Or sink a nut, and glue a cut off carriage bolt for a hole cap held by caulk, etc.
You might have it solved, I didn't backtrack much today. I'm just seeing alternatives that might work.
Threaded wood inserts with spiked flanges vs splice nut or sunken nut, the carriage bolt might screw in place if you can leave bare insert threads, etc..
Mike G: "I have a small layout"..
Around the addition you built, and into the yard, maybe clear to the She-shed eventually if my guess is correct.
I know you are talking to Elliot, but ok, keep telling yourself that is small Mike. (I can't wait for the big one to get started 🤣)
I'm envisioning Mike starting deliveries from the store by rail.
"Too many trees for drones" he says smiling mischievously. 😂
Mike, if the wood tears at/ drags the fishing line, a plastic/nylon block or eyelet or bushing would help that.
A light spring to reel in the slack on the wire harness, keeping it off the tracks too. (like on a screen doors chain).... maybe a couple off of a lawnmower carb/ governer (two or more can be used, even point to point along the wire alone held by zip ties) And or a hair bungie around the wires, or "bungie wire", like a landline telephone.
Too bad the optics and boards aren't around. For me that's an easy low buck automation platform right there. "50 loops and then a trigger; 50 more, trigger, etc. Combined with relays/eunits a whole lot could happen on it's own while you warm that beer up with both hands 
Mike and Bob, Thank you for the well wishes for the camp. I was not at the missions meeting Thursday evening, but our youngest daughter was and heard first hand from the director who as she said brought his normal abundance of enthusiasm! She worked there in the kitchen one summer about 10 years ago. Actually, pretty much everything was built with flooding in mind, either up on raised platforms or concrete slabs that are easily cleaned out. There was ample warning, so it really becomes a job of clearing out debris, mud, and moving things back down from higher ground. A number of churches support the camp, and this is one of two our church supports with money, 'child labor ', and adult construction and maintenance.
Bob, that ink jet looks so familiar. Back in my technician days, I had numerous ones apart, and have one 'carcass' on a shelf near the new layout for'whatever'.
Patrick, the track and flooring is shaping up nicely for the engine house! I forgot to mention before I like the colors you picked for the bricks and trim.
Larry, My guess the girder building set I had back in the mid '60s was Kenner. That would have been a gift my aunt and uncle would have given. They had more money, and while not as expensive as a train set would have been, it would have been the biggest gift of the year for me. Also, a maintenance of way train is something I have never put together for myself. I'm sure yours looks worthy.
Vincent Massi posted:Adriatic posted:I miss working, but not the rat race you inevitably fall into lovin' the work or not. I almost killed myself trying to run it when I should have dropped it in low gear and idled around. Trains helped me park myself. Parking or idling is nearly free once you find a sweet spot and resist the urge to lead the race...finishing has it's own rewards. Easy does it freinds... 😘
Adriatic! Get yourself down here to Mexico! Almost everything is cheaper, the medical care is better, the air is cleaner, the food is healthier, and the streets are safer!
Until one day last year at 50, and a couple around 20, I haven't been more than 10 miles from home in a decade. Traveling 2 miles in a car is uncomfortable, and I've gone without food rather than ride some days. Other transport out of the question...thanks for the heads up but I gotta pass for another 5 years at least, lol. Your offering a diabetic his favorite candy; I loved travel and experiencing different cultures. (wrong thread (FB thread), but I'm dying to taste sea urchin too...just because I haven't yet .
What I did, Adriatic, was fly down for a week to look things over. There are English-speaking cab drivers all over the place, and they know where the best motels are. My wife and I will even drive to the Guadalajara Airport to pick you up.
😂 I took that info in speed-reading mode the the first time Elliot, and before the photo had loaded. That gave me 4' bit; 30" work area; and a need for a long hole. I'm sure you can find a 5-6" carriage bolt , just not at a big box. Welding an extension on one would be easy, and grindable too. Should be cheap enough by a pro, and a freebie or close by a hot rodder, local or even here online. (my mig needs a fuse, maybe a new wire feed motor.)
Mark Boyce posted:Patrick, the track and flooring is shaping up nicely for the engine house! I forgot to mention before I like the colors you picked for the bricks and trim.
Mark,
Thanks. Didn’t paint on exterior walls, just like that from factory. I did painted exterior trims to match the brick. Walls are from MDF.
Patrick
CGWforever posted:Mark Boyce posted:Patrick, the track and flooring is shaping up nicely for the engine house! I forgot to mention before I like the colors you picked for the bricks and trim.
Mark,
Thanks. Didn’t paint on exterior walls, just like that from factory. I did painted exterior trims to match the brick. Walls are from MDF.
Patrick
Patrick, I thought that may have been the case. Looks great, just like a yellowish tan color I have seen on brick buildings. Very effective!
Hi everyone, I sure hope you all had a great Sunday!
Randy, the drive motor is from an old VCR, its the one that is used to push the tape in and out. I was able to match it up with a rod with a couple of wheels on it that had the same gear count and they meshed perfect. I drilled little holes at the base of 2 legs one on each side, attached the fishing line to the wheels , then the legs. The motor is powered by a old cell phone charger. I ran the fishing line down threw plastic straws to keep it from digging into the plywood.
Elliot, You could always weld a carriage bolt to the All Thread, As for the drill bit, I know this is going to be a stretch for some, but I do the same with welding rod. Take another piece of All Thread set it on your vice and flatten the bottom 2 inches with a sledge hammer. once flat sharpen both sides with a grinder and there you go, one long *** drill bit! LOL
Patrick, what wonderful work you do! I am going to have to barrow your floor idea if that's ok!
Butch, your right its small compared to Elliot's. One day it will go out the window, around the she-shed, and down to the fish pond about 25' away then back. As for the fishing line I ran it down threw some plastic straws to keep it out of the plywood!
Well today I was able to get the wires lengthened to reach under the table top and up threw a grove along the back side of the track so you can't see it from the front. As of now everything seams to work just fine!
Well I hope everyone had a great weekend! Tomorrow is I know MONDAY, so let it be what its going to be. Just remember have FUN!
So this is the drill bit I recommended to Elliot. Bailed me out more times then I can count. Sometimes you just can't cut a notch in a wall to snake the wires.
Mike, you make it sound easy as pie!
That is a handy drill bit for work fishing wires in walls, Bob!!
I did get a few minutes to layout some track sections to get the curves right for cutting roadbed for the second portion of the top of the mountain end of the layout. I'm still not quite there yet, so I didn't bother taking a photograph.
Vincent Massi posted:What I did, Adriatic, was fly down for a week to look things over. There are English-speaking cab drivers all over the place, and they know where the best motels are. My wife and I will even drive to the Guadalajara Airport to pick you up.
I'd love to, thank you, but planes are the last thing I'd travel by; turbulance or a rollercoaster stomach flip would be a nightmare. My diaphram ripped, stomach flopped & was hanging by my esophagus. A decade after, I can't even shiver if its cold, no body core left really. My email is in my profile Vincent, use it sometime. Sure, I'll end up writing a few "books", but it will taper off. Others will vouch for that I'd guess
There has actually been a ton of things I've wanted to say, but my tech and tech here haven't been getting along well enough to post as often or as well as I'd like. ( It also seems if someone else posts while I'm composing, I loose my connection and all text (53 times this week, maybe more as the monitoring I'm trying doesn't cover everything.….54 counting Marks last post, I know he did it on purpose 🤔(😏) ...along with 6 pictures and a video that took an hour to load 😣🤐 😙😬 But you guys have all been very actively building and I've enjoyed just lurking again too.😁
Ha, spellwreck even "corrected" an emoji, messing that up too...."Just like Charlie friggin' Brown" 😭
Adriatic posted:Vincent Massi posted:What I did, Adriatic, was fly down for a week to look things over. There are English-speaking cab drivers all over the place, and they know where the best motels are. My wife and I will even drive to the Guadalajara Airport to pick you up.
I'd love to, thank you, but planes are the last thing I'd travel by; turbulence or a roller coaster stomach flip would be a nightmare. My diaphragm ripped, stomach flopped & was hanging by my esophagus. A decade after, I can't even shiver if its cold, no body core left really. My email is in my profile Vincent, use it sometime. Sure, I'll end up writing a few "books", but it will taper off. Others will vouch for that I'd guess
There has actually been a ton of things I've wanted to say, but my tech and tech here haven't been getting along well enough to post as often or as well as I'd like. ( It also seems if someone else posts while I'm composing, I loose my connection and all text (53 times this week, maybe more as the monitoring I'm trying doesn't cover everything.….54 counting Marks last post, I know he did it on purpose 🤔(😏) ...along with 6 pictures and a video that took an hour to load 😣🤐 😙😬 But you guys have all been very actively building and I've enjoyed just lurking again too.😁
Yes I did it on purpose; and I also locked myself up while I was at it. I tried to reply an hour ago! It must be that less than perfect Internet service the company I work for now is offering! 
I fit into the category of slightly actively building, if that!
Fly down for a week to look things over. That sounds like a big jump you took! I'm glad you like it. I'm not sure I would like the cooking. 
Well Butch, before I had to resort to any of those things, I would move the track diagram, patch the bad holes in the fascia, and re-drill in a new location. In this case getting a 5" bolt is no problem. I just didn't have one in my "private hardware store".
RSJB18 posted:So this is the drill bit I recommended to Elliot. Bailed me out more times then I can count. Sometimes you just can't cut a notch in a wall to snake the wires.
I've seen those Bob. They're great for electricians who need to fish wires through existing walls with minimal damage.
Big_Boy_4005 posted:RSJB18 posted:So this is the drill bit I recommended to Elliot. Bailed me out more times then I can count. Sometimes you just can't cut a notch in a wall to snake the wires.
I've seen those Bob. They're great for electricians who need to fish wires through existing walls with minimal damage.
YEP! That was me....they even have a small hole just below the pilot screw to connect a drag line and pull the wire back up.
Bob
CGWforever posted:Rainy day in Minnesota, perfect time to built a platform to raise engine house so can sit flush on Fastrack. Pictures show what I did. Cut edge of lighted bumpers so can sit flush on back of engine house. Going to paint the floors gray soon then glue on Fastrack and 1/2 inch thick plywood.
CGWforever,
I’m still looking to get a good engine house. Who’s engine house structure are you using? And do You have any additional pictures of the final product?
Thanks.
Told Paul I was working on upper level but he said without pics he wouldn't believe it so here is the work station I have set up for this project. Also figured he wouldn't believe it unless I was in the picture. Notice the first piece on the sander is done 1 down 31 more cuts to make. Should be do e by end of week.
Carl Peduzzi posted:CGWforever posted:Rainy day in Minnesota, perfect time to built a platform to raise engine house so can sit flush on Fastrack. Pictures show what I did. Cut edge of lighted bumpers so can sit flush on back of engine house. Going to paint the floors gray soon then glue on Fastrack and 1/2 inch thick plywood.
CGWforever,
I’m still looking to get a good engine house. Who’s engine house structure are you using? And do You have any additional pictures of the final product?
Thanks.
Carl,
I bought engine house kit from Turkey with working overhead doors. You can check it at Proses Hobby Shop website.
Patrick
mike g. posted:Hi everyone, I sure hope you all had a great Sunday!
Randy, the drive motor is from an old VCR, its the one that is used to push the tape in and out. I was able to match it up with a rod with a couple of wheels on it that had the same gear count and they meshed perfect. I drilled little holes at the base of 2 legs one on each side, attached the fishing line to the wheels , then the legs. The motor is powered by a old cell phone charger. I ran the fishing line down threw plastic straws to keep it from digging into the plywood.
Mike:
Thanks for the information on making the Gantry Crane move. Now, to find an old VCR that has a functioning motor.
CoastsideKevin posted:ToledoEd posted:Kevin, thanks for the comment. Actually, we really did sell our Z4. Had it for 14 years, but we needed a new car so we sacrificed it for a CR-V. At 71, I need all the safety doo-dads they put in cars now. As for the road, I used something called "Foamie"...its a very flexible material, instead of foam board. i prefer the "Foamie Foam Sheets" If you search Foamies on Amazon they'll pop up. You can cut it with scissors which is nice and it will not warp when painted like foam board. No need to paint it on both sides. The road is 5" wide. I painted it with an "Asphalt" acrylic. The striping is pretty neat stuff, but, sorry I bought it a long time ago and can't remember from where. I used very fine black ballast for the transition from the roadben to the grass/sand. I cut some insulation foamboard to support the rise to the top of the Fastrack then filled in the sides with ballast. I'm ballasting my Fastrack with Brennan's better ballast. Back to the striping. i also bought white and yellow paint markers. They work well once you get the hang of it. Good substitute for the commercial striping. Another forum member asked me the same question. I'll look for my posting because I took pictures of the items I used. Well, hope this helps. If you have questions don't hesitate to email me.
Great, I'll check out Foamies. Thanks for the pro tip!
CR-V is a great car - I have had several. Excellent utilitarian grocery-getters and kid-schleppers. Of course, it isn't a Z4.
My weekend ride is currently a '67 Alfa Giulia Super.
Kevin
Kevin, I still get a "tingle up my leg" everytime I pass a Z4. Then my wife yanks me back to reality. But, maybe, just maybe, someday....an Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III.
CGWForever: the engine house looks great!
I've been going through some changes with my job and life in general lately. I don't have a layout at my house except a loop of super O and american flyer on the floor. I'm grateful for those but it was nice to go to my mom and dad's and run some train on our layout. Nothing like spending time with your dad running trains.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Randy Harrison posted:mike g. posted:Hi everyone, I sure hope you all had a great Sunday!
Randy, the drive motor is from an old VCR, its the one that is used to push the tape in and out. I was able to match it up with a rod with a couple of wheels on it that had the same gear count and they meshed perfect. I drilled little holes at the base of 2 legs one on each side, attached the fishing line to the wheels , then the legs. The motor is powered by a old cell phone charger. I ran the fishing line down threw plastic straws to keep it from digging into the plywood.
Mike:
Thanks for the information on making the Gantry Crane move. Now, to find an old VCR that has a functioning motor.
Hi Randy, it doesn't have to be a VCR it could be on old DVD player, anything that has a motorized door. If you want I can look around here and see if I have another one.
Bryan, very impressive project. Especially the selfie. Still could of been photoshopped for my benefit LOL. Hope you get your wood cut before the rains hit. So seeing you are seemingly moving along with your elevated line I better start working to complete the last sections on my layout before the fall. Maybe after lunch I'll roll up my sleeves.
Today was grocery shopping but I got a plus out of it. I happened to look down the card aisle where they have a display of vehicles and this one caught my eye and I knew I had to get it. I didn't have one yet. I wish they would of had more and I would of bought them. Pic...................Paul 2
mike g. posted:Randy Harrison posted:mike g. posted:Hi everyone, I sure hope you all had a great Sunday!
Randy, the drive motor is from an old VCR, its the one that is used to push the tape in and out. I was able to match it up with a rod with a couple of wheels on it that had the same gear count and they meshed perfect. I drilled little holes at the base of 2 legs one on each side, attached the fishing line to the wheels , then the legs. The motor is powered by a old cell phone charger. I ran the fishing line down threw plastic straws to keep it from digging into the plywood.
Mike:
Thanks for the information on making the Gantry Crane move. Now, to find an old VCR that has a functioning motor.
Hi Randy, it doesn't have to be a VCR it could be on old DVD player, anything that has a motorized door. If you want I can look around here and see if I have another one.
Mike:
Thank you. I sent ou a private E-Mail to further explore your offer.
paul 2 posted:
Today was grocery shopping but I got a plus out of it. I happened to look down the card aisle where they have a display of vehicles and this one caught my eye and I knew I had to get it. I didn't have one yet. I wish they would of had more and I would of bought them. Pic...................Paul 2
Don't feel bad, Paul. A sharp eye at Walmart has gotten me some pretty good accessories.
CGWforever posted:Carl Peduzzi posted:CGWforever posted:Rainy day in Minnesota, perfect time to built a platform to raise engine house so can sit flush on Fastrack. Pictures show what I did. Cut edge of lighted bumpers so can sit flush on back of engine house. Going to paint the floors gray soon then glue on Fastrack and 1/2 inch thick plywood.
CGWforever,
I’m still looking to get a good engine house. Who’s engine house structure are you using? And do You have any additional pictures of the final product?
Thanks.
Carl,
I bought engine house kit from Turkey with working overhead doors. You can check it at Proses Hobby Shop website.
Patrick
I’ve seen this one here on the forum before; maybe from one of your posts. How is this engine house working out for you? Reliable?
Carl Peduzzi posted:I’ve seen this one here on the forum before; maybe from one of your posts. How is this engine house working out for you? Reliable?
Carl,
Worth my money. Best one I ever owned.
Patrick
Vincent Massi posted:Adriatic posted:I miss working, but not the rat race you inevitably fall into lovin' the work or not. I almost killed myself trying to run it when I should have dropped it in low gear and idled around. Trains helped me park myself. Parking or idling is nearly free once you find a sweet spot and resist the urge to lead the race...finishing has it's own rewards. Easy does it freinds... 😘
Adriatic! Get yourself down here to Mexico! Almost everything is cheaper, the medical care is better, the air is cleaner, the food is healthier, and the streets are safer!
What part of Mexico is safer and better than the USA? I’ll grant you it’s cheaper.😎
What part of Mexico is safer and better than the USA? I’ll grant you it’s cheaper.😎
The Gringo Zone has about 14,000 Americans, making it the largest collection of Americans outside the US (and military bases) in the world. It encircles Lake Chapala, which is actually visible on many globes and world maps. We are about 50 minutes from Guadalajara.
And it is a wonderful place to live.
Painted shop floor (hardwood) gray and 1/2 plywood edges tan, assembled them on layout, drilled two holes for wiring for engine house and C&NW logo light. All done!
Patrick
Vincent Massi posted:What part of Mexico is safer and better than the USA? I’ll grant you it’s cheaper.😎
The Gringo Zone has about 14,000 Americans, making it the largest collection of Americans outside the US (and military bases) in the world. It encircles Lake Chapala, which is actually visible on many globes and world maps. We are about 50 minutes from Guadalajara.
And it is a wonderful place to live.
The Gringo Zone! Yes indeed, that is where I would have to go with my Northern European-American fair skin, blond hair, and red mustache! I looked it up. Nice lake, mountains, and a missionary our church supports has been in Guadalajara for years.
My wife would agree that may be just far enough away from her mother. 
Mum is 20 years older than me, but I think she will put my wife and me in out graves and still be here! Neither of us took Spanish in High School. I took French because I thought maybe someday I would go to Quebec; it isn't very far. I guess that dates me since there was no Spanish influence in the rural Pennsylvania culture in 1970. 
Lots of likes today for you guys! I have been gone at the doctors all day so no train room for me!
Paul, Nice find!
Vincent, I also grab some stuff at Walmart when the CEO isn't looking!
Johan, wonderful Shar Bay Farms set up! Nice work!
Randy, I responded to your email. I hope I can help you out! It makes my day when I can help others!
Patrick, the floor looks amazing! Its kind of like the icing on the cake! Looks great! Question, where did you get the cat walks in the middle?
Would love to live in Mexico, my brother in is from there and my sister and him has like 100 acres!
Well tomorrow is Tuesday! Everyone have a great day and please have FUN!
mike g. posted:Patrick, the floor looks amazing! Its kind of like the icing on the cake! Looks great! Question, where did you get the cat walks in the middle?
Mike
Thanks. Got this from Trainworx. Removed handrails from one sides and made square holes for steel posts go in cat walk in diesel house.
Patrick
Mark Boyce posted:The Gringo Zone! Yes indeed, that is where I would have to go with my Northern European-American fair skin, blond hair, and red mustache!
My wife would agree that may be just far enough away from her mother.
Mark, pack up your trains (and your wife) and get yourself down here!
Our neighbor had his three grandkids over, and they came over to see my trains--first time for the grandkids.
Yes, kids like model trains. Yes, girls like model trains. They were fascinated by my lay-out, and they enjoyed running the trains.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
