Hello everyone! Nothing much is happening on the layout, but I was able to get this night time shot.
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https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...0#162616683064745200
Tommy, you’re on way way for an incredible journey! Enjoy!
@Obsidian posted:Today I'm planning how to do the benchwork under the Potomac on my Harpers Ferry II layout. I've got to figure how high the bridges will be with supports at grade then account for deck thickness and water (painted shower glass).
Here is a tip on making water scenes with rippled shower glass or randomly rippled sheet acrylic which is what I use. Put down a sheet of finished plywood as a base that is painted the colors that you want for your water and lay the glass or acrylic over it. Let the coloring show through the clear glass/acrylic. I do not paint the sheet acrylic. It gives the effect of more depth. It is a tip I got from a friend who was a professional architectural model builder. I have included photos below of my results.
Please forgive the bad focus in the foreground. I don't imagine myself to be a photographer.
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Our club layout has an elaborate system of telephone poles with simulated "wire." We also have a yard section that requires members to reach over the power lines to place engines and cars, so, invariably, the poles get dislodged -- hence the hot glue found at the base of all poles indicating a repair.
One such repair defied the hot glue repair process. Turns out, a recent multi-pole repair caused a wire to be wrapped around an insulator (effectively "shortening" the wire) and even with the wire freed from the insulator, the pole would not remain erect.
To make the pole remain erect, holes were drilled in the base and the pole, and a GarGraves track pin inserted, but not glued Problem solved -- until the next time.
NOTE: Click on images to view full size.
NOTE 2: The same GG track pin technique was used to replant an Oak tree that was frequently felled because of its proximity to the open end of our lift bridge.
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@Trainmaster04 posted:Hello everyone! Nothing much is happening on the layout, but I was able to get this night time shot.
Talk about blowing smoke in someone's face, lol.
@Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:Talk about blowing smoke in someone's face, lol.
Lol, no kidding!
@Trainmaster04 and that is one of the best videos I've seen in a while. Really captures the moment. I think MartyE had done a still shot of his PRR 2-10-4 releasing of the cylinder cocks with figures standing in it over the weekend. That was a great still shot.
@Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:@Trainmaster04 and that is one of the best videos I've seen in a while. Really captures the moment. I think MartyE had done a still shot of his PRR 2-10-4 releasing of the cylinder cocks with figures standing in it over the weekend. That was a great still shot.
Thank you very much! I enjoy trying to capture the nighttime saga of tho golden era of steam. I use a standard Lionel yard light with an incandescent bulb to light the passing train. I think the warm light gives the passing locomotive and cars a vibrant appearance in the shadows.
Was able to do some wiring done on the layout today in the town. Started with two yard lights I have had for about five years. The placement of them have given me problems in the past, but I finally said enough and got them wired. As I found myself getting into a role, I also decided to wire up the lights in my freight station, and add a light to my tack and feed store.
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Excellent work guys, and great videos too!
Andy
Everyone has been doing wonderful work on their layouts!
Hi guys, it's been a while, yesterday I started reading from where I left off from my last visit and it was a couple pages back! I started writing comments on projects and then realized that there were so many it would be a book just to comment on everyone's great work!
Halfway through we had a power outage here and everything went dark. Which left me here this morning trying to get my post done! LOL
Well, I handed out a ton of likes and am really grateful that all you fine folks post what you're getting done! As for me nothing new really, I was able to figure out my dead spot on my upper loop, funny to think it was just a section of dirty track. I cleaned it and all is good now!
I hope you all are doing good and finding time for your layout and trains, but most of all I hope your all having fun with whatever your doing!
P.S. The knee is still not good, so I am really limited on what I can do! It took me an hour just to be able to get to the dirty section of track as I had to lower the airfield and then put it back up again! LOL
Made a little more progress on my layout extension ... cut the plywood and foam to size and laid in place and the joints smoothed over with vinyl spackling compound. Next up - paint and turf.
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@mike g. Sorry to hear your knee is still giving you problems. Knee pain is defiantly not fun. Will be praying for relief and quick recovery time for you.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...4#162475945188579624
Mike,
Sorry to hear about your knee. I find relief with this Hemp salve; it’s available on Amazon.
Feel better.
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I wanted to create something for my friend George Brown. 
I’ve been posting the kitbash on the scenery forum; but today I installed it on the layout after ripping up gravel and paving the parking lot. The Harley Diner came from Brady’s in PA. Train Loft supplied the motor cycles and riders. Evan Design Vellum paper was used to create the new sign. I don’t know where the cop came from. He just showed up.
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Hang in there Mike, hope you feel better soon.
The extension looks good Richie, coming together quickly.
Bob, nice work on the kitbash, looks great on the layout.
Andy
Finally!! Progress on my McKeen car (remember the printed plastic McKeen shells offered?). I got the shell together, and quickly extended and modified a running chassis for it, and then set out to detail the body. Screech! Needed porthole window frames. Blew $50+ on eyelets and washers until finally found some little plastic ones. Now glue is drying. I put another door in (reviewing proto photos showed various configurations) and further detailing can now proceed.
Added some more ground cover and a few bits of clump foliage around the turntable area.
Andy
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Good evening everyone! Work continued the past two days with road work crews paving news roads. I noticed a parking lot was needed for the now permanent freight station. Road crews were dispatched and started paving. Using Eric’s (@ericstrains.com) method of using woodland scenics cinders with Elmer's glue, I was able to get the parking lot done. I had at first thought taking the road way across the yard and connect into town, but decided not to. Instead, I made it go straight across the yard loop and main line. The grade crossings are made out of balsa and still need to be stained and signs be added appropriately.
The work gang soon moved into town and commenced work in front of the station and homes. Main Street was also continued and connected with station street. I need to find, or make, stop signs for the intersections and clean the edges of the roads. The space in between the roads is still up for debate and will probably be filled with buildings.
Thanks for reading, and happy railroading!
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Greetings fellow train enthusiasts! Been passing out likes and enjoying everyone's progress.
Haven't posted anything new in a while because life has been nuts. My son graduated HS a couple of weeks ago, had is prom before that. Right after graduation he took his road test and passed!
Oh and work has been crazy. Working at a University everyone thinks I have summers off like the professors do. Well when you are in charge of all the buildings and grounds maintenance, and renovation projects, summer is our crazy season so it's been 10 hour days and the occasional Saturday.
But I digress. I got the new wiring harness for my F3's a while back. Finally started to dismantle the MTH plugs and get them installed. The plugs are from Minatronics. Very well made and should solve the flexibility problems for the wiring between the engines.
And I got the portable AC set up and running. I always run a dehumidifier in the basement but it's starting to get too hot and mechanical cooling is required. I hate it when my rocks glass sweats.....
Have a Happy 4th!
Bob
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I know what you mean Bob, that’s why my progress comes in batches. Sometimes life gets in the way. Looks like you’re ready to move forward with your project.
Andy
Working on placing industry buildings in the “old town” portion of Tonkowa City. I wanted these craftsman kits up front n center since they are smallish in size. They will all be lit up eventually, with the bbq shack having lights, flickering pit, and smoke!
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Lots of progress from custom buildings to new roads to manicured ballast. Good job everyone.
We had a staff meeting this weekend beginning on Friday. Here Charles and Rich take a well deserved break. Paula kept working.
Contracting specialist Charles Riddick was here working to complete the rail around level one. He completed the last curved section and will return Wednesday to complete the straight sections.
Rich Holden handles Engineering Services and has been assisting with road construction and Transfer Table adjustment. He also works with Paula in handling Landscape Architecture.
This weekend, roads and parking lots on the Roanoke Shops steam and diesel services area opened. Traffic was not heavy but it sure beat walking and riding bicycles to work. We tried the Woodland Scenics road system and switched to asphalt finished cork for the Franklin Street extension.
Construction was completed and the Yard Office opened Saturday. Our buildings contain detailed interiors and this one is something special.
Paula and Rich found an interesting scene Friday at Diesel Shop 4. It seems that a forklift driver lost a bucket of engine oil. Not good.
July may see completion of the Roanoke Shops Engine Service area… unless the boat repair is completed and bill fishing improves. The punch list includes many things that are incomplete in some of these photos. It is time to add people, stuff, and landscaping and to remove errant light.
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Bill, it looks like with 4 people working you should be done in time to fish!!
@Bill Webb You know Bill, at some point we are going to have to create a list of must tour layouts or open houses. There are so many great layouts on these pages, It would be fun to schedule a road tour. Those in the north east do not realize how good you have it with the density layouts in your geography.
@Trainmaster04 posted:Good evening everyone! Work continued the past two days with road work crews paving news roads. I noticed a parking lot was needed for the now permanent freight station. Road crews were dispatched and started paving. Using Eric’s (@ericstrains.com) method of using woodland scenics cinders with Elmer's glue, I was able to get the parking lot done. I had at first thought taking the road way across the yard and connect into town, but decided not to. Instead, I made it go straight across the yard loop and main line. The grade crossings are made out of balsa and still need to be stained and signs be added appropriately.
The work gang soon moved into town and commenced work in front of the station and homes. Main Street was also continued and connected with station street. I need to find, or make, stop signs for the intersections and clean the edges of the roads. The space in between the roads is still up for debate and will probably be filled with buildings.
Thanks for reading, and happy railroading!
Trainmaster04, It looks like you use black cinder small ballast and white glue to do your roads. If I'm correct, I did the same on my layout, it's a lot of work and prep, but it does look good. Your roads look great, nice work.
@WesternPacific2217 posted:Trainmaster04, It looks like you use black cinder small ballast and white glue to do your roads. If I'm correct, I did the same on my layout, it's a lot of work and prep, but it does look good. Your roads look great, nice work.
Indeed, it takes much time to prep and waiting, but the results are outstanding! Thanks for the kind words.
Was able to accomplish more work today by adding ground cover around the new road way.
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Looking good, Trainmaster!!
Train master we like your roads and may try your method next. The grass looks good. Paula plans to sow some grass today.
Jeff a layout tour would be a lot of fun. We had planned to visit Mr Muffins and some friends with Michigan layouts but the gas costs persuaded us to go to the OBX instead.
Mark I will make time to fish. The boat that I fish on has a broken riser which is in the process of being fixed and eventually replaced. It has been repaired and was shipped to Florida Friday to be taped. The lead time to replace is two months and the owner is anxious to get out.
@Bill Webb posted:Lots of progress from custom buildings to new roads to manicured ballast. Good job everyone.
This weekend, roads and parking lots on the Roanoke Shops steam and diesel services area opened. Traffic was not heavy but it sure beat walking and riding bicycles to work. We tried the Woodland Scenics road system and switched to asphalt finished cork for the Franklin Street extension.Paula and Rich found an interesting scene Friday at Diesel Shop 4. It seems that a forklift driver lost a bucket of engine oil. Not good.
July may see completion of the Roanoke Shops Engine Service area… unless the boat repair is completed and bill fishing improves. The punch list includes many things that are incomplete in some of these photos. It is time to add people, stuff, and landscaping and to remove errant light.
Spectacular work Bill. You have a great team with lot's of special talents. Along with the great modeling, your lighting really sets the scenes. Well done! 
Oh, BTW that forklift driver is a bit of a knucklehead. He's been suspended from the RSJ&B team track platform several times for damaging loads.
Bob
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@swise- if you're looking for a good flickering fire pit, check out Evan Designs. They make a great one. Nice collection of buildings. They should make a great scene.
@Trainmaster04- the roads and ground cover look great. Nice work.
@Steamfan77- hard to find modeling time in the summer Andy. Lot's of outdoor distractions....
Bob
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Working on getting my subway track installed and wired. A big shout out to @Tom Tee for most of the carpentry on the platform, he makes these jobs appear easy! The whole deck was pre-fab and dropped in place in two pieces, very slick.
A trial run of the subway around the track was flawless, runs like a champ. 
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I decided to breakup the long retaining wall and add a bridge over what eventually will be a roadway.
-Greg
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@Swise, nice buildings. They will make a nice scene for sure, especially when they have lighting.
@Bill, the layout looks fantastic! I agree with Bob that you have a very talented team. They’re producing excellent work at a nice pace, well done everyone.
@RSJB18, 🤣🤣 that forklift operator will not be hired on my layout, that’s for sure.
@John, the benchwork for the subway area looks great, Tom did a nice job.
@Greg, that’s a great idea to break up the retaining wall.
Andy
Hi all and Happy 4th Jully to you!
I have just made this warehouse flat on a long siding/spur onmy Furzeville & Western layout.
The warehouse is a kitbash from bits of Clever Models' 'Building D' and is just sits against the wall held in place by the loading docks.
The layout is 'around the walls' of a 8.5 x 15 foot bedroom and space is tight, so plenty of need/opportunity for building flats against the walls.
Space is pretty tight vertically here too - as my OO guage layout on the shelf above, has a dropped baseboard here to accommodate a viaduct.
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Good morning everyone, and happy Fourth of July! Thanks to everyone who commented on my road work and ground cover.
I hope you all have a family (and train) filled day, on the day we claimed independence.
Just ran trains to celebrate the 4th! Happy 4th of July to all of you!
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Morning guys I hope your all doing well! First off, I want to wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July!
So, this is going to be along one as I felt I cheated some folks last time and I know what a different it makes when someone comments on your projects! The simplest words can be just enough to make a person's day! So here I go! If it is too much just say so and I will go back to putting up likes!
@Richie C. Richie your progress is looking good!
@Trainmaster04 Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! WOW your road crews sure have been busy, they do great work! It is even a pleasure to see that the grounds crew to the same quality work! Everything is looking outstanding!
@pennsyfan Bob Thanks I will have to give it a try! What an Amazing job on the Harly-Davidson Diner! Now I want one, I guess I am going to have to see if I have a building, I can kit bash!
@Steamfan77 Andy Thank You Sir! Your ground cover and TT area are looking superb!
@RSJB18 Bob sorry work is being so crazy but think of all the OT if you get it! You will be able to get loads of train stuff! LOL I wish you luck on the wiring!
@swise Steve looks like you have a great start! Just wondering if there is anything going between the welding building and the wood rack?
@Bill Webb Bill things are looking great! I wish I had folks that lived around me that were into Model RR's!
@gunrunnerjohn John looks wonderful! Between you and @Tom Tee you are going to have a layout that many are going to want to visit and dream that theirs were as nice!
@Greg Houser Greg Nice change up on the retaining wall! Looks great and very nice work!
@Milo Nice job on the Flat, looks perfect there!
@Ross Great idea I think I will do the same!
Ok guys I told you it was going to be long, but heck I have nothing else to do but check out all the great stuff you all do and drool thinking about how to do it for my layout!
As for me I am just going to go run trains and relax, I have been social distancing from the CEO as she has Covid, so I been staying outside in the yard, but today it is raining so what better than sitting in the train room with a cold one running trains!
I hope you all have a great 4th and find time to have fun with your trains and layouts!
Milo, the flat looks great.
Ross, that’s a beautiful site, all decked out for the 4th.
Mike, thank you. Enjoy running your trains and have a cold one for me.
Happy 4th of July to all, enjoy your holiday.
Andy
@mike g. posted:As for me I am just going to go run trains and relax, I have been social distancing from the CEO as she has Covid, so I been staying outside in the yard, but today it is raining so what better than sitting in the train room with a cold one running trains!
I hope you all have a great 4th and find time to have fun with your trains and layouts!
I hope your wife recovers quickly!
-Greg
@Greg Houser posted:I hope your wife recovers quickly!
-Greg
Mike, I'm with Greg in wishing your wife a quick recovery!
Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸
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@BAR GP7 #63 posted:Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸
Happy 4th. And nice looking BL2
I'm creating a gully under a girder bridge and a culvert beneath a nearby siding. For one year the bridge has rested flat against the grass mat with no justification for its existence. Now it will earn its keep by actually supporting the track. You may well question my use of plywood pieces to form the sides of the gully. Foam would be better, but there is no supporting benchwork. It's just plywood with some 1x4s on top of a folding table, so cutting the valley out of the plywood necessitated that I splice it back together with plywood to regain some structural integrity. (If the words "structural integrity" can even be associated with plywood on a folding table.)
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Actually, what I posted earlier today is what I did yesterday. Today I added the tunnel portal, retaining wall and track support to the area on one side of the Rockville Bridge. I have some stuff on order from Scenic Express to complete the other side. The gap on the ground between the bridge base and the wall will be sand. I'll be adding sand to the painted 'sand' areas of the base and adding rocks around the support columns to blend them in to the base.
One thing for certain is how long it takes to complete scenery work. Before I realize it, 3 hours goes by and it seems like little progress. Regardless, I learned my lessons the hard way with my former layout which never got completed - it pays to get certain scenic elements completed before you start running trains in earnest as it's so much easier to complete them without trains in the way. 
I enjoy seeing everyone's progress as well - your updates are a welcome respite!
- Greg
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@BAR GP7 #63 posted:Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸
Johan, great photo, and I know those guys! LoL Happy 4th to you and all!
Happy Independence Day!
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Everyone, great pictures, beautiful layouts, @trainmaster04; now that’s they way to blow smoke, your 2-10-10-2 #3001 looks right at home, beautiful locomotive, Wow. I wish all a very happy July 4th, Independence Day, a day to reflect on how blessed we truly are, let Freedom Ring all over this wonderful USA… Happy Railroading Everyone 
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@leapinlarry posted:Everyone, great pictures, beautiful layouts, @trainmaster04; now that’s they way to blow smoke, your 2-10-10-2 #3001 looks right at home, beautiful locomotive, Wow. I wish all a very happy July 4th, Independence Day, a day to reflect on how blessed we truly are, let Freedom Ring all over this wonderful USA… Happy Railroading Everyone
Very nice collection there for the 4th of July Larry! I like that PA!! Here's my Happy 4th photo since this seems to be the place to post them.
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@Western Pacific 2217, Scott, thank you for the kind words and your UP Diesel with that beautiful flag is awesome, I’ve seen those diesels up close and the paint scheme is eye catching. When I was in Reno Nevada I saw their long freight trains with two or more diesels pulling those trains, amazing. Happy Railroading Everyone 
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@mike g. Just read your post. Here is hoping your wife recovers quickly and completely. God bless
Don
Hi guys, this is different for me as in posting twice in one day! LOL
Anyhow here I go.
@John's Trains John I think the plywood is a great idea, I might have to do that on my layout, the CEO would like to see a river coming off the mountain.
@Greg Houser Scenery is a whole animal of its own! Sometimes it looks great to you and other times it just kills you! I think your doing an outstand job!
@RSJB18 Bob Happy Independence Day!
@leapinlarry Larry what a Beautyful collection of engines and cars! I hope your having a nice Independence Day!
@WesternPacific2217 Scott great picture! I love the fire engine in the foreground! Happy 4th!
@Don McErlean Don thank you so much, I will let her know!
Well guys as for me I did what I said I was going to do, and I had something happen to me that has never happened before from the day I started running trains!
I started the Amtrak on the upper loop,
Then I started up the Norflok Southern 7201 on the lower loop and let them run! As you can see, I have my cold one handy to cool me down in case of emergency !
Now for what has never happened, while having both upper and lower loops running at the same time while testing my emergency drink nothing went wrong! The whole time out there everything ran as it should and I was so relaxed to the point I really enjoyed myself!
Thank you all for the kind words for my wife! I hope you all had a great weekend and a great Independence Day!
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@mike g. posted:Hi guys, this is different for me as in posting twice in one day! LOL....
Mike G, I especially like how you created a bridge out of the edge of the platform!
Sunday on my wife’s birthday we had three young boys including my grandson and two of his close friends in the train room. We were there close to an hour. Daughter Jennifer was there to assist with questions from the boys. I can’t hear nor understand anyone when the trains are running.
Today on the Fourth grandson Alex and I ran his HO layout and he asked for me to run my O gauge as well. We were running both engines a combination of 30 minutes. Alex loves to watch the engines pull out from the tunnels.
I was pleased.
@mike g. posted:Hi guys, this is different for me as in posting twice in one day! LOL
Anyhow here I go.
@John's Trains John I think the plywood is a great idea, I might have to do that on my layout, the CEO would like to see a river coming off the mountain.
@Greg Houser Scenery is a whole animal of its own! Sometimes it looks great to you and other times it just kills you! I think your doing an outstand job!
@RSJB18 Bob Happy Independence Day!
@leapinlarry Larry what a Beautyful collection of engines and cars! I hope your having a nice Independence Day!
@WesternPacific2217 Scott great picture! I love the fire engine in the foreground! Happy 4th!
@Don McErlean Don thank you so much, I will let her know!
Well guys as for me I did what I said I was going to do, and I had something happen to me that has never happened before from the day I started running trains!
I started the Amtrak on the upper loop,
Then I started up the Norflok Southern 7201 on the lower loop and let them run! As you can see, I have my cold one handy to cool me down in case of emergency !
Now for what has never happened, while having both upper and lower loops running at the same time while testing my emergency drink nothing went wrong! The whole time out there everything ran as it should and I was so relaxed to the point I really enjoyed myself!
Thank you all for the kind words for my wife! I hope you all had a great weekend and a great Independence Day!
Mike, cheers to you with that ice cold beer! Happy 4th, and to you and your wife’s health!
Alex running his Spider-Man HO on the Fourth.
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Ran my Bicentennial Special today. RMT Die cast GG-1 with Williams Aluminum passenger cars.
Happy 4th of July!
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Here's what I ran on the Mebane Train Display today:
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@Richie C. posted:Made a little more progress on my layout extension ... cut the plywood and foam to size and laid in place and the joints smoothed over with vinyl spackling compound. Next up - paint and turf.
Finished the extension for the two additional sidings this weekend and came out well. I had to notch the existing edging in order to fit the switch stand in - there was no room on the opposite side.
Each siding has a colored push-button switch installed to turn power on-off to the siding. The push-button switches are not lighted, but there is a lighted bumper at the end of each siding which lets me know when power is on to that siding.
I parked a few UP passenger cars on there for now but have a couple of engines coming soon.
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Morning guys I hope you all have survived the weekend! LOL
@John's Trains John Thank you! It is made out of decal paper and a simple printer, the section where the engine is sitting and the section above both drop down so I can get to that end of the layout!
@Seth Thomas Seth sounds like a great time with your family for your wife's Birthday! I love it when the kids want to see the trains! It just doesn't happen that much at my place anymore as they are into phones and tablets now!
@WesternPacific2217 Thanks Scott! I hope you had a great day! The wife is doing better this morning.
@Darrell Darrell very nice train and cool little video!
@Jack Texas Special Jack WOW Very cool Military train! Thanks for the video of it!
Well guys I will check in a little later, I have to go to the train room and check things out, I hear there is going to be a car rally in town, so I want to make sure everyone is being good! LOL
I hope you all have a great day! Most of all I hope you find time to have fun with your layout and trains!
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@mike g. posted:@swise Steve looks like you have a great start! Just wondering if there is anything going between the welding building and the wood rack?
Thanks Mike. The space in between the lumber yard and the welding shop is a side street to allow access to these two industries. Since it is a dead-end street, maybe something right at the end of the road. A Fence, some people, something. Or cars parked.
Cheers!
Steve.
@swise posted:Thanks Mike. The space in between the lumber yard and the welding shop is a side street to allow access to these two industries. Since it is a dead-end street, maybe something right at the end of the road. A Fence, some people, something. Or cars parked.
Cheers!
Steve.
Sounds like a great idea! Maybe even a little trail heading to the BBQ! LOL
Hi Everyone,
Today I am starting a kit from River Leaf Models. It's the F.W. Woolworth building Andre made. I've had the kit for 3 years now and just decided to build it. Doesn't look to be that difficult but I will try and add a special touch to my version. We'll see how it turns out.
Dave
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Stay tuned........😎
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Hi Guys. I have not posted in about a week. Still sticking Mianne pieces together one by one as time permits. As we know, you gotta have a foundation before a RR is started. In my area, we're selling honey just as fast,(or maybe faster) as we're building Mianne foundation. This being posted, Please keep yours progress and achievements out going.
And as always remember. LIFE IS GOOD.
Tommy Thompson aka The Beekeeper
I added a few more touches of ground cover in the turntable area. I think layering helps give it a more random and realistic look. More to follow.
Andy
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Afternoon guys, I hope your all having a great day!
@luvindemtrains Dave looks like a fun build! I hope you will keep us posted on the progress!
@RSJB18 Bob I am watching but have to say not very exciting right now! LOL
@Steamfan77 Andy the ground cover is really looking good, just remember at one point in time you're going to have to hire someone to take care of it! That is why I haven't planted grass in a lot of areas yet! LOL
Well folks I was out in the train room yesterday and realized I did not have a Coors Light delivery truck! Then it came to me, that I also don't have a Starbucks coffee shop on the layout. It was so kind for Starbucks to donate this truck to be recommissioned to a Coors Light truck!
I will keep you all posted as it goes along and Yes Bob I know it's not very exciting but stay tuned! LOL
I hope you all had a great time with your layout and trains today!
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PRR OPS session pictures:
@mike g. posted:Afternoon guys, I hope your all having a great day!
@RSJB18 Bob I am watching but have to say not very exciting right now! LOL
Well folks I was out in the train room yesterday and realized I did not have a Coors Light delivery truck! Then it came to me, that I also don't have a Starbucks coffee shop on the layout. It was so kind for Starbucks to donate this truck to be recommissioned to a Coors Light truck!
I will keep you all posted as it goes along and Yes Bob I know it's not very exciting but stay tuned! LOL
I hope you all had a great time with your layout and trains today!
Yes Mike.....the days have slipped by and I haven't gotten back to the F3's. Almost there so maybe by tonight....
Good thing you're covering over that horrible logo with something more appropriate. Worst coffee in the world IMHO!
Thanks
@RSJB18 posted:Yes Mike.....the days have slipped by and I haven't gotten back to the F3's. Almost there so maybe by tonight....
Good thing you're covering over that horrible logo with something more appropriate. Worst coffee in the world IMHO!
Thanks
LOL Thanks Bob, I don't mind their coffee that much, but if I am going to spend $4-$5 for a cup of coffee I am going to the ones that have bikinis! LOL
I started working on it yesterday and the green on the roof of the box car just peels off. I know I am going to have to paint the cab, just not sure what color yet. I have seen some blue or black!
Ballast some track this morning. As Arnold mentioned in his post, it’s such relaxing therapy when your working on the layout!
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Finished a NP NCL RPO car for the train club buddy who bought the NP NCL train I'd painted 25 years ago after I told him I wouldn't paint extra cars for him.🎨🤔
There is also a baggage car for him that should be done tomorrow for Saturday delivery.
He purchased some nice brass mail hooks which should complete the RPO project.
The donor was a Lionel 15" TCA series car. It's the only 15" aluminum RPO car I know of from Lionel.
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@mike g. posted:LOL Thanks Bob, I don't mind their coffee that much, but if I am going to spend $4-$5 for a cup of coffee I am going to the ones that have bikinis! LOL
I'm NOT a big coffee fan, I like my caffeine in soda form. And I especially can't handle that much for wake up juice.
I'll pay that much for a orange cream slush at Sonic, though...
Having a pretty wife and dated a stripper many years before I met my wife, I wouldn't waste my money on one of those bikini coffee places.
Korber Roundhouse just about complete
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@Alex M, that’s a beautiful roundhouse, great job, excellent colors, it’s a Wow. Happy Railroading Everyone
I like the lighting in the roundhouse Alex, good to show it off instead of keeping it in the dark.
@Alex M- WOW! the roundhouse looks great. Please share pix when it's on the layout.
@Genemed- Ballast looks good. I used the same method on fastrack.
@Steamfan77- nice additional details. The turntable looks great.
Bob
Wow.....just caught up from the weekend.......lots of fabulous stuff.
Here is my structure-building update......
The fact that my Ross Transfer Table will be here this week, dictated my next project.......the TW TrainWorx Yard Office.
The TT control pad goes inside, under the "pull out" roof....
I decided this winter, that even though the basic layout infrastructure wasn't up, I would build up my kits with the hope that it might be easier to envision where they will go with them being built....
Since February, I've built five structures.....one (the Korber Sand House & Tower) for the modular layout.
The four structures for my layout are stored here.......waiting for a place to be.....
Here is the Korber kit I built for the modular layout.....
Here are most of the kits that I have stored up over the years......I need to make a decision on which one next.......
I also have another Korber Sand House & Tower to do for my layout....and, a pile of parts for kit-bashes.......but, I'll need to see how the track plan falls out 1st.
The Modular Group is busy with layout upgrades every Wednesday......once that is done, the crew will come here to help me motorize the Mianne Lift Gate and cut/lay down the plywood.......then, I can really get to work......
......and, I can't believe how much fun retirement is!!!!!!
Peter
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@Putnam Division Peter glad to hear you're enjoying retirement! I'm sure you earned it.
The buildings look great.
Alex, the roundhouse looks fantastic!
Peter, I thoroughly enjoyed building the Oblong Box Company kit. You have a lot of great options, that’s a nice problem to have 😉
Thank you Bob!
Andy
I haven't done much for my layout recently as I’ve been focused on getting my WW2 jeep running again. This is due to it being silent since the pandemic began, as well as dealing with the new puppy we got this past weekend:
That said, by now many members of this forum know of my photo in the newest issue, which is a preview for an article on military railroads which will run in the fall.
I think it'll give some new ideas within the hobby, and a topic I've never seen addressed in the hobby press before in this manner. I hope you all like it when that runs.
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@p51 posted:I haven't done much for my layout recently as I’ve been focused on getting my WW2 jeep running again. This is due to it being silent since the pandemic began, as well as dealing with the new puppy we got this past weekend:
That said, by now many members of this forum know of my photo in the newest issue, which is a preview for an article on military railroads which will run in the fall.
I think it'll give some new ideas within the hobby, and a topic I've never seen addressed in the hobby press before in this manner. I hope you all like it when that runs.
Looking forward to your article Lee. Your layout is one of my favs. Cute pup too! 
@Putnam Division- A nice problem to have Peter. So many buildings, and so much free time in retirement.....Let me guess, you are busier now than when you were working.......
Bob
Hello everyone,
Would like to thank
Leapinlarry, Dave, Bob, Andy, and Lee for the kind words !
Bob If i can get a few pictures of it on the layout , i will certainly post them here.
As always i don't have much time to see everyone's work , but when i do what i see is outstanding !
Thanks, Alex
@p51 Lee- Since you said you were working on your Jeep. I saw a vintage Willy's (50's ?) cruising down the Long Island Expressway last Sunday. Couldn't take a pic since I was driving but the smile (and Marine camo hat) on the driver spoke volumes!
Bob
Hey Y'all,
I put new wire on a UCS controller and then hooked it up for use with a milk platform. I now have wired four out of eight UCS tracks. I made up my favorite consist, The 4501 Mikado pulling four "Southern Crescent" passenger cars. I wanted to wire two O22 switches in the engine yard but at 102 degrees, I had to go to the big house. It's cooler now after some rain so the excursion to Birmingham can continue. Birmingham is the home of the Summer Olympic Games. I have now rebuilt 66% of my layout. The third level will wait a while. All the fine work on this forum keeps me inspired. Thanks Y'all.
Bill
Alex. Super job on the roundhouse. What type or lights are you going to install. I made the mistake of not using bright enough lights on mine. People really like to see those locos through the windows during night time scenes.
Tonight I pulled my work in progress kitbash/scratch PRR b70a through the tight bridge approaches and it went well thankfully. 
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@mike g. posted:
Now for what has never happened, while having both upper and lower loops running at the same time while testing my emergency drink nothing went wrong! The whole time out there everything ran as it should and I was so relaxed to the point I really enjoyed myself!
MIKE, the connection is obvious! A BEER A DAY MAKES THE GREMLINS GO AWAY!!
Cheers, Dave
Farmerjohn, I agree, Alex M did a fantastic job on his roundhouse build, great lighting, great coloration of the sides and roof, very nice, however, your 10 stall roundhouse is built really well, the unique opening/closing doors a crowd pleaser, also your weathered millhouse turntable bed and bridge are awesome. Your complete scene is jaw dropping. You can upgrade your lighting if you wish to. This is Farmerjohns roundhouse area. Happy Railroading Everyone 
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Excellent progress everyone!
This weekend I laid the basic ground cover on one of my inclines for track 1 and the area between track 2 and the retaining wall as well as ballasted the incline. Doesn't look like much but it sure took a while. Did I ever say I really dislike ballasting?
-Greg
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NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting pictures.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/member/greg.houser
That is some pretty good looking ballast.
Today the flat black roof, car ends and side doors were installed on my kitbash/scratch PRR b70a baggage car. Tedious but enjoyable project. I can only do these kind of projects once in a while 🙂.
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@pennsynut : beautiful work, thanks for sharing.
Don
