Thanks as always for the kind words. I too, am anxious to see the video put together. Took a shot at making this video a "Walk Around Tour" explaining the track plan a little bit. I know there's been many inquiries about what this 23 x 40 foot track plan looks like, and I don't really have a decent "as built" plan in RRTrack Software.
For now replacing two malfunctioning DZ2500 switch machines with Tortoises
I managed to fit some Artista engineers into the tight little cab space of a new MTH RS3. Thanks to SIRT for the tip on using tape to prevent the rails from scratching the paint when removing the shell. I would never of thought of that and it was very necessary, as the end rails scraped against the cab when removing the shell.
Next up I’m going to remove that non-prototypical LIRR lettering and replace it with an MTA “M”.
@Strap Hanger posted:I managed to fit some Artista engineers into the tight little cab space of a new MTH RS3. Thanks to SIRT for the tip on using tape to prevent the rails from scratching the paint when removing the shell. I would never of thought of that and it was very necessary, as the end rails scraped against the cab when removing the shell.
Next up I’m going to remove that non-prototypical LIRR lettering and replace it with an MTA “M”.
Looks good Strap. Where did you get the figures? I need to order some for upcoming projects.
I see you decided to go all in and update the lettering too.
Bob
Here is a different take to "Working on the layout"...
Chris
LVHR
@RSJB18 posted:Looks good Strap. Where did you get the figures? I need to order some for upcoming projects.
I see you decided to go all in and update the lettering too.
Bob
Hi Bob. So glad you and your family are feeling better. The figures were from Artista. If I cut the legs off, I could’ve seated them both in the center window, but I went for the off centered, eclectic look. I’m going to follow this video on the decal removal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjXzspgRkz0
Hopefully, it works for MTH engines.
@lehighline posted:Here is a different take to "Working on the layout"...
Chris
LVHR
Laying down on the job again.....🤪🤪🤦♂️🤦♂️
Strap Hanger, great job with the engineer figures in the RS3 !
The Tortoise replacement saga continues. Thought I'd share this schematic (design credits go to Bob Bartizek here on the forum). I needed (wanted) two switch control DPDT switches with LED's to control both switches simultaneously. The switches themselves create a long passing siding adjacent to the main line. It took some search time to find this diagram, it's not the way I hooked up my other Tortoises, but it's the only one I found that supports multiple control locations.
It's critical that these switches throw together, and I really wanted to be able to control them at 2 different "local control panels" located about 24 feet apart.
Anyway, built this set up on the bench to verify it would do what I wanted and it worked great. Hope to wrap this up or at least really close by the end of the night...
Thank you Chris, again, for the useful information.
Bob, so glad things are looking up for you.
Operated some trains. Everything DM&IR with a little Bump-N-Go!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Cheers, Dave
Tender auto coupler went south on my RK Pennsy 2-8-2.
Found a disconnected wire at the coupler and repaired it.
Coupler on an Erie coal car was too high and kept disconnecting in the consist ............ removed it and tweaked the top retainer with a pairof channel locks.
Ran the trains for about 30 minutes.
LIFE IS GOOD AGAIN ,, 
@darlander your layout detail is superb! Also love seeing the Ore Cars running in your videos. I have a weakness for Ore Cars, such a simple but cool looking car to me.
Started a new project. I'm bashing an old caboose into a yard office.
Started by taking the trucks off, added plastic for window glazing, and led's. I'm also building a stove for the interior.
@RSJB18 posted:Started a new project. I'm bashing an old caboose into a yard office.
Started by taking the trucks off, added plastic for window glazing, and led's. I'm also building a stove for the interior.
Bob, that is so cool! The stove is a really nice touch. Can't wait to see the finished product on your layout.
@Strap Hanger posted:I managed to fit some Artista engineers into the tight little cab space of a new MTH RS3. Thanks to SIRT for the tip on using tape to prevent the rails from scratching the paint when removing the shell. I would never of thought of that and it was very necessary, as the end rails scraped against the cab when removing the shell.
Next up I’m going to remove that non-prototypical LIRR lettering and replace it with an MTA “M”.
Strap, love the livery! Please post after you get the “M”
Andy
@RSJB18 posted:…….. I'm also building a stove for the interior.
Bob any thoughts to drill out the bottom of the stove and possible grill vent and add a flickering red led???
Not attempting to add to your undertaking Bob: But what about a smoke unit?
@RSJB18 posted:Started a new project. I'm bashing an old caboose into a yard office.
Started by taking the trucks off, added plastic for window glazing, and led's. I'm also building a stove for the interior.
Nice idea
@WesternPacific2217 posted:Bob, that is so cool! The stove is a really nice touch. Can't wait to see the finished product on your layout.
Me too.
Bob 
@Rich Wiemann posted:Bob any thoughts to drill out the bottom of the stove and possible grill vent and add a flickering red led???
@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:Not attempting to add to your undertaking Bob: But what about a smoke unit?
How would Bob power the smoke unit Jay ? 
WOW BOB .........it seems like everyone is trying to make sure you have something more for you to "do on your layout today " 
Bought a MTH **** Gate Bridge that would not fit on my layout because of its footprint several years ago. Sat in a box until a few weeks ago. I rebuilt a table to have an angled side which widened the distance between the two sides to find enough room. The top base of the table is six and a half inches below the track on the table so that the bridge is level with the tracks.
I have learned a lot building it. The **** Gate bridge is just large enough to be cumbersome. I decided against a lift bridge as it would be stressed each time it was lifted or lowered.
There have been many small steps, but tonight, I finally put the hinge on the swinging door base for the bridge. The plan was that the whole bridge support swings out so there is room to get into the center of the layout, but not to be so big that the door to the train room can't close.
It still needs a lot of work to finesse the tracks so they align when it closes without any dip. This picture was just to see if it fit and was relatively level with the tables. I will take it back out and install better bracing, support, install a floor below the bridge, make it look like water below the bridge, and wired.
I am limited in the fact that I have no carpentry skills and have been learning on the go. Here is a picture of the work in progress.
Not sure how the smoke unit would be powered but I would think a unit could be wired as with a PW engine. It was just a thought, not meant as a complication.
@WesternPacific2217 @Rich Wiemann @Dallas Joseph @Tranquil Hollow RR
You guys are all too kind........ Just greasing the slope for me to slide down......
I actually had considered adding a smoke unit but where I'm placing the caboose will be difficult to reach to refill. It's also toward the back of the layout. The stove is a little small to do that kind of surgery on too. I do like the flickering fire idea and I know Evan Designs has just what I would need.
I have an idea but you will have to wait and see what I come up with. 
Bob
Nice project Bob! Can’t wait to see the finished product. You might be able to mount an oil defuser underneath your layout and pipe it up through the caboose. I am doing something similar in both my mountain and Rico station. It gives a nice smoke effect and makes the room smell nice.
@EML posted:Bought a MTH **** Gate Bridge that would not fit on my layout because of its footprint several years ago. Sat in a box until a few weeks ago. I rebuilt a table to have an angled side which widened the distance between the two sides to find enough room. The top base of the table is six and a half inches below the track on the table so that the bridge is level with the tracks.
I am limited in the fact that I have no carpentry skills and have been learning on the go. Here is a picture of the work in progress.
Looks good so far. Nice thinking outside the box to make room.
Bob
@Trainmaster04 posted:Nice project Bob! Can’t wait to see the finished product. You might be able to mount an oil defuser underneath your layout and pipe it up through the caboose. I am doing something similar in both my mountain and Rico station. It gives a nice smoke effect and makes the room smell nice.
I get dirty looks from the CEO when I run smoke so........ good idea though.
@RSJB18 posted:@WesternPacific2217 @Rich Wiemann @Dallas Joseph @Tranquil Hollow RR
You guys are all too kind........ Just greasing the slope for me to slide down......
I actually had considered adding a smoke unit but where I'm placing the caboose will be difficult to reach to refill. It's also toward the back of the layout. The stove is a little small to do that kind of surgery on too. I do like the flickering fire idea and I know Evan Designs has just what I would need.
I have an idea but you will have to wait and see what I come up with.
Bob
Bob we all know that your just like the rest of us here on the forum and just needs a little nudge to go down that slope….I’m sure your finished piece will continue to add to the layouts appeal.
'road testing' my new motive power:
@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:Not sure how the smoke unit would be powered but I would think a unit could be wired as with a PW engine. It was just a thought, not meant as a complication.
I wouldn't take it as a complication Jay...........I'd take it as inspiration.
@Dallas Joseph posted:I wouldn't take it as a complication Jay...........I'd take it as inspiration.
@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:Not sure how the smoke unit would be powered but I would think a unit could be wired as with a PW engine. It was just a thought, not meant as a complication.
There was a post not to long ago on this subject. The OP built a small building that needed to emit smoke through a chimney. I think it was a power house on a power plant. I asked the OP the same question and he said he didn't use a smoke unit from an engine, too small.
I wish I had bookmarked the post now.......
If I can find it I will share.
Well, the fishing trip this morning was cancelled, so I figured I spend an hour or so assembling and painting some odds and ends for the layout. Over six hours later…..
Nothing like decompressing while getting lost in a few projects. As an aside, I have renewed respect for the guys on this thread that regularly paint their own figures.
@Strap Hanger posted:Well, the fishing trip this morning was cancelled, so I figured I spend an hour or so assembling and painting some odds and ends for the layout. Over six hours later…..
Nothing like decompressing while getting lost in a few projects. As an aside, I have renewed respect for the guys on this thread that regularly paint their own figures.
Looks like the annual meeting of the pole sitters club.......
Nice work!
My son added his sprint cars and fans I bought him for Christmas to his racetrack we are adding to our table. I wired in the menards trucks I bought my two boys for Christmas and the mth traffic signals I just bought.
@RSJB18 posted:There was a post not to long ago on this subject. The OP built a small building that needed to emit smoke through a chimney. I think it was a power house on a power plant. I asked the OP the same question and he said he didn't use a smoke unit from an engine, too small.
I wish I had bookmarked the post now.......If I can find it I will share.
Hi Bob, is this the smoke generator you're looking for? Harbor Models:
@WesternPacific2217 posted:Hi Bob, is this the smoke generator you're looking for? Harbor Models:
Might be Scott.
Thanks
Bob look into the sleuth smoke units they are a quarter inch by a quarter inch square they do not put out much smoke but just a wisp is all you really want and if you put them through the building it looks like a chimney. Had one many years ago don't remember where I got it from. Maybe Walters
@RSJB18 posted:Might be Scott.
Thanks
After looking over some of these old posts I kind of leaned toward GRJ's vaporizor.
IMO Bob, the smoke machines I saw might make it look like the yard office was set on fire by some of the workers.
The fire glow lights are a go though.
PM'ed 20 vintage metal freight cars:
Amazing how much stuff it takes to change the rollers and the diodes on a ZW, ain't it?
Mitch
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