@E-UNIT-79 posted:That looks like an easy One Mike G.. I see a very slow motor an eccentric crank and a straight piece of wire
Kind of what I am thinking, its just I have to go threw all the motors I have pulled out of old DVD/VCR players and find one I like. I just dont feel up to it right now, maybe something easy like ballasting! LOL
@mike g. posted:Kind of what I am thinking, its just I have to go threw all the motors I have pulled out of old DVD/VCR players and find one I like. I just dont feel up to it right now, maybe something easy like ballasting! LOL
Mike, now you need some airport background noise - engine noise for the take off. Great action!! Great scene!! Way to Go!
Cheers, Dave
@darlander posted:Mike, now you need some airport background noise - engine noise for the take off. Great action!! Great scene!! Way to Go!
Cheers, Dave
Thanks Dave, means a lot coming from you! I don't know about the sound as it gets loud in there with other stuff running!
Thanks Dave and Dan for the track painting tips. I like the ease of spraying the Earth Brown and also the great highlights that Dan's method produces. I can see combining spray painting and then dry brushing the highlights to achieve what I want. You guys are the best.
Earl
Great pics all! Again, I feel unworthy! Work has been slow, cool temperatures in North Texas, leads to leaf patrol and Football on the Patio TV and Beer.... little time for RR work. But this is an update on my mesa. I did make some benches and a picnic table (forgot to snap a pic) but I am pleased with my progress. As you can see, a slight hill, pond and a little stream to a small water fall. (Just hoped I placed it right or it may be on top of a right hand switch!)
Mike, the airplane and helicopter are great!!!
CR Cole, your mesa looks really neat!
Dave, great looking track and ballast!
I did a little work on wiring my turnout controls.
Mike. Wow. You've definitely stepped up the game on airports. Now I have to go back to the drawing board and see if I have enough real-estate to work with. To have an idea about something and then design it and build and apply it on you're layout puts you into the MASTER MODLERS book. Great work Mike. You have definitely stepped up the challenge . Farmerjohn
Yesterday I started wiring switches (only five). Redoing my 5x10 layout to be a 50's type with all postwar trains and accessories. The switches being the exception along with Gargrave tracks because I had a boatload of it off my larger layout I took down.
@Mark Boyce posted:How did you know I worked briefly in two nuclear power stations? Was it the glow emanating from everything I write!
I spent more time in those filthy coal fired stations and high voltage substations. If that wasn't enough from my 40s on, then all that RF from working at the telecom company. Oh, did I mention climbing microwave towers to change light bulbs when in my 20s. I might have gotten in front of a dish or two.
You deffinetly have a glow about you Mark. 😎
It must be your enthusiastic replies and that big smile.
As far as the nuclear power stations work...........i guess it was just the look of that ' power station ' on your layout.
( really can't remember any major blackouts in the areas you worked in )
@farmerjohn posted:Mike. Wow. You've definitely stepped up the game on airports. Now I have to go back to the drawing board and see if I have enough real-estate to work with. To have an idea about something and then design it and build and apply it on you're layout puts you into the MASTER MODLERS book. Great work Mike. You have definitely stepped up the challenge . Farmerjohn
Morning John, Thank you for your kind words, I have no where the skills you have in the model train spectrum. Your layout is one of the most amazing layouts I have seen!
As for me I came late to the train game as I got my first engine 12 years ago when I was 45 and ever since then I have always been tinkering with them. I am force to build most of what I want and sometimes it's a real eye opener of what it takes. I go threw a lot of failures before I get things right. Most of the time I just hope when its done, that it looks ok and works as I hoped. In no way am I am Master Modeler. You might call me a master tinkerer! LOL
Here is the first thing I scratched built just from a photo, and next thing I knew I built one for Cabinet Bob here on the forum and it ended up on the back of a Menards Catalog!
Then I built this for BrianSilverMustang for his layout.
Again thank you very much as it really means alot coming form guys like you that have just AMAZING layouts!
I started by cleaning off the far end of the table again. Then I painted some Lionel signs, added a few figures and benches to the park. I also added Jack the dog and a worker to the MOW building.
@mike g. posted:Morning John, Thank you for your kind words, I have no where the skills you have in the model train spectrum. Your layout is one of the most amazing layouts I have seen!
As for me I came late to the train game as I got my first engine 12 years ago when I was 45 and ever since then I have always been tinkering with them. I am force to build most of what I want and sometimes it's a real eye opener of what it takes. I go threw a lot of failures before I get things right. Most of the time I just hope when its done, that it looks ok and works as I hoped. In no way am I am Master Modeler. You might call me a master tinkerer! LOL
Here is the first thing I scratched built just from a photo, and next thing I knew I built one for Cabinet Bob here on the forum and it ended up on the back of a Menards Catalog!
Then I built this for BrianSilverMustang for his layout.manufacture the unloaders
Again thank you very much as it really means alot coming form guys like you that have just AMAZING layouts!
Mike those are awsome. It would be nice if someone would manufacture the auto unloader.
@Dave Ripp. posted:I started by cleaning off the far end of the table again. Then I painted some Lionel signs, added a few figures and benches to the park. I also added Jack the dog and a worker to the MOW building.
Well Dave , I guess it does look like you'll have enough to do this winter on the layout. 🙄
@Dallas Joseph posted:Well Dave , I guess it does look like you'll have enough to do this winter on the layout. 🙄
It's never ending. Looks like I have a MOW worker with a broken wrist. I'll start with that.
Dave, when I saw that injured worker my first thought was ouch! My second thought was how would I make a cast to re-attach his hand? My final thought was I would remove the case in 3 or 4 months and see if anyone would notice! :-)
It takes me forever to get anything done!
@Dave Ripp. posted:It's never ending. Looks like I have a MOW worker with a broken wrist. I'll start with that.
Any worker's compensation for that ? 🤔
What did I do on my layout today? I started looking at photos of the old layout and continued dreaming of the next one...
Here is a shot of the old layout from years gone by...
@CR Cole posted:Dave, when I saw that injured worker my first thought was ouch! My second thought was how would I make a cast to re-attach his hand? My final thought was I would remove the case in 3 or 4 months and see if anyone would notice! :-)
It takes me forever to get anything done!
I didn't notice untill I looked at the pictue. At least it's still there to fix.
@Dave Ripp. posted:I didn't notice until I looked at the picture. At least it's still there to fix.
It's only a flesh wound!!
I wired a couple of switches, that's all.
Grew a new apple tree for a corner of the pasture.
great scale tree
@fast freight posted:Grew a new apple tree for a corner of the pasture.
What did you use to make this apple tree. ?
Outstanding representation of a real tree and landscape fast freight. I envy your layout skills.
@fast freight posted:Grew a new apple tree for a corner of the pasture.
Awesome scene overall!!! That's what I would like to do, create realistic looking vignettes that just please the eye. Well done!!
George
Morning guys, some really nice work here!
@Dave Ripp., Your scenery looks Outstanding! You could always just remove the hand and put a hook there! LOL I guess I am lucky that my work bench is right outside the door to the train room, the bad part is I have to walk from the house in the rain and snow to get there! As for the Auto unloader I can check my supplies and if you want I could probably build you one, Just let me know.
@fast freight, Wonderful looking apple tree, Really brings the scene to a level of realism! I bet the horses cant wait for the apples to fall!
Well guys I didn't do anything yesterday and may not get out there today, but when I do my plan is to finish ballasting the lower level thanks to Dave Ripp and the extra ballast he had!
I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains! I am going to go play in the rain cleaning gutters and sweeping the chimney ! Lucky me! LOL
Ordered some resistors, LED's, and a nice assortment of mini-connectors for my BEEP upgrade project. Nothing photo-worthy to show.
Oh- and had a new roof installed on the house. What a mess, sure glad I didn't have to clean it up.
Nice work on the apple tree @fast freight. I bet that's one happy horse.
Bob
@Dallas Joseph posted:What did you use to make this apple tree. ?
Outstanding representation of a real tree and landscape fast freight. I envy your layout skills.
Dallas
Apple tree was made from some roots I cut off stumps someone had dumped in a vacant lot. The wind and rain had washed the roots clean.
I glued a few roots together and added some select pieces of super trees in a hanging down position. I spray painted the super trees a dark grey to match the trunk then spray glued and sprinkled on leaf material.
The apples are red sewing pins. They are a little to large but look ok.
Dan
Thank you so much for your service.
Started prep work for the area I cleaned yesterday. It's back to being a mess but will get better in a few days.
@RSJB18 posted:Ordered some resistors, LED's, and a nice assortment of mini-connectors for my BEEP upgrade project. Nothing photo-worthy to show.
Oh- and had a new roof installed on the house. What a mess, sure glad I didn't have to clean it up.
Nice work on the apple tree @fast freight. I bet that's one happy horse.
Bob
Boy Bob, this house stuff is really distracting. We had to have the roof done a while back ,....you are right, what a mess . We had some good guys do it but 43 squares was interesting.
Just had to have our drip joint in the sewer pipe dug up and after 90 feet of of trying to get grass to grow by watering after the dry September.....well .....super distracting situation from the trains.😬
Have a dual engine shed coming that I have a lot of work I want to do on it ......and whenever I get the LEDs and resistors in the mail I'll have to convert the lighting for a ps2 switcher.
Yup, no photos here yet either. 😖
.
@Dave Ripp. posted:Started prep work for the area I cleaned yesterday. It's back to being a mess but will get better in a few days.
LOL Don't worry Dave! It doesn't take long and it happens to us all!
@Pingman posted:What vendor(s) did you use?
I'm in the market for some and the choices seem endless.
the choices are endless Carl. I usually go to that auction site to find what I need. If I can get free shipping too then it's a bonus.
Bob
@Dallas Joseph posted:Boy Bob, this house stuff is really distracting. We had to have the roof done a while back ,....you are right, what a mess . We had some good guys do it but 43 squares was interesting.
Just had to have our drip joint in the sewer pipe dug up and after 90 feet of of trying to get grass to grow by watering after the dry September.....well .....super distracting situation from the trains.😬
Have a dual engine shed coming that I have a lot of work I want to do on it ......and whenever I get the LEDs and resistors in the mail I'll have to convert the lighting for a ps2 switcher.
Yup, no photos here yet either. 😖
.
Mine was 60 square.
@RSJB18 posted:the choices are endless Carl. I usually go to that auction site to find what I need. If I can get free shipping too then it's a bonus.
Bob
Mine was 60 square.
Did you do metal ?
I have several cars disassembled and waiting decals which are in shipment from K4. Some cars are in final color and others still in primer. Completed the pulpwood load for the gondola. I now have another eight cars ready to reassign to the DM&IR.
One great addition to the train room is now resting in a convenient location on one of the lower layout shelfs. It is now fully functional and ready to produce a glass of wine for adult visitors. Don’t get too excited and before you plan a trip to Minnesota for a glass of wine, I need to disclose that we purchased this about 10 years ago and just today opened and attached the 3 liter bag of red wine to the spigot. The first glass had a few things floating around the bottom of my glass, but I am sure that after several glasses, it will begin to taste better!
Life continues to get better!
Cheers, Dave
@darlander posted:I have several cars disassembled and waiting decals which are in shipment from K4. Some cars are in final color and others still in primer. Completed the pulpwood load for the gondola. I now have another eight cars ready to reassign to the DM&IR.
One great addition to the train room is now resting in a convenient location on one of the lower layout shelfs. It is now fully functional and ready to produce a glass of wine for adult visitors. Don’t get too excited and before you plan a trip to Minnesota for a glass of wine, I need to disclose that we purchased this about 10 years ago and just today opened and attached the 3 liter bag of red wine to the spigot. The first glass had a few things floating around the bottom of my glass, but I am sure that after several glasses, it will begin to taste better!
Life continues to get better!
Cheers, Dave
Not fair DAVE......I have to go upstairs for my Manischewitz.
Why was this type of bottom train display shelf not included in any of the modelers layout manuals ? 😁😉
@Dallas Joseph posted:Did you do metal ?
No, 30 year GAF Architectural shingles.
@darlander, Dave that sure is a lot of cars your redoing. They are looking good though, I think your pulpwood car turned out looking great! I don't drink wine, but do have to say that looks very cool! I just have a small fridge just outside the train room to keep the silver bullets cold! LOL
I have a question for you, do you weight your tank cars and if so how do you do it? I have a fair amount of tank cars that are really light and I think they would track better with a little more weight.
@mike g. posted:@darlander, Dave that sure is a lot of cars your redoing. They are looking good though, I think your pulpwood car turned out looking great! I don't drink wine, but do have to say that looks very cool! I just have a small fridge just outside the train room to keep the silver bullets cold! LOL
I have a question for you, do you weight your tank cars and if so how do you do it? I have a fair amount of tank cars that are really light and I think they would track better with a little more weight.
What brand are your tank cars Mike ? 🤔
I have MTH Premier and Railking tank cars and the fastest way I can add weight.......... without taking the cars apart ..............is by opening THE HATCH ON TOP and using large round steel or lead weights .
I'll hold the tank on one end up at an angle and drizzle GooGlue or your favorite sticky stuff so that it goes to one end. Then it is dropping HALF of the desired weights in and leaving the tank on end. With the glue I have, I can generally work on something else and go back to turn the tank in the opposite direction in about an hour to make sure the weights stay in place.
@mike g. posted:@darlander, Dave that sure is a lot of cars your redoing. They are looking good though, I think your pulpwood car turned out looking great! I don't drink wine, but do have to say that looks very cool! I just have a small fridge just outside the train room to keep the silver bullets cold! LOL
I have a question for you, do you weight your tank cars and if so how do you do it? I have a fair amount of tank cars that are really light and I think they would track better with a little more weight.
Mike- I just bought some wheel weights from Harbor Freight. Worked like a charm on a light box car that kept derailing. They have an adhesive backing. Just peel and stick.
Tank cars may be a bit of a challenge unless you can pop the tank body open.
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:Mike- I just bought some wheel weights from Harbor Freight. Worked like a charm on a light box car that kept derailing. They have an adhesive backing. Just peel and stick.
Tank cars may be a bit of a challenge unless you can pop the tank body open.
Bob
Bob, I have the same thing and yes they work well on box cars and gondolas, just not sure for tank cars. I tried to find a place to put them but never found a place where they could be hid or looked good.
@Dallas Joseph posted:What brand are your tank cars Mike ? 🤔
I have MTH Premier and Railking tank cars and the fastest way I can add weight.......... without taking the cars apart ..............is by opening THE HATCH ON TOP and using large round steel or lead weights .
I'll hold the tank on one end up at an angle and drizzle GooGlue or your favorite sticky stuff so that it goes to one end. Then it is dropping HALF of the desired weights in and leaving the tank on end. With the glue I have, I can generally work on something else and go back to turn the tank in the opposite direction in about an hour to make sure the weights stay in place.
My Tank cars are from Menards I really like them and they roll ok, just thought if I added weight they would do better!
@mike g. posted:I have a question for you, do you weight your tank cars and if so how do you do it? I have a fair amount of tank cars that are really light and I think they would track better with a little more weight.
The three tank cars I have are K-Line cars with metal frames and trucks. They have good heft and track just fine. They originally were banks with a coin slot. One end is free to open so it would be easy to add weight if needed. The top hatch on the dome also opens and I assume many tank cars may have that feature. If that is the case with yours, you could pour in some sand to increase the weight of the car. If not, drill a 1/4 inch hole in the belly and add sand to increase the heft. Plug the hole with 1/4" dowel.
Cheers, Dave
@darlander posted:The three tank cars I have are K-Line cars with metal frames and trucks. They have good heft and track just fine. They originally were banks with a coin slot. One end is free to open so it would be easy to add weight if needed. The top hatch on the dome also opens and I assume many tank cars may have that feature. If that is the case with yours, you could pour in some sand to increase the weight of the car. If not, drill a 1/4 inch hole in the belly and add sand to increase the heft. Plug the hole with 1/4" dowel.
Cheers, Dave
Thanks Dave, I will have to check. When I got them I just added them to the train, but remember they were light and wobble going down the track.
A little plaster, a little paint. Now I have to wait for everything to dry. It's the hurry up and wait game.
Dave Ripp, you are right, it looks just as messy as before!! 
Well, you have to make a mess to accomplish almost anything!
I received my terminal blocks yesterday, but didn't have time to work on the layout last evening.
@Dave Ripp. posted:A little plaster, a little paint. Now I have to wait for everything to dry. It's the hurry up and wait game.
Dave, looks just fine to me, work in progress! I have no more room to put stuff on my layout while working on it, so I bring in a 6' Lifetime folding table to work on. Question: in one of your posts you showed some road guard rails, what brand and where did you find them? Your layout is looking good as usual.
@WesternPacific2217 posted:Dave, looks just fine to me, work in progress! I have no more room to put stuff on my layout while working on it, so I bring in a 6' Lifetime folding table to work on. Question: in one of your posts you showed some road guard rails, what brand and where did you find them? Your layout is looking good as usual.
Thank you. They are Gilberts from an old slot car set. I got lucky and found 44 for around $28.00. They are about 9 inches long and easy to install. I've also used Tyco & Aurora guard rails which require a little work on the base.
Dave, the plaster and paint look great! I see you also moved the mess over a little!
Started painting the mesa. I took it from this angle for Dave. Last weekend my Assembly/Feed table was totally clear as I needed my table saw for a non-train related project. (I know, those suck). It is not the HDQ of scenery fabrication for my layout. I know I will need all this stuff so why put it away? Also, notice that I am down at the end working today. On Monday I was in the middle. The mess and clutter is part of the fun!
I converted my small inner loop from the DC power pack it came with to AC power, had some issues with the CCA wire I purchased by mistake (Help with Wiring Issue, is CCA wire the issue? | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogaugerr.com)).
Then I wired up the accessories on the new expansion my sons and I are adding, still have to add in a few LEDs in some of the buildings. We are trying to build a small race track, not to scale, so my next project is to try to build some small stands for it since I couldn't find any to buy. I also mounted a background behind the layout on the wall. I still how to install the woodland scenics fence I purchased, just have it placed on the layout around the airport for now.
A little more work on the new area. I have some Elfin Model back ground buildings tat will cover most of the sidewalks.
@Dave Ripp. posted:Thank you. They are Gilberts from an old slot car set. I got lucky and found 44 for around $28.00. They are about 9 inches long and easy to install. I've also used Tyco & Aurora guard rails which require a little work on the base.
Thx Dave, the search is on!
I had a Lionel ZW operating the Lionel (lower level) and American Flyer (upper level) in "The Alcove".
I replaced it with American Flyer 17B and Lionel LW transformers.
Why? No reason really, except that I felt that American Flyer should be powered by American Flyer (and the 17B looks cool!) and my simple Lionel layout as a youngin' was powered by a Lionel LW.
Mike, I built it. Plans on Kreg Tools Let's Build Something site. It's on wheels and has lots of storage as well. One of the best things I have every built, very versatile
@Lionelski posted:I had a Lionel ZW operating the Lionel (lower level) and American Flyer (upper level) in "The Alcove".
I replaced it with American Flyer 17B and Lionel LW transformers.
Why? No reason really, except that I felt that American Flyer should be powered by American Flyer (and the 17B looks cool!) and my simple Lionel layout as a youngin' was powered by a Lionel LW.
I always liked the looks of both those tranformers I wish I had kept mine.
I still have my LW, original that my dad bought in the 50s. The wire is still supple. Nothing touched on it. Works perfectly.
@third rail posted:Continuing on with the lake remodel, I used a technique to make waves by laying down 3 layers of toilet paper and diluted white glue. Made up a mixture of 50/50-60/40 Elmer's glue and water, then painted the surface and layered the toilet paper lasagna style. While everything was still wet, I teased the paper into waves with a paint brush. As the paper soaks up the glue the embossing disappears. The main thing is to work extra at the edges of the paper to make sure that they disappear. After a few days drying, I then painted the surface with a brown latex flat paint, blending in some flat black to mimic deeper water. I found a Corgi Models yellow submarine, removed the bottom and cut and trimmed it for placement.
Next week when all is dry, I will use gloss water based finish to bring out the wet look.
I finally completed the lake feature on the Chicagoland lionel railroad club's layout. Painted the surface brown and black, then I highlighted the waves with white and silver acrylics. Finally everything got 3 coats of high gloss water based poly to bring out the wet look.
I added a fishing boat along with the yellow submarine. Both had to have their bottoms cut off to make them waterline models. Hope you like them.
@third rail posted:I finally completed the lake feature on the Chicagoland lionel railroad club's layout. Painted the surface brown and black, then I highlighted the waves with white and silver acrylics. Finally everything got 3 coats of high gloss water based poly to bring out the wet look.
I added a fishing boat along with the yellow submarine. Both had to have their bottoms cut off to make them waterline models. Hope you like them.
The water color came out great, it looks just like the Fox River near me. The ripples around the sub are great to.
We all live
On a yellow submarine,
A rotten tangerine,
A can of gasoline!
Ah, schoolyard songs...
Mitch
Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow
I always wanted a snowmobile for the layout but there are not very many choices for O scale so......
I broke out the tools and built one. When I was a kid the neighbors got a brand new Polaris and I thought it was the coolest thing, next to a train set of course.
A little modeling clay, brass wire, brass sheet and some paint. I model in the summer though so this will have to go in a garage for awhile.
Bill, the water looks fantastic!
Jetsafl, the terminal blocks make for a nice neat and solid connection.
Dave, the street looks good..
I am still wiring DZ1000s to pushbuttons and AIUs. Might as well allow for both ways to control.
@fast freight posted:Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow
I always wanted a snowmobile for the layout but there are not very many choices for O scale so......
I broke out the tools and built one. When I was a kid the neighbors got a brand new Polaris and I thought it was the coolest thing, next to a train set of course.
A little modeling clay, brass wire, brass sheet and some paint. I model in the summer though so this will have to go in a garage for awhile.
I have a cousin who restores and collects vintage snowmobiles. I'd say you were successful.
@fast freight posted:Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow
I always wanted a snowmobile for the layout but there are not very many choices for O scale so......
I broke out the tools and built one. When I was a kid the neighbors got a brand new Polaris and I thought it was the coolest thing, next to a train set of course.
A little modeling clay, brass wire, brass sheet and some paint. I model in the summer though so this will have to go in a garage for awhile.
Great looking snowmobile! I never had one but in winter you see guys racing them up and down the bike trails here.
Could you put one at the bottom of a lake along with an ice fishing hut?
@third rail posted:Great looking snowmobile! I never had one but in winter you see guys racing them up and down the bike trails here.
Could you put one at the bottom of a lake along with an ice fishing hut?
With a skeleton rider for that extra macabre touch?
Mitch
I see you had mentioned about a DC transformer in prior post. Are these available for purchase now?
I have an Amish family with 4 young boys that I am setting up a Lionel freight set as a Christmas gift.
My plan is to use a 12 volt car battery as power source, an inverter, and AC transformer all connected to fast track loop.
May I hear brief discussion about this plan please. Any thoughts as to my theory since the family’s house has no power source. They live 3 hours away so I need to get this correct!
Thanks guys😄
I didn't like my idea of running the blacktop up to the rails so I removed it today. Once it dries I'll clean up the excess grass.
@Seth Thomas posted:I see you had mentioned about a DC transformer in prior post. Are these available for purchase now?
I have an Amish family with 4 young boys that I am setting up a Lionel freight set as a Christmas gift.My plan is to use a 12 volt car battery as power source, an inverter, and AC transformer all connected to fast track loop.
May I hear brief discussion about this plan please. Any thoughts as to my theory since the family’s house has no power source. They live 3 hours away so I need to get this correct!
Thanks guys😄
Hi Seth,
You might want to check out BENZ TRAINZ on YouTube. He has done this conversion using a 12 volt car battery.
Good luck,
Jeff
@Dave Ripp. Thanks Dave that might be the model.
@third rail Bottom of the lake made me think of the time, late 60's when the older neighbor kid took me for a ride on the sled and we went to the lake. I remember him wondering if the ice was thick enough.
Well we gave it a shot and nope! Ice started cracking all around. A quick 180 and we got off of there. I haven't thought of that in a long time. I was probably 5 years old.
I think I'll just keep it in the garage for now.
@M. Mitchell Marmel Great idea, kinda gallows humor.
@Seth Thomas posted:I see you had mentioned about a DC transformer in prior post. Are these available for purchase now?
I have an Amish family with 4 young boys that I am setting up a Lionel freight set as a Christmas gift.My plan is to use a 12 volt car battery as power source, an inverter, and AC transformer all connected to fast track loop.
May I hear brief discussion about this plan please. Any thoughts as to my theory since the family’s house has no power source. They live 3 hours away so I need to get this correct!
Thanks guys😄
Sorry, I'm not going to sell the DC power brick since I use it for my set under the tree.
I did a quick search online and saw a few sites had them for sale around $25-$30. That setup you mentioned sounds to me like it would work or you could look at a Lionel ready to play battery operated set.
@Dave Ripp. posted:I didn't like my idea of running the blacktop up to the rails so I removed it today. Once it dries I'll clean up the excess grass.
The grass up to the rails looks way better Dave.👍
How are you going to do the blacktop in the middle of the tracks ? 🤔
Seth, Nice thing you are doing.
MTH PS-3 can run on DC
You know guys, I hate it when I am gone for a couple days cause I have to go back a page to get up to speed!
CR, thanks for the information on the bench!
Fast Freight, great job on the snowmobile I remember riding something like that when I was a kid, not to many around my house!
Thridrail, Great job on the water area, everyone needs a yellow sub somewhere!
Dave Ripp, I see you cleaned up your mess, l like the idea of the grass along the track, nice call! Hey that one siding you have there with the bumper on the end, I have an idea what could go there if that is all going to be industrial area.
Sorry guys nothing new from me, I have been working on a special project for a friend. One day I do have to get out and finish ballasting the lower level, but I am in no hurry! LOL
I hope you all have a great week and find time to have fun with your layout and trains!
I weathered this caboose over the weekend. Before weathering it looked like a toy to me ... very much a toy train caboose.... not at all close to scale. I wondered if I should weather the darn thing at all. So, I set it at the end of one of my freight trains and ran it on the layout for a bit. Then I sat the car on various sidings on my layout, all the while trying to get a sense of how this " toy " could play into a layout which models realistic scenes, scale locomotive, and scale rolling stock. Doing these things allowed me to cultivate a mental picture as to what might be possible. Plus, I really needed to create a story in my mind to give me a backstory for how this " toy " looking car came to be on a realistic model railroad. After a while, the story came to me: This used to be a bobber caboose serving an old but almost forgotten branch line of the Pennsy. The cranky old conductor " Squeaky Wheeler" was tired of the rough ride of the bobber. Ol Squeaky badgered the car shop foreman for years to give him 4 axles to ride on. So when finally the shop foreman lost a game of poker to Squeaky and thus as the winner, Squeaky got his wish . The car shop foreman converted the two axle boober to a 4 axle caboose.
Once I had a story. I could allow myself to go ahead and weather this " toy." I used several coates of Dullcote, pastels, and flat grime spray paint for the wheels. Here is one side. Once I finished weathering all sides, ends, and roof I sealed it with two coates of Clearcote. 
The opposite side using a quick squirt of flat grime on the side, then smeared with a paper towel. I used some pastel grey and rust on this side too; being careful to smear it around with my fingers. Using the pastels helps dull the sheen. Even after two coats of Dullcote the cars had a tiny bit of sheen when under the lights of my train room. 
Roof. 
End
Opposite end.
In natural habitat ( urban ) 
In natural habitat. ( rural ) 
I forgot to get a full size "before" photo. This is the best I have. 
I put grass between the tracks in part of the yard. I glued building pictures to the backs and sides of my Elfin Model box fronts so when the table is against the mirrors it looks like more buildings. I also added a water tower and a 3 story appartment building.
@trumptrain, Patrick, OUTSTANDING job on the weathering of the Caboose! I love the story on how it came to be!
@Dave Ripp., The grass looks great and what a wonderful idea of putting prints on the back side to build your city! Way to think out of the box!
Well I did get some time out in the train room today and worked on the runoff area at the end of my airfield. I put in a small hill, planted some grass. When the glue dries I will collect the loose grass as Dave Ripp does! I also painted some trees and will plant them tomorrow!
Here are a couple photos!
@mike g. posted:@trumptrain, Patrick, OUTSTANDING job on the weathering of the Caboose! I love the story on how it came to be!
@Dave Ripp., The grass looks great and what a wonderful idea of putting prints on the back side to build your city! Way to think out of the box!
Well I did get some time out in the train room today and worked on the runoff area at the end of my airfield. I put in a small hill, planted some grass. When the glue dries I will collect the loose grass as Dave Ripp does! I also painted some trees and will plant them tomorrow!
Here are a couple photos!
Looks great Mike, I finally started sweeping up my excess with a 3 inch paint brush before I vacume. Saves a little for other areas.
@Dave Ripp. posted:Looks great Mike, I finally started sweeping up my excess with a 3 inch paint brush before I vacume. Saves a little for other areas.
That's my plan, how long do you let it dry?
@mike g. posted:That's my plan, how long do you let it dry?
I get impatiant, it used to be overnight now 2 or 3 hours. I did switch from white glue to Titebond as it was a good price at Menards. It's easier to work with.
@Dave Ripp. posted:I get impatiant, it used to be overnight now 2 or 3 hours. I did switch from white glue to Titebond as it was a good price at Menards. It's easier to work with.
Lol, I will wait till morning to remover the loose grass!
Morning guys, well I went out this morning and mowed the lawn at the end of the runway to pick up all the loose grass, then I figured while I was out there I would get the airport crew to plant some trees! Here are a couple photos for your enjoyment!
I know its close, but a good pilot will have no problems clearing the trees. Plus I need something to stop the plane if it doesn't clear the runway!
I hope you all have a great Tuesday and find time for your layout and trains!
@mike g. posted:Morning guys, well I went out this morning and mowed the lawn at the end of the runway to pick up all the loose grass, then I figured while I was out there I would get the airport crew to plant some trees! Here are a couple photos for your enjoyment!
I know its close, but a good pilot will have no problems clearing the trees. Plus I need something to stop the plane if it doesn't clear the runway!
I hope you all have a great Tuesday and find time for your layout and trains!
Mike g. This runway looks fantastic!!! I love the look of the plane taking off!!
Nice job on the end of the runway, Mike. In that one shot over the trees, the Piper looks great taking off.
@mike g. posted:Morning guys, well I went out this morning and mowed the lawn at the end of the runway to pick up all the loose grass, then I figured while I was out there I would get the airport crew to plant some trees! Here are a couple photos for your enjoyment!
I know its close, but a good pilot will have no problems clearing the trees. Plus I need something to stop the plane if it doesn't clear the runway!
I hope you all have a great Tuesday and find time for your layout and trains!
That's called the pucker factor.......
Nice work Mike.
Excellent job on the airstrip, Mike! The scenic section with the grass and trees is a nice addition. It reminds me of our daughters' grade school and township fire department located right at the end of the Butler Airport runway. Actually, the buildings were at the end of the air strip where they usually come in for a landing. Both the school and the airfield have been there since the early days of flight, but in the '90s some parents started to complain. I know the school had SCHOOL written on the roof.
I am still slowly wiring my 12 DZ1000 switch machines for both local pushbutton control and DCS remote control through the AIUs. It is going slowly. And yes, I have had to take more than one circuit apart because I connected wires to the wrong place. Reminds me of some comments Bob and I had on the Retiring topic.
Thanks for the kind words guys! It really means a lot to me!
Mark, don't worry it will all come together!
@trumptrain,Patrick just in case you missed it, the first flight! LOL
I had to remove my layout for some work in the garage. I’m rebuilding it now. Here’s where I am at this point. Any suggestions are welcomed.
@mike g. posted:Thanks for the kind words guys! It really means a lot to me!
Mark, don't worry it will all come together!
@trumptrain,Patrick just in case you missed it, the first flight! LOL
Mike- A small MP-3 player with a recording of a Piper take off would be a nice addition to your airfield.
Bob
@Vinny26 posted:I had to remove my layout for some work in the garage. I’m rebuilding it now. Here’s where I am at this point. Any suggestions are welcomed.
If you don't all ready have wheels on it it would be a good chance to do it. My layout is roughly 6 x 20 and I can move it easily.
I have a early season head cold so I didn't feel like doing any real work. I placed a couple of buildings, A grain building, a train orders platform by the yard tower and a produce stand. The produce stand is a plasticville that I built 20+ years ago. It's been on several layouts and I thought there was no place for it till today. I need to build the landscape up around it and I think it's got a new home.
First rule of flying - landings must equal take-offs.
Nice job, Mike - that pilot will be pulling hard on the stick !
Dave, looks great!
Richie, if he can't get over the trees, I guess I will be building a crash scene! LOL
Wow. Mike you've taken model railroading to a new level with you're airplane taking off. You're the MAN. To make it where it drops for more room is what I really like. That takes a lot of thought and work. I have done that to all my rivers. Made them drop down for access to my layout. May I ask what kind or motor did you use for the prop in the airplane. Thanks Farmerjohn
Mike G. Fantastic job on the runway. I love how you got to airplane to take off!
Trumptrain, I like the weathering job on the crummy. It's always a pleasure seeing your posts.
Mark, good luck with the wiring job. I hope all the turnouts are easily accessible.
As for me,back to my own layout, I am in the final stages of the next steel mill building. Got the superstructure done and spent the better portion of an afternoon fitting it to its spot in front of the present mill. Lot of cutting of the roofing to fit along a right angle backdrop board.
The second half of the backdrop has yet to be cut and attached. It will hide the sump pump pipe. I now need to attach the E flute corrugated cardboard to the framework for the iron sheathing add clear styrene to the windows, and then weather it.
Hope you all like it.
Very nice buildings, Dave and Bill.
Bill, for the most part the turnouts are pretty accessible. I can work on the ones on the upper level standing up. The ones where I have to get underneath aren't bad once I remove some items stored underneath. The trouble is, the stored things go into the operating area so I am still always moving stuff around.
Finally able to continue on my BEEP upgrade. I got the LED's and resistors so I can get started on the lighting. First I had to solve a power problem. The rollers on these engines are full width, not tapered to the ends. They were shorting out on my 027 switches. I took the grinder to them and tapered the edges down. The engine runs much better now except for over one switch which I will need to investigate further.
Forgot a before pic but this was after the first pass.
Further testing and grinding arrived at this.
Mock up for headlights and number boards. All are WW LED's. The number board led's are less bright that the ones for the headlamps. Should look good. I cut out the original headlight lenses and the led's fit perfectly in the holes (they are 3mm). I don't think I will go as far as GRJ did and add marker lights but maybe a phase II project.
To be continued.
Bob
@Mark Boyce posted:Very nice buildings, Dave and Bill.
Bill, for the most part the turnouts are pretty accessible. I can work on the ones on the upper level standing up. The ones where I have to get underneath aren't bad once I remove some items stored underneath. The trouble is, the stored things go into the operating area so I am still always moving stuff around.
Mark,
On my layout I elected to have most of the turnouts manually operated hence it's designed for operations. I have only about 6-7 that are in remote areas. Still have to wire them all up and am dreading it. One is next to a scratch built wooden fence that I need to cut into the scenery to place the machine. My layout is an around the wall shelf that's 3-4 feet wide. I kept most of the turnouts are within arms reach.
@RSJB18 posted:Finally able to continue on my BEEP upgrade. I got the LED's and resistors so I can get started on the lighting. First I had to solve a power problem. The rollers on these engines are full width, not tapered to the ends. They were shorting out on my 027 switches. I took the grinder to them and tapered the edges down. The engine runs much better now except for over one switch which I will need to investigate further.
Forgot a before pic but this was after the first pass.
Further testing and grinding arrived at this.
Mock up for headlights and number boards. All are WW LED's. The number board led's are less bright that the ones for the headlamps. Should look good. I cut out the original headlight lenses and the led's fit perfectly in the holes (they are 3mm). I don't think I will go as far as GRJ did and add marker lights but maybe a phase II project.
To be continued.
Bob
Bob, I've got a good # of Beeps and like what your doing. Great ideas for the future.
That’s an impressive undertaking Bob. That had to be difficult making the adjustments to the shoes.
@third rail posted:Mike G. Fantastic job on the runway. I love how you got to airplane to take off!
Trumptrain, I like the weathering job on the crummy. It's always a pleasure seeing your posts.
Mark, good luck with the wiring job. I hope all the turnouts are easily accessible.
As for me,back to my own layout, I am in the final stages of the next steel mill building. Got the superstructure done and spent the better portion of an afternoon fitting it to its spot in front of the present mill. Lot of cutting of the roofing to fit along a right angle backdrop board.
The second half of the backdrop has yet to be cut and attached. It will hide the sump pump pipe. I now need to attach the E flute corrugated cardboard to the framework for the iron sheathing add clear styrene to the windows, and then weather it.
Hope you all like it.
I love the utility poles. Did you string them yourself? I have dozens in various sizes and manufactureres for future detail work. It's nice to see how they could look you've done a great job.
@third rail posted:Mark,
On my layout I elected to have most of the turnouts manually operated hence it's designed for operations. I have only about 6-7 that are in remote areas. Still have to wire them all up and am dreading it. One is next to a scratch built wooden fence that I need to cut into the scenery to place the machine. My layout is an around the wall shelf that's 3-4 feet wide. I kept most of the turnouts are within arms reach.
Thanks Mark, I also elected for manual switch operation. I hooked up the wires to the switches and dropped them through the table in case I change my mind.
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