@p51 posted:It didn't work as I'd hoped, but here's my attempt at putting myself into my own layout:
Regardless of the results.....what a cool pic Lee.
IMHO it looks great. You look right at home in the cab of the 44 tonner.
Afternoon guys, I hope your all having a great day!
@p51 Lee I think it looks great! Nice work!
Well guys I did spend time in the train room today working on getting rid of the little gremlins running around! I got most of them figured out, but one is still bothering me.
I have a section of track approaching a switch and when the engine gets close it has a short at very low speeds. but if I run it at my normal speed it has no problem it just glides over it like there is nothing wrong. I am still scratching my head over this one!
I hope you all found time to have fun with your layouts and trains!
This afternoon I ran the Sportsman evening run of passengers pass downtown using my new SD-1 C&O Diesel and Madisons. I really enjoy seeing the engine take the inclines so simply 😄
Thanks for taking the trip along with me tonight…
Seth
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@Lee, excellent picture!
@Mike, glad you got to work out the kinks for the most part. You’ll track down that short at some point.
@Seth, great video!
Andy
Thanks Andy!
@Seth Thomas great little video and what a wonderful set of cars! Great passenger train!
Mike G. - I have a shorty switch engine that will absolutely not go through a switch at slow speed. However, if I speed it up, it goes through just fine. My theory is that the contact rollers on the loco are too close together to maintain contact, so it needs some momentum to get through.
@Papa Dave posted:Mike G. - I have a shorty switch engine that will absolutely not go through a switch at slow speed. However, if I speed it up, it goes through just fine. My theory is that the contact rollers on the loco are too close together to maintain contact, so it needs some momentum to get through.
Morning Dave, I thought about what you said. So, this morning I went out and ran a couple switchers and my MTH Premier ES44AC threw the same switch at the same speed, and they all worked great! No short of any sort. I thought maybe I was lucky, and the gremlins ran away overnight.
I then tried my SD80MAC, the one I have been having the problem with and sure enough at 4step speed it got a short at the same place. Makes me think it has something to do with the engine.
Both my ES44AC & SD80MAC are about 21" long as to where my switchers are only about 11" long.
One good thing is I now know it's not the track! LOL
@mike g. posted:Morning Dave, I thought about what you said. So, this morning I went out and ran a couple switchers and my MTH Premier ES44AC threw the same switch at the same speed, and they all worked great! No short of any sort. I thought maybe I was lucky, and the gremlins ran away overnight.
I then tried my SD80MAC, the one I have been having the problem with and sure enough at 4step speed it got a short at the same place. Makes me think it has something to do with the engine.
Both my ES44AC & SD80MAC are about 21" long as to where my switchers are only about 11" long.
One good thing is I now know it's not the track! LOL
Mike- share some pix of the track section. Maybe someone will spot something. Get a good flashlight and get down at track level and watch the engine go through the section. You may be able to spot where the short is occurring.
I've also put electrical tape over outer rails one at a time, or the center rail, to help isolate issues.
Bob
Hi Bob, after my last post I went out and ran the engine all alone with no cars and it worked fine. I am thinking it might be something on one of the cars.
Later today I will check each car, then move onto the new problem. My DCS signal went from 10 to 2-3. Now I have to figure that one out.
If it's not one thing it's another!
Sound familiar? 😂
@mike g. posted:Hi Bob, after my last post I went out and ran the engine all alone with no cars and it worked fine. I am thinking it might be something on one of the cars.
Later today I will check each car, then move onto the new problem. My DCS signal went from 10 to 2-3. Now I have to figure that one out.
If it's not one thing it's another!
Sound familiar? 😂
Mike I had an engine short out at slow speed going through a switch back in 2015. I posted: Engine Stalls on Switch - https://ogrforum.com/...58#41412513062840158
Got lots of helpful advice and was able to resolve the issue. Check it out, it might be a similar problem.
Cheers, Dave
@RSJB18 posted:Regardless of the results.....what a cool pic Lee.
IMHO it looks great. You look right at home in the cab of the 44 tonner.
Thanks (you too, Mike and Andy)!
I probably look too big for that window as you all probably think this is a standard 44-tonner. But it's actually a narrow gauge Whitcomb. Frankly, I'm surprised nobody replied that I looked too big for the window, thinking this was a normal standard gauge 44-tonner.
I took the photo of myself with a delay on a tripod, standing right on front of the layout, so as to get the lighting to match. Problem there is that I'm standing taller than the rail tops on the layout, so even then it doesn't match fully.
@p51 Lee I have met you and you are a tall guy! so I think it looks just right!
Ok guys, it's been a bad day for me. This DCS is killing me right now LOL! The last time I ran trains everything was going ok, then all of a sudden engines that had been uses are moved to inactive list and when I try to bring them up it says not on track. I plan on posting on the DCS Thread!
I hope you all had a better day and found time to have some fun!
@p51 posted:Thanks (you too, Mike and Andy)!
I probably look too big for that window as you all probably think this is a standard 44-tonner. But it's actually a narrow gauge Whitcomb. Frankly, I'm surprised nobody replied that I looked too big for the window, thinking this was a normal standard gauge 44-tonner.
I took the photo of myself with a delay on a tripod, standing right on front of the layout, so as to get the lighting to match. Problem there is that I'm standing taller than the rail tops on the layout, so even then it doesn't match fully.
I didn't notice the drive rods on the wheels......🤪🤪🤪
Hello everyone, looks like y’all are busy at it on great projects. Last night and today I was able to do more work on the mountain and finally try out my hot knife. I was able to “raid” my grocery store for newspaper adds and added them to tunnel two and three on the mountain. In the same area, I noticed the corner was a little bare so decided to change that. To fill the corner I stacked some foam board to make a small hill and placed an old plasticville barn on top of the stack. I will blend it into the existing mountain structure with more newspaper "buns" and then cover it with plaster cloth. It is still a work in progress, but I think I have a good start.
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@mike g. posted:@p51 Lee I have met you and you are a tall guy! so I think it looks just right!
Ok guys, it's been a bad day for me. This DCS is killing me right now LOL! The last time I ran trains everything was going ok, then all of a sudden engines that had been uses are moved to inactive list and when I try to bring them up it says not on track. I plan on posting on the DCS Thread!
I hope you all had a better day and found time to have some fun!
Mike, there is nothing to 'like' about that! I hope you get the problem solved quickly!
@mike g. posted:
The funny thing is that apparently online, people think I'm short. I've heard it several times from people who'd seen shots of me online who upon meeting me the first time that I'm taller than they thought I'd be.
I'm 6 feet tall, not that tall but folks think I look shorter in photos...
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Done running errands so going to go do some wiring under the layout for the outer track. For ease of getting around under it easier I use a plastic bread rack dolly with 4 wheels, a 1/2" thick plywood cut to size and screwed into the dolly all the way around, 2 pillows to cushion my head and back, and wear my bifocal glasses with bifocals on top for looking up to work, along with the regular bifocals to read with. I have 2 LED Rope Light Strings on the underside to be able to see better to work also.
Gary P. Sounds like you use you're layout not only for fun but therapy also. There is no doubt I use my layout for therapy also. Man I can get lost in it which is a good thing. Hang in there and post some pics of you're work. Doesn't matter what you do it's all good . That's the beauty of this hobby.
Morning guys I hope you all have a great weekend!
@Trainmaster04 The mountain and new hill are coming along great! I really like the way its taking shape!
@Mark Boyce Thank you Sir! I got it all fixed, more on that below.
@p51Lee I have to admit you were taller then I thought you would be! But it was an honor to have met you in person! Love the Military photo!
@Gary P Here is what I built for my under the layout work. An old office chair some 2 x 4's and some swivel wheels. Oh and a padded head rest! LOL
Well guys as some of you know I have been battling a problem with my DCS Signal, Well I got it fixed with the help of the great guys here from the forum. Part of the problem was when I hooked my TIU back up I hooked up the output wire to the input side, I changed that and got 9 & 10's all around my layout with the exception of my sidings and yard area.
I then started tracing power wires to my on/off push buttons and found that some how I screwed up and wired it to the output on the Z4000, so it was not getting any signal from the TIU. I changed one variable channel to a fixed channel and wired my yard and sidings to that. Now I have 9 & 10's everywhere on the layout!
The one thing that blows my mind is how did the engines still run from the remote without going threw the TIU? LOL
I hope you all find time to have fun with your layouts and trains today! Happy Saturday!
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Good news,Mike.
Mike,
It's such a relief when that happens. You came out better than you were before with this, so I guess you can say it was worth the hassle. Now run some trains!
You're such a master with helpful contraptions. I bet the chair is pretty comfy while underneath the table. Is that possible?
Dave
Thanks guys! I just might just run trains today!
@luvindemtrains Dave, the chair isn't the best, but it sure beats being on my knees twisting my head up trying to see things! Just like Gary P. I also have 2 LED rope lights under the layout to help!
@mike g. posted:Now I have 9 & 10's everywhere on the layout!
The one thing that blows my mind is how did the engines still run from the remote without going threw the TIU?
I'm so glad to hear things are better on the layout.
I don't profess to understand the technical side of 3 rail, but crossed wires are what they are. I was lucky that one of the main wiring guys from that giant HO layout in the WA state museum in Tacoma checked all my wiring and did the connections, as I'm usless for such things.
@mike g. posted:Well guys as some of you know I have been battling a problem with my DCS Signal, Well I got it fixed with the help of the great guys here from the forum. Part of the problem was when I hooked my TIU back up I hooked up the output wire to the input side, I changed that and got 9 & 10's all around my layout with the exception of my sidings and yard area.
I then started tracing power wires to my on/off push buttons and found that some how I screwed up and wired it to the output on the Z4000, so it was not getting any signal from the TIU. I changed one variable channel to a fixed channel and wired my yard and sidings to that. Now I have 9 & 10's everywhere on the layout!
The one thing that blows my mind is how did the engines still run from the remote without going threw the TIU? LOL
I hope you all find time to have fun with your layouts and trains today! Happy Saturday!
Great news Mike! 👍👍
Working on the tether to connect my F3 A's together. I'm using an MTH tether and need 6 wires to connect the lights, and rear coupler to the board.
TETHER / STEAM / 10-POSITION / 90 DEG CONN. / UNIVERSAL PS 2 , LOCOSOUND AND PS 3 STEAM UPGRADE KIT
SKU: BC1000002
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Mike,
Glad you got the DCS issue straightened out. I like your chair idea!
Bob, looks like another interesting project.
Andy
@p51 posted:............, as I'm usless for such things.........
..........but certainly not useless on those B&W photos Lee. Absolutely beautiful posted photos. 
@mike g. posted:Here is what I built for my under the layout work. An old office chair some 2 x 4's and some swivel wheels. Oh and a padded head rest! LOL
Well Mike......if you don't convert your engines to RC next .......I can't wait to see your next ' under the layout invention '. 
You have a good weekend too Mike.
Hi guys, thank you all for the support for getting my RR up and running again!
@RSJB18 Bob, you sure are a glutton for punishment with all these wiring project with wire no bigger than a cats Wisker! LOL
I didn't get anything done today, got up way to early and just never got motivated!
I hope you all had a great weekend with your layouts and trains! But most of all I hope you all had fun!
P.S. Dallas, if I had my way I would rather stay out from under the layout! LOL
@mike g. posted:Hi guys, thank you all for the support for getting my RR up and running again!
@RSJB18 Bob, you sure are a glutton for punishment with all these wiring project with wire no bigger than a cats Wisker! LOL
I didn't get anything done today, got up way to early and just never got motivated!
I hope you all had a great weekend with your layouts and trains! But most of all I hope you all had fun!
P.S. Dallas, if I had my way I would rather stay out from under the layout! LOL
So true Mike. The harness wires are 26-28 ga. Lots of fun. 🤯🤯🤯
@Steamfan77 posted:Mike,
Glad you got the DCS issue straightened out. I like your chair idea!
Bob, looks like another interesting project.
Andy
Thanks Andy. It's an ongoing process. Upgrading a single engine is a lot....adding a second loco is way more than a lot....... 🤪🤪
Looks good, Bob! You are a glutton for punishment!
@Dallas Joseph posted:..........but certainly not useless on those B&W photos Lee. Absolutely beautiful posted photos.
Thanks very much, Dallas, that made my day!
But the bottom line is that for all of us, something is easy for you, that is hard for most other people. There are folks out there like me who are as useful as a football bat when it comes to wiring.
Yet, I'm told, I took to halfway decent scenery on my first serious attempt and editors do seem to like my photography and stringing together coherent sentences for articles. Not everyone can do that, I know.
The thing in any case we all have to consider is that what is easy for you, might not be so much for another person. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.
So, when someone comes asking for your help in whatever it is that you do better than some, show patience with them and give you best advice. But most of all,whatever you do, never assume that which is easy for you, must therefore be equally easy for all others.
@p51 posted:Thanks very much, Dallas, that made my day!
But most of all,whatever you do, never assume that which is easy for you, must therefore be equally easy for all others.
That is certainly true!!
Today. Started painting the benchwork. Ordered my wire, terminal connectors and the rest of it to start my wiring. I will have a week delay while I wait to get back from vacation so I can pick it up and move forward.
@p51 posted:Thanks very much, Dallas, that made my day!
But the bottom line is that for all of us, something is easy for you, that is hard for most other people. There are folks out there like me who are as useful as a football bat when it comes to wiring.
Yet, I'm told, I took to halfway decent scenery on my first serious attempt and editors do seem to like my photography and stringing together coherent sentences for articles. Not everyone can do that, I know.
The thing in any case we all have to consider is that what is easy for you, might not be so much for another person. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.
So, when someone comes asking for your help in whatever it is that you do better than some, show patience with them and give you best advice. But most of all,whatever you do, never assume that which is easy for you, must therefore be equally easy for all others.
Well said Lee! In reality, it takes a forum to build and maintain a layout! What a valued resource this is and we all get to enjoy, learn and share!!!! Thanks to all!!!!
Cheers, Dave
Wow you dudes have been busy! Great work. Bob looking forward to seeing the finished wiring/tether
I like some of the under the layout getting around ideas. I'd need to clear out a ton of clutter to roll around under mine!
@darlander posted:In reality, it takes a forum to build and maintain a layout!
Well, a good forum, anyway, right Dave? I've seen a handful of model train forums that really don't seem to do what this one does.
I'm on a few other model train forums, each focused on specific stuff. I must say that as a general resource and a good channel for fellowship, this one can't be beat!
Just trying to catch up , been so busy with repairs and upgrades. Beautiful work everyone !!!!
Thanks, Alex
