What did you do on your layout today?

@Pingman posted:

@WesternPacific2217, excellent job; the interiors and figures really pop with the new lighting.

Thank you Carl, I’m pretty happy with the results! I’ll tell ya, replacing the incandescent lights to LED makes a huge difference!  Each car had 12 incandescent lights, and the observation car had an additional 3 incandescents! When I would run all 5 Zephyr cars with incandescent lights, 6 SP Daylight cars (upgraded to LED), and 3 locomotives, the Power Supply was reaching its limits. Now with LEDs no sweat.

Here’s the old light board from one of the Zephyr cars.

Now I’m waiting to see how your 15” cars come out! :-)

Happy Railroading!

@Bill Webb posted:

Lots of progress made by many in the last week. Can’t name everyone there are so many but will mention four.

Mark you made it thru the birds… here they would be sea gulls. They look great. Glad that you are making good progress on the layout and hope that the medical issue is better.

Scott the cars look great. 12+ hours to do the first. How long did the last one take? Regardless, it was worth it. Very nice.

Peter glad to see progress again on the station. It is going to be a special layout. We hope to see it one day.

And Jason… finally getting the backdrop done. What do you think?  It really changes the appearance of the layout! What a change! When we did our backdrop, it made it feel like we finally had a train layout.

It has been a busy week here and 80% of the ballast in the Roanoke Shops area is down. We have averaged 2-3 5# bags a day and our three + box supply from Dennis Brennan is down to less than a box.

Paula just ordered the material for the road. She has been busy this week turning wood into concrete pads complete with expansion joints, cracks, and weathering. Rich cuts the wood and gives it to Paula.

No photos yet but hope to have today/tomorrow when some loose ends are tied down.

Thank you, Bill!  Yes you would have sea gulls!  I'm glad you are getting the ballasting done.  It should look great!

@RSJB18 posted:

@WesternPacific2217- The train looks great Scott. I noticed you are not running it on the outer loop too.....

@jdstucks- Nice layout. The backdrops look good.

@luvindemtrains- another beautiful structure. Keep 'em coming.

@Putnam Division- Nice work on the tower Peter.

@Andrew Steiner- Looks like you need a bigger table......

Not much from me. I did get back to my F3 lighting last night. I got all of them installed in the shell but got interrupted by a nasty t-storm that rolled through the area. I haven't run a train in a while either......need to fix that soon.

Bob

Oh, tell me about it. I’m not that talented with measurements, but I’ve always been stuck with the 4x8 sort of train tables for years. Furthermore, it doesn’t help that it sucks to have O Gauge sized train tables in small spaces like my condo.

Started weathering on the turntable pit. I didn’t want to go too heavy just yet…I can always add more later. The first picture is before, the others are after.

Andy

Hi guys, its been a couple weeks and wow what great work is being done! Sorry I haven't been around but the CEO has a large list of things to do that she wants me to get started on to be ready for next winter! LOL

Most of you know that I like to try to comment on everyone's work. One small problem, I had to go back to page 1123 to pick up where I left off and for me that is a lot of reading and information to absorb! I would like to say one thing and that I can come here and never be let down on lack of work and great ideas! For this I thank you all!

Bob, I am sorry I missed your Birthday so Happy Belated Birthday! Who Know's back then I might have had something clever to say! LOL

As for me the only time I was in the train room was last weekend to run some trains for the grandkids and would you know it the gremlins snuck in and worked on one of my switches. It would not respond to the control panel. I took a few minutes today to take a quick look and it turned out to be just a loose wire!

I have a feeling it might be another 2 weeks before my next visit, I sure hope nothing goes wrong then! LOL

I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layout and trains! Most of all please stay well!

Back when I installed the Smith's TV store, I had to remove the Lemax Bakery to make room for it. I posted the installation in this thread some time ago. Here's the Smith Bros TV store next to Miss Molly's where the bookstore once was. It was time to pull out the layout from the bay window and find a home for the Bakery.

Here's the Lemax Bakery building I removed. I like the way its roof sags. LoL

After I pulled out the layout (it seems to get heavier every time I pull it out) I began work. I made room on the next street over by moving the Woodland Scenics Davenport Emporium building and the Lemax Christmas brick house to the left. I had to move some wiring around etc. to move the buildings over. I had to do a little pavement painting too, but no big deal.

Before moving everything around and reinstalling the Bakery.

After I got all that done, and of course something always breaks when moving things around, here's the new location. I still have a couple of things to touch up, I think I'll add some grass. The Martians will probably come over and raid the Bakery now that it's so close by! Some mysterious woman in a pink Cadillac still comes by the Davenport, I wonder who it could be and who she's visiting? Hmmm! ;-)

Happy Friday!

nice work everyone. 

Well this post is more a "to do" than done.  The prize goes to then one who can figure out what the parts are for.  As a hint I've included a photo of TPRR where it will reside when finished. Even the brown stuff is part of the plan.

As much as I like the MTH station, it just will not fit in my limited space available. I like how the oak is progressing given I have about 35 more branches to add. It's also sitting up about 5 inches higher than it eventually will.  I've decided it will be a focal point in that corner with its roots exposed and grass and stuff around it as opposed to hidden behind the Inn.  There is a siding to the right behind the cars which will service city folk escaping the hot city summers by riding an interurban or the Hiawatha. So the question is what am I building, what prototype materials of construction and where is it going? As a bonus/tie breaker what will the background be like?

@ScoutingDad posted:

nice work everyone.

Well this post is more a "to do" than done.  The prize goes to then one who can figure out what the parts are for.  As a hint I've included a photo of TPRR where it will reside when finished. Even the brown stuff is part of the plan.

As much as I like the MTH station, it just will not fit in my limited space available. I like how the oak is progressing given I have about 35 more branches to add. It's also sitting up about 5 inches higher than it eventually will.  I've decided it will be a focal point in that corner with its roots exposed and grass and stuff around it as opposed to hidden behind the Inn.  There is a siding to the right behind the cars which will service city folk escaping the hot city summers by riding an interurban or the Hiawatha. So the question is what am I building, what prototype materials of construction and where is it going? As a bonus/tie breaker what will the background be like?

Your building gazebos for the city folk to sit under along with some picnic tables and benches.

Mike, I'm glad to see you back.  It is hard to comment on everyone's great work individually.  I tried to get back at it a couple times myself, but found I was spending too much time on the Forum and not enough time in the train room. 

Jeff, I will comment the oak is looking great, and I know there is more you can do to make it a distinctive oaks.  I agree the station doesn't fit the space.  Since the oak stays there, and the siding, I think the pols and stripwood will be used to make cabins and a platform for the passengers to disembark.  The background would then have to be a forest.

Hi guys.

@mike g.- no worries Mike. At least I made it this far..... sorry the gremlins popped up again but after your redesign and track work it's bound to happen. I'm sure you've found the worst of them by now.

@ScoutingDad- I like your idea Jeff. The tree can be the focal point. With the work you've put into it, it deserves to be front and center. Sounds like it will have some friends soon too.

@WesternPacific2217- better keep a close eye on those little green men Scott.....

@Steamfan77- Looks good Andy. Once the bridge and track go in the details will work themselves out.

So I fixed a major problem on my layout last night. For some strange reason, voltage had not been applied to the track for a while. Problem fixed!

Bob

Bob, I assume the lack of track power was related to the operator not turning on the switch in a while.  Are those switchers running backwards? 

I am in the same boat - been planning and buying rather than running. Especially the new BigBoy.  I'll have to take a short video of the steam whistle at work.  Lots of ideas rolling around in my head. No motivation to jump in and actually do.   Jeff

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

Happy Friday!

Hi Scott…glad you were successful in relocating the Bakery. I was interested in knowing who provided the burgundy early 50’s Ford 2 Door Business Coupe? Had one that was very similar as my first car and might like having one for my layout…Thanks! 🚂😉😺

@UKE KAT posted:

Hi Scott…glad you were successful in relocating the Bakery. I was interested in knowing who provided the burgundy early 50’s Ford 2 Door Business Coupe? Had one that was very similar as my first car and might like having one for my layout…Thanks! 🚂😉😺

Paul, I bought that burgundy Ford several years ago from diecastdirect.com. It's a cheapy and I think I paid $8.99 for it. To save on shipping I bought 4 other vehicles at the same time. It's a First Response Replicas made in 2013 1949/1950 Ford Coupe. Unfortunately, dicastdirect.com no longer carries it, and it looks like First Response Replicas may be out of business.  Here's a photo of mine up close.

Here's one on eBay, but not so $cheap$, and looks identical to mine.

American Heritage 1/43 1949 Ford 2 Door Coupe Midland Maroon Poly #43-406 | eBay

Good afternoon everyone! My summer break just started, so I now have more time for projects! To start it off, I finally, after about four years, hung all of my photos in my basement.

@Trainmaster04 posted:

Good afternoon everyone! My summer break just started, so I now have more time for projects! To start it off, I finally, after about four years, hung all of my photos in my basement.

Trainmaster04, looks like you expanded your layout and have track right on the edge of the layout! I too have track right along the edge of a daunting fall. Nice room and great photos really bring out the layout.

Here's my out to the edge layout, around 3 feet to the floor!

If you haven't seen it, here's a post from last week.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...0#162334965487259730

@ScoutingDad posted:

Bob, I assume the lack of track power was related to the operator not turning on the switch in a while.  Are those switchers running backwards?

I am in the same boat - been planning and buying rather than running. Especially the new BigBoy.  I'll have to take a short video of the steam whistle at work.  Lots of ideas rolling around in my head. No motivation to jump in and actually do.   Jeff

Yea Jeff.... operator neglect.....

Do switchers ever run backwards?????

The MTH NYC is a dummy ( just like the operator 🤣🤣), at the moment so the KLINE was providing the power. The front truck tends to jump the track on curves so I usually run it cab forward.

I have this one and a powered chassis that I plan to do a bash on after my F3's are done.

Evening guys I hope you all had a great Saturday!

@RSJB18 Bob, I am glad you got the power problem figured out!

@Trainmaster04 I am with Scott, the pictures help really bring a train room to life and give more to admire while the trains are running!

As for me I did nothing today, I took a few photos for a couple folks here, then a couple for the auto thread and switcher Saturday. I am working on getting them posted when I am done here!

I hope you all find time tomorrow for your layouts and trains! REMEMBER HAVE FUN!

@mike g. posted:

Evening guys I hope you all had a great Saturday!

@RSJB18 Bob, I am glad you got the power problem figured out!

@Trainmaster04 I am with Scott, the pictures help really bring a train room to life and give more to admire while the trains are running!

As for me I did nothing today, I took a few photos for a couple folks here, then a couple for the auto thread and switcher Saturday. I am working on getting them posted when I am done here!

I hope you all find time tomorrow for your layouts and trains! REMEMBER HAVE FUN!

Sure did Mike. Flip the switch to ON and sit back and enjoy. 

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

Trainmaster04, looks like you expanded your layout and have track right on the edge of the layout! I too have track right along the edge of a daunting fall. Nice room and great photos really bring out the layout.

Here's my out to the edge layout, around 3 feet to the floor!

If you haven't seen it, here's a post from last week.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...0#162334965487259730

Thanks! The extension has been in place for a few years now. I never needed to give a broad view of it before. The different colored sections used to not exist and I had my main line run along the edge of the table. I realized this would cause the main line to cross over the yard loop at a too steep of a grade. As a result, my father and I built the extension and allowed the main line to go around the yard loop, but without a grade. I may produce a panoramic video of the entire layout and a full layout tour in the future.

Nice work on the oak and station Jeff. I’m with Mark, I think the parts will form an overhead structure or a gazebo next to the tree.

Trainmaster, the pics look good, gives the room a more finished look.

Scott, you’re a braver man than me. Living on the edge.

Bob, look forward to the switcher bash. I’ve seen an MP15AC run backwards.

Andy

Started to add some ground cover in the turntable area. This is just the base. I’ll add a few more details later.

Andy

Even some more terra forming and some track bed down.... it's a slow process....

Evening guys I hope you all had a great Sunday!

Andy, things sure are looking good around your turn table! Keep up the wonderful work and please keep posting!

CR Cole, looks like you have a great start! I will be keeping an eye open to your progress!

As for me I did nothing as I thought I would, I did sneak into the train room for a couple quick photos for Box car Sunday, but that's it!

I think its going to be a while before I get back in there to really get anything done, but I am trying to check in here everyday so I don't fall way behind like before!

I hope you all find time for your layouts and trains! But most of all whatever you do please have some fun!

@Steamfan77 posted:

Nice work on the oak and station Jeff. I’m with Mark, I think the parts will form an overhead structure or a gazebo next to the tree.

Trainmaster, the pics look good, gives the room a more finished look.

Scott, you’re a braver man than me. Living on the edge.

Bob, look forward to the switcher bash. I’ve seen an MP15AC run backwards.

Andy

Andy- The LIRR runs their MP-15's cab forward or cab to cab all the time. And Strasburg runs 8616 cab forward out to Paradise every day.

I have a semi-matching but different (road name) shell on the way from ebay for the dummy. I'll share pix when I receive it.

Bob

I had previously built a 4'X4' storage area under my layout extra rolling stock. Well I filled it, so I added a 4'X5' extension, to get a 4'X9' rolling stock storage area.

Con Ed ran buried cable to power up the new neighborhood. They’ll be back tomorrow to fill in trench and plant grass. They connected a street light at the end of the run to check continuity.

Lots of things going on, but one was a trip up to the train show in Wheaton, IL on Sunday.  Found a guy selling Evan's Products LEDs.  I've thought about how to light a certain police box for a while now, and discovered the welding kit will just about do the job.  I would prefer for the blue light to flash, but that is for a later time.  So for all you Dr Who fans out there, the tardis departs Twin Pines.   

BTW - at the show a fellow had the K-Line Santa Fe Black Bonnet / Midnight Chief complete diesel and passenger set. I wish I had taken a photo of it. Asking a pretty penny as he should.

I've been gradually building my coal tipple kit and am getting close to getting the roof on it. Have to get the lights installed before I close it up.

Thanks,

Scott

@ScoutingDad posted:

... So for all you Dr Who fans out there, the tardis departs Twin Pines.   

...

The LED light effects are nice, but please post some details regarding how you got it to disappear!

I spent a couple hours last night re-reviewing my old switch lists. I'd had them set up for a 4-cycle of trains coming through, with cars swapped out at the interchange at every run, and by the time the end of the 4th cycle came around the cars should be back to their starting points.

I'd made an attempt to change it all during the pandemic when I finally got a train of hoppers, and it screwed the whole 'reset' concept. So before I start having op sessions again (which I haven't had since the fall of 2019), I wanted to get the 4-cycle concept back again.

Tonight, even though it looks right on paper, I'm going to place the cars in each spot by hand (the old "0-5-0") to make sure it works. I'm just going to place them in the spots by hand, check them off, then keep going. Once I'm sure it works, then I'll probably run the whole 4-cycles with a locomotive as it should be done.

Once that's all confirmed, then I think I'll make my first op session invite in a very long time!

@Steamfan77 posted:

Nice work on the oak and station Jeff. I’m with Mark, I think the parts will form an overhead structure or a gazebo next to the tree.

Trainmaster, the pics look good, gives the room a more finished look.

Scott, you’re a braver man than me. Living on the edge.

Bob, look forward to the switcher bash. I’ve seen an MP15AC run backwards.

Andy

Here you go Andy. I received the shell I had ordered today. Should go nicely with the NYC S2. My original thought was to build a calf or cow unit with the extra frame but I found a great source on ebay for MTH and Lionel shells.

Bob

@Mallard4468  regarding the Tardis, it helps to have a real operating prototype. Due to its chameleon circuit, it can easily shrink down to 1:48th scale.  Since so few actually exist we have to resort to models. The following shows how I got the Tardis to disappear.  It does not show up in the original video because the hand is faster than the eye (or camera), and a magician never divulges his secrets!

Ideally I could have faded the clips into each other so the Tardis would not simply wink out.

So to answer your question - this is how I got it to disappear.

I spent most of the day with my other interest, My 66 Lemans Sprint. So not too much progress; but I did get 4 houses wired and the quick grow grass put down. I’m determined not to make this a Hirail layout; so a roll of grass that was a birthday present 10 years ago came in handy.

@Mike, thanks for the kind words!

@Lou, the storage looks good, nice job.

@Bob, nice job on the lighting “wiring” from Con Ed.

@Jeff, the tArdis is cool.

@Scott, the coal tipple looks great, great job.

@Lee, the switch list is really nice. I might borrow that idea.

@Bob (RSJB18), wow, that’s terrific! Should work out very nicely.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

@Bob (RSJB18), wow, that’s terrific! Should work out very nicely.

Andy

I hope so. I realised that the frame is red and the logo has red in it. I had planned to paint the frame but now I dont think I will have to.

I didn't plan it but sometimes even a blind squirrel finds an acorn....🤣🤣

Bob

We are getting ready for company, so we checked out a couple of trains running today.  Happy Railroading Everyone

Did a test fit of my new shell on the chassis. Other than trying to move the the mountain of PS3 harnesses out of the way, it looks like the reds match. I'm planning to make this one a dummy, just lights, and the motors and trucks will go in my new NYC S2 with ERR added.

I checked the motors with an old HO power pack and they both work too. 👍

I'm liking where this future project is heading.

I fixed the headlight on my F3 A unit too.

Bob

Good evening everyone! Was able to get some more work done on the layout yesterday. It continued at tunnel two and three with plaster cloth. I was able to finish tunnel two, barn hill, and get tunnel three started. I still have to add more news paper to tunnel three and add a tunnel portal to tunnel four, but besides that, this area is nearly covered.

The mountain is really taking shape, Trainmaster04!!  Looks good.

Good afternoon everyone! Work moved over to Main Street and the coal mine this morning. I started building a front sidewalk for my tavern and painted it. Next, I moved over to the coal mine built a small trestle and added ground cover. The trestle was built from scrap balsa and supports HO track from the mine to the coal elevator.

Making steady progress on my F3 wiring. Everything is terminated, next is to mach up all of the wires for the harness and load them into the JST plugs. I just wish I had more time to sit and get it completed.

Bob

Trainmaster... looks great! I would like to see more detail on the track from the mine. Do you have mine cars? Why HO? How does it look from the other side? Thinking of something similiar.

@CR Cole posted:

Trainmaster... looks great! I would like to see more detail on the track from the mine. Do you have mine cars? Why HO? How does it look from the other side? Thinking of something similiar.

I currently do not have any mine cars as of right now. I used HO since it is a close size to what I need, and because I had the track available. I will get a photo of the other side for you either later today or tomorrow.

This is a picture of my 1 year old new Wye to m 44 year old O27 layout.  The Wye is last major track addition I have made in over 10 years and gives lots of operating opportunities. .

Photo below shows I am now able to route and reverse a train from the inside loop of the main train board to the left to outside loop of the new train board to the right

Last week I removed the old road that was of no use in the middle of the Wye.

Below is a recent picture of the center of the Wye with the old road removed and a hobo camp showing up.  I was able to resurrect a little green paint from the bottom of the 44 year old can of enamel purchased in Jamaica where I built the original layout train board.  I still has some Earth colored Life-Like Landscaping Material to add like the original.

Charlie

@Choo Choo Charlie  nice and creative updates to an "ancient" layout. 

I was able to run some trains this evening with my daughter. She asks almost everyday to go up to the train room, says beep beep and pounds on the door until I open it and let her in. This started about 2 weeks ago, she hadn't been in the train room for months and I thought she had forgotten about it (she is only 20 months old) and I was worried she would want to touch everything but she has proved me wrong. She stands/squats and watches the trains without touching, usually from outside the loops. Tonight she wanted to stand in the middle and she did really well.

I am so glad this is something I can share with her and something we get to do together that she enjoys as much as I do. She even runs the horn on the cab2.

Oh and I had a chance to unbox some new purchases

Haven't posted in a while but I have been following everyone's progress and projects and I just want to say great work everyone and keep the posts coming.

Was able to get more work done at the mine and finally made a semi detailed video on how my layout is set up.

@CR Cole Here is a photo of the opposite side of the trestle.

Tonight Train Room Pam made me a special dinner to celebrate a special occasion. Broiled lobster, railroad style. 🚂

Gary

@RSJB18 posted:

Making steady progress on my F3 wiring. Everything is terminated, next is to mach up all of the wires for the harness and load them into the JST plugs. I just wish I had more time to sit and get it completed.

Bob

Bob, you best get that F3 wrapped up now! If you wait until you're retired, you'll NEVER find the time.

coming from one who knows...

George

@GeoPeg posted:

Bob, you best get that F3 wrapped up now! If you wait until you're retired, you'll NEVER find the time.

coming from one who knows...

George

It's funny you mentioned that. I just turned 60 and we were talking with my wife's parents about the occasion and retirement. My M-i-L asked what would you do to keep yourself occupied.

I laughed and said, "have you seen the basement lately?"

Bob

A mentor, who was nearing retirement, offered me some very sage advice. He said, “Everyone plans for retirement financially, you also have to plan for it psychological”. Therefore Bob, you need a larger layout.

“I was able to run some trains this evening with my daughter. She asks almost everyday to go up to the train room, says beep beep and pounds on the door until I open it and let her in. This started about 2 weeks ago, she hadn't been in the train room for months and I thought she had forgotten about it (she is only 20 months old) and I was worried she would want to touch everything but she has proved me wrong. She stands/squats and watches the trains without touching, usually from outside the loops. Tonight she wanted to stand in the middle and she did really well.”

JStewart

Making memories for both her and you! You can’t put a price on the hard work and the hours spent when a child’s eyes light up!

I painted sidewalks, then streets, and planted more quick growing grass. I need to do some touch ups. I have the same problem I had before with this flat black paint. It’s shiny. The last time it was over plywood. The last time the lady in the paint store suggested using a large eraser to buff it. That worked. I thought maybe going over homasote might be different; but it wasn’t. I also have to cover the copper tape and repaint it.

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

Disaster strikes Paradise, what did I do on my layout yesterday, REPAIR!

This last Wednesday I was switching out locomotives and consists. I removed the Santa Fe Chief and F3 set from the layout and replaced it with WP 485 GS-64. I placed the WP GS on the outer siding getting it ready to move 3 freight cars so 485 could come back and get the Zephyr passenger cars behind parked behind the freight cars. I started up 485, backed it up and lashed up the 3 freight cars, everything looked good. I selected forward on my CAB-2 and started the consist moving slowly. As you can see from the photo below the siding is right on the edge of my layout and it's a 3-foot drop. When 485 began the first turn heading from right to left in the photo below, it rolled over on its right side and fell 3 feet to the floor, freight cars and all!!! I was just to the right in the photo and could do nothing about it! It was a jaw dropping moment! I guess I was in a moment of shock as I didn't think to take a photo of the mess on the floor (landing on the carpet and not the hard wood at least saved it from more damage than the locomotive and consist had).

Damage report and repairs:

WP Box car - Broke the front truck and all the springs went flying, I could only find one. These are the flimsy sheet metal trucks, so I ordered the Lionel metal spung trucks and I'll replace both of the trucks. Also, the load inside the box car came unglued. I'll have to remove the top to replace the trucks anyway, so I'll glue it back in place. The metal sprung trucks are supposed to arrive today. As soon as I get the trucks it will be back on the track.

I was lucky! I still have no idea of what derailed 485, there was nothing on the track. The only thing it could have been is operator error! When I put 485 on the track, the front truck may not have been on the track completely! I've done it before, but never has it caused the locomotive to roll over on its side! Usually, it just shorts the track out. Lesson: Use my LED strap on forehead light to make sure ALL the wheels are engaged on the track!!!

Here's an update on the Western Pacific Paradise, CA disaster. Read the paragraph at the top if you haven't seen the above post.

The gondola and flatbed bulkhead cars had minor easy to fix stuff, nothing broken or twisted. The WP Feather box car on the other hand had severe damage to the one of the trucks, including bent sheet metal, springs and spring retainers went flying. I found just one of the springs and one spring retainer. This really nice box car had the cheap stamped sheet metal trucks, they're pretty flimsy. I chose to replace them with Lionel diecast sprung trucks.

On the left is the Lionel diecast truck, on the right is the stamped sheet metal truck (the good one less the springs)!

Since the diecast trucks mount differently, I had to do some modifications to the box car bed. Here's some photos.

I had to remove the protruding plastic and then drill the hole out to accommodate the bushing insert.

Then I had to cut away some molded in ribbing on the box car floor to accommodate the bushing and screw. I didn't really car what it looked like on the inside of the box car; you can't see it when assembled. Sorry, photo is not clear.

Just dab of blue thread locker on the threads of the truck mounting screws. There is no need to use RED thread locker on model trains, unless you don't want to take the thing apart again!

Trucks installed, I let the thread locker cure for about 3 hours before handling it.

Truck installation complete and box car reassembled. Piece of cake! With the diecast trucks the box car does sit about 1/16" higher than with the original trucks, but I can't tell without measuring it.

    Well it's been a long time since I've updated any progress.

    Winter ice road business takes well......all winter. Get home and vehicle work and home maintenance takes time as well. Anyway, I was finally able to do some layout work.

    One big hold up I had was linking one side of the layout to the other side. I needed to paint some backdrop.

   I finally got the lightweight backdrop built now I need to paint it.

  I'm sure many here are familiar with the Hamm's beer scrolling sign.

  That's what I intend to paint for a backdrop. I'll need to expand the the scene a bit because I've got about 16 or 18 feet to paint so I'll have to add a bit of filler.

   A couple of pictures of the layout and also a few of my backdrop ready for painting. Also a picture of a Bob Ross style painting I once did after a few adult beverages.

Nice work Fast Freight. The painting is excellent!

Andy

Just finished the switch list to include the new cars.

It took more than a while...

Couldn't resist putting this at bottom line:

Then, I decided to change the typeface for the cars to look like they were typed in:

Good evening everyone! Just got done from working a good while on the layout. Everything happened on Riese ridge and the mine. Speaking of the mine, I started there by finishing adding paper buns to the side and to tunnel three’s second tunnel portal. Next came the plaster cloth and paint. Once I completed painting I place ground cover on the mountain and the unfinished mine itself. I then took my attention over to the rest of the mountain. I continued my painting with the brown and grey paint, and topped it all of with some ground cover. I still need to cover more areas with cloth, paint, cover, and ballast the track, but things are coming along nicely.
Also, I was able to get a poster of UP 4018 hung.

Beautiful day.....so, I went outside until it got into the upper 80s and I moved inside.....

......now, back inside, and, this is where patience is a virtue......small delicate parts which will make up the stairwell.....

Have a great day!

Peter

@Putnam Division posted:

Beautiful day.....so, I went outside until it got into the upper 80s and I moved inside.....

......now, back inside, and, this is where patience is a virtue......small delicate parts which will make up the stairwell.....

Have a great day!

Peter

I still have to put mine together Peter. In due time I suppose. Looks great so far.

We apologize for not being here sooner but things have been quite busy as we work to complete the engine service/Roanoke Shops portion of the layout. My job ends when track, ballast, etc are complete and things are ready for scenery, people, etc. Then Paula and Rich take over.

The section leading to the turntable via a 3-way Ross turnout is just about complete. Sand, coal, platforms, accessories, figures, lichen and grass, etc have been added by Paula.

Later this week, the road contractor is scheduled to pave Randolph Street, yard lights will be installed, and word has it that locomotives will begin to populate various Roanoke Shops buildings including the roundhouse. Paula said that 9 steam locomotives and 6 diesels are scheduled to arrive before Friday so it will be a busy week.

These photos are primarily of the turntable entry, exit, and steam service tracks, which are 80%+ complete. All buildings are lighted and have interiors. Lighting is wired to allow for different scenes depending upon time of day.  

Many of the steam service buildings were built by Harry Hieke or are one of his kits. Most lighting is from Evan Designs.

Photo from front of layout

Left side includes Crescent Locomotive platforms, ash pit, water and oil columns,  Weaver Sand and water towers.

Rear boiler house and stack, wreck train, Roanoke Shops #1, sand tower, fuel tanks, Lubritorium, and Randolph Tower. The Coaling Tower can’t be missed.

@Bill Webb posted:

We apologize for not being here sooner but things have been quite busy as we work to complete the engine service/Roanoke Shops portion of the layout. My job ends when track, ballast, etc are complete and things are ready for scenery, people, etc. Then Paula and Rich take over.

The section leading to the turntable via a 3-way Ross turnout is just about complete. Sand, coal, platforms, accessories, figures, lichen and grass, etc have been added by Paula.

Later this week, the road contractor is scheduled to pave Randolph Street, yard lights will be installed, and word has it that locomotives will begin to populate various Roanoke Shops buildings including the roundhouse. Paula said that 9 steam locomotives and 6 diesels are scheduled to arrive before Friday so it will be a busy week.

These photos are primarily of the turntable entry, exit, and steam service tracks, which are 80%+ complete. All buildings are lighted and have interiors. Lighting is wired to allow for different scenes depending upon time of day.  

Many of the steam service buildings were built by Harry Hieke or are one of his kits. Most lighting is from Evan Designs.

Left side includes Crescent Locomotive platforms, ash pit, water and oil columns,  Weaver Sand and water towers.Rear boiler house and stack, wreck train,

Roanoke Shops #1, sand tower, fuel tanks, Lubritorium, and Randolph Tower. The Coaling Tower can’t be missed.

Just magnificent!!!!!!!!

Peter

@Bill Webb posted:

We apologize for not being here sooner but things have been quite busy as we work to complete the engine service/Roanoke Shops portion of the layout. My job ends when track, ballast, etc are complete and things are ready for scenery, people, etc. Then Paula and Rich take over.

The section leading to the turntable via a 3-way Ross turnout is just about complete. Sand, coal, platforms, accessories, figures, lichen and grass, etc have been added by Paula.

Later this week, the road contractor is scheduled to pave Randolph Street, yard lights will be installed, and word has it that locomotives will begin to populate various Roanoke Shops buildings including the roundhouse. Paula said that 9 steam locomotives and 6 diesels are scheduled to arrive before Friday so it will be a busy week.

These photos are primarily of the turntable entry, exit, and steam service tracks, which are 80%+ complete. All buildings are lighted and have interiors. Lighting is wired to allow for different scenes depending upon time of day.  

Many of the steam service buildings were built by Harry Hieke or are one of his kits. Most lighting is from Evan Designs.

Photo from front of layout

Left side includes Crescent Locomotive platforms, ash pit, water and oil columns,  Weaver Sand and water towers.

Rear boiler house and stack, wreck train, Roanoke Shops #1, sand tower, fuel tanks, Lubritorium, and Randolph Tower. The Coaling Tower can’t be missed.

Bill,

Your layout is amazing! I primarily collect N&W and C&O steam. I would love to see more pictures of your layout.

Greg P

www.youtube.com/trainbros89

Just a couple of random shots from the 40s...

Good Evening,

Bill Webb all of the structures and details are one thing but when you add the lighting that just takes it over the top.

Lee I really like the photos in black and white. Definitely gives more indication of the time period of your layout.

Just working on an insert...more to come!

Dave

@luvindemtrains posted:

Dave,

That looks great! You nailed the look of old concrete.

Bill, the engine facility is looking great!

Dave, the concrete work looks so relistic.

@luvindemtrains posted:

Good Evening,

Bill Webb all of the structures and details are one thing but when you add the lighting that just takes it over the top.

Lee I really like that photos in black and white. Definitely gives more indication of the time period of your layout.

Just working on an insert...more to come!

Dave

Dave, speaking of over the top, your concrete work is fantastic! That slab looks like its been around for a 100 years.

Peter, great outdoor workshop. What a view! And the kit is coming along nicely.

Lee, the switch looks ready for use, and nice black and white pics.

Bill, wow! The scenes and buildings are amazing!

Dave, can’t wait to see the wall in what I’m sure will be an excellent scene.

Andy

Thanks everyone. This is the first time that a section of the layout has started to come together. After three years plus including two knee replacements, it is rewarding. We started knowing very little about constructing a layout so it has been quite a process.

Greg we have enjoyed seeing your u-tube videos. We want to learn how to do that. Maybe our grandkids can help. Are some of the photos taken on a club layout? Beautiful engines, etc.

Dave you got the concrete perfectly. Agree with you on lighting, it really makes a difference. It was late when we did the photos. Next time we want Alexa to turn the flood lights blue and then take photos. The bright floods disappear and the detail is muted for a quiet nighttime look.

Lee the black and white photos are a nice effect. What a great way to accent the time period.

@Putnam Division posted:

.....now, back inside, and, this is where patience is a virtue......small delicate parts which will make up the stairwell.....

Peter

Nice job Peter.   Looks like a fun project.

@Bill Webb posted:

Great look in these scenes Bill.   Beatiful photos of the scenes too.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Nice job Peter.   Looks like a fun project.

Thank you.....it has been fun......these are great kits!

Peter

Great pictures fellows and Bill Webb, amazing workmanship on you layout pictured above, it looks like it will be a fun to run railroad, very interesting, @Putnam Division, excellent workmanship on your recent creation, the beautiful station, so realistic looking, @P51 Lee, beautiful black and white photography, cool scenes, the Quanson Hut looks real, Wow, those were the good ole days, today I took a few pictures of the back side of my layout, Department 56 for review… Happy Railroading Everyone

Hi guys, its been a while as projects are still going on outside of the train room! I was able to get in here and try and get up to speed on what everyone has been doing as I have done something to my right knee and cant do anything till I see the Dr. tomorrow per the CEO.  Oh well I needed a break anyways, just thought if I got one it would be to spend time in the train room!

I have to say you all are doing outstanding projects and I can't list you all, but there are 3 folks I really want to call out, well maybe 5 ! LOL

@WesternPacific2217 Scott, thanks for showing how you did the switchover on the trucks! Looks great. Where do you get the bushings and screws from? I have a lot of nicely made Lionel trucks in a bag that I would like to switch out with some of the cheaper stamped metal ones.

@Putnam Division Peter you doing a wonderful job on the building!

@Bill Webb, Bill for a layout that is only 3 years old you and your wife are doing an Amazing job and the attention to detail is Outstanding!

@luvindemtrains Dave, you always make things look so real! I wish I had that talent!

I got a question for you good folks, I know I should know this by know but I don't and who knows maybe there are others that do not know. I have some nice trucks like Scott did above with Lionel trucks, but how do I tell a 2 rail to a 3 rail axel?

I hope you all have a great week and I have a feeling I will be checking in tomorrow! Please remember to have fun with your layout and trains!

Thank you.

What a neat way to use D56 in a railroad theme. Have you changed the lighting away from the regular bulbs?

@leapinlarry posted:

Great pictures fellows and Bill Webb, amazing workmanship on you layout pictured above, it looks like it will be a fun to run railroad, very interesting, @Putnam Division, excellent workmanship on your recent creation, the beautiful station, so realistic looking, @P51 Lee, beautiful black and white photography, cool scenes, the Quanson Hut looks real, Wow, those were the good ole days, today I took a few pictures of the back side of my layout, Department 56 for review… Happy Railroading Everyone

Larry, photos of stuff I don't think I've seen before on your layout! Always something new. The hand painted rock of the Lionel logo is cool!

I like the ceramic buildings, I have some Lemax on my layout. Are your buildings Lemax, Department 56, or a mix of both, if you don't mind my asking.

Love & Peace Man! Like wow!

@mike g. posted:

Hi guys, its been a while as projects are still going on outside of the train room! I was able to get in here and try and get up to speed on what everyone has been doing as I have done something to my right knee and cant do anything till I see the Dr. tomorrow per the CEO.  Oh well I needed a break anyways, just thought if I got one it would be to spend time in the train room!

I have to say you all are doing outstanding projects and I can't list you all, but there are 3 folks I really want to call out, well maybe 5 ! LOL

@WesternPacific2217 Scott, thanks for showing how you did the switchover on the trucks! Looks great. Where do you get the bushings and screws from? I have a lot of nicely made Lionel trucks in a bag that I would like to switch out with some of the cheaper stamped metal ones.

@Putnam Division Peter you doing a wonderful job on the building!

@Bill Webb, Bill for a layout that is only 3 years old you and your wife are doing an Amazing job and the attention to detail is Outstanding!

@luvindemtrains Dave, you always make things look so real! I wish I had that talent!

I got a question for you good folks, I know I should know this by know but I don't and who knows maybe there are others that do not know. I have some nice trucks like Scott did above with Lionel trucks, but how do I tell a 2 rail to a 3 rail axel?

I hope you all have a great week and I have a feeling I will be checking in tomorrow! Please remember to have fun with your layout and trains!

Hello Mike, the screws and bushings come with the pair of Lionel diecast sprung trucks (PN: 6-14078). Per my somewhat limited knowledge of O scale 2 rail, the flanges are much smaller than the flanges on the 3 rail wheels/axles. I sure somebody in this forum knows for sure, or has some photos of both side by side.

Thanks to everyone who complimented my concrete insert.

Mike-I hope your doctor's visit yields good news with simple rehab on your knee. With this model railroad stuff I spend too much time bending and crawling on my knees and if I don't develop problems it will certainly be a miracle. It's funny and kind of crazy how knowing that I still continue with the hobby.

Larry-I agree with others that the D56 buildings look good and blend into the scene quite well. It was a really clever and fun way to use them, as too is the Lionel symbol.

Dave

@mike g. posted:

Hi guys, its been a while as projects are still going on outside of the train room! I was able to get in here and try and get up to speed on what everyone has been doing as I have done something to my right knee and cant do anything till I see the Dr. tomorrow per the CEO.  Oh well I needed a break anyways, just thought if I got one it would be to spend time in the train room!

I have to say you all are doing outstanding projects and I can't list you all, but there are 3 folks I really want to call out, well maybe 5 ! LOL

Mike, I hope the knee turns out okay.  You always do a great job calling out outstanding projects.  Yes they all are great!

I haven't done anything on the layout either, though I have done some things in the train room the last couple of weeks.  In organizing my limited space, I have identified a number of items that I bought for projects that I later realized I don't have room for.  I have enough stuff to fill a layout at least twice as big as I had room to build.  Look for upcoming posts in the 'For Sale or Trade' section, please don't ask here.

@Mark Boyce  Mark you need to take the reasonable way out and buy a bigger train room.  If that means a different home so be it. 

@ScoutingDad posted:

@Mark Boyce  Mark you need to take the reasonable way out and buy a bigger train room.  If that means a different home so be it. 

Just follow Jeff’s example!  😉  Wouldn’t mother-in-law be shocked if we sold our house and moved away!  😄

After being away for a few weeks / vacation, work etc etc. I'm finally caught up with my favorite thread!

Great work guys/gals. Tons of ideas stirring in my head now.

Hi guys, I hope you all had a great day!

Mark, I would agree with Jeff. But then you would have more work to do and less time running trains!

Nothing from the Doc. Went in for my appointment and they were closed for the next 10 days as all the employees tested positive for COVID-19. I wasn't going to drive to town, so I gave my self a couch pass for today! Lol

Installing headlights (3mm white leds) in an MTH subway car for a train club friend.

Out working on my decouplers. Lots of details still going.  The decouplers are my last of hte serious wiring.  Anything else will be DC

Hope your knee issue gets straightened out Mike.

Andy

Added some ground cover to the area outside of what is called the “Fence Track” in the Oyster Bay yard. I’m laying the base ground cover and will come back with some grasses, weeds and trees later on. I will install the fence at a later date too.That area is a public park known as the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay. President Roosevelt lived not to far from this area at his home at Sagamore Hill, and would take trips from Oyster Bay into New York City and ultimately to Washington D.C. on the train.

Andy

Lots of good work guys!

I’ve been busy on my tinplate layout. Touched up the sidewalks and streets. Rewired the two original houses and hooked them up. Installed two lamps in the station and three street lights. Installed the two Hornby manual semaphores and the flagman. I’m going to add lights to the station platform. I relocated that from the Hirail layout. I think it fits better here. It’s a keeper from my first layout in ‘50. I’m waiting for delivery of a Lemax gazebo to go at the end of the street. Thanks to Mike Hokkanen for his tip on the gazebo. It was on a 2012 post. I have another flagman, not sure if it would be overkill on a small layout.

This is a train that I received on my 8th birthday.  Like 1960.  My dad kept the train, much to my surprise.  I have spent forever to get to the point today that everything planned for train operation is in place.  The only things not hooked up are the uncouplers/"decouplers".  That is now a matter of a few more electrical connections, which I will do tomorrow.

Then I get to work on scenery details, which will not be much more than what you see.

A little detail is this layout folds up into the wall.  If it is not nailed down it is falling off.  So I have used lots of glue and screws.

@Eighthtry posted:

This is a train that I received on my 8th birthday.  Like 1960.  My dad kept the train, much to my surprise.  I have spent forever to get to the point today that everything planned for train operation is in place.  The only things not hooked up are the uncouplers/"decouplers".  That is now a matter of a few more electrical connections, which I will do tomorrow.

Then I get to work on scenery details, which will not be much more than what you see.

A little detail is this layout folds up into the wall.  If it is not nailed down it is falling off.  So I have used lots of glue and screws.

Nice layout. I like the winch system too.

The Rexall train:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zax66T_0zN8

Making a mess.

Gonna' be a mess for while now.

Andre

Not technically my layout; but related. When I created the tinplate room I realized that my work bench would fit in the closet.

On 3 different occasions I left the power on the work bench. 2 times I realized it and went back upstairs to turn it off. The 3rd time it was on for 2 days. I knew I had to remind myself to turn off the work bench power. I ordered a led pilot light that’s 120 AC. It arrived today and I installed it where I would be looking at it when I sat on the chair lift to go down stairs.

Problem solved.

Entertrainment Junction:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...8#162475944988574028

@laming posted:

Making a mess.

Gonna' be a mess for while now.

Andre

Saw horses and a skill saw......

I'm makin' the popcorn....😁😁

@pennsyfan posted:

Not technically my layout; but related. When I created the tinplate room I realized that my work bench would fit in the closet.

On 3 different occasions I left the power on the work bench. 2 times I realized it and went back upstairs to turn it off. The 3rd time it was on for 2 days. I knew I had to remind myself to turn off the work bench power. I ordered a led pilot light that’s 120 AC. It arrived today and I installed it where I would be looking at it when I sat on the chair lift to go down stairs.

Problem solved.

Good idea. I've left the soldering iron on once or twice. I have 2 quad outlets, one one each side of my bench. I scan both of them to make sure everything is unplugged before leaving my shop.

Bob

After too long of a break, finally finished the Burr Oak. This will be its final home.   At some point I may add a few more branches, but for now I am happy with the way it turned out.  @Mark Boyce won the "prize" for closest to the next build.  Now I am getting ready to start cutting the dowels and corrugated cardboard for a log cabin lodge and restaurant - AKA the Twin Pines Inn. Not sure about the build of a twin pine tree, just want to finish enough for a great video of the last run of this version of the Twin Pines Rail Road.  Now if I could convince a certain videographer to stop by for the shoot - it really would turn out nice - and I would have a nice Last Run memory.  I think I like watching videos of the layout more than I do running the trains - certainly more relaxing with an adult beverage in hand. Note to self on the next oak if using sedum, bring the wire branches closer in to the trunk for a more dense look. (I originally built the wire arbor to add poly plus 12 mil static grass for fine branches and then the leaves. The build with the longer wires would have worked as built.)

For fun, as I was recording the final elements of the Burr Oak build, I re-edited the Tardis. I like this version way better.

So for the prize I am considering building a 7 inch-ish elm or ash type tree or trying my hand at aspens/birches probably with a fall yellow for the leaves. Mark let me know what might best fit the Blackwater Canyon Line. Time to build TBD but will post photos when complete. 

Note: thinking probably 3 to 6 months till this TPRR is retired for good. 

@ScoutingDad, wow, that’s a nice looking tree, it’s very real looking, also, neat video, and nice pictures everyone, I spent the day at Dr. Jack Fishers entertaining many nice folks visiting Nashville at the N Gauger’s National Convention, over 165 folks past thru Jacks layouts today and we had a great time. (Outdoor G gauge, Basement O Gauge three rail scale.) No matter what gauge one models, trains are fun. These are all Dr. Fishers model trains. Happy Railroading Everyone