Happy to finally have a train running on my revised layout.
@Rixster posted:Happy to finally have a train running on my revised layout.
Looks and sounds great! I love the fall colors too.
Afternoon guys, you sure have some great work going on here!
You guys have some nice trains under the trees! I wish I could put a nice train under the tree, but my buddy Tank the bulldog thinks there just toys for him! LOL
@chris a, Chris you take on more projects then I would ever think about! Your work is just like everything else you do, just OUTSTANDING! Maybe someday I will gain the skills to take on projects as you do!
Well I was able to get out to the train room this morning and got the last 3 sidings wired up. Thanks to @gunrunnerjohn and his watch dog system everything works great! I could not be any happier! I would post a phot of that but its not very fun to look at wiring so here is just something to put up. I moved a engine and caboose to the engine service house.
Not sure if I will get any more time in the train room as we are to get 2' of snow by Christmas weekend. It's already started! LOL
If I don't make it back, I hope you all have a great time with your layouts and trains!
Also please have a Merry Christmas!
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Mike, Congratulations on getting the GunrunnerJohn Watchdogs on duty! They are really slick, and I don't have to feed them like I have to feed Bentley! 
The BNSF equipment looks great at the BNSF facility!! I bought a snow blower last week to ensure that we get less snow than normal here in Northwestern Pennsylvania. And here I thought all you get is rain where you live on the other side of the Sound!
Chris, the work you are doing on that coach is really nice! As you know I have some to do on one set of my coaches and actually, I have two other sets that need the LEDs installed.
Rixster, Big Blue looks great running through the bridges!
@chris a, Chris you take on more projects then I would ever think about! Your work is just like everything else you do, just OUTSTANDING! Maybe someday I will gain the skills to take on projects as you do!
Hey Mike: thanks for the kind words. Truth be told, I take on too many projects, before "in Process" projects are done !... I should get checked for ADD!! Didn't really mean for this Pullman car to blow up into a significant effort, but I don't like taking them apart, so once I opened it up, it became a "do it now" while it's all apart on the bench project.
Don't sell your efforts short, Mike, your layout looks great, you have accomplished an incredible amount of high quality modeling work in the last 2 years. Take care buddy, don't overdo it, clearing snow, and have a wonderful Merry Christmas !
Dave Ripp and all those who left "likes" thanks . Waiting for the adhesives to dry so I can put that Pullman back together tonight, and get it running.
The progress pictures and final photos are really an inspiration. As for the Lost Creek Railroad, I spent the last couple of weeks fabricating and installing the walkway, barrel platform, and walkway railing on the trestle. Not sure about adding the longitudinal safety timbers due to sharpness of the 031 curves. I have to reattach one of the handrails at one post. I checked the clearance of the locomotives before making the handrail. All of the loco bodies are higher than the handrail so they clear easily.
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@chris a posted:Don't sell your efforts short, Mike, your layout looks great, you have accomplished an incredible amount of high quality modeling work in the last 2 years. Take care buddy, don't overdo it, clearing snow, and have a wonderful Merry Christmas !
I have to echo Chris' comment about your layout, Mike!! Your skill set is in different areas than any of the rest of us. Your airfield and airplane taking off is fantastic. I haven't seen anyone else do it except a video of some big model that I believe was made by commercial modelers. You have done great work with lighting and animation, and all your scenery has a nice complete look to it. Who figured out how to lift two bridges at different elevations with the flick of one switch?? 
Also, I agree with Chris on taking care of yourself with snow removal.
Victor, the railing on your trestle really adds a lot to the overall effect!!
@Brooklyn Corey posted:My Christmas layout
wow Corey.........a REAL tree. It has to really smell like Christmas at your place. Do you have PINE Or CHRISTMAS scent for the steamer's smoke .🤔
Love the Santa climbing the ladder.
Nice feeling from this scene .
That detail is very impressive Victor; wow.
Chris, with enhancements you are making to your passenger fleet I’m sure your ridership is going to increase.
Bob. Each track is powered through a switch on a controll panel for the roundhouse and turntable. The doors are on separate switches as well. The tortoise machines are wired for lights someday in future.
Randy. No I'm not an architect just a tinker like Mike g said he was.
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Hi guys I am back! LOL
First off thank you all for the kind words!
@Victor Bertolina, your trestle and had rail looks outstanding!
@farmerjohn, If I would have thought outside the box I would have kept all my tortoise machines I sold! LOL Amazing work!
Well guys I went out to run some trains to relax before the snow built up. I wanted to run the fabulous MTH 4-8-4 UP from FarmerJohn on the upper loop. I thought it would look cool going into the mountain and coming out on the other end. I ran it up the incline and into the mountain maybe a 1/4 way in it got stuck! LOL It gave me a reason to try my access hatch, it worked as needed! Next was to take the top of the mountain off. Glad I made it removeable! The outer tunnel wall was to close.
I got her unstuck and finished running it around, then problem #2 slapped me in the face! The curve on the upper loop in fount of the houses on the hill is to close, so I had to take out the block walls I poured and cut back the backing foam. I hope to get out there tomorrow to try and repair my block wall, but I have to still take more out for clearance! The good thing is I have the top of the mountain back on and my access hatch back down and building plugged back in!
Once again Everyone have a Merry Christmas!
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Did some weathering, or rather mudding to the crane and Santa Fe truck. Nothing like that Sierra Nevada foothills red clay! Both the truck and crane are still too clean and need a little more grime on the bodies.
This will do in the mean time.
Happy Holidays.
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@mike g. posted:I got her unstuck and finished running it around, then problem #2 slapped me in the face! The curve on the upper loop in fount of the houses on the hill is to close, so I had to take out the block walls I poured and cut back the backing foam. I hope to get out there tomorrow to try and repair my block wall, but I have to still take more out for clearance! The good thing is I have the top of the mountain back on and my access hatch back down and building plugged back in!
Before you do the repairs, Mike, one suggestion based on what I've learned from similar experiences.
Test that curve with the same engine going both directions, forwards and backwards, as well as with any other style engines you have. And then add a quarter inch of additional clearance.
My "Test once instead of repairing twice (or thrice)" rule.
@mike g.
the videos of your layout are enjoyable in the daylight as well as in the fall of the night.
You have a great imagination as well as the ability to make it come true.
Keep it up and enjoy your Christmas with family and friends.
John d.
@Brooklyn Corey
Thanks for sharing with us your wonderful CP and the lighted track, my first working visual of the special track.
Enjoyed the lights on the Ferris wheel, the holiday ice skating, and of course Santa attempting to climb the ladder.
Lots of extra weight in Santa’s sack full of toys and trains….🙋♂️🎄🎅
@RSJB18 posted:…With a little help from a friend....
Looks like your “friend” has been indulging in a bit too much Christmas “cheer”, Bob Merry Christmas to you and your family, Bob - and a Happy and Train filled New Year!!!
@Brooklyn Corey posted:My Christmas layout
What??? No subway, Corey!!! Beautiful tree and train, Corey - I guess if you can’t have a subway, a CP steamer is a great second choice Merry Christmas!!!
Got the Pullman back together. Added a photo of my other 12-1 Pullman Sleeper, kind of provides somewhat of a before and after perspective. Unfortunately, when I started shooting photos, I realized the capacitor up in the ceiling changed positions and is now angled down into the passenger area.. bummer. To be continued another day.
Scott - Great idea with the mud on the tires, never would have thought of that idea !
Before:
After
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@farmerjohn posted:Bob. Each track is powered through a switch on a controll panel for the roundhouse and turntable. The doors are on separate switches as well. The tortoise machines are wired for lights someday in future.
Randy. No I'm not an architect just a tinker like Mike g said he was.
Enjoying this thread. Awesome. Probably worked great from the start.
@mike g. posted:Hi guys I am back! LOL
First off thank you all for the kind words!
@Victor Bertolina, your trestle and had rail looks outstanding!
@farmerjohn, If I would have thought outside the box I would have kept all my tortoise machines I sold! LOL Amazing work!
Well guys I went out to run some trains to relax before the snow built up. I wanted to run the fabulous MTH 4-8-4 UP from FarmerJohn on the upper loop. I thought it would look cool going into the mountain and coming out on the other end. I ran it up the incline and into the mountain maybe a 1/4 way in it got stuck! LOL It gave me a reason to try my access hatch, it worked as needed! Next was to take the top of the mountain off. Glad I made it removeable! The outer tunnel wall was to close.
I got her unstuck and finished running it around, then problem #2 slapped me in the face! The curve on the upper loop in fount of the houses on the hill is to close, so I had to take out the block walls I poured and cut back the backing foam. I hope to get out there tomorrow to try and repair my block wall, but I have to still take more out for clearance! The good thing is I have the top of the mountain back on and my access hatch back down and building plugged back in!
Once again Everyone have a Merry Christmas!
Never buy a MTH centipede.
@chris a posted:Got the Pullman back together. Added a photo of my other 12-1 Pullman Sleeper, kind of provides somewhat of a before and after perspective. Unfortunately, when I started shooting photos, I realized the capacitor up in the ceiling changed positions and is now angled down into the passenger area.. bummer. To be continued another day.
Scott - Great idea with the mud on the tires, never would have thought of that idea !
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After
Looks so much better with passengers. Nice addition
Morning guys, hope your all done with your Christmas shopping!
@WesternPacific2217, Scott I didn't think I would ever say this as an adult but man that is some good-looking mud work! Add a little dust and your there! I have to do the same thing on a lot of my stuff.
@chris a, outstanding job in the interior of your passenger car! I really like the new color inside, that with the lighting it really makes it much more enjoyable for all the extra passengers! Nicely done!
Well guy I plan on taking out some more brick wall and running a test drive by so I can mark the new location for the brick wall to go back. I am going to make this work as I am not starting that corner all over again! LOL
I hope everyone has a great day and I will check in later!
Hi guys- lots of great projects in the works.
Mike- sorry to hear about your steamer. They are hogs when it comes to clearances. Definitely check it in both directions, in forward and reverse too. At least you planned ahead for access.
Paul- @Apples55- The "cat"ering tray she's next to is full of catnip , so I guess you are spot on. At least she doesn't do this on the layout.
Chris- The car looks great with the new lighting. Sorry to hear you have to open it again.
John- thanks for more info on the turntable and round house. Still amazed by the work that went into it.
Victor- nice detailing on the high line. I have a similar plan in mind for a section of my upper loop.
Scott- nice mud work. Add some brown dust to the bodies and they will look perfect.
@Rixster- congrats on the maiden voyage. The CR Blue looks great.
@Brooklyn Corey- thanks for sharing the video. The santa climbing the ladder is neat.
Nothing new to report. Been laid up since yesterday with something. Just went for a covid test earlier today. Now my son is down for the count. Going to be a long week......
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:Nothing new to report. Been laid up since yesterday with something. Just went for a covid test earlier today. Now my son is down for the count. Going to be a long week......
Bob
Good grief Bob.
Maybe you've been working too hard. Shopping and decorating and working ( playing ) on the RR may just have you guys run down........I hope that's all it is. 
Take it easy .
Take care of yourself & your Son Bob. The trains can wait. Our health is job 1 right now.
Wow guys, excellent work as always!
Corey-great tree and two gauges
Bob- tree looks great, hang in there and feel better. You and your son.
Chris- the LEDS are much better.
John-great work on the turntable, wow.
Rixster- congratulations on your run.
Western Pacific-nice scenery work.
victor- I agree with Bob, nice detail work.
Andy
I applied the gray top coat to the bridge. Next, I’ll add a few darker spots and some mossy areas for contrast, then a black wash and maybe some weathering powders.
Andy
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OMG Bob, please let us know what develops. That has to be scary for your family. You are in my prayers.
Bob take care of yourself and family. Wishing you a speedy recovery
Don
Good afternoon everyone and Merry Christmas! I was finally able to rap up my first school semester and start my Christmas break. With this new found time I finally decided to ballast the yard. Inspired by RSJB18, I have changed the yard ballast from a clean white grey to a grimy black and grey. I plan on finishing it either later today or tomorrow depending on how much ballast reserves last.
Also, news on the Climax project. I have had to surrender and say, “I cannot do it.” I got into contact with gunrunnerjohn and he, a wealth of knowledge, made me realize I have gotten into something to big too quickly. As the saying goes, live and let learn, and that is what I am doing. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and hopefully I’ll be back soon!
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TrainMaster04, congratulations on finishing your semester. The layout looks great! That is great that you plan to follow Bob's advice on the yard ballast. I'm sorry about the Climax.
Bob, Take care of yourself and your family! Let us know how everyone is.
Thanks for the well wishes guys. Feeling better and the boy is on X box with his buddies so he can't be too sick.
@Trainmaster04- thanks for the compliment on the yard. I like the grimy look for yards. Sorry about the loco too. At least you admitted your limitations and consulted an expert.
@Steamfan77- The bridge looks good Andy. The next steps should really make it special.
Bob
Trainmaster04: I tried something very different in my engine service yard as I was getting tired of my yards not looking like the few prototype yards I had a chance to get near and walk through. It always bugged me that in the yards I got close to the ground was pretty much right up to the top of the ties and everything was pretty grimy and dirty. So when I tackled my engine service penninsula I used white glue to adhere white batting (the thin 1/4 to 1/2 ") variety, then buried it in flat dark brown cheap latex flat paint. When that was done, my "yard" mix was far more, dark dirt ( screened, dried and microwaved ) then cinders, ash, some coal and only about 20% finer ballast. Then I tinted the diluted white glue/alcohol mix with dark latex paints and India Ink. Here's a few photos of the results. Dirt is way cheaper than a bucket of ballast. Good luck, the layout is looking great.
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Really nice Chris.
Added a few scrub trees and bushes along the tracks. I'll do another run trough eventually as I have a lot left.
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@RSJB18 posted:Thanks for the well wishes guys. Feeling better and the boy is on X box with his buddies so he can't be too sick.
Bob
Glad to hear this Bob! Two of my family members residing in NYC had the same experience last week - one night of mild fever, night sweats, etc., then fine. Both tested positive and then within 4-5 days tested negative. Hope the same for you and your Son.
WP2217. Wow. Detailing with mud on tracks and tires is so real . I really like the detail you're creating on you're layout. It creates a scene frome static to in use as in real life . So cool.
@farmerjohn posted:Bob. Each track is powered through a switch on a controll panel for the roundhouse and turntable. The doors are on separate switches as well. The tortoise machines are wired for lights someday in future.
Randy. No I'm not an architect just a tinker like Mike g said he was.
John:
...and, like Mike G, a superb tinkerer you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
