Mark, you've come a long way in 5 years. You are inspiring me to keep going with mine, be it ever so slow.
John
Here are a couple videos as Youngstown Bill requested.
The first video just shows a pan of the view as I walk in the door of the train room to give a lay of the land.
This one is a video inside the layout main operating area is of the RailKing Western Maryland Pacific #204 pulling a 4-car train of heavyweights. I started the video with the train running below the camera to give a bit of continuity from the first video. The semi-scale RailKing train doesn't look too bad as it passes scale engines and cars. These are the only semi-scale models I run on the layout.
Here is the Altoona Model Works Branchline Station kit as it stands now. The instruction sheets are very well done. I'm following it exactly as directed. So far it is a simple box of Masonite sheathed with thin clapboard siding sections. It has gone together well with Ailene's glue as suggested in the instructions. The next step is to paint the shell, the roof sections, and the doors, windows, and trim. I'll use Western Maryland gray with red trim.
And now for something completely different!
As an aside, I took a few shots of the CN (former B&LE) train going past the Cleveland Cliffs (former Armco) plant as I was going into the Rite Aid pharmacy. There were two engines on the point, and two engines pushing. This is the end of the train, and all the hoppers are still lettered BLE. I finally got photographs that show road numbers of some engines to look up what they are. I can't tell one modern engine from another. These are both SD70M-2, engine numbers 8804 and 8827 on the end.
(And no; I am not standing beside my car. My car is at least 15 years older.) 
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@BlueComet400 posted:Mark, you've come a long way in 5 years. You are inspiring me to keep going with mine, be it ever so slow
John
Thank you very much, John!!!
Great progress Mark
You and GRJ always aspire me to get back at my layout. 
I was busy in November preparing for winter; I live in NH. I spent December in Canada, visiting my family. Now, I'm ready to get back at my model railroad.
Mark, the video is really nice. You have a lot of action with the railroad, town etc.
Keep inspiring us!
No one ever expects the B&LE!
Thanks so much for the video! I'm jealous that you can run some trains! I can't wait to get to that point.
Great catch on the trains! I didn't know Cleveland Cliffs acquired a plant in Butler. I also didn't know CN came down here.
Thank you, Keith, Bob, Steve, and Bill!
Keith, That is good you can settle down for the winter and work on your layout!!
Bob, I guess there is a lot you can do on a layout to make it seem like a lot of activity before you get real scenery started.
Steve, A often see B&LE, now CN, trains in addition to the Cliffs diesel, and the B&P on my side of the Connoquenessing Crick with Pennsylvania Route 8 in the foreground from that old, rather run down shopping center. We live high up on the hill above it, and we frequent Rite Aid, Dollar General, and Ace Hardware. I usually don't get a chance for a good photograph, though.
Bill, I know it is hard to wait on building a layout while you have to prepare a room. You are doing it the right way. Get some basic backdrop on that Masonite before you get to building too much benchwork. I was fussing with backdrop standing on my two-step platform reaching over to get the backdrop secured, and as can be seen in the videos, places on the backdrop still need work.
Yes, Cleveland Cliffs acquired Armco/AK two years ago, I believe. They also got the main plant in Middletown, Ohio. CN acquired the B&LE 5 to 10 years ago I suppose, but it has only been the last couple years that I am seeing their own power instead of the older B&LE engines. They still operate a yard just north of Butler and interchange with the B&P there near the B&P shops easily seen from US 422 and Pennsylvania Rt 68. There is still a lot of railroad action for a town of 13,000. Then they head south to North Bessemer at Unity Junction east of Pittsburgh. If you are on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, you can see the end of the yard there a mile or two east of the Turnpike and Bessemer Allegheny River crossing. I grew up in the rural part of the county along the B&O, but CSX now runs few trains since they bought the P&LE water level route.
Thank you everyone for looking and commenting!!
@palallin posted:No one ever expects the B&LE!
Our chief weapons are fear and surprise.......
Nice videos Mark. As I'm watching it occurred to me that the grades are workable on the 11' wall. When I get to rebuild one day, my longest dimension is 12'. Two-level operation is a must have for me.
Bob
Looking great Mark!! I miss going to the Bessemer yard! Really miss watching the Union RR too!
Thank you, Bob and Pete!
Bob, The grade against the wall is 4%. The SCARM plan showed it at 3.7%, so I used Woodland Scenics foam risers. Then I tapered the grade at the top and bottom for a smooth transition, making the grade less there. You should be good to go in 12 feet. One engine can pull a normal train up the 4%. I needed a helper only when I ran a 10-car hopper train up the grade, but extra engines was the whole point of the exercise. I wanted to double head on the point and have a rear pusher for fun! The other grade was a little less on SCARM, then I lengthened the tangent tracks making for a slightly longer run over the trestles lessening the grade slightly.
Pete, I knew right away from your profile name "Little Giant" that you are interested in the P&LE and this area. Yes 1035 miles is a little far to go railfanning. I have only watched trains at the Bessemer yard on video. Thank you for joining in on the discussion!!!
Since we moved back to the area in '95, we first lived close to the Bessemer & Lake Erie yard and Buffalo & Pittsburgh shops north of Butler, then bought my wife's grandparents' house on the hill south of town almost overlooking the Armco/AK Steel/Cliffs plant. They do a lot of switching there too.
@Mark Boyce posted:Bob, The grade against the wall is 4%. The SCARM plan showed it at 3.7%, so I used Woodland Scenics foam risers. Then I tapered the grade at the top and bottom for a smooth transition, making the grade less there. You should be good to go in 12 feet. One engine can pull a normal train up the 4%.
I can't believe that's 4%. It looks reasonable. People always say 4% isn't a good idea but that looks fine to me!
Did you just set the transition as you felt necessary? I haven't seen any rule of thumb or anything for getting up to the grade.
Bill, Since the prototype Western Maryland Railway Black Fork Grade is over 3.5%, 4% seemed the logical choice. Way back 5 years ago, I tested my engines pulling cars up various grades I mocked up on the floor. As I recall all the engines could pull trains of the lengths I would use on this small layout up even steeper grades. Perhaps those who are saying that is too steep are pulling trains of 10, 20, 30 cars up long grades on much longer layouts. Then I could see they could get in trouble.
The transitions were really trial and error. On past layouts, I used the old cookie cutter method of cutting the plywood and putting in risers to make any grade I wanted with automatic easy transitions from horizontal to the grade. On this layout, since the SCARM grades were near 4% and my carpentry skills are digressing, I copped out and used Woodland Scenics 4% foam risers. The problem with them is, you have to taper into the grade at the bottom of the grade and then back out to horizontal at the top. I had one steam engine that kept shorting out at the bottom of the grade, and front wheels would lift off the track at the top of the grade. I did so much cutting and shimming, it would have been easier to go back to the cookie cutter I learned back in the old Kalmbach Publishing book, 'HO Railroad that Grows' that I just about wore out when I was a teenager in the late '60s and early '70s. If I build another layout, I'll go back to the plywood cookie cutter method for sure!
I feel like the warnings I've read were to stay under 3% but I also found up to 5.5% worked ok and still looked good.
I thought it might be something like this I'm more nervous about working up to the grade than the grade itself!
Bill, I just laid a long board on the floor, then propped up one end with blocks of wood, and laid straight track on it. I put an engine with so many cars an the track, applied power, and tested it out.
As has been said time and time again on this forum and other places, it is ultimately your railroad; do what you like and what works.
Good morning, Mark, the videos are great! You sure have come a long way from the time I joined the forum! Everything looks like it's going to be a fun RR to run and when you get the scenery done, I bet it's going to look outstanding! Thanks for the update and I will be being PMing you with a question about your video!
I hope you have a great day and are staying safe!
Mark,
Good idea on the testing methodology and likewise, the advice on transition also makes a lot of sense. Common sense applies. I can recall as a kid being able to pull my three passenger cars with a magnetraction Hudson up a steep grade of Lionel trestle since I had to do so in a short distance - I believe it was probably a 4x10 or so layout. I also did so with a short freight. But I do remember it wouldn’t work if there were curves involved or if I began adding more cars. The takeaways from that is it depends on what you want to accomplish. So using your advice, include curves and a typical consist in the testing, and if it works, you’re set! If you have plans for something more, then think twice?
Bob
A variable to keep in mind is that a curve on a grade adds significantly to the difficulty an engine has pulling its train. I had to rethink my previous layout because there was a relatively gentle grade on a curve, and one of my engines just couldn't make it up the hill pulling more than 2 cars.
Thank you, Mike, Bob, Steve!
Mike, I’m glad to see you aren’t shoveling snow. It is cold, but no snow here. I’ll be looking for your message.
Bob and Steve, you are both right about curves hindering pulling power. I knew that going in, but didn’t test it. I was fortunate to get away with it here. So, Bill definitely keep it in mind. I appreciate Bob and Steve mentioning it, so I don’t lead you astray!!
Hey Mark, I forget to mention the other day that I finally got in watching the two videos you posted above. Yeah, it took a bit to get them in because of how active things were this past weekend(Go Steelers). I really do enjoy a nice slow steam locomotive just going through the motions(as it were) climbing up and coming back down. Also working on that Altoona Model Works Station, brave. I have not even started working on my New Haven Signal Tower. I just don't seem to have the time to sit down and work on something that will take a bit. I think I need to pick up some supplies still that I haven't got around to picking up. Ugh. Everything looks dang good so far Mark.
Dave, I'm glad you got a chance to view the videos. I like slower trains, in fact, that is one reason I went with HO when young, because all the Lionel trains I saw then were run fast. Of course that was at the end of the postwar era, where slow speed control wasn't available. The slower train makes the trip seem longer and the layout larger. It takes almost 3 minutes to go around the small layout.
I considered the Altoona Model Works Station a step to build up to the more intricate Carolina Craftsman Kit station I have. This one has been straightforward, so far. Yes, Western Pennsylvanians are pumped up over the Steelers seemingly impossible entry to the playoffs.
Just caught up with everything.......I love the video with the Western Maryland heavyweight consist......MTH can motors with traction tires and speed control make it effortless!
I look forward to mare progress....
Peter
@Mark Boyce posted:I like slower trains,
This is one major difference between operating as a kid and operating now. Now I love the slow train when I run the modern stuff. It looks realistic and I like hearing the defined chuffs instead of the clatter of cars rolling along. I don't know how many times I rolled my poor 4-4-2 off the track as a kid because I was setting land speed records.
The old heavy post war engines have their own sounds when you turn up the throttle though! No railsounds needed haha
Thank you Peter and Bill!
Peter, I'm glad you liked the videos. You are right, these engines do a great job compared to what we had growing up!
Bill, I said something similar at the Zelienople club meeting last evening. We are planning a small modular layout with several loops. Someone asked if we were going to put in switches. We agreed for a modular setup for the public we wouldn't. My comment was that kids just want to see trains go round and round; and yes, the faster the better. 
Great videos Mark! The older I get, the slower I go and so do my trains... LOL
I hear you well on that, John!! Thank you, I’m glad you liked the videos.
I have been experimenting with different trains. I discovered I do have enough time to switch a train while the other traverses the layout. For instance, The log train was on the main line when the passenger train passed it using the passing siding. While I let the passenger train circle the layout, I moved the log train to the passing siding.
Last evening I pulled a Premier PS2 B&O Mike and caboose off the shelf for a first ride on the layout. I haven't setup a train with it yet.
Here is the latest on the Altoona Model Works Branch Line station. It is really a Masonite box with sheathing attached. I intend to put it on the corner as you walk in the door replacing on old Lionel freight station. I'm not going to try to open the freight doors to detail inside the loading area, but will make the roof removable and detail the freight desk area inside the bay window at a later time. There will be a nice dock around all 4 sides that can be detailed with all kinds of stuff and people as time permits.
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Coming along nicely, Mark!!!
Peter
Mark you are making great progress and it really looking good keep up the great work. At the rate you are going you may have to un retire to keep busy with the layout finished!🤣😄🚂🚂
Awesome layout so far, by the way as i know you been looking at the early design of mine your way further along than me but i am actually following your topic, i got 60 pages to read to see all the things you did on yours. I am going to take any lessons learned and examples especially with your scenary designs and your track elevations with the foam and woodland scenics project because we have decided to engage elevating my main line at this point which i plan to incorporate your elevation idea you did as far as materials and how to do it. Your layout is very similar to my space and this helps me understand what i can do and to see yours running is also huge encouragement to me because i know at some point i will be running trains just like you! As i look at yours run i envision take it slow, do it right , test it as i go and dont jump into things take my time as this isn't a rush hobby.
What i did do, to tickle my itch of having a train run, i have lots of fast track i took down and some lighted christmas fasttrack i lay on the floor to just run my locos and watch them steam, even just something as simple as watching them steam and run keeps is something that i really enjoy. It doesn't take much with this hobby to make me happy
Mark,
The building is coming along quite nicely. Keep us posted when you get to the next step.
Dave
Thank you, Peter, Rick, Dave Hall, Dave Luvindemtrains!
Rick, I certainly hope I don't have to unretire! I can certainly keep busy with something!! 
Dave Hall, There are certainly lessons to be learned on this 63 pages. I mentioned a few on your design topic. You are learning well. You will see in these 63 pages how I scrapped one plan before building benchwork, started a second plan, only to move to a larger room, then abandon the larger layout space when our older daughter couldn't move her piano and other furniture as planned. Some concepts held through the whole time, and others were developed. Also, you will see on Plan D (the current one) that I added track features after track was laid according to the SCARM plan! I'm glad to have you following along!!!!
Dave Luvindemtrains, I will keep updating the progress on the station. I hope to use it to build confidence on laser cut structures to tackle the Thomas, West Virginia station kit from Carolina Craftsman Kits.
Now that is some great stuff Mark. Whenever I get mine built, there'll be two main lines and some sidings, a shorter inner loop for whatever purpose I guess I could use. There's supposed to be a river coming up on that end so I need 3 bridges(short) to have over there. Of course it would be great if I had the room cleared and was building, but been sick for a spell and nothing has been getting done in what spare time I have. This past weekend was really annoying with being sick, even missed Mondays work because of it. I guess I'll be tuning in some football this weekend in my spare time as well. I just need to recover I guess.
Mark the station is a nice addition.
Model Tech Studios offers some nice pieces for a station… train dispatcher, REA agent sorting mail, etc. Not cheap but what we have purchased appears to be quality stuff and looks good.
Glad to see the progress continuing.
Thank you, Dave and Bill!
Dave, I'm sorry you have been under the weather and hope you get back to normal soon. I've sure had some times recently where I didn't feel like doing anything on the layout, or wasn't even supposed to go down to the train room. Take a load off and root on you favorite team(s) to victory! In these parts, folks are sad the season is over for the Steelers, but I think most are proud of what they did considering the needs they had at certain positions and players' health. #7 can now join #12 in the discussions on which was the best QB.
Bill, I looked at the first couple pages of Model Tech Studios O scale items and bookmarked the page. They do look great! That is one advantage of a small layout, you can make it look presentable with less things.
@Mark Boyce posted:Thank you, Dave and Bill!
Dave, I'm sorry you have been under the weather and hope you get back to normal soon. I've sure had some times recently where I didn't feel like doing anything on the layout, or wasn't even supposed to go down to the train room. Take a load off and root on you favorite team(s) to victory! In these parts, folks are sad the season is over for the Steelers, but I think most are proud of what they did considering the needs they had at certain positions and players' health. #7 can now join #12 in the discussions on which was the best QB.
Bill, I looked at the first couple pages of Model Tech Studios O scale items and bookmarked the page. They do look great! That is one advantage of a small layout, you can make it look presentable with less things.
Yup, stinks on ice as the old saying goes. I told a few people at work that I've never had it that bad of what I had. Only person that would know I can't ask, mom. She knew how to fix you, just like all mother's.
Yeah, I wish I could get going on the layout, would be great to start working and moving along. I guess that will come in due time as they say.
As far as team, only one, Steelers born and bred I guess the saying would go. There are a few teams I'll watch because I love football. Big Ben will get to Canton. A remarkable career with tons of hits on him, and the ability to keep the dry alive. Almost sounds like a steam locomotive, keep on rolling as it were. See what comes.
Oh, BTW, be very interring to see how that station finishes up. I can remember in my HO days regretting gluing doors shut instead of having them open. Ah, but part of the mystery would be what's going on behind closed doors I suppose, eh?
Dave, about the doors. These doors could be cut and placed in the open position. I would assume the way to do it would be to cut a 1/16" or so below the valence windows so they have a non-opening frame underneath. Then cut the remaining door in half and position them opening in so as not to foul the loading dock that still needs installed. Here is a cropped photograph for a close up. I'm going to add the door frame trim as is. If I change my mind, I can always pop the doors out and start hacking away.
For now, my story is that it is rapidly going down to zero degrees tonight, and they closed the doors as soon as they are done moving something in or out. 
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Mark Boyce, I sure enjoyed watching the above videos, especially the double header Western Maryland locomotives pulling the long string of beautiful coal cars with another Western Maryland pusher/helper locomotive and beautiful caboose trailing the train. The up and over plan is so cool. I enjoyed the chuffing rhythm of the trains, so relaxing. Your trains ran smoothly and showed no problems with your great track work. You’ve come a long way, yes your Black Water Canyon Railroad has come a long long way. Keep up the great work. You also have some really nice buildings and stations, awesome. Happy Railroading Everyone
I echo leapinlarry. The smoothness suggests attention to detail and careful work when laying the track, doing the wiring, and maintaining the locos.
Thank you, Larry and Steve!
Larry, I liked the chuffing of all three engines as well. In my teenage years, I always played the radio with the Pittsburgh Top 40 AM station playing while running my HO train or working on the layout. Of course, the engines had no sound, and we couldn't pick up the FM station. With engine sounds, I never play music but listen to the music of those nice sound systems MTH and Lionel have produced.
As all of us know, the builder of anything knows where every flaw is, but the viewer doesn't see them. I did spend a lot of time on the track. Memories of early 1980's N scale steam engines' poor running on the slightest flaw in track may have inspired me to putting in the effort now. I am unhappy with a few places. The grade on the K-Line plastic trestle bents is one area. However, that is still considered temporary, so I quit fooling with it since every engine and car negotiates that area fine. The lower lift up bridge is the major offender. I tore that apart several times trying to shim everything to get a smoother transition from the table to the bridge on both ends. Nothing derails anymore, so I quit fooling with it. The cars make the still familiar clickety clack sound as they go over the joints, which brings back old memories. The upper bridge hides the trains enough from the camera angle in the videos, so that wasn't so noticeable to the viewer.
How timely you both mention the track. Last evening, I was running the B&O Mike and had trouble with both the pilot and trailing wheels derailing as I backed it out of the siding over switches. It tracks fine going forward. I haven't had that trouble with the Consolidations or the Decapod. Maybe it is something with that engine, since I bought it pretty well used from a Forum member at a really generous discount, but have hardly run it. I'll look into it some more.
