Pennsylvania R.R. Let's see them!

I thought I would take a different tack on this thread. Yes my layout models the Elmira Branch referenced in the first one or two messages in this thread. I would show pictures of my layout, but it does not hold a candle to the pictures I see in this thread. As I stated, "a different tack".

The accompanying picture is taken at the Canandaigua Depot. It shows My Grandfather along side another gentleman. Apparently this gentleman lost a bet to my Grandfather and the result was that this gentleman had to roll this barrel down the Main Street of Canandaigua. My Grandfather lived on Reynolds Street in Elmira. To Catch his train he would run across the field where the Engineer would slow his train so my Grandfather could jump on to take the train to Sodus Point or in this case, Canandaigua.

Have a good weekend on your Pennsy Line,  U36 moving some PW double door x2758 boxcars and a x6454 car from 46 and a metal crummy HAGD support your Troops in Syria.

I thought again and decided to show some BMP's of my layout. The first picture is my original layout showing the 8x8 addition adding Penn Yan to the original 12x20.  The second picture shows the newest extension adding Marion and Canandaigua.

@Loose-Caboose posted:

I thought again and decided to show some BMP's of my layout. The first picture is my original layout showing the 8x8 addition adding Penn Yan to the original 12x20.  The second picture shows the newest extension adding Marion and Canandaigua.

Nice looking plans, got any pictures of what up now?  Like the addition Mark

This is a shot of the Main table

This is a shot of the Penn Yan wing

This is my newest wing. viewing my track pictures from above this would be the wing to the left. I am afraid to say this is a Picture from two to three years ago and it has not changed much. I have placed buildings but can't readily find a picture of such.

this picture is across the table before the Canandaigua/Marion wing was added.

And lastly this is my control panel going from left to right on the Transformers, the small transformer powers all my switches, the Z runs my command locomotives, the square Garden transformer provides power to my control Panel and lastly the vintage Z runs my conventional locomotives.  I use the Six BPC's to switch block between conventional and command or to turn the blocks off. The devices to the left and near are a mixture of ASC, ASC2 and vintage ASC3000.

@Loose-Caboose posted:

This is my newest wing. viewing my track pictures from above this would be the wing to the left. I am afraid to say this is a Picture from two to three years ago and it has not changed much. I have placed buildings but can't readily find a picture of such.

this picture is across the table before the Canandaigua/Marion wing was added.

And lastly this is my control panel going from left to right on the Transformers, the small transformer powers all my switches, the Z runs my command locomotives, the square Garden transformer provides power to my control Panel and lastly the vintage Z runs my conventional locomotives.  I use the Six BPC's to switch block between conventional and command or to turn the blocks off. The devices to the left and near are a mixture of ASC, ASC2 and vintage ASC3000.

Looks good Jim wish I had your space, Mark

Only the best ancient junk for me lol...

@Dennis Holler posted:

Only the best ancient junk for me lol...

Seen a old steamer like what your showing on ebay it was going for a couple hundred bucks plus, very nice great finds Dennis.

Mark

Thanks Mark,

Yeah, prices for these things are all over the place and depend on completeness, build quality and timing..... Usually, they need a lot of work as you can see just by looking at them lol.

Old junk is the best, you certainly remember this nice 1935 Scalecraft Dennis, after some work it runs great, just need to find correct decals....

Very Best,  Daniel

PRR MALLET 2-8-8-2 #374 with a coal drag; Overtaken by MR Hiawatha with an E-1 Bi-Polar on the point. BMT on the trestle.

@pennsyfan posted:

PRR MALLET 2-8-8-2 #374 with a coal drag; Overtaken by MR Hiawatha with an E-1 Bi-Polar on the point. BMT on the trestle.

Bob very nice video like that Mallet wtg keep those rails shinning! Mark

Thanks Mark

Not sure I have posted this video before.  I wanted a steam engine to use for local freight, switching several industries around the layout.  To do this, I needed an operating front coupler but did not want to use a switcher for this.  I had an electrolcoupler added to my K-Line Mikado to give me a road switcher.

@CAPPilot posted:

Not sure I have posted this video before.  I wanted a steam engine to use for local freight, switching several industries around the layout.  To do this, I needed an operating front coupler but did not want to use a switcher for this.  I had an electrolcoupler added to my K-Line Mikado to give me a road switcher.

Sharp steamer Ron very nice! Great idea on that coupler. Mark

I can't fit an O gauge Mallet on my layout but I have a beauty from Rivarossi that lived on my old HO.....

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

I can't fit an O gauge Mallet on my layout but I have a beauty from Rivarossi that lived on my old HO.....

Bob

MTH Pennsy Mallet waiting orders, HAGD Support your Troops in Syria!

The Pennsylvania Passenger service full of passengers enjoying dinner and some cocktails as they take in the scenery, as some Hobos have dinner and some fine brew.

Happy Easter Pennsy Fans! PW Lionel Turbine moving some Easter eggs. God Speed and have a safe Easter!

LIRR Bobber Caboose # 22. These were in use from the late 1800's  thru 1925. At the time, the LIRR was a subsidiary of the PRR.

Happy Easter.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

LIRR Bobber Caboose # 22. These were in use from the late 1800's  thru 1925. At the time, the LIRR was a subsidiary of the PRR.

Happy Easter.

Bob

Bob sharp looking layout you have a lot of action, Before relocating had a 24 x 18 layout wish I had that space after seeing the great layouts on OGR.  Like that bobber, Have a Great Easter!

Mark

@Sitka posted:

Happy Easter Pennsy Fans! PW Lionel Turbine moving some Easter eggs. God Speed and have a safe Easter!

Love the EASTER EGG TRAIN Mark. 🥚🥚🥚🥚🥚

@Sitka posted:

Happy Easter Pennsy Fans! PW Lionel Turbine moving some Easter eggs. God Speed and have a safe Easter!

Indeed! Happy and Joyous Easter to all! Your PW turbine looks brand new, Mark. It also looks like she has a higher intensity headlamp. Nice job!

@CAPPilot posted:

Not sure I have posted this video before.  I wanted a steam engine to use for local freight, switching several industries around the layout.  To do this, I needed an operating front coupler but did not want to use a switcher for this.  I had an electrolcoupler added to my K-Line Mikado to give me a road switcher.

Did your Mike have a "Tab" coupler on the pilot that you replaced with the electrocoupler or did you have to "kitbash" the entire assembly? As Mark notes, it looks like she came with that electrocoupler. I'd really like to retrofit all my small switchers with EC's but don't know how difficult it might be.

@Bill Swatos posted:

Did your Mike have a "Tab" coupler on the pilot that you replaced with the electrocoupler or did you have to "kitbash" the entire assembly? As Mark notes, it looks like she came with that electrocoupler. I'd really like to retrofit all my small switchers with EC's but don't know how difficult it might be.

It originally came with the non-operational scale coupler found on most steamers.  The body had to be modified to fit in the electro-coupler.  Here is a pic of it with its original coupler.  The issue is the opening for the coupler, it needs to be greatly enlarged for even O-72.

@CAPPilot posted:

It originally came with the non-operational scale coupler found on most steamers.  The body had to be modified to fit in the electro-coupler.  Here is a pic of it with its original coupler.  The issue is the opening for the coupler, it needs to be greatly enlarged for even O-72.

Another question: how did you get the "fire front coupler" function installed? I just realized that "fire anywhere" EC operation will not be possible without proper electronics.

@CAPPilot posted:

It originally came with the non-operational scale coupler found on most steamers.  The body had to be modified to fit in the electro-coupler.  Here is a pic of it with its original coupler.  The issue is the opening for the coupler, it needs to be greatly enlarged for even O-72.

Ron you have some great looking engines! Like how you kept it all Pennsy wish I went that theme.

Mark

@Sitka posted:

Bob sharp looking layout you have a lot of action, Before relocating had a 24 x 18 layout wish I had that space after seeing the great layouts on OGR.  Like that bobber, Have a Great Easter!

Mark

Thanks Mark. I've tried to pack in as much as possible on my 4x8 layout.  I like to make the scenery as realistic as possible. I'd kill for even half the space you have now.

Well.....I have the space, just need to remove one 18 y/o son from it first

Bob

@Bill Swatos posted:

Another question: how did you get the "fire front coupler" function installed? I just realized that "fire anywhere" EC operation will not be possible without proper electronics.

Bill, not sure of your question.  The engine came with basic TMCC and I had it upgraded with ERR Cruise Commander and RS4, 4 chuffs/rev, smoke fan, plus the front couplers.  I did not do the upgrade, so I don't know what was involved to add the front coupler.

@Sitka posted:

Ron you have some great looking engines! Like how you kept it all Pennsy wish I went that theme.

Mark

Mark, thank you.  I saw my brother's prewar Marx collection get out of hand as he bought more and more stuff, and my father-in-law bought what he liked and ran some incorrect combinations, like a PRR engine with a SF caboose, which wasn't my thing.  When I got into trains late in life I made the decision, after some not well thought out purchases, to limit my layout to the PRR (and a few engines from connecting roads) and only those items that would have been seen it 1949.  This included not only trains, but cars, buildings, and paint schemes.  Why did a Californian pick Pennsy?  It was my father-in-law's favorite railroad.

I was doing pretty good at staying the course until I bought the K-Line L2.  It was gone off the PRR's rails by early 1948.  The detail on this engine is really great, and I wanted to keep it.  So, I came up with the story that this one (of 5) wasn't stored and went straight to the cutter's torch in 1949.

Then I had the opportunity to buy a 3rd Rail PRR Q1, a great looking engine with those tall drivers.  Like the L2, this engine was last seen on the rails in 1948 but still on the roster and supposedly stored until mid-1949.  My story for this one is it did operate until it's end and that it was never stored.

I have a few non-Pennsy freight cars with schemes that may not have made it to 1949, and a few 1950 vehicles, but I just ignore those.  One rail car that is obviously wrong is my N8 cabin which is marked as new in 2-50, the year they were first built.  I got it as part of a set, and I really like this style and it gives me something different than all the N5 and N6 cabins out there.  Haven't come up with a plausible story for this one yet.

You see on this forum a lot of "it is your railroad, do what you want" to justify whatever you like.  Part of the fun for me, at least now, is researching everything before I buy it to make sure it fits my theme.  The same goes for my Bicentennial collection.

By the way, from my hap hazard research the Pennsy had a total of 70 different types of engines still running in 1949; 33 steam, 8 electric, and 29 diesel (note: this counts varients, like the three different K4 configurations).  To bad a lot of them are not available in O scale.

@CAPPilot posted:

Bill, not sure of your question.  The engine came with basic TMCC and I had it upgraded with ERR Cruise Commander and RS4, 4 chuffs/rev, smoke fan, plus the front couplers.  I did not do the upgrade, so I don't know what was involved to add the front coupler.

Thanks, Ron. You answered my questions exactly. Can you let me know who did your upgrade? I will ask if WBB locos with "True Blast" sound & associated control boards can be upgraded.

@CAPPilot posted:

Mark, thank you.  I saw my brother's prewar Marx collection get out of hand as he bought more and more stuff, and my father-in-law bought what he liked and ran some incorrect combinations, like a PRR engine with a SF caboose, which wasn't my thing.  When I got into trains late in life I made the decision, after some not well thought out purchases, to limit my layout to the PRR (and a few engines from connecting roads) and only those items that would have been seen it 1949.  This included not only trains, but cars, buildings, and paint schemes.  Why did a Californian pick Pennsy?  It was my father-in-law's favorite railroad.

I was doing pretty good at staying the course until I bought the K-Line L2.  It was gone off the PRR's rails by early 1948.  The detail on this engine is really great, and I wanted to keep it.  So, I came up with the story that this one (of 5) wasn't stored and went straight to the cutter's torch in 1949.

Then I had the opportunity to buy a 3rd Rail PRR Q1, a great looking engine with those tall drivers.  Like the L2, this engine was last seen on the rails in 1948 but still on the roster and supposedly stored until mid-1949.  My story for this one is it did operate until it's end and that it was never stored.

I have a few non-Pennsy freight cars with schemes that may not have made it to 1949, and a few 1950 vehicles, but I just ignore those.  One rail car that is obviously wrong is my N8 cabin which is marked as new in 2-50, the year they were first built.  I got it as part of a set, and I really like this style and it gives me something different than all the N5 and N6 cabins out there.  Haven't come up with a plausible story for this one yet.

You see on this forum a lot of "it is your railroad, do what you want" to justify whatever you like.  Part of the fun for me, at least now, is researching everything before I buy it to make sure it fits my theme.  The same goes for my Bicentennial collection.

By the way, from my hap hazard research the Pennsy had a total of 70 engines still running in 1949; 33 steam, 8 electric, and 29 diesel.  To bad a lot of them are not available in O scale.

Very Impressive the way you run your Railroad and taking the time to run them to standard, I like my PW Lionel (MPC also) have a few PS-1 Railking some K-line and Williams engines. Again great job and you do have some very sharp Engines.

Mark

Happy PRRE.........

........a Pa. yard.

Managed to pick up this 1960 vintage Max Gray PRR N6b brass caboose recently for a good price.  Even had the original reciept in the bottom of the box $14.50 in 1960.  It fits right in with my N6a which is an old diecast Saginaw from about 1940. Pretty sure the Saginal N6a was only made for a couple of years at most.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Happy PRRE.........

........a Pa. yard.

Nice looking fleet of Pennsy Power Dallas

Today with the sun shinning, my wife and I took the Cadillac V out along Lake Ontario to Sodus Point from Rochester. This Railroad town has surely changed. Any indications that the Elmira Branch terminated there are long gone. The only part of the coal trestle left are concrete pylons on either side of the Rte 14. Now it is Marinas as far as you can see. Even the old Hop House is storage for boats. It is a far cry from 50 or 60 years ago when my dad and I would go hunting for the perfect sailboat and reminisce about my Grandfather's stories of railroading on the Elmira Branch.

@Sitka posted:

Nice looking fleet of Pennsy Power Dallas

I thank you Mark.......

.......it was a real treat trying to get all these Pennsy  girls to change places with the other road locos.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

I thank you Mark.......

.......it was a real treat trying to get all these Pennsy  girls to change places with the other road locos.

A hard task that you tackled and won! Nice looking traffic jam Dallas

Some Pennsy action have a cold beer on this cold upstate NY day. God and Country