What did you do on your layout today?

Guys

I need some ideas for the grass mat what did you “older” gentlemen use for your grass mat 

lee drennen posted:

geysergazer posted:

lee drennen posted:

mike g. posted:

Lee D, I think that's a cool idea! It would have been something your dad or grandad would have built! As I don't thing you were around in the 50's LOL

POP's

Mike you are so right I was born in 1968. I think I’m going to do it but be warned it’s not going to be detailed or Proto typical mostly fictional and animated but not to crazy. I just watched a video on YouTube with the log car and the Saw Mill that is so cool. 

Lee, it's gotta' have a Magnetic Gantry Crane!

     

Thanks for the idea I have to start a wish list that crane of yours is so cool 

Lee, the kids (and the kid in all of us) have a lot of fun loading up those Mill Gons with scrap steel.

I ballasted the 4 spur tracks around my turntable. The other 4 tracks, which are unballasted, will lead into an engine house I have yet to start building. Once the weather turns colder I will start on that, as I've decided the 4 track engine house will be my winter project. I also added numbers below each track leading from the turntable that correspond to a number on a toggle switch, so I remember which switch turns on which track. In case you are wondering ballast is fine crushed granite. It is sold for mixing into chicken grit at a local feed store. Comes in several colors (I have no idea why they stock red and gray crushed granite but they do) and costs 35 cents a pound. You can get 100lbs of crushed granite there for $35 if you want. Can't beat that. 

Here's some of my York purchases.  Photos 1 -4 bushes from Scenic Express, 1959 Caty Amubulance, Rosa Parks Bus, God Father Limo, and two Artista figures that I thought would look good with the GF limo.   Also purchased a custom dining car with table settings and candles.... very well detailed ... from Jack the Canadian gentleman in the Orange Hall whom sells all sorts of lighted vehicles and does superb work with dining cars. Began work on placing the stuff I bought at York on the layout..... mainly trees, bushes, and one building.  I purchased most of the trees and bushes from Scenic Express.  I did purchase a small diorama  of trees from a fellow in the Silver Hall.  They are quite nice looking and for a great price ... he makes them himself.  I hope to purchase more from him if he's at York in the spring.  

Ran trains the whole time I was working on the layout.  Fun times!! 

ENichter posted:

made more building lights

Eric, very nice lights!   Would appreciate more information as to the source and size of the gray housing and the clear lamp globe.   Thanks!    Great job on the engine facility - very impressive!

Cheers, Dave

Lee D, Sounds great! The KISS layout! Sometimes those layouts are better for entertainment then the really big ones!

Lou1985, The turntable area is coming along great! Thanks for the tip on the crushed granite! Now all I would have to do is find a feed store around here! LOL

Patrick, what a wonderful load of items you brought home from York! Very cool vehicles, your right about the 2 gentleman standing next to the limo. The really make it work!

Eric, I too would like more information if you don't mind! They look great!

Well its Really early and I haven't a plan for the day as I have to see what the CEO wants to do today. But I do hope to get into the train room and work on my mountain area. If I am lucky I can be in the train room working and watching the Seahawks whoop up on the Ravens! LOL

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! I am sure you all will find time for your trains today!

Lou1985 posted:

I ballasted the 4 spur tracks around my turntable. The other 4 tracks, which are unballasted, will lead into an engine house I have yet to start building. Once the weather turns colder I will start on that, as I've decided the 4 track engine house will be my winter project. I also added numbers below each track leading from the turntable that correspond to a number on a toggle switch, so I remember which switch turns on which track. In case you are wondering ballast is fine crushed granite. It is sold for mixing into chicken grit at a local feed store. Comes in several colors (I have no idea why they stock red and gray crushed granite but they do) and costs 35 cents a pound. You can get 100lbs of crushed granite there for $35 if you want. Can't beat that. 

 

$.35/pound is a great price.  Particularly for us as we don't need much for our indoor layouts.  But for my garden railway I go to the quarry and purchase a half ton for about $20.00.....

Haven't had a chance to go through all I have missed here. Got in another York. Found a couple of things and picked up my order from Gryzboski's. I thought the crowd was about the same as April. And this time I picked up my badges for next year. Going to hide them away so when Bryan comes over he can't abscound with them again LOL. Went to the Thursday morning breakfast at the Round the Clock dinner. Very good turnout. Pete did a great job again. I got there late so I had to sit in the peanut gallery LOL. Unfortunately the rest of the trip was cut short. Friday night the wife fell in the tub at the hotel room. I was able to get her out and up by myself. Nothing seemed to be broken but she was definately very sore. So I made a decision to call and cancel the hotel for the OGR birthday bash at the NJHR's on Sunday and just head home. Hopefully her soreness and bruises is all she'll have out of this but better to be home then somewhere far from home when something like this unexpectantly happens. I'll try to post pics later in the day........................Paul 2

trumptrain posted:

Here's some of my York purchases.  Photos 1 -4 bushes from Scenic Express, 1959 Caty Amubulance, Rosa Parks Bus, God Father Limo, and two Artista figures that I thought would look good with the GF limo.   Also purchased a custom dining car with table settings and candles.... very well detailed ... from Jack the Canadian gentleman in the Orange Hall whom sells all sorts of lighted vehicles and does superb work with dining cars. Began work on placing the stuff I bought at York on the layout..... mainly trees, bushes, and one building.  I purchased most of the trees and bushes from Scenic Express.  I did purchase a small diorama  of trees from a fellow in the Silver Hall.  They are quite nice looking and for a great price ... he makes them himself.  I hope to purchase more from him if he's at York in the spring.  

Ran trains the whole time I was working on the layout.  Fun times!! 

What a great Haul Patrick!

Is that chauffeur starling on the tracks to get the God Father killed. Or it kinda looks the other way around 

paul 2 posted:

Haven't had a chance to go through all I have missed here. Got in another York. Found a couple of things and picked up my order from Gryzboski's. I thought the crowd was about the same as April. And this time I picked up my badges for next year. Going to hide them away so when Bryan comes over he can't abscound with them again LOL. Went to the Thursday morning breakfast at the Round the Clock dinner. Very good turnout. Pete did a great job again. I got there late so I had to sit in the peanut gallery LOL. Unfortunately the rest of the trip was cut short. Friday night the wife fell in the tub at the hotel room. I was able to get her out and up by myself. Nothing seemed to be broken but she was definately very sore. So I made a decision to call and cancel the hotel for the OGR birthday bash at the NJHR's on Sunday and just head home. Hopefully her soreness and bruises is all she'll have out of this but better to be home then somewhere far from home when something like this unexpectantly happens. I'll try to post pics later in the day........................Paul 2

Paul, sorry that your trip got cut short. But more important I am sorry your wife fell! I sure hope she heals fast and nothing is broken!

But you can look on the bright side, Your wife's fall might have save you a bundle of cash that you would have spent on those silly trains!

Got to run trains for a bit last evening. I had the basement to myself...the one I share with my X-box addicted son... at least until he and his buddies came back home to play. Remember when we used to head to the basement to run trains with our friends? These kids hardly even look at my layout.

Checked another engine off the service list. My C&O NW-2 is lubed and ready to go. Switched out this loco for my WM RS-3.

Spotted some cars and started planning a track work project. Nothing major but a change that will allow for some additional operational variety.

Paul- sorry to hear about your wife's fall. Hopefully just a bruised ego.

Mike- glad to hear the wood splitting is done.

Seems like everyone had a great time at York. I keep saying next year I'm going. Maybe next year.

Bob

Paul yes very sorry your wife fell but you are a good husband and did the right thing you both are in my prayers 

Well this morning I started on one of my Tootsietoy truck for the new layout sadly after washing it it was so Corroded the frame broke into no big deal after it’s stripped I will fix it and then paint it up keep you guys posted

paul 2 posted:

Haven't had a chance to go through all I have missed here. Got in another York. Found a couple of things and picked up my order from Gryzboski's. I thought the crowd was about the same as April. And this time I picked up my badges for next year. Going to hide them away so when Bryan comes over he can't abscound with them again LOL. Went to the Thursday morning breakfast at the Round the Clock dinner. Very good turnout. Pete did a great job again. I got there late so I had to sit in the peanut gallery LOL. Unfortunately the rest of the trip was cut short. Friday night the wife fell in the tub at the hotel room. I was able to get her out and up by myself. Nothing seemed to be broken but she was definately very sore. So I made a decision to call and cancel the hotel for the OGR birthday bash at the NJHR's on Sunday and just head home. Hopefully her soreness and bruises is all she'll have out of this but better to be home then somewhere far from home when something like this unexpectantly happens. I'll try to post pics later in the day........................Paul 2

Paul. Sorry to hear for your wife's fall. Hope she fills soon a better. I fall about four months ago and still cant drive a car.

Johan

My first S.B.R. box car is a ready to service.

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

My first S.B.R. box car is a ready to service.

Very nice Johan it turned out great 

paul 2 posted:

Haven't had a chance to go through all I have missed here. Got in another York. Found a couple of things and picked up my order from Gryzboski's. I thought the crowd was about the same as April. And this time I picked up my badges for next year. Going to hide them away so when Bryan comes over he can't abscound with them again LOL. Went to the Thursday morning breakfast at the Round the Clock dinner. Very good turnout. Pete did a great job again. I got there late so I had to sit in the peanut gallery LOL. Unfortunately the rest of the trip was cut short. Friday night the wife fell in the tub at the hotel room. I was able to get her out and up by myself. Nothing seemed to be broken but she was definately very sore. So I made a decision to call and cancel the hotel for the OGR birthday bash at the NJHR's on Sunday and just head home. Hopefully her soreness and bruises is all she'll have out of this but better to be home then somewhere far from home when something like this unexpectantly happens. I'll try to post pics later in the day........................Paul 2

Sorry to learn of your wife's fall.  You certainly made the right decision to head home.  Hope that she is feeling better now that she is in her own digs!

York is still on my bucket list.  I know that they host two events per year, is one bigger than the other or are they both of equal value? 

Cheers, Dave

Paul I hope that your wife gets better soon

Johan, I also hope that you recover soon.

lee drennen posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

My first S.B.R. box car is a ready to service.

Very nice Johan it turned out great 

Lee. Thank you. I am more than happy you like it. 🤝

Johan

Vincent Massi posted:

Paul I hope that your wife gets better soon

 

Johan, I also hope that you recover soon.

 

Vincent. Thank you. 

Johan

did a little "yard work".....

Added a Menards lighted car finally (took me 6 months to decide where to locate it).  Then started on an extension to the layout.

Paul, It sounds like a great York until your wife fell.  You made the right choice going home.  I hope she feels better soon as well.  I'm glad you are thinking ahead on protecting the badge from Bryan! 

Johan, another great car!

Ross, The cars are great as is the extension.

Howard, that's the right kind of yard work!

Lee, Looking forward to the truck upgrade.

Dan Padova posted:

Lou1985 posted:

I ballasted the 4 spur tracks around my turntable. The other 4 tracks, which are unballasted, will lead into an engine house I have yet to start building. Once the weather turns colder I will start on that, as I've decided the 4 track engine house will be my winter project. I also added numbers below each track leading from the turntable that correspond to a number on a toggle switch, so I remember which switch turns on which track. In case you are wondering ballast is fine crushed granite. It is sold for mixing into chicken grit at a local feed store. Comes in several colors (I have no idea why they stock red and gray crushed granite but they do) and costs 35 cents a pound. You can get 100lbs of crushed granite there for $35 if you want. Can't beat that. 

 

$.35/pound is a great price.  Particularly for us as we don't need much for our indoor layouts.  But for my garden railway I go to the quarry and purchase a half ton for about $20.00.....

I can't fit 1000lbs of granite in my car 😁

Pic of the Southern PS-1 sound box car. I forgot I had left it in the trunk of the car..................Paul 2

Paul, Sounds great!  I'm not seeing the photographs in the first post.  I only see the Southern car in the second post.

I did get a chance to run a couple engines a bit checking out the track work again.

Mark, I deleted the post. Here were the pics Paul 2

Very nice, Paul!

RSJB18 posted:

Got to run trains for a bit last evening. I had the basement to myself...the one I share with my X-box addicted son... at least until he and his buddies came back home to play. Remember when we used to head to the basement to run trains with our friends? These kids hardly even look at my layout.

Checked another engine off the service list. My C&O NW-2 is lubed and ready to go. Switched out this loco for my WM RS-3.

Spotted some cars and started planning a track work project. Nothing major but a change that will allow for some additional operational variety.

Paul- sorry to hear about your wife's fall. Hopefully just a bruised ego.

Mike- glad to hear the wood splitting is done.

Seems like everyone had a great time at York. I keep saying next year I'm going. Maybe next year.

Bob

Bob;

Have you tried replacing their games with a good train simulator???  

Bob, glad to hear you were able to run some trains! I was starting to think your X-Box son had taken over the whole basement! LOL

Lee D, Just wondering if you got that frame glued back together!

Johan, The box car looks great and the 3D sliding door looks perfect!

Howard, wonderful picture of your yard! Looks great!

Ross, Menards sure is putting out some really nice stuff! Looks like your extension is going to work out nicely!

Mark, Glad your track work checks out ok! You have to run a train now and then to make sure!

Paul 2, Nice Haul! To be honest its better you forgot the box car in the trunk then the wife in the car!

Well I got a little time in the train room, I ballast some more of the tunnel track and worked on the side walls and the removeable mountain top. I also watched the Seahawks get there butt kicked by the Ravens!

Here are a couple of pictures for you all and Lew! LOL

The last picture is of foil painted black, just a test piece!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and Monday isn't to bad either!

Mike the tunnels and ballast look great!  

I started an update of Cape Warrenaveral.

Before and after pics will be posted in the next week or so

Paul. Your haul looks good. 

Mike. Those tunnels look good. I finally got it stripped I’m going to glue it tomorrow evening 

Guys thanks for all your like and complements this weekend I really appreciate it and love this forum you guys are the best 

Just test ran some my new Lionel veranda and the one I already had 

Ran my old Lionel F3 I Custom Painted yesterday evening with all Lionel Standard O car’s. The Boxcar Brown New York Central Pacemaker I painted and decaled 

Being that it was raining all day yesterday, I ran trains and tidied up the train room a bit.  Enjoyed the time greatly!   Here are some pics of the B&O Docksider pulling a short ore train on the Mountain Division, and some scenes that I created this past Friday night after returning from York.  

                  past rivalry...          

Mark, Thank you Sir! I went out to the train room after Tank ate and went back to sleep, I got a little more done, but nothing worth pictures!

FL9TURBO2, Love the train cars! Not a fan of the engines, to old for my taste! LOL

Lee D. Same as above! LOL

Patrick, All I can say is there is nothing that anyone could not like about your layout! Just wonderful!

Brian, I still love your pictures!

Well I went out this morning at 0 dark thirty and worked a little in the train room. Nothing work pictures. Then I went and stacked the rest of the wood, so now that is all done. Which means tomorrow is all train room time!

Mike g and Mark, nice to see you two making progress on your layouts. 

Lee, nice video. I like your custom paints.

Johan, you have been doing some very nice weathering.

I just had gotten my two MTH side dump cars from the Candian club. I just spent the later part of the afternoon looking for the loads Don Kane made for me to fit those cars. After dinner I'll go look again. I know I have them I just don't know where I put them in all the chaos in the basement............Paul 2

mike g. posted:

Bob, glad to hear you were able to run some trains! I was starting to think your X-Box son had taken over the whole basement! LOL

Lee D, Just wondering if you got that frame glued back together!

Johan, The box car looks great and the 3D sliding door looks perfect!

Howard, wonderful picture of your yard! Looks great!

Ross, Menards sure is putting out some really nice stuff! Looks like your extension is going to work out nicely!

Mark, Glad your track work checks out ok! You have to run a train now and then to make sure!

Paul 2, Nice Haul! To be honest its better you forgot the box car in the trunk then the wife in the car!

Well I got a little time in the train room, I ballast some more of the tunnel track and worked on the side walls and the removeable mountain top. I also watched the Seahawks get there butt kicked by the Ravens!

Here are a couple of pictures for you all and Lew! LOL

The last picture is of foil painted black, just a test piece!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and Monday isn't to bad either!

Mike. Thank you, but now you are looking a wrong car. The Bangor & Aroostook cattle car is not yet ready 👍. I like your track ballast work. Very realistic looking. 🤝

Johan

A brand new S.B.R. box car with a happy S.B.R. ALCO HH660 crew.

paul 2 posted:

Mike g and Mark, nice to see you two making progress on your layouts. 

Lee, nice video. I like your custom paints.

Johan, you have been doing some very nice weathering.

I just had gotten my two MTH side dump cars from the Candian club. I just spent the later part of the afternoon looking for the loads Don Kane made for me to fit those cars. After dinner I'll go look again. I know I have them I just don't know where I put them in all the chaos in the basement............Paul 2

Paul. Thank you. I always think, where you find all those nice engines & cars. Very nice looking Canadian stuff.

Johan

Opps, Sorry Johan, Still looks wonderful!  As always great work with the new box car with the ALCO HH660!

Thank you Sir, for the nice words on my ballasting!

I hope everyone is having a great day and I will check in later!~

Mike. Thanks but it’s ok if you’re by like the same frame what kind of world would this be nice progress on your layout.

Fl9trurbo2. Nice run 

Paul2. Thank you glad you like it and I love building those Customs 

Johan. Another great one Very nice 

Brian. Looks so real great pic 

Patrick. It’s always enjoying to run your trains when the weather is bad outside glad you had fun doing it seems like every time I look there’s always something new. 

Made progress today on my 2nd baseball field.

First, I bought 4 Lionel Postwar light towers, and 1 Marx light tower at my LHS. I already had a Marx light tower, so now I have a total of 6 light towers.  I hooked them up and they work great, giving off plenty of light for night games as shown below:

I had a Postwar 022 switch that jutted in the field of play in the area of home plate, as shown below in a photo I took on Saturday:

Today, I re-positioned that switch, and reversed the switch motor and lantern portion (which IMO is a very nice feature of 022 switches) and now the switch does not intrude on the field of play, as shown below:

My short term goal in the next couple of days is to make the base paths, bases, pitcher's mound and pitching rubber, home plate area, and to put a team of baseball figures on this 2nd baseball field.

My long term goal, which is very challenging for me, is to add an upper deck and decorate this 2nd baseball field so it looks like the Polo Grounds.

Those baseball fans that are up in years like me will know what "The Shot Heard Around the World" is. Another long term goal for my Polo Grounds is to resurrect that momentous event in the history of the NY Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers. And yet another long term goal is to resurrect Willie Mays making that breathtaking catch in center field at the Polo Ground in the 1954 World Series.

Another long term goal of mine is to put an upper deck on my 1st baseball field across the Harlem River which, of course, is my Popsicle Stick Yankee Stadium, as show below:

Arnold

Arnold, I don’t blame you for building Yankee Stadium, The Polo Grounds, and Ebbets Field!  I’ll save time and just build Forbes Field with Yogi Berra watching Bill Mazeroski’s own shot go over his head.

Mike, A nap is always a great idea!

Lee D, Thank you! I agree if we all liked the same things life would be boaring!

Arnold, Your baseball fields look great! I wish I had the room for something like that, but I don't so I will be happy looking at yours as you progress!

Mark, I waited to late in the day, now its bed time! LOL

Well its been a long day for me, I got up at 3:30 am thanks to Tank wanting out. Then when he was done I was wide awake and he was heading back to bed! LOL It did give me a little time in the train room I didn't get much done, but it was nice. I wish I had another can of black spray paint. But now I will have to wait till next Sunday when we go to town again. Until then I am sure I can find something to do. LOL

I hope everyone had a great day and had some fun on there layout!

Good night all!

Mark Boyce posted:

Arnold, I don’t blame you for building Yankee Stadium, The Polo Grounds, and Ebbets Field!  I’ll save time and just build Forbes Field with Yogi Berra watching Bill Mazeroski’s own shot go over his head.

Mike, A nap is always a great idea!

Mark, your above reply has given me some more ideas.

First, I think for you to make a model of Forbes Field in honor of that great moment for the Pittsburgh Pirates would be awesome. If my memory serves me correctly, the outfield walls at Forbes Field were high and covered with ivy. That would be so cool to model.

As much as I would also love to also have a model of Ebbetts Field, I don't have space for that. Two baseball fields (Yankee Stadium and Ebbetts Field) is my limit.

When you mention Yogi Berra in left field on your Forbes Field watching that home run go over his head, it occurred to me that I could put Yogi on my Yankee Stadium jumping into the arms of Don Larson immediately after his 1956 World Series game. Here is my scoreboard of that perfect game:

Now getting Yogi Berra and Don Larson in O Scale, that is very challenging. However, all you really need is a left fielder with a number 8 painted on his back, with his back turned to home plate, and I need a catcher jumping into the pitcher's arms. LOL.

When replicating an historic sports moment, it would be great for us to play a recording of the sportscaster's call when the momentous sports event happens.

Arnold

Arnold, I do recall the photograph of Yogi ad Don Larson!!  You are absolutely correct about the ivy covered brick walls/  So many things we could model, if we only had the time and space!  I'm sure there are many others for fans from across the country!

You guys are all making me jealous...

Mike- nice work on the ballast and tunnel. I'm not an expert but IIRC aluminum foil can cause issues with DCS- ask the experts though.

Johan- quite a equipment expansion going on. Looks like the SBR is flush with cash and needs to shed profits before the tax man cometh

Paul2- nice haul from York. Hope your wife is felling better.

Arnold- great tribute to NY baseball history. Now only if the Yankees were still playing. Heard a fun fact yesterday- this is the first decade (2010-2019) that the Yankees did not appear in a World Series since 1910.

Brian- if those two RR's spent less time fighting each other maybe they'd both still be in business today.

Patrick- great shots of your layout as always.

Lee- the box cars keep coming- nice work

FL9Turbo- Nice pair of locos.

Bob

Gave my new Lionel 4-6-2 Pacific steam engine in the Southern road name a test run.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Made progress today on my 2nd baseball field.

First, I bought 4 Lionel Postwar light towers, and 1 Marx light tower at my LHS. I already had a Marx light tower, so now I have a total of 6 light towers.  I hooked them up and they work great, giving off plenty of light for night games as shown below:

I had a Postwar 022 switch that jutted in the field of play in the area of home plate, as shown below in a photo I took on Saturday:

Today, I re-positioned that switch, and reversed the switch motor and lantern portion (which IMO is a very nice feature of 022 switches) and now the switch does not intrude on the field of play, as shown below:

My short term goal in the next couple of days is to make the base paths, bases, pitcher's mound and pitching rubber, home plate area, and to put a team of baseball figures on this 2nd baseball field.

My long term goal, which is very challenging for me, is to add an upper deck and decorate this 2nd baseball field so it looks like the Polo Grounds.

Those baseball fans that are up in years like me will know what "The Shot Heard Around the World" is. Another long term goal for my Polo Grounds is to resurrect that momentous event in the history of the NY Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers. And yet another long term goal is to resurrect Willie Mays making that breathtaking catch in center field at the Polo Ground in the 1954 World Series.

Another long term goal of mine is to put an upper deck on my 1st baseball field across the Harlem River which, of course, is my Popsicle Stick Yankee Stadium, as show below:

Arnold

 

Arnold:

I am a life-long Yankee fan. Baseball is a game with a great, long heritage that you are capturing. I was only six years old when the Dodgers and the Giants both moved to California, but, I have read much about the history of baseball and do know of Bobby Thompson's "the shot heard around the world" as well as having seen films of Willie Mays' great catch in the depths of the vast center field in the Polo Grounds. I wish I had the real estate in my layout to include a great baseball stadium like your two.

mike g. posted:

Bob, glad to hear you were able to run some trains! I was starting to think your X-Box son had taken over the whole basement! LOL

Lee D, Just wondering if you got that frame glued back together!

Johan, The box car looks great and the 3D sliding door looks perfect!

Howard, wonderful picture of your yard! Looks great!

Ross, Menards sure is putting out some really nice stuff! Looks like your extension is going to work out nicely!

Mark, Glad your track work checks out ok! You have to run a train now and then to make sure!

Paul 2, Nice Haul! To be honest its better you forgot the box car in the trunk then the wife in the car!

Well I got a little time in the train room, I ballast some more of the tunnel track and worked on the side walls and the removeable mountain top. I also watched the Seahawks get there butt kicked by the Ravens!

Here are a couple of pictures for you all and Lew! LOL

The last picture is of foil painted black, just a test piece!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and Monday isn't to bad either!

Holy Monkeys, Mike!!!! Looking good! You're making great progress.

-Mo

Bob, thanks for the information about the Foil and DCS! I will ask around and see what they say!

Brian, Nice CSX Engine!

Jeff ,Nice looking engine!

Mo, Nice to see you here, I thought you might have jumped ship! Thanks for your kind words! Its been a learning curve that's for sure! I hope you around awhile!

Well I am heading out to the train room to work on my mountain area some more. Wish me luck! LOL

I hope everyone has a great day and finds some time for there trains and layout!

RSJB18 posted:

You guys are all making me jealous...

Mike- nice work on the ballast and tunnel. I'm not an expert but IIRC aluminum foil can cause issues with DCS- ask the experts though.

Johan- quite a equipment expansion going on. Looks like the SBR is flush with cash and needs to shed profits before the tax man cometh

Paul2- nice haul from York. Hope your wife is felling better.

Arnold- great tribute to NY baseball history. Now only if the Yankees were still playing. Heard a fun fact yesterday- this is the first decade (2010-2019) that the Yankees did not appear in a World Series since 1910.

Brian- if those two RR's spent less time fighting each other maybe they'd both still be in business today.

Patrick- great shots of your layout as always.

Lee- the box cars keep coming- nice work

FL9Turbo- Nice pair of locos.

Bob

Bob. Thank you. I got a lot some new S.B.R. car & engines ideas and it's very fun made a something own. S.B.R. grows up.

Johan 

I got this two car set from the Canadian Club I belong to. I knew I was not going to use the dump on the car so I ask Don Kane to make up a couple of sand loads for it. I had sent him a pic of the car with a sand load in it. He got a hold of a car and made the load. My opinion he makes the best loads. The corners of the load had to notched to fit in the car without the side opening up.  To which I have to add the word "EUREKA" after two days of searching I found the loads. Bryan as you can see I do take things out of their boxes and actually place them on the track LOL. Some pics...Paul 2

Evening Y'all,

I'm in the big house taking a break.  My goal today was (is) to run permanent power to the train building.  I ran on an extension cord way too long.  I pulled 10/3 from our main power panel to a small breaker panel in the train room.  I have two 15 Amp circuits.  One for everything train and one for lights and heat.  I will install a small air conditioner over the winter when they cost less.  I have a deal brewing that will nearly double my fleet.  I'm thinking of running two tracks up high along three walls for storage.  I have lots of wood.  Now I need a good plan.  I'm grateful for the cooler weather.  I promised the CFO that I would invest time in something other than trains tomorrow.  I will post an update tonight when I finish or give out.

Bill

Paul2, great looking cars! But the sand loads that you have just make them look even better! Nice job!

Bill, I hope all went well with your wiring project. I did the same thing and ran the power to switches out side of the train room. One for lighting and one for layout. Flip the switch and everything either comes on or off. I have one full time power outlet for heat and working on stuff without having everything on the layout live also!

Well I spent part of the day in the train room after I cleaned the gutters! If it isn't one thing its another, then I had to go down to the store to repair a fuel pump that some silly gal drove off with the hose still in her car!

But I did get a little done. I painted some more foil for the walls in my tunnels and I started on the removeable roof for the lower track going under the tunnel. Here are some pictures, and when you see the white stuff its not plaster, believe it or not its shelf liner. Don't scratch your head to much, I have a plan and will post as I go.

I had to break out the big dogs to check for clearance before I started putting everything together. There wont be much work for the next 2 day as I will be at the store. But hope to get back at it on Friday! Enjoy the pictures!                          

The Auto cars are my tallest and longest cars I have and they had no problems!

I hope you all have a great Hump day and find time for your layout and trains!

mike g. posted:

Paul2, great looking cars! But the sand loads that you have just make them look even better! Nice job!

Bill, I hope all went well with your wiring project. I did the same thing and ran the power to switches out side of the train room. One for lighting and one for layout. Flip the switch and everything either comes on or off. I have one full time power outlet for heat and working on stuff without having everything on the layout live also!

Well I spent part of the day in the train room after I cleaned the gutters! If it isn't one thing its another, then I had to go down to the store to repair a fuel pump that some silly gal drove off with the hose still in her car!

But I did get a little done. I painted some more foil for the walls in my tunnels and I started on the removeable roof for the lower track going under the tunnel. Here are some pictures, and when you see the white stuff its not plaster, believe it or not its shelf liner. Don't scratch your head to much, I have a plan and will post as I go.

I had to break out the big dogs to check for clearance before I started putting everything together. There wont be much work for the next 2 day as I will be at the store. But hope to get back at it on Friday! Enjoy the pictures!                          

The Auto cars are my tallest and longest cars I have and they had no problems!

I hope you all have a great Hump day and find time for your layout and trains!

Mike - Great work on your tunnel!!  I love that you are using painted foil for the tunnel's interior.  If you ever use a camera mounted on a train, the interior should look pretty cool with the loco headlight beam leading the way.  You could even create a camp fire with a couple of hobos sitting around it inside your tunnel which would be pretty cool on video.... just thinking out loud here ;-) Can't wait to see your finished product!!  

PatapscoValleyRR posted:

I unpacked and placed my new Woodland scenic buildings.  I am looking for the best spot to place them.  

The New post office building from Nicholas and my new static grass applicator from Scenic Express were my two great purchases from York.  I'm excited.  I need to clean rail first....

paul 2 posted:

I got this two car set from the Canadian Club I belong to. I knew I was not going to use the dump on the car so I ask Don Kane to make up a couple of sand loads for it. I had sent him a pic of the car with a sand load in it. He got a hold of a car and made the load. My opinion he makes the best loads. The corners of the load had to notched to fit in the car without the side opening up.  To which I have to add the word "EUREKA" after two days of searching I found the loads. Bryan as you can see I do take things out of their boxes and actually place them on the track LOL. Some pics...Paul 2

Paul 

those look good very convincing 

mike g. posted:

Paul2, great looking cars! But the sand loads that you have just make them look even better! Nice job!

Bill, I hope all went well with your wiring project. I did the same thing and ran the power to switches out side of the train room. One for lighting and one for layout. Flip the switch and everything either comes on or off. I have one full time power outlet for heat and working on stuff without having everything on the layout live also!

Well I spent part of the day in the train room after I cleaned the gutters! If it isn't one thing its another, then I had to go down to the store to repair a fuel pump that some silly gal drove off with the hose still in her car!

But I did get a little done. I painted some more foil for the walls in my tunnels and I started on the removeable roof for the lower track going under the tunnel. Here are some pictures, and when you see the white stuff its not plaster, believe it or not its shelf liner. Don't scratch your head to much, I have a plan and will post as I go.

I had to break out the big dogs to check for clearance before I started putting everything together. There wont be much work for the next 2 day as I will be at the store. But hope to get back at it on Friday! Enjoy the pictures!                          

The Auto cars are my tallest and longest cars I have and they had no problems!

I hope you all have a great Hump day and find time for your layout and trains!

Mike

looking better everyday 

Patrick, Thanks you Sir, Means a lot coming from you! As for the camera idea I am working on that, the son brought me his drone to fix that he crashed. I tried but no luck, he said toss it! Well not me, the blades and motors will become wind turbines for the layout and the camera I am taking off of it and mounting it on a rail car. I can control it with my cell phone, so I hope to have some videos down the road!

Lee D, Thank you! Also I see you picked up some nice looking Box cars, They will look very nice on your layout!

Well guys it's 4 AM! I got up early thinking I could get a couple of hours in the train room before I head off to work. I have to keep pushing forward, alittle here and there sure makes a difference!

I hope you all have a great day and find time for your trains and layouts!

I finally got some grass down on my layout this weekend. The back part still needs grass then trees and roads are next. 

Will, nice job on the grass! I also like the cabin on the hill along with both engines! BNSF!!!

Brian, nice pictures and cool video of your train! Keep them coming!

Well I got a little work done before heading off to work. I applied plaster to the shelf liner cause I need it to be rigid so I can lift it off if something happens in the tunnels! Here a  pic and I am off to work!

Everyone have a great day!

16 Hour late update:  I was not able to return to my wiring job in the train building.  The CFO strongly suggested that I prepare to take an old Chrysler van to the local scrapyard.  I could not bring myself to buy a $1600 transmission for a $1000 van.  I did invest 2 1/2 hours packing it top to bottom, front to back, with additional scrap metal.  I'll bet I added 800 pounds of junk.  I will give all the money to my bride ..... right before I tell her what I bought for the trains last week.

Bill

Mike, thanks for the compliment! Tunnels looking good! 

I had a spot between tracks that needed a little fall color so I made a seasonal drop in. I cut a chunk of foam board and added Brennans dirt, and Woodland Scenics detail items. All items I had left from my big layout. An hours work and no cost created a cute, colorful area that I can just pick up and put away. 

After months of putting it off, I finally got the first 6 UCS controllers rewired to constant voltage and run to the layout. Only 6 more to go!

after taking most of the summer off, it's back to working on the layout again.....

Johan, that is a great shot. I made it my desktop. Thanks

Mike g, tunnels are looking good.

Gandy dancer, great shots of your work.

Brian, I like when you post your pics. I always try to figure out when you will come to the end of what you have before you start over again.

Well I did another thing today that Bryan will be impressed with (hope he is sitting down when he sees this LOL). I took the FA's out of the box and put them on the track. Not only did I do that I also ran them. Yes Bryan I ran them. Lionel did a great job on these. Pics.........Paul 2

Will Ebbert posted:

I finally got some grass down on my layout this weekend. The back part still needs grass then trees and roads are next. 

Will

looks very good 

I got home from work a little early today so I decided to start on the second half of my layout I got the frame built after that I was pretty well wore out this arthritis is killing me anyway after that ran my F3 to relax maybe tomorrow I can get the legs and table top on it. 

gandydancer1950 posted:

after taking most of the summer off, it's back to working on the layout again.....

I really missed pics of your layout. It’s still beautiful 

paul 2 posted:

Johan, that is a great shot. I made it my desktop. Thanks

Mike g, tunnels are looking good.

Gandy dancer, great shots of your work.

Brian, I like when you post your pics. I always try to figure out when you will come to the end of what you have before you start over again.

Well I did another thing today that Bryan will be impressed with (hope he is sitting down when he sees this LOL). I took the FA's out of the box and put them on the track. Not only did I do that I also ran them. Yes Bryan I ran them. Lionel did a great job on these. Pics.........Paul 2

Paul 

very nice! Do I see a pig???

Paul, the FAs look great!

Lee, sorry about the arthritis.  The F3s nice

Howard, great photographs 

Paul,  I dont think that's your layout so no credit for actually running your engines.  Next time put a copy of the local paper dated with today's date to prove that it's yours.  Lol

Finished a little fun project I was working on for the red light district.  Figured I would add another vice with a casino and sports book.  Took a plain wood building and added some curtains to the inside, added some casino signage that I got at Michael's in their clearance section for 2 dollars, and finished it off with the Miller casino sign.

Working on my rock wall heading down to the river bed! Big thanks to CSX Al for the rock molds and inspiration!

Bryan in Ohio posted:

Paul,  I dont think that's your layout so no credit for actually running your engines.  Next time put a copy of the local paper dated with today's date to prove that it's yours.  Lol

Finished a little fun project I was working on for the red light district.  Figured I would add another vice with a casino and sports book.  Took a plain wood building and added some curtains to the inside, added some casino signage that I got at Michael's in their clearance section for 2 dollars, and finished it off with the Miller casino sign.

 Bryan, that sign brought back memories of the movie “Porkys”.  Another great addition to the district.   

paul 2 posted:

Johan, that is a great shot. I made it my desktop. Thanks

Mike g, tunnels are looking good.

Gandy dancer, great shots of your work.

Brian, I like when you post your pics. I always try to figure out when you will come to the end of what you have before you start over again.

Well I did another thing today that Bryan will be impressed with (hope he is sitting down when he sees this LOL). I took the FA's out of the box and put them on the track. Not only did I do that I also ran them. Yes Bryan I ran them. Lionel did a great job on these. Pics.........Paul 2

Paul. Thank you. I am glad you like it. 🤝Looking your MILW FM is a without job, you can send that to the Cape Shark yard, there is a lot switching works. LOL. 😀

Johan

I went to the local 5 BELOW store and picked up a wireless bluetooth speaker.  Tore its guts out and installed the speaker and board and battery in my 35 year old MPC GP 7. Put the battery and board in the plastic fuel tank and cut holes for the switch and USB port.  Speaker was double stick taped to the cab roof after adding longer leads.  I downloaded several apps of diesel horns and sounds.  Now I have sound in a conventional locomotive for 5 dollars.  Oh also replaced the bulb with 2 LEDS in the nose. Sorry didn't have my camera available when I  did the work, but will get pics of the finished locomotive and some sounds.

                   having a Santa Fe kind of day...

               with some help from Mike G.        thanks Mike,  really like um !!

third rail ,

Great idea!  I have a #1055 Alco that could use sound.  Please add more info when you can.  Sounds like an wonderful low buck upgrade I could use.

Bill

Odenville Bill posted:

third rail ,

Great idea!  I have a #1055 Alco that could use sound.  Please add more info when you can.  Sounds like an wonderful low buck upgrade I could use.

Bill

The first pic is the bluetooth speaker I bought. Second is my GP 7, next is underside of the fuel tank with the board attached,  then speaker placement and lastly a close up of the tank. A one hour charge gives you about an hour of play time.  Speaker comes with a charging cord, use a wall wart or a computer to recharge. 

I found several apps of train sounds,  mostly European horns but some can pass for an American type. Also you can play music through your locomotive,  I  like the looney tunes theme song. 

It's not overly loud but sufficient for a home layout.  I tried this at my club layout but there's too much background noise and other train horns. 

Switching around the layout. 

Folks, I've been neglecting my lay-out for a while, because I am working on my next three lay-outs.

I had bought a three-story  Thomas the Tank Engine structure at an open-air market and after disassembling my entire lay-out to make it fit, I successfully got it all set up again. And then I was done.

One week from today on November 1, I will begin assembling my 2019 Christmas lay-out.

Here are some farewell scenes of my current lay-out:

Third Rail, thank you for the inspiration.

Johan, cool photo inside a tunnel.

It is time to finish connecting permanent power to my train building.

PS:  There were 872 pounds of added scrap metal in the junky van.  Scrap metal is only worth $0.04 per pound right now .   Total added to train budget, $197.80.

Odenville Bill posted:

Third Rail, thank you for the inspiration.

Johan, cool photo inside a tunnel.

It is time to finish connecting permanent power to my train building.

PS:  There were 872 pounds of added scrap metal in the junky van.  Scrap metal is only worth $0.04 per pound right now .   Total added to train budget, $197.80.

Bill. Thanks 

Johan

A bit of "Paint Factory" tweaking.

A larger Acrylic Resin storage tank and moving of the old tank to store PVA.

Moar lights!

third rail posted:

Odenville Bill posted:

third rail ,

Great idea!  I have a #1055 Alco that could use sound.  Please add more info when you can.  Sounds like an wonderful low buck upgrade I could use.

Bill

The first pic is the bluetooth speaker I bought. Second is my GP 7, next is underside of the fuel tank with the board attached,  then speaker placement and lastly a close up of the tank. A one hour charge gives you about an hour of play time.  Speaker comes with a charging cord, use a wall wart or a computer to recharge. 

I found several apps of train sounds,  mostly European horns but some can pass for an American type. Also you can play music through your locomotive,  I  like the looney tunes theme song. 

One thing about O scale there’s plenty of room for Goodies 

geysergazer posted:

A bit of "Paint Factory" tweaking.

       

       

       

A larger Acrylic Resin storage tank and moving of the old tank to store PVA.

Moar lights!

Looks like the “Night Shift” on the Plywood Empire looks great lew I really like it 

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Switching around the layout. 

Johan

looks like a great pic for Front End Friday 

Yes, eggcellent idea, Lee! And tomorrow is.....FEF! 

Hey Lew

didnt you get a new switcher this week? Maybe we can have a FEF switcher style 

Odenville Bill posted:

Third Rail, thank you for the inspiration.

Johan, cool photo inside a tunnel.

It is time to finish connecting permanent power to my train building.

PS:  There were 872 pounds of added scrap metal in the junky van.  Scrap metal is only worth $0.04 per pound right now .   Total added to train budget, $197.80.

Brilliant Bill!  I should have added scrap when we scrapped our Town and Country and Elantra!!

lee drennen posted:

Hey Lew

didnt you get a new switcher this week? Maybe we can have a FEF switcher style 

Lee, we shall see. Fedex is waffling. Hopefully Saturday.