PRR Panhandle 2.0

Glad you got the computer working again.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Glad you got the computer working again.

Thanks Mark.  Forewarned is forearmed.  Fortunately, I did not need the Recovery USB or restoration from backup.

George

Updated 5/6/2024:

After much filing, sanding, drilling, and removal of absurd amounts of flash, I have completed 32 bridge shoes.  I'm not sure how old these are - I think they've been around forever.  Anyway, they arrived with a lot of flash and some of the holes in the upper shoe not drilled through.

I ended up taking both the tops and bottoms of the bridge shoes to the sanding wheel to remove the flash.  The hinge pins were sanded (what a PITA).  And I used a Dremel to drill through the upper parts of the bearing.

After that, I took a round file to the openings and eventually used a nail set to drive all the hinge pins.

Finally, we got to this stage.  I'm definitely going to hit them with DullCote, but haven't decided if I need to paint them gray first.

More when I know it. 

George

Updated 5/14/2024:

Before and after returning from the PRRT&HS Annual Meeting, I began work on painting roadways for the Crawford's Crossing overpass and the other streets in North Weirton.  I made use of my outdoor paint booth (my driveway) to spray paint the 8' sections.

I also began making sidewalks, using paint can stirrers.  These are 1/8" (6 scale inches) deep and 1" (4 scale feet) wide.  The usable section is about 9" long.  I am experimenting with scribing the lines and then using a Sharpie to highlight before painting.  Using an old, dull Zona saw to cut the lines seems to work well, too.

More when I know it. 

George

Updated 5/15/2024:

Just to shake things up a bit, I started making some wiring harnesses for the DPDT toggle switches going my Tortoise control panel.  Here's the diagram and the first completed toggle switch.  Next to it is one of the white harnesses.

I also played around with the placement of terminal blocks.  They are shown on top of the control panel, but they will end up installed behind it in those relative positions.

This is all in-progress.  I hope to have more to report tomorrow.

More when I know it. 

George

George, love the control panel. I said it before, can’t wait to see it wired up and in action! Thanks for sharing!

Mike

Updated 5/16/2024:

I have wired 13 toggle switches per the photo in yesterday's update.  I started trying to install a 3mm LED and its collar, but ran into serious difficulty.  The collar, as well as its small size, makes it very hard to work with.  After some advice from a friend, I have decided to use 5mm LEDs and forego the collars.  Will get those tomorrow.

2 steps forward, 1 step back! 

More when I know it. 

George

Updated 5/17/2024:

I changed directions a lot today in an effort to keep moving in the face of obstacles.  A trip to the hobby shop did not yield 5mm LEDs.  They were not on hand and had to be ordered.  Realistically, that's probably a week's delay.

The handrails for Crawford's Crossing are still in the process of being evaluated and / or test printed.

I then pivoted to the sidewalks that will be needed for Main Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and County Road.  I am making these out of paint stirrers.  Today I cut and marked 40 of these 9" long pieces.  I scribed them for expansion joints and test painted 8 of them.  They also got some weathering.  Depending on how they look tomorrow, they might get a wash as well.

More when I know it.

George

Sidewalks from paint-stirrers...now you're talkin' my language, lol. I look forward to seeing the results!

Paul R.

Updated 5/23/2024:

Some progress along different lines today:

• Got out my traffic lights for North Weirton made originally for Panhandle 1.  The traffic lights are indicated by the red squares on the old track plan below.  They are designed to operate like the prototype - Main Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and County Road all cycle appropriately.
• 
• I ran a heavy duty extension cord to the middle of the Weirton peninsula.  This will be used by the traffic lights and the wall-warts that power the lighted telephone poles.
• Here's an old video of the lights working.

More when I know it. 

George

Updated 5/25/2024:

First, a little inspiration from the prototype.  Here's the Panhandle Facebook page highlighting slag being dumped at Standard Slag.  These are terrific photos, up close and detailed shots of the dumping area.  They will figure prominently in my model.

https://www.facebook.com/photo...et=g.346289858890518

Work continues on the clean-up of the train room.  Moved a number of bins to the rear (under the Staging Area).  These all contain items that will not be used until construction on Steubenville begins.  Getting them out of the road helps.  As the layout grows, available store space diminishes.

The LEDs for the control panel arrived at Hobby Express yesterday and I picked them up.  I drilled all the holes for the LEDs tonight.  I am currently in the process of drilling holes for the toggle switches (7/16").

Successfully tested an accessory tonight that had been returned for a warranty defect.  All good.

More when I know it. 

George

Updated 5/26/2024:

Turns out I screwed up the control panel.  While I accounted for the spacing of the barrel of the toggle switch, I didn't leave enough room on the underside of the panel.  So, we're getting a do-over on the control panel.    Oops.

George

That’s a bummer!

George,

3 years in... I'm still using my prototype control panel ...it's pretty ugly!  But the darn thing works flawlessly.  Once I installed the dwarf and other signals I found that I looked at switch position and block signals as I watched the trains rather than look at the panel.   Muscle memory took over for the actual switching.  There are LEDs built into the switches for the power districts on the panel.  This isn't advice or even a suggestion... rather ...just me ~~nattering~~ Forge ahead!  You are doing a GREAT JOB!

Updated 5/30/2024:

Mark & Dennis - unfortunately, I did screw up but I am making progress towards a fix. Here's the new panel.

I just glued it to the underlying Masonite sheet.  I hope to start drilling some holes on Saturday.

I also made serious progress on the design of the 2-sided divider between Weirton Junction and the City of Weirton.  Here's a peek at the City of Weirton side.  I have been working on this (off/on) for about 2 months.  This represents at least the 10th version as I tested measurements and building placements.  There will 3 new shallow building fronts to the left of the photo.

I also investigated materials for the divider itself.  I'm hoping to find a 12' long piece of plastic about 1/16" thick and 18" high for this divider.

More when I know it. 

George

Looks nice, George.

Updated 6/4/2024:

The focus the last few days has been on cleaning up the train room.  I am waiting on some tools and parts and figured I would take the opportunity to get the clutter around the layout back under control.  All the remaining lumber used to construct the Weirton peninsula (which will be needed to build Steubenville) has been moved far back under the Staging Area.  I also re-organized a number of plastic bins (contents inventoried, adjusted, and entered on the Inventory spreadsheet) and moved them back out of the way as well.

When the required tool (a 7/16" Forstner bit) arrives, I'm hoping to move ahead with drilling the toggle switch holes in the WSX Tower panel.  At that point I can install them and the LEDs into the panel.  After that, the wires and LEDs will be soldered in place and we will start connecting and testing the 13 Tortoise switch machines.  The control panel for Weirton Junction has been printed and is in the process of being laminated.

The rough designs for the front and rear sides of the divider, City of Weirton and Weirton Junction, respectively, have been sent off to RailroadBackdrops.com for evaluation.  I anticipate some adjustments there.

In the meantime, I have located a supplier for the thin piece of plastic (10' x 18" x 1/16"), which I believe will be adequate to support the backdrops.  I am in the process of finalizing that purchase.

More when I know it. 

George

You certainly have some projects in the works that will really enhance the Weirton area!  It’s amazing how a menagerie of items can accumulate around a layout!

@Mark Boyce posted:

You certainly have some projects in the works that will really enhance the Weirton area!  It’s amazing how a menagerie of items can accumulate around a layout!

Thank you!

Menagerie is right!  I swear some of the stuff multiplies while other things hide themselves (until you purchase their replacements). 

George

George,

I saw where you were selling some ore cars. Were those just extras? If not, what will you use for ore traffic in the future?

Dave

@luvindemtrains posted:

George,

I saw where you were selling some ore cars. Were those just extras? If not, what will you use for ore traffic in the future?

Dave

Hi Dave,

No, they are not extras.  They are MTH Railking versions of the PRR's G38 ore jennies.  Unfortunately for me, I was an uninformed consumer and bought them.  They are fine cars - for 1960.  They don't work well if you are modeling 1953.

So, I plan to sell them and replace them with other railroads - BL&E, Soo Line, Chicago Northwestern, and DMIR.  These would be period correct.

George

Updated 6/12/2024:

Work over the past few days has focused on the control panel for Weirton Steel Yard.  I had the LED sub-assemblies soldered by someone who knows what he's doing in that area (that's not me).  Here's the one for Switch #10.

Meanwhile, I have been working on adding mounting supports (the 1x2s on each side) to the control panel as well as toggle switches and terminal blocks.  I am determined to do this correctly and neatly route the wires around the back of the board.  Otherwise, we're looking at a holy mess.

Once we have added the toggle switch wires to terminal blocks, I will move the panel close to its final location, run power to the terminal blocks, and begin the following process for each switch:

1. Test mounting the soldered LED sub-assembly
2. Connecting one end to a middle pole of the toggle switch
3. Connecting the other end to a Tortoise machine edge connector (either position 1 or 8)
4. Running a wire from either 8 or 1 to the remaining middle pole of the toggle

Once I've determined the proper LED lights when the toggle is thrown, I will use CA to glue the LEDs in place.  When they are all completed I will mount the control panel to the fascia.

This is going to be a slow process, so it may be a while until I know more. 

George

@Dennis-LaRock posted:

George,

3 years in... I'm still using my prototype control panel ...it's pretty ugly!  But the darn thing works flawlessly.  Once I installed the dwarf and other signals I found that I looked at switch position and block signals as I watched the trains rather than look at the panel.   Muscle memory took over for the actual switching.  There are LEDs built into the switches for the power districts on the panel.  This isn't advice or even a suggestion... rather ...just me ~~nattering~~ Forge ahead!  You are doing a GREAT JOB!

Dennis,

There will be some signals, but probably no dwarf yard ones. And at some point, the plan is to have operators working the towers (control panels). I am still working out the operation details.

George

Updated 6/15/2024:

We are inching closer to that first test of the control panel throwing a switch.  Here is the back of the WSX Yard control panel.  I've connected all the toggle switches to + and - terminal blocks.

With the help of my wife I mounted the panel to the bench work.  The angle is 10 degrees.

Here's a better look at the panel.  With the exception of a single LED sub-assembly I had to install because of its tricky location, none of the position indicating LEDs are on the board.

Here's a look at the back.  I did manage to run the DC Tortoise bus to the terminal blocks.  Hanging a trouble light over my left shoulder was a good idea.  Completing the next phases of the wiring is going to be a long, tedious, delicate process.  Neatness in the preceding steps is not a "nice-to-have", it's a necessity.

I'm stopping now.  Doing this while you're tired is a recipe for disaster.

More when I know it.

George

Updated 6/16/2024:

Let me put it this way:  "We have lift-off!!!"

I just successfully tested the first powered turnout using a Tortoise switch machine and control panel with LEDs.  And as the hobo in "The Polar Express" says, "Seeing is believing"!

I am over the moon about this.  The toggle provides that satisfying "snap", the mountings are solid, and the behavior reliable and consistent.  Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about! 

I've got 12 more Tortoises and their LED sub-assemblies to connect to the control panel, but we're off to a great start!

Many thanks to @PRRMiddleDivision, @Bob, and @Dennis-LaRock for their unselfish guidance and help!

More when I know it. 

George

Very neatly done, George!!

That's a satisfying milestone!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Very neatly done, George!!

Thank you, sir!

George

@BillYo414 posted:

That's a satisfying milestone!

Truly!  For various reasons, it's taken me a long time to get to this point where I could actually test my Tortoise installations.  As of this writing, I have 4 working with the control panel.  I am learning from this experience.  Once I have these all done, I'll post my lessons learned.  I would do a few things differently, but so far (thank goodness) there are no deal-breakers.

George

Updated 6/17/2024:

I am extremely pleased to announce the completion of the WSX Yard control panel.  All 13 turnouts are signaled by LEDs and controlled by toggle switches.

I am taking a short break from construction to get ready for a layout tour later this month.  Tomorrow will be spent clearing up construction debris, clearing the layout of all foreign matter, and moving materials back into storage.  After that will be a deep cleaning of the train room.  Track cleaning will follow that.

More when I know it. 

George

Green is good!  It looks great, George!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Green is good!  It looks great, George!

Yeah, I briefly toyed with using amber LEDs but am glad I went with the green ones.

George

Updated 6/19/2024:

Whew!  Cleaning up an in-progress layout is a lot of work.  And I'm not done yet.  It's in a lot better shape than when I started, but there's still plenty to go.  As of this moment, all tools are in their workshop spots, wire and wiring hardware are in the appropriate bins, wood is back under the layout, and things are looking a bit cleaner.  I'd swear this layout generates dust and scenery debris while I sleep. 

I still need to get some of the remaining debris off the bench top and put buildings back into their spots.  I should have that done tomorrow.  And if I get the floor and baseboards scrubbed, I might risk a photo or two.

Friday needs to be track cleaning and locomotive clean-up day.

More when I know it. 

George

George, I know cleanup in an 11x11 train room takes time.  One the size of yours would be a big job.  Yes, I’m surprised as well where I find dust and debris. 😄

Updated 6/20/2024:

Well, the prep continues.  Here’s what’s going on:

All the plastic bins (train cars, parts, materials, supplies) are closed up, inventoried, labeled, and under the layout.  That job was supposed to be done yesterday, but took part of this morning.  I removed all the loose items (except a Ford 4-door sedan; I will keep it for proportion) off the layout and vacuumed up all the debris.

In installing the last Tortoise machine (Switch #19) on Monday, I accidentally pulled a wire out of the soldered joint at the panel (I cut the green wire about ¼” too short ).  I could put the wire back into the heat shrink and the light would come on so I used wire glue to reattach it (after making it a bit longer).  Fixed that screw-up and it works great!

I tried running trains, but realized the track was gunky.  Actually, it was filthy, which makes sense.  After all, we had a major bench work construction effort earlier this year followed by a wiring marathon.  I rubbed down all of the track (except the Staging Area) with mineral spirits and a rag.  To get inside the bridge and down the long Staging exit track behind the mills, I used a Swiffer broom with mineral spirits applied to the pad.  Worked well.

Then it was time to try running some trains.  First, I started the short tender Decapod.  It is giving me some fits and starts.  I haven’t tried de-gunking the wheels, but that’s next.  I'm hoping that is all that's needed.  The long tender Decapod (parked in Staging) was next, and it ran very well through Staging, onto District 7, and then across the bridge (District 3).

Fired up WSX Alco S-2 #208 (the Tommy Gilbert paint job).  This engine still looks fabulous, runs pretty good, but I did notice  an intermittent whining noise.

At this point, I decided to run the E-7s and backed them out of the Staging Area into part of District 7 (Weirton Steel).  They stalled and blew the fuse on the panel between the PH180 (or PH135) and the district's track bus.  I replaced it and attempted the same thing with the same result (Isn't that the definition of insanity? ).  Apparently, we have a phantom short and with Murphy driving it has reared its ugly head again (and right on time).  With the train straddling Power Districts 7 & 8, I replaced the fuse and tried again.  This time both 7 & 8 suffered blown fuses.

It was time for a visual inspection of Staging (District 8) for cross-wired track feeders or some debris creating a short.  I didn't see it at first, but there was a pigtail for a common rail that was broken (separated from its track pin) and touching the center rail!  That fixed District 8 (Staging).

I wanted to make sure there was nothing wrong with the Spirit of St. Louis (E-7s and passenger cars), so I took them off District 7 and put them on the mainline (Power Districts 3, 4, and 5).  Ran the train forwards and backwards over the bridge from Steubenville to Weirton and back again.  Perfecto!

Then I visually inspected (top and underneath) District 7 for broken or mis-wired track feeders.  After replacing yet another fuse, I fired it up.  It looked OK, but there was no load on it.  My next thought was to try running Alco S-2 #208 on it and see what happens.

I ran #208 from District 5 into District 7.  It did fine in the first section and then crossed feeder 7.12 and stalled.  The fuse was not blown (I checked it) – the PH180 breaker had tripped.  I put the fuse back and pushed the breaker on.  The fuse blew immediately.  So there is something wrong there.  I’ve been working on the layout the whole day.  I'm going to stop now and tackle this issue tomorrow with a clear head.

Still to come is the floor cleaning and the preparation for guests.  I will also run the track cleaning cars.

More when I know it. 

George

Glad you were able to get things up and running! That's really exciting. Completing my loop boosted my motivation a ton.

George, I’m anxious to see what the actual problem was on district 7. For me it’s always something idiotic I did usually when I’m tired and should have quit working on it. Super happy to hear trains are running though. Keep us updated.

Mike

@G3750 posted:

Updated 6/20/2024:

Well, the prep continues.  Here’s what’s going on:

All the plastic bins (train cars, parts, materials, supplies) are closed up, inventoried, labeled, and under the layout.  That job was supposed to be done yesterday, but took part of this morning.  I removed all the loose items (except a Ford 4-door sedan; I will keep it for proportion) off the layout and vacuumed up all the debris.

In installing the last Tortoise machine (Switch #19) on Monday, I accidentally pulled a wire out of the soldered joint at the panel (I cut the green wire about ¼” too short ).  I could put the wire back into the heat shrink and the light would come on so I used wire glue to reattach it (after making it a bit longer).  Fixed that screw-up and it works great!

I tried running trains, but realized the track was gunky.  Actually, it was filthy, which makes sense.  After all, we had a major bench work construction effort earlier this year followed by a wiring marathon.  I rubbed down all of the track (except the Staging Area) with mineral spirits and a rag.  To get inside the bridge and down the long Staging exit track behind the mills, I used a Swiffer broom with mineral spirits applied to the pad.  Worked well.

Then it was time to try running some trains.  First, I started the short tender Decapod.  It is giving me some fits and starts.  I haven’t tried de-gunking the wheels, but that’s next.  I'm hoping that is all that's needed.  The long tender Decapod (parked in Staging) was next, and it ran very well through Staging, onto District 7, and then across the bridge (District 3).

Fired up WSX Alco S-2 #208 (the Tommy Gilbert paint job).  This engine still looks fabulous, runs pretty good, but I did notice  an intermittent whining noise.

At this point, I decided to run the E-7s and backed them out of the Staging Area into part of District 7 (Weirton Steel).  They stalled and blew the fuse on the panel between the PH180 (or PH135) and the district's track bus.  I replaced it and attempted the same thing with the same result (Isn't that the definition of insanity? ).  Apparently, we have a phantom short and with Murphy driving it has reared its ugly head again (and right on time).  With the train straddling Power Districts 7 & 8, I replaced the fuse and tried again.  This time both 7 & 8 suffered blown fuses.

It was time for a visual inspection of Staging (District 8) for cross-wired track feeders or some debris creating a short.  I didn't see it at first, but there was a pigtail for a common rail that was broken (separated from its track pin) and touching the center rail!  That fixed District 8 (Staging).

I wanted to make sure there was nothing wrong with the Spirit of St. Louis (E-7s and passenger cars), so I took them off District 7 and put them on the mainline (Power Districts 3, 4, and 5).  Ran the train forwards and backwards over the bridge from Steubenville to Weirton and back again.  Perfecto!

Then I visually inspected (top and underneath) District 7 for broken or mis-wired track feeders.  After replacing yet another fuse, I fired it up.  It looked OK, but there was no load on it.  My next thought was to try running Alco S-2 #208 on it and see what happens.

I ran #208 from District 5 into District 7.  It did fine in the first section and then crossed feeder 7.12 and stalled.  The fuse was not blown (I checked it) – the PH180 breaker had tripped.  I put the fuse back and pushed the breaker on.  The fuse blew immediately.  So there is something wrong there.  I’ve been working on the layout the whole day.  I'm going to stop now and tackle this issue tomorrow with a clear head.

Still to come is the floor cleaning and the preparation for guests.  I will also run the track cleaning cars.

More when I know it. 

George

Talk about a blown fuse bonanza! Sorry you had to go through all of that, George. At our club we have electrical issues galore so don’t worry, you aren’t alone when dealing with all of that.

Best of luck cleaning that track and prep work!

Updated 6/22/2024:

Well, here's something you don't see everyday - a clean train room!

This is part of what will become Steubenville, OH.

Looking back towards the bridge.  The City of Weirton is in the foreground.  No buildings, but the streets are laid out.

More of Weirton in the foreground with the Weirton Junction Yard in the back.  A divider will separate these two scenes.

Finally, a view of Weirton Steel.  Left to right:  Blooming Mill, Open Hearth, Strip Steel (mock-up).

I think (fingers crossed) we are ready for tomorrow's open house.  Took a lot of cleaning to get here.

More when I know it. 

George

George, Your making the rest of us look bad!

Seriously, it looks pretty sharp.

Tom