What did you do on your layout today?

Mark Boyce posted:

Johan, yes I am seeing new backdrops!  They are wonderful 

Mark. Thank you. Happy Birthday Mark. 👏

Johan

decoynh posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

S.B.R. FM H10-44. 

I like flag on your SB colors. Nice job. 

Matt. Thank you. I am gonna put that flag every S.B.R. item.🤝

Johan

Thank you, Johan!

paul 2 posted:

Johan, good looking addition to the Sharks Bay Railroad.

This afternoon I managed to screw down the track, add a second coat of earth color and leveled the power plant on the table. Still have to drill a hole to run the plug under the building. Have to see if I can negotiate more time after dinner. Still have to add ground turf too. Pics....................Paul 2

Paul. Thank you. The FM need a some letters before ready.

Johan

Odenville Bill posted:

Mark,  39 again?  Happy Birthday!  My beard is older than that.

Johan,  Nice change of background.  I like both.  Do you make those?

Paul 2,  Good looking earth.  You are making quick progress.

I found a broken ground wire on the rear truck of my LC+ Mikado.  No big deal to fix but, still no sounds.  Color me not happy.  The coupler works on the tender and the speaker is good.    Next up was one of my Texas Specials.  It was derailing on every curve.  The speed nut holding the rear spring had come off.  So I fixed half of today's  issues.  I think a big bowl of ice cream would help me if not my Mikado.

I think I hurt my grandson's feelings by out shooting him with his new pistol.  No trains tonight.  I'm hitting the waterbed early.

Broken ground wire

Easy fix

Bill. Thank you. They are almost ready pics, i use a lightly photoshop.

Johan 

Yesterday I increased the size of the chorale on my farm scene.  Added a section of fence that I purchased from Scenic Express at York, and removed some livestock.  The former scene had too much livestock and looked crowded.  By enlarging the chorale and removing some livestock the scene is now more realistic.  It still needs a few more tweaks before I take photos of this recent renovation.  When I do post, I'll post before and after shots.   

I also planted some really nice looking Martin Welberg bushes ( Fall colors ) which I also purchased from Scenic Express.  I find the Martin Welberg Studio line to be a superb product.  Although pricey ( at least for me ) I purchased a smattering of a variety of Welburg bushes this past York and the April York.  By mindfully placing these products among the less expensive trees and bushes, the Martin Welberg products bring a deeper dimension of realism to the overall scene.  Disclaimer: This is not a Martin Welberg commercial ... LOL!s

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

decoynh posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

S.B.R. FM H10-44. 

I like flag on your SB colors. Nice job. 

Matt. Thank you. I am gonna put that flag every S.B.R. item.🤝

Johan

As an American Veteran, I Thank you.

PS  Veterans Day, 11/11 is next week!

trumptrain posted:

Yesterday I increased the size of the chorale on my farm scene.  Added a section of fence that I purchased from Scenic Express at York, and removed some livestock.  The former scene had too much livestock and looked crowded.  By enlarging the chorale and removing some livestock the scene is now more realistic.  It still needs a few more tweaks before I take photos of this recent renovation.  When I do post, I'll post before and after shots.   

I also planted some really nice looking Martin Welberg bushes ( Fall colors ) which I also purchased from Scenic Express.  I find the Martin Welberg Studio line to be a superb product.  Although pricey ( at least for me ) I purchased a smattering of a variety of Welburg bushes this past York and the April York.  By mindfully placing these products among the less expensive trees and bushes, the Martin Welberg products bring a deeper dimension of realism to the overall scene.  Disclaimer: This is not a Martin Welberg commercial ... LOL!s

"chorale" or corral?  Very punny, your animals must have musical talents.

decoynh posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

decoynh posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

S.B.R. FM H10-44. 

I like flag on your SB colors. Nice job. 

Matt. Thank you. I am gonna put that flag every S.B.R. item.🤝

Johan

As an American Veteran, I Thank you.

PS  Veterans Day, 11/11 is next week!

Matt. Thank you Sir. 🇺🇸

Johan

Bill, talk about pulling an all nightery! an hour and a half later is when I normally get up for the day, but then again I am in be by 7-8! LOL The new to you B8 transformer looks really cool. You should know not to out shoot your grandson in front of his girl! LOL

Paul 2, The area is really coming together, I really like the ground color and am happy you were able to get the power plant level! It really looks good in place with the new track and ballast!

Johan, Now what a great looking background, I also really like the Flag on the front of your engine! Its going to look sharp when your done with it!

Lou185, Wonderful start on your engine shed! Man is that one long engine and tender!

Well yesterday was mostly a bust for me, I went out to get started on some of the ideas Brian gave me, build a parking lot out of some scrap 1/4" tongue and grove, glued it all together when the glue dried I put a skim coat of plaster on it and set it aside to dry. Then I started building my bridge out of plexiglass got everything cut and glued together, Painted the side rails and set it to the side to dry before I painted the road bed. 

I went back to the parking lot and the plaster had caused the tongue and grove to bow so now I have a mound. Well that went to the trash and I hope to start again this morning after my doctors appt. I hope to have some more pictures for you all later today, but here are a couple of the beginning of my bridge.

I hope everyone has a great day and finds time for there trains and layouts!

Mark Boyce posted:

Bill, Easy fix, but no sound!  I hope that is an easy fix too.  Yes indeed!  Icecream and some rest will do you wonders!!!

          Did somebody say Ice Cream...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!

Bob

PS- my late Aunt Del stopped having birthdays at 59 and had anniversary parties of her 59th birthday thereafter.

decoynh posted:

trumptrain posted:

Yesterday I increased the size of the chorale on my farm scene.  Added a section of fence that I purchased from Scenic Express at York, and removed some livestock.  The former scene had too much livestock and looked crowded.  By enlarging the chorale and removing some livestock the scene is now more realistic.  It still needs a few more tweaks before I take photos of this recent renovation.  When I do post, I'll post before and after shots.   

I also planted some really nice looking Martin Welberg bushes ( Fall colors ) which I also purchased from Scenic Express.  I find the Martin Welberg Studio line to be a superb product.  Although pricey ( at least for me ) I purchased a smattering of a variety of Welburg bushes this past York and the April York.  By mindfully placing these products among the less expensive trees and bushes, the Martin Welberg products bring a deeper dimension of realism to the overall scene.  Disclaimer: This is not a Martin Welberg commercial ... LOL!s

"chorale" or corral?  Very punny, your animals must have musical talents.

Yes those cows really do enjoy singing  and that's why the are called the " Madricows" 

Worked on getting my Starlite Diner planted and powered up. Haven't seen it lit up since we moved 6 years ago.

Looks great! I like the Pepsi truck too

mike g. posted:

Lou185, Wonderful start on your engine shed! Man is that one long engine and tender!

 

Thanks. The scale 5011 class Texas is pretty massive. I think it's just about as big as a scale Big Boy or Cab Forward. Here it is next to a scale Santa Fe 3460 class Hudson and a scale Southern Pacific C5 Consolidation. 

Gotta' love the Badlands background in this pic, Brian:   

Working on another bump and go "Mister Rogers" trolley concept: 

Brass angles to add strength to the more than somewhat brittle plastic in the early MTH bump and gos... 

Um.   Minor setback while doing a test fitting.  

Er...anybody got a spare MTH bump and go shell? 

Mitch 

B&O Fan posted:

Worked on getting my Starlite Diner planted and powered up. Haven't seen it lit up since we moved 6 years ago.

The diner looks nice, but that Pepsi truck is fantastic!

Poor neglected Izzy  Her ice cream dish is empty!   

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Working on another bump and go "Mister Rogers" trolley concept: 

Brass angles to add strength to the more than somewhat brittle plastic in the early MTH bump and gos... 

Um.   Minor setback while doing a test fitting.  

Er...anybody got a spare MTH bump and go shell? 

Mitch 

IMHO, there is nuttin' better than a good project, Mitch

Projects are challenging fun that expresses our creativity and provides self-satisfaction and a unique object. Please keep us up to date as you progress.

I'm starting a WABASH caboose project to match my PostWar Lionel F3's and GP7, I'll post it when done.

PS: Were you on the old AOL newsgroup many, many years ago, I seem to remember that you were. Remember the dialup "Brrr-upp-zzz-eh-eh-ah" while finally connecting to the internet and then you were disconnected anyway?

mike g. posted:

Bill, talk about pulling an all nightery! an hour and a half later is when I normally get up for the day, but then again I am in be by 7-8! LOL The new to you B8 transformer looks really cool. You should know not to out shoot your grandson in front of his girl! LOL

Paul 2, The area is really coming together, I really like the ground color and am happy you were able to get the power plant level! It really looks good in place with the new track and ballast!

Johan, Now what a great looking background, I also really like the Flag on the front of your engine! Its going to look sharp when your done with it!

Lou185, Wonderful start on your engine shed! Man is that one long engine and tender!

Well yesterday was mostly a bust for me, I went out to get started on some of the ideas Brian gave me, build a parking lot out of some scrap 1/4" tongue and grove, glued it all together when the glue dried I put a skim coat of plaster on it and set it aside to dry. Then I started building my bridge out of plexiglass got everything cut and glued together, Painted the side rails and set it to the side to dry before I painted the road bed. 

I went back to the parking lot and the plaster had caused the tongue and grove to bow so now I have a mound. Well that went to the trash and I hope to start again this morning after my doctors appt. I hope to have some more pictures for you all later today, but here are a couple of the beginning of my bridge.

I hope everyone has a great day and finds time for there trains and layouts!

Mike. Thank you Sir. It's takes 1-2 weeks before i get the decals, so i need just a waiting. 🤝

Johan

chris a posted:

Odenville Bill:  Thanks for sharing the story of your Dad's visit, that was heart-warming.  I didn't have enough of those days with my dad, but I cherish the few good days we shared around the layout.  

Mike G:   I haven't forgotten about the video for the "maiden voyage" around the completed main line, I didn't make Halloween, but before Thanksgiving is possible.  

Lee,  thanks for the kind words,  trust me, I miss you guys too, not being around this thread every day...  There will be layout and OGR forum time this winter, just have to make the big push and get two more window restoration jobs done before the Boston Winter sets in.  

Johan,  as always, thanks for the positive thoughts.  That weathering you did on the Santa Fe switcher was outstanding.  

Scotty,  as Mike G and other commented  thanks for sharing the photos and the details on the tunnel work...  I have used crinkled tin foil blacked out, but never thought about the inverted corrugated structure to handle the curves,  great idea.  

Paul:  Layouts looking good.  I am curious have you tried painting (weathering) the ross and gargraves before putting it down.   I did all of mine with the Rustoleum Camouflage dark flat brown paint.  I just set up a temporary spray booth in the garage with large flat corrugated cardboard to catch 90% of the over-spray.   Then I  wipe down the track with the Blue Shop towels wrapped around a block of wood wet with Acetone to remove the paint from the tops of the rails.  The shop towels wrapped around a block of wood, keep me from wiping the paint off the sides of the rails, and works really well.   I have started going back and lightly airbrushing after ballasting to blend it all together, but I really like pre-painting the track in the garage.  

Trestleman:  The coal loads look great, is the coal glued to shaped foam, or shaped hard styrene insulation or did you go another route ??  I am curious,  I have about 30 hoppers that need real coal loads.  

Chris

your welcome I have to do the same here about the windows 

paul 2 posted:

Johan, good looking addition to the Sharks Bay Railroad.

This afternoon I managed to screw down the track, add a second coat of earth color and leveled the power plant on the table. Still have to drill a hole to run the plug under the building. Have to see if I can negotiate more time after dinner. Still have to add ground turf too. Pics....................Paul 2

That looks really nice Paul 

Happy late Birthday Mark!! Sorry I missed it 

Mark Boyce posted:

briansilvermustang posted:

 

                        

          good morning Mike !   don't forget Switcher Saturday,   have a great day !!

Priceless!!! 

I second that! 

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Johan

Beautiful engine 

Lou1985 posted:

I got all my close up the yard and car/power equipment oil changes done yesterday so this afternoon I spent 4 hours knocking out the base  of my 4 track engine house. It's made of 1/4" plywood and poplar wood. The outside will be covered with balsa and plastic sheets to imitate a poured concrete structure. I still have to make the roof and the floor. There's so much detail work to be done after that (windows, doors, roof vents etc) it's probably going to take me months to finish it. I'm hoping to have it completed by New Years, but we'll see. My 32 inch long MTH Premier Santa Fe Texas fits inside. Ended up being 34 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 7 inches tall.

Lou

very impressive craftsman work on that engine house

Lionelski posted:

PS: Were you on the old AOL newsgroup many, many years ago, I seem to remember that you were. Remember the dialup "Brrr-upp-zzz-eh-eh-ah" while finally connecting to the internet and then you were disconnected anyway?

Hee! I seem to recall the AOL newsgroup very faintly.  I was surfing the net at 300 baud back in the day... 

Mitch

Sorry Guys I haven’t been here. Saturday a guy came over and bought more HO scale stuff. I’m selling my 1.1 Autocar next weekend getting it ready. My arthritis is so bad I can’t take care of it like I use to so I decided to sell it and let some one else enjoy it. 

Everyones projects are looking just families and a lot of work being done through a bunch of likes out there maybe things will slow down a little bit and I can get back to reality Model train life

lee drennen posted:

Lou1985 posted:

I got all my close up the yard and car/power equipment oil changes done yesterday so this afternoon I spent 4 hours knocking out the base  of my 4 track engine house. It's made of 1/4" plywood and poplar wood. The outside will be covered with balsa and plastic sheets to imitate a poured concrete structure. I still have to make the roof and the floor. There's so much detail work to be done after that (windows, doors, roof vents etc) it's probably going to take me months to finish it. I'm hoping to have it completed by New Years, but we'll see. My 32 inch long MTH Premier Santa Fe Texas fits inside. Ended up being 34 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 7 inches tall.

Lou

very impressive craftsman work on that engine house

Your praise is too high. I cut the door and window openings with a jigsaw, best tool I had for the job. They aren't the best and need to be sanded to straighten them out. Still a lot of work to get the engine house to look as good as a commercial kit. It's just the base/barebones for now. I built the turntable in front of the engine house. Took about 6 weeks of work on and off to complete. I have a feeling the engine house is going to take quite a bit longer.

Lou 

Take your time I know you’ll make this a beautiful piece. I am not good at any wood work I’m surprised my table for my layout has stood this long lol 

This afternoon I lubricated both of my #1055 Texas Specials.  I tried a short round of "don't tag".  I must have been too liberal with the oil.  There was a lot of wheel spin when climbing Bald Rock Mountain.  The diesels got parked on a siding and out came the 195 switch engine and track cleaning gondola.  I put rubbing alcohol on the scotch brite/sponge and ran several laps.  With dinner time approaching, I applied more alcohol and let it run about an hour.  I also received notice that my recent large purchase off the forum is on the road.   Come on big brown truck.  I'll have cool pre- and post war treasures to show soon.

lee drennen posted:

Sorry Guys I haven’t been here. Saturday a guy came over and bought more HO scale stuff. I’m selling my 1.1 Autocar next weekend getting it ready. My arthritis is so bad I can’t take care of it like I use to so I decided to sell it and let some one else enjoy it. 

Everyones projects are looking just families and a lot of work being done through a bunch of likes out there maybe things will slow down a little bit and I can get back to reality Model train life

Lee, do you have a Big Car?

lee drennen posted:

Sorry Guys I haven’t been here. Saturday a guy came over and bought more HO scale stuff. I’m selling my 1.1 Autocar next weekend getting it ready. My arthritis is so bad I can’t take care of it like I use to so I decided to sell it and let some one else enjoy it. 

Everyones projects are looking just families and a lot of work being done through a bunch of likes out there maybe things will slow down a little bit and I can get back to reality Model train life

Lee, pictures of the Autocar please... thanks !

geysergazer posted:

lee drennen posted:

Sorry Guys I haven’t been here. Saturday a guy came over and bought more HO scale stuff. I’m selling my 1.1 Autocar next weekend getting it ready. My arthritis is so bad I can’t take care of it like I use to so I decided to sell it and let some one else enjoy it. 

Everyones projects are looking just families and a lot of work being done through a bunch of likes out there maybe things will slow down a little bit and I can get back to reality Model train life

Lee, do you have a Big Car?

Yes a 1976 Acar I’ve had it for 18yrs my dad and I restored it before he passed. He got to go to one Truck show with me before he passed that following winter. Here’s a pic of it I haven’t messed with it since 2012 I’ve never let it look like this that’s why I’m selling it I can’t give it the attention it needs do to my physical condition 

   that is AWESOME Lee      you need to have that truck on your layout, really cool !! 

In her hay day I’m the tall guy in the green shirt 

RSJB18 posted:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!

Bob

PS- my late Aunt Del stopped having birthdays at 59 and had anniversary parties of her 59th birthday thereafter.

Thank you, Bob!  So following Aunt Del's way of looking at things, I had my 4th anniversary!

briansilvermustang posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

Bill, Easy fix, but no sound!  I hope that is an easy fix too.  Yes indeed!  Icecream and some rest will do you wonders!!!

          Did somebody say Ice Cream...

  

All gone!  

lee drennen posted:

Happy late Birthday Mark!! Sorry I missed it 

Thank you Lee!!  After so many years, what is one day!!  

Mark Boyce posted:

lee drennen posted:

Happy late Birthday Mark!! Sorry I missed it 

Thank you Lee!!  After so many years, what is one day!!  

I feel bad about it. I feel like hiding under Izzys cover I’m so ashamed 

lee drennen posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

lee drennen posted:

Happy late Birthday Mark!! Sorry I missed it 

Thank you Lee!!  After so many years, what is one day!!  

I feel bad about it. I feel like hiding under Izzys cover I’m so ashamed 

Chear up!  I would say Izzy wouldn’t share the blanket unless you put some ice cream on the other side of the room!

finally got around to wiring up the street lights and yard lights.....

gandydancer1950 posted:

finally got around to wiring up the street lights and yard lights.....

For some reason I feel The Godfather is going to show up 

This weekend I put some time into some building facades, LED lights and some detail. Two more to re-lamp and the corner will be complete.

Scott

lee drennen posted:

 

geysergazer posted:

lee drennen posted:

Sorry Guys I haven’t been here. Saturday a guy came over and bought more HO scale stuff. I’m selling my 1.1 Autocar next weekend getting it ready. My arthritis is so bad I can’t take care of it like I use to so I decided to sell it and let some one else enjoy it. 

Everyones projects are looking just families and a lot of work being done through a bunch of likes out there maybe things will slow down a little bit and I can get back to reality Model train life

Lee, do you have a Big Car?

Yes a 1976 Acar I’ve had it for 18yrs my dad and I restored it before he passed. He got to go to one Truck show with me before he passed that following winter. Here’s a pic of it I haven’t messed with it since 2012 I’ve never let it look like this that’s why I’m selling it I can’t give it the attention it needs do to my physical condition 

Lee, I sure feel for you. Time to pass it forward then. Find someone who will keep that piece of History alive. You have the memory of a project with your Dad and that is a big deal. Remember it like it was on this day:

Mark Boyce posted:

RSJB18 posted:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!

Bob

PS- my late Aunt Del stopped having birthdays at 59 and had anniversary parties of her 59th birthday thereafter.

Thank you, Bob!  So following Aunt Del's way of looking at things, I had my 4th anniversary!

Happy Anniversary

gandydancer1950 posted:

finally got around to wiring up the street lights and yard lights.....

Beautiful scene.

        getting ready for the days work...   right after some cookies & coffee that is...

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

        getting ready for the days work...   right after some cookies & coffee that is...

 

 

GEEPERS!

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

        getting ready for the days work...   right after some cookies & coffee that is...

 

 

Love that coastline Brian 

        thanks Lee...

RSJB18 posted:

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

        getting ready for the days work...   right after some cookies & coffee that is...

 

 

GEEPERS!  

Good one, I like it!!! 

Cheers, Dave

B&O Fan, Great looking little diner! Love the delivery truck also! The building fecades look perfect!

Mitch, What happened? It was looking so promising!

Johan, Great before and after photo, it really shows your skills! You sure building an amazing RR Fleet!

Lee D, Sorry to hear your arthritis is getting so bad! I hope things get better with it! It sucks to see the Acar go, but you have some wonderful memories with your dad! My dad has been gone for 15 years now and I still have great memories!

Bill, oil is great for the engines, but not so much for the track! Its nice to see you have an easy and fun way to clean them!

Tom Tee, sure sounds like a lot of work! But can you do me a favor and post some pictures on how you are doing it?

Howard, Great job on the lights! It really brings the street and yard to life!

Brian, from the looks of it there is way to much worked planned! LOL Why not give one of those crews a break today ! Great Photo!

Well I didn't get much done yesterday, but did get a little work done. I am not sure if I like the vegetation that I have put in sofar, but that's easy enough to change. There will be no work on the layout for the next 2 days as I am here at the wonderful store! LOL Here are a couple photos!

I hope you all have a great day and please find time for your trains and layouts!

mike g. posted:

 

B&O Fan, Great looking little diner! Love the delivery truck also! The building fecades look perfect!

Mitch, What happened? It was looking so promising!

Johan, Great before and after photo, it really shows your skills! You sure building an amazing RR Fleet!

Lee D, Sorry to hear your arthritis is getting so bad! I hope things get better with it! It sucks to see the Acar go, but you have some wonderful memories with your dad! My dad has been gone for 15 years now and I still have great memories!

Bill, oil is great for the engines, but not so much for the track! Its nice to see you have an easy and fun way to clean them!

Tom Tee, sure sounds like a lot of work! But can you do me a favor and post some pictures on how you are doing it?

Howard, Great job on the lights! It really brings the street and yard to life!

Brian, from the looks of it there is way to much worked planned! LOL Why not give one of those crews a break today ! Great Photo!

Well I didn't get much done yesterday, but did get a little work done. I am not sure if I like the vegetation that I have put in sofar, but that's easy enough to change. There will be no work on the layout for the next 2 days as I am here at the wonderful store! LOL Here are a couple photos!

I hope you all have a great day and please find time for your trains and layouts!

 

Mike. Thank you. 🤝 I think the work never end, always get a some new ideas. 

Johan

The colors of autumn.

mike g. posted

Well I didn't get much done yesterday, but did get a little work done. I am not sure if I like the vegetation that I have put in sofar, but that's easy enough to change. There will be no work on the layout for the next 2 days as I am here at the wonderful store! LOL Here are a couple photos!

Looking good mike.   What about a stone or rock embankment with some scrub vegetation?   It would blend more with the embankment (brown wall) you have on the left.   Just a thought!

Cheers, Dave

Aha! Pics, so it happened, Mike 

I'd say you got a lot accomplished, Mike. The power plant now has a parking lot with a low wall to keep disaster at bay.

darlander posted:

mike g. posted

Well I didn't get much done yesterday, but did get a little work done. I am not sure if I like the vegetation that I have put in sofar, but that's easy enough to change. There will be no work on the layout for the next 2 days as I am here at the wonderful store! LOL Here are a couple photos!

Looking good mike.   What about a stone or rock embankment with some scrub vegetation?   It would blend more with the embankment (brown wall) you have on the left.   Just a thought!

Cheers, Dave

Hi Dave , after I quit last night I thought of the same thing! So when I get a chance I am going to put the same brick pattern along the bottom of the hill side. about the same height of the truck sitting there!

geysergazer posted:

Aha! Pics, so it happened, Mike 

I'd say you got a lot accomplished, Mike. The power plant now has a parking lot with a low wall to keep disaster at bay.

Thanks Lew, there is still a lot more to do there. I hope to get the parking lot paved Thursday along with a couple of other things! Kind of a surprise! LOL

GANDYDANCER, very nice night scene.

Mike g, power station area is coming to life.

Johan, diesel looks good against that backdrop.

 Today for some reason I only got done changing out three cars from two rail to three real but they are ready to head to the attic. But when I was moving the office building for the power plant I squeezed too hard and popped a wall open so I had to re glue it. Guess I better learn to grab much lighter. Tonight it is a Tuesday night so that means a Tuesday night train crew gathering again. So tomorrow maybe I can get back to the layout. Pics...........Paul 2

Mike G, I feel a little dumb saying this after all the compliments you just got, but that sure is a sharp-looking truck.

As part of my ongoing recovery,  I'm slowly getting back to projects from before my cancer surgery in March.  

One of these was the Blue Beauty, which suffered a catastrophic failure at the Sugar Creek show the weekend before my operation.  It literally sizzled to a halt, and, opening it some seven months later, I can see why...

This, as they say, is an ex-motor!  It's deader than that famous Norwegian Blue parrot of Monty Python fame...

Anybody have a spare knocking about, perchance? 

Mitch

briansilvermustang posted:

 

        thanks Lee...

 

 

Sweet!! Thank you for posting. I Custom painted and decaled one of these in HO scale one time 

mike g. posted:

Mitch, What happened? It was looking so promising!

The Holiday Trolley was MTH's first bump and go.  As such, I rather suspect they didn't have the plastic formula quite right over at Glorious People's Plastic Train And Chopstick Factory #47.  These cars are notorious for losing steps if you look at them sideways,  which is why I was willing to sacrifice the shell for SCIENCE!  

Anyhow,  I was using a power screwdriver to drive the last mounting screw into place, when it started stripping the head.  I pushed down a little bit and WHAM!  

Onwards and upwards,  as they say...

Mitch

mike g. posted:

 

B&O Fan, Great looking little diner! Love the delivery truck also! The building fecades look perfect!

Mitch, What happened? It was looking so promising!

Johan, Great before and after photo, it really shows your skills! You sure building an amazing RR Fleet!

Lee D, Sorry to hear your arthritis is getting so bad! I hope things get better with it! It sucks to see the Acar go, but you have some wonderful memories with your dad! My dad has been gone for 15 years now and I still have great memories!

Bill, oil is great for the engines, but not so much for the track! Its nice to see you have an easy and fun way to clean them!

Tom Tee, sure sounds like a lot of work! But can you do me a favor and post some pictures on how you are doing it?

Howard, Great job on the lights! It really brings the street and yard to life!

Brian, from the looks of it there is way to much worked planned! LOL Why not give one of those crews a break today ! Great Photo!

Well I didn't get much done yesterday, but did get a little work done. I am not sure if I like the vegetation that I have put in sofar, but that's easy enough to change. There will be no work on the layout for the next 2 days as I am here at the wonderful store! LOL Here are a couple photos!

I hope you all have a great day and please find time for your trains and layouts!

 

Thanks Mike I think I have my priorities in line. My dad won’t want to see it rust down. 

Your layout looks great like the pics 

paul 2 posted:

GANDYDANCER, very nice night scene.

Mike g, power station area is coming to life.

Johan, diesel looks good against that backdrop.

 Today for some reason I only got done changing out three cars from two rail to three real but they are ready to head to the attic. But when I was moving the office building for the power plant I squeezed too hard and popped a wall open so I had to re glue it. Guess I better learn to grab much lighter. Tonight it is a Tuesday night so that means a Tuesday night train crew gathering again. So tomorrow maybe I can get back to the layout. Pics...........Paul 2

Paul

very nice be fore long your going to have the whole Weaver piggyback collection 

geysergazer posted:

lee drennen posted:

 

geysergazer posted:

lee drennen posted:

Sorry Guys I haven’t been here. Saturday a guy came over and bought more HO scale stuff. I’m selling my 1.1 Autocar next weekend getting it ready. My arthritis is so bad I can’t take care of it like I use to so I decided to sell it and let some one else enjoy it. 

Everyones projects are looking just families and a lot of work being done through a bunch of likes out there maybe things will slow down a little bit and I can get back to reality Model train life

Lee, do you have a Big Car?

Yes a 1976 Acar I’ve had it for 18yrs my dad and I restored it before he passed. He got to go to one Truck show with me before he passed that following winter. Here’s a pic of it I haven’t messed with it since 2012 I’ve never let it look like this that’s why I’m selling it I can’t give it the attention it needs do to my physical condition 

Lee, I sure feel for you. Time to pass it forward then. Find someone who will keep that piece of History alive. You have the memory of a project with your Dad and that is a big deal. Remember it like it was on this day:

          

Thanks Lew

I will always remember the fun we had restoring the old Acar I am blessed to have such a great Father. 

   I put up a new kitchen shelf for my bride.  She suggested I might want to work on my railroad next.  What a great woman.  I have been thinking about a high shelf for storing some rolling stock.   I rummaged a bit in the garage and found three long 1x8's.  Enough to do three walls of the train building.  Once they were cut to length, I considered how to attach them to the walls.  I managed to scrounge four mismatched brackets.  Not good enough.  A 2x4 offered it's service.  A little quality time with my compound miter saw resulted in thirteen matching brackets.  I like simple.  I got one board up before I gave out.  Tomorrow.......

This weekend, while watching our Canes beat down FSU, we added foam strips on the Woodland Scenics inclines...being that they don't make them wide enough for our MTH Realtrax this worked out pretty good.  My little man did a great job...lots more to do but progress being made.

Odenville Bill posted:

   I put up a new kitchen shelf for my bride.  She suggested I might want to work on my railroad next.  What a great woman.  I have been thinking about a high shelf for storing some rolling stock.   I rummaged a bit in the garage and found three long 1x8's.  Enough to do three walls of the train building.  Once they were cut to length, I considered how to attach them to the walls.  I managed to scrounge four mismatched brackets.  Not good enough.  A 2x4 offered it's service.  A little quality time with my compound miter saw resulted in thirteen matching brackets.  I like simple.  I got one board up before I gave out.  Tomorrow.......

 

Very nice bill can we have a close up of that caboose 

Glad to Lee.

mike g. posted:

 

B&O Fan, Great looking little diner! Love the delivery truck also! The building fecades look perfect!

Mitch, What happened? It was looking so promising!

Johan, Great before and after photo, it really shows your skills! You sure building an amazing RR Fleet!

Lee D, Sorry to hear your arthritis is getting so bad! I hope things get better with it! It sucks to see the Acar go, but you have some wonderful memories with your dad! My dad has been gone for 15 years now and I still have great memories!

Bill, oil is great for the engines, but not so much for the track! Its nice to see you have an easy and fun way to clean them!

Tom Tee, sure sounds like a lot of work! But can you do me a favor and post some pictures on how you are doing it?

Howard, Great job on the lights! It really brings the street and yard to life!

Brian, from the looks of it there is way to much worked planned! LOL Why not give one of those crews a break today ! Great Photo!

Well I didn't get much done yesterday, but did get a little work done. I am not sure if I like the vegetation that I have put in sofar, but that's easy enough to change. There will be no work on the layout for the next 2 days as I am here at the wonderful store! LOL Here are a couple photos!

I hope you all have a great day and please find time for your trains and layouts!

 

Mike, One trick with vegetation might be something similar to what I did.

Ollie wanted to just run trains... who am I to say no.

mike g. posted:

darlander posted:

mike g. posted

Well I didn't get much done yesterday, but did get a little work done. I am not sure if I like the vegetation that I have put in sofar, but that's easy enough to change. There will be no work on the layout for the next 2 days as I am here at the wonderful store! LOL Here are a couple photos!

Looking good mike.   What about a stone or rock embankment with some scrub vegetation?   It would blend more with the embankment (brown wall) you have on the left.   Just a thought!

Cheers, Dave

Hi Dave , after I quit last night I thought of the same thing! So when I get a chance I am going to put the same brick pattern along the bottom of the hill side. about the same height of the truck sitting there!

More food for thought Mike!  A great example of a vegetative embankment - Pictures are from Elliot Feinberg's (aka big_boy_4005) layout.

Cheers, Dave

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

As part of my ongoing recovery,  I'm slowly getting back to projects from before my cancer surgery in March.  

One of these was the Blue Beauty, which suffered a catastrophic failure at the Sugar Creek show the weekend before my operation.  It literally sizzled to a halt, and, opening it some seven months later, I can see why...

This, as they say, is an ex-motor!  It's deader than that famous Norwegian Blue parrot of Monty Python fame...

Anybody have a spare knocking about, perchance? 

Mitch

The field looks ok. You just need a replacement armature. Lionel part number is 2028-109. A Postwar or modern version will drop right in. 

Aldovar posted:

Ollie wanted to just run trains... who am I to say no.

 

That boy is going to turn out well.

Lou1985 posted:

The field looks ok. You just need a replacement armature. Lionel part number is 2028-109. A Postwar or modern version will drop right in. 

Tried that, and the field started smoking.  The whole thing needs replacing;  I have a temporary motor installed from another loco, but will need a permanent replacement at some point.  

Mitch

Odenville Bill posted:

Glad to Lee.

 

Thanks Bill 

l like it. Did you use a Lionel? 

Lee,

The caboose started out as a Lionel 6059.  I bought it, with a broken coupler, for $1.00 at a yard sale.  I used it as a test subject to learn customizing techniques.  I bought a group of five broken, early post war cabooses that provided a smoke stack, ladder, roller pickup, light socket, tool boxes, and window insert.  The amber color in the windows is from a cut up plastic medicine bottle.  I found three forgotten cans of green spray paint hiding in my garage.  My daughter in law had starting to make decals with a "cricket" about that time.  It all just seemed to come together.  Now it is my favorite car.

Made some pretty good progress on the lift gate in the past 2 days...  It's late, I'll be more chatty tomorrow.  Sorry for the mess in the photos....  Just one of those non-stop construction days with stuff building up everywhere....   This is the last wide radius curve with the lift gate and the main line will be continuous, connecting the upper level and lower level into one long single track main line.   Pretty motivated to get trains running non-stop by the end of this weekend. 

Odenville Bill posted "My daughter in law had starting to make decals with a "cricket" about that time.  It all just seemed to come together.  Now it is my favorite car".

So this cricket can make decals? Is this the machine they sell at Joann Fabrics? It's a "multi cutter"  for crafting.

Steve

Hi Steve,

I saw one for sale at Hobby Lobby.  Multi cutter is an accurate description.  The substance comes in colors and has adhesive on one side.  I send her a .jpg and maximum dimensions and I get decals with excellent detail.  Here are a couple more examples.

Bill

Thank you Steve and Bill!  Looks great Bill!!

Odenville Bill posted:

Lee,

The caboose started out as a Lionel 6059.  I bought it, with a broken coupler, for $1.00 at a yard sale.  I used it as a test subject to learn customizing techniques.  I bought a group of five broken, early post war cabooses that provided a smoke stack, ladder, roller pickup, light socket, tool boxes, and window insert.  The amber color in the windows is from a cut up plastic medicine bottle.  I found three forgotten cans of green spray paint hiding in my garage.  My daughter in law had starting to make decals with a "cricket" about that time.  It all just seemed to come together.  Now it is my favorite car.

 

Bill

you did a great job on it and i also like the way it was before. Thanks for posting those pics for me 

Paul 2, Thank you! The cars are looking good, I am glad you were able to get the office fixed! I hope you had fun at the train group meeting!

Vincent, Thank you! The truck is a Menards truck!

Bill, nice display shelf! I agree with Lee nice looking caboose!

CANES RR, Looks like a nice track plan, also looks like you have some great helpers!

Modeltrainspart, I really like the look, but I am building on a low budget soe I am working with what I have on hand right now!

ALDOVER, You are right, You cant say no to train time! LOL

Dave, I would love to do it like Elliot's, but 2 things are holding me back. 1. I don't have those skills yet and 2. I don't have the funds right now so as I told Modetrains I am working with what I have on hand!

Chris a. The lift gate sure looks good! That sure is some thick plywood. What mess? I don't see any mess! LOL

Well no train work for me again today. I hope everyone has a great day and finds time for there layout and trains!

                 " Well no train work for me again today.

          I hope everyone has a great day and finds time for there layout and trains!"

                           have a great day Mike !!

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

                 " Well no train work for me again today.

          I hope everyone has a great day and finds time for there layout and trains!"

 

       

                           have a great day Mike !!

 

WOW, That looks great Brian!

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

                 " Well no train work for me again today.

          I hope everyone has a great day and finds time for there layout and trains!"

 

       

                           have a great day Mike !!

 

Brian, It's gotta be work just thinking of how many trains you have LOL.  And this scene came out really nice  thanks for the step by step photos.

          thanks Mike !

mike g. posted:

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

                 " Well no train work for me again today.

          I hope everyone has a great day and finds time for there layout and trains!"

 

       

                           have a great day Mike !!

 

WOW, That looks great Brian!

Trust Brian on this, Mike!

sniff   They're gone! Gone! After four days of delays I finally got my entire lay-out disassembled and properly stored.  sniff   My biggest delay was having a container properly packed, and then finding a piece in another box and having to do it over. I was also surprised at how much extra room I had when I packed everything properly.

But  sniff  they're gone. The Archie Harrison Super-computer, the Bruce Wayne Super-Hero Vacation Resort, and Circuit City  sniff Gone!

But today I'll start assembling my Disney Christmas Lay-out and then I'll feel better.

mike g. posted:

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

                 " Well no train work for me again today.

          I hope everyone has a great day and finds time for there layout and trains!"

 

       

                           have a great day Mike !!

 

WOW, That looks great Brian!

Now you know how to finish off that corner Mike. Brian makes it look easy doesn't he?

A few quick updates on our layout:

Had some extra styrofoam laying around and wanted to add a bit more dimension to the layout, so I built a hill for the houses on the West side of the street - it's subtle but helps add some depth to the layout and "hides" the back straight a bit more giving more an illusion of distance. We also painted the inside of the white house with some black acrylic paint to reduce light bleeding through the walls:

I picked up a Woodland Scenics cabin from Legacy Station for the base of the cliff. For whatever reason, this model doesn't come with a conversion board for AC power, so unless you modify it, you have to use WS's lighting system with the wallwart. I opted to replace the factory installed LED with my own set using two warm white LEDs wired in series, a 1N4002 diode, and a 470ohm resistor (using 14VAC for accessor power):

And lastly, we picked up the new MTH operating water tower complete with sound - it's a hoot!

Now that the hill is painted and complete, we're going to start laying down ground cover and ballast!

Just finished adding some Christmas trees to the Palms to Pines tunnel structure. It's about 80 degrees outside, beautiful day!

John

In a definite sign of the apocalypse Paul 2 and I are teaming up and joined our new local Lionel module group the MOD SQUAD.  Paul and I will be sharing one of the modules and now must come up with our theme and get approval from the group.  Stay tuned for updates as Paul does most of the work since he is retired.  I will call him daily during lunch to make sure he isn't slacking and getting OUR module down.  

I'm sure Paul will chime in shortly. 

I’m looking forward to seeing your’s and Paul’s module, Bryan!