very soon. I have some software that will control a train from the keyboard and mouse, but I also plan to implement JMRI WiFi throttles. This location is also just feet away from the C/MRI panel. Lots of cool stuff coming!

Nice . I really like how the ballast turned out.  The computer the most important move and set up.   Like anything today now. Server or computer crashes, were all screwed. How are you planning to back up everything?

Paul,  just finished playing catch up. It looking real good now. To bad you ran out of plaster, but running trains is always a good thing.

Miggy posted:

The unexciting Corner after the exotic Helix and conceptual "Shark Mountain, trestle with Ore pit and Giraffe crossing" removed... as holiday weekend trumps trains......  (perhaps the Ga-rage would work whispers Mitch and GI-raffe foreman Fortesque....) 

ohhhh, MTH NewHaven Caboose and Dummy engine for sale... dessert or, OR......  (don't it just feel great when a Sweet piece is coming in the mail??)

sun-ny day.....

Temporary set back, things happen. Now when you rebuild it will be bigger then before because that's the way its suppose to be.

I reworked a curve that was to tight for a steam locomotive.No more derailments for this locomotive. I am pretty happy with the results.

seaboardm2 posted:

I reworked a curve that was to tight for a steam locomotive.No more derailments for this locomotive. I am pretty happy with the results.

That's great!!  Glad you can run the locomotive now!

As is traditional with this steam coach, two steps forward, one back. Got a lot of decaling done on body and boiler, but discovered front coupler interfered with pilot truck, so have to reengineer that, which was already a greatly modified Weaver lobster claw.  Appears that power truck turns freely in body, but with a wide radius. No O-27 will apply. After front coupler is debugged, only need to insert boiler into front of coach body, mount stack and roof details, and, it should be ready to make a branchline mail run. (I hope)

, 

Thanks everyone for the likes so far. MIKE G, I placed the bridge in position so here are some pics of that. .......Paul

suzukovich posted:

Nice . I really like how the ballast turned out.  The computer the most important move and set up.   Like anything today now. Server or computer crashes, were all screwed. How are you planning to back up everything?

Thanks Doug, that's a good point about having backup. Fortunately, the data portion of this operation should fit on a memory stick. There will be the JMRI description of the layout (most important, and not yet written), and the spread sheets that I use to record inventory and other layout construction info, like wiring. The nice part is the software is easy to reload if it gets lost. The machine itself is totally replaceable.

paul 2 posted:

Thanks everyone for the likes so far. MIKE G, I placed the bridge in position so here are some pics of that. .......PauL

Paul,

The whole scene is shaping up very nicely!  It looks very good!

paul 2 posted:

Thanks everyone for the likes so far. MIKE G, I placed the bridge in position so here are some pics of that. .......Paul

I see a great photo op Paul- A loaded freight coming over the bridge with the power plant and Morton's buildings all lit up in the background.

The cliffs look great!

Bob

RSJB18 posted:

paul 2 posted:

Thanks everyone for the likes so far. MIKE G, I placed the bridge in position so here are some pics of that. .......Paul

I see a great photo op Paul- A loaded freight coming over the bridge with the power plant and Morton's buildings all lit up in the background.

The cliffs look great!

Bob

Now I remember that corner in the background with the wrap around background with the Power Plant & Morton Salt to the left.  Duh!  I've been concentrating on the 3 bridges.  I like that bridge setup.  I have an eminent domain idea on my layout taking over some basement real estate from my better half.  Nobody tell her, please.  I have to wait for just the right moment to broach the subject.

DECOYNH, RSJB18, and MIKE G I got the bridge at York last year. I was thinking about this bridge for awhile but York made it easier because I got it for a really good sale price. However when I got it home and took it out of the box and set it up I knew it would not work as is. The two bridge abutments made it harder to work it into scenery so I ordered two girder bridges along with two bridge abutments from ( from Scenic Express ) and that work better into the scenery. I also bought two transition tracks to go from fast track to gar graves. To mate them I got gar graves pins that go from tubular to flat for gar graves. The footprint needed came out to more then 60 inches because I was doing an angle. Now on to MIKE G, thanks for requesting pics. When I placed the bridge on the abutments I found that with the scenery work had caused some kind of shrinkage or movement and the bridge no longer fit. I think the plaster wrap with the plaster caused the boards to sort of pull back or something. So on the one bridge abutment I had to take up the foam and plaster around it and now I have to reposition it. Glad I caught this now rather then later after I put all the scenery down. One more thing. A freight going over the bridge would make a nice shot but in the distance only the power station will be there. That is permanent. I only placed the Morton Salt there to compare the two side by side...............Paul

paul 2 posted:

Thanks everyone for the likes so far. MIKE G, I placed the bridge in position so here are some pics of that. .......Paul

Now that's what I'm talking about Paul, It sure is going to be a fun time watching a train cross that bridge! You are doing wonderful work there Paul! Keep it up, sure is fun to fallow you!

MIKE G, I forgot to mention I am not drinking those bottles of colored water. They are my colors for rocks. Although there have been times when I was ready to drink one LOL...............Paul

paul 2 posted:

DECOYNH, RSJB18, and MIKE G I got the bridge at York last year. I was thinking about this bridge for awhile but York made it easier because I got it for a really good sale price. However when I got it home and took it out of the box and set it up I knew it would not work as is. The two bridge abutments made it harder to work it into scenery so I ordered two girder bridges along with two bridge abutments from ( from Scenic Express ) and that work better into the scenery. I also bought two transition tracks to go from fast track to gar graves. To mate them I got gar graves pins that go from tubular to flat for gar graves. The footprint needed came out to more then 60 inches because I was doing an angle. Now on to MIKE G, thanks for requesting pics. When I placed the bridge on the abutments I found that with the scenery work had caused some kind of shrinkage or movement and the bridge no longer fit. I think the plaster wrap with the plaster caused the boards to sort of pull back or something. So on the one bridge abutment I had to take up the foam and plaster around it and now I have to reposition it. Glad I caught this now rather then later after I put all the scenery down. One more thing. A freight going over the bridge would make a nice shot but in the distance only the power station will be there. That is permanent. I only placed the Morton Salt there to compare the two side by side...............Paul

Like I said Paul it looks wonderful, I sure am glad you found the small problem now then later also! It would have sucked to have found it later!

Ran trains 5 minutes and enjoyed every minute!!

Making steady progress on the CEO's project (renovating our den/ family room). Took a break after a big clean up Saturday night and ran trains for about an hour. Just picked up a bunch of post-war gondolas and hoppers. Gave them all a good run

Bob

Miggy posted:

The unexciting Corner after the exotic Helix and conceptual "Shark Mountain, trestle with Ore pit and Giraffe crossing" removed... as holiday weekend trumps trains......  (perhaps the Ga-rage would work whispers Mitch and GI-raffe foreman Fortesque....) 

ohhhh, MTH NewHaven Caboose and Dummy engine for sale... dessert or, OR......  (don't it just feel great when a Sweet piece is coming in the mail??)

sun-ny day.....

Yes, I would never be able to use the carpet for trains.  I hope you can find space in your garage or somewhere.  I know the feeling of having nowhere good to keep trains up and running.

After taking time to do some yard work I managed to get the bridge abutment repositioned, screwed down and the Styrofoam placed back and glued. Once my plaster gets here I can do some patching. By taking my time taking up the foam around the abutment I did not lose much of anything.............Paul

paul 2 posted:

DECOYNH, RSJB18, and MIKE G I got the bridge at York last year. I was thinking about this bridge for awhile but York made it easier because I got it for a really good sale price. However when I got it home and took it out of the box and set it up I knew it would not work as is. The two bridge abutments made it harder to work it into scenery so I ordered two girder bridges along with two bridge abutments from ( from Scenic Express ) and that work better into the scenery. I also bought two transition tracks to go from fast track to gar graves. To mate them I got gar graves pins that go from tubular to flat for gar graves. The footprint needed came out to more then 60 inches because I was doing an angle. Now on to MIKE G, thanks for requesting pics. When I placed the bridge on the abutments I found that with the scenery work had caused some kind of shrinkage or movement and the bridge no longer fit. I think the plaster wrap with the plaster caused the boards to sort of pull back or something. So on the one bridge abutment I had to take up the foam and plaster around it and now I have to reposition it. Glad I caught this now rather then later after I put all the scenery down. One more thing. A freight going over the bridge would make a nice shot but in the distance only the power station will be there. That is permanent. I only placed the Morton Salt there to compare the two side by side...............Paul

Paul, I've been following this build with interest also!! I may have missed it or forgot, are you building this as a lift out or duck under??

WOODSON, from the start I was building this as a lift out. Until I get the layout running I am not sure how much I will be lifting it out. I will have access to both sides without lifting it out. It will be through there as my only way to get to the hot water tank and furnace to replace them. The bridge connects an L shaped island so the rest of the layout will eventually go around the outer walls..............Paul

Hi,

 I did not do much today, removed one section of the elevated line and then I added rail and road bed and will let it dry overnight then put it back on and take off another section tomorrow.

 If I can keep up with one section a day I should be done in a week or two.

KRM posted:

Hi,

 I did not do much today, removed one section of the elevated line and then I added rail and road bed and will let it dry overnight then put it back on and take off another section tomorrow.

 If I can keep up with one section a day I should be done in a week or two.

 

 

 

 

Looking good, I cant wait to see it all assembled! Bet its going to be a great addition!

Greetings All,

 Well, after a few recent trips to the hospital for kidney stones and spinal surgery (not the "Non-Invasive" kind either) I finally got the new layout to where I felt it was somewhat presentable.  I started building this layout in July 2016 when I realized my original layout just wouldn't do.  As you can see, it is an "Around The Room" style with a lift-up section for access to the middle. 

 Most of the construction is L-Girder with the last 2 sections being standard frame style using 1 X 4's with 2 X 4's for the legs and braces which help speed up completion of the bench work.  The "sub-roadbed" is 1/2" interior BX Plywood with 1/2" pink Styrofoam sheet to help deaden the sound of the Fastrack (which IMO seems to work OK). 

 Instead of trying to design a track plan to fit my space, I built all of the bench work first and fit the track to what was available.  I like to refer to it as an "Adjustable" track plan because I've made a boat load of changes since I started.  I know it's not the best way but it is working for me and I'm having all kinds of fun!  When finished, I will have 3 separate "loops" of track.  The elevated track which has O72 minimum curves.  This loop isn't connected to the 2 loops on the main level because I didn't have adequate space to construct the proper gradient for the trains to travel.  The bottom 2 loops are electrically isolated from each other but both can be accessed via cross-over tracks.  The lower outside loop is O60 Minimum radius and the lower inside loop is O48 Minimum radius.  All track work is Fastrak with Command Control turnouts.  Minimum mainline turnouts used for access to either lower loop is O60.

  I am using both MTH DCS and Lionel 990 Legacy Command Set for locomotive control.  I employed "Star-Type Wiring" as described in The DCS O Gauge Companion.  Currently, only the lower level mainline with O60 minimum curves is operational and I can run trains when I need a "fix".  Obviously, this is a work in progress and I will try to add updates as time permits.  Thank You for looking.

 Chief Bob (Retired)          

PUFFRBELLY, looks like you have things moving along. Great pics of an up and coming layout that will be enjoyable to run...........Paul

Pufferbelly,

I am glad you are recovering from a couple nasty physical conditions and able to get to work on the layout.  I can see some of the L-girder.  It looks good and sturdy.  What are the overall dimensions of the layout?

Looking good Bob, just take your time and enjoy yourself! That's what it is all about anyways!

The other day I added labeling to my control panel.  I'll most likely add some decals to this or save the space incase I decide to expand...

Mark Boyce posted:

Pufferbelly,

I am glad you are recovering from a couple nasty physical conditions and able to get to work on the layout.  I can see some of the L-girder.  It looks good and sturdy.  What are the overall dimensions of the layout?

Hi Mark,

 Thanks for the encouragement.   It was a tough road at first but it gets easier each day!   The overall dimensions of the layout are approximately 15' X 20' with a 36" X 13' aisle on the right that allows access to the door leading to the utility/laundry room.

 Chief Bob (Retired)

mike g. posted:

Looking good Bob, just take your time and enjoy yourself! That's what it is all about anyways!

Thanks for your encouragement Mike!

Chief Bob (Retired)

paul 2 posted:

PUFFRBELLY, looks like you have things moving along. Great pics of an up and coming layout that will be enjoyable to run...........Paul

Thanks for the kind words Paul.

Chief Bob (Retired)

mjrodg3n88 posted:

The other day I added labeling to my control panel.  I'll most likely add some decals to this or save the space incase I decide to expand...

Great looking work there Mike! When the time comes I might be picking your brain on how you wired everything!

Got my plaster from scenic express this afternoon. This morning took a trip to the Depot and got a sheet of Masonite. Had them cut it in half long ways for me so I didn't have to cut it at home. That was it for today. Another Tuesday night train crew get together tonight. So tomorrow I'll get back to work on the layout........Paul

I placed a SF 2353 AA with some 6464 size boxes with REA type paint, and some 2400 SF passenger cars.  Have a Railsounds box in REA.  And setup did not blow up 6 feet down the track.

While waiting for the next batch of track to be delivered, thought I'd get busy on naming my new railroad.  Here's what options have bubbled up so far:

South Norfolk and Fork Union - The SNAFU Line

Chesapeake Richmond Ashland Petersburg Railroad - "Tired of driving? Take the CRAPR!"

Lackawanna Urban and Metro Petersburg Independent Transit - "If you need a good ride you can LUMPIT!"

Mayor Magoo posted:

While waiting for the next batch of track to be delivered, thought I'd get busy on naming my new railroad.  Here's what options have bubbled up so far:

South Norfolk and Fork Union - The SNAFU Line

Chesapeake Richmond Ashland Petersburg Railroad - "Tired of driving? Take the CRAPR!"

Lackawanna Urban and Metro Petersburg Independent Transit - "If you need a good ride you can LUMPIT!"

Either 1 or 2.

Good afternoon,

I am working on the last section of the north end elevated loop. Roadbed, pillar paint and side rails.. Should have it done tonight and back installed tomorrow. Then the south end. Slow but sure and getting better on every section. By the time I am done I will know what I am doing. 

Nice work everybody   picked up another Burlington/C&S U30C (Odessey1)off the bay. On testing discovered there was no sound. So instead of sleeping this morning after the school runs, I started trouble shooting and found that the Rail sound 4 power supply board was dead do to shorting out. The black cushioning tape was missing causing the capacitor and heat transfer thingy on the board to touch the top of the rail sound 4 board making contact with metal points. The Rail sound 4 board also had shorted and although engine sounds worked when I swapped in the power supply board. There was a lot of buzzing in the back ground all but drowning out the engine sounds. So I also swapped in the other Rail sounds board and buzzing went away.  Donor replacements came from another U30C that the Odyssey 1 had died and had been waiting patently for its turned to be repaired..  Now the donor will get an complete upgrade to EER.

Now to install Kadees and renumber from CB&Q/C&S 891 to 893

Dead parts