@luvindemtrains posted:

drelo,

Will we get to see it?

Dave

Sure thing.  Here is the template that I mocked up.

Here is the base installed on my layout.  I'll be adding another level later this week.

Hi guys, I know I am starting to sound like a broken record, but once again nothing new from me! LOL, I have finished all the CEO's list as, so I thought! But I was told I was wrong, I guess I didn't see the additions to the list! LOL

Either way I want to say that everyone is doing wonderful work and with the heat wave I hope everyone is staying inside in their train rooms staying cool!

Peter I really like the road you're building. I would try but I don't have enough room left on the layout for roads!

They say it is going to get hot here tomorrow and Wednesday, but I love the hot weather. But on the other had the CEO has stated that if it does get really hot by her standards we should stay inside and cool! Which would be great to me as that means Train Room as it has A/C! LOL

I hope you all have great week and find time to have fun with your layout and trains!

P.S. Stay cool if needed!

Greetings to all!

Well I haven’t started my O scale layout yet, but I have progressed in my MEC#11 project.

recently I set up some class lights, headlights, and cab lights thanks to Evans Designs LEDs. Shout out for the products and helpful staff.

here some photos of model nearing completion, next stop the layout plan. Some may remember my rail float and float bridge from my former layout. I will be applying said structures in the simplified waterfront switching layout. The progress will be posted.

I will also post the maiden (flex track) voyage film of MEC #11.

leroof.

I put a picture on the entrance door to my train rooms.

@pennsyfan posted:

I put a picture on the entrance door to my train rooms.

Point Pleasant?

Point Pleasant?
Yes it is.

While this section does not have the landscaping completed, the renamed Inn is back in its final resting place. The build of the Inn is covered in WHAT’S ON THE WORKBENCH AT THE MOMENT

Some of you may recall I named my railroad after a resort my dad and his buddy owned in the 50's and 60's in the Spooner Wisconsin Area. I spent many summers fishing, swimming and only getting into a little trouble. When I realized the MTH Station was not going to fit in this location, I hit upon the log lodge idea. One thing led to another and it became a Supper Club (a Wisconsin thing) on the main level and lodging above. My dad's resort had 8 log cabins and a lodge - so here we are "Dick's Twin Pines Resort and Supper Club est 1924".  Dick loved a good meal to the point he was so impressed with one particular walleye dinner, and rather loudly at that, that the owner came over and asked him if he could eat another walleye dinner. Well that was a silly question, of course, and the second dinner was happily consumed, being every bit as good as the first. So that is why we now have a resort and a supper club on the Twin Pines Rail Road. A pleasant reminder of peaceful times with my dad up in the North Woods. 

If anyone is any good at 3D printing software, I could use a hand in creating a better sign for the inn.  I can get access to a 3D printer, so all I really need is help in creating the printable file.  Thanks Jeff

@ScoutingDad Really like your personal connection with the Twin Pines.  I know you were thinking and reliving a summer or two at the lodge as you labored on the resort.  I find it’s really fun an satisfying  to see our finished products.

Yesterday completed a wiring connection for the OHHS lighting adding liquid tape over the soldered joints. Works much better than the electrical tape in the hard to get to connections.  My accessories loop is just a hard wire house wire looping from one side to the other the whole length of my layout.  I’m afraid that I didn’t think through  my selection of accessories wire but I had the wire on hand and already paid for during the shop construction.  The accessories are connected to the 10 volt post in the z4000.

During the July heat I have begun the repainting on the MTH Passenger depot for the top of the tunnel.  Yesterday I began the addition of the mortar joints. Lots of painting by hand on this design to come.  I washed the windows and building after I disassembled the building.

have a good day everyone 😊

Hi guys, I hope everyone is doing well with all this strange weather! Hot some places, flooding rain in other places!

@Leroof Your work is looking nice! You have more guts than I do to drill into an engine! LOL Can't wait to see the video.

@pennsyfanBob wonderful photo and even a great message to go along with it!

@ScoutingDad Jeff looks perfect! I am guessing from your story that we will be seeing 8 more smaller cabins showing up on the layout! LOL Really though I love the scene and the story behind it all! I always love it when you post your progress.

@Seth Thomas Seth we all understand what you're saying about the wire! I am sure at one point we have all tried to use what we have on hand and already paid for. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't! The thing is for sure if you don't try you will never know!,,,

Well guys it is my lucky day, The CEO says it is to hot outside to work and that I should stay in where the AC is. Well, we only have 2 places here that have ac, the house or the garage with the train room attachment! So, I get the green light to play in the train room for the day and till the local heat warning is lifted! I know I love the heat, but now I really really love it! LOL

I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layout and trains!

@ScoutingDad posted:

While this section does not have the landscaping completed, the renamed Inn is back in its final resting place. The build of the Inn is covered in WHAT’S ON THE WORKBENCH AT THE MOMENT

Some of you may recall I named my railroad after a resort my dad and his buddy owned in the 50's and 60's in the Spooner Wisconsin Area. I spent many summers fishing, swimming and only getting into a little trouble. When I realized the MTH Station was not going to fit in this location, I hit upon the log lodge idea. One thing led to another and it became a Supper Club (a Wisconsin thing) on the main level and lodging above. My dad's resort had 8 log cabins and a lodge - so here we are "Dick's Twin Pines Resort and Supper Club est 1924".  Dick loved a good meal to the point he was so impressed with one particular walleye dinner, and rather loudly at that, that the owner came over and asked him if he could eat another walleye dinner. Well that was a silly question, of course, and the second dinner was happily consumed, being every bit as good as the first. So that is why we now have a resort and a supper club on the Twin Pines Rail Road. A pleasant reminder of peaceful times with my dad up in the North Woods.

If anyone is any good at 3D printing software, I could use a hand in creating a better sign for the inn.  I can get access to a 3D printer, so all I really need is help in creating the printable file.  Thanks Jeff

Great work Jeff. The story only adds to the great modeling. I think we all have fond memories of a "cabin on a lake" from our youth. Mine was on Lake George in upstate NY.

One comment on the stone chimney if I may, would be to add copper flashing around the base to tie it into the roof.

Bob

“One comment on the stone chimney if I may, would be to add copper flashing around the base to tie it into the roof.”

I have copper tape with adhesive backing. I could send you some. It’s 1/4 “ wide. Let me know how long you would need and send your address to my email in profile.

@pennsyfan posted:

Is that a real GG1 builder's plate on the wall?

Hi guys, well I went out to the train room, ran a few trains for a while and worked on my Starbucks truck transformation to a Coors delivery truck.

I got the cab off and the box off. I removed the lights, windshield, seats, headlights, grill and bumper!

I started on removing the box decals and I must have missed it somewhere that Isopropyl alcohol takes off paint! I thought I could use it to remove the glue residue worked ok on that but better on removing the paint.

The good thing is I planned on repainting it already! LOL

@RSJB18 @pennsyfan. Thanks for the idea on using copper flashing. When i laid in the stonework, the plaster sagged a bit leaving the chimney a little off kilter. I'll probably rebuild before i add the flashing. I have a piece of copper flashing which i can easily trim to size. Thanks for the tape offer. Will also add a rain cap over the top.  I tried filing down the stones that did not work. 

All, thanks for the likes, it was a fun build and brought back many happy memories. Cant believe he's been gone nearly 20 years, nor '24 would be his 100 birthday.

@mike g. posted:

Hi guys, well I went out to the train room, ran a few trains for a while and worked on my Starbucks truck transformation to a Coors delivery truck.

I got the cab off and the box off. I removed the lights, windshield, seats, headlights, grill and bumper!

I started on removing the box decals and I must have missed it somewhere that Isopropyl alcohol takes off paint! I thought I could use it to remove the glue residue worked ok on that but better on removing the paint.

The good thing is I planned on repainting it already! LOL

Pro tip.....WD-40 is great for removing adhesives and "sticky stuff" 😉😉

Bob

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...9#163039312770181939
Lee,

The GG1 builders plate is a replica produced by the Friends of the museum of PA as a thank  you for a donation. I probably don’t have the name correct but it’s the one across from the Strasburg RR.

Finally had a breakthrough on my F3 upgrade yesterday. I was having issues with the front truck binding on something when the shell was installed. I thought it was the wiring but it turned out to be the cab that I added. It was a little too close to the motor and was hitting the sides on the curves. So the net result is that the engineer and conductor lost about an 1/8" of leg room.

I tested the engine with the shell in place and its good to go. Just fixing a couple things with the lights in the dummy unit that I wasn't happy with.

Bob

Well now that you’re an expert….

I had posted the trashed F3 that I picked up and wasn’t sure what I was going to do. Last night I’m looking at past purchases on eBay and I see a AA set SF that I picked up a year ago. The chassis were intended for my two JC METCA 10th anniversary shells. Suffering from CRS  I went up to see if I ever did it. The shells were still sitting on the Railrax. So now I have two motorized units with horizontal motors and a dummy. So that makes 4 motors and power trucks to tune up. I’ll outfit the METCA shells first and then the SF. I’ll have to find another dummy chassis for the SF. Then I’ll have the beat up shell to relegate to my still under construction scrap yard.

Afternoon guys I hope your all doing well! I have been able to get out to the train room the last couple day so I have been working on my Coors delivery truck conversion. I was able to get the interior painted, added some chrome to the dash and steering wheel, painted up a driver for it and got the box painted. I hope to get the outside of the cab painted tomorrow. Here are a couple photos!

I guess he will be waiting to be loaded! LOL

This morning I sweated my rear off cutting plexiglass for Mark. Just waiting to hear back from him on length and width that he would like and then I will get that cut!

I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layout and trains! Also Please stay cool and safe!

Mike, I like the pose of the waiting driver!  😄

Thank you for cutting the plexiglass.  I certainly appreciate it!!!   I sure couldn’t do it with the meager set of tools I have.  😄  If I had the tools, I don’t know where I would keep them!  😣

Between out new puppy, ongoing maintenance on my W2 Jeep after it sat in the garage since the pandemic started (that, I dearly regret, now), it being summer and a never-ending series of household projects my wife never seems to run out of, I have done very little on my layout.

I live vicariously through you all right now, but I'll soon need to make sure everything is cleaned and dusted off where it needs it, as it'll be on the layout tours for the 2022 National Narrow Gauge Convention in September...

Mark, your more than welcome! I really like to help out when I can!

Lee, tell me about it! LOL I just got lucky and got a week off of honey do's. Next week it's a new project so who knows when I will get back to the train room!

After cleaning out the garage (partially) I retreated to the cool basement train room this afternoon.  I was getting ahead of myself by throwing some track down on the floor, roughly following my current track plan when I realized the ceiling lighting better be next !   Using my train room drawing template I placed my "shrunken" 2' x 4' LED panels into the drawing & calculated where each needed to go without too much lighting overlap, or without leaving dark spots (I hope).  A simple exercise but it's given me a clearer path forward as to how to place & wire-in the lighting.  I feel better already, lol.

Rich in SD

The last three engines that I have purchased recently new and/used each one was a problem.  So I have been extremely hesitant to test run my Santa Fe engine I received from my servicer this week.

I am happy to report she fired up and ran with no problems, no, I’m truly excited. 😅

But I only tested in conventional operations so I have one more test with Legacy to worry about until tomorrow 😆

John, it looks great!  I’ll keep my fingers crossed on the Legacy test.

Mr. Thomas,  Havent seen the Coca Cola diner in a while.   I have one, and the engine looks good going by.  Do you have any other items to place with the diner, and what is the Shell, logo, station at the beginning of video clip -- Thanks  - Terry

Here is a wooden garage that I made. It went together well. I added a light inside and outside. For that I did slight additions to keep the light from leaking. All in all I thought it turned out good.

This evening I assigned a new number to the Santa Fe, #60.   The first number I screwed up by not turning the switch back to Run.  
I really messed up everything by leaving the switch in Program.

So now with a second assigned number
the El Capitan works using Cab 2.

Whistle, bell, brakes, lights, forward, reverse, everything is there right from the remote.

A great lesson learned tonight…

@Seth Thomas posted:

This evening I assigned a new number to the Santa Fe, #60.   The first number I screwed up by not turning the switch back to Run.  
I really messed up everything by leaving the switch in Program.

So now with a second assigned number
the El Capitan works using Cab 2.

Whistle, bell, brakes, lights, forward, reverse, everything is there right from the remote.

A great lesson learned tonight…

Yay!

Busy day today after returning from vacation.  First up was to add support for the track between the south side of Rockville bridge and the downgrade as well as install retaining walls and ballast the track on the bridge:

Since my order from Scenic Express hadn't yet arrived, instead of installing retaining walls on the rest of the southside incline I decided to cut foam, drill holes, and install the grade for the country road to the area of my layout which will include trailer homes, a log cabin, small lake and Lionel's Family Vacation and Tire Swing accessories:

Lastly, I installed a fence section on the north side of my brewery:

-Greg

Progress has been made on the next two projects. The first is getting the passenger station changed and installed the way that Paula wants it. We started on the front section and straightened and caulked several windows… tremendous improvement.

She then removed the original interior from the station and is totally redoing it floor to ceiling based on photos of the original station. The rear panel has been painted a dark burgundy, a new floor has been added and will have a green/black marble coating. A counter similar to the original station will be crafted from mahogany with a side news stand.

Materials arrived last week and Paula and Rich will tackle the project when he returns from trout fishing in western Virginia.

This was a fully completed interior… now empty.

It is amazing what can be found on Amazon and received within three days

My next project is a number of electrical changes including installing two ZW-L transformers on a cart that Rich made and wiring #2 which we have not used before. We are also adding a second TIU, and two more AIUs. The first transformer has been on the layout beside the station and for several years we have planned to move it and install the second when we reached this stage of the layout. It is nice to finally get it done.

Other than additional AIUs, this will complete the major component installation. There will be plenty of relays and terminal blocks as well as a lot of wiring to add as we extend level two from the right side left and forward.

Rich is very talented and a great help.

Greg, the retaining walls and river scenery under the bridge look great!

Bill, Where would you be without Paula and Rich??  The enhancements to the layout sound great!

I finished the ballasting on the Modular Layout's new engine testing area.

Some final touches this week. TW TrainWorx Wheel Stop kits are on order.

Peter

I started putting down some static grass using WS Static King. Initially disappointing results, but after some research, I came to find out that my room was too dry (humidity plays a part). So now I first wet the area with water, brush on my thinned glue mixture, then apply the grass. Happier with the results now.

Andy

@RSJB18 posted:

Finally had a breakthrough on my F3 upgrade yesterday. I was having issues with the front truck binding on something when the shell was installed. I thought it was the wiring but it turned out to be the cab that I added. It was a little too close to the motor and was hitting the sides on the curves. So the net result is that the engineer and conductor lost about an 1/8" of leg room.

I tested the engine with the shell in place and its good to go. Just fixing a couple things with the lights in the dummy unit that I wasn't happy with.

Bob

Sometimes those crew members have to drop a few pounds Bob.

0-4-0 saddletank loco at Lebanon, Ohio.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...7#163602343666135297

Completed the build of my coal breaker. Next build will be the conveyor structure with ore car dump building.

Stay cool,

Scott

I put my KLine Starlight diner on the table. Wired the inside lights also a wired an on/off button for the smoke unit. I didn’t wire a momentary on switch for the music yet, just dangled the wires down. Apparently they are touching as every time I plug in my layout it plays The Twist. 🤣

My goodness, there are so many great projects going on. Very inspired by what I see.

Greg-The bridgework, underpass, and retaining wall is quite a site.

Bill-You've got quite the team there. I look forward to seeing the interior transformation. As for wiring AIU's etc., my least favorite part of the hobby but it's               gotta be done.

Peter-Nice work on the ballasting. Again, not my favorite part of the hobby but it's gotta be done. It's great that you find time between working on your own                 layout to be so active with your club.

Andy-It looks like you're getting the hang of the static grass application. I see a transformation taking place. I never would have thought that humidity would                affect the application of the static grass. I've never heard anyone mention it before. That's good to know.

Scott- The coal breaker looks very nice. I was tempted to get one for myself but I already have a tipple and too many projects as it is. Maybe on a future layout.              Keep us posted once you detail the area.

Here's a photo of the 95% completed Woolworth from River Leaf Models (Andre). I say 95% complete because I still need to add lighting and a few more details. YouTube video of the build forthcoming. Enjoy your weekend!

Dave

Nice work Dave, I enjoyed your video on YouTube too.

Andy

After reviewing more pictures of the Oyster Bay yard, I noticed that there are a lot more weeds and growths than I originally thought. I started the process of adding more to overgrowth to additional areas around the yard. More to follow.

Andy

@Steamfan77- Keep that up Andy and you are going to have to hire landscapers soon.....

@luvindemtrains- I have fond memories of our local Woolworth's growing up Dave. We had them, and a 5&10 in the same shopping center. Paper route money went a long way.

Nothing much for me on the layout to report. I'm waiting on parts from GRJ to tune up my new Boston and Maine RS-3. I did clear some LIRR equipment off (sorry Andy ), to make room to run my Santa Fe F3's once I finish some minor repairs.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

@Steamfan77- Keep that up Andy and you are going to have to hire landscapers soon.....

Bob

😂 Bob that was great!😂 It looks great Andy!

Bob, the landscaping crew is standing by…

Thanks Rich.

Andy

Thank you Andy!

RSJB18-Yes, and the great thing about it is I could stand outside of the store and see trains go by up the street. The mainline was just a few short blocks away.

Dave

Got the last of my tables, lift sections in for the along the wall temporary layout.  Also painted the plywood.  I was helped greatly by the book from the Forum section Building a Layout (think that is it, with the late Backshop author's layout) where he detailed lift sections.  I was happy how they work, even with my tables not attached to the walls (although I found I should brace them against the walls).

Was great to have the last two weekends to work on this and should have trains running before the fall semester starts and wipes out my free time...

Scott you did a very nice job on the building. It reminds me of growing up in W Va and going with my Dad when he visited customers. He sold insurance to coal mines.

Jeff you have continued a beautiful memory. Thanks for sharing it.

Peter good job on the ballast. We have a ballast king which saves a lot of time when ballasting. It is not being used at present and we would be glad to loan it out. If you want to give it a try, let me know and we can meet somewhere to hand it off.

We have continued making progress on the layout. Charlie and Steve were a tremendous help in getting TIU 2 working. I knew nothing about a “super TIU” but have them now. All MTH engines are loaded into the remotes and all work.

Both  transformers are in place and are wired awaiting new construction. Two of four AIUs are in place; two more have been ordered.

Rich returned from trout fishing yesterday… he and Pat caught over 100. He was here right after lunch and ready to start on the new floor. The flooring crew arrived and soon slabs of marble were being put in place. What a fantastic difference it makes.

Paula painted the walls in two end rooms. In the central section, the main walls are Colonial Red. The walls and floor are perfect for the mahogany counter that Rich is building. He is also cutting the walls that fit between the central lobby and end rooms.

A train schedule board circa June, 1955 will be on the rear wall. No photo as copyright.

Managed to get ONE ceiling-mounted LED panel light installed, only took most of the afternoon, lol.   These Lithonia Lighting 2x4 panels are meant to drop into a suspended ceiling, good plan at the old basement, but needed a new plan at this basement.  Their flush-mount kit to the rescue !   Yikes, easier said than done, at least for me !   Is it square to the wall, are all 4 sides square - so the LED panel slides in & is retained properly, is it wired right ? ....the answer, finally, is yes !  The next 3 should go smoother, I now have a plan !  Rich in SD

I really enjoyed all of your updates.  Everyone is making great progress.   I sure wish I had some of your skills in my skillset, that's for sure!

My goal this weekend was to get the retaining wall completed on the southern incline and detail the the Rockville bridge a bit.  Progress was slower than expected due to rain (except for dry brushing at the end I paint outside) and my search for appropriate size and color "boulders".

Here's the rest of the retaining wall (yes, both sides are done):

For the Rockville bridge, the slots on the base for the bridge piers are too wide and there is an unsightly gap (at least to my eyes).  My goal was to install "boulders" around the bases to hide the gap.  I went to several streams in my area until I found something along the lines of what I was looking for.  Here are the results after glueing in place:

I also wanted to add real sand to the cover the fake sand on the base as well as make a beach but I didn't have time to get that done.   Hopefully this weekend.

-Greg

@Greg Houser posted:

For the Rockville bridge, the slots on the base for the bridge piers are too wide and there is an unsightly gap (at least to my eyes).  My goal was to install "boulders" around the bases to hide the gap.  I went to several streams in my area until I found something along the lines of what I was looking for.  Here are the results after glueing in place:

-Greg

Greg,

Nice work, it’s looking really good! Your water looks very refreshing; I’m ready to jump in. It’s 90 degrees here.

Greg we really like the retaining walls and need to build a lot of them, at least 100 feet and 10” high. That appears to translate into significant $$$ unless we find a reduce the height/use another type wall.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Paula went to the post office and picked up her new grass insertion module, a RTS Greenkeeper 55KV.  She can’t wait to try it out.

It might weigh 8 ounces, if that much.  Should be interesting.

Bill, have you tried to make a mold of one section? You can make all the plaster sections you need. I did this about 12 years ago. I bought a foam brick retaining wall and made a very durable mold. Very cost effective.

Bob

Wow, great work fellows, everyone is staying busy with fun to review projects, Happy Railroading Everyone

I see @Bill Webb there’s a reason Ms. Paula is the green keeper,

She grows Christmas Cactus like my wife Carol.  Every window in our house contains a pot with the Christmas cactus…

Ill be watching the layout to see the use and success of the Webbs  green keeps 😄

@Bill Webb posted:

Greg we really like the retaining walls and need to build a lot of them, at least 100 feet and 10” high. That appears to translate into significant $$$ unless we find a reduce the height/use another type wall.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Paula went to the post office and picked up her new grass insertion module, a RTS Greenkeeper 55KV.  She can’t wait to try it out.

         

It might weigh 8 ounces, if that much.  Should be interesting.

I would make them out of foam.  There's a company called Green Stuff World which specializes in Dungeons and Dragons type wargaming.  They make textured rolling pins - just press and roll over the foam and it puts a pattern in the foam.   Here's a youtube tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5N7FFwS2KM

I'd suggest scribing them yourself but at 100' and 10" high it would take forever.   I'd invest in a good industrial hot foam cutter than you can just push an 8' length of foam through to get a piece that's 1/2" thick or so.  Something like this:

https://www.goldstartool.com/h...-cutting-machine.htm

And then use a textured rolling pin.

That's some impressive space to have a layout!

Let us know how your experience with the Greenkeeper is.  I have a home-made static grass applicator that works well enough up to 4 - 6mm and am thinking about a more powerful unit down the road.

-Greg

Hi guys, I am so far behind on what is going on here it would take me an hour to comment on everyone's great work! It took me a little while just to read everyone's post for the last time I was here and you're all doing great and Amazing projects! I have nothing to share with you and I hope to be able to get back to the train room someday soon! LOL

It has been a little busy here and I hope to be done next week sometime, at least in my own mind I think I will, but that could change due to the CEO and her ideas! LOL

I hope you all have a great week and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...handling-door-wheels

The wheels have arrived, courtesy of @AlanRail:

Almost a shame to cut 'em off the sprues... 

Here's a mockup photo of what I have in mind: 

The basic idea in my alternate universe is that the El in Philadelphia got extended to the Frankford Arsenal (about half a mile from the Bridge St. terminal) and from the Ferries to the Philadelphia Navy Base.  The Q (Quartermaster) class of cars were designed to haul supplies and equipment between the two military sites.  The walls of the cars would be reinforced steel, and the roofs would be blowaway canvas.  Thus, if any ammo went off, any blast would be vented upwards more-or-less harmlessly, and since the cars would be running on the elevated tracks, no risk to street traffic...

Anyhow, I look forward to working on this in the autumn! 

The basic components will be a double truck Bowser/Pittman Brill and a milk car shell... 

And thanks again to AlanRail!   

Mitch

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...handling-door-wheels

The wheels have arrived, courtesy of @AlanRail:

Almost a shame to cut 'em off the sprues... 

Here's a mockup photo of what I have in mind:

The basic idea in my alternate universe is that the El in Philadelphia got extended to the Frankford Arsenal (about half a mile from the Bridge St. terminal) and from the Ferries to the Philadelphia Navy Base.  The Q (Quartermaster) class of cars were designed to haul supplies and equipment between the two military sites.  The walls of the cars would be reinforced steel, and the roofs would be blowaway canvas.  Thus, if any ammo went off, any blast would be vented upwards more-or-less harmlessly, and since the cars would be running on the elevated tracks, no risk to street traffic...

Anyhow, I look forward to working on this in the autumn! 

The basic components will be a double truck Bowser/Pittman Brill and a milk car shell...

And thanks again to AlanRail!   

Mitch

I can’t wait to see this! Please send progress pictures!

Go Navy!

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...handling-door-wheels

The walls of the cars would be reinforced steel, and the roofs would be blowaway canvas.  Thus, if any ammo went off, any blast would be vented upwards more-or-less harmlessly, and since the cars would be running on the elevated tracks, no risk to street traffic...

Mitch

Oh WHAT could possibly go wrong!!!

That’s a great idea Mitch. That could have provided an early start to the reconstruction project on the el.

Mitch this is going to be fun to watch.

Bob, thanks for the idea. We have never tried making molds and will put that on the list right behind the station. We have an expert plaster man… our retired orthopedic surgeon is an expert with casts.

Greg thanks for the suggestions and videos. We are going to try this too. The rolling pin is a major time saver. We had looked at the hot foam cutter at York for years and never been ready. Looks as if we are now.

Seth Paula has Christmas cactus blooming 9-10 months a year. She can be the static grass guru.

The past two weeks have been difficult but today she can say that she is cancer free. God is good.

Yesterday I rewired the lighting in the front part of the Roanoke passenger station. Then Rich arrived with two small walls and the ticket counter. We cut the walls to fit, painted them, installed the counter, and by then the walls were dry enough to put them in. Last, we installed a beam to hang two chandeliers from and then tested the lights. All six sections and the chandeliers worked.

This morning Paula donned her interior decorator’s uniform and started by installing the schedule board from June, 1955. Then she went to the train room and went thru our supply of interior and exterior accessories (stuff) and half of her people. She brought in items to consider and the box of Arttista figures. We began buying these items about five years ago and recently acquired some from Don Jones. Don you will recognize things from Mr Johnson’s collection when you see the station.

Next Paula has to install what she has chosen and then we can complete the chandeliers and replace the roof sections.

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

That’s a great idea Mitch. That could have provided an early start to the reconstruction project on the el.

I think Mitch is the Gomez Addams of the OGR Forum!!!

Most important is the cancer free information. Congratulations, that’s a long physical and emotional roller coaster.

Thanks. Melanoma is scary. The doctors jumped on it immediately.

Street Running.

I have memories of being in my Dads car on the waterfront in Brooklyn NY about 1949. He had to dodge steam engines moving boxcars from the wharf to warehouses. There was another area where the LIRR ran in a cut across Brooklyn from the docks to Long Island At McDonald Ave there was a switch and they would push  freight cars up onto the trolley tracks. Many were destined for the Coney Island subway yards

I’m trying to capture my memories and create a street operation. My problem is that the engines and caboose negotiate the tight Streets curves, the boxcar does not. It’s a little longer than the caboose and the wheel sets hit the scale coupler mounting .

I would appreciate any input on how to modify the boxcar.

@pennsyfan posted:

I can’t wait to see this! Please send progress pictures!

Go Navy!

Keep watching this fall! 

@Apples55 posted:

Oh WHAT could possibly go wrong!!!

Fortescue + high explosives?  Nothing at all! 

@Apples55 posted:

I think Mitch is the Gomez Addams of the OGR Forum!!!

@Bill Webb posted:

Thanks. Melanoma is scary. The doctors jumped on it immediately.

Great news! 

Mitch

@pennsyfan

I would suggest replacing the trucks with a set of MarX trucks.  MarX rolls on O Gauge track. They are smaller then Lionel or MTH trucks. You'll have to adjust the height of the scale coupler mounts.

You are creating a memorable scene. Looks great.

@Bill Webb posted:

Thanks. Melanoma is scary. The doctors jumped on it immediately.

Bill, Please tell Paula I'm glad she is now cancer free.  Praise God for her healing.  The lighting looks great, and I'm sure Paula will come up with some great detailing for building

I had some time between conference calls this morning (gotta love that telework!), so I thought I'd quickly lube up and take one of my shelf queens for a spin on the layout.  I selected our first MTH locomotive, a conventional 4-6-2 Hudson (my kids and I had many good times with her). However, when I started removing her from the shelf, I didn't realize that two flatcars with my meticulously crafted, painted, and detailed military models and figures were attached to the tender coupler.  Needless to say, I  launched them on a maiden flight to my trainroom floor. After swallowing my heart, which had lodged in my throat and wiping away my tears, I spent the past hour with a flashlight on my hands and knees scouring for all of the broken pieces.  I think I got everything and overall, it could've been much worse - at least I didn't drop the engine and the two flatcars seem ok, only suffering broken brake wheels.  Looking forward to my new, unscheduled, project of gluing everything back together this weekend. 

I can relate to that; I’ve had some close calls that way. My latest fiasco was test running a locomotive, and it stalled at the other end of the layout. I went over there and played with the e unit I reversed it because I was using the main for my test and it was occupied. I thought it would be slow enough that I could get back to the controls. Well it took of and I tried to chase it and I tripped. I knock over a stool that had 7 new MTH Christmas cars and some postwar and MPC.  It hit the floor and I hit it. I faired better than the post war and the MPC. I broke the rear truck on a 2400 observation and a plastic truck on a boxcar. MY Daughter asked about the cut on my head. I told her I got hit by a train. Oh the chassis being tested; it stopped when it ran into the loco of the stopped train. No harm done there.

@Strap Hanger posted:

I had some time between conference calls this morning (gotta love that telework!), so I thought I'd quickly lube up and take one of my shelf queens for a spin on the layout.  I selected our first MTH locomotive, a conventional 4-6-2 Hudson (my kids and I had many good times with her). However, when I started removing her from the shelf, I didn't realize that two flatcars with my meticulously crafted, painted, and detailed military models and figures were attached to the tender coupler.  Needless to say, I  launched them on a maiden flight to my trainroom floor. After swallowing my heart, which had lodged in my throat and wiping away my tears, I spent the past hour with a flashlight on my hands and knees scouring for all of the broken pieces.  I think I got everything and overall, it could've been much worse - at least I didn't drop the engine and the two flatcars seem ok, only suffering broken brake wheels.  Looking forward to my new, unscheduled, project of gluing everything back together this weekend.

I assume the Department of the Army will want to do a full investigation......

All kidding aside, that really sucks. That's why I don't couple cars together on the shelves.

@pennsyfan- Another unfortunate story. Who knew model trains were a contact sport.

@Bill Webb- Glad to hear Paula is OK.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

I assume the Department of the Army will want to do a full investigation......

All kidding aside, that really sucks. That's why I don't couple cars together on the shelves.

@pennsyfan- Another unfortunate story. Who knew model trains were a contact sport.

@Bill Webb- Glad to hear Paula is OK.

Bob

"That's why I don't couple cars together on the shelves"  - Lesson learned the hard way, Bob.  Yes, all papers have been filed with the department and I await adjudication, LOL!

@pennsyfan - Hit by a train! LOL! Heartbreaking, but glad you didn't have worse than a cut.

Well Strap Hanger and Pennsyfan I am terribly sorry these “accidents” which recently occurred…

I am certainly not immune from such situations, such as the tripping/falling and pulling attached cars from the train shelves along with the beautiful expensive engines we dearly love.

In fact even if they do occur I flat out quit explaining what has just occurred to my lovely loving wife. While limping and wiping blood I don’t release nor disclose the private information 😝.  

Of course I would get from her, “I’m certainly glad you did not get hurt, can you please run to town for the short grocery list now? “  Along with, “well that’s definitely a lesson that you must watch what you’re doing! “😜😜 Did you break that really expensive engine we talked about this week?😏

Since Wednesday I have been doing “bench work” on the benches for my MTH passenger depot.  
And yes, while I am on my way to the grocery I must stop at the True Value for a supply of new glue.

@Seth Thomas posted:

The last three engines that I have purchased recently new and/used each one was a problem.  So I have been extremely hesitant to test run my Santa Fe engine I received from my servicer this week.

I am happy to report she fired up and ran with no problems, no, I’m truly excited. 😅

But I only tested in conventional operations so I have one more test with Legacy to worry about until tomorrow 😆

Looks good so far to me Seth. 

Not to worry .  Good luck with the Legacy operation.

                                                      WINDOWS UPDATE...

I learned a few new window tricks after building these 20 years ago. The upgrade was long overdue.

Strap Hanger glad things are fixable. You and Pennsyfan had quite a week.

SIRT the buildings really look great. Quite a redo I am sure.

Last Saturday I wiped two MTH remotes clean… totally empty. Finally got them reprogrammed late yesterday. At least I learned what not to do. Thank goodness for complete descriptions in the computer.

@SIRT- Looks like your windows update went smoother than when I upgraded to v 10..... Nice work.

@Bill Webb- more software issues? Better you than me.

@Seth Thomas- Who's benches are you using? The laser kits I bought for my station platform were a PITA to cut off the sheets. I wound up breaking half the parts and had to fabricate new ones.

Your wife sounds a lot like mine......

Bob

@SIRT posted:

                                                      WINDOWS UPDATE...

I learned a few new window tricks after building these 20 years ago. The upgrade was long overdue.

Your ability to observe is well above average.  Excellent work.

@Seth Thomas posted:

Of course I would get from her, “I’m certainly glad you did not get hurt, can you please run to town for the short grocery list now? “  Along with, “well that’s definitely a lesson that you must watch what you’re doing! “😜😜 Did you break that really expensive engine we talked about this week?😏

Count your blessings; I long for a honey do list.

Feeling a bit nostalgic today and decided to run my first train set (1970s) that I converted to AC earlier this year.  If it goes too slowly, it will lose power over the turnouts and crossings.   It’s almost comical how quickly it has to go compared to the other trains that are running so slowly and smoothly.

I added a little more static grass around the yard area. This is a little darker and two different lengths.
Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

I added a little more static grass around the yard area. This is a little darker and two different lengths.
Andy

Very subtle and very effective!

Peter

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Most important is the cancer free information. Congratulations, that’s a long physical and emotional roller coaster.

I couldn't agree more.  Best news of the day!

-Greg

Picked up a few things at a local train show today.

This week my wife told me she would give up her craft room for me to have a train room. My daughter is moving into the spare bedroom I use for my trains and they had to go somewhere. My wife didn't like the idea of a combined guestroom train room so she is merging her craft room with the guestroom. Future train room is 12.5x8.5 feet.

I have been given the go ahead to build bench work. Time for to start layout planning! Leaning towards around the room with a main level and elevated level with a lower level for staging. Oh and to start a layout build thread, keep an eye out for it.

Now I just need to find some time hahaha.

@Jstewart204  Hey I am sure there are many folks with more experience than me but since I only did my layout over the last 2 years let me tell you what I learned.  First, give yourself some width.  Mine is 17’ long but only 36” wide  Too narrow if you run more than one track  . I have 2 parallel lines and the result is  I have no room for scenery or trackside structure on the outer side.   Next, if you need aisles they say 2’ is adequate, I disagree I wish I had allowed another 6” .  Finally remember your reach and decide if you are going to reach from the floor or use a stool .  

Best of luck  

Don

I installed some track lights over my table today to help with lighting.  I used plug in track lighting since I didn't have a convenient place to hard wire the lights to.  I'm using Philips Hue GU10 bulbs so that I can change the color of the bulbs as needed.

@Greg Houser posted:

I couldn't agree more.  Best news of the day!

-Greg

Ditto!

Peter

I'm making progress on building a creek under the Lionel Fastrack girder bridge (removed in these photos). I've also built a culvert under the Whaddle County Fuel siding. One of my goals for the culvert was to be able to see water flowing through it and I accomplished that. I also upgraded the backdrop by adding dead/fallen trees, as well as a patch of scraggly tall brown grass near the end of the siding, back of the lumber company. This spot under the bridge would ordinarily be a good fishing and swimming hole for the kids in Hermanton, but there's a bad drought this year so the water's down to a trickle.

@John's Trains,  Very authentic scenery. Excellent work.

@Jstewart204- congrats on the new train room. Around the walls sounds like a good plan in a narrow room. Keep us posted.

@ArtsModelTrains- the track lights look good. Amazing what they are doing with LED's these days.

@John's Trains- nice job on the creek and scenery. I like the culverts too. Hopefully the fish come back when the water level rises.

Last night I installed the BCR and new speaker I received from GRJ in my B&M RS-3. The engine runs fine in conventional but is not responding to my remote commander. I think I need to get it reset to factory default on a TIU. I've read that the RC will only work on engines with factory programming.

Bob

It was a slow week for me as my son was in a theater production most of the week and my wife and I attended 5 performances.   I was only able to get sand added to the sides of the Rockville Bridge:

I have more sand on the way from Brennan's and a resin sea wall coming from Frenchman River Studios and then I'll be able to complete the area between the tracks and the bridge base.

-Greg

Tried my hand at scenery yesterday. Turned out pretty well for my first go-round. Looking forward to being able to add more scenery. Still have track and ballast to add.

@vash44 posted:

Tried my hand at scenery yesterday. Turned out pretty well for my first go-round. Looking forward to being able to add more scenery. Still have track and ballast to add.

You're off to a good start!  Is that a module you're working on?

-Greg

Chris,

Excellent start on your scenery!

@pennsyfan posted:

Chris,

Excellent start on your scenery!

Thank you!

@Greg Houser posted:

You're off to a good start!  Is that a module you're working on?

-Greg

It basically is. Made a little scene to start learning some techniques and it will fit on top of a shelf, so pictures of my trains won't be so plain and boring.

@vash44 posted:

It basically is. Made a little scene to start learning some techniques and it will fit on top of a shelf, so pictures of my trains won't be so plain and boring.

That's a good idea!

-Greg

Nice work on the scenery Chris, keep it up. 👍🏻

My next venture…

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Nice work on the scenery Chris, keep it up. 👍🏻

My next venture…

Andy

That's a nice setup you have for mass producing trees!

John

@Steamfan77 posted:

My next venture…

Andy,

What is the plant you are drying? Hydrangea? If so, how did you get all the little petals off?

Bob

Thank you John!

Bob, see the link here: https://www.sceneryexpress.com.../productinfo/EX0214/

these plants are from the Scandinavian tundra, and are a distant cousin to the western sagebrush. Minimal prep work involved.

Andy

@Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, see the link here: https://www.sceneryexpress.com.../productinfo/EX0214/

Thanks, Andy.

Bob

So call me crazy.........

I'm planning on converting a few of my 027 51xx switches to manual. I have a couple of MTH RS-1's that I really want to run but the fuel tank and box on the undercarriage hit the corner of the solenoid covers. Plus- the buzzing is a real buzz-kill.....

There are 2 along the front of the layout and possibly a third that serves my yard in the center that I plan to modify. Going through the effort of changing them out is not an option that I want to dive into (at least on this layout), since everything is ballasted and scenic'd.

First step was to pull the solenoid, I was able to cut the tab that connects to the common terminal and then clip the wires.

Next step was to create a way to hold the cam in place. Some small angled styrene pieces worked perfectly.

A cover over the end and a short piece of tubing for a throw handle and we are in business. I will build a cover over the wiring but for proof of concept this will work.

To be continued......

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

So call me crazy.........

It’s a fine line between crazy and genius!

I would go with innovative.
Looking forward to the outcome.

Bob, Bob is exactly right!  😄🤪

@RSJB18 posted:

So call me crazy.........

To be continued......

Bob

Well, Bob, since you asked, so happy to comply… you’re crazy

But seriously, we finally drag you kicking and screaming into command control, and you go and backslide to manual switches. I must say I was surprised at how big those switch covers are.

@Apples55 posted:

Well, Bob, since you asked, so happy to comply… you’re crazy

But seriously, we finally drag you kicking and screaming into command control, and you go and backslide to manual switches. I must say I was surprised at how big those switch covers are.

😆😆😆😆😆

Yes, those covers are really large.  Since they kept Bob from running certain engine, then the covers had to go!!

@pennsyfan posted:

I'll consider that a compliment.

Thanks

@Mark Boyce posted:

Bob, Bob is exactly right!  😄🤪

He's a good judge of character Mark. 😂😂😂

@Apples55 posted:

Well, Bob, since you asked, so happy to comply… you’re crazy

But seriously, we finally drag you kicking and screaming into command control, and you go and backslide to manual switches. I must say I was surprised at how big those switch covers are.

Paul, Paul, Paul.....you are correct, but with 2 ERR upgrades in the rearview, I can say with certainty that there's no turning back.

HOWEVER!

Turnouts and turning back are two very different things. In my next life, or house, I plan to build a layout that would make Gunrunner proud! 👍👍😂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

Thank you for the support! 😁

Bob, I admire your willingness, surgical skill, and execution of the solution. Well done.

Andy

I will be interested in how this turns out but I’m you will make it smooth and functional. I have the same situation with my tubular O switches. I have confidence in your electrical prowess.

Jay

I have always been amazed with Bob’s many talents. It began with his making a beautiful flat car from a plain track cleaning car,

His makeover of his diesel, his strategic use of each and every inch of space on his limited area for his model train layout.
Let’s all set back and watch him successfully revamp his layout switches so to allow his trains to function better…

@Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, I admire your willingness, surgical skill, and execution of the solution. Well done.

Andy

Starting out with Ross and Gargraves would have been a better solution Andy, but where's the fun in that!

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

I will be interested in how this turns out but I’m you will make it smooth and functional. I have the same situation with my tubular O switches. I have confidence in your electrical prowess.

Jay

Based on the prototype- I expect it should work fine.

@Seth Thomas posted:

I have always been amazed with Bob’s many talents. It began with his making a beautiful flat car from a plain track cleaning car,

His makeover of his diesel, his strategic use of each and every inch of space on his limited area for his model train layout.
Let’s all set back and watch him successfully revamp his layout switches so to allow his trains to function better…

I'm channeling my inner engineer (not the train running type). My father was an EE, the creativity must be genetic.

As I like to say, I'm a jack of all trades, master of one (electrician).

Bob

@Mark Boyce posted:

😆😆😆😆😆

Yes, those covers are really large.  Since they kept Bob from running certain engine, then the covers had to go!!

Bob,

Many years ago, when I used Lionel O27 automatic switches, I trimmed the covers which solved problems with F3's and FM Trainmasters. The same cuts would work on the newer (brown)O27 switch covers

@Lionelski posted:

Bob,

Many years ago, when I used Lionel O27 automatic switches, I trimmed the covers which solved problems with F3's and FM Trainmasters. The same cuts would work on the newer (brown)O27 switch covers

I've already nipped the corners for other engines and rolling stock. The solenoid frame also hits the tank on the RS-1 so they have to go if I want to run them. RS-3's are fine, just the tank shape on the 1's that don't clear.

Finally unboxed my Tinplate Traditions reproduction of the No. 85 Race Car set and put it together.  My note on the box said that I purchased it at York in April 2009 - it only took 13 years for it to see the light of day.  The paint job on the figures make them look a bit like the Joker from Batman.

After lubrication and a bit of fiddling, it runs perfectly. 

@Mallard4468 posted:

Finally unboxed my Tinplate Traditions reproduction of the No. 85 Race Car set and put it together.  My note on the box said that I purchased it at York in April 2009 - it only took 13 years for it to see the light of day.  The paint job on the figures make them look a bit like the Joker from Batman.

After lubrication and a bit of fiddling, it runs perfectly.

13 years to open and run?? Ouch!

The pics indicate it was well worth the wait!

- Greg

That race track is very cool! I've never seen one like it.

I never saw one either!  The race cars look great. Mallard!  

Started to dissemble the layout to move it to a different location

@Greg Houser posted:

13 years to open and run?? Ouch!

The pics indicate it was well worth the wait!

- Greg

There's probably some stuff that's been sleeping in the basement longer than that!

@Papa Dave posted:

That race track is very cool! I've never seen one like it.

@Mark Boyce posted:

I never saw one either!  The race cars look great. Mallard!  

Guys, I was astounded by the reactions and the number of likes - much appreciated.  I never thought of this as a particularly unusual item, but apparently it is.  It was my pleasure to provide some amusement. 

At OBX with Paula, daughter Alice, and grandsons Logan and Austin. Winds were NE since Sunday. NE = rough, no swimming.

So we just happened to have some structures to build. The first one was a Dennis Brennan Richmond Packing building. Neither of the boys had built much of anything.

Thankfully Dennis has some of the best instructions that can be found. The boys read them aloud and then went to work.

Spray painting was an adventure.

Then they started on windows and doors. There were a lot but they figured out how to assign duties and made quick work of them. Good instructions … thank goodness.

Surprisingly, they got the painting and staining completed, 30 windows and 5 doors installed, the basic structure assembled, and the loading dock built and attached.

At lunch today, there was a discussion about the building; there was not a lot of interest in a packing house. Then someone suggested “Paula’s Christmas Shoppe.”

Votes in favor 5, votes against 0. Paula will do the interior and exterior which got my vote. The boys and their Mom are now on the way to Chesapeake, an hour away. Paula and I are trying to figure out how we can enlist all three in further endeavors. They did an excellent job.

Wow...Very cool story with the young'uns!

Divide and conquer Bill! The boys did a good job.

Bob

Making memories! That’s a time they’ll never forget.

When interior is complete, wired, and on the layout the boys can smile an point to the packing building and say,

we did that! 😁

That's a great story, Bill!  I'm glad the boys took to it so well.

Swapped train layout and treadmill locations

@Bill Webb that building looks great! They did awesome.

Tell Paula congrats on kicking cancer

@randr posted:

Swapped train layout and treadmill locations

Hmmm... So you're saying the trains are getting the prime spot now instead of the treadmill?

Thanks everyone for the nice comments. When this gets finished, we will post some photos. Paula has a station interior to complete before starting on this one.

The boys are going to get on OGR and read what everyone has written.

@randr posted:

Swapped train layout and treadmill locations

If you get rid of the treadmill then you layout could be twice the size.

so would my gut

Saw a Lionel yard light at a train show for $25. Figured I'd try to make my own. Turned out, the joke was on me. This one cost about double that because of the exorbitant postage for the Plastruct girders. Oh well, it was fun to build.

Terry