CPR Mountain Division “Kicking Yahk Pass”(April 29 2020)

Looking good Al!  Keep the updates coming.

 I've been busy working on detailing a few structures and repairing/modifying a recent ebay purchase that was damaged in shipping(3rd Rail CN U2g). 

Al

  Here is a quick vid showing my new MTH CNR 6069 Set. Also MTH CPR F7s hauling the "Dominion"

Al

 A few more Vids of the F7s and an MTH FM Trainmaster. I am still in the process of converting the 3rd Rail CNR U2g to PS2. Should have it going in the next couple of days, I hope.

 Layout wise, I'm happy with the current track plan and need to wire all the turnouts to the AIU. 

   Then, hopefully back to some scenery...

Al

The F-7's are nice! One of my favorite color schemes.  The layout is build is moving along. The gorge/valley change will look good.

  Here are a few pics of projects I'm working on.

   I decided to paint the scratch built CPR caboose, built from Evergreen styrene and pvc pipe(roof). Still more details to add on.

   I have also repaired the 3rd Rail CNR U2g. This entailed resoldering tender handrails(and removing incorrect piping from tender sides). Also, I figured I would rework the valve hanger assembly to closer resemble the prototype. It still has a glitch in the upgraded PS2 I installed from another loco, but that's another story.

 Al

Al, the CP box car coupled to the caboose, did you letter that one yourself ? I don't know of any manufacturer doing a car with that CP lettering scheme. 

Canadian 

     Pacific

         Railway

 

 

 Hello Arthur, yes I ended up repainting a few Atlas 40' boxcars with the gothic "Stepped" lettering. They are my favorite, but nobody has produced these in single or 6 car sets.

   I used CDS lettering after spraying them with red oxide primer

 Al

 Just finished re-assembling an MTH Crossing Tower, after re-painting. Lots of detail that's hidden comes out after the detailing. Also, working to get this DCS issue resolved now, with the CN Northern. 

 Hopefully, get back on track with layout building. I will be cutting out another access location, as well, so I can get where I need to be when it's scenary time.

Al

 

 

 

A few short vids....

Very nice Albert!  Isn't it encouraging when you get trains running proving your plan worked!

  Mark, it's always important to be able to run a train, no matter what stage of construction a person is at. 

   Life has a funny way of throwing curve balls at you and it's nice to know one can retreat to the basement for train Runnin therapy, when needed.

 Last year was tough and I had the layout in a mess(more of a mess lol). No trains were able to run and it was overwhelming at times, where I just didn't have the energy or time to get things goin again.

 No matter how big or small your layout is, make sure at the end of your work session, you can RUN A TRAIN(if possible)

 That's my soapbox speech for now

 Have Fun! This is a Great hobby

Al

 Well, I'm happy to say I just started a new full time job this week, so not much happening on my RR till today.

 I am starting on the TT and roundhouse and and starting with the Roundhouse construction, combining 2 Atlas kits.

   Took about an hour or so to unpackage all of the parts ALL wrapped in plastic(potential rust issues?)

   Anyways, I have started by painting the 2 main colours I have chosen(see pics)

 Gotta go and start Masking parts and paint, so I can hopefully start construction

   Thanx for looking!

Al

 Just finished up painting the base colours for the Roundhouse. Ran out of paint for the bricks, so I went with good Ole red primer(pretty much exact match). All windows, doors, gutters a roof are painted flat black.

   I will probably paint the mortar lines on the walls(since I've gone this far).

 Al

Al, looks great!!  Good colors!!  I am always cramped for space, so I can see myself using my car hood as a table.  Good thing I drive a 2004, won't mind if I put a blemish on it!

  Yet another update on the Roundhouse build. I have applied the mortar treatment to all the walls and have started to cement together the stall floors. I am going to glue only the front and back section for now, in one stall modules.

 I am using vice grips to clamp the joints flush together after applying cement.

Al

  I have been busy working my 1st week at the new job, so layout work has been somewhat delayed, mainly the Roundhouse construction. While still in progress, I decided to run trains(since I was out of glue and paint).

 It was time to run one of my Selkirks, so I have posted a few vids of #5931, pulling a time freight along the recently revised lower mainline.

Al

 Roundhouse finally done(for now), with only lights to install.

   Al

 I have been doing some wiring, mainly an MTH terminal board and Fastrack controllers.

   Another, older short clip showing the backside of the layout on the new main. Notice the "clickety clack" after the engine passes.

Al

 New job has been super busy and when I finally get home, with the intention of "workin" on the layout, it just hasn't been happening as much as I'd like to. Extending the wiring on Fastrak switch controllers is a PITA as it involves workin under the layout. Not much fun with all the surprises in gettin older(you know)...anyways, I thought it would be fun to run some CP steam around the layout . Just to relax and imagine 12 of the new CPR Lionel box cars, in trains all over the layout. Enjoy!

 Al

Nice Al! Coming along really nicely!

Rod

  Busy at work, but I found some time to run a my CP P2e Mike. Painting a 4 bay hopper and 8000 gal tank car into CP 50's colors(black). Just a short video of the Mike on the point of the Dominion.

Al

  Quick update, been busy at the new job so not much energy to work on the layout but acquiring some additional GN power.

  Lastest addition, an MTH R2. Here is a short vid of the break in runs

Al

Albert, it's a hobby. You do what you feel like when you feel like it.

It's coming along. Thanks for updating when you can.

What's the latest, Al?  I understand if you are too busy at work and other obligations.

 Reality can play havoc with train time for sure.

 New job is going well and life is somewhat returning to normal.

 I have had time to rework the east yard and get rid of some of the reverse S curves on the ladder. Also, worked on bridges

Here is a quick vid

Al

Al,

Glad to see life is getting back to normal.  The layout is looking very good!  Two very nice locomotives!!  How do you like working with the Woodland Scenics risers and the white Styrofoam?  I take it that is what you are using.

   Hello Mark,

   No Woodlands Scenic here. I couldn't afford it...lol. I used 3" 4' x 8' Styrofoam from Home Depot that I cut into various widths for risers and grades.

It has been great to work with, as I have re-arranged the track on numerous occasions, re-locating grades etc.

  I think I'm finally getting to where I'm happy with the track plan and getting ideas for mountain placement etc. I will be purchasing another 4x8 sheet of Styrofoam for mountain construction

 Al

albertstrains posted:

   Hello Mark,

   No Woodlands Scenic here. I couldn't afford it...lol. I used 3" 4' x 8' Styrofoam from Home Depot that I cut into various widths for risers and grades.

It has been great to work with, as I have re-arranged the track on numerous occasions, re-locating grades etc.

  I think I'm finally getting to where I'm happy with the track plan and getting ideas for mountain placement etc. I will be purchasing another 4x8 sheet of Styrofoam for mountain construction

 Al

Albert

How did you cut the Styrofoam to set the grade?

Hello Keith

 If you check some of the earlier posts in this thread, I go thru how I laid out the grades and curves. I have a BlackBerry so it's a real pain to figure out how to re-post the earlier pics of the layout..lol

Al

albertstrains posted:

   Hello Mark,

   No Woodlands Scenic here. I couldn't afford it...lol. I used 3" 4' x 8' Styrofoam from Home Depot that I cut into various widths for risers and grades.

It has been great to work with, as I have re-arranged the track on numerous occasions, re-locating grades etc.

  I think I'm finally getting to where I'm happy with the track plan and getting ideas for mountain placement etc. I will be purchasing another 4x8 sheet of Styrofoam for mountain construction

 Al

Al,

My assessment on WS as well!  I'll look back through your topic as I forgot the beginning!  lol  Thank you for the tips!

Mark, not a problem I've done a few times in the past as well lol. If you have access to a table saw and are safely able to do it yourself(and a good shop vac), you can easily build your grades and curves for cheap $$

Al

Al,

I see back on Dec 31st a guy named Mark Boyce wrote this,

"This is the first I have seen your layout build topic.  You have made great progress.  I like your method of building track risers out of foam.  Also, I am glad you got a new job even though it does tire you out.  Thanks for sharing."

After reviewing what he was referring to, I agree with Mark!  I like your method a lot.  I have a shop vac, but need a table saw as I plan to build a new 12 x 12 layout next year.

Thank you for sharing!!

albertstrains posted:

Hi George

 The Atlas TT and 2 roundhouse kit bases are on the layout. I will try show them in the next video

Al

Looking good  I love my atlas turntable and round houses 

   I have done very little with my layout, other than tweaking the grades and re-aligning track.

   My main project has been the coaling tower, which mostly finished now. Here are a few vids and pics of some trains

Al

Al,

In the second video, the CP reefer just ahead of the THB boxcar, did you letter that yourself ?

Haven't seen that car done by any of the manufactures, maybe one I missed ?

The coal tower looks great!  I think your grades work well!  Thanks for the update!

Hi Arthur the TH&B box is an Atlas model. Hello Mark thank you! Al

albertstrains posted:

Hi Arthur the TH&B box is an Atlas model. Hello Mark thank you! Al

Al, not the THB boxcar, got that, who's car is the CP reefer coupled in front of the THB boxcar ?

Thanks.