What did you do on your layout today?

Steamfan77 posted:

Bob,

When I was growing up in Mineola, Willis Hobbies was on Mineola Blvd near Harrison Ave, south of Jericho Turnpike, literally two blocks from my house! No wonder I could never save any of my allowance! Now because I’m on the south shore, I will usually go to Nassau Hobby in Freeport. I do sometimes visit my old stomping grounds in Mineola, so a visit to Willis Hobbies is in order. 

Andy

 

I grew up in Baldwin and used to go to a guy on Merrick Rd in Freeport, wasn't Nassau, don't remember the name but most of my paper route money went there. Been going to Trainland since I was little with my Dad too.

1940s 

Looks like everyone is hard at work on there projects and the results are Fantastic...I thought I would share some pictures of my Helixes, 072+ made up of K-Line 027 curves at a 2% grade, soon to be set up in routes via Cab 2... A helix allows a train to disappear momentarily for the Imagination to run wild.  They are hidden inside mountains at both ends of the layout...Happy Railroading.

RSJB18 posted:

Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, what hobby shop do you go to?

Andy

I went to Willis Hobby today since it's close to work. Trainland is a regular stop and I get to Nassau occasionally.

Bob

So there is a perk to living on Long Island?  I just have read that so many folks would like to leave.  The grass is always greener...LOL

Mark Boyce posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, what hobby shop do you go to?

Andy

I went to Willis Hobby today since it's close to work. Trainland is a regular stop and I get to Nassau occasionally.

Bob

So there is a perk to living on Long Island?  I just have read that so many folks would like to leave.  The grass is always greener...LOL

Not the 8.8% tax part lol.  My father and I drove to Trainworld from the Philadelphia area in October 

paul 2 posted:

I had time this afternoon so I added the coloring to the gorge. Then I applied a black wash. I'll let it soak in over night and see what I have in the morning. Done for the day. It's another Tuesday night crew get together. Pics.........Paul

 Paul.   that’s a very nice piece of craftsmanship you’re doing 

leapinlarry posted:

Looks like everyone is hard at work on there projects and the results are Fantastic...I thought I would share some pictures of my Helixes, 072+ made up of K-Line 027 curves at a 2% grade, soon to be set up in routes via Cab 2... A helix allows a train to disappear momentarily for the Imagination to run wild.  They are hidden inside mountains at both ends of the layout...Happy Railroading.

 Very nice layout Larry thanks for posting those beautiful pictures 

choff posted:

 I really like your main street hopefully someday I’ll get mine finished 

Kon112H posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, what hobby shop do you go to?

Andy

I went to Willis Hobby today since it's close to work. Trainland is a regular stop and I get to Nassau occasionally.

Bob

So there is a perk to living on Long Island?  I just have read that so many folks would like to leave.  The grass is always greener...LOL

Not the 8.8% tax part lol.  My father and I drove to Trainworld from the Philadelphia area in October 

8.8% wow!  But what is their gasoline tax? I read Pennsylvania’s is higher than any other state 

Lee Drennen, Thank You for the compliment, and Choff, your Main Street is looking good.  Paul 2, your scene is coming together nicely, Kon, I liked your last video, so cool. Mike g, hope your doing better, and the snow melting. Great thread, great folks, Happy Railroading.

HCSader73 posted:

Adriatic posted:

lee drennen posted:

Before I went to bed last night I dug out my old Lionel 202 I notice that the decals were starting to peel and the flat paint I used was fading so I put a gloss coat on it to seal it I never wanted a gloss coat in the first place but I don’t feel like restoring it again. This was my  very first locomotive it was orange faded and needing help so I sanded it and repainted it and decaled it. This will probably go on the layout in my new model/train room in the house. 

Lee, you can still hit it with a final satin/matte coat when you are ready. Clear over clear isn't an issue (same type/brand), just scuff it lightly with a fine paper or soft scotchbrite first so it can bite well.

Lee, I just acquired this 202 last night. I haven't opened it up yet, but it came with  some other postwar rolling stock that hadn't seen the light of day since Eisenhower was President. The rear wheels are locked, which to me suggests something amiss with the worm gear Front end is cracked and slightly broken, so there may be impact damage inside. The pumpkin orange color is a bit off putting, but I plan to clean it up and keep the original color.

I haven't worked on one of these diesels before. Anything I should know before I dig in?

Regards

Pete.

Pete

 I don’t know a lot about these but check to see if the gears on the trucks are broke or something like ballast  is causing it lock up if not I  use 3 and 1oil to lube them  but that’s just my choice oil. The only problem I have with mine sometimes is the switch on top that controls the forward and reverse sometimes it gets stuck in one position or the other if you move the switch or not sometimes I can move it several times back-and-forth gently and help make good connection again even after I have sanded the contacts  but that’s the only problem I’ve had with this 50+ year engine.After you lube it up and get it running good there a good strong little engine but I just couldn’t stand that bright orange paint I think I ran it less than a week and then I tore it down serviced it and then painted it in New York central colors.

HCSader73 posted:

Adriatic posted:

lee drennen posted:

Before I went to bed last night I dug out my old Lionel 202 I notice that the decals were starting to peel and the flat paint I used was fading so I put a gloss coat on it to seal it I never wanted a gloss coat in the first place but I don’t feel like restoring it again. This was my  very first locomotive it was orange faded and needing help so I sanded it and repainted it and decaled it. This will probably go on the layout in my new model/train room in the house. 

Lee, you can still hit it with a final satin/matte coat when you are ready. Clear over clear isn't an issue (same type/brand), just scuff it lightly with a fine paper or soft scotchbrite first so it can bite well.

Lee, I just acquired this 202 last night. I haven't opened it up yet, but it came with  some other postwar rolling stock that hadn't seen the light of day since Eisenhower was President. The rear wheels are locked, which to me suggests something amiss with the worm gear Front end is cracked and slightly broken, so there may be impact damage inside. The pumpkin orange color is a bit off putting, but I plan to clean it up and keep the original color.

I haven't worked on one of these diesels before. Anything I should know before I dig in?

Regards

Pete.

Pete. I also forgot to tell you when you open it up the headlight will be Bent Straight if you want the light to go through the hole in the  Shell of the engine bend the headlight bracket up just a little bit as you can see in my pictures  and it will shine through the whole better I put a brighter bulb in it but be careful doing this because you might melt the Shell I’m testing a new lightbulb out now to see if it makes the Shell hot but seriously I don’t think I would recommend this

Guys 

every thing is looking good I’m enjoying this while I can because us cabin fever people will be out side play golf, fishing,  gardening (that’s me) etc in  just a very short time and I’ll be missing these times in the evening drinking my coffee and looking at everybody’s progress so keep having fun  model railroading!

After the striping debacle, I decided to get back to nature a bit. Finally used the trees I bought 13 for $1 after Christmas. 

And yes, I do plan to cover the walls with paneling and paint a background scene  

COASTSIDEKEVIN, Clearly, you are having fun. The layout is delightful. There is something joyful about it, so may we look forward to seeing more as you continue to grow your treasure?

FrankM

What did I do on my layout today? (get your violins out) ...

1. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I cannot figure out my DCS signal problem. 
2. One of the downsides to living in Laramie, Wyoming, aside from no income tax and low gas taxes, and oh yes, my natural gas bill came in for January at $60, is the fact that I have no one around who can help me! Woe is me. 
3. I have a whole friggin University at my finger-tips with a world-class engineering department, but no train hobbyists. At least none in O scale running DCS. 
4. I am even thinking of flying Barry B out here all expenses paid so he can get away from that terrible Florida weather and into some sub-zero temps, just to help me figure the darn thing out. 
5. Short of that, I am thinking of relocating to Long Island, where at least they have hobby shops and high taxes.

I have power all around - solid, good 17-18 volts - but no DCS signal. 

And wine did not help. So, I am closing down shop for a while and taking a breather. And re-reading Barry's books. 

-- Dr Joe 

Moonson posted:

COASTSIDEKEVIN, Clearly, you are having fun. The layout is delightful. There is something joyful about it, so may we look forward to seeing more as you continue to grow your treasure?

FrankM

Hi FrankM - absolutely! I love playing trains with my two little ones - takes me right back in time. Also, I like problem solving and this hobby presents unlimited problems to solve. Like, I wasn’t planning on a 456 coal ramp but picked one up for nearly nothing, so now get to figure out how to incorporate it into my switch yard. After I restore it, that is.

And finally, what I value about this community is that nobody judges me (publicly) because my layout is this way and not that way, etc. There seem to be room for all comers here and let’s hope it stays that way. All aboard!

Kevin, Frank always puts things so well!  It is hard to say more other than I agree!  Even though I am tired of winter, your winter scene perked me up!  I have a 456 coal ramp, that may never had been used, still in the box with the price tag on it.  I haven't decided where it will go exactly, but I will use it.  I'm sorry your's needs restored.  But, many modelers find that a great way to enjoy the hobby as well.  

Dr Joe,  Sounds like Laramie is the place to move to...aside from having only one O gauge guy to your knowledge.  Flying Barry out is a good idea, but you may need to wait until summer when the bugs and sticky humidity gives him an added reason to leave.  There is probably no way of pulling him away from sunny Florida right now.  I have not used the signals feature of DCS, in fact, I have not added an AIU at all.  I just run trains at this time.  You are right about Long Island.  A move there would solve all your problems.  

I know it's Flyer but I have been an O gauge guy with my dad all my life. My girlfriend let me set up the Flyer at her house! I added two switches and my new MTH coal loader. 

Hi Mark,

There are good and bad things about living on Long Island just as there are in most places I guess. I have a modest three bedroom house, and the property taxes are very high. I think it’s safe to say that you pay (literally) for the convenience of proximity ( you also get the traffic to go along with that  . I wish things weren’t so expensive here, but I still enjoy the amenities available to us. For us train guys, we have three major hobby shops in Nassau County (the western county on Long Island). Trainland in Lynbrook, Nassau Hobby in Freeport, and Willis Hobbies in Mineola, and all within a few minutes of each other. I think we will move to a cheaper area maybe after we retire, but for now we’ll stay put.

Andy

                   love these cars... gonna have to get a lot more of them...

                                  I think they'll look good behind this one...

                                         https://youtu.be/deDvNDVpGH0

LaramieJoe posted:

I have power all around - solid, good 17-18 volts - but no DCS signal. 

And wine did not help. So, I am closing down shop for a while and taking a breather. And re-reading Barry's books. 

-- Dr Joe 

Joe - I have DCS combined with TMCC. When I have a problem like this I go back to basics. For me that means setting up a bench test. Connect your TIU to bench track or loop with the transformer & go through the set up procedure to ensure TIU is operating properly.   If it is, you can then reconnect to layout and trace all power drops - 1 at a time.  Good luck & be patient. 

LaramieJoe posted:

What did I do on my layout today? (get your violins out) ...

1. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I cannot figure out my DCS signal problem. 
2. One of the downsides to living in Laramie, Wyoming, aside from no income tax and low gas taxes, and oh yes, my natural gas bill came in for January at $60, is the fact that I have no one around who can help me! Woe is me. 
3. I have a whole friggin University at my finger-tips with a world-class engineering department, but no train hobbyists. At least none in O scale running DCS. 
4. I am even thinking of flying Barry B out here all expenses paid so he can get away from that terrible Florida weather and into some sub-zero temps, just to help me figure the darn thing out. 
5. Short of that, I am thinking of relocating to Long Island, where at least they have hobby shops and high taxes.

 

I have power all around - solid, good 17-18 volts - but no DCS signal. 

And wine did not help. So, I am closing down shop for a while and taking a breather. And re-reading Barry's books. 

-- Dr Joe 

Dr. Joe sounds like something simple.   Like Matt said I would check the unit on a test track and see if it even works.   I take it you are upgrading to that system?  

I feel what you are saying about no hobby shops or folks interested in what you are doing. I have two hobby shops here.   Neither are up on or in to modern model trains.  9.75 sales tax here and no state income tax.  The internet becomes your LHS! 

The sun is out !!!!  Aint seen it in a week or more!!!   Wont last long.  More rain. More flooding on the way! 

No track or cows yet.    Dang presidents day!! LOL

Jim

Ran trains for a short while last night before turning in.  Very nice way to end the day!

Cody, We like Flyer here on the Three rail page.  Post away!!!!  That is neat your girlfriend let you set it up at her house.  She sounds like a great girl!

Andy, I have never been to Long Island or even close to the NYC-NJ metropolitan area, but it would be a shock for me for sure.   We moved around some in our earlier years, and having grown up in rural Pennsylvania, I had to learn to accept the bad and take advantage of the good wherever we were.  Considering a move is a good idea when looking forward to your retirement.  Those high costs will eat you alive in later retirement years.

Brian, All nice photographs of CSX action!!

Thank you Mark! She is great. I hoping to be sharing posts of a 3 rail layout we build there at some point. I'll share posts of the 3 rail layout that my dad and I have too as we go along. Thanks for the reply! 

Hi Guys, I know I am late to the party! Had to work yesterday.

Paul 2, you are doing an amazing job on the gorge! The colors look wonderful! Keep up the great work!

Vincent, it has to be done every now and then! LOL

Pete, looks like it was used hard, but still a nice find! I sure hope its an easy fix!

CHOFF, Layout is looking nice, Wonderful main Street!

Andy, very cool B&W video!

Kevin, looks good! You must have picked them up at Wal-Mart? I got the same deal, just haven't got that far on my layout yet!

Dr. Joe, I hope you figure it out soon! I think the guys are right about a test track. Take the AIU out of the setup and see what you get then! I am sure if you ask Barry he will give you some advice!

Bershirelover, Any layout is better then none! Sounds like the Girl Friend is a keeper! LOL

Brian, Nice CSX Train shoot! Way to share with everyone! They sure have some nice engines!

Jim, I hate to say it, but maybe they are using the COW's to ship your track! Cheaper shipping, just takes longer! LOL

Berkshirelover726 posted:

I know it's Flyer but I have been an O gauge guy with my dad all my life. My girlfriend let me set up the Flyer at her house! I added two switches and my new MTH coal loader. 

Great pictures, Cody, but can you help the new guy out? Am I correct in thinking that these "Flyer" trains are S gauge? IF so, since you are an O gauge fan, Did you get them because you liked their appearance, their price, or for some other reason?

Mark Boyce posted:

Cody, We like Flyer here on the Three rail page.  Post away!!!!  That is neat your girlfriend let you set it up at her house.  She sounds like a great girl!

Andy, I have never been to Long Island or even close to the NYC-NJ metropolitan area, but it would be a shock for me for sure.   We moved around some in our earlier years, and having grown up in rural Pennsylvania, I had to learn to accept the bad and take advantage of the good wherever we were.  Considering a move is a good idea when looking forward to your retirement.  Those high costs will eat you alive in later retirement years.

Brian, All nice photographs of CSX action!!

Mark- I've lived on LI for all of my 50+ years. Yes we all like to complain about the high cost of everything- but we are right next to the greatest city in the world, 10 minutes from world class beaches, you name it. Yes- like many I do not plan to stay here after retirement but for now its fine.

And the three shops that Andy mentioned being basically in my back yard doesn't hurt at all.

Bob

RSJB18 posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

Cody, We like Flyer here on the Three rail page.  Post away!!!!  That is neat your girlfriend let you set it up at her house.  She sounds like a great girl!

Andy, I have never been to Long Island or even close to the NYC-NJ metropolitan area, but it would be a shock for me for sure.   We moved around some in our earlier years, and having grown up in rural Pennsylvania, I had to learn to accept the bad and take advantage of the good wherever we were.  Considering a move is a good idea when looking forward to your retirement.  Those high costs will eat you alive in later retirement years.

Brian, All nice photographs of CSX action!!

Mark- I've lived on LI for all of my 50+ years. Yes we all like to complain about the high cost of everything- but we are right next to the greatest city in the world, 10 minutes from world class beaches, you name it. Yes- like many I do not plan to stay here after retirement but for now its fine.

And the three shops that Andy mentioned being basically in my back yard doesn't hurt at all.

Bob

Bob, Well put!!!

CoastsideKevin posted:

Moonson posted:

COASTSIDEKEVIN, Clearly, you are having fun. The layout is delightful. There is something joyful about it, so may we look forward to seeing more as you continue to grow your treasure?

FrankM

Hi FrankM - ..And finally, what I value about this community is that nobody judges me (publicly) because my layout is this way and not that way, etc. There seem to be room for all comers here and let’s hope it stays that way. All aboard!

Hi Kevin, I wouldn't want friends who are clones of each other or of the way I think, and I would certainly imagine none of us model train hobbyists would want layouts to be clones either. I mean, can you imagine how quickly that would get boring!

So, when I see a layout that has something of the joy inside the hobbyist/modeler about it, that interests me. Your layout speaks a bit of the happiness in you about this hobby of ours - the joy of it - so I  wanted to pay you the respect of applauding your personal success with it, to date.

FrankM

Vincent Massi posted:

Berkshirelover726 posted:

I know it's Flyer but I have been an O gauge guy with my dad all my life. My girlfriend let me set up the Flyer at her house! I added two switches and my new MTH coal loader. 

Great pictures, Cody, but can you help the new guy out? Am I correct in thinking that these "Flyer" trains are S gauge? IF so, since you are an O gauge fan, Did you get them because you liked their appearance, their price, or for some other reason?

American Flyer made standard and O gauge before WWII. After the war, the new owner of Flyer A.C. Gilbert (Gilbert bought American Flyer in 1937 I believe) introduced S gauge which is what you see here. 

I have a little of everything from HO-G (Mom and Dad have the other extremes of N scale and Standard). I primarily collect and plan on building with O gauge but I have always liked S gauge too. My uncle had someone give him a Flyer set. My uncle gave it to my dad, dad gave it to me. Apparently no one around me wanted Flyer! I've always wanted Flyer but never took the plunge. If it weren't for my uncle I wouldn't have this set up. So I fixed it up and I have started collecting some. Still buying O but I like the Flyer too.

The S gauge guys would not like to hear this (haha) but, I actually want to use it at some point to build a 3' scale narrow gauge line for my O gauge layout I want to build. The track gauge is perfect for 3' gauge in O. The East Broad Top RR has always interested me and I would like to model that in someway. 

Anyway, if you have any questions about anything just ask us! 

Thanks, 

mike g. posted:

Hi Guys, I know I am late to the party! Had to work yesterday.

Paul 2, you are doing an amazing job on the gorge! The colors look wonderful! Keep up the great work!

Vincent, it has to be done every now and then! LOL

Pete, looks like it was used hard, but still a nice find! I sure hope its an easy fix!

CHOFF, Layout is looking nice, Wonderful main Street!

Andy, very cool B&W video!

Kevin, looks good! You must have picked them up at Wal-Mart? I got the same deal, just haven't got that far on my layout yet!

Dr. Joe, I hope you figure it out soon! I think the guys are right about a test track. Take the AIU out of the setup and see what you get then! I am sure if you ask Barry he will give you some advice!

Bershirelover, Any layout is better then none! Sounds like the Girl Friend is a keeper! LOL

Brian, Nice CSX Train shoot! Way to share with everyone! They sure have some nice engines!

Jim, I hate to say it, but maybe they are using the COW's to ship your track! Cheaper shipping, just takes longer! LOL

Thanks Mike! She sure is. She has given me 2 stalls of her 4 car garage to build an O gauge layout in there. I'll wait for that after we get married. She doesn't need me in there building just yet! 

Mike G........................... MOO! LOL

Dr. Joe.    I read the instructions on the AIU.. 

I have a question.    Your layout worked fine until you tried to add the AIU?  

Seems there is just one cable that connects the AIU to the TIU.    If you unhook it.  Does your signal return? 

I know NOTHING about DCC but it sure looks interesting and complex! I thought maybe someone outside of the box may be helpful.

Jim

Berkshirelover726 posted:

mike g. posted:

Hi Guys, I know I am late to the party! Had to work yesterday.

Paul 2, you are doing an amazing job on the gorge! The colors look wonderful! Keep up the great work!

Vincent, it has to be done every now and then! LOL

Pete, looks like it was used hard, but still a nice find! I sure hope its an easy fix!

CHOFF, Layout is looking nice, Wonderful main Street!

Andy, very cool B&W video!

Kevin, looks good! You must have picked them up at Wal-Mart? I got the same deal, just haven't got that far on my layout yet!

Dr. Joe, I hope you figure it out soon! I think the guys are right about a test track. Take the AIU out of the setup and see what you get then! I am sure if you ask Barry he will give you some advice!

Bershirelover, Any layout is better then none! Sounds like the Girl Friend is a keeper! LOL

Brian, Nice CSX Train shoot! Way to share with everyone! They sure have some nice engines!

Jim, I hate to say it, but maybe they are using the COW's to ship your track! Cheaper shipping, just takes longer! LOL

Thanks Mike! She sure is. She has given me 2 stalls of her 4 car garage to build an O gauge layout in there. I'll wait for that after we get married. She doesn't need me in there building just yet! 

Cody, sure sounds like a great plan! Plus a lot of room for a layout!

Thank you, Cody. I understand your thinking now, and it does make sense. Because The Cuddlee and I are retired in a small house, I have to confine myself to HO and N gauge.

                           thanks Mark and Mike !!

Guys

everything is looking good so far today

Brian your stealing my heart with those CSX power units

Vincent. Quit saying new guy I feel you are a part of us now but that’s you Opinion 

Happy with the colors I sprayed a diluted glue solution over the rocks. Found my earth color and did all the remaining areas. Now I can focus on the falls and river. Think I may use the spackling I have to coat the river bottoms and behind the falls. I test an area first to see if that will work. Pics...........Paul

paul 2 posted:

Happy with the colors I sprayed a diluted glue solution over the rocks. Found my earth color and did all the remaining areas. Now I can focus on the falls and river. Think I may use the spackling I have to coat the river bottoms and behind the falls. I test an area first to see if that will work. Pics...........Paul

Looking good!