Well,,, I finally did something to my layout. Yesterday I removed most of my rolling stock and buildings. This afternoon I removed most of the two upper levels. I'll attack again in the morning. I wonder if I can get it put back together the same way?? Photographic proof of destruction is attached.
Bill
@fast freight, thanks for the nice comment! I know its a small runway, but I dont have alot of room!
Bill, all I can say is wow and I have been there and still trying to get things back together! Good luck on your project!
@mike g. posted:@fast freight, thanks for the nice comment! I know its a small runway, but I dont have alot of room!
Bill, all I can say is wow and I have been there and still trying to get things back together! Good luck on your project!
I hear ya. O scale takes a lot of room. A runway is especially hard to accomplish.
Looks really good though.
Bill, It looks like a tornado hit! I'm sure you will get things back running even better than before!
Trainmaster04, thank you for the great photographs from the Strasburg.
I made some good progress on wiring my AIUs to control power to tracks. There is still a little troubleshooting to do, you can see more detailed information by selecting this link Blackwater Canyon Line
I didn't get anything done on my layout but over the past couple of weeks and the next few weeks I will be remodeling the lake feature on the Chicagoland lionel railroad club's layout. Previously it was just blue painted plywood and some HO brick paper. I tore the paper out and put in new 1/8 in hardboard walls. Then I applied a layer of A flute corrugated cardboard to stimulate a metal seawall.
The lower inch was painted gloss black to mimic the wave action against the wall.
After the black dried, the top portion was painted a brownish rust color.
Oversized ballast was glued to the seawall and around the pier for the girder bridge to stimulate riprap.
The next work involved painting and attaching 1/8 inch hardboard for a capstone on the edge of the lake. I used Rustoleum's stone effects paint to stimulate a granite type of stone.
Next week when all this work is dry, I will attack making the water and waves. Then they will be varnished with a water based poly (3 coats). I have a special idea for something in the lake, more to come.
Good Saturday evening @scouting dad, @ fast freight, @ mike g.
per the calendar now it is October 23rd at 7:25PM.
I receive all my email posts from OGR forum 2-3 days late.
my USPS is always delivered 3rd day or later via Charleston WV🤪
@ Mike g. @ Fast freight
Dan I appreciate your info on how you achieve the thick an lush grass. Your work is great and enjoyable. The turf looks thick and real and I of course understand now via the photos. Its up to me now, just need to try the process in house now.
And Mike thanks for sharing your “enginuity” with us. Are your tickets online or cash only. I wish to be in the correct line for my scheduled flight. Keep up with the great ideas. My guess Mike you will be having Captain Kirk traveling in your next project 😆
Have a good Saturday, Sunday, or Monday evening guys, whenever you receive this post!
@Bogart posted:Per a comment from a couple of years ago ( I am very slow about some things!) I finally installed some form work on the driveway under construction next to that cast resin house.
Bogart......,.nice idea and well done........well enough that I can feel my back hurting.......I did play around with cement a few times. 😓
@mike g. posted:@fast freight, thanks for the nice comment! I know its a small runway, but I dont have alot of room!
Bill, all I can say is wow and I have been there and still trying to get things back together! Good luck on your project!
A short runway isn’t a problem, Mike... just install a set of those steam powered arrestor cables they have on air craft carriers 
P.S. the runway looks really cool - love the plane animation.
@Mark Boyce posted:Bill, It looks like a tornado hit! I'm sure you will get things back running even better than before!
Trainmaster04, thank you for the great photographs from the Strasburg.
I made some good progress on wiring my AIUs to control power to tracks. There is still a little troubleshooting to do, you can see more detailed information by selecting this link Blackwater Canyon Line
Thanks Mark! Sorry to see you were not able to make it this year. I am glad to see you are up and about and getting some good work done.
@Trainmaster04 posted:Thanks Mark! Sorry to see you were not able to make it this year. I am glad to see you are up and about and getting some good work done.
Thank you very much!
Made some modifications to the layout today. Added another crossover to make it so my elevated section can be run as a loop instead of a passing siding. 
I also tweeked the inner yard by replacing a 036 turnout with a 072 wye. 
And added a new siding area
Didn't get a chance to run any trains to test the new track, hopefully that will happen tomorrow. Have a good night everyone!
@mike g. posted:I hope your all having a great weekend! I also hope your having fun with your layout and trains!
Really outstanding work, Mike! I wish I had the room for something like this. The lift mechanism came out great! Can’t wait to see it installed on your layout.
One of my favorite spots at the RR Museum. We used to take the kids to PA every year and hit Strasburg, Hershey Park, and Lancaster. Now that they are grown, I'm the only "kid" who wants to go to Strasburg. 
@Odenville Bill- looks like major surgery. What's the plan and why did you have to take the layout apart?
@Jstewart204- great carpet central layout.
@Bogart- I like the form work. Going to make for a very neat job when its done. 
@third rail- very nice, can't wait to see the next steps.
Nothing new to report for me. Maybe later today.......
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:@third rail- very nice, can't wait to see the next steps.
Nothing new to report for me. Maybe later today.......
Bob
I'll give you a hint. It involves 4 mop haired young men from Liverpool.
Good Morning Y'all,
Bob, I had three O22 switches failing in a corner out of reach. I am taking down levels two and three. I will scrub every piece of track and solder power drop outs on several. My railroad has been out of service since July. Time to bust a move.
Bill
Bob, they are good spots with a lot of history. Milton Hershey built a trolley network to shuttle employees and to transport milk from the farms. We’re about 20” away from Hershey. In April you could have it all by adding a few days for the York Train Show.
I discovered that my wiring errors weren't wiring errors at all. After checking all my wiring and finding it right, I deleted all the accessories on the remote for AIU 1 and reloaded them. All of them worked this go round. Second, I discovered I forgot to program one of the tracks on AIU 3, so once I added that, all is swell!!
I also plugged in the Gunrunnerjohn Watchdog Generator on my TIU fixed output 2 for my sidings. When I powered all the sidings, none of the engines started up on applying power just as John designed it for. I was now able to start each engine with the remote individually. Hooray!!
Thank you John, and Thank you Bill Webb for the AIU assistance!!
@mike g. posted:
Great airport action Mike on the airport scene! I hope that you have a piper cub or biplane to attach as the Blue Angel jet maybe a little slow for takeoff. Great addition to your layout! Well done and great project! I give you an A+++
Cheer, Dave
@Odenville Bill posted:Good Morning Y'all,
Bob, I had three O22 switches failing in a corner out of reach. I am taking down levels two and three. I will scrub every piece of track and solder power drop outs on several. My railroad has been out of service since July. Time to bust a move.
Bill
Sounds good Bill. Good luck with the rebuild.
@Mark Boyce posted:I discovered that my wiring errors weren't wiring errors at all. After checking all my wiring and finding it right, I deleted all the accessories on the remote for AIU 1 and reloaded them. All of them worked this go round. Second, I discovered I forgot to program one of the tracks on AIU 3, so once I added that, all is swell!!
I also plugged in the Gunrunnerjohn Watchdog Generator on my TIU fixed output 2 for my sidings. When I powered all the sidings, none of the engines started up on applying power just as John designed it for. I was now able to start each engine with the remote individually. Hooray!!
Thank you John, and Thank you Bill Webb for the AIU assistance!!
CTRT/ALT/DEL= Happy railroading......
@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:Bob, they are good spots with a lot of history. Milton Hershey built a trolley network to shuttle employees and to transport milk from the farms. We’re about 20” away from Hershey. In April you could have it all by adding a few days for the York Train Show.
Next to Lake George, NY, Lancaster county is my next favorite spot.....
Now I need to convince/ persuade the CEO that going to a train show with a bunch of train obsessed guys is FUN!
@darlander posted:Great airport action Mike on the airport scene! I hope that you have a piper cub or biplane to attach as the Blue Angel jet maybe a little slow for takeoff. Great addition to your layout! Well done and great project! I give you an A+++
Cheer, Dave
Thanks Dave! Just gives me something else to build scenery around! LOL
Mark, I am sure it took awhile, but I am glad you got it all figured out!
BOB, now thats funny, I tried that with the wife and I still go alone! LOL
I was able to run some trains briefly to test the new modifications. All of the new to me used 072 turnouts work great. The trains appreciate the increased length of the incline and decline sections.
Someday I will build a permanent layout but for now I love my floor layout, it's easy to modify without having to rebuild scenery. Half the fun is rejiggering the track work!
I hope everyone had a great weekend, I love seeing all the work posted on this thread
Thank you Bob and Mike!
Bob, When I finished my electronics degree back in ‘76, I never would have dreamed a reset would do anything. How things have changed.
Mike, deleting and reprogramming the accessories was one of those trial and error things. I’m certainly new to setting up these AIUs! 😆
Mark- my daughter flew to Indianapolis last week from LaGuardia. They had a problem with the plane and the pilot literally says, we need to ctrl/alt/dlt the system to reboot it.
Can't make this sh.. up! 😂😂😂
@RSJB18 posted:Mark- my daughter flew to Indianapolis last week from LaGuardia. They had a problem with the plane and the pilot literally says, we need to ctrl/alt/dlt the system to reboot it.
Can't make this sh.. up! 😂😂😂
Let's reboot the plane at 40,000 feet!! 
It's not York but I had an opportunity to attend a local train show yesterday and had a couple of finds. Found a die cast fork loader and six pallets for a $6.00 investment. Today I started the reassignment process of several cars. I am converting some former purchased, one an MTH Pennsylvania gondola, to a DMIR pulpwood gondola. Years ago I clean out a local Conoco gas station's supply of K-line money bank Conoco tankers (3). Today I finally filled in the coin slots and will eventually convert them to DM&IR water tankers.
Life is good in spite of missing another York experience. Unfortunately, it still remains on my bucket list.
Cheers to all,
Dave
Bob, there’s always the outlets at Hershey for your wife to check out.
@darlander posted:It's not York but I had an opportunity to attend a local train show yesterday and had a couple of finds. Found a die cast fork loader and six pallets for a $6.00 investment. Today I started the reassignment process of several cars. I am converting some former purchased, one an MTH Pennsylvania gondola, to a DMIR pulpwood gondola. Years ago I clean out a local Conoco gas station's supply of K-line money bank Conoco tankers (3). Today I finely filled in the coin slots and will eventually convert them to DM&IR water tankers.
Life is good in spite of missing another York experience. Unfortunately, it still remains on my bucket list.
Cheers to all,
Dave
Dave, thats a great find for$6.00! I really like how your repurpose cars and give them new life as something else! The tank cars look like a project that could be challenging project after filling the money hole and then repaint and decals! I sure hope you will keep us posted on how they go!
Fixed my power issue last night. I had to add a common feed to the opposite side of the loop. I only had one in the back and I guess the continuity thorough two switches wasn't that good. It was a 5 minute fix and all is well again.
The 44 tonner is running at about 8v. Nice and smooth now. I cleaned the track too.
Bob, it's so nice when it turns out to be an easy fix! But I do have to say you must have one really long small drill bit to drill down below the lower level!
The toner looks wonderful, and the Track cleaning car is just outstanding! Great work!
Love the layout!
@mike g. posted:Bob, it's so nice when it turns out to be an easy fix! But I do have to say you must have one really long small drill bit to drill down below the lower level!
The toner looks wonderful, and the Track cleaning car is just outstanding! Great work!
Love the layout!
I actually drilled two separate holes. I do have some really long bits from my contracting days which come in handy sometimes.
Bob
Bob, I am not surprised you found the electrical problem quickly! The 44 Tonner runs great. Mine is back in the box and on Kim's gift shelf. I don't know if I will see it on Nov 3rd (my birthday), Dec 7th (our anniversary, or Do Not Open Until Christmas!
@RSJB18 posted:I actually drilled two separate holes. I do have some really long bits from my contracting days which come in handy sometimes.
Bob
Here is a nice little tip, just get yourself a Arc welding rod, clean the outer layer off, flatten one end and sharpen like a flatbit. Works great, I can drill up to 8" deep.
@mike g. posted:Here is a nice little tip, just get yourself a Arc welding rod, clean the outer layer off, flatten one end and sharpen like a flatbit. Works great, I can drill up to 8" deep.
Mike, you always think outside the box, a trait I struggle with!
@Mark Boyce posted:Mike, you always think outside the box, a trait I struggle with!
Thanks Mark, I am sure they sell them, but I am to cheap! LOL
@Victor Bertolina posted:Nothing fancy today. This week was the start of the tie fabrication and coloring process. I made just short of 500 ties (probably need 500 more) and started a few test batches of wood dye. The ties were cut from a 2 x 4 using both the table saw and a newly purchased band saw. The band saw really works well in both ripping the ties to a somewhat consistant width and thickness as well as cutting to length. I had some leftover wood dye (dark walnut). This stuff is water based so no smell and it stains well. The formula is one oz dye to one quart water on alcohol. I just used water. The first test was a simple imersion of the tie and then left overnight to dry. It darkened well. Test two was imersion for about 90 minutes and left to dry. The wood is really varied in density and color. The more wood grain that shows before dying results in less dye being absorbed. I attached a few pics.
Really a lot of dedication on your part Victor. Nice looking ties though with a good consistant size.
Sometimes it is a lot more fun creating your own items for the layout instead of buying ( perhaps a new locomotive ? 😉) .
@Odenville Bill posted:Good Morning Y'all,
Bob, I had three O22 switches failing in a corner out of reach. I am taking down levels two and three. I will scrub every piece of track and solder power drop outs on several. My railroad has been out of service since July. Time to bust a move.
Bill
Incredible patience Bill..........when i have a frustrating issue on my layout I have trouble puttong two words together to talk to anyone .😉
@Mark Boyce posted:Bill, It looks like a tornado hit! I'm sure you will get things back running even better than before!
Trainmaster04, thank you for the great photographs from the Strasburg.
I made some good progress on wiring my AIUs to control power to tracks. There is still a little troubleshooting to do, you can see more detailed information by selecting this link Blackwater Canyon Line
...........and the saga of the Boyce Nuclear Substation continues. 😨........😉
@Victor Bertolina posted:Nothing fancy today. This week was the start of the tie fabrication and coloring process. I made just short of 500 ties (probably need 500 more) and started a few test batches of wood dye. The ties were cut from a 2 x 4 using both the table saw and a newly purchased band saw. The band saw really works well in both ripping the ties to a somewhat consistant width and thickness as well as cutting to length. I had some leftover wood dye (dark walnut). This stuff is water based so no smell and it stains well. The formula is one oz dye to one quart water on alcohol. I just used water. The first test was a simple imersion of the tie and then left overnight to dry. It darkened well. Test two was imersion for about 90 minutes and left to dry. The wood is really varied in density and color. The more wood grain that shows before dying results in less dye being absorbed. I attached a few pics.
Those are really nice Victor.
What size did you make them?
John
I had help this past Sunday in reviving my layout that has sat partially dismantled and idle for the past 4 years. A former private music student and also former worker in my musical instrument repair shop for several years until I retired and closed the shop this past December, has been visiting me almost every week to help me get the layout back in action. I am somewhat incapacitated in my old age and cannot climb onto or get under my platform anymore. So help is extremely welcome.
My helper finished wiring the track in there are where my city scene will go and, after 4 years, we turned on the juice with no obvious electrical shorts. We did get a train moving via MTH DCS but, there are track problems that need to be investigated and corrected the next time she returns for another work session that should be next Sunday morning. The track problems may be just from dirty track due to sitting idle for so many years.
Nothing we did was photo-worthy. I will include photos as things progress at a later date.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
