What did you do on your layout today?

Adriatic posted:

Looks good Mitch, but I have to wonder .....

I've improved the body of the bench work on Brian's design for Mike too. Running on beer seems to be the wave of the future

(helpless laughter)  

Now see what you've done!  You've driven Fortescue to drink!  

Mitch

TedW posted:

Putting the finishing touches on a family room display shelf.  Will rotate engines/cars in as the mood strikes.  Time to start taking over more of the house. 

VERY NICE and also a good move but, is the CEO aware of the motive of this minor encroachment??????   Good Luck!

Dave

Nothing very intricate.  I installed an LED headlight and illuminated number boards in my Williams PRR Baldwin Shark.  And working LED class lights in my Lionel RDG Fairbanks-Morse.

mike g. posted:

Adriatic posted:

LOL thanks for the idea! Brian is right about the coors, but that's a lot of kegs!

                                YEP...better stick to the 12 oz. versions...

                            cheers MIKE !!      https://vimeo.com/33767124

Finished the lights and trucks on my PRR RPO car. Still need to find new couplers.

Fixed my ATSF 0-6-0 too. These engines don't have wired connections to the pick up rollers. One of the screws was just loose enough to cause the reverse unit to cycle when just the one roller was pulling power.

Ran trains too!

briansilvermustang posted:

mike g. posted:

Adriatic posted:

LOL thanks for the idea! Brian is right about the coors, but that's a lot of kegs!

                                YEP...better stick to the 12 oz. versions...

                            cheers MIKE !!      https://vimeo.com/33767124

Was that beer or LSD in that beer can in the warped picture?

RSJB18 posted:

Finished the lights and trucks on my PRR RPO car. Still need to find new couplers.

Bob;

Nice job. That was my first set of passenger cars back in the 70's - still have the whole set packed up somewhere in the basement. Found the last car - the observation car - in a little train store in Quebec City when I was there on vacation for the Carnival.

Are you planning on finding the original style dummy couplers??? When I first bought the cars, it didn't matter much, but as time went on, they really annoyed me - especially when going in reverse.

Decided to run to Lowe's this time to get things I was running low on. More white glue, 5/16 washers, 5/16 X 3 Hex bolts. I did manage to find some brackets in the shelving department that will work to hold the legs I placed under the two sections that the bridge abutments are on. I will have to modify them a bit but they will give the legs a second point of support. Taking my time I was able to peel off the wax paper what I made up last night. I put one up. The glue I used is more like the adhesive that comes with the credit cards so if I do not like the look of it I can take it off with no problem or damage. While I am on the computer I might as well place my order with Ross so I can work on the grain elevator area and where I was going to first place it. Tomorrow I want to put together more Weaver TOFC flat cars and wood chip hoppers but first I have to go to Ace to get more of the screws that hold the trucks on the bodies. Open to suggestions since this is my first time trying this. Pic of the vegetation...................Paul

TedW posted:

Putting the finishing touches on a family room display shelf.  Will rotate engines/cars in as the mood strikes.  Time to start taking over more of the house. 

I like your idea!

gandydancer1950 posted:

TedW posted:

Putting the finishing touches on a family room display shelf.  Will rotate engines/cars in as the mood strikes.  Time to start taking over more of the house. 

I like your idea!

Thx HK...     And thx to all who clicked the like button.   Appreciate your encouragement. TW

Apples55 posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Finished the lights and trucks on my PRR RPO car. Still need to find new couplers.

Bob;

Nice job. That was my first set of passenger cars back in the 70's - still have the whole set packed up somewhere in the basement. Found the last car - the observation car - in a little train store in Quebec City when I was there on vacation for the Carnival.

Are you planning on finding the original style dummy couplers??? When I first bought the cars, it didn't matter much, but as time went on, they really annoyed me - especially when going in reverse.

Paul (apples) you have passenger cars packed away in boxes??   That's choo choo abuse!  LOL  I have some in plastic totes and I feel guilty!!! 

Jim 

Ted, That diorama looks great!

Paul 2, The vines on the tunnel portal and wall look great!

Bob, The workbench does seem easier to find things.  The lighting in the passenger car is nice and even!

Adriatic, 

RSJB18 posted:

Finished the lights and trucks on my PRR RPO car. Still need to find new couplers.

 

Train Tender can fix you up.  

Mitch 

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Finished the lights and trucks on my PRR RPO car. Still need to find new couplers.

 

Train Tender can fix you up.  

Mitch 

Mitch;

Close, but no cigar   Here is a pic of one of my original cars (from '74 - '76) with the dummy coupler (actually the one I picked up in Quebec). Like me, the coupler is a total dummy, and it is 2 1/4" long:

I found the diner car which apparently was from '88, and it had a coupler with the thumb tack, but it was mounted to the truck, and was close to 2 3/4" and had two plastic tabs which kind of kept the coupler centered:

Bob's is of the earlier vintage, so, without digging further into the tubs, I would assume that the replacement part you found would not work - note in the first photo how close the knuckle is to the end of the car.

carsntrains posted:

Apples55 posted:

RSJB18 posted:

 

Paul (apples) you have passenger cars packed away in boxes??   That's choo choo abuse!  LOL  I have some in plastic totes and I feel guilty!!! 

Jim 

Jim;

In the words of that great British philosopher and philanthropist, Ebenezer Scrooge, 

And I said it recently, and I'll say it again, there is no such thing as O-gauge guilt!!!

Apples55 posted:

carsntrains posted:

Apples55 posted:

RSJB18 posted:

 

Paul (apples) you have passenger cars packed away in boxes??   That's choo choo abuse!  LOL  I have some in plastic totes and I feel guilty!!! 

Jim 

Jim;

In the words of that great British philosopher and philanthropist, Ebenezer Scrooge, 

And I said it recently, and I'll say it again, there is no such thing as O-gauge guilt!!!

Jim, Paul reproved me last week for claiming to be guilty, now he has enlisted this famous personage to reprove you!  

Paul, We stand "guilty" as charged!  

Apples55 posted:

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Finished the lights and trucks on my PRR RPO car. Still need to find new couplers.

 

Train Tender can fix you up.  

Mitch 

Mitch;

Close, but no cigar   Here is a pic of one of my original cars (from '74 - '76) with the dummy coupler (actually the one I picked up in Quebec). Like me, the coupler is a total dummy, and it is 2 1/4" long:

I found the diner car which apparently was from '88, and it had a coupler with the thumb tack, but it was mounted to the truck, and was close to 2 3/4" and had two plastic tabs which kind of kept the coupler centered:

Bob's is of the earlier vintage, so, without digging further into the tubs, I would assume that the replacement part you found would not work - note in the first photo how close the knuckle is to the end of the car.

These cars have oddball couplers for sure. I have some 2" thumbtack couplers but they are a little short. If I can find the really long ones from some passenger cars they should work. They don't even have springs to keep them centered.

Don't know why Lionel is so infatuated with dummy couplers.

Thanks for the assistance guys😁

Apples55 posted:

Mitch;

Close, but no cigar  Here is a pic of one of my original cars (from '74 - '76) with the dummy coupler (actually the one I picked up in Quebec). Like me, the coupler is a total dummy, and it is 2 1/4" long:

(nodnods) I expect that Train Tender has those in stock as well; don't know the part number off the top of my head. 

Mitch 

RSJB18 posted:

These cars have oddball couplers for sure. I have some 2" thumbtack couplers but they are a little short. If I can find the really long ones from some passenger cars they should work. They don't even have springs to keep them centered.

Don't know why Lionel is so infatuated with dummy couplers.

Thanks for the assistance guys😁

Bob;

While putting the cars I photograph back in their boxes, I found something interesting... there was a small envelope in the observation car box with a spare coupler and screw - I assume that is in case you want to add one to the back of the car. If you want it, shoot me an address and I'll send it on during the week.

Apples55 posted:

While putting the cars I photograph back in their boxes, I found something interesting... there was a small envelope in the observation car box with a spare coupler and screw - I assume that is in case you want to add one to the back of the car. If you want it, shoot me an address and I'll send it on during the week.

There should be a part number on the coupler.  What is it?  I wanna order a few of those from TT myself... 

Mitch 

Another building in the works. This is going to be part of a double connect plant complex that are on opposite sides of my double main line above my turntable area. This building will be perched upon the cliff side above the TT. Then there is going to be one multi floor man bridge or a multiple bridge spanning over the tracks connecting to the other plant . This is another Chooch Ultra Scale ll front ( Graham building) . These will tower above the level below and the man bridge(s) will obscure the viewer from seeing down the tracks into the corner of my layout. I am going to make these building into the Remington arms factory.

After washing the front to get rid of the mold release, I trimmed off all the flash from openings etc. I planned on using the brick fill pieces provided for walling up some of the windows but they are smaller than the openings. So I had to glue some styrene pieces to the back of the wall to hold the brick pieces in. Also the center door did not have a brick piece so I had to create one with some styrene brick sheet.

Lots of work yet to finish.

I am thinking of maybe doing the brick like this bldg.

Here are some photos of the man bridges I am getting ideas from, this is the Remington factory

and here are some other factories

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Apples55 posted:

While putting the cars I photograph back in their boxes, I found something interesting... there was a small envelope in the observation car box with a spare coupler and screw - I assume that is in case you want to add one to the back of the car. If you want it, shoot me an address and I'll send it on during the week.

There should be a part number on the coupler.  What is it?  I wanna order a few of those from TT myself... 

Mitch 

Part of me wants to ask why, but I think I know better by now   

On the top it say 9500-18.

Al, The brick building would look good!  I like brick buildings.  The old photograph looks great, but the derelict buildings are so sad!

I set in place on my cork floor empire the inexpensive people I glued to plastic strips. Most of this first batch of 100 are waiting passengers. The next batch that arrives I’ll group in conversation groupings and put them around the town and at the carnival. Final step in populating the town will be a few batches of specialty persons. But the cheap folk have worked really well, and I don’t mind the duplication. 

Hi everyone, I would replay to everyone's post. But to be honest I am to tired today so all I can say is!

GREAT JOB BY EVERYONE!

CSX Al posted:

Another building in the works. This is going to be part of a double connect plant complex that are on opposite sides of my double main line above my turntable area. This building will be perched upon the cliff side above the TT. Then there is going to be one multi floor man bridge or a multiple bridge spanning over the tracks connecting to the other plant . This is another Chooch Ultra Scale ll front ( Graham building) . These will tower above the level below and the man bridge(s) will obscure the viewer from seeing down the tracks into the corner of my layout. I am going to make these building into the Remington arms factory.

After washing the front to get rid of the mold release, I trimmed off all the flash from openings etc. I planned on using the brick fill pieces provided for walling up some of the windows but they are smaller than the openings. So I had to glue some styrene pieces to the back of the wall to hold the brick pieces in. Also the center door did not have a brick piece so I had to create one with some styrene brick sheet.

Lots of work yet to finish.

I am thinking of maybe doing the brick like this bldg.

Here are some photos of the man bridges I am getting ideas from, this is the Remington factory

and here are some other factories

like your choice of brick color

Constructed a new railing for the East end trolley station platform this past week.  Made it from 3/64” hollow brass tubing purchased from Hobby Lobby.  Made a profile pattern of the platform then drew up a layout plan on a piece of wood that I taped the brass pieces to for soldering.   Brass is so easy to work with as it solders up so quick; no need to wait for glue to dry as you would with wood or plastic.  Cutting off the heads of straight pins and inserted into the tubing made it easy to install the railing to the styrofoam i.e. concrete platform.  The railing was soldered up, washed, primed, painted and installed all within a days time.

I have also added some signage to the taconite plant buildings in addition to beginning some chalk weathering.   I found appropriate signage on the internet that I sized on the computer and printed.   Next project will be to power up the plant facilities lights.         

It is still too cold in the garage to do much scenic work on the summit so that will have to wait a few more weeks.   Yesterday I ordered a couple of CAT Dump Trucks in 1/94 scale from TrainWorld to work at the plant.

Railing brass from Hobby Lobby

Railing layout board and completed railing

Test fit

Washed and primed

Finish coat with mounting pins

Installed and awaiting the trolley

Arrival of inaugural trolley

Entrance and directional sign to Minntac taconite plant on Mt. Iron

Plant welcome sign board and the start of weathering

Left is the administration building

Now I am in need of some warmer weather!

Dave

I finished another milestone in the signal installation project.  All mainline signals are in place and connected to the control board, and all of the mainline switches are wired to DZ1008 relays and connected to the control board.

Starting to test interlockings and signal response.

pdxtrains posted:

I set in place on my cork floor empire the inexpensive people I glued to plastic strips. Most of this first batch of 100 are waiting passengers. The next batch that arrives I’ll group in conversation groupings and put them around the town and at the carnival. Final step in populating the town will be a few batches of specialty persons. But the cheap folk have worked really well, and I don’t mind the duplication. 

I used some of those Chinese figures on my layout also....mostly in the background. They look very nice in small groups as if conversing with one another.

paul 2 posted:

Decided to run to Lowe's this time to get things I was running low on. More white glue, 5/16 washers, 5/16 X 3 Hex bolts. I did manage to find some brackets in the shelving department that will work to hold the legs I placed under the two sections that the bridge abutments are on. I will have to modify them a bit but they will give the legs a second point of support. Taking my time I was able to peel off the wax paper what I made up last night. I put one up. The glue I used is more like the adhesive that comes with the credit cards so if I do not like the look of it I can take it off with no problem or damage. While I am on the computer I might as well place my order with Ross so I can work on the grain elevator area and where I was going to first place it. Tomorrow I want to put together more Weaver TOFC flat cars and wood chip hoppers but first I have to go to Ace to get more of the screws that hold the trucks on the bodies. Open to suggestions since this is my first time trying this. Pic of the vegetation...................Paul

Good hide!

gandydancer1950 posted:

pdxtrains posted:

I set in place on my cork floor empire the inexpensive people I glued to plastic strips. Most of this first batch of 100 are waiting passengers. The next batch that arrives I’ll group in conversation groupings and put them around the town and at the carnival. Final step in populating the town will be a few batches of specialty persons. But the cheap folk have worked really well, and I don’t mind the duplication. 

I used some of those Chinese figures on my layout also....mostly in the background. They look very nice in small groups as if conversing with one another.

They do look good.  Did you do any touch up to them or are they original?   I have been looking to buy some.   Which do you recommend?

Dave

Apples55 posted

there is no such thing as O-gauge guilt!!!

YES there is; its just 1/48 the size of normal guilt!

Apples55 posted:

Part of me wants to ask why, but I think I know better by now   

On the top it say 9500-18.

OK, Train Tender does stock 'em. 

No nefarious plans at the moment, but you never know...

Mitch 

gandydancer1950 posted:

CSX Al posted:

Another building in the works. This is going to be part of a double connect plant complex that are on opposite sides of my double main line above my turntable area. This building will be perched upon the cliff side above the TT. Then there is going to be one multi floor man bridge or a multiple bridge spanning over the tracks connecting to the other plant . This is another Chooch Ultra Scale ll front ( Graham building) . These will tower above the level below and the man bridge(s) will obscure the viewer from seeing down the tracks into the corner of my layout. I am going to make these building into the Remington arms factory.

After washing the front to get rid of the mold release, I trimmed off all the flash from openings etc. I planned on using the brick fill pieces provided for walling up some of the windows but they are smaller than the openings. So I had to glue some styrene pieces to the back of the wall to hold the brick pieces in. Also the center door did not have a brick piece so I had to create one with some styrene brick sheet.

Lots of work yet to finish.

I am thinking of maybe doing the brick like this bldg.

Here are some photos of the man bridges I am getting ideas from, this is the Remington factory

and here are some other factories

like your choice of brick color

The last 3 buildings remind me of home (not the foreign writing) lol   

Jim 

darlander posted:

gandydancer1950 posted:

pdxtrains posted:

I set in place on my cork floor empire the inexpensive people I glued to plastic strips. Most of this first batch of 100 are waiting passengers. The next batch that arrives I’ll group in conversation groupings and put them around the town and at the carnival. Final step in populating the town will be a few batches of specialty persons. But the cheap folk have worked really well, and I don’t mind the duplication. 

I used some of those Chinese figures on my layout also....mostly in the background. They look very nice in small groups as if conversing with one another.

They do look good.  Did you do any touch up to them or are they original?   I have been looking to buy some.   Which do you recommend?

Dave

These are right out of the bag, except I e6000 them to plastic squares cut from a q-tip box!

Apples55 posted:

RSJB18 posted:

These cars have oddball couplers for sure. I have some 2" thumbtack couplers but they are a little short. If I can find the really long ones from some passenger cars they should work. They don't even have springs to keep them centered.

Don't know why Lionel is so infatuated with dummy couplers.

Thanks for the assistance guys😁

Bob;

While putting the cars I photograph back in their boxes, I found something interesting... there was a small envelope in the observation car box with a spare coupler and screw - I assume that is in case you want to add one to the back of the car. If you want it, shoot me an address and I'll send it on during the week.

email sent

Darlander, that sure is one nice looking rail! Its little details like that which bring out a layout!

Anthony K, Man that is a lot of wires and switches! Looks like someone is giving Elliot a run for his money! LOL

PDXTrains, your plat form sure looks great with all the people waiting for the trains! Nice job!

p51 posted:

Apples55 posted

there is no such thing as O-gauge guilt!!!

YES there is; its just 1/48 the size of normal guilt!

In your case Lee would it be On30 size guilt?

mike g. posted:

Hi everyone, I would replay to everyone's post. But to be honest I am to tired today so all I can say is!

GREAT JOB BY EVERYONE!

I totally hear ya Mike I feel the same way, whipped. Fourteen hours on the layout over the weekend.

Mark - There's nothing like not having a mortgage. I love it!

Thanks to all of those who hit the like button. It seems that scenery is very popular with this crowd, far more than electrical.

I took these this morning, showing yesterday's progress.

I added the embankment along nearly the entire length of the scene.

I also ballasted a good chunk of the lower track. That's all glued and the rails cleaned.

Before I added the embankment, I attached some scraps of OSB to the bottom of the roadbed. This will allow me to support the bluff along the backdrop. Haven't decided on the material yet, but there's a good chance it'll be foam. Take pieces of 2" and stand them on edge and do a little carving.

Here's the long shot looking west.

This is the long shot looking east, but there's something noteworthy in this one as well. In the lower left, there's a small line of ballast on the upper track. Because the embankment is so steep in that area, due to how close the tracks are, I placed a small line of caulk to act as a ledge to hold the ballast. Eventually there will be some carved rock there.

Tonight, I might ballast the upper track, down to the far switch. Can't go further than that until I get some kind of dam in there to hold the ballast on the back side. That's an issue I'm frequently fighting.

mike g. posted:

Adriatic posted:

Looks good Mitch, but I have to wonder .....

I've improved the body of the bench work on Brian's design for Mike too. Running on beer seems to be the wave of the future

LOL thanks for the idea! Brian is right about the coors, but that's a lot of kegs!

Ninety nine kegs of beer on the floor, ninety nine kegs of beer, roll one out and pass it around...

as long as the layout is still standing, even if the engineer isn't.

Looks good Elliot- Shout out for the electrical work. I like it

Bob

I agree with Bob, Elliot. Things are looking really good! I love all your post!

Elliot, I should just get a rubber stamp saying looking good LOL. Your forward motion is unreal. The stamina that you show day in and day out just shows your conviction to getting it done. Also how great everything is coming together. You are right about people liking to watch scenery going in rather then electrical. I think the majority of us get anxious on that segment of building, sort of like a last resort putting it off as long as possible. Lazy day for me today I did more surfing the net for stuff and had to make a run to get a ink cartridge because I ran out. I did manage to get the other tunnel portal cover with foliage. I then decided to glue down two sheets of brick. Later I'll mix up some plaster to do that area to the left under the bridge and coming out to the road. Pics...................Paul

"Ninety nine kegs of beer on the floor, ninety nine kegs of beer, roll one out and pass it around...

as long as the layout is still standing, even if the engineer isn't."

           party at MIKE's house

Thanks guys! There's still some electrical left in me. 

Time to get moving, my dialysis run is winding down. Later!

paul 2 posted:

Elliot, I should just get a rubber stamp saying looking good LOL. Your forward motion is unreal. The stamina that you show day in and day out just shows your conviction to getting it done. Also how great everything is coming together. You are right about people liking to watch scenery going in rather then electrical. I think the majority of us get anxious on that segment of building, sort of like a last resort putting it off as long as possible. Lazy day for me today I did more surfing the net for stuff and had to make a run to get a ink cartridge because I ran out. I did manage to get the other tunnel portal cover with foliage. I then decided to glue down two sheets of brick. Later I'll mix up some plaster to do that area to the left under the bridge and coming out to the road. Pics...................Paul

Paul .. that look good!  So that is a road tunnel eh?  Looks cool.   Where is that road coming from? 

Jim 

Finally got started laying track.

Thanks Jim, as to your question I have no idea. It most certainly goes somewhere and comes from somewhere. When I was doing the upper level road way and was deciding on the flex walls as an after thought I found portals from Chooch that were very close to the height of the walls with a bit of cutting off the bottom and almost match the brick pattern. So the road comes in and out, or will come in and out to a lower level of buildings. A little more rundown area of town. Because of the width I cut the brick both on the upper and lower roadways they will be one way traffic except for the upper road that comes off the end of the table. That would be two way traffic with no parking  allowed.............Paul

carsntrains posted:

paul 2 posted:

Elliot, I should just get a rubber stamp saying looking good LOL. Your forward motion is unreal. The stamina that you show day in and day out just shows your conviction to getting it done. Also how great everything is coming together. You are right about people liking to watch scenery going in rather then electrical. I think the majority of us get anxious on that segment of building, sort of like a last resort putting it off as long as possible. Lazy day for me today I did more surfing the net for stuff and had to make a run to get a ink cartridge because I ran out. I did manage to get the other tunnel portal cover with foliage. I then decided to glue down two sheets of brick. Later I'll mix up some plaster to do that area to the left under the bridge and coming out to the road. Pics...................Paul

Paul .. that look good!  So that is a road tunnel eh?  Looks cool.   Where is that road coming from? 

Jim 

Come on Jim, if you look to the right you can tell its coming from the laundry Matt!

Looks great Paul, Its nice how you were able to hide the seams, wonderful work!

mike g. posted:

carsntrains posted:

paul 2 posted:

Elliot, I should just get a rubber stamp saying looking good LOL. Your forward motion is unreal. The stamina that you show day in and day out just shows your conviction to getting it done. Also how great everything is coming together. You are right about people liking to watch scenery going in rather then electrical. I think the majority of us get anxious on that segment of building, sort of like a last resort putting it off as long as possible. Lazy day for me today I did more surfing the net for stuff and had to make a run to get a ink cartridge because I ran out. I did manage to get the other tunnel portal cover with foliage. I then decided to glue down two sheets of brick. Later I'll mix up some plaster to do that area to the left under the bridge and coming out to the road. Pics...................Paul

Paul .. that look good!  So that is a road tunnel eh?  Looks cool.   Where is that road coming from? 

Jim 

Come on Jim, if you look to the right you can tell its coming from the laundry Matt!

Looks great Paul, Its nice how you were able to hide the seams, wonderful work!

OK Mike you got me on that one....   LOL 

Jim 

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

mike g. posted:

Adriatic posted:

Looks good Mitch, but I have to wonder .....

I've improved the body of the bench work on Brian's design for Mike too. Running on beer seems to be the wave of the future

LOL thanks for the idea! Brian is right about the coors, but that's a lot of kegs!

Ninety nine kegs of beer on the floor, ninety nine kegs of beer, roll one out and pass it around...

as long as the layout is still standing, even if the engineer isn't.

Nice Elliot, I guess I will have to hold off so I make sure the building can stand alone!

Well I did what I said I was going to. After dinner I went down to continue. Before I mixed any plaster I put my Cooter's building down and marked the footprint. After mixing a small batch I started under to overpass and worked my way out stopping at the brick road. I had already glued the brick road down but I decided that since I had some sidewalk left over from doing the upper level I added two pieces to the side Cooter's is on. Glue down the sidewalk, got some pieces of wood, laid them on top and then placed a jar of plaster on top for weight. Then I finished plastering around the footprint. I still had a small amount left so I added to the brewery area in a couple of spots. Tomorrow I'll start adding coloring to the plaster and then later add ground turf. Pics..................Paul

Looks good Paul! It sure is nice how you make things look so easy! LOL

We're moving right along. Paul hooked me up yet again, so I swapped my old crummy O27 for the better stuff he sent me.

I fixed the other Marx Switch Tower (the brake light tape works well) and moved it to the other side of the track. Got the accessory transformer in place and in phase and I'm ready to run the bus wires.

I had purchased a couple of blinking yellow LEDs that could be used with the Just Plug system. Broke out one of my Plasticville Signal Bridges and I think it'll look ok. I'm going to hot glue that LED in place.

Today is my Birthday!  52..  So we went and got Mexican for dinner.   Packed the wrongly packaged reindeer cars up to be mailed back to the dealer tomorrow! They sent me a prepaid shipping label today.  As soon as that is refunded I can order the A pack of reindeer cars from a new dealer!  Waiting on the Menards American power, and small feed store to come in.  Interested to see where I'm going to put them : )   

Jim 

Deuce posted:

We're moving right along. Paul hooked me up yet again, so I swapped my old crummy O27 for the better stuff he sent me.

I fixed the other Marx Switch Tower (the brake light tape works well) and moved it to the other side of the track. Got the accessory transformer in place and in phase and I'm ready to run the bus wires.

I had purchased a couple of blinking yellow LEDs that could be used with the Just Plug system. Broke out one of my Plasticville Signal Bridges and I think it'll look ok. I'm going to hot glue that LED in place.

Deuce.  I ran my grounds from transformer to transformer.  Uses a lot less wire.     The went directly from the transformer to the bus wire.   When I ran my last bus, I drilled holes in the bench work big enough to slide wire through.   So when I had to take it apart my dang crimp on ends wouldn't fit through the holes, nor would my solder joints to drops connected to the track from the bus wire.     BOOOO   silly Jim!!   Learned a lesson lol 

Jim 

carsntrains posted:

Today is my Birthday!  52..  So we went and got Mexican for dinner.   Packed the wrongly packaged reindeer cars up to be mailed back to the dealer tomorrow! They sent me a prepaid shipping label today.  As soon as that is refunded I can order the A pack of reindeer cars from a new dealer!  Waiting on the Menards American power, and small feed store to come in.  Interested to see where I'm going to put them : )   

Jim 

Happy birthday

      Arms don't grow on trees so I made them from trees. Sprue, see?

So you sprue-ced him up?  ;-) 

Mitch 

carsntrains posted:

Deuce posted:

We're moving right along. Paul hooked me up yet again, so I swapped my old crummy O27 for the better stuff he sent me.

I fixed the other Marx Switch Tower (the brake light tape works well) and moved it to the other side of the track. Got the accessory transformer in place and in phase and I'm ready to run the bus wires.

I had purchased a couple of blinking yellow LEDs that could be used with the Just Plug system. Broke out one of my Plasticville Signal Bridges and I think it'll look ok. I'm going to hot glue that LED in place.

Deuce.  I ran my grounds from transformer to transformer.  Uses a lot less wire.     The went directly from the transformer to the bus wire.   When I ran my last bus, I drilled holes in the bench work big enough to slide wire through.   So when I had to take it apart my dang crimp on ends wouldn't fit through the holes, nor would my solder joints to drops connected to the track from the bus wire.     BOOOO   silly Jim!!   Learned a lesson lol 

Jim 

carsntrains posted:

Today is my Birthday!  52..  So we went and got Mexican for dinner.   Packed the wrongly packaged reindeer cars up to be mailed back to the dealer tomorrow! They sent me a prepaid shipping label today.  As soon as that is refunded I can order the A pack of reindeer cars from a new dealer!  Waiting on the Menards American power, and small feed store to come in.  Interested to see where I'm going to put them : )   

Jim 

Jim, Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day with the family and find some time to run trains also!

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" Jim. Have a great day...............Paul

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

So you sprue-ced him up?  ;-) 

Mitch 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM!!!!!!

This morning got downstairs right after breakfast. I wanted to get earth color on the plaster. That will be it till I get back home. It's the second Tuesday of the month and it is getting together with a bunch of others for a lunch. On the way home from that I am going to stop at Hobby Lobby to get some Balsa wood for the grade crossing. I basically have cardboard cut for the templates and I figure that this would be easier to cut in curves then Basswood plus I can stain it wood color for between the tracks and paint the rest concrete color. I tried to find photos of the transition from brick road to  going over the tracks. So far no luck so I will more then likely just used the aged concrete paint. Pics......................Paul

Looking great Paul! I'm sure you will make something great for the crossing!

Paul you could always try this!

Mike that looks like fake brick on the crossing??   Maybe poured and stamped concrete??   Still looks cool.  And yep Paul will do something great with his crossing!

Thanks folks for the B-day wishes!   

Lots of medals in the Olympics for us last night!   WOOO HOOO   We need an Olympic train!!! 

Jim

   That is a sharp edge on some very smooth brick.

It does look like model brick road mat.

Maybe someone can make a yellow brick road and an animated Judy Garland in O Scale skipping along it.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Maybe someone can make a yellow brick road and an animated Judy Garland in O Scale skipping along it.

And make a video playing  ''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"  : )

Jim

carsntrains posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Maybe someone can make a yellow brick road and an animated Judy Garland in O Scale skipping along it.

And make a video playing  ''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"  : )

Jim

Great idea, but it just so happens that IMHO the greatest song ever written is Over The Rainbow. So I’ll take Teenage Judy singing that over Elton John singing Goodbye Yellow Briick Road.

This is a matter of taste and purely subjective.

carsntrains posted:

Today is my Birthday!  52..  So we went and got Mexican for dinner.   Packed the wrongly packaged reindeer cars up to be mailed back to the dealer tomorrow! They sent me a prepaid shipping label today.  As soon as that is refunded I can order the A pack of reindeer cars from a new dealer!  Waiting on the Menards American power, and small feed store to come in.  Interested to see where I'm going to put them : )   

Jim 

Happy birthday, Jim!

mike g. posted:

Looking great Paul! I'm sure you will make something great for the crossing!

Paul you could always try this!

They are pre-cast covers

Found the company listing

http://www.centurygrp.com/Prod...Pedestrian-Crossings

Test ran the new Legacy NW2 switcher, back from warranty repair at "the Lionel dealer".  After about two minutes the grinding got louder, so I stopped it and when I removed it from the rail the rear truck fell off, dangling by the coupler wire.   Called Lionel who said send it to us this time ... and that this "model" is much nosier than the other engines Lionel offers.  At least this time I don't have to pay shipping .... Don't think we'll be buying more ... this is the 5th new engine in a row we've had to immediately send in for repairs.  Enough is enough.

Kerrigan posted:

Test ran the new Legacy NW2 switcher, back from warranty repair at "the Lionel dealer".  After about two minutes the grinding got louder, so I stopped it and when I removed it from the rail the rear truck fell off, dangling by the coupler wire.   Called Lionel who said send it to us this time ... and that this "model" is much nosier than the other engines Lionel offers.  At least this time I don't have to pay shipping .... Don't think we'll be buying more ... this is the 5th new engine in a row we've had to immediately send in for repairs.  Enough is enough.

That’s outrageous.

Kerrigan posted:

Test ran the new Legacy NW2 switcher, back from warranty repair at "the Lionel dealer".  After about two minutes the grinding got louder, so I stopped it and when I removed it from the rail the rear truck fell off, dangling by the coupler wire.   Called Lionel who said send it to us this time ... and that this "model" is much nosier than the other engines Lionel offers.  At least this time I don't have to pay shipping .... Don't think we'll be buying more ... this is the 5th new engine in a row we've had to immediately send in for repairs.  Enough is enough.

Looks like the repair person at the "lionel dealer" would have been aware that those were shipped with screws that were too short that hold the trucks on....... from China.  Ive been fortunate.  I have bought 6 and only one went back because I broke it.  

Knock on wood! 

Jim 

carsntrains posted:

Deuce posted:

We're moving right along. Paul hooked me up yet again, so I swapped my old crummy O27 for the better stuff he sent me.

I fixed the other Marx Switch Tower (the brake light tape works well) and moved it to the other side of the track. Got the accessory transformer in place and in phase and I'm ready to run the bus wires.

I had purchased a couple of blinking yellow LEDs that could be used with the Just Plug system. Broke out one of my Plasticville Signal Bridges and I think it'll look ok. I'm going to hot glue that LED in place.

Deuce.  I ran my grounds from transformer to transformer.  Uses a lot less wire.     The went directly from the transformer to the bus wire.   When I ran my last bus, I drilled holes in the bench work big enough to slide wire through.   So when I had to take it apart my dang crimp on ends wouldn't fit through the holes, nor would my solder joints to drops connected to the track from the bus wire.     BOOOO   silly Jim!!   Learned a lesson lol 

Jim 

Jim, happy birthday!

As for wire ... well, I have a bunch of it. More than I may likely ever need (even after I expand) so a few extra inches won't kill me (or the budget) at the moment.

I didn't do much on the layout today other than wire a few of the accessories prior to drilling holes and getting them under the layout. My issue is what I'm going to do with the controller wires. I think I could slip them under the tracks. That would be "less intrusive". If I drill, the holes will have to be pretty freaking big. I don't feel like drilling a 1/2" hole in the layout (three of them to be exact).

Deuce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Deuce posted:

We're moving right along. Paul hooked me up yet again, so I swapped my old crummy O27 for the better stuff he sent me.

I fixed the other Marx Switch Tower (the brake light tape works well) and moved it to the other side of the track. Got the accessory transformer in place and in phase and I'm ready to run the bus wires.

I had purchased a couple of blinking yellow LEDs that could be used with the Just Plug system. Broke out one of my Plasticville Signal Bridges and I think it'll look ok. I'm going to hot glue that LED in place.

Deuce.  I ran my grounds from transformer to transformer.  Uses a lot less wire.     The went directly from the transformer to the bus wire.   When I ran my last bus, I drilled holes in the bench work big enough to slide wire through.   So when I had to take it apart my dang crimp on ends wouldn't fit through the holes, nor would my solder joints to drops connected to the track from the bus wire.     BOOOO   silly Jim!!   Learned a lesson lol 

Jim 

Jim, happy birthday!

As for wire ... well, I have a bunch of it. More than I may likely ever need (even after I expand) so a few extra inches won't kill me (or the budget) at the moment.

I didn't do much on the layout today other than wire a few of the accessories prior to drilling holes and getting them under the layout. My issue is what I'm going to do with the controller wires. I think I could slip them under the tracks. That would be "less intrusive". If I drill, the holes will have to be pretty freaking big. I don't feel like drilling a 1/2" hole in the layout (three of them to be exact).

I wired mine that way just to keep from having a bunch of wires.    And I may be picky but the first thing I see on a layout is wiring that you can see. 

And cars driving down a road with no people in it lol   Cant find a nice way to say that so I tossed it in here where its not aimed at anybody : )   

Id drill the holes and them fill them with silly putty or something. IMO.  My table tops are going to have a bunch of holes in them lol 

Jim 

Mostly cleanup today. Worked on my small control panel a bit as well. It'll have the three uncoupling track "momentary on" buttons, along with the SPST switch to power the short siding. 

Also received the PRR industrial switcher. It's a bottom of the line LC so I can't expect much. Not much in terms of sounds, and it flies when not loaded down, which will make the initial coupling a bit "interesting". Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see.

And my CW80 is making odd noises. I assume it's the fan. No idea how long it'll hold up. I noticed that TinMan3Rail has good prices on refurbished KW and ZW transformers.

Also, I think this little switcher might be my first "weathering" attempt, when I eventually get around to that.

Shot a couple photos.

Deuce posted:

... Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see... Said no one EVER   

 

 

Apples55 posted:

Deuce posted:

... Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see...

 Said no one EVER   

I'm trying to pump the brakes ... give me some credit at least.

briansilvermustang posted:

Pretty clever B...

thanks Ted !

Deuce posted:

Mostly cleanup today. Worked on my small control panel a bit as well. It'll have the three uncoupling track "momentary on" buttons, along with the SPST switch to power the short siding. 

Also received the PRR industrial switcher. It's a bottom of the line LC so I can't expect much. Not much in terms of sounds, and it flies when not loaded down, which will make the initial coupling a bit "interesting". Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see.

And my CW80 is making odd noises. I assume it's the fan. No idea how long it'll hold up. I noticed that TinMan3Rail has good prices on refurbished KW and ZW transformers.

Also, I think this little switcher might be my first "weathering" attempt, when I eventually get around to that.

Deuce is that a bluetooth engine?    They say that they run much better on a smart phone.  

Jim

carsntrains posted:

Deuce posted:

Mostly cleanup today. Worked on my small control panel a bit as well. It'll have the three uncoupling track "momentary on" buttons, along with the SPST switch to power the short siding. 

Also received the PRR industrial switcher. It's a bottom of the line LC so I can't expect much. Not much in terms of sounds, and it flies when not loaded down, which will make the initial coupling a bit "interesting". Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see.

And my CW80 is making odd noises. I assume it's the fan. No idea how long it'll hold up. I noticed that TinMan3Rail has good prices on refurbished KW and ZW transformers.

Also, I think this little switcher might be my first "weathering" attempt, when I eventually get around to that.

Deuce is that a bluetooth engine?    They say that they run much better on a smart phone.  

Jim

I don't think so. None of the documentation lists BT functionality.

trumptrain posted:

Shot a couple photos.

Patrick, what manufacture and model is your N&W J????

Ron

Got 8 hours in yesterday, but it didn't feel like I got much done. Ballasting just seems to drag on and on, and there's so much of it left to do.

I'm almost done with the mains in the 44th Avenue scene. I also got three of the switches and part of the yard at the far end. Out of frame at the bottom, I had to deal with a good sized hole in the benchwork, so it could hold the ballast.

The mains beyond the stick are also glued.

I ballasted and glued about nine feet on the lower level. It's a little hard to see, but I glued some pieces of foam in place, as a base for the scenery and a ballast and glue dam.

This is where I put that bead of caulk in Sunday, to give the ballast a ledge to cling to. The section to the left looks pretty good. To the right, it needs another round, but it' working.

I finally got back to Newport and did more of the plaster cloth. There are just a couple small spots left, but I didn't feel like opening a new roll. My day had been long enough at that point.

Well, when I write it all down for you like this, maybe I did get a bunch done.

mitch, I want some of those!!!

why? Because they look kewl 👀 

That's a lot for one man for sure Elliot! Looking good.

Bob

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Kerrigan posted:

Test ran the new Legacy NW2 switcher, back from warranty repair at "the Lionel dealer".  After about two minutes the grinding got louder, so I stopped it and when I removed it from the rail the rear truck fell off, dangling by the coupler wire.   Called Lionel who said send it to us this time ... and that this "model" is much nosier than the other engines Lionel offers.  At least this time I don't have to pay shipping .... Don't think we'll be buying more ... this is the 5th new engine in a row we've had to immediately send in for repairs.  Enough is enough.

That’s outrageous.

Lionel was kind and sent a pre-paid return label so it's on it's way to them via FedEx. 

Just taking random shots on the layout last night...

Spectacular Lee. In B&W it looks like a real service station. The lighting is just right.

Bob

Lee, your random shots are all great!!!!

Yesterday I thought I would of gotten my Balsa wood but I talked myself out of it. Plus I didn't have the 40% coupon with me. This morning  I added another coat of earth color so that area is done. While I was down there I had an Atlas car that was converted into a wood chip car. At the time I bought it a year or so ago I had bought it along with a bunch of Weaver wood chip hopper kits. I thought at the time it was the one Weaver did for Brentwood Antiques a number of years back ( car was a BAR ). I kept it but was always bothered by the trucks under it which made it sit too high. So today I finally had the trucks to replace those. I used Weaver trucks I picked up on EBAY. Getting the old trucks off was a bit tedious.  On one truck the screw would not come out. So I had to take the car apart to see what was wrong. The plastic fitting was turning in the hole so I decided to pull both of them out and add a drop of glue to hold them in place. That did the trick but I had to wait for the mail to come. I found place with the help of the forum to get the right size screws. So now the car is done, I took pictures of before and after to show how the car sat and sits now. The trucks on there were MTH trucks which had a high bolster and with the Weaver trucks it sits much lower. So hopefully later tonight I can apply some ground foam and work with the Balsa wood to make my approached to the track. Pics..............Paul

Elliot, you got a boat load of stuff done! More then most of us would do in a day!  Looks GREAT! 

Elliot, when you have a slow day the next day you more then make up for it. Really taking shape plus you are getting more to the fun stuff......scenery, not so much ballasting. So I forgot to mention something in my last post. What is the best way to cut Balsa wood, Especially cross grain to get a neat cut. Any help is appreciated. Thanks Paul

paul 2 posted:

Yesterday I thought I would of gotten my Balsa wood but I talked myself out of it. Plus I didn't have the 40% coupon with me. This morning  I added another coat of earth color so that area is done. While I was down there I had an Atlas car that was converted into a wood chip car. At the time I bought it a year or so ago I had bought it along with a bunch of Weaver wood chip hopper kits. I thought at the time it was the one Weaver did for Brentwood Antiques a number of years back ( car was a BAR ). I kept it but was always bothered by the trucks under it which made it sit too high. So today I finally had the trucks to replace those. I used Weaver trucks I picked up on EBAY. Getting the old trucks off was a bit tedious.  On one truck the screw would not come out. So I had to take the car apart to see what was wrong. The plastic fitting was turning in the hole so I decided to pull both of them out and add a drop of glue to hold them in place. That did the trick but I had to wait for the mail to come. I found place with the help of the forum to get the right size screws. So now the car is done, I took pictures of before and after to show how the car sat and sits now. The trucks on there were MTH trucks which had a high bolster and with the Weaver trucks it sits much lower. So hopefully later tonight I can apply some ground foam and work with the Balsa wood to make my approached to the track. Pics..............Paul

Hobby Lobby? Download the Hobby Lobby app and you'll always have a 40% off coupon with you.  I did that yesterday to grab a second Just Plug light hub.

paul 2 posted:

What is the best way to cut Balsa wood, Especially cross grain to get a neat cut. Any help is appreciated. Thanks Paul

I think the answer is a fresh #11 X-acto blade and a cutting mat under it, is the way to go. I haven't touched the stuff in years, in favor of basswood. I know it tears easily on the crosscut.

a razon=saw works well, just slow and easy, xacto knive on smaller, a hobby size miter

box helps a lot

razor saw........

Paul, way to keep going! As for the balsa wood I use my bandsaw with a fine tooth blade.

Deuce posted:

paul 2 posted:

Yesterday I thought I would of gotten my Balsa wood but I talked myself out of it. Plus I didn't have the 40% coupon with me. This morning  I added another coat of earth color so that area is done. While I was down there I had an Atlas car that was converted into a wood chip car. At the time I bought it a year or so ago I had bought it along with a bunch of Weaver wood chip hopper kits. I thought at the time it was the one Weaver did for Brentwood Antiques a number of years back ( car was a BAR ). I kept it but was always bothered by the trucks under it which made it sit too high. So today I finally had the trucks to replace those. I used Weaver trucks I picked up on EBAY. Getting the old trucks off was a bit tedious.  On one truck the screw would not come out. So I had to take the car apart to see what was wrong. The plastic fitting was turning in the hole so I decided to pull both of them out and add a drop of glue to hold them in place. That did the trick but I had to wait for the mail to come. I found place with the help of the forum to get the right size screws. So now the car is done, I took pictures of before and after to show how the car sat and sits now. The trucks on there were MTH trucks which had a high bolster and with the Weaver trucks it sits much lower. So hopefully later tonight I can apply some ground foam and work with the Balsa wood to make my approached to the track. Pics..............Paul

Hobby Lobby? Download the Hobby Lobby app and you'll always have a 40% off coupon with you.  I did that yesterday to grab a second Just Plug light hub.

Deuce I didn't know Hobby Lobby had Woodland Scenics!!   This is the 4rth day I've been waiting for my light hub with lights to get here.  So much for Amazon Prime 2 day shipping!  lol    

Paul I cut up balsa sticks with a razor blade.   It worked but not very smooth.   

Elliot Ive not got to ballast yet.   But it looks like the least fun anyone can have with a railroad!!! : ) 

Jim 

Mark Boyce posted:

Lee, your random shots are all great!!!!

Thanks, Mark and Bob (RSJB18)!

I posted it in a couple of other places that seemed relevant as well here. I took that in a series of shots to show someone the civilian vehicles on the layout (of which, there aren't many, considering the WW2 years I model), but I liked how it looked in color and thought in sepia it might pop better.

Just a random cell shot, I didn't even move anything to take it, other than the cell to get a good angle.

beardog posted:

razor saw........

 

Beardog   I got that old stuff out.  Most of it is an American Flyer set ..  303 engine (4-4-2) 4 cars and a caboose.   But I do have a Marx 666 engine and red B&O car.  

Jim 

briansilvermustang posted:

Brian, can you show me some DM&IRR?????

Dave

carsntrains posted:

beardog posted:

razor saw........

 

Beardog   I got that old stuff out.  Most of it is an American Flyer set ..  303 engine (4-4-2) 4 cars and a caboose.   But I do have a Marx 666 engine and red B&O car.  

 

Jim 

Thanks, Jim. But i do have all of those

John

carsntrains posted:

beardog posted:

razor saw........

 

Beardog   I got that old stuff out.  Most of it is an American Flyer set ..  303 engine (4-4-2) 4 cars and a caboose.   But I do have a Marx 666 engine and red B&O car.  

 

Jim 

Jim, looks great!  my only Marx engine is a 666.   I have the whole boxed set it came in.  From Girard, Pennsylvania not that far from here.

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

Jim 

Paul and Elliot, that’s a lot of work you both accomplished!  Paul, I like your shiny, white workbench! LOL. You look like me, not much room, so I work on whatever is handy!

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

No worries Mark.   I've had that old thing since I was a kid : )    I used to put it on Lionel track and pull it with my DT&I switcher.   Since both outside rails are ground it shouldn't have damaged it lol 

Jim 

carsntrains posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

No worries Mark.   I've had that old thing since I was a kid : )    I used to put it on Lionel track and pull it with my DT&I switcher.   Since both outside rails are ground it shouldn't have damaged it lol 

Jim 

I had some Marx toys, but not a train.  Dad said a train set was too expensive for Christmas, so I saved money and finally bought a Tyco HO set when I was about 12.  About 1968.  Dad made it into a good learning experience on saving for something, then I used wood and wiring skills he taught me to build my own 4 x 8 layout.

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

No worries Mark.   I've had that old thing since I was a kid : )    I used to put it on Lionel track and pull it with my DT&I switcher.   Since both outside rails are ground it shouldn't have damaged it lol 

Jim 

I had some Marx toys, but not a train.  Dad said a train set was too expensive for Christmas, so I saved money and finally bought a Tyco HO set when I was about 12.  About 1968.  Dad made it into a good learning experience on saving for something, then I used wood and wiring skills he taught me to build my own 4 x 8 layout.

Great learning experience Mark!  I wasn't exactly in the same boat.  But I still have all my trains from childhood.  You would not believe my HO collection!   I think I have 40 or more engines.  Most of which I bought myself as a kid/teen.  Have a couple sets of N.  My eyes and hands said O GAUGE LOL   

Jim 

Edit.   AND why I don't know.  But I had a desire to own many many Chattanooga Tyco engines.   Loved the early ones with all the side rods and stuff on it.   Amazing times learning the motor was in the tender.  And finding an add in model railroading from a hobby shop in Ohio that had bought all of Tycos spare parts.   Which I have new motors, gears, axles, well you name it for a Chattanooga engine lol 

carsntrains posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

No worries Mark.   I've had that old thing since I was a kid : )    I used to put it on Lionel track and pull it with my DT&I switcher.   Since both outside rails are ground it shouldn't have damaged it lol 

Jim 

Jim, the 666 is a great runnning engine, is AC, but may run on DC like lionel does and the boxcar

looks good too.

John

Wow, Jim!  I ran the wheels off the same F7 for years!  The set was heat damaged in storage and I threw them out years ago!

John, I was thinking that was the case, but wasn’t sure.  Thank you! Now I don’t have to stop watching Poirot and dig the Marx out!  LOL

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not.

Well, if you're looking to rehome the AF stuff, the museum I volunteer at is in need of an American Flyer loco and cars...   

http://www.arkansasonline.com/...?f=news-arkansas-nwa  ;-) 

I could be interested in the marx depending on how much you want for it

John

Got one of the AF aluminum Zephyrs running today. I would have done it 

last night, but was dogsitting and the little guy is not a train fan.

Funny, I was given a box of old trains and now I know what they are...... It is a Marx 1666 NYC with tender, caboose, and a few other cars.  The couplers always threw me off.  I guess I should see if it will run or not.  Learn new stuff here everyday!

and it is easy to work on, if it hasn't run it 60 years a little WD40 and some contact cleaner.

Clean the wheels and the pickups and it will almost always run like new. 

As opposed to what I am hearing about a lot of brand new lionel lately. 

And the marx is a lot cheaper.

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

why not put them on the for sale forum here....someone will snatch them up.

Steamer posted:

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

why not put them on the for sale forum here....someone will snatch them up.

beardog posted:

I could be interested in the marx depending on how much you want for it

John

Yes Jim, you never know who may be interested.  John got me thinking about mine.  I hate to have trains sit in a box, and have no display room.  I may list my set, as I am cleaning house.

Yay, finished my taxes, $600 in extra train money.

beardog posted:

Yay, finished my taxes, $600 in extra train money.

That's good news indeed!!!

Masked off the RSD-4 chassis for painting the rails white:  

And the first test fitting!  Still have to touch up a bit of overspray once the rails dry completely... 

Mitch 

new delivery.

3rd rail D&RGW L-131 2-8-8-2 with green boiler (anniversary series: last year).

Got this off of ebay at a very reasonable price. 

Looks like, at most, it was test run.

Fuzzy picture but the smoke deflector is functional.

Another fuzzy picture: nice coal load.

Choice of two 'cow catchers'.  Deck plate was pulled off in transit.  They didn't wrap the engine or tender in paper and plastic.  Lucky no serious damage.

Tender front ladders also bent but able to straighten those.

A very heavy engine.

Samparfitt,

Wow!!!!  That is one great looking locomotive!!  I love the green!  Congratulations on getting it at a great price!!  I'll be looking forward to seeing it running, if you please.  

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Masked off the RSD-4 chassis for painting the rails white:  

And the first test fitting!  Still have to touch up a bit of overspray once the rails dry completely... 

Mitch 

Please don't take this as encouragement, Mitch, but that looks rather striking.

It is a dandy, Mitch!!  Does it just get the Razorback logo, or is the name going to be on it also?? 

Apples55 posted:

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Masked off the RSD-4 chassis for painting the rails white:  

And the first test fitting!  Still have to touch up a bit of overspray once the rails dry completely... 

Mitch 

Please don't take this as encouragement, Mitch, but that looks rather striking.

I'm with Paul. It does look rather sharp. Are you going to number it?

And- Mitch- PLEASE don't take this as encouragement to defile another RS-4 again

Bob

Apples55 posted:

Please don't take this as encouragement, Mitch, but that looks rather striking.

Thankee!  Couldn't have done it without your kind assistance!  

Mark Boyce posted:

It is a dandy, Mitch!!  Does it just get the Razorback logo, or is the name going to be on it also?? 

RSJB18 posted:

I'm with Paul. It does look rather sharp. Are you going to number it?

When finances permit, I do plan on getting lettering and number decals made for the RTC fleet...  

And- Mitch- PLEASE don't take this as encouragement to defile another RS-4 again

Oh, no fears.  I'll figure out something ELSE to corrupt!  

Mitch