That does look like a handy tool!
Mark Boyce posted:That does look like a handy tool!
I think it is. I used to cut the pegboard and it zipped through that like butter. The reason I bought it was to cut the access openings in the benchwork. It has a cutting depth of 0.75", so it should work. It's small and maneuverable.
George
Updated 7/20/2017:
We've been in a logjam for awhile here regarding lighting the train room and workshop. The components have been chosen. A parts list is being generated. I have procured a sample 5000K light bulb for evaluation, with a 4100K bulb on its way. However, the first choice electrician is incredibly backed-up with work; I'm looking at a 3 month delay with no promise of an actual installation date. Therefore, I have to go another way. I am looking at another electrician that might be able to do the installation quickly (as within a month).
I should know more by next week.
BTW, installation of the additional pegboard was delayed by house-related items. I hope to get to it today or tomorrow.
George
Thank you for the update, George. It all takes time.
Updated 7/26/2017:
Today I tested 3700K, 4100K, and 5000K bulbs. I am selecting the 4100K bulb for the workshop and layout. It was bright without being harsh.
Also, I ordered (and paid for) the lighting components for the basement. They should arrive on Friday or Saturday.
I have a quote for the labor and installation of the lighting is scheduled for next Thursday.
George
George,
I found this link online which explains much about today's bulb technology. Glad things are moving along for you.
http://blog.batteriesplus.com/...in-a-different-light
Tom
George,
Sounds like you will have a well lit layout room and workshop soon!
Mark Boyce posted:George,
Sounds like you will have a well lit layout room and workshop soon!
Mark, I hope so. Lighting is a pet peeve with me.
I also plan to light the underside of the layout in a consistent and useful way. Still thinking about how I want to do it, but both rope light and LED strips are under consideration. I will be using a rolling seat to move around under the layout. Something like this...
Still lots to think about.
George
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MNCW posted:George,
I found this link online which explains much about today's bulb technology. Glad things are moving along for you.
http://blog.batteriesplus.com/...in-a-different-light
Tom
Thanks Tom! This link spells out rather well what I'm using to influence my bulb decisions. I need to have the same color range in both the workshop and the layout. Otherwise, something I paint in the shop won't have the same appearance on the layout. That would not be good. 
And the uniformity of track heads and bulbs means I can move things around in a pinch if necessary.
George
I agree about lighting. With cataract surgery on the horizon, I may get a reprieve from dark shadows. However, even before I liked a lot of light on the subject.
As to the stool, I think I would rather build high enough so I can sit on something similar instead of using something like a mechanic's creeper.
Mark Boyce posted:I agree about lighting. With cataract surgery on the horizon, I may get a reprieve from dark shadows. However, even before I liked a lot of light on the subject.
As to the stool, I think I would rather build high enough so I can sit on something similar instead of using something like a mechanic's creeper.
Mark,
Going through the process (one eye and then the next after a while) is somewhat annoying, but afterwards it feels like you have a new lease on life. My distance vision is now excellent; I use glasses only for reading. No problems seeing at night. I'm a very happy man.
Yeah, something as low as a mechanic's creeper? No thanks.
George
..... installation of the lighting is scheduled for next Thursday.
It's hopping right over!
Funny Martin, funny but a little creepy. 
Although not as creepy as the clowns.
George
G3750 posted:Funny Martin, funny but a little creepy.
Although not as creepy as the clowns.
George
Wait until Halloween..............just wait!
George, Martin's video is funny and creepy!
Thanj you for the comments on the cataract surgery. Yes, I'm sure the process in between surgery is a bit annoying. But the eye doctor says the end results will be like you said. I have had bifocals or trifocals since I was 39. But in the last year and a half, I have totally flipped from being far sighted to near sighted, having gone through 2 glasses prescriptions and everything is out of focus again. The various rainbow and white halos around lights at night make driving rather tiring. I'll be glad to go through the process with a positive end in sight.
Updated 7/29/2017:
Maybe not a ton of progress, but a lot of lessons learned. Someone back in this thread suggested that a 12" miter saw was overkill. (Thank you! You were right!) Unfortunately, I was thinking of the double bevel feature in the 12" saw (totally frivolous for my purposes). 
Well, I bought the 12" saw at Home Depot and stuck it, unopened, in the garage while higher priority things took precedence. I kept looking at this huge and heavy box (which had been a struggle to get in the cart, in the car, and then into the house). Originally, I intended to put it downstairs in the workshop. However, I also planned to apply shellac or varnish to all cut pieces of wood. That would mean carrying the wood downstairs to the workshop, cutting it, carrying it back upstairs to the garage, varnishing it, and then taking it back downstairs for assembly. Seems like a lot of extra work for no good reason, doesn't it? 
So, I decided that all cuts made with the miter saw would take place in the garage. That would allow me to varnish the cut wood and then take it downstairs for assembly. But how to store and maneuver this monster? I recalled that DeWalt made a rolling cart for it.
Yesterday, I went back to Home Depot and bought the cart. As I'm pushing this massive item towards the checkout, I pass a construction worker (6'6", 280 lbs, orange vest) going the other direction. I get the thing home, put it next to the unopened miter saw (again with much difficulty), and remembered the construction worker. It occurred to me that a) I am no longer 25 years old; and b) you need to be the size of the construction worker to sling this miter saw and cart around. And getting the whole set up into the car (assuming it will fit 
) for transport to / from the Weirton Museum isn't going to be much fun.
Long story short, I took both the saw and the cart back to Home Depot and bought the 10" version.
What did I gain?
- Portability: the ability to safely move the smaller saw around. And I already have a WorkMate stand that fits it.
- Mobility: the saw (in locked position) will fit in the trunk of a Honda Civic or in the back seat.
- Saved over $300.
- More space in the garage.
- Probably avoided hernia surgery.
Here's a photo of this saw. I love it!
On top of everything, I just made the first few cuts with it (got a 90 tooth finishing blade for it). The cuts are absolutely clean. The saw is quiet and it went through the wood like a hot knife through butter. I couldn't be happier. 
George
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Looks like a great decision, George!
Updated 7/30/2017:
Just a little progress yesterday and today - got most of the pegboard support strips installed. Here's one of the pegboard sheets leaning against the furring strips while I confirm spacing.
George
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Updated 8/3/2017:
After delays from other household enhancements / fixes, I am happy to report that the installation of pegboard is complete. 
The lighting components arrived today and lighting installation is scheduled for Saturday.
George
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Updated 8/5/2017:
The new track lighting has been installed in the workshop and the train room!
Good shot of my pegboard getting utilized as well.
That's motor inspector Samantha performing her duties - checking out the new lights.
The final number and position of heads, as well as type of LED bulb (I currently favor 4100K) will be determined after the backdrop is installed. That will give me something to evaluate lighting choices against.
This is a major step forward!
George
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George,
The pegboard looks good as it is starting to be utilized. So I take it Samantha has given preliminary approval,sign-off will be given when the backdrop and final lighting is in! It looks great!!
Mark Boyce posted:George,
The pegboard looks good as it is starting to be utilized. So I take it Samantha has given preliminary approval,sign-off will be given when the backdrop and final lighting is in! It looks great!!
Thanks Mark. Yes, the pegboard is starting to fill up. Just this morning I was wondering if I put up too much.
Yeah, what was I thinking?
And as for Samantha, she's been very annoying and underfoot.
I'm still opening boxes of stuff and wondering why I brought them. This is going to take much longer than I anticipated. 
George
For 3 trains, zipcord is not the best choice,since it doesn't come any larger than 16-gauge. For top performance, I always use 14 and so recommend.
RJR posted:For 3 trains, zipcord is not the best choice,since it doesn't come any larger than 16-gauge. For top performance, I always use 14 and so recommend.
Did you mean to post that here?
Plus if you look here, you can find larger gauge zipcord.
https://powerwerx.com/red-black-bonded-zip-cord
George
Yes, I did. He said earlier he would use zip cord.
I run DCS, and I want to avoid the capacitance effect of having both wires too close.
RJR posted:Yes, I did. He said earlier he would use zip cord.
I run DCS, and I want to avoid the capacitance effect of having both wires too close.
I see. How does it work for you? If you wish, you can send me e-mail (in my profile).
George
When 2 conductors in the same circuit are close, there is a capacitance effect. This has no effect on a wire to a lamp, for example. But when sends higher frequency signals, it could have an effect. On my layout, I use 14-gauge stranded THHM wire, available at Lowes, Home Depot, probably Menards, and many good hardware stores. I keep hot and ground separated.
If you have 2 conductors from different circuits, say 2 hots feeding separate blocks, close together, you MAY experience inductance between them, that a signal on one induces a signal current on the other.
These issues aren't present if one only runs conventional. But they MAY be if one uses a system that sends signals over the wires to issue commands to locos.
RJR posted:When 2 conductors in the same circuit are close, there is a capacitance effect. This has no effect on a wire to a lamp, for example. But when sends higher frequency signals, it could have an effect. On my layout, I use 14-gauge stranded THHM wire, available at Lowes, Home Depot, probably Menards, and many good hardware stores. I keep hot and ground separated.
If you have 2 conductors from different circuits, say 2 hots feeding separate blocks, close together, you MAY experience inductance between them, that a signal on one induces a signal current on the other.
These issues aren't present if one only runs conventional. But they MAY be if one uses a system that sends signals over the wires to issue commands to locos.
Thank you for the insight.
George
Updated 8/9/2017:
Just a few random thoughts, ramblings, and updates.
- While the train room is in pretty good shape, the workshop is lagging the play a bit. I've still got tools to hang on the pegboard, equipment to move downstairs from the garage, modeling supplies to get onto shelves, and books / software to get onto the bookshelves.
- I've decided that I am moving the house-related supplies and materials (wall anchors, hooks, repair items, wall plates, old TV coax cables, etc.) into labeled bins and storing them in the closet or attic. This stuff will be rarely used, and it really shouldn't take up space in the workshop.
- I have re-worked the RR-Track plan to plan (in detail) the Staging Area benchwork. This will be the first area constructed. Once it is in place, the backdrop will go in place. It's due to be photographed in early October.
- I've located a source for the good plywood I want to use on the layout. Will probably place a small order in the next 1-2 weeks just for the Staging Area.
- Will also start thinking about what track and switches are needed for Staging. That will get ordered in time for pickup at York.
- I'm looking forward to next week's Steel Mill Modelers Meet in Bethlehem. Should be enlightening and directly applicable to the Weirton museum layout.
That's the current thinking.
George
Hi George, You have a very nice space for your layout and a great plan as well. Although I have not yet started to build my planned layout as yet I did purchase a rolling stool as you have shown in this thread, and afterward I determined that while sitting on the stool I would still have to raise the height of the layout for it to be comfortable working. It seems that my options are raising the layout height or lowering the height at which I sit while under the layout. I am considering a swivel boat seat mounted on a dolly. You may want to sit on that stool and have someone take a measurement before setting the height of your layout. Good luck with your build, it looks like a great plan. Rich
Chooch posted:Hi George, You have a very nice space for your layout and a great plan as well. Although I have not yet started to build my planned layout as yet I did purchase a rolling stool as you have shown in this thread, and afterward I determined that while sitting on the stool I would still have to raise the height of the layout for it to be comfortable working. It seems that my options are raising the layout height or lowering the height at which I sit while under the layout. I am considering a swivel boat seat mounted on a dolly. You may want to sit on that stool and have someone take a measurement before setting the height of your layout. Good luck with your build, it looks like a great plan. Rich
Thank you, Rich. I will check that out.
George
G3750 posted:Updated 8/9/2017:
Just a few random thoughts, ramblings, and updates.
- While the train room is in pretty good shape, the workshop is lagging the play a bit. I've still got tools to hang on the pegboard, equipment to move downstairs from the garage, modeling supplies to get onto shelves, and books / software to get onto the bookshelves.
- I've decided that I am moving the house-related supplies and materials (wall anchors, hooks, repair items, wall plates, old TV coax cables, etc.) into labeled bins and storing them in the closet or attic. This stuff will be rarely used, and it really shouldn't take up space in the workshop.
- I have re-worked the RR-Track plan to plan (in detail) the Staging Area benchwork. This will be the first area constructed. Once it is in place, the backdrop will go in place. It's due to be photographed in early October.
- I've located a source for the good plywood I want to use on the layout. Will probably place a small order in the next 1-2 weeks just for the Staging Area.
- Will also start thinking about what track and switches are needed for Staging. That will get ordered in time for pickup at York.
- I'm looking forward to next week's Steel Mill Modelers Meet in Bethlehem. Should be enlightening and directly applicable to the Weirton museum layout.
That's the current thinking.
George
George,
That is a lot of great planning.
It is good to take the time to get organized, and put little used items out of the workshop. My workshop will still use a section of the fat garage wall and a kind of temporary workshop area in the train room until all the benchwork is complete.
I will look forward to seeing the photograph backdrop. I take it you are looking for early autumn again along the Ohio Valley.
Do you mind me asking what kind of plywood you will be using and where you will be getting it? I may want to do the same since we now live not far apart.
Good idea ordering track for pickup at York!!
Have a great time at the meet in Bethlehem!! I'm sure you will come back with a lot of ideas and improvements!!
Mark Boyce posted:G3750 posted:Updated 8/9/2017:
Just a few random thoughts, ramblings, and updates.
- While the train room is in pretty good shape, the workshop is lagging the play a bit. I've still got tools to hang on the pegboard, equipment to move downstairs from the garage, modeling supplies to get onto shelves, and books / software to get onto the bookshelves.
- I've decided that I am moving the house-related supplies and materials (wall anchors, hooks, repair items, wall plates, old TV coax cables, etc.) into labeled bins and storing them in the closet or attic. This stuff will be rarely used, and it really shouldn't take up space in the workshop.
- I have re-worked the RR-Track plan to plan (in detail) the Staging Area benchwork. This will be the first area constructed. Once it is in place, the backdrop will go in place. It's due to be photographed in early October.
- I've located a source for the good plywood I want to use on the layout. Will probably place a small order in the next 1-2 weeks just for the Staging Area.
- Will also start thinking about what track and switches are needed for Staging. That will get ordered in time for pickup at York.
- I'm looking forward to next week's Steel Mill Modelers Meet in Bethlehem. Should be enlightening and directly applicable to the Weirton museum layout.
That's the current thinking.
GeorgeGeorge,
That is a lot of great planning.
It is good to take the time to get organized, and put little used items out of the workshop. My workshop will still use a section of the fat garage wall and a kind of temporary workshop area in the train room until all the benchwork is complete.
I will look forward to seeing the photograph backdrop. I take it you are looking for early autumn again along the Ohio Valley.
Do you mind me asking what kind of plywood you will be using and where you will be getting it? I may want to do the same since we now live not far apart.
Good idea ordering track for pickup at York!!
Have a great time at the meet in Bethlehem!! I'm sure you will come back with a lot of ideas and improvements!!
Mark, I'm looking at Arauco plywood. The closest distributor is XXXXXXXX. Specs:
http://www.araucoply.com/infor...;fin=0&idioma=44
I'm also thinking about a higher grade of 2"x2" for the legs, but haven't settled on a source. Shoot me an e-mail for the details.
WRONG. There's a supplier in Tarentum - Allegheny Lumber. The distributor is located in New Stanton, but they don't sell to the end-user.
Sorry about the confusion
George
Neat, George! Get the best you can afford!
I just got back from the 2017 Steel Mill Modelers Meet and boy is my head spinning with new ideas! 
Yeah, this could be bad. Real bad. 
First of all, I picked up a set of plans for an Open Hearth. It's huge. That got me thinking about reducing the size of the Staging Area and giving the steel mill about 22 square feet of additional space. Right now, I'm toying with the idea of eliminating the Blast Furnace altogether and replacing it with a more scale sized Open Hearth. I would model the inside as well; it wouldn't just be a 3-D backdrop building.
Nothing's been decided yet. Lots of ideas rattling around in my head. 
(In the back of my mind, I hear my father saying "George, your eyes are bigger than your stomach") 
George
G3750 posted:
Today is the start of the design and construction of version 2 of the PRR Panhandle Division.
Good grief!! I can't believe I missed the start of your new layout build...and I have been watching for it too. At least I found it now. I'll be following along with interest.
Looks like a beautiful new home you have too and I certainly hope you enjoy it.
Good luck with everything and time permitting, please post lots of detailed updates.
Also, moving is rough, we moved 4 years ago this month and are still fiddling around trying to get things where we want/like them. It takes a while! I have a small layout up and running, but it needs an addition in the worst way. Also have my workshop set up, but nothing is in the right place, still some re-arranging to do to get things in more efficient locations. Hope I live long enough to get all this completed!
The stool you have posted for below layout work is great. I have one of those and also a mechanic's stool (slightly lower and a little different) and I would never have made it without those two items. Might be the best tools I have. Harbor Freight has them pretty reasonably priced and they are of decent quality as well. I think they were like $20 each when I got mine.
Mark Boyce posted:I agree about lighting. With cataract surgery on the horizon, I may get a reprieve from dark shadows. However, even before I liked a lot of light on the subject.
As to the stool, I think I would rather build high enough so I can sit on something similar instead of using something like a mechanic's creeper.
You won't believe the difference the cataract surgery makes! I had both eyes done in 2015 and the improvement was just incredible! I only need glasses for small close up work and reading really fine print. I had 'coke bottle' thickness lenses before that and still couldn't see anything. It's just amazing what they can do these days! Good luck and I hope all goes well, I think you will be really pleased.
rtr12 posted:Mark Boyce posted:I agree about lighting. With cataract surgery on the horizon, I may get a reprieve from dark shadows. However, even before I liked a lot of light on the subject.
As to the stool, I think I would rather build high enough so I can sit on something similar instead of using something like a mechanic's creeper.
You won't believe the difference the cataract surgery makes! I had both eyes done in 2015 and the improvement was just incredible! I only need glasses for small close up work and reading really fine print. I had 'coke bottle' thickness lenses before that and still couldn't see anything. It's just amazing what they can do these days! Good luck and I hope all goes well, I think you will be really pleased.
You are the second guy about my age who told me he had it done. I'm not feeling as bad since I usually thought of folks over 70 having trouble. I was far sighted, and it reversed to near sighted in about a year. I didn't realize how dim things were getting too. Thank you for the good report!!!
You are welcome! And Good Luck!
Updated 8/19/2017:
I've been doing a lot of thinking (always dangerous 
) about the Weirton Steel and the Staging areas of the layout. Here's the new look.
The major changes are:
- Shrunk the Staging Area. In the process I lost 1 holding track, but gained 22 square feet in the Weirton Steel Area.
- Enlarged the size of the Open Hearth and modified its shape to better reflect the prototype.
- Modified the track arrangement in the Weirton Steel area to add a wye. This helps in moving hot metal cars between the Open Hearth and the Blast Furnace, and also prevents fouling of the main line (in order to access the switching lead).
- Added spurs in the yard that serve the building. For example, the Blast Furnace now has a Highline, a spur for slag cars, and a spur for hot metal cars. The Blooming Mill has a spur for ingot cars and for slab cars; an old photo tells me where the doors should be in the building. The Blooming Mill is in the top right of the postcard below.
I haven't fully fleshed out the dimensions of the blast furnace, but if I specify it as No. 1 (the smallest), I have some flexibility there (modeler's license).
Your thoughts?
George
PS. Thanks to the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center for their use of the photograph.
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