Weekend Photo Fun 11-22-24-??

Two New Haven Railroad diesels have been running on my 12’-by-8’ layout. New Haven Alco RS-3 #531 is an Atlas O Trainman model (20033012) and New Haven GE U25B #2507 is an MTH Premier model (20-21845-1).

#531 was one of 20 Class DERS-2c locomotives delivered in 1950. The model has its original green/orange paint scheme. In the late 1950s, they were repainted in the McGinnis scheme with black cabs and orange hoods. They had 1600 horsepower, steam generators for passenger service, and were equipped to run as multiple units at speeds up to 80 miles-per-hour on the Shoreline and Hartford Divisions. Twenty-two New Haven RS-3s were rebuilt by Alco (in 1959 and 1962) and two were rebuilt by the railroad. All rebuilt units were running when the New Haven was merged into Penn Central in 1969.

#2507 was one of 10 Class DERS-7 locomotives delivered in 1964 at a cost of $170,068 each. They were known as “U-boats” and went into service on the New Haven’s Maybrook Line running in three- and four-unit sets. Sixteen more were ordered a year later. They had a 2,500 horsepower four-cycle V-16 diesel powerplant and weighed 252,000 pounds. Tractive effort was 75,000 pounds for starting and 64,000 pounds continuously. Road numbers were 2500 to 2525 and referred to the 2500 horsepower rating. #2525 was the last locomotive built for the New Haven Railroad and is preserved at the Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad in Thomaston, CT.

MELGAR

Thank you, Scott.......for starting us up.

It is the time of year when I break out the Christmas trains and make sure they are working.

The next 10 weekends, the modular group will be running trains.....

This weekend, the Virginia Train Collectors Show in Midlothian VA.

Next weekend the Science Museum of VA annual show.

Then from Friday, December 6th through Saturday January 18th, the modular layout will be at the Great Big Green House in BonAir, VA.

Check our website for times and maps.......

Have a great and safe week, everyone.......and, safe travels to all, especially on this holiday week!    

Peter

A few quick videos.......

Safe travels to all!

Peter

Thanks Scott for getting us started!   Here are my fun photos for this fine weekend!!

Repair work is about to begin soon!

N&W Y6b with a long coal drag moves through Butler Junction.

A Virginian Train Master overtakes the Y6b on the adjacent track.

Something to add to your bucket list. Spend the night in a real Lionel Caboose at The "Red Caboose Motel", Strasburg  Pennsylvania.

Gary from Michigan: Hope to see you out rail-fanning. 🚂

Scott Smith

A 2023 Christmas Layout memory

- walt

This was my first attempt at learning how to use an insulated track to trigger this light.  Needed a relay and wiring that was a new experience for me.  The video is only 10 seconds long - so nice and short

Another short (10 seconds) one:  This one is simple, something I've done many times: using an insulated track to activate an accessory

I just completed assembling the last structure that  I will be using on the layout. I purchased this about 12-15 years ago from Scale University. They were makers of top end craftsman kits. Unfortunately, the owner passed away many years ago and they are no longer in business. Anyhow I finally assembled the kit. it was one of the most difficult ones I ever put together, but I think it came out very well.  First are two images of the assembled kit. There’s also a picture of the box showing the other version with the shingled roof. Mine has the raised rib metal roof. Finally, there are a couple pictures showing the building sitting in place in the unfinished part of Mapleton, which I am going to be starting next.

Finally, was there a weekend photo fun last week? I went to post pictures but I couldn’t find it. Not sure if it wasn’t there or if I just missed it.

That’s it for this week. Enjoy!

Finally, was there a weekend photo fun last week? I went to post pictures but I couldn’t find it. Not sure if it wasn’t there or if I just missed it.

That’s it for this week. Enjoy!

Yes Virginia there was a Weekend Photo Fun last week. Last Friday evening I received a call from LocoLawyer wanting to know if I was OK. I lost track of what day it was. Sorry about that.

Scott Smith

Running with the Trackers in Rockville a few weeks ago…

@walt rapp posted:

A 2023 Christmas Layout memory

- walt

This was my first attempt at learning how to use an insulated track to trigger this light.  Needed a relay and wiring that was a new experience for me.  The video is only 10 seconds long - so nice and short

Another short (10 seconds) one:  This one is simple, something I've done many times: using an insulated track to activate an accessory

Craig approved of this video.

Neal, nice build on the house. First thing I noticed was the modeled brick basement with windows even. An overlooked detail on most kits.

@PRRMiddleDivision  Neal, your 1850's farmhouse looks great!

I stumbled across this early 2023 video taken during my Open Hearth construction.  As a test, we're tapping (pouring steel) No. 12 furnace.  Good thing it's only a test, because somebody forgot to put a slag ladle next to the teeming ladle's spout.  If we spill hot slag on the pouring floor that's going to be a dangerous mess!

George

@G3750 posted:

@PRRMiddleDivision  Neal, your 1850's farmhouse looks great!

Thanks George. The box says "post 1850's" but its more like from the turn of the 20th century, then modernized by me with things like double hung windows and a raised seam metal roof as seen today.

I’m game to show a few pics!

Vegetation is a slow installation!  ⬆️The electric lines are slightly too tight, not enough slack and secondary’s aren’t in yet. Still needs proper white painted RR. markings on roadway.

Have a great weekend!

Friday again already?

Came across a few oldies - top is a fireplace I built in our mountain home back in 2008 just before I discovered this forum. The painting above the mantle is from a photo I took of the train crossing the Lake Fontana Dam out of Bryson City NC where parts of 'The Fugitive' were filmed.

2363 Illinois Central and 2356 SR on my old layout on the mountain

Atlas F2 Tuxedo AB

@FIREMANCHRIS posted:

I’m game to show a few pics!

Vegetation is a slow installation!  ⬆️The electric lines are slightly too tight, not enough slack and secondary’s aren’t in yet. Still needs proper white painted RR. markings on roadway.

Have a great weekend!

Very nice scene...quite prototypical. I install some utility lines on my layout as well, and it's always tricky trying to get the right amount of sag. Are the grade crossing signals by Custom Signals?

Southern Crescent making a station stop.

Neal Jeter

@FIREMANCHRIS posted:

I’m game to show a few pics!Vegetation is a slow installation!  ⬆️The electric lines are slightly too tight, not enough slack and secondary’s aren’t in yet. Still needs proper white painted RR. markings on roadway.

Have a great weekend!

Beautifully done Chris, the realism is superb!

Gene

It is raining here in the SF Bay Area for the first time in many months.  We always need the rain.  Here are a few photos of my friend Jacques' garden railroad taken back in July.  The railroad is setup to run TMCC and DCS.  However, he seldom uses these controls because he has converted nearly all of his 40+ engines to battery power using a variety of control systems.  Go outside if you don't have indoor space!  Yes, the trees and other plants are real.  NH Joe

@G3750 posted:

I stumbled across this early 2023 video taken during my Open Hearth construction.  As a test, we're tapping (pouring steel) No. 12 furnace.  Good thing it's only a test, because somebody forgot to put a slag ladle next to the teeming ladle's spout.  If we spill hot slag on the pouring floor that's going to be a dangerous mess!

George

that’s outstanding!  Have seen spills frozen to railroad tracks.  Hopefully no water nearby. I still have my green coat.

Lou N

An OEG415 with a PB54 trailer stops to pick up commuters while an express passes by.

3rd Rail Brill 660 & PB54.

@Lionlman posted:

Southern Crescent making a station stop.

Neal Jeter

Is that a Lionel AA pair Neal?  If so, what is the other cab number please?

I have the Premiere E unit #6900. Did MTH produce a 'mate' for theirs?

@PRRMiddleDivision posted:

Very nice scene...quite prototypical. I install some utility lines on my layout as well, and it's always tricky trying to get the right amount of sag. Are the grade crossing signals by Custom Signals?

Neal, they are Z-Stuff!  They were easy to install.  I looked into custom signals years ago, and had great conversation over the phone on all their products.  They advised me they were going out of business, so I went down another path.  They had such great prototypical products!  

Just checking out new Lionel cement hopper.

At the Virginia Train Collectors buy/sell/display show in Midlothian(Richmond) VA….

I couldn’t resist…….$30

Peter    

Magic Mountain

Peter

@scott.smith posted:

Last week we worked on the kid level layout at the VMT. We are using cookie tin buildings this year.

Scott, I have some of the Harry London cookie tins, but what are those other buildings in front?

Don

@FIREMANCHRIS posted:

I’m game to show a few pics!

Vegetation is a slow installation!  ⬆️The electric lines are slightly too tight, not enough slack and secondary’s aren’t in yet. Still needs proper white painted RR. markings on roadway.

Have a great weekend!

Chris was participating in a local layout tour today and I had the opportunity to meet him and get a close up look at his beautiful layout. Thanks for your hospitality and willingness to open your layout to visitors. It was well worth the trip and I enjoyed the tour and conversation (and looking forward to more in the future!)

Joe Shipbaugh

@c.sam posted:

Is that a Lionel AA pair Neal?  If so, what is the other cab number please?

I have the Premiere E unit #6900. Did MTH produce a 'mate' for theirs?

Sam, they are Lionel 2033380.  Cab numbers are 6901J and 6914R.

Neal Jeter

@joedaddy posted:

Chris was participating in a local layout tour today and I had the opportunity to meet him and get a close up look at his beautiful layout. Thanks for your hospitality and willingness to open your layout to visitors. It was well worth the trip and I enjoyed the tour and conversation (and looking forward to more in the future!)

Joe Shipbaugh

Great to meet you guys!!!  

Thanks for coming!!!!!  

Beautiful Sunday for the Ashland Christmas Parade!  Wouldn't be an official parade without the participation of an Amtrak and/or CSX train to put a pause in the parade.