What did you do on your layout today?

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

Mitch, LOL!!!

Norma:  "FEEEESH!"  ;-D

Mitch

Here Kitty Kitty! LOL

I had a bigger one on, but it broke my line!

mike g. posted:

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

Mitch, LOL!!!

Norma:  "FEEEESH!"  ;-D

Mitch

Here Kitty Kitty! LOL

I had a bigger one on, but it broke my line!

Those are beauties Mike. I used to do a lot of fly fishing upstate NY for Rainbows and Brookies. Those guys look like they have eaten well all summer. The other Rainbows I used to catch were their cousins, the Weakfish. Caught some big ones (10 lb +) over the years in the waters around Long Island.

Bob

WOW Bob 10lbs, that's a big fish! These are only a couple pounds and were around 14/ 1/2" for the small one and 16" for the big one! But it was a good time! Any time the wife wants to go fishing is a good day! LOL

You guys are given me the fever to go trout fishing. There’s a place about 50mi west of here where I go but it’s been to hot. Anyway 

Mike. Thanks a little  overwhelmed but I think I can get this thing back together and up and running 

Mark. Thanks I got the top half painted and ran out and it’s raining today.  It’s a Decals come today I will probably get it shell decaled. Thanks to all of you who left likes for me. 

Lee, Yes the rain poses a problem for us who paint outside.  Well, I hope the decals come today.

I paint in the garage! doors open with fan blowing! LOL Cars parked at the neighbors!

Reminds me of when I worked a summer on maintenance at the nearby summer camp in '74.  My co-worker and I were painting the garage doors and trim by brush on the massive brick garage.  The boss got the first paint sprayer I ever saw and painted the nearby barn red of course.  I didn't have a car, but my co worker did, and he was parked upwind, so no problem.  When the boss was done, he saw his overspray had gotten on his own car.  Little red dots all over his pale, pale green Toyota.  

Mark Boyce posted:

Reminds me of when I worked a summer on maintenance at the nearby summer camp in '74.  My co-worker and I were painting the garage doors and trim by brush on the massive brick garage.  The boss got the first paint sprayer I ever saw and painted the nearby barn red of course.  I didn't have a car, but my co worker did, and he was parked upwind, so no problem.  When the boss was done, he saw his overspray had gotten on his own car.  Little red dots all over his pale, pale green Toyota.  

LOL that's why I move all the cars!

Well I did get this guy painted before I ran out of paint.

This was a Santa Fe last weekend and now it’s a Indiana Harbor Belt. I painted and decaled it last night didn’t think I would get it done in time for Switcher Saturday but I did. I also replaced the headlight lenses and oiled it  enjoy the pics  

      looks great Lee !

Great job Lee! Looks and sounds great! Nice work!

mike g. posted:

Hi Mark, thanks for the nice words, I am using 1/2" Plywood for the to, was going to use 5/8th but with the spacing I have 1/2" works great, I have already climbed on it to check it out!

Chris, your coal triple is fantastic ! but that's nothing new, seems like everything you do is just wonderful! I like the new addition to your layout and it looks like it going to be great looking as with everything else!

Wow Lee, to me that sure looks like a big can of worms! I sure wish the best for you on this one! LOL

Mark, P.S. Fishing was really slow, just 2, but got a really nice rainbow trout! Check it out!

Tasty!  Just finished some salmon for lunch.

Matt, I was going to have it for lunch, but the wife gave it to her mom and dad! LOL Oh well I will just have to go catch more!

Very nice work Lee,  paint work and decals look exceptional...  It amazing how much detail the original PW Lionel tooling for those switchers had.   Looks like it's a good thing that large decal wasn't 1/8 inch taller !!

I have one of these PW 623's  I purchased it at least 45 years ago, from a TCA member in Waldwick, NJ.   It has a modification called "teledyne" couplers.... It's really cool early technology, the solenoid couplers will open anywhere on the track if you depress the whistle button....   I really need to get that engine out along with my  Lionel Bell/Whistle button I purchased back in the mid 90's and give it a test run.

Mike, Brian, Thanks!  Appreciate the compliments

Chris. Thanks it is very detailed for it’s age. The decal on the side I was holding my breath  I didn’t like the side stripes they was just too busy and loud for me. That coupler thing sounds neat can you still get them? 

               having a cheeseburger, beer, and  running some trains...

                  started working on blending in this hill with background...

Lee,   Honestly I don't know...    I know I got the name right, you might try doing a search for  Lionel  "teledyne coupler" or Lionel teledyne coupler control ?     I kind of remember the impression that someone came up with this innovation maybe in the 1950's ....  All I knew at the time was that it was really cool and I wanted it....  Of course I was like 14 or 15 years old at the time spending my lawn mowing business money on trains.   It could probably be accomplished with newer technology,  I know I have some of the electrocoupler upgrade kits for the early Lionel GP-9s,  I bought several of the 1st ones made, but they came out with mechanical couplers...  Of course I never got around to doing the upgrades.   The only issue with the new tech upgrade is that you'd have to be running at least TMCC to address the remote coupler feature. 

well since I'm building a new layout and right now only testing in conventional mode I decided to take all the batteries out of my remotes for Lionchief engines and it may be a while till I am fully operational.

I'll keep them in the basement 60 degrees and dry.

lee drennen posted:

Mike, Brian, Thanks!  Appreciate the compliments

Chris. Thanks it is very detailed for it’s age. The decal on the side I was holding my breath  I didn’t like the side stripes they was just too busy and loud for me. That coupler thing sounds neat can you still get them? 

Lee, You did a great job on that switcher!!

chris a posted:

Lee,   Honestly I don't know...    I know I got the name right, you might try doing a search for  Lionel  "teledyne coupler" or Lionel teledyne coupler control ?     I kind of remember the impression that someone came up with this innovation maybe in the 1950's ....  All I knew at the time was that it was really cool and I wanted it....  Of course I was like 14 or 15 years old at the time spending my lawn mowing business money on trains.   It could probably be accomplished with newer technology,  I know I have some of the electrocoupler upgrade kits for the early Lionel GP-9s,  I bought several of the 1st ones made, but they came out with mechanical couplers...  Of course I never got around to doing the upgrades.   The only issue with the new tech upgrade is that you'd have to be running at least TMCC to address the remote coupler feature. 

Thanks Chris 

search for it 

I got the decals today this is not my best paint or decal job. The Shell was pretty beat up and cracked. I chose the number 1845 because my oldest daughter will be 18 next Friday her sports number all during school has been 45 she will graduate this year and I’m really proud of her she is a straight “A” student works, plays sports, and is studying  to go to college. so I’m decading this build to her. 

mike g. posted:

WOW Bob 10lbs, that's a big fish! These are only a couple pounds and were around 14/ 1/2" for the small one and 16" for the big one! But it was a good time! Any time the wife wants to go fishing is a good day! LOL

Yea they were big. My son caught a big large mouth bass in Lake George a few years ago...about 6 pounds. My dad holds the family record though with a 40 lb striped bass of the South shore if the Island. Guess it runs in the family.

Bob

Mike, you are moving right along too. Frame work looking good.                                                                                          Chris, I like your method of completing a section before moving to the next. Probably the best way as to not get bored from monotony.                                                                                                                                                                   Mark hope you can get back to working on your layout. When it rains it pours. You never did make it to Ohio. Maybe you can get a small window before the snow flies. Are you doing York this October Mark.  I will be there Wednesday through Saturday. I forgot to mention that I got the Weaver Great Northern TOFC from Beth at Public Delivery Track, a forum sponsor. Today I had to clean up the yard. This Tuesday night I am hosting our Tuesday night group and as my luck always goes they are forcasting a 100% chance of storms that night. After dinner the wife already knows I am going to the basement to work on the control panel. Going to mount the TIU and a bunch of the terminal blocks. Still waiting on the ACt o DC so I can mount that. Is hould have a pic or two before I hit the sack.................Paul

Mark Boyce posted:

lee drennen posted:

Mike, Brian, Thanks!  Appreciate the compliments

Chris. Thanks it is very detailed for it’s age. The decal on the side I was holding my breath  I didn’t like the side stripes they was just too busy and loud for me. That coupler thing sounds neat can you still get them? 

Lee, You did a great job on that switcher!!

Thanks Mark I enjoyed redoing it 

paul 2 posted:

Mike, you are moving right along too. Frame work looking good.                                                                                          Chris, I like your method of completing a section before moving to the next. Probably the best way as to not get bored from monotony.                                                                                                                                                                   Mark hope you can get back to working on your layout. When it rains it pours. You never did make it to Ohio. Maybe you can get a small window before the snow flies. Are you doing York this October Mark.  I will be there Wednesday through Saturday. I forgot to mention that I got the Weaver Great Northern TOFC from Beth at Public Delivery Track, a forum sponsor. Today I had to clean up the yard. This Tuesday night I am hosting our Tuesday night group and as my luck always goes they are forcasting a 100% chance of storms that night. After dinner the wife already knows I am going to the basement to work on the control panel. Going to mount the TIU and a bunch of the terminal blocks. Still waiting on the ACt o DC so I can mount that. Is hould have a pic or two before I hit the sack.................Paul 

Paul, I have thought about not getting over your way often.  I was thinking just what you said, I hope to get out there this fall.  If rain is forecast on a Thursday or Friday, it may just work.  I am not going to York this time.  I will miss going, seeing you and all the great friends I have made.

Ill look forward to seeing your control panel progress!

RSJB18 posted:

mike g. posted:

WOW Bob 10lbs, that's a big fish! These are only a couple pounds and were around 14/ 1/2" for the small one and 16" for the big one! But it was a good time! Any time the wife wants to go fishing is a good day! LOL

Yea they were big. My son caught a big large mouth bass in Lake George a few years ago...about 6 pounds. My dad holds the family record though with a 40 lb striped bass of the South shore if the Island. Guess it runs in the family.

Bob

We were at Lake George in 2012, our last vacation.  Friends go often and recommended we go.  Where do you stay?  Our friends stay in a motel right in Lake George so she is close to the shops.  LOL. Do you know anything about the Trout House, about halfway up the west coast?  

Adding a snow/rock shelter.

That looks real nice Rod!

Brian, you doing a bang up job! I always look forward to all the great pictures you post! Give inspiration!

JUSHAVNFUN, That sure is a lot of Batteries! How many remotes do you have? I only have one! LOL

Lee, the engine really looks good! But better yet congrats on having such a great daughter! Be proud you have earned it!

Bob, the only to get a fish around here is to try and get a Salmon! The silvers are not running right now!

Paul, thanks for the nice comment, Just trying to have fun just like everyone else!

Rod, That is one great looking Snow Shed! I was wondering if that is a kit or scratch built? Either way wonderful!

More work on the farm scene today. Finally added some figures and bit more scenery.

Dave

Dave,   Outstanding scene, really good clear photographs...   Great details, love the weathered uneven fence and the weathered barn.   Amazing how well the back drop just blends in provides alot of depth.   

Rod, ROMILLER49, that snow shed/rock shelter is looking great !   Good way to break up the monotony of a 90 degree curve in a corner.   

Paul,  yes doing the layout in sections, including at least most of the major scenery work,  is working well for me.  Not only does break up the monotony, as you pointed out, it keeps the whole project from getting too overwhelming at times.   If I build too much bench-work, lay all roadbed & track and complete all the wiring in one phase, I start feeling like I'll never get this "last layout" done.   On the other hand the drawback is I still can't run trains continuously around the entire layout, but that's ok with me.

Of course my insistence on building in movable modules, including the wiring... is causing it to take twice as long,  but at least I won't have to start over from scratch...

Much appreciated Chris!

romiller49 posted:

Adding a snow/rock shelter.

Very nice detail!  Much more interesting then the standard tunnel through a mountain on a corner curved section of track.   I'm assuming it was scratch built - well done!   Dave

mike g. posted:

Brian, you doing a bang up job! I always look forward to all the great pictures you post! Give inspiration!

JUSHAVNFUN, That sure is a lot of Batteries! How many remotes do you have? I only have one! LOL

Lee, the engine really looks good! But better yet congrats on having such a great daughter! Be proud you have earned it!

Bob, the only to get a fish around here is to try and get a Salmon! The silvers are not running right now!

Paul, thanks for the nice comment, Just trying to have fun just like everyone else!

Rod, That is one great looking Snow Shed! I was wondering if that is a kit or scratch built? Either way wonderful!

Thanks mike 

I am blessed with 2 great daughters. 

Rod, good job on the snow/rock shelter. A great focal point. Are you considering doing a snow scene in that corner. Snow on top of the shelter like there had just been an avalance.

Dave, nice finishing touches. That backdrop gave the scene good depth. 

Mark, sorry to hear you are not going to York. Maybe next April.

Today I finally got working on the control panel. The TIU and some of the terminal blocks are in place. I had some left over PVC from another project so I cut it into short lengths glued themm together and tomorrow when that glued has set up glue them to the plywood. Once I get my AC to DC converter I can add the other terminal blocksGoing to run the wires through them up to the underside of the table. Thought it might be neater. Pics.....................Paul

Slowly but steadily working on this Tankar gas station... since l am scratch building all of it except the Johnny houses, found in  kit at the Indy O scale show, progress has been slower than expected.

Had an actual train wreck ... so I made lemonade out of lemons and created actual scenes with photos showing the progression of clean up from start to finish.   I took about 80 photos.  Here are a couple.   A full accounting will be part of this week's TEAM TRACK TUESDAY thread.   

Back from the Springfield show.  The Scarlet Streak was a hit, and quite admired.   No buyers,  alas.  Oh, well, if anyone on the forum is interested,  my info is in my profile...    

(cell phone pics,  as my camera was hors de combat with low batteries)   ;-) 

Mitch 

Boy- You can tell Fall is here, everyone is getting busy on their layouts.

Mark- We love Lake George but the Village is too crazy for us. We stay up in Bolton Landing at a place called Melody Manor. Vary nice spot on the lake at the end of a cove. The owner and his wife are really nice folks.

Patrick- wrecks happen on our railroads from time to time. Hope there was no major damage. Can't wait till Tuesday.

Paul- The control panel is shaping up. Once this is done will you be able to run trains?

Mike- Don't let my fish tales fool you. Came home empty handed more than I care to admit. We are lucky around here to have a huge variety of species to chase both in fresh and salt water. Follow up on my Dad's bass- he was in his 20's when he caught it and brought it home and didn't know where to put it so he dropped it the bath tub. My Grandmother was none to pleased to say the least.

Lee D- Both diesels look great. The tie in to your daughter makes it extra special.

Rod- Nice work on the snow shed.

Dave- the farm scene is beautiful. I agree the backdrop blends right in.

Mitch- The Scarlet Streak looks sharp. Was Fortescue at the throttle?

As for me- maybe I can steal some layout time today. Gotta cut the lawn but that's a quick job. Fingers crossed. Apologies if I missed anyone. A lot to keep up with.

Bob, I was running an engine on track I completed. I had stuck wires into the ends of the track for power and ground to run the engine to see where I needed to add power wires..........Paul