What did you do on your layout today?

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Wow, you are on a mission Bob. Looks great.

Thanks Jay. I'm going back to work tomorrow after being home for almost 3 weeks (covid and holiday break), so progress will slow down.

Bob

Wow, just realized this thread was started on January 3, 2013 and still going strong almost a decade later! That’s awesome! 😄

@N&WGuy posted:

Wow, just realized this thread was started on January 3, 2013 and still going strong almost a decade later! That’s awesome! 😄

I realized the same the other day and was wondering whatever happened to jdevleerjr, the guy that started it all?  

I had no idea! That is pretty awesome!

If I remember correctly, the OP was a photographer and he needed some of the space from the layout for his business.

Paul,

That's correct and he built a smaller layout. He was posting photos of it for a bit but hasn't done it in a while.

Dave

Yesterday we completed the Roanoke Shops #4 and #5 Diesel Buildings and aligned the transfer table. Our goal to complete was year end so we were close.

When we do scenery for the entire engine service area we will complete the foundation, steps, etc. That is probably going to be a late Summer/Fall project with a knee replacement February 14.

Next on the list is to add 12 - 14 turnout indicator lights on level 2, something that is not exactly a “fun” item.  While a pain to install, they do look good with the Ross turnouts, especially at night.

If anyone has interest in installing these, we have a technique that is faster than what the instructions recommend. Just send an e-mail if you are interested.

I believe that Steve has switched to LED lights on his new version instead of bulbs. We have used LEDs from Evan Designs with these since we installed our first indicator lights several years ago. Zero problems and 30+ installed.

Yesterday I got out the electrical box and everything is ready to go today. We install one yesterday and it was easier than what I remembered.

After the lights are installed, we plan to ballast the main line on level 2. That should get us to February.

Happy New Year to all!

Had some time off during the holidays so was able to get some train work/play in.  Besides running trains --Added figures, street lights and trees.

Now I need to find a Jonathan Winters figure for that last scene.

That looks really nice Steve and very unique. Where did you get the utility workers?                                                           It will be interesting to see how many get the reference in the last photo.

Last day of paid holiday time off.  Next year this time, it will be retirement income - if all goes as planned. This is the K-Line Milwaukee Road F3 A-B-A set I picked up recently. Not quite as detailed as one of their later sets, but nicely done. Have to find a replacement number board and will eventually get around to replacing lights with LEDs.  After a bit of search, I am finding front end coupler covers were used from time to time on the F3s and F7s but not very frequently it seems.  I was surprised to find out the couplers could be retracted or in some designs pivoted out of the way in order to close the covers (doors). In several photos it looked like most engines left off the covers but instead retracted the couplers part way when not being used. That would solve the look of the coupler sticking way out of the pilot.  Did you know "pilot" is another name for "cow catcher" ?

Music by Google

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

That looks really nice Steve and very unique. Where did you get the utility workers?                                                           It will be interesting to see how many get the reference in the last photo.

Jay, I'll double-check but I believe the utility workers and the street lights are all Woodland Scenics.

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

That looks really nice Steve and very unique. Where did you get the utility workers?                                                           It will be interesting to see how many get the reference in the last photo.

Update on our Layout running a train for the first time across our bridges. I thought everyone would like the caboose and the 90W transformer. We will need to make adjustments to the entry into the bridges due to the over hang of the Big Boy.

I have a short video at the end of the photos.

Thanks;

idea-thinker

The Big Boy looks great running through the bridges!  Yes, it can be surprising how far you need to have the curves straighten out before entering a bridge.  Sometimes it's the overhang on the front, and sometimes the cab roof.  And sometimes it's a long car like a passenger car middle not the end that gets you.  Nice job!

I been on this thread a couple of months and what a nice group this is! And the fun of sharing our progress only we can appreciate in a way your family would otherwise? My family supports my hobby but I really don’t think they see it as we do. That being said, I’ve seen some cool work by you guys that just blows me away! It’s definitely a good source of inspiration and ideas. Thanks for sharing!

@Jrtrains posted:

I been on this thread a couple of months and what a nice group this is! And the fun of sharing our progress only we can appreciate in a way your family would otherwise? My family supports my hobby but I really don’t think they see it as we do. That being said, I’ve seen some cool work by you guys that just blows me away! It’s definitely a good source of inspiration and ideas. Thanks for sharing!

John, I’m glad you are here!  I found this thread the first few months of 2013.  It has been a great 9 years with lots of great folks and great layout projects for sure!!!

First picture is as it was purchased and second shows the trailer after being clamped to a piece of wood and warmed mit der frau's hair dryer.  John

@Tranquil Hollow RR                                                          It will be interesting to see how many get the reference in the last photo.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Me AGAIN Mark................this figures...........I'm looking for Dorothy Provine.

@rattler21 posted:

First picture is as it was purchased and second shows the trailer after being clamped to a piece of wood and warmed mit der frua's hair dryer.  John

Great save.......nice . 

John and Mark,  I had to widen my tunnel portal due to the end of the cab roof grazing the side of the portal entrance with a Rail King Imperial Big Boy, took me a while to figure that one out. I also had to adjust my swing out bridge to handle my SP 4-8-4 Daylight. That one would hit the bridge coming out of the curve into the bridge. One reason my bridge piers are goofy.  I just hope the Premier Big Boy due in the next couple of months will take my upper loop.

Everybody gets lots of work done around here! I’m jealous. I’m hoping I get off these darn 12 hour days at work so I can get some work done. I got 2 packages filled with different accessories sitting in the train room waiting to be opened!

@rattler21 posted:

First picture is as it was purchased and second shows the trailer after being clamped to a piece of wood and warmed mit der frua's hair dryer.  John

You just had to lighten the load LOL. That's a nice looking rig John.

@Mayor Magoo posted:

Happy New Year to all!

Had some time off during the holidays so was able to get some train work/play in.  Besides running trains --Added figures, street lights and trees.

Now I need to find a Jonathan Winters figure for that last scene.

I got it......not gonna say it yet tho......

Boy-  I go back to work for one day and the thread blows up. Glad I'm not the only one who's been busy on layout projects.

Nothing new to report on the caboose. I did order the LED fire kit from Evan Designs. Should be here by the end of the week.

Bob

Nothing on layout but got around to checking out a #2035 that I've had for awhile. Wasn't running forward except sporadic spurts. Took it apart to service it and to no surprise the commutator and brushes were filthy. So fortunately easy fix. Also while having it apart decided to repair/rebuild it's smoke generator.

This didn't happen today but last week. Dad needed another bridge to span across the walk way on his new layout for the commuter line. He said, "Let's get out the Erector sets and build one." Using a plan in the erector books we built a "rolling lift bridge." He did get it working this week with one of the erector motors. I know this is something different from O gauge (it's actually Gilbert of course) but I thought y'all might like seeing it. Happy railroading and happy new year!

@Berkshirelover726 posted:

This didn't happen today but last week. Dad needed another bridge to span across the walk way on his new layout for the commuter line. He said, "Let's get out the Erector sets and build one." Using a plan in the erector books we built a "rolling lift bridge." He did get it working this week with one of the erector motors. I know this is something different from O gauge (it's actually Gilbert of course) but I thought y'all might like seeing it. Happy railroading and happy new year!

That is so cool Cody. Looks like dad is enjoying himself. Please share a video of it in action.

I had a bunch of Erector sets growing up. Never ending fun....

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

That is so cool Cody. Looks like dad is enjoying himself. Please share a video of it in action.

I had a bunch of Erector sets growing up. Never ending fun....

Bob

I sure will. I should be down there this weekend. Thanks!

Cody, your dad's bridge looks great!  I had an Erector set growing up also, but Mum threw it out long ago.  If we didn't play with something for a while, out it would go.  Then later, we would wonder where it went.  I bought a set a couple years ago, just to have it even though the motor(s) were missing.

Yes, Bob, I had to catch up also.  I totally missed out on your neat caboose yard office build until it was almost done.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Cody, your dad's bridge looks great!  I had an Erector set growing up also, but Mum threw it out long ago.  If we didn't play with something for a while, out it would go.  Then later, we would wonder where it went.  I bought a set a couple years ago, just to have it even though the motor(s) were missing.

Yes, Bob, I had to catch up also.  I totally missed out on your neat caboose yard office build until it was almost done.

Thanks Mark. Once I get the led's from Evan's I can get it ready for the layout. I like building on bases, makes it easier to place on the layout later and I don't have to reach over everything while I'm working.

Bob

@Mark Boyce posted:

Cody, your dad's bridge looks great!  I had an Erector set growing up also, but Mum threw it out long ago.  If we didn't play with something for a while, out it would go.  Then later, we would wonder where it went.  I bought a set a couple years ago, just to have it even though the motor(s) were missing.

Yes, Bob, I had to catch up also.  I totally missed out on your neat caboose yard office build until it was almost done.

I used to play with my erector set for hours.  Maybe that’s why I became an engineer?  But like Mark, mine found their way to the trash when I went to college.  And I did the same thing in that I bought a used one a few years back.  Unfortunately, too many of the parts were missing and so what was left came in handy for other projects.

Too, my friends and I would play with the many toy soldiers that we had as kids.  I had taken great care to squirrel mine away with the intent of bringing them out when I had kids.  Despite my best efforts, the cleaning gods exposed them to my dad so when I went to retrieve them, they were gone.  I suspect that most of us in this forum can relate similar stories.  Baseball cards seemed to the the number one trash item.  Luckily, I still have most of my trains and some of the accessories - I think the key here was that my dad liked trains and so he held onto those!

Happy to see that someone is using the Erector set once again!

Good Evening Everyone,

Today I Kadee'd some hopper cars...

Dave

One step forward & two back !   Got new vinyl plank flooring installed in the basement train room then had a hot water heating pipe freeze in our first below zero night.  When it thawed , it had broken, so water leaked all over the new floor.  It seems ok now...   Got on to preparing wiring  for new track lighting on the wall opposite the future layout.  Progress seems slow going in this 106 yr old house !

@Mayor Magoo posted:

Happy New Year to all!

Now I need to find a Jonathan Winters figure for that last scene.

Trestleking, I hope that you thoroughly ventilated, made sure it’s dry and check for mold. It’s from personal experience, and costly remediation and reconstruction from which I share these insights.

Progress continues on the Pennsy Block Walls  -   I think I have gotten the new walls as close to matching the existing walls.  I'll have to wait till the acrylic washes completely dry, but it's "close enough"...

Also weathered 1 of 2 arch viaducts.   Kind of wish I had done them both, so tonight I primed the second one and will weather it while I have all the same colors out.   

Chris, the updates are impressive; as usual. But, the depth perception looks outstanding. Your country side goes on and on into the distance.

Jay,  Thanks..   I am very thankful for my daughter's efforts, she painted the far hills on the back drop for me when I was building those 2 upper modules.   I appreciate your comment, because the total depth of the layout from the front edge to the back drop at this point is only 4' - 6" .   Haven't decided which industries will locate to the lower level in the foreground, but at least there's commercial lots for sale.

@Mark Boyce

I should have an Erector motor if you need one.

My Erector story goes at my grandparents winter visit with my red metal Erector box in arm I had a bad fall across the hot metal floor furnace and all the nuts bolts washers and smaller girders ended up in the bottom of the gas furnace. On my arms and Hands I had the burn scars for the longest time. But those scares never hurt as much as the loss of my Erector pieces….

@Berkshirelover726 very nice bridge by you and father.