Looks great Jetsafl!
A bit more insight into the dread "torque steer"...
Morning guys, sure is some nice work being done!
@Dave Ripp. Wonderful job on the truck! Plus you cant beet the price!
@Snkbittin, Nice! It's a major plus that your wife loves the layout! Mine like my layout but hates the money I spend on it! LOL
@Dallas Joseph, Thank you Sir, We got tons of rain and wind up here in Washington State! As for the feet of track I would have to guess somewhere around 175', my room is 12 X 24 with 2 full loops 2 reversing loops, and a small yard.
@ArtsModelTrains, things are looking good on your layout! Nice work on the bleachers, fence and lighting in the post office! It's little stuff the really bring a layout to life!
@RSJB18, Sorry to here your problems with your BEEP board. I sure hope you get the lighting and sound figured out!
Well nothing from me sofar, but I hope you all have a great day with your layouts and find time to have a little fun with your trains!
Today I tore up a little section of track and glued in a patch. Once that dries I can skim coat with plaster and paint.
Also added a switch stand lantern purely for cosmetic reasons.
Also added some fallen leaves under a couple of trees.
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@jetsafl - I really like the use of the yard light at the race track. Very innovative as well as functional.
@Dave Ripp. posted:Today I tore up a little section of track and glued in a patch. Once that dries I can skim coat with plaster and paint.
Also added a switch stand lantern purely for cosmetic reasons.
Also added some fallen leaves under a couple of trees.
Dave, I love the fall colors on your layout!!! Looking good!
Been having a ballast on the layout this week thanks to Brennan’s Best Ballast.
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Just doing more track wiring, soldering jumper wires to every piece of track and feeder wires every 6 pieces of Fastrack with a TVS across the hot and common under the track at the feeder connections. Will be doing this for while!
Gary, yes I’m close to finishing wiring, and just like you it has gone on for a while. Your diligence will pay off.
John, your ballast looks great!
Dave, fallen leaves are something I rarely see on a layout. Excellent addition.
I did not do anything on my layout yesterday, but did work on another layout. I have joined up with a few modelers in nearby Zelienople, Pennsylvania to build a Christmas layout for Zelie’s Christmas event. Yesterday two other retired guys and myself removed old modeling from three donated tables and painted the tops white, for white batting to be added. We will be getting everyone together Monday evening to work on track, etc. After the new year we will meet to see what may be in the future. I’ll get some photographs on here soon.
John EK. There’s something about tubular track with extra ties and ballast. It looks great. Sure brings back old memories for me.
@John E K posted:Been having a ballast on the layout this week thanks to Brennan’s Best Ballast.
Ballast looks great. I love the cliff hill along the tracks. When ever we go on road trips it's my fovorite thing to look at as we drive south.
I was luckey enough to have Mike G build me an auto unloader. I'm working on a small area for it. Patched,painted, sanded, repatched,painted. Thanks Mike!!!
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@Mark Boyce posted:Gary, yes I’m close to finishing wiring, and just like you it has gone on for a while. Your diligence will pay off.
John, your ballast looks great!
Dave, fallen leaves are something I rarely see on a layout. Excellent addition.
I did not do anything on my layout yesterday, but did work on another layout. I have joined up with a few modelers in nearby Zelienople, Pennsylvania to build a Christmas layout for Zelie’s Christmas event. Yesterday two other retired guys and myself removed old modeling from three donated tables and painted the tops white, for white batting to be added. We will be getting everyone together Monday evening to work on track, etc. After the new year we will meet to see what may be in the future. I’ll get some photographs on here soon.
Now this Christmas event ( is this on " 34th Street " near Zellienople ) sounds like a really great fun get together Mark. Boy , Christmas time is really something for those ' young at heart '
Morning guys Nice work!
@John E K, great job on the ballast! I hope you had more fun then I did ballasting! LOL
@Dave Ripp., Love the fall scene! I sure am happy I dont have to rake all those levees! LOL The Auto Loader look good but you painted it Yellow! I could have done that for you as I have tons of yellow paint!
I hope you all have a great weekend and fun times with your layouts and trains!
Okay, I should have known better when I installed the expansions to my layout that installing Lionel Fastrack directly on plywood was going to be noisy, and it was annoyingly so! So I removed the expansions and installed Sound Board made by BP (Building Products of Canada). Home Depot, Lowes, and some other lumber and hardware stores do not carry Homasote in California (or at least the Bay Area), but the 4x8 sound panel by BP is the next best thing. And I could only find that at one Home Depot 25 a minute drive from my home! The things we'll do for our model train layouts. LoL Of course I had to remount the extensions a half inch lower. Wow, nice and quiet, at least as quiet as Fastrack can be!
With the Holidays approaching quickly I've started to get out the Xmas stuff, specifically PE. While I had the layout pulled out of the bay window to give access to my window cleaner and me, I installed the PE train stop with Santa and friends next to the Ferris Wheel. The lights that came with the PE train stop were kind of pathetic, so I installed two Woodland Scenics Just Plug LED's. Now you can actually see the characters waiting for the PE. It is easily viewed from outside the bay window.
While I had the layout table pulled out, I took a rarely seen backside angle photo of the whole layout. It's not big, but I am limited in space in the living room.
Happy modeling,
Scott
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Scott great choice to change the plywood out! Your little layout looks outstanding and I bet it even looks great from outside! I think that is really cool the the neighborhood kids will be able to see it!
Scott, I'm sure you will constantly say it was worth the trip to HD for the Sound Board and the retrofit! The layout looks great!!
Scott, go to their website and put in your zip code and that will let you know who in your area carries it.
Thanks Mark, Mike, for the kudo's on the layout. Thanks to Tom and Jay with info on Homasote.
Tom and Jay, I did look up retailers on the Homasote website, and unfortunately the closest non big box Lumber Yard with inventory is 35 miles from my home in some of the worst Bay Area traffic (Argh)! That's okay, the BP product is very much just like Homasote and I'm fine buying Canadian products. So if you can't find Homasote, try the BP sound board product. Just another option.
Note: Both Homasote and BP Sound Board are soft enough to cut with a sturdy metal box cutter, not the cheap little plastic ones. I just use a steal straight edge and the box cutter to score it, and then the next cut will follow the score line and cut all the way through. This way you avoid all the nasty light weight dust that goes everywhere if you use a saw, power or otherwise.
Thanks again,
Scott
I forgot to post his in this thread last week, I updated my semi scale PE Disappearing Hobo car fire.
What it was: I drilled out the silly little plastic fire and installed a steady on LED. It was okay, but I wanted more!
Here's current. I built my own fire with flicker and a still photo won't do it justice, so here's a video:
And I can still flip the hobo and make him disappear. I'm making the cooking stakes too, to hang the coffee pot from.
Scott
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Took another stab at the lights on my BEEP last night. A swing and a miss. 
To be continued.....
@WesternPacific2217 posted:I forgot to post his in this thread last week, I updated my semi scale PE Disappearing Hobo car fire.
What it was: I drilled out the silly little plastic fire and installed a steady on LED. It was okay, but I wanted more!
Here's current. I built my own fire with flicker and a still photo won't do it justice, so here's a video:
And I can still flip the hobo and make him disappear. I'm making the cooking stakes too, to hang the coffee pot from.
Scott
Very nice Scott, Lionel really cheaped out. Yours looks great.
@RSJB18 posted:Took another stab at the lights on my BEEP last night. A swing and a miss.
To be continued.....
OK Bob, what's going on here with the BEEP lighting? What was the " miss ".
I must have missed some of the story.
@Dallas Joseph posted:OK Bob, what's going on here with the BEEP lighting? What was the " miss ".
I must have missed some of the story.
Still can't get the marker lights to work. I consulted with GunRunner but still no luck. I will keep digging.
Thanks
@RSJB18 posted:Still can't get the marker lights to work. I consulted with GunRunner but still no luck. I will keep digging.
Thanks
Wow.......😨
Not on my layout but in my house, I got the tree set up and got Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas set up. I put up the tree early just as an excuse to get the train set up early. This year I'll try running my Polar Express on this track too, but the kids love Thomas, even the older one.
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Scott you can also try www.HomaRoad.com. I don’t have any experience with them but they provide O scale size sections. Worth taking a look and they will ship it to you
@Dave Ripp. posted:Very nice Scott, Lionel really cheaped out. Yours looks great.
Thanks Dave, I got my inspiration from another OGR member, Rob (rjsmithindy) who had updated his Hobo Fire on top of his Scale PE Hobo car. Here's the link to his post:
Polar Express Hobo Car Modification. Check it out with the link below.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...3#157688391380735773
Scott
@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:Scott you can also try www.HomaRoad.com. I don’t have any experience with them but they provide O scale size sections. Worth taking a look and they will ship it to you
Thanks Jay, but are you sure that link is correct, as it doesn't work.
Scott, that hobo with his fire looks great! Nice work!
I spent a couple minutes last night on the BEEP. I had been thinking about what could be wrong all day and decided to try connecting the cab markers to the track power terminals. I also connected the markers and the headlights together and they worked fine so I know it's not a wiring issue on the boards I built. I also tried reversing the polarity as GRJ had instructed but still nothing so this will work. It actually will be a good indicator to show when the engine is powered on too without having to grab the Cab 1.
I still don't have an answer for why the feature terminal won't work, but I think this solution will do. It's a learning process.....
Hope to find time this weekend to put the wiring together now that the testing has been completed.
Bob
Moved the dealership over next to unloading area.
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@Dave Ripp. posted:Moved the dealership over next to unloading area.
Dave, that looks so cool, that ramp is a great touch to your layout and dealership. Who's that giant in the mirror reflection attacking the city, a human Godzilla?! LoL That's a nice touch too. ;-)
Dave, that's a good looking dealership, and nice touch with the cars on the rail auto carrier being delivered to the dealer! Nice to look back and think of cars with no chips...
Dave, that looks outstanding! You really made it fit nicely!
Dave, the dealership looks great! That’s a handsome car unloader!
Scott, I was on the top side creeper. I usually try to show up in the mirror. At least I was dressed LOL. Thanks Paul, Mike & Mark, Mike did a great job on the unloader. Once I got it I had to make a spot for it. They had an unloading area about 5 miles from me that closed a few years ago. It's a cool process to watch but I wouldn't want to drive down a ramp.
@Dave Ripp. posted:Scott, I was on the top side creeper. I usually try to show up in the mirror. At least I was dressed LOL. Thanks Paul, Mike & Mark, Mike did a great job on the unloader. Once I got it I had to make a spot for it. They had an unloading area about 5 miles from me that closed a few years ago. It's a cool process to watch but I wouldn't want to drive down a ramp.
Oh my, glad you were dressed, we don't want a scandal! LoL So, does your wife ask you to work on your layout in your speedo sometimes? ;-)
Scott, my apologies it is cwhomaroad.com and I just checked it and it is there.
Thanks Mark, yeah, wiring is very slow tedious work. Just finished up tonight the fourth and final insulated rail sections with soldering jumper and feeder wires, still got the rest of it to do in sections, then I'll get it put together enough to make sure everything lines up correctly before drilling holes down through the foam and plywood to drop the feeder wires down. Then the fun part, getting underneath the layout to do all the wiring down there, and getting back out and back up. This 63 year old broken down disabled body is already shot but way much better than sitting around doing nothing!
Gary, I'm glad you are making progress. Yes, we need to keep giving it a shot.
Gary, I've been working on my wiring under the layout (36" from floor to table top) for several weekends. Pictured on the left is a portable two wheeled cart I used for work, carry samples. I was looking for something to give me back support and this cart allows me to sit upright on the floor on the base of the cart and use the vertical part of the cart as back support while I connect wires. The other tool is my automotive creeper. I inverted it upside down to raise it just enough to lay on it and wire. Wiring under the layout, in my view, is the worse task to do for folks with a few years on them. With permanent lighting hooked up (led Christmas lights) and carts/creepers, the tough task of wiring when your body is creaky like mine, is a heck of a lot easier and actually almost enjoyable. I'm probably not saying anything you haven't heard or done, but just in case....
Mike
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We finally finished our display cases and have started the process of populating them with trains which is the fun part. We finally get to see our trains on display and not packed away in boxes. Our display cases are tiered shelves where the back shelf on each row is elevated about 2 3/4 higher than the front shelf. Each shelf will hold about 300 items plus or minus depending on the length of some of the engines or other extended length cars.
Thanks;
idea-thinker
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@idea-thinker posted:We finally finished our display cases and have started the process of populating them with trains which is the fun part. We finally get to see our trains on display and not packed away in boxes. Our display cases are tiered shelves where the back shelf on each row is elevated about 2 3/4 higher than the front shelf. Each shelf will hold about 300 items plus or minus depending on the length of some of the engines or other extended length cars.
Thanks;
idea-thinker
WOW! 
I'm confused though- I see skylights and a sloping roof line to the right like an attic, but stairs going up to the left?
Bob
The BEEP is starting to look like something again. Got the main boards permanently installed and wired, after replacing two of the original wires that broke 
. And began putting the lighting in place.
To be continued.......
I just hope and pray I can fit the shell back on the chassis. So far I think so but can't say for sure yet.
Bob
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@RSJB18 posted:The BEEP is starting to look like something again. Got the main boards permanently installed and wired, after replacing two of the original wires that broke
To be continued.......
I just hope and pray I can fit the shell back on the chassis. So far I think so but can't say for sure yet.
Bob
Looking good Bob. I wish I had your patients and skills.
@Dave Ripp. posted:Looking good Bob. I wish I had your patients and skills.
Thanks Dave. Slow and steady wins the race. As much as I want to hurry up and get it done, I know I won't be happy if something doesn't work because I rushed.
I've been enjoying your progress also.
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:WOW!
I'm confused though- I see skylights and a sloping roof line to the right like an attic, but stairs going up to the left?
Bob
Bob;
The display room is on the 2nd floor and those dormer windows. The stair case goes up to the 3rd floor where the train room is which it is 40x50 ft.
Thanks;
idea-thinker
Idea-thinker, that sure is alot of train storage! WOW a 3 level house, you must be young as my knees could never handle that many steps anymore! Sounds like a great train room, do you have dumb waiter to move the cars up to the train room?
Bob, I sure hope you got everything working correct! That sure is alot of work, but is going to be wonderful looking!
Well I went out and painted some bare plywood and hope to place some buildings in my industrial area. Sorry no photos as we all know how fun it is to watch paint dry! LOL
@mike g. posted:Idea-thinker, that sure is alot of train storage! WOW a 3 level house, you must be young as my knees could never handle that many steps anymore! Sounds like a great train room, do you have dumb waiter to move the cars up to the train room?
Bob, I sure hope you got everything working correct! That sure is alot of work, but is going to be wonderful looking!
Well I went out and painted some bare plywood and hope to place some buildings in my industrial area. Sorry no photos as we all know how fun it is to watch paint dry! LOL
Mike;
We have an elevator that spans all floors. Comes in handy.
Thanks;
idea-thinker
@idea-thinker posted:Mike;
We have an elevator that spans all floors. Comes in handy.
Thanks;
idea-thinker
Now were talking! you can start at the bottom, get a cold drink, stop at the next floor grab the trains you want to run and hit the top to sit back and have some fun!
@idea-thinker posted:Bob;
The display room is on the 2nd floor and those dormer windows. The stair case goes up to the 3rd floor where the train room is which it is 40x50 ft.
Thanks;
idea-thinker
I'm gonna go sit in front of my 4X8 layout in my small basement and cry now. 
Very impressive.
@RSJB18 posted:I'm gonna go sit in front of my 4X8 layout in my small basement and cry now.
Very impressive.
There’s no crying in trains!!!
P.S. you may want to break out that tunnel borer
Idea Thinker, the showcases look great! Your home sounds like you have thought of everything! Oh, that's why you are Idea Thinker!! I just follow the KISStupid principle myself! 
Bob, I expected a great looking job on the BEEP and the perseverance to get it all working!
John, they look great! Yes it is sad K-Line is no longer in business!
Iron Horse Mike, both creepers look great! Yes, at 65 I am defiantly in the category of not liking being under a layout anymore.
Speaking of under the layout, at our work session on Thursday 2 other retired guys in the new 'club' were talking about 24" high table for children to see the layout well. I agree, but oh my aching back just working on prep and painting while the tabletops were on sawhorses! I'm going to let the younger guys tackle the low stuff. What will I do if we ever have grandchildren!!! Today, I drug out the Lionel North Pole Central 0-4-0 and caboose, lubed and made a test run. I also found a box to transport my ZW, PE Hero Boy House, and selected 3 cars. Tomorrow evening is another work time with everyone. I'll get some photographs here sometime of this project that is a trial for a possible new club in the Zelienople and Butler County, Pa area.
Noodling about with a 153 and a 1022...
Mitch
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New Under The Hood up!
I fixed up a beat up Menards Plubing building and mocked up a small industrial area. I got the building for next to nothing but it required some TLC.
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For the past few months I have been reassigning some of my rolling stock to the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range RR (DM&IR). As of yesterday, I have completed eleven prototypical cars: a PS2 covered hopper for transporting dome sand, a flat car with tie load, a gondola loaded with pulpwood, one tanker dedicated for loco lube oil, two tank cars for potable water and five general purpose box cars. All are now in service, serving “My World”. In spite of some gremlins, it's been a good two months!
Cheers, Dave
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@RSJB18 posted:The BEEP is starting to look like something again. Got the main boards permanently installed and wired, after replacing two of the original wires that broke
To be continued.......
I just hope and pray I can fit the shell back on the chassis. So far I think so but can't say for sure yet.
Bob
Not to worry Bob. The shell should slide back on 😉 (I'm really glad you are the one doing it 😁 )
@Mark Boyce posted:Iron Horse Mike, both creepers look great! Yes, at 65 I am defiantly in the category of not liking being under a layout anymore.
I've got eight years on you Mark. I don't get it..........I don't mind being under the layout..........I just find getting back up a challenge.
Started work on a elevated scenery by practicing how to make foam brick walls. Watched several videos on YouTube and combined techniques. 
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@WinstonB posted:Started work on a elevated scenery by practicing how to make foam brick walls. Watched several videos on YouTube and combined techniques.
Great looking wall Winston 🤓
It sure looks like you studied the lessons on YouTube well ! 😉
Finished my BEEP!
YEA! for you...best wishes
Don
Plastered in a short road and put down a little grass.
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I took a few last pictures of the layout put together. I will take this down this week and then build the annual Christmas layout with the tree. I started taking buildings off this evening. It was a great layout this year and I'm already planning the year round layout for next year.
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Just continuing to solder jumper wires from to the next piece of Fastrack and feeder wires every six pieces of track. Came across one piece of 0-36 45° curve that no matter what I did to it, even hitting the metal tabs with a Dremel cutting wheel it wouldn't take the solder at all at both ends, even tried the next set of tabs with no luck even with the Dremel. Took that piece of track out and put another one in and it soldered fine. It must had been from one of those batches of Fastrack I had heard about that won't accept solder, yes, I am using Rosin Core Solder. That piece of track went in the trash. Good riddance!
Repaired the front steps of a Lionel 0-8-0 with superglue, Plastruct and epoxy:
Mitch
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@Dallas Joseph posted:Iron Horse Mike, both creepers look great! Yes, at 65 I am defiantly in the category of not liking being under a layout anymore.
I've got eight years on you Mark. I don't get it..........I don't mind being under the layout..........I just find getting back up a challenge.
Yes, Dallas getting back out and up is the challenge! I guess I have too much hardware in my knee and back to make it easy these days.
I knew you are about as old as you say, since you were in Dong Ha in 1969. I was in high school praying every night for all of you over there! Thank you so much for your service!!!!
Winston, the brick wall looks great!
Mitch, Good as new!!
Yesterday, I received a small package from Joe Fauty with more Z-Stuff DZ-1002 pushbuttons than I need! I will be able to finish the last two switches. I wrote too soon that I will be putting away the wire strippers and crimpers. I have several GarGraves uncouplers that I got from Chris A to wire in. I might as well do that while I am at it. I think I have enough wire left. 
Today I continued work on landscaping a small area. I put in a oak tree with a tree house some birch trees and painted the road. Long way to go in this area I'm making it up as I go.
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@Mark Boyce posted:Yes, Dallas getting back out and up is the challenge! I guess I have too much hardware in my knee and back to make it easy these days.
I knew you are about as old as you say, since you were in Dong Ha in 1969. I was in high school praying every night for all of you over there! Thank you so much for your service!!!!
Thank you for the prayers Mark. The guy who bunked above me at Ft. Sill didn't make it back but I'm sure he made it to a good place because of you and many others talking to our Supreme Being. As long as I've been on the planet I understand more and more that there is certainly something more than what we can see and hear and feel. As far as your Thanks for the Service..........it was a PRIVILEGE.
Now this business about crawling around under the train layout............and the getting back up .......well me thinks it has more to do with all that gray matter getting heavier after all the years of accumulated WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE.😁 😉
( Next time around maybe having a LIFT for the layout. ) 🤔
Dave, that's the first treehouse I can recall seeing on a model railroad. I think the scene is looking great!
@Dave Ripp. posted:Today I continued work on landscaping a small area. I put in a oak tree with a tree house some birch trees and painted the road. Long way to go in this area I'm making it up as I go.
You are starting to take all the good ideas Dave.
Nice Dave! I have been wanting to do the same thing but haven't got to it yet. I really like yours.
Dave
@Dave Ripp. posted:Today I continued work on landscaping a small area. I put in a oak tree with a tree house some birch trees and painted the road. Long way to go in this area I'm making it up as I go.
That is an awesome scene Dave! You continue to amaze me with your creativity and execution.
Thanks,
Worked on framing my corrugated fence. The fence work may be it for a couple days I got up early for that. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Morning guys, sure is alot going on!
@Dave Ripp., The industrial area is looking great! The Tree house sure makes it a fun area! Wonderful work on the road and grass area, what do you plan on putting there? You sure get alot done for one person! While I was typing you added the new fence work! OUTSTANDING!
@darlander, Dave Outstanding job on your rolling stock! They all look great!
@WinstonB, Great work on the stone walls! I can see alot of work has been done there!
@RSJB18, Nice job Bob! I knew you could do it!
@Berkshirelover726, Wonderful little layout! I hate to see you take it down, but cant wait to see what you have planned for next year!
Well guys I haven't got much done lately, I had to move some building around so I could get my power plant on the layout. I also got my scratch built BNSF Service building back on the layout. Here are a couple photos including the silo's for the Morton salt building. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving with your family!
Also got my oil tanks put back on the layout! Wont be any work today as I was informed that the Christmas lights need to be up before the kids and grandkids get here for Thanksgiving! So that is my task at hand today! LOL
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Thanks Mike, Just more trees on the road side of the tracks with the Menards Plumbing building. I needed some soft scape since my scenery is primaraly pavement and buildings. The other side of that spur will have a small propane distribution building and then I'm not sure. The fence work may be it for a couple days I got up early for that. Happy Thanksgiving.
Well I was still soldering jumper wires yesterday when my 45 year old Craftsman (probably made by Weller for Sears back then) 100/140 watt soldering gun fried out and bit the dust. Ordered a new Weller Soldering Gun same dual wattage as before and should arrive Monday, I bet I or anyone else doesn't get 45 years out of this one! I guess it's time to do the crawl under the layout, mount up all the barrier strips and start running the 12 gauge hot and common wires from both Z-1000 transformers for both track power for my two loops and CW-80 for accessories and lighting while waiting for the new soldering gun to arrive. Fortunately one of the doorways opens into a 2 step down living room so it helps me get down and back up with my bad legs by using my hands on the sides of the door frame to get me back up. If you don't hear from me for a few days I may be stuck under there! Lol! Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! You All are so creative, I love all your work and pictures!
I have the original Weller 100/140 soldering gun. Can't remember if I bought or inherited it from dad. Cord still supple. Works perfectly.
Been continuing on the trestle. The truss is installed over the lower track. Started laying out the abutments and watching the utube videos on working with foam.
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@Victor Bertolina posted:Been continuing on the trestle. The truss is installed over the lower track. Started laying out the abutments and watching the utube videos on working with foam.
That's looking great Victor. It als looks like a ton of work but it'll be worth it when your done.
Nothing on the layout build, in fact I've been walking all over and around pieces of cut lumber just waiting to be assembled. I took some time to work on some lighting I added to an 8111 DT&I NW2 that I will be giving to my cousin (in Detroit) for Christmas. I replaced the two position e-unit with an ACMC board and added LED lighting to the headlamp and now finishing up with adding 2 green LED class lights. Man, it sure is a quiet diesel now!!! And all the lighting is directional. Just enjoyin' the day!
George
@Dennis Rosenthal posted:I have the original Weller 100/140 soldering gun. Can't remember if I bought or inherited it from dad. Cord still supple. Works perfectly.
That's awesome! I had mine 45 years, and just this last week mine kept overheating, would shut down, give it an hour to cool down, and it would work for awhile, and do the same time, finally one loud buzz, smoke, and it was done. Cord was still in great shape after 45 years on mine too, no cracks at all. I unplugged it, let it cool an hour and took it apart, looked like it was all burnt in the coil windings, wires were all still attached. Ordered new one and it should be here in a few days, so now doing wiring work underneath until it gets here by FedEx.
I got 3 hours work in this morning. Added 1 birch and 1 small oak to the corner. Also finished my fence between the tracks and trailer park. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Dave, Another look at the fine treehouse and more neat birch! The trailer court fence looks great!
Gary, My Weller is about the same age and doing fine, but it sat on the shelf a number of years unused. I did have to change out the tip last winter soldering my track feeds. Now my Dremel of the same age didn't fare quite as well. The plastic gear crumbled while I was cutting track, but Dremel had a replacement so I was good to go. I think these tools will outlive me.
George, I don't know why cut wood doesn't just magically put itself together into benchwork while we sleep; but it doesn't!
Victor, I like the trestle a lot!
Mike, I'm glad you got the oil tanks back on the layout without a hazmat spill!
I wired in one of the DZ1002 pushbuttons, but duty called and I had to put up Christmas lights. Mike, I bought a pole that allowed me to put them on the porch roof without needing the ladder. I couldn't use it on the roof that is 1 1/2 story up, so no lights on the roof of the house this year. That was a shame.
@Dave Ripp. posted:I got 3 hours work in this morning. Added 1 birch and 1 small oak to the corner. Also finished my fence between the tracks and trailer park. Happy Thanksgiving!
All work ( play, play, play......) makes Jack a dull bo........oh what am I trying to say .......
NICE DAVE
HAPPY THSNKSGIVING EVERYONE 😁
Great looking fencing. You just inspired me. I’m going to try to do the same.
Spent 3 hours wiring in 6 DZ-1000 switch machines to the DZ-1002 push buttons. This creeper that I just bought was a HUGE help. Wiring underneath the layout is the most taxing job for me.
Of course, if I listened to the doctor, I'd lose weight, exercise more, and get in to shape. Oh well, maybe next year. Getting up off of the creeper in creeper seat w/backrest mode was NOT a pretty sight.
@lionelflyer posted:Spent 3 hours wiring in 6 DZ-1000 switch machines to the DZ-1002 push buttons. This creeper that I just bought was a HUGE help. Wiring underneath the layout is the most taxing job for me.
Of course, if I listened to the doctor, I'd lose weight, exercise more, and get in to shape. Oh well, maybe next year. Getting up off of the creeper in creeper seat w/backrest mode was NOT a pretty sight.
Thats pretty cool. I have a topside creeper but nothing for underneath . Thanks for the full view.
@lionelflyer posted:Spent 3 hours wiring in 6 DZ-1000 switch machines to the DZ-1002 push buttons. This creeper that I just bought was a HUGE help. Wiring underneath the layout is the most taxing job for me.
Of course, if I listened to the doctor, I'd lose weight, exercise more, and get in to shape. Oh well, maybe next year. Getting up off of the creeper in creeper seat w/backrest mode was NOT a pretty sight.
That is a very nice creeper! It looks comfortable for us who get sore no matter what. I would have trouble getting up off it or any other one also.
Had an interesting day setting up the club's travelling layout for the first time at "Planes, Trains and Santa" at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach (Pungo) VA.
Being a noob, I found myself connecting electrical and DCS connections lying on my back under each module and, later, installing the fitter tracks that connect the modules.
We'll be running trains tomorrow, Friday, and welcoming Santa as he flies in on a WWI bi-plane, weather permitting.
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Added some more fencing.
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That’s is some very impressive neighborhood planning Dave. Also, you should be on the fencing team.
Got back to detailing my passenger station and platform.
The MOW team had to cut back the edge of the platform to clear the trucks on my F3's. After they finished, some repair work was left for the next shift.
I made the cones from some caps from driveway sealer caulk and styrene sheet. Went with the old school red/ yellow colors, not bad IMHO.
Benches went in next. One more is still in fabrication and will be installed later.
I know people come in all shapes and sizes but Zeke here feels like a giant all the sudden.
The seated figures are from RMT, Zeke is WS. Both called O scale...... 
Now that the platform is open to passengers, the RR added warning signage
I also picked up some freight for the platforms and loading docks around the layout
I great way to recover from my food coma!
Bob
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I can always count on this thread to learn something, and see some inspirational work.
Andy
That’s a lot of impressive work for someone recovering from a food coma Bob. The intricate detail really enhances the scenes. Pour yourself some scotch; well deserved.
