What did you do on your layout today?

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Oh Mark , I don't know where you are getting this idea from.

I'm innocently just sitting in my layout area printing up meager little fast stick price stickers and trying to figure out where your little lady likes to get gift cards for her  shopping needs.

I'll never tell where she gets them! 

@Victor Bertolina posted:

Dallas Joseph - RE Painting rails - I am using rustoleum paint in a can ("satin black" and "rusty metal primer") and brushing it on the entire rail. After letting the paint set a little, say 30 to 60 minutes, I pass a paper towel strip wrapped around a block of wood over the rail tops so the top surface can conduct electricity. I am using clean paint thinner to wet the paper towel (not too much thinner, just dip part of the strip in the thinner and wrap tightly around the wood block).  That keeps from removing too much paint. This tip was posted by someone else earlier - thank you very much. I found the best way was to paint the outside rails first with the red color, clean and let dry, then the center rail with the black paint since I could then touchup any excess red paint that got on the ties or turnout surfaces with the black at the same time.  It does take a while and is a little tedious but there is no need to hurry when one is retired!

Victor, My wife and I trying to get the hang of this retired thing.  I retired two years ago, but went through 2 orthopedic surgeries and recoveries, and am now starting to get around.  My wife just retired at the end of October.  Just yesterday, she told me she was glad to see me painting a kit so she wouldn't feel guilty doing some sewing. 

@Steamfan77 posted:

@Jeff, thank you for the kind words. I have not made a video, but it is on my to do list at some point. I feel like the layout is a little “unfinished” and needs a ton of scenery work done, but I have been more active with some recent projects.
I really enjoy running a point to point layout. I get to follow the train around and throw some switches here and there. And there are many switching opportunities for freight runs.

Andy

@Steamfan77  I understand what you are saying about having a lot of work to do before thinking the layout is "good enough" to post. I found the rough build history found on layout pages to be really interesting. Even on my own layout.  looking back I am surprised at the changes and the amount of progress. I cannot imagine anyone having a negative comment about an awesome work in progress - unless of course the video is taken in vertical format - that usually garners several comments. Best

On my next layout, I think I am going to end up with one or two point to point sections. One for a Shay hauling timber up and down. The other for an MTH European set with scale wheels unless I can manage to work in a full 2 rail scale line.

@GeoPeg posted:

Maybe you had AGF turned on? (Auto Giraffe Repeat)

You might just have something, there...

Mitch

Thank you Jeff, you convinced me. I need to clean the layout up a little first. Note taken about the vertical view. 👍🏻
Andy

@Mark Boyce posted:

I'll never tell where she gets them! 

Victor, My wife and I trying to get the hang of this retired thing.  I retired two years ago, but went through 2 orthopedic surgeries and recoveries, and am now starting to get around.  My wife just retired at the end of October.  Just yesterday, she told me she was glad to see me painting a kit so she wouldn't feel guilty doing some sewing. 

Hi Mark

I have enjoyed reading your posts. Adapting to a retired lifestyle is not for the faint-hearted. It is so much different than spending 10+ hours per day in an professional career. Now that my wife has retired and just about recovered from a serious illness, we can do some traveling. The train stuff always interested me but until retirement and building a train room, there was no way to enjoy it. I did start purchasing a few years ago without any real idea what the layout would look like. For the most part, I was able to utilize the items purchased. I am doing more work with the church in an effort to be more useful. At age 72, I don't need any significant challenges. Hopefully you will or have fully recovered from the orthopedic issues and can enjoy the spousal company as well.

I revisited the painting of the bridge I built after I received some encouragement and direction from Dave (Luvindemtrains). I’m much happier with this version. I installed it this afternoon. Thank you again for your help Dave! I will add the ground cover behind the abutments and add the stream under the bridge. The areas of green simulate moss. There is a lot more on the prototype as this is a north facing surface, and sees no direct sunlight.
Andy

Andy,

No problem. This looks very good without scenery, so once that is added you will have a heck of a representation of the prototype.

Dave

Good Afternoon,

Today I finished some laundry. It's hung up now, ironically using clothespins to aid me in keeping the lines from pulling through the holes before glued in place.

Dave

Haven't posted since the Mesa was completed. With the Holidays and work, I spend what free time I have (or steal) working on the scenery. Although I check the posts often, forgot all about posting my own adventure. Here is where it is at today. Currently working on fencing to keep the cows off the tracks!

Today, playing with the Sante Fe, and getting ready to tackle a few projects on the layout. Happy Railroading Everyone

Andy- that bridge is going to be beautiful when it's done (it already is). Love the LIRR S2

Dave- neat project, love the attention to detail.

Larry- A different view of your beautiful layout.

I had mentioned an issue with my Menards F7 derailing over a switch last week. I was able to fix it this afternoon by adding a shim under the tie closest to the left switch to lift up the outside rail of the exiting track. Seems to have solved the problem. I forgot to take a pic before I repaired the ballast.

I also ran my LIRR SW8 for a bit. Great engine, I'm very happy with it.

Bob

Glad you fixed the issue with the switch, that can drive you crazy.

That S-2 is one of my favorite engines.

Dave, the laundry is a nice touch, what a great idea.

Larry, thanks for the videos, that is an impressive layout.

Andy

@luvindemtrains posted:

Good Afternoon,

Today I finished some laundry. It's hung up now, ironically using clothespins to aid me in keeping the lines from pulling through the holes before glued in place.

Dave

That is so neat. How about a teeny weinee yellow bikini? Lingerie?

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

You might just have something, there...

Mitch

The ASPCA has been notified of a potential hoarding situation involving exotic animals

@RSJB18 posted:

Still waiting for my replacement fire kit. Shipping delays...... So to pass the time I bought a new diesel.

LIRR SW-8, MTH w/ PS2

Bob

Fantasy or not, nice looking engine, Bob. But I think they misspelled Lawn-guy-lind...

@Apples55 posted:

The ASPCA has been notified of a potential hoarding situation involving exotic animals

Ruh-ro. 

@Victor Bertolina posted:

Dallas Joseph - RE Painting rails - I am using rustoleum paint in a can ("satin black" and "rusty metal primer") and brushing it on the entire rail. After letting the paint set a little, say 30 to 60 minutes, I pass a paper towel strip wrapped around a block of wood over the rail tops so the top surface can conduct electricity. I am using clean paint thinner to wet the paper towel (not too much thinner, just dip part of the strip in the thinner and wrap tightly around the wood block).  That keeps from removing too much paint. This tip was posted by someone else earlier - thank you very much. I found the best way was to paint the outside rails first with the red color, clean and let dry, then the center rail with the black paint since I could then touchup any excess red paint that got on the ties or turnout surfaces with the black at the same time.  It does take a while and is a little tedious but there is no need to hurry when one is retired!

Thanks Victor.

Your method and material has given the track a really nice look sir.

Yup , no sense in getting in a hurry in retirement .  Sometimes I guess I forget that I don't have to satisfy a production number anymore.

@Victor Bertolina posted:

Hi Mark

I have enjoyed reading your posts. Adapting to a retired lifestyle is not for the faint-hearted. It is so much different than spending 10+ hours per day in an professional career. Now that my wife has retired and just about recovered from a serious illness, we can do some traveling. The train stuff always interested me but until retirement and building a train room, there was no way to enjoy it. I did start purchasing a few years ago without any real idea what the layout would look like. For the most part, I was able to utilize the items purchased. I am doing more work with the church in an effort to be more useful. At age 72, I don't need any significant challenges. Hopefully you will or have fully recovered from the orthopedic issues and can enjoy the spousal company as well.

Thank you, Victor!  Travel.  We would like to, but my wife’s mum lives across the road and panics even if we go for part of the day.  Oh well, if we never do it, that’s okay.

Its been a fun discussion!  I stopped on the scenery until I get to Lowes or Home Depot for some extruded styrofoam.  In the meantime, I have built the shell of the Altoona Model Works Branchline Station.  I painted all the parts, but forgot to take a photograph.  I’ll catch you up on that between trips out with the snowblower.  😉

GNRW operating session videos and pictures; 'first run' of the N&W Jawn Henry.

https://ogrforum.com/...9#158533581959899549

@Apples55 posted:

Fantasy or not, nice looking engine, Bob. But I think they misspelled Lawn-guy-lind...

I don't know why the mfr's can't get it right........

Great work by everyone !   Too many posts and photos to reply to each one.   Been busy tying up loose ends.  Got the chandeliers installed in Union Station, and installed more cross hatch window dividers in the large arch entry.

Decided while the front center of the layout was under construction update with the Pennsy Block retaining wall upgrades, I should take the opportunity to install new Kadee Uncouplers on the Mine Run.   Managed to come up with a "set - up" that produces pretty reliable and repeatable  "delayed coupling" action which I want to have to spot hoppers under the Coal Tipples, so I figured just make up a bunch of assemblies that are completely super-glued together and ready to install on either Gargraves or Ross track sections that are fully ballasted.  This is working well, all I have to do is drill out the glued ballast, and install two flat head countersunk #6 steel screws which hold the bar magnet assemblies in place while the siliconized latex caulk applied to the top of the ties holds everything in alignment.   The small metal strips are from the Green File Folders that one uses in old school file cabinets to hold and organize manila folders.  It's perfect size stock for this job, dirt cheap and easy to cut to length. 

Guys and Gals,

The original poster that started this thread has been missing in action for quite some time.  For the past several months members have been emailing us asking why he isn't posting any longer.  Doing some research we found that he also is no longer a subscriber as well as not posting regularly.  We decided to try to contact him but after several tries with no response we came to the conclusion that something may have happened.  Frankly, with all that is going on health-wise in the world today, I was worried so I did some research and did not come up with any notices.  With that in mind we felt that this thread deserved to be authored by an active and well known and liked member.  During a discussion with Alex Malliae I brought up this topic and told him that we were considering trying to find someone to author the thread and then it occurred to me that Alex would be perfect for the job!  So ... I asked if he would be interested.  He responded in the affirmative but expressed that he did not want the OP to be upset with him nor anyone else on the forum for stepping up to the task of overseeing the thread.  With that said, I made one more attempt to communicate with the OP but to no avail so we have made Alex the author to this thread.  I realize some of you may not agree but we are not going to make everyone happy however we felt that a popular thread such as this deserved an author that was active on the forum and openly involved in the hobby.  We realize that there are other (and a lot smaller) threads that may have authors that are no longer with us but this thread is in a different league.  I certainly hope that you will agree with us that Alex is up to the task of supporting this thread with some of his posts and will lead the thread into many more years here on the forum.  All that we ask of you is to keep on topic and keep off topic discussion between yourselves via profile email.  This thread is intended for posts that show and tell what you have recently done on your layout.  Thanks for your support!

Thanks for the update Alan. Also thanks for the support of this thread by the Forum. It is always my first stop when I log on each day.

Alex- welcome to the party and thanks for carrying on the tradition. Now....what ever happened with YOUR layout?????

Bob

Chris, the additions to the station look great. Can we see a video of the uncouplers in action?

Alex, I’m with Bob, what are you up to on your layout?

Andy

After years of looking at this space trees are growing.  Supervised by Sam.

I started to take this set out of the box and play with it. The set is very eye catching, all the way to the box it comes in. I still have a couple of cars to pull out of the box. But so far this is what I’ve ran, weathered, and had fun with during my free time these past couple of weeks.

Sharp set Jesse, nice job on the weathering.

Andy

@OGR CEO-PUBLISHER posted:

Guys and Gals,

The original poster that started this thread has been missing in action for quite some time.  For the past several months members have been emailing us asking why he isn't posting any longer.  Doing some research we found that he also is no longer a subscriber as well as not posting regularly.  We decided to try to contact him but after several tries with no response we came to the conclusion that something may have happened.  Frankly, with all that is going on health-wise in the world today, I was worried so I did some research and did not come up with any notices.  With that in mind we felt that this thread deserved to be authored by an active and well known and liked member.  During a discussion with Alex Malliae I brought up this topic and told him that we were considering trying to find someone to author the thread and then it occurred to me that Alex would be perfect for the job!  So ... I asked if he would be interested.  He responded in the affirmative but expressed that he did not want the OP to be upset with him nor anyone else on the forum for stepping up to the task of overseeing the thread.  With that said, I made one more attempt to communicate with the OP but to no avail so we have made Alex the author to this thread.  I realize some of you may not agree but we are not going to make everyone happy however we felt that a popular thread such as this deserved an author that was active on the forum and openly involved in the hobby.  We realize that there are other (and a lot smaller) threads that may have authors that are no longer with us but this thread is in a different league.  I certainly hope that you will agree with us that Alex is up to the task of supporting this thread with some of his posts and will lead the thread into many more years here on the forum.  All that we ask of you is to keep on topic and keep off topic discussion between yourselves via profile email.  This thread is intended for posts that show and tell what you have recently done on your layout.  Thanks for your support!

Alan, i thank you for making me the author of this awesome thread. I will chime in from time to time, I'm always extremely busy , but i make it my business to check in here at least 3 to 4 times per day, sometimes even more.

I'm honored to be a part of this forum !

Thanks, Alex

Hi Bob and Andy

unfortunately I had to stop progress on my layout for a two  of reasons. First is, I’m extremely busy with Lionel repairs and upgrades. Second is we pretty much have become empty nesters and our current home is way to large for us. We are still up in the air if we will buy a smaller home or not. Wherever we end up there will be a layout built.

The layout is still up and running , I use it to test my repairs and upgrades. It’s only benchwork , and track.  There’s no scenery. Sometime in the next week or two , I will post a video of the layout.

Thanks , Alex

@Alex M posted:

Hi Bob and Andy

unfortunately I had to stop progress on my layout for a two  of reasons. First is, I’m extremely busy with Lionel repairs and upgrades. Second is we pretty much have become empty nesters and our current home is way to large for us. We are still up in the air if we will buy a smaller home or not. Wherever we end up there will be a layout built.

The layout is still up and running , I use it to test my repairs and upgrades. It’s only benchwork , and track.  There’s no scenery. Sometime in the next week or two , I will post a video of the layout.

Thanks , Alex

No worries Alex. Life does get in the way from time to time. At least your work is train-centric.

Bob

Thank you for the video Chris, very smooth operation. I may look into those for my yard.

Andy

Alex Malliae is the perfect choice to head up this continuing thread, he’s very knowledgeable on all aspects of this hobby, from repairing our trains, to professionally building a beautiful train layout, awesome choice. Thank you Alan for making this change on the largest thread on the OGR Forum. It just keeps getting better. Happy Railroading Everyone

@Alex M posted:

Alan, i thank you for making me the author of this awesome thread. I will chime in from time to time, I'm always extremely busy , but i make it my business to check in here at least 3 to 4 times per day, sometimes even more.

I'm honored to be a part of this forum !

Thanks, Alex

Alex,

I know that you will do a great job heading this epic thread (a never miss one for me - I check it out at least once a day and contribute when I can).

If you and the Mrs. decide to move, I wish you the best of luck house hunting - I hope that you'll find the perfect attic, basement or bonus room for the new rendition of The JADA Railroad.

Question; is JADA the initials of family members or is there another meaning?

Alan, Thank you for recognizing this thread as special and doing due diligence in trying to learn the OPs status.  I think Alex is a great choice!

Alex, thank you for accepting! 

Chris, the chandelier really looks great in the Union Station!

I did not get out to get Styrofoam for scenery, and will now wait until later in the week.  Here is my Altoona Branch Line Station painted ready for windows, doors, trim, and roof.  I saw a good photograph of the color scheme posted on Facebook by an HO Western Maryland Rwy modeler.  He is making his models white with red trim, but I think a light gray with burgundy trim looks more like the photographs.  I painted this one, but after looking at it, decided to make the next coat a lighter gray.  I actually like the results.  It looks like it has been painted in recent years, but not a fresh paint job like the HO modeler is doing.  I need to go back and lighten up the gray on my Atlas switch tower I built while recuperating last summer.

One thing I am going to change on this building is the unpainted wall inside the bay window.  The solid wall piece makes for a strong structure, but I think I will cut out the section of wall below the window which will still be seen once the windows and roof are on.  I don't plan to add an interior now, but will make the roof removable like I did with the signal tower, so I can get in there if I need to.  I will mount an LED light on the center rafter while I am building now.

@Alex M posted:

Hi Bob and Andy

unfortunately I had to stop progress on my layout for a two  of reasons. First is, I’m extremely busy with Lionel repairs and upgrades. Second is we pretty much have become empty nesters and our current home is way to large for us. We are still up in the air if we will buy a smaller home or not. Wherever we end up there will be a layout built.

The layout is still up and running , I use it to test my repairs and upgrades. It’s only benchwork , and track.  There’s no scenery. Sometime in the next week or two , I will post a video of the layout.

Thanks , Alex

Hi Alex. I’m in the same boat, but there is no need to stop working on your layout.  We became empty nesters last year and are still unsure what to do. Our house is rather large and multi level, which may not be too great on the knees as we advance in age and ultimately enter retirement. However, for now, it looks like we’ll be in a holding pattern and the empty bedrooms make great additional office/work rooms as well as additional space for a new train layout. In fact, when the better half told me I could use one of the empty bedrooms for another train layout, it pretty much sealed the deal for staying a little longer, LOL! Good luck on whatever you decide with your transition.

That is going to turn out really nice Mark. The cart is a great idea for a mobile work surface and storage area.

@chris a posted:

SSteamfan77Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Chris, the additions to the station look great. Can we see a video of the uncouplers in action?

Alex, I’m with Bob, what are you up to on your layout?

Andy

Andy,  I shot some video about 11 months ago, when I started installing the 805 couplers and 809 uncouplers.   I'll shoot some more, but the 809 uncouplers,  in this video were the first ones I built this way.  Ordered a bunch of different Neodymium magnets, set up a test track on the bench, and then when I started getting repeatable results, I installed them in the yard.   If you go to the 2:45 time mark in the video, you can see how the "delayed" coupling works with this set up.   The 809 is mounted where the small piece of wood and blue masking tape is.

Make sure to check the resolution in the YouTube settings,  it was shot at 1080p which helps see what's going on.  Everytime I log on it defaults to a lower resolution playback.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...GGTLLGd50&t=179s

Chris,

I remember your original posting about this and I watched your video when you originally posted it as well. Where exactly did you install the magnets? Also, does it matter where you install the uncouplers? My apologies if you already discussed this.

Dave

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

That is going to turn out really nice Mark. The cart is a great idea for a mobile work surface and storage area.

Thank you, Jay!  It is a necessity since I have no space for a workbench.  I sit on the rolling stool and can reach other tools and materials on shelves under the layout.  You would think we live in an apartment 😄  No it’s a small split entry, but we are storing a lot of our older daughter and son-in-law’s furniture and piano while they remodel a 110-year old house.