What did you do on your layout today?

@Seth Thomas posted:

@ Fast freight

Enjoyed your layout scenes.  Reminds me of my high school days of traveling Saturday nights to Morehead Blue Flats raceway with the #4.  I always enjoyed the time trials, less car damage ….

please share your technique of making your grasses thick and lush, with the rolling appearance.  

Your street weathering technique is great as well… everything looks fabulous.  The stream is where I want to throw my plug next.

John

   Thanks Seth

   I'll take a few pictures of the next area I work on.  It is very easy.

I added side walks and drive ways to the dealership a crossing to my frontage road and painted and weathered a car I had duplicates of.

more progress today on 44T project

Let there be louvres!

A big thank you to Archer Fine Transfers for their cool products!

Got my Santa Fe F3 set on the rails. The paint is flawless and the pullmore growel never gets old.

Bob

That looks very impressive Bob. The middle photo is my favorite with those two warhorses lit up and ready to go. The track area looks good too.

Leroof, the paint and decals look great on the 44 ton.

@RSJB18 posted:

Got my Santa Fe F3 set on the rails. The paint is flawless and the pullmore growel never gets old.

Bob

Very nice Bob. I've always liked the blue and yellow better than the red and silver. I hope I can someday add one to my collection. Maybe Menards will produce that color next.

@RSJB18 posted:

Got my Santa Fe F3 set on the rails. The paint is flawless and the pullmore growel never gets old.

Bob

And Bob........back to a very early time laying on the carpet near the train at Christmas time...........ozone in the air with the growl  .🙄

Thanks guys. They are beauties.

And we had to put them to work too.......

RSJB18, Those look and run fabulous, Bob!

Bob, They run great!  I’m with the others who like blue and gold better than red and silver!  Maybe it is because blue and gold were my high school colors, our two neighboring rival schools’ colors, my wife’s school colors, and our daughters’ school colors!  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!  LOL

@Mark Boyce posted:

Bob, They run great!  I’m with the others who like blue and gold better than red and silver!  Maybe it is because blue and gold were my high school colors, our two neighboring rival schools’ colors, my wife’s school colors, and our daughters’ school colors!  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!  LOL

OK.........MARK.........good story. 😨

@Dallas Joseph posted:

OK.........MARK.........good story. 😨

  I thought of it and decided to write it and see who reacted! 

@Mark Boyce posted:

  I thought of it and decided to write it and see who reacted! 

Mine were Blue and gold too. Baldwin Bruins class of '80......(cr##, I'm getting old! )

OK..............YOU TWO..........

Hi Guys, I told you I would be back to comment! and here I am! LOL

CR Cole, The mud and fence turned out great! But more impressive is your work on the barn and the whole scene!

Dave, Your MOW signal dept. and switch tower scenery is just outstanding! Wonderful work on the sidewalks and the weathering job on the car is perfect, Kind of looks like mine right now! LOL

Fast Freight, Those are some really cool looking trees! Also what a great looking layout!

Leroof, I don't know much about Maine Central, But it looks nice to me!

Jesse, wonderful job on the weathering!

jstewart, That sure is some nice Power equipment! I Love to see all the BN & BNSF equipment! Great to see your daughter learning early!

Dave, The lettering looks great! It's also nice you had extra decals to do a couple more cars! Very nice!

Bob, Nice Santa Fe F3! They fit right in on your layout and the video's really show the impressiveness of those engines!

I started on this park early this morning and did a little more when I got home. I'm waiting on playground equiptment from Artista to go in the grass side. The fence is made by Woodland Scenics I found it a little bit of a pain and fragile. The hoop and 2 on 2 guys are also Woodland Scenics.

Ok guys, as most of you know I have been working on the airplane take off thing. Well with getting the fence work done yesterday and clearance from the CEO I was able to get out and get my limit switches hooked up and a test run! I hooked up the runway lights for my test run. Here is a rough run threw!

Now the rough part is to rerun the lighting wiring and cut the hole in the runway for the post to go threw and hook up to the plane. I don't plan on using the jet, but it's one that I was willing to drill a hole into for the test run!

@Dave Ripp. posted:

I started on this park early this morning and did a little more when I got home. I'm waiting on playground equiptment from Artista to go in the grass side. The fence is made by Woodland Scenics I found it a little bit of a pain and fragile. The hoop and 2 on 2 guys are also Woodland Scenics.

Very COOL Dave! Every layout needs a park area!

@mike g. posted:

Ok guys, as most of you know I have been working on the airplane take off thing. Well with getting the fence work done yesterday and clearance from the CEO I was able to get out and get my limit switches hooked up and a test run! I hooked up the runway lights for my test run. Here is a rough run threw!

Now the rough part is to rerun the lighting wiring and cut the hole in the runway for the post to go threw and hook up to the plane. I don't plan on using the jet, but it's one that I was willing to drill a hole into for the test run!

That's pretty darn cool Mike.

@Dave Ripp. posted:

That's pretty darn cool Mike.

Thanks Dave!

Ugh, none my words showed up above.

Sorry about that.

Bridge I'm working on.

@fast freight posted:

Thats really looking good! Keep up the wonderful work and keep us posted!

@mike g. posted:

Great and impressive project Mike!   What a unique action detail to add to your layout!   Hoping you are able to make it exceed your expectations!   Fun stuff!!  

Cheers. Dave

@fast freight posted:

Wow! I love the way you have blended that hillsides and the angles of the tracks. Looks like life.

Bob, I really like your Santa Fe F units.

They are traditional beasts!

sound great too. Thx for movies as usual.

Pierre

@mike g.- freakin' awesome!!!!!

@fast freight- Nice work, no words required.

@Dave Ripp.- the park looks great. I don't know what the other two guys are doing but they may want to get under the boards and start throwing elbows for the rebound.

@Leroof- Thanks Pierre. My set of AC Commander boards are in route. Now I just need time to work on the conversion.

Gents- an observation- can we please not repeat photos when replying to a post? I know OGR frowns upon it. When adding your comments, it's easy to highlight the pix and hit delete, then they won't get repeated. Makes for easier reading of the thread too.

Bob

Thanks guys for the nice comments! Today I will be in the train room rerunning the wires for the airfield lighting, and working on the lighted board for the Grayhound bus station. For some reason the sign does not work, but all the other lighting works fine. I hope I can figure it out, as come to find out a replacement board is out of stock! LOL

@mike.g That runway is amazing. Is it going to be controlled by a pushbutton or a timer?

I finished the dull coat on the #53 today. I goofed up the decal background color (forgot to change it to a darker black)  but its still a toy. Overall I am pleased with the way it came out.

Changed around a few sidewalks and moved the driveways so I could fit more buildings. The grochery store was taking up to much space so I added Sullivans Bar , another 3 flat behind it and a pool hall-ice cream- barber shop corner building. Still more to do just roughed in. Also preped another area for buidings and added a Menards Grim Reaper to the graveyard for Halloween.

Hi guys, what great work !

@Victor Bertolina, Your 44 toner looks good to me! As for the airplane its hooked up to a toggle switch with limit switches at each end so I can just turn it on and it goes and then stops all by its self. I am glad you like the idea.

@Dave Ripp., Man Dave I dont know where you get the energy to do all this work, but I do know it looks Outstanding! I do have a question, how do you get to the center of your layout! That's a lot of work and if your reaching a lot of bending! Not the best for the back when your young, even worse when you get older! LOL

@mike g. posted:

Hi guys, what great work !

@Victor Bertolina, Your 44 toner looks good to me! As for the airplane its hooked up to a toggle switch with limit switches at each end so I can just turn it on and it goes and then stops all by its self. I am glad you like the idea.

@Dave Ripp., Man Dave I dont know where you get the energy to do all this work, but I do know it looks Outstanding! I do have a question, how do you get to the center of your layout! That's a lot of work and if your reaching a lot of bending! Not the best for the back when your young, even worse when you get older! LOL

Thank you mike. At 5 feet 9 wide and my being 5 feet 11 I can reach the middle. I do have a 3 step stool and a top side creeper that I use if I have to.  I also put the road down the middle and kept the scenery to the side to make it easier to reach the important things. The table is on wheels and very easy to move.

@Dave Ripp. posted:

Thank you mike. At 5 feet 9 wide and my being 5 feet 11 I can reach the middle. I do have a 3 step stool and a top side creeper that I use if I have to.  I also put the road down the middle and kept the scenery to the side to make it easier to reach the important things. The table is on wheels and very easy to move.

Oh ok, I have a 2 step stool and on one end I still have to get up on the layout to ballast, once I am done ballasting I make sure everything works right so I dont have to go back there I hope! LOL I haven't got to ballasting yet as other projects have taken over to try and finish up one end of the layout where my town is!

@mike g. posted:

Oh ok, I have a 2 step stool and on one end I still have to get up on the layout to ballast, once I am done ballasting I make sure everything works right so I dont have to go back there I hope! LOL I haven't got to ballasting yet as other projects have taken over to try and finish up one end of the layout where my town is!

Mine may only be 2 steps also but it really helps. No ballest certainly makes life easier.I only have room for one or 2 more buidings in town then I have to wire the switches before working on the switching area.

What did I do I'm my layout today?  I looked at what it would take to create a 54 double switch.

I resurfesed the blacktop by the moter cycle club it was a rough ride. Also preped a small spot bt the dealership and added a guard rail where a small manufacturing building will go. I'm heading to Carbondale for the weekend. I'll be back Monday to neaten things up and decide what's next.

Rich built three Korber Sand Towers last week and lettered and rebuilt the turntable arch. Wow, he did a great job.

He received a promotion for his excellent work and was given two boxes of parts that will become two diesel maintenance buildings in the Roanoke Shops complex. One wall was completed yesterday.

Progress continued on the permanent wiring of the right hand Control board that will serve level two and the diesel and steam “Roanoke Shops” area. A Track Power Terminal Block and 20 relays were added and three fully wired which allow power to Stub, Roundhouse, Turntable, Transfer Table, and other tracks, to be turned off/on.  These are in addition to the lighting relays that were added last week.

Wiring will continue this week.

@mike g. nice work on the takeoff. I think the military would be extremely interested in the low takeoff speed you have invented. Almost no runway needed and getting near to being a VTOL.

General comment - nice work all, I am finding the forum is sending email notices on posts 2 or 3 days after the actual post. Not sure if it is the forum host or the internet trying to match the speed of the US Post Office. 

I am "destroying" a section of my layout where I have gotten warping to the extent some of my engines and cars are derailing at the spot. I really wish I had gone to open grid when I did the last major rebuild, I thought I could save time and materials just doing an overlay. Lesson learned and something which will not be repeated in the next layout.

Mike -  nice work !

  A couple of quick shots of the continued bridge work.

  I like to use a product called super moss or similar glued over the paper mache base. It comes in small rolls or sheets found in craft stores.

   Peel off the backing paper, cut to shape and hot glue in place. You'll end up with a few scraps which is good to fill in here and there.

   I find it doesn't take much hot glue or finesse just lightly anchor the moss in place following the contour of your landscape.

   In the last 2 photos the moss is glued in place and now ready for static grass application, or if you wanted rocks or dirt, now would be the time.

   Static grass application and ballast coming soon...........

Dave, that looks great and should be a nice smooth ride now! Question where do you get your guard rails?

Bill, things sure are looking great! Alan does Amazing work and your electrical panel looks like a pro did it!

Jeff, thanks but I dont plan on using the jet, it is just a test plane, I wanted to make sure it was going to work before I drilled a hole in a more expensive plane! Sorry to hear about the warping,  but am glad its something your able to fix!

fast Freight, I really like the Moss matt looks nice and easy along with looking real!

Well guys I worked on rewiring the back of my runway to make room for the lift thing. When I finished that I worked on trying to figure out how come my sign wasn't working on my Grayhound bus station. Problem solved as it was not getting enough power. I started with 14v and found out it needed 18v so I had an old HO Transformer laying around it it works great now. Here is a shot video, I know it shows the whole town, but I figured while I was at it why not! LOL

I hope you all had a great day and some fun with there layout!

Mike, the airplane and runway is really going to work out well!  The town looks great, and I'm glad you got the Greyhound station lights working.

Fast Freight, the whole scene is looking great!  Neat looking stuff for grass.

Bill, the engine facility is really going to look great.  It already is.

It has been nice out, so I have done some things outside that I couldn't all summer.  I have slowly been wiring my AIUs.  I'll post photographs when there is something worth seeing.

     OK, here's a few more quick shots of static grass applications.

      I won't get into the actual static grass application here, plenty of  videos on that already.

     how I work the moss/glue is,  I apply a liberal amount of straight white glue and with a round brush roll it through the glue. Lots of glue is good.

     I work a small section and starting at the lowest point where water would collect I put the darkest green grass. Working up the slope I mix in lighter shades of green.

     This method gives a thick durable lush grass appearance. I wish I would have laid my rails on a cork roadbed material because sometimes the grass is so thick it buries the ties.

     I hope you give this method a try and I'd love to see your results when done.

     ,

                                                                                                             Dan

Mark thanks, I hope it turns out well! LOL

fast freight, Wonderful job on the static grass! Maybe I will do some one day! It's funny after watching what everyone has done and is doing I sure have a lot of Maybe days on my calendar! LOL

Mike -- Airport looks great! In view of the short take-off space, I think it would be appropriate for the plane to be either a J-3 Piper Cub in either it's distinctive yellow or U.S. military OD. The other appropriate plane would be a DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver.

   Thanks Mike g.

   I sure know about the maybe days.

   Well, I'm more like a someday. Someday I'll clean up my wiring, someday I'll paint a backdrop, someday I'll...........

   It's a long list.

   Keep running trains  and have fun I guess.

I have started terra forming a mesa. This is the second part of three pieces that will form the canyon for the train to rumble through. I was going to put the farmers house up there, but it smaller than I originally planned (who knew a switchback road would take up so much space?) So now it will a pond and a park theme,

@fast freight posted:

     OK, here's a few more quick shots of static grass applications.

      I won't get into the actual static grass application here, plenty of  videos on that already.

     how I work the moss/glue is,  I apply a liberal amount of straight white glue and with a round brush roll it through the glue. Lots of glue is good.

     I work a small section and starting at the lowest point where water would collect I put the darkest green grass. Working up the slope I mix in lighter shades of green.

     This method gives a thick durable lush grass appearance. I wish I would have laid my rails on a cork roadbed material because sometimes the grass is so thick it buries the ties.

     I hope you give this method a try and I'd love to see your results when done.

     ,

                                                                                                             Dan

Nicely done Dan, sometimes static grass can have a mind of its own. Looking good!!

@fast freight posted:

     OK, here's a few more quick shots of static grass applications.

      I won't get into the actual static grass application here, plenty of  videos on that already.

                                                                                                               Dan

Nice job Dan. I've seen those mats in Michaels and have been tempted because one piece covers a decent area at a better price per square inch than traditional ground covers, but I thought they just didn't look quite right. Adding the static grass looks like the perfect way to blend them in.

Bob

Nothing fancy today. This week was the start of the tie fabrication and coloring process. I made just short of 500 ties (probably need 500 more) and started a few test batches of wood dye. The ties were cut from a 2 x 4 using both the table saw and a newly purchased band saw. The band saw really works well in both ripping the ties to a somewhat consistant width and thickness as well as cutting to length. I had some leftover wood dye (dark walnut). This stuff is water based so no smell and it stains well. The formula is one oz dye to one quart water on alcohol. I just used water. The first test was a simple imersion of the tie and then left overnight to dry. It darkened well. Test two was imersion for about 90 minutes and left to dry. The wood is really varied in density and color. The more wood grain that shows before dying results in less dye being absorbed. I attached a few pics.

Dan, I'm like Bob, I've seen those mats and decided against them.  The static grass makes them look wonderful!!!

Fast Freight, Ah the switchback road.  I did one on a previous layout, and while I was pleased with the outcome, it did take up more space than I had imagined.  As I recall, I had to change my plans on a couple of building placements because of it.  Looking like a good start.

Victor, the ties looks just great!

Well, I'm going to go do some more wiring.  Not much more work until I will have another photograph to post.

    Final photos of the bridge work.

    The track crew came in last night and ballasted the rails so the line is open again.

    I lightly sprayed the area with hair spray and sprinkled on some leaf material.

    Pretty easy method and gives good results.

    Thank you all so much for the replies.  Keeps me motivated.

so my 44T project continues. There were no louvres on the doors below the MEC square logo on the cab. So,  shout out to Acher transfers! These will fit well.

Next up will be the challenge of the pilot stripes.

seen here on prototype

working on a plan for the insertion today.

looks like this week has been very busy on all of the displayed layout projects! Thanks everyone for your posts, always motivating!

Per a comment from a couple of years ago ( I am very slow about some things!) I finally installed some form work on the driveway under construction next to that cast resin house.

@Bogart posted:

Per a comment from a couple of years ago ( I am very slow about some things!) I finally installed some form work on the driveway under construction next to that cast resin house.

Great looking scene.

@modeltrainsparts, I agree, the jet is only for test reasons, here is a link of what I just bought for the run way area.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/392934132034

@fast freight, The mesa area is going to look great with a park area with a pond! The bridge and grass work you have done looks amazing!

@Victor Bertolina, Wow that sure is alot of wood cutting and quite the project! I have a feeling it's going to look outstanding when your done!

@Leroof, Your toner project is looking great!

@Bogart, Concrete WOW! That's a lot of work thats why I do a lot of paving on my layout! LOL Wonderful looking scene!

Ok guy The runway is mostly done! I am still working on trying to find some other gears to speed up the take off, but it all depends on what I get out of old printers or DVD players. As I stated above I bought a smaller plane for my little runway and when I get it and built I will post more photos of it. I still have to figure out how to attach it to the layout. That's another project in it's self! LOL Here is a small video for you all!

I hope your all having a great weekend! I also hope your having fun with your layout and trains!

@mike g. posted:

@modeltrainsparts, I agree, the jet is only for test reasons, here is a link of what I just bought for the run way area.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/392934132034

@fast freight, The mesa area is going to look great with a park area with a pond! The bridge and grass work you have done looks amazing!

@Victor Bertolina, Wow that sure is alot of wood cutting and quite the project! I have a feeling it's going to look outstanding when your done!

@Leroof, Your toner project is looking great!

@Bogart, Concrete WOW! That's a lot of work thats why I do a lot of paving on my layout! LOL Wonderful looking scene!

Ok guy The runway is mostly done! I am still working on trying to find some other gears to speed up the take off, but it all depends on what I get out of old printers or DVD players. As I stated above I bought a smaller plane for my little runway and when I get it and built I will post more photos of it. I still have to figure out how to attach it to the layout. That's another project in it's self! LOL Here is a small video for you all!

I hope your all having a great weekend! I also hope your having fun with your layout and trains!

Pretty cool effect Mike.

With that jet taking off it looks like an aircraft carrier in the Pacific

Good evening everyone! I hope you all are doing well, and those who went to York had a great time. With York closing today, my father, my friend, and decided to spend the day in Strasburg. Here are some photos and videos of what we did today. We were able to visit the PRR museum, catch a lunch train at the Strasburg RR, and topped it off with visiting the TCA museum.

Well,,, I finally did something to my layout.  Yesterday I removed most of my rolling stock and buildings.  This afternoon I removed most of the two upper levels.  I'll attack again in the morning.  I wonder if I can get it put back together the same way??   Photographic proof of destruction is attached.

Bill

@fast freight, thanks for the nice comment! I know its a small runway, but I dont have alot of room!

Bill, all I can say is wow and I have been there and still trying to get things back together! Good luck on your project!

@mike g. posted:

@fast freight, thanks for the nice comment! I know its a small runway, but I dont have alot of room!

Bill, all I can say is wow and I have been there and still trying to get things back together! Good luck on your project!

  I hear ya. O scale takes a lot of room. A runway is especially hard to accomplish.

  Looks really good though.

Bill, It looks like a tornado hit!  I'm sure you will get things back running even better than before!

Trainmaster04, thank you for the great photographs from the Strasburg. 

I made some good progress on wiring my AIUs to control power to tracks.  There is still a little troubleshooting to do, you can see more detailed information by selecting this link Blackwater Canyon Line

I didn't get anything done on my layout but over the past couple of weeks and the next few weeks I will be remodeling the lake feature on the Chicagoland lionel railroad club's layout.  Previously it was just blue painted plywood and some HO  brick paper.  I tore the paper out and put in new 1/8 in hardboard walls. Then I  applied a layer of A flute corrugated cardboard to stimulate a metal seawall.

The lower inch was painted gloss black to mimic the wave action against the wall.

After the black dried,  the top portion was painted a brownish rust color. 

Oversized ballast was glued to the seawall and around the pier for the girder bridge to stimulate riprap.

The next work involved painting and attaching 1/8 inch hardboard for a capstone on the edge of the lake.  I used Rustoleum's stone effects paint to stimulate a granite type of stone.

Next week when all this work is dry, I will attack making the water and waves. Then they will be varnished with a water based poly (3 coats). I have a special idea for something in the lake, more to come.

Good Saturday evening @scouting dad, @ fast freight, @ mike g.
per the calendar now it is October 23rd at 7:25PM.  
I receive all my email posts from OGR forum 2-3 days late.
my USPS is always delivered 3rd day or later via Charleston WV🤪

@ Mike g. @ Fast freight

Dan I appreciate your info on how you achieve the thick an lush grass. Your work is great and enjoyable.  The turf looks thick and real and I of course understand now via the photos.  Its up to me now, just need to try the process in house now.

And Mike thanks for sharing your “enginuity” with us.  Are your tickets online or cash only. I wish to be in the correct line for my scheduled flight.  Keep up with the great ideas.  My guess Mike you will be having Captain Kirk traveling in your next project 😆

Have a good Saturday, Sunday, or Monday evening guys, whenever you receive this post!

@Bogart posted:

Per a comment from a couple of years ago ( I am very slow about some things!) I finally installed some form work on the driveway under construction next to that cast resin house.

Bogart......,.nice idea and well done........well enough that I can feel my back hurting.......I did play around with cement a few times. 😓

@mike g. posted:

@fast freight, thanks for the nice comment! I know its a small runway, but I dont have alot of room!

Bill, all I can say is wow and I have been there and still trying to get things back together! Good luck on your project!

A short runway isn’t a problem, Mike... just install a set of those steam powered arrestor cables they have on air craft carriers

P.S. the runway looks really cool - love the plane animation.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Bill, It looks like a tornado hit!  I'm sure you will get things back running even better than before!

Trainmaster04, thank you for the great photographs from the Strasburg.

I made some good progress on wiring my AIUs to control power to tracks.  There is still a little troubleshooting to do, you can see more detailed information by selecting this link Blackwater Canyon Line

Thanks Mark! Sorry to see you were not able to make it this year. I am glad to see you are up and about and getting some good work done.

@Trainmaster04 posted:

Thanks Mark! Sorry to see you were not able to make it this year. I am glad to see you are up and about and getting some good work done.

Thank you very much!  

Made some modifications to the layout today. Added another crossover to make it so my elevated section can be run as a loop instead of a passing siding. I also tweeked the inner yard by replacing a 036 turnout with a 072 wye.

And added a new siding area

Didn't get a chance to run any trains to test the new track, hopefully that will happen tomorrow. Have a good night everyone!

@mike g. posted:

I hope your all having a great weekend! I also hope your having fun with your layout and trains!

Really outstanding work, Mike!  I wish I had the room for something like this.  The lift mechanism came out great! Can’t wait to see it installed on your layout.

@Trainmaster04

One of my favorite spots at the RR Museum. We used to take the kids to PA every year and hit Strasburg, Hershey Park, and Lancaster. Now that they are grown, I'm the only "kid" who wants to go to Strasburg.

@Odenville Bill- looks like major surgery. What's the plan and why did you have to take the layout apart?

@Jstewart204- great carpet central layout.

@Bogart- I like the form work. Going to make for a very neat job when its done.

@third rail- very nice, can't wait to see the next steps.

Nothing new to report for me. Maybe later today.......

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

@Trainmaster04

@third rail- very nice, can't wait to see the next steps.

Nothing new to report for me. Maybe later today.......

Bob

I'll give you a hint.  It involves 4 mop haired young men from Liverpool.

Good Morning Y'all,

   Bob, I had three O22 switches failing in a corner out of reach.  I am taking down levels two and three.  I will scrub every piece of track and solder power drop outs on several.  My railroad has been out of service since July.  Time to bust a move.

Bill

Bob, they are good spots with a lot of history. Milton Hershey built a trolley network to shuttle employees and to transport milk from the farms. We’re about 20” away from Hershey. In April you could have it all by adding a few days for the York Train Show.

I discovered that my wiring errors weren't wiring errors at all.  After checking all my wiring and finding it right, I deleted all the accessories on the remote for AIU 1 and reloaded them.  All of them worked this go round.  Second, I discovered I forgot to program one of the tracks on AIU 3, so once I added that, all is swell!!

I also plugged in the Gunrunnerjohn Watchdog Generator on my TIU fixed output 2 for my sidings.  When I powered all the sidings, none of the engines started up on applying power just as John designed it for.  I was now able to start each engine with the remote individually.  Hooray!!

Thank you John, and Thank you Bill Webb for the AIU assistance!!

@mike g. posted:

Great airport action Mike on the airport scene!    I hope that you have a piper cub or biplane to attach as the Blue Angel jet maybe a little slow for takeoff.   Great addition to your layout!   Well done and great project!   I give you an A+++

Cheer, Dave

@Odenville Bill posted:

Good Morning Y'all,

   Bob, I had three O22 switches failing in a corner out of reach.  I am taking down levels two and three.  I will scrub every piece of track and solder power drop outs on several.  My railroad has been out of service since July.  Time to bust a move.

Bill

Sounds good Bill. Good luck with the rebuild.

@Mark Boyce posted:

I discovered that my wiring errors weren't wiring errors at all.  After checking all my wiring and finding it right, I deleted all the accessories on the remote for AIU 1 and reloaded them.  All of them worked this go round.  Second, I discovered I forgot to program one of the tracks on AIU 3, so once I added that, all is swell!!

I also plugged in the Gunrunnerjohn Watchdog Generator on my TIU fixed output 2 for my sidings.  When I powered all the sidings, none of the engines started up on applying power just as John designed it for.  I was now able to start each engine with the remote individually.  Hooray!!

Thank you John, and Thank you Bill Webb for the AIU assistance!!

CTRT/ALT/DEL= Happy railroading......

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Bob, they are good spots with a lot of history. Milton Hershey built a trolley network to shuttle employees and to transport milk from the farms. We’re about 20” away from Hershey. In April you could have it all by adding a few days for the York Train Show.

Next to Lake George, NY, Lancaster county is my next favorite spot..... Now I need to convince/ persuade the CEO that going to a train show with a bunch of train obsessed guys is FUN!

@darlander posted:

Great airport action Mike on the airport scene!    I hope that you have a piper cub or biplane to attach as the Blue Angel jet maybe a little slow for takeoff.   Great addition to your layout!   Well done and great project!   I give you an A+++

Cheer, Dave

Thanks Dave! Just gives me something else to build scenery around! LOL

Mark, I am sure it took awhile, but I am glad you got it all figured out!

BOB, now thats funny, I tried that with the wife and I still go alone! LOL

I was able to run some trains briefly to test the new modifications. All of the new to me used 072 turnouts work great. The trains appreciate the increased length of the incline and decline sections.

Someday I will build a permanent layout but for now I love my floor layout, it's easy to modify without having to rebuild scenery. Half the fun is rejiggering the track work!

I hope everyone had a great weekend, I love seeing all the work posted on this thread

Thank you Bob and Mike!

Bob, When I finished my electronics degree back in ‘76, I never would have dreamed a reset would do anything.  How things have changed.

Mike, deleting and reprogramming the accessories was one of those trial and error things.  I’m certainly new to setting up these AIUs!  😆

Mark- my daughter flew to Indianapolis last week from LaGuardia. They had a problem with the plane and the pilot literally says, we need to ctrl/alt/dlt the system to reboot it.

Can't make this sh.. up! 😂😂😂

@RSJB18 posted:

Mark- my daughter flew to Indianapolis last week from LaGuardia. They had a problem with the plane and the pilot literally says, we need to ctrl/alt/dlt the system to reboot it.

Can't make this sh.. up! 😂😂😂

Let's reboot the plane at 40,000 feet!! 

It's not York but I had an opportunity to attend a local train show yesterday and had a couple of finds.    Found a die cast fork loader and six pallets for a $6.00 investment.   Today I started the reassignment process of several cars.    I am converting some former purchased, one an MTH Pennsylvania gondola, to a DMIR pulpwood gondola.   Years ago I clean out a local Conoco gas station's supply of K-line money bank Conoco tankers (3).   Today I finally filled in the coin slots and will eventually convert them to DM&IR water tankers.  

Life is good in spite of missing another York experience.   Unfortunately, it still remains on my bucket list.

Cheers to all,

Dave

Bob, there’s always the outlets at Hershey for your wife to check out.

@darlander posted:

It's not York but I had an opportunity to attend a local train show yesterday and had a couple of finds.    Found a die cast fork loader and six pallets for a $6.00 investment.   Today I started the reassignment process of several cars.    I am converting some former purchased, one an MTH Pennsylvania gondola, to a DMIR pulpwood gondola.   Years ago I clean out a local Conoco gas station's supply of K-line money bank Conoco tankers (3).   Today I finely filled in the coin slots and will eventually convert them to DM&IR water tankers.  

Life is good in spite of missing another York experience.   Unfortunately, it still remains on my bucket list.

Cheers to all,

Dave

Dave, thats a great find for$6.00! I really like how your repurpose cars and give them new life as something else! The tank cars look like a project that could be challenging project after filling the money hole and then repaint and decals! I sure hope you will keep us posted on how they go!

Fixed my power issue last night. I had to add a common feed to the opposite side of the loop. I only had one in the back and I guess the continuity thorough two switches wasn't that good. It was a 5 minute fix and all is well again.

The 44 tonner is running at about 8v. Nice and smooth now. I cleaned the track too.

Bob, it's so nice when it turns out to be an easy fix! But I do have to say you must have one really long small drill bit to drill down below the lower level!

The toner looks wonderful, and the Track cleaning car is just outstanding! Great work!

Love the layout!

@mike g. posted:

Bob, it's so nice when it turns out to be an easy fix! But I do have to say you must have one really long small drill bit to drill down below the lower level!

The toner looks wonderful, and the Track cleaning car is just outstanding! Great work!

Love the layout!

I actually drilled two separate holes. I do have some really long bits from my contracting days which come in handy sometimes.

Bob

Bob, I am not surprised you found the electrical problem quickly!  The 44 Tonner runs great.  Mine is back in the box and on Kim's gift shelf.  I don't know if I will see it on Nov 3rd (my birthday), Dec 7th (our anniversary, or Do Not Open Until Christmas! 

@RSJB18 posted:

I actually drilled two separate holes. I do have some really long bits from my contracting days which come in handy sometimes.

Bob

Here is a nice little tip, just get yourself a Arc welding rod, clean the outer layer off, flatten one end and sharpen like a flatbit. Works great, I can drill up to 8" deep.

@mike g. posted:

Here is a nice little tip, just get yourself a Arc welding rod, clean the outer layer off, flatten one end and sharpen like a flatbit. Works great, I can drill up to 8" deep.

Mike, you always think outside the box, a trait I struggle with! 

@Mark Boyce posted:

Mike, you always think outside the box, a trait I struggle with! 

Thanks Mark, I am sure they sell them, but I am to cheap! LOL

@Victor Bertolina posted:

Nothing fancy today. This week was the start of the tie fabrication and coloring process. I made just short of 500 ties (probably need 500 more) and started a few test batches of wood dye. The ties were cut from a 2 x 4 using both the table saw and a newly purchased band saw. The band saw really works well in both ripping the ties to a somewhat consistant width and thickness as well as cutting to length. I had some leftover wood dye (dark walnut). This stuff is water based so no smell and it stains well. The formula is one oz dye to one quart water on alcohol. I just used water. The first test was a simple imersion of the tie and then left overnight to dry. It darkened well. Test two was imersion for about 90 minutes and left to dry. The wood is really varied in density and color. The more wood grain that shows before dying results in less dye being absorbed. I attached a few pics.

Really a lot of dedication on your part Victor.   Nice looking ties though with a good consistant size.

Sometimes it is a lot more fun creating your own items for the layout instead of buying  (  perhaps a new locomotive  ?  😉)  .

@Odenville Bill posted:

Good Morning Y'all,

   Bob, I had three O22 switches failing in a corner out of reach.  I am taking down levels two and three.  I will scrub every piece of track and solder power drop outs on several.  My railroad has been out of service since July.  Time to bust a move.

Bill

Incredible patience Bill..........when i have a frustrating  issue on my layout I have trouble puttong two words together to talk to anyone .😉

@Mark Boyce posted:

Bill, It looks like a tornado hit!  I'm sure you will get things back running even better than before!

Trainmaster04, thank you for the great photographs from the Strasburg.

I made some good progress on wiring my AIUs to control power to tracks.  There is still a little troubleshooting to do, you can see more detailed information by selecting this link Blackwater Canyon Line

...........and the saga of the Boyce Nuclear Substation continues. 😨........😉

@Victor Bertolina posted:

Nothing fancy today. This week was the start of the tie fabrication and coloring process. I made just short of 500 ties (probably need 500 more) and started a few test batches of wood dye. The ties were cut from a 2 x 4 using both the table saw and a newly purchased band saw. The band saw really works well in both ripping the ties to a somewhat consistant width and thickness as well as cutting to length. I had some leftover wood dye (dark walnut). This stuff is water based so no smell and it stains well. The formula is one oz dye to one quart water on alcohol. I just used water. The first test was a simple imersion of the tie and then left overnight to dry. It darkened well. Test two was imersion for about 90 minutes and left to dry. The wood is really varied in density and color. The more wood grain that shows before dying results in less dye being absorbed. I attached a few pics.

Those are really nice Victor.

What size did you make them?

John

I had help this past Sunday in reviving my layout that has sat partially dismantled and idle for the past 4 years. A former private music student and also former worker in my musical instrument repair shop for several years until I retired and closed the shop this past December, has been visiting me almost every week to help me get the layout back in action. I am somewhat incapacitated in my old age and cannot climb onto or get under my platform anymore. So help is extremely welcome.

My helper finished wiring the track in there are where my city scene will go and, after 4 years, we turned on the juice with no obvious electrical shorts. We did get a train  moving via MTH DCS but, there are track problems that need to be investigated and corrected the next time she returns for another work session that should be next Sunday morning. The track problems may be just from dirty track due to sitting idle for so many years.

Nothing we did was photo-worthy. I will include photos as things progress at a later date.