What did you do on your layout today?

ToledoEd posted:

Kevin, thanks for the comment.  Actually, we really did sell our Z4.  Had it for 14 years, but we needed a new car so we sacrificed it for a CR-V.  At 71, I need all the safety doo-dads they put in cars now.  As for the road, I used something called "Foamie"...its a very flexible material, instead of foam board.  i prefer the "Foamie Foam Sheets"  If you search Foamies on Amazon they'll pop up.  You can cut it with scissors which is nice and it will not warp when painted like foam board. No need to paint it on both sides. The road is 5" wide.  I painted it with an "Asphalt" acrylic.  The striping is pretty neat stuff, but, sorry I bought it a long time ago and can't remember from where.  I used very fine black ballast for the transition from the roadben to the grass/sand.  I cut some insulation foamboard to support the rise to the top of the Fastrack then filled in the sides with ballast. I'm ballasting my Fastrack with Brennan's better ballast.  Back to the striping. i also bought white and yellow paint markers. They work well once you get the hang of it. Good substitute for the commercial striping.  Another forum member asked me the same question. I'll look for my posting because I took pictures of the items I used.  Well, hope this helps. If you have questions don't hesitate to email me. 

Great, I'll check out Foamies. Thanks for the pro tip!

CR-V is a great car - I have had several. Excellent utilitarian grocery-getters and kid-schleppers. Of course, it isn't a Z4.

My weekend ride is currently a '67 Alfa Giulia Super. 

Kevin

MELGAR posted:

Apples55 posted:

RSJB18 posted:

 

Mel- the corner looks great. The building and short stub look great. Will that stub track go somewhere one day? (Did someone say layout expansion?)

I just thought it - you said it!!! Someone is being evil...

You fellows are not being helpful! Yes, there are two stub tracks which could be used for an expansion. I'm contemplating it but haven't made up my mind... However, I did design the bench work for an additional piece of table, but I'm trying to resist sending it to Mianne for production...

MELGAR

Sorry, Mel... I checked the Terms of Service - nothing in there about having to be “helpful”   

josef posted:

gandydancer1950 posted:

ran the 1950's version of the "Lake Shore Limited"...at times referred to as the "Late For Sure Limited"...

By the Ike billboard you must be modeling same time period as I am, 1956? I have several Ike billboards on my layout which pretty much gives the time period of my layout.

Yes Josef....1955/56, I have a few Ike and Dick posters on the layout also.

Today was an easy day. All I did was vacuum the loose ground cover on the rear strip after the glue dried. I then put the background building, Bridgeport Scrap Metals, back onto the layout which, other than some detailing or an addition, is now complete.

MELGAR

I completed the four freight loading docks for the cityscape industries.  I have even populated some of the docks with some Woodland Scenic Accents.  Still have more staging to do including the addition of more pallets and loads.

I did not like the harsh bare LED lights on the flats from pghtrainfanatic so where I do not have door canopies, I constructed a simple lamp shade from 5/16 plastic tubing.   I cut them at 60 degrees, primed the outside with flat black and then finished with final color.   I attached them with a dab of rubber cement.   They help soften and redirect the light.

I have also added some building signage appropriate to Duluth, MN.

I have acquired a blinking red LED, so I plan to have it sit on the top of the KDAL TV/Radio tower I am currently designing, and will construct out of brass tubing and wire.   It should help add some interest to a dark corner of the layout.

As always, I enjoy viewing, reading and learning from all the posts even though I do not have the time to keep up with all the chatter.   Happy weekend to all.

Still chipping away!
Cheers, Dave

Dave, the docks and lights look great.  They do enhance the warehouses.

Mel, that is very nice scenic effects for the spur in the rear!  I hope you get to build the extension.

Vincent, so it looks like we should retire to Mexico.  Great price on health insurance.  The Lego equipment and track look like an interesting project.

Johan, great looking tank car.

Kevin, that is a great looking scene!

CoastsideKevin posted:

gandydancer1950 posted:

ran the 1950's version of the "Lake Shore Limited"...at times referred to as the "Late For Sure Limited"...

Awesome layout. How did you paint the scenery on the walls? That is on my list to do at some point. Thanks.

Thanks for the compliment. The short answer on the backdrop is ....I didn't paint the walls. I hung wall paper with a cloud pattern and used scenic express backgrounds for the hills.

Took several photos for tomorrow's Switcher Saturday thread.  Here are some that will not be included in SS tomorrow.  All the while I was snapping photos, the trains were running!   Of course this was all tons of fun!!

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

After very busy days, something "new".

Johann - WOW!!  It looks like a real photograph.  Fabulous job on the tank car!!  

@CoastsideKevin Bulb #1445 vs #1447 or #52 vs #53? (bayonet vs screw, "hot then cold" )

Near every bulb made will have one or more of the following info/values printed or stamped on the base (or glass on baseless bulbs)-  Voltage, amp (or ma); watts; bulb i.d. number.(sometimes lumens are shown, sometimes two numbers are listed if it meets both numbers criteria, etc)

  The i.d. number is a "standard" and using that against one of thousands of online miniature bulb charts... (some charts are 100years old, that old info hasn't really changed...some bulbs don't get made anymore & so the number is "missing", some are proprietary, etc ).....you can figure out what you used in watts that way. Or to get watts without a chart listing them, Volts X Amps =Watts

I think you could have used up to about 3.25w each with crap bulbs if I recall right.... 2.5w on a 1447...? 1.5w on 52s ?

Lets see....

1.5w x 52 bulbs(?) = 78w

2.5w  X  52 = 130w

3w   X   52  = 156w

You probably used 90-140w regularly on incandescent lights.

trumptrain posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

After very busy days, something "new".

Johann - WOW!!  It looks like a real photograph.  Fabulous job on the tank car!!  

Patrick: Thank you. More tanker's coming later, when i have the time.

Johan

Mark Boyce posted:

Dave, the docks and lights look great.  They do enhance the warehouses.

Mel, that is very nice scenic effects for the spur in the rear!  I hope you get to build the extension.

Vincent, so it looks like we should retire to Mexico.  Great price on health insurance.  The Lego equipment and track look like an interesting project.

Johan, great looking tank car.

Kevin, that is a great looking scene!

Mark: Thank you. 

Johan

Bill, I am glad you got everything running smooth, but I am sorry you have to relocate again! Good luck on the future layout~!

Kevin, WOW what an undertaking! Looks like a job well done, the led's and tunnel both look great!

Brian, Great Pictures and I really like the crane you added!

Ed, wonderful job on the police car! Was it a challenge?

Johan, EXCELANT weathering job! You cant get more realistic then that! Well Done!

Gandydancer1950, Wonderful train on a wonderful layout Love the picture thanks for sharing!

Vincent, sounds like you had a good day across the border. Just wondering how you got them to sell you the train set? I see they have a suggested age range of 6-12! LOL

Dave, the docks look perfect! I really like your idea on the light shades, I hope you don't mind if I use it some day. Its right down my ally. easy and inexpensive!

Patrick, once again wonderful photos of your layout! Thank you for sharing with the rest of us!

So yesterday I got up at 0400 and went out to the train room to see if I could get one more TSM mounted before my tube ride. It went well and had it done in about a half hour. 

After my appointment I came home and worked on 3 more. I wish I could say they went just as easy, but I cant. The good thing is I did get them in and now have all the TSM mounted for every switch I have right now. This morning I plan on going out and wiring them up and do a little cleaning. I will take pictures of the ones that were a pain just so you can see what fun I had!

Its Saturday ! Everyone have a great day!

Apples55 posted:

MELGAR posted:

Apples55 posted:

RSJB18 posted:

 

Mel- the corner looks great. The building and short stub look great. Will that stub track go somewhere one day? (Did someone say layout expansion?)

I just thought it - you said it!!! Someone is being evil...

You fellows are not being helpful! Yes, there are two stub tracks which could be used for an expansion. I'm contemplating it but haven't made up my mind... However, I did design the bench work for an additional piece of table, but I'm trying to resist sending it to Mianne for production...

MELGAR

Sorry, Mel... I checked the Terms of Service - nothing in there about having to be “helpful”   

I'm with Paul. I thought we were supposed to support each other and offer help whenever we can.

Here's the contact info for Mainne in case you misplaced it.

http://www.miannebenchwork.com/benchwork_kits.htm

Bob

Catching up after a busy week at work.

Vincent- Love the LEGO trains. They first introduced them when my son was into LEGO. Couldn't convince the CEO that he REALLY would like to have a couple of sets. Don't know what they cost in Mexico, but they were a fortune here in the states.

Johan- beautiful work on the tanker

Patrick- great photos as always. I always spot new details on your layout. This time it was the speeder and work crew by the tunnel. Great work.

Mike- just like the Tortoise- slow and steady wins the race. 

Gandydancer- beautiful scene. Love the old nick name for the LSL!

Dave- great work on the factories and loading docks. Some of your crews look familiar....I think they hopped a empty freight from my layout to yours. I like the hoods you made for the lights. I will probably steal that idea (full disclosure).

ToleadoEd- nice job on the Trooper car. Funny story too.

Brian- cranes on site? Will there be some new construction soon?

So I haven't done anything on my layout lately but I did receive some new motive power this week.

BEEP! BEEP!

gandydancer1950 posted:

CoastsideKevin posted:

gandydancer1950 posted:

ran the 1950's version of the "Lake Shore Limited"...at times referred to as the "Late For Sure Limited"...

Awesome layout. How did you paint the scenery on the walls? That is on my list to do at some point. Thanks.

Thanks for the compliment. The short answer on the backdrop is ....I didn't paint the walls. I hung wall paper with a cloud pattern and used scenic express backgrounds for the hills.

Well it looks great. I'll definitely consider that option. Love the lighthouse, too. Great scene in general.

Adriatic posted:

@CoastsideKevin Bulb #1445 vs #1447 or #52 vs #53? (bayonet vs screw, "hot then cold" )

Near every bulb made will have one or more of the following info/values printed or stamped on the base (or glass on baseless bulbs)-  Voltage, amp (or ma); watts; bulb i.d. number.(sometimes lumens are shown, sometimes two numbers are listed if it meets both numbers criteria, etc)

  The i.d. number is a "standard" and using that against one of thousands of online miniature bulb charts... (some charts are 100years old, that old info hasn't really changed...some bulbs don't get made anymore & so the number is "missing", some are proprietary, etc ).....you can figure out what you used in watts that way. Or to get watts without a chart listing them, Volts X Amps =Watts

I think you could have used up to about 3.25w each with crap bulbs if I recall right.... 2.5w on a 1447...? 1.5w on 52s ?

Lets see....

1.5w x 52 bulbs(?) = 78w

2.5w  X  52 = 130w

3w   X   52  = 156w

You probably used 90-140w regularly on incandescent light

Very helpful information, thank you. The bulbs were a sorry collection of original postwar with the coloring chipped off, some cheap replacements from the 70s, and a dozen cheap new bulbs I bought on the auction site. Wide variety of brightness and almost none of the bulb numbers were still visible.

I resisted going LED for awhile because I liked the postwar look, but like most things, people adopt this new technology for a reason. I wouldn't want my doctor treating me in a 1950s operating room!

Next I guess I will have to consider command/control of some kind.. The LC+ engine I bought recently gets run more than anything else.

mike g. posted:

Bill, I am glad you got everything running smooth, but I am sorry you have to relocate again! Good luck on the future layout~!

Kevin, WOW what an undertaking! Looks like a job well done, the led's and tunnel both look great!

Brian, Great Pictures and I really like the crane you added!

Ed, wonderful job on the police car! Was it a challenge?

Johan, EXCELANT weathering job! You cant get more realistic then that! Well Done!

Gandydancer1950, Wonderful train on a wonderful layout Love the picture thanks for sharing!

Vincent, sounds like you had a good day across the border. Just wondering how you got them to sell you the train set? I see they have a suggested age range of 6-12! LOL

Dave, the docks look perfect! I really like your idea on the light shades, I hope you don't mind if I use it some day. Its right down my ally. easy and inexpensive!

Patrick, once again wonderful photos of your layout! Thank you for sharing with the rest of us!

Mike, thanks for the kind words.  To my surprise, it was not.  Evans Designs web page includes a link to  instructions.  Two holes through the rough of the 1/43 Road Champs car and into the light bar was the trickiest.  The biggest challenge was figuring out how best to route all the wires to a single hole in the floorboard.  Shrink wrap around the + and - bundled wires and a hole through the layout scenery and to power.  The Evans Designs LEDs come prebuilt to accept AC or DC input up to 19v. Eazy-Peazy!  I'm going to ad a switch eventually so it's not running constantly.  

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

After very busy days, something "new".

There is a fleet of MTH modern tank cars on the Plywood Empire Route and this pic makes me itch to learn how to weather. Nice work, Johan!

Lew

Niiiice, Brian!

A great day of baseball and trains with my son...

I'm a little behind because it has been a bit busy around here. Thursday, the day started out by driving into St Paul, and catching the light rail at the eastern terminus in front of Union Depot, and riding all the way to the western terminus at Target Field for the day game with the Astros. We got to see the Twins ace Jose Berrios. He gave up a solo shot in the first, but after that was pretty much lights out. Twins came back with a solo shot of their own in the third to tie it, then busted it open in the fourth scoring six. Twins added another in the fifth, and the line score looked like bookends 1 6 1. Houston had the bases loaded in the seventh, but Berrios got out of it only allowing one run. Twins took 3 out of 4 and won the season series 4-3.

Happy Twins fans after the game.

We rode the light rail back to S.P.U.D where my wife was waiting for us, then went for pizza at one of our favorite places.

When we got home, time to chill a bit, and even grab a nap. Then at 11 PM we went downstairs and did a little cleaning. Then it was time to play.

I swapped out the engine on one of the trains, for one of the new Bluetooth ones, and my son put the app on his phone. He was having a good time with that, until the train couldn't make it up the small helix. He went in and took a couple cars off, and it finally made it up. We did a little more car shuffling, and continued the test run. We had an unexplained derailment in the big helix, and he went to "train jail" to fix it. I left him in there while I did a full lap with the train so we could see why it derailed. No clue, so I let him out.

Then came the real fun part. He set up my new BN camera caboose. I'm glad he was there to do it too. It took a couple tries, but he got it, and I ran it around with the Cab-1 while sitting over at the dispatcher's desk. That was sweet!

We talked about the layout for another hour, and I explained the grand plan, including some of the technical stuff about C/MRI and JMRI and how I could really use his help. He seemed quite interested actually, and the idea of running trains autonomously sounded very cool to him.

I asked him if I was crazy, he said, "No passionate."  Good answer, I love that kid!

mike g. posted:

Bill, I am glad you got everything running smooth, but I am sorry you have to relocate again! Good luck on the future layout~!

Kevin, WOW what an undertaking! Looks like a job well done, the led's and tunnel both look great!

Brian, Great Pictures and I really like the crane you added!

Ed, wonderful job on the police car! Was it a challenge?

Johan, EXCELANT weathering job! You cant get more realistic then that! Well Done!

Gandydancer1950, Wonderful train on a wonderful layout Love the picture thanks for sharing!

Vincent, sounds like you had a good day across the border. Just wondering how you got them to sell you the train set? I see they have a suggested age range of 6-12! LOL

Dave, the docks look perfect! I really like your idea on the light shades, I hope you don't mind if I use it some day. Its right down my ally. easy and inexpensive!

Patrick, once again wonderful photos of your layout! Thank you for sharing with the rest of us!

Mike: Thank you Sir. I think we can always learn and made a better work. 

Johan

RSJB18 posted:

Catching up after a busy week at work.

Vincent- Love the LEGO trains. They first introduced them when my son was into LEGO. Couldn't convince the CEO that he REALLY would like to have a couple of sets. Don't know what they cost in Mexico, but they were a fortune here in the states.

Johan- beautiful work on the tanker

Patrick- great photos as always. I always spot new details on your layout. This time it was the speeder and work crew by the tunnel. Great work.

Mike- just like the Tortoise- slow and steady wins the race. 

Gandydancer- beautiful scene. Love the old nick name for the LSL!

Dave- great work on the factories and loading docks. Some of your crews look familiar....I think they hopped a empty freight from my layout to yours. I like the hoods you made for the lights. I will probably steal that idea (full disclosure).

ToleadoEd- nice job on the Trooper car. Funny story too.

Brian- cranes on site? Will there be some new construction soon?

So I haven't done anything on my layout lately but I did receive some new motive power this week.

BEEP! BEEP!

 

Bob: Thanks. I like that your small BAR GP#63.

Johan

geysergazer posted:

BAR GP7 #63 posted:

After very busy days, something "new".

There is a fleet of MTH modern tank cars on the Plywood Empire Route and this pic makes me itch to learn how to weather. Nice work, Johan!

Lew

Lew: Thank you very much.

Johan

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

A great day of baseball and trains with my son...

I'm a little behind because it has been a bit busy around here. Thursday, the day started out by driving into St Paul, and catching the light rail at the eastern terminus in front of Union Depot, and riding all the way to the western terminus at Target Field for the day game with the Astros. We got to see the Twins ace Jose Berrios. He gave up a solo shot in the first, but after that was pretty much lights out. Twins came back with a solo shot of their own in the third to tie it, then busted it open in the fourth scoring six. Twins added another in the fifth, and the line score looked like bookends 1 6 1. Houston had the bases loaded in the seventh, but Berrios got out of it only allowing one run. Twins took 3 out of 4 and won the season series 4-3.

Happy Twins fans after the game.

We rode the light rail back to S.P.U.D where my wife was waiting for us, then went for pizza at one of our favorite places.

When we got home, time to chill a bit, and even grab a nap. Then at 11 PM we went downstairs and did a little cleaning. Then it was time to play.

I swapped out the engine on one of the trains, for one of the new Bluetooth ones, and my son put the app on his phone. He was having a good time with that, until the train couldn't make it up the small helix. He went in and took a couple cars off, and it finally made it up. We did a little more car shuffling, and continued the test run. We had an unexplained derailment in the big helix, and he went to "train jail" to fix it. I left him in there while I did a full lap with the train so we could see why it derailed. No clue, so I let him out.

Then came the real fun part. He set up my new BN camera caboose. I'm glad he was there to do it too. It took a couple tries, but he got it, and I ran it around with the Cab-1 while sitting over at the dispatcher's desk. That was sweet!

We talked about the layout for another hour, and I explained the grand plan, including some of the technical stuff about C/MRI and JMRI and how I could really use his help. He seemed quite interested actually, and the idea of running trains autonomously sounded very cool to him.

I asked him if I was crazy, he said, "No passionate."  Good answer, I love that kid!

Excellent, glad you had such a great day. Baseball & trains!  All the best. 

All I have been able to do over the past days was see how everyone has posted some great stuff.

Elliot, that is one full day of enjoyment. Baseball game with your son and then an evening of trains. That's a pretty perfect world. 

Work outside took me away from any layout time but I think I finally turned the corner and got caught up outside. I finally bit the bullet and bought a new batttery drill. I found one at Menards on sale and it was exactly what I wanted. Two batteries and a charger. I had been nursing for the longest time a 13.2 volt drill I got from my father a very long time ago. After getting only two holes drilled and the battery went dead I said time for a new drill. So I really do hope I can get some layout time in tomorrow. Pic..................Paul 2

Some older work, first pics

Ran one of my favorite trains.  I just converted all these cars to leds.  This consist now draws just a smidge over 2 amps. 

"Vincent, sounds like you had a good day across the border. Just wondering how you got them to sell you the train set? I see they have a suggested age range of 6-12! LOL"

Mike, they have a saying in Mexico: "If you have pesos, we'll sell you a train!"

Mike, Good job on the tortoises.

Elliot, I'm glad you got to spend time with your son!

Johan, Excellent detail!

Paul, Looks like you got a good drill now!

Dave- great work on the factories and loading docks. Some of your crews look familiar....I think they hopped a empty freight from my layout to yours. I like the hoods you made for the lights. I will probably steal that idea (full disclosure).

If that is the case, they are most welcome to jump ship, it just goes to prove that at times, the grass must appear greener on the other side!!   As to the thievery, for what other reason do we post and view?   I am honored to be able to contribute!!

Cheers, Dave

I assembled the track for my dead rail passenger train (which still needs to be assembled. And I set up an N scale freight train.

The painters came. They earned a cold beer, on the Company. 

Just took a few new shots...

Vincent Massi posted:

I assembled the track for my dead rail passenger train (which still needs to be assembled. And I set up an N scale freight train.

Vinvent,

If you are interested, there are some really cool designs for other locos and cars made of LEGO out there. Not official LEGO sets, but rather designs created by fans of LEGO. I'm kinda getting into LEGO myself and would be happy share some of what I've learned as far as finding designs and bricks with which to build if anyone is interested. 

At this point in my life, I probably have as many boxes of LEGO sets in storage as I do Trains and as many filed  away ideas for projects for both as well. 

Little Walter got a gift in the mail recently from Fortescue care of @M. Mitchell Marmel

I suppose it is never too early to get them hooked.

Sweet dreams...

Mark Boyce posted:

Mike, Good job on the tortoises.

Elliot, I'm glad you got to spend time with your son!

Johan, Excellent detail!

Paul, Looks like you got a good drill now!

 

Mark. Thank you.

Johan

Lee (P51) All your shots look wonderful, but the first, the B/W photo, looks like an actual photograph! I've said it once before, if there was an "afterlife" layout you could go to, I'd definitely be riding the train and visiting yours for quite a while!

Rusty

darlander posted:

Dave- great work on the factories and loading docks. Some of your crews look familiar....I think they hopped a empty freight from my layout to yours. I like the hoods you made for the lights. I will probably steal that idea (full disclosure).

If that is the case, they are most welcome to jump ship, it just goes to prove that at times, the grass must appear greener on the other side!!   As to the thievery, for what other reason do we post and view?   I am honored to be able to contribute!!

Cheers, Dave

Yes that's what the forum is all about. Along the same lines, I made some LED fixtures from a piece of balsa for a few spots. All good stuff.

Bob