What did you do on your layout today?

gandydancer1950 posted:

brought out my 1865 & 1866 Western & Atlantic passenger cars for an excursion run

Gorgeous layout!

Chugman posted:

Elliot - You are my inspiration when I don't feel like going down to the basement and getting something done, but do it anyway.  There have been a few days like that recently, but I am always glad that I forced myself to do it.  It is an amazing feeling to get something done even if it is minor in the grand scheme of things.  In my case, it is very gratifying to see all these days of a few hours here and few more there amount to solid progress.

You are making amazing progress.  Thanks for continuing to share.

Art

If only those in power would be as industrious and get started rebuilding the railroads and infrastructure in this country! LOL

Chugman posted:

Elliot - You are my inspiration when I don't feel like going down to the basement and getting something done, but do it anyway.  There have been a few days like that recently, but I am always glad that I forced myself to do it.  It is an amazing feeling to get something done even if it is minor in the grand scheme of things.  In my case, it is very gratifying to see all these days of a few hours here and few more there amount to solid progress.

You are making amazing progress.  Thanks for continuing to share.

Art

Thanks to all who hit the like button, the usual suspects, and some lesser heard from members as well. Don't forget, I'll be doing my monthly and year end progress report over on My dream/nightmare layout in a couple weeks.

Art - I used to be so active promoting the hobby to the general public, but ever since my cancer run in and subsequent recovery, I just haven't had the energy or desire to participate in train shows. Instead my focus has turned more inward, to working on my layout and hopefully inspiring others. I'm so glad you find your own motivation from my progress. That in turn motivates others as well. I see publication of our layouts in the not so far off future. If you build it they will come.

Elliot, you may have stopped doing train shows but you have not withdrawn from public. You are possibly exposing the hobby here with your posts of construction to many more people. And as has already been said you have been an inspiration to many to roll up their sleeves and build a layout. I know there are days that I say not today but I read one of your posts and I find myself back at work on my layout. And next year you will be having an open house that will have  a lot of people coming to see it. I was busy today in a snails pace way. I got the first of three sidings in on the backside of the mainline. The Masonite worked very well for me and saved me some cork. With track down I added ballast then I added ground turf and got it all glued down. Of course while I was down there I had to do laundry but that makes for a work day rather then keep running up and down the stairs. Pics............Paul

WOW Paul, your moving right along! Looking great!~

Great looking stuff Paul- the siding against the wall looks like it goes right into the plant in the backdrop.

Elliot- we are all here supporting your masterpiece, even from 1500 miles away. I think we all gain inspiration from your work, especially with what you have been going through with your health.

Bob

Did a test fit of the new scenic piece this afternoon. I'm happy with it so far.

Bob

Still need more ground cover and a retaining wall along the edge.

Hell Bob, if my projects turned out like that I would be HAPPY all the time! Great looking!

mike g. posted:

Hell Bob, if my projects turned out like that I would be HAPPY all the time! Great looking!

Thanks Mike!

RSJB18 posted:

mike g. posted:

Hell Bob, if my projects turned out like that I would be HAPPY all the time! Great looking!

Thanks Mike!

Sure is a hell of a lot better then my SEAHAWKS! LOL

mike g. posted:

RSJB18 posted:

mike g. posted:

Hell Bob, if my projects turned out like that I would be HAPPY all the time! Great looking!

Thanks Mike!

Sure is a hell of a lot better then my SEAHAWKS! LOL

The Giants are 2-13...... need I say more

Looks great Bob, really nice touch and like it’s always been there.   

I managed to get the last two switches in place and one more siding almost done and the Oil Refinery in place behind the first siding. I still have to add a bit more Masonite and track so three box cars will fit on the second siding. I ordered a number of black gar graves bumpers so once they get here I can finish off those sidings and start adding ground turf. I think the wife will say after supper how about spending time with me. And of course I can't say no because she is the CEO that lets me buy as I need stuff. Pics .......Paul

Looking good, Paul!

Art

TedW posted:

Looks great Bob, really nice touch and like it’s always been there.   

Thanks Ted!

I really like it , Bob! I especially like how the rear track comes up between the wall and tunnel. Looks like a dandy place for a photo op !

Mike

Paul that sure is looking good, but I have a question, are you going to have room along the wall where the switch is in the second picture?

What did I do on my layout today?  Went on a business trip to get supplies at a big box lumber yard.

1. Left the train room in a Ford 150, final assembly point, Dearborn, Michigan.

2. Looking for a lumber cart, need lumber for the train room.

3. I have a table saw in my garage, but no heat.  The sign at the big box lumber yard says: “Free Cuts” at the panel saw.  I like free stuff.

4. Check this out. I got home and I find this sticker on the lumber: “Made in China” - What happen to Michigan’s Paul Bunyan.

5. Open the paint and got to work.  Ran out of time. Will have to finish this project later. 

Gary

Mike welkie posted:

I really like it , Bob! I especially like how the rear track comes up between the wall and tunnel. Looks like a dandy place for a photo op !

Mike

Yes it does Mike W. I ran a short train up the hill with the new piece in place and it does look cool.

Thanks

TrainRoom Gary- Home Depot is buying lumber from China?????? Unbelievable!

I'm going to Lowes...maybe they still buy stuff made (grown) here!

RSJB18 posted:

mike g. posted:

Bob, that carving looks great! what did you use ?

Thanks Mike. I use a Dremel Multi-max with a 1" wood blade. A little messier than a hot knife but not too bad.

The carving is done in my garage so when I'm done the leaf blower takes care of the mess .

I scribed the stone face with a straight edge and a pencil.

Bob

Bob,

The foam hillside looks great!

I thought it would ! Keep up the excellent work! You as well as Elliott and Paul as well as as all of the other fine modelers here are a true inspiration to all of us!

Mike

Mike welkie posted:

I thought it would ! Keep up the excellent work! You as well as Elliott and Paul as well as as all of the other fine modelers here are a true inspiration to all of us!

Mike

 

Don't think I would put myself in the same league as Paul and Elliot and several others but....

Thank you!

Mark Boyce posted:

RSJB18 posted:

mike g. posted:

Bob, that carving looks great! what did you use ?

Thanks Mike. I use a Dremel Multi-max with a 1" wood blade. A little messier than a hot knife but not too bad.

The carving is done in my garage so when I'm done the leaf blower takes care of the mess .

I scribed the stone face with a straight edge and a pencil.

Bob

Bob,

The foam hillside looks great!

Thanks Mark- just making it up as I go. Imagine what I could do if I really put my mind to it 

Guys, thanks for the compliment but I am not in Elliot's or the others playing field. I am just enjoying building a layout trying different approaches. MIKE G, that photo with the switches may be misleading. I have the building leaning on the table and that may make it look like there isn't enough room for the siding........Paul

mike g. posted:

Paul that sure is looking good, but I have a question, are you going to have room along the wall where the switch is in the second picture?

Yes it looks great Paul!

Ran trains for a short while this afternoon.  Enjoyed watching them run!!!

Sounds good Paul!

Sorry Dave, Dodge man here! LOL

Thought I would post a video of a few trains running.  Hope Ya'll like it.  I probably should have used a better camera.    BTW, Merry Christmas to everyone!   

Chief Bob (Retired)  

Fun times Chief Bob! Thanks for the video!

Chief Bob, neat video and I especially liked watching the PRR style signals changing as a train passed under the signal tower. 

RSJB18 posted:

The Giants are 2-13...... need I say more

Condolences.  I generally derive great pleasure from razzing the Iggles, but haven't really been able to, what with this 12-2 thing and all... 

Oh, well.  Back to trains!  When running GG1s with gi-raffes, some sculpting of the end steps is needed, or they tend to pick the actuator ramp and derail.

A comparo with stock steps: 

Mitch

Marx Rock Island AB with a few Marx boxcars in tow

oops wrong topic

pennsynut posted:

Chief Bob, neat video and I especially liked watching the PRR style signals changing as a train passed under the signal tower. 

The signal tower is a MTH 30-11030 Pennsy Signal Bridge.  I'm using Z-Stuff for Trains DZ-1075 Sensors to operate the signal heads.  I love the way it works!

Chief Bob (Retired)

TrainroomGary,  Chinese lumber; who would have guessed it?  I will have to take a look at the local Home Depot and Lowe’s!

Chief Bob, You made great progress getting the ROW in great shape to run multiple Trains!!  Merry Christmas to you!!

RSJB18 posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

RSJB18 posted:

mike g. posted:

Bob, that carving looks great! what did you use ?

Thanks Mike. I use a Dremel Multi-max with a 1" wood blade. A little messier than a hot knife but not too bad.

The carving is done in my garage so when I'm done the leaf blower takes care of the mess .

I scribed the stone face with a straight edge and a pencil.

Bob

Bob,

The foam hillside looks great!

Thanks Mark- just making it up as I go. Imagine what I could do if I really put my mind to it 

LOL

I have the pleasure of having my house ALL TO MYSELF, (I won't go into details, that's a story for another time).

anyway I set up my train board work bench right in the middle of my living room. So now I can work on trains in the living room, wooohooo!!!!

Got my three sidings  almost in. I have to wait for the bumpers to come in to finish them. Hopefully I will get them before the end of the week. I added ballast and ground foam and glued everything down. Now I have to see which building flats I am going to use behind the sidings. Pics............Paul