What did you do on your layout today?

@mike g. posted:

Hi guys, its been a while as projects are still going on outside of the train room! I was able to get in here and try and get up to speed on what everyone has been doing as I have done something to my right knee and cant do anything till I see the Dr. tomorrow per the CEO.  Oh well I needed a break anyways, just thought if I got one it would be to spend time in the train room!

I have to say you all are doing outstanding projects and I can't list you all, but there are 3 folks I really want to call out, well maybe 5 ! LOL

Mike, I hope the knee turns out okay.  You always do a great job calling out outstanding projects.  Yes they all are great!

I haven't done anything on the layout either, though I have done some things in the train room the last couple of weeks.  In organizing my limited space, I have identified a number of items that I bought for projects that I later realized I don't have room for.  I have enough stuff to fill a layout at least twice as big as I had room to build.  Look for upcoming posts in the 'For Sale or Trade' section, please don't ask here.

@Mark Boyce  Mark you need to take the reasonable way out and buy a bigger train room.  If that means a different home so be it. 

@ScoutingDad posted:

@Mark Boyce  Mark you need to take the reasonable way out and buy a bigger train room.  If that means a different home so be it. 

Just follow Jeff’s example!  😉  Wouldn’t mother-in-law be shocked if we sold our house and moved away!  😄

After being away for a few weeks / vacation, work etc etc. I'm finally caught up with my favorite thread!

Great work guys/gals. Tons of ideas stirring in my head now.

Hi guys, I hope you all had a great day!

Mark, I would agree with Jeff. But then you would have more work to do and less time running trains!

Nothing from the Doc. Went in for my appointment and they were closed for the next 10 days as all the employees tested positive for COVID-19. I wasn't going to drive to town, so I gave my self a couch pass for today! Lol

Installing headlights (3mm white leds) in an MTH subway car for a train club friend.

Out working on my decouplers. Lots of details still going.  The decouplers are my last of hte serious wiring.  Anything else will be DC

Hope your knee issue gets straightened out Mike.

Andy

Added some ground cover to the area outside of what is called the “Fence Track” in the Oyster Bay yard. I’m laying the base ground cover and will come back with some grasses, weeds and trees later on. I will install the fence at a later date too.That area is a public park known as the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay. President Roosevelt lived not to far from this area at his home at Sagamore Hill, and would take trips from Oyster Bay into New York City and ultimately to Washington D.C. on the train.

Andy

Lots of good work guys!

I’ve been busy on my tinplate layout. Touched up the sidewalks and streets. Rewired the two original houses and hooked them up. Installed two lamps in the station and three street lights. Installed the two Hornby manual semaphores and the flagman. I’m going to add lights to the station platform. I relocated that from the Hirail layout. I think it fits better here. It’s a keeper from my first layout in ‘50. I’m waiting for delivery of a Lemax gazebo to go at the end of the street. Thanks to Mike Hokkanen for his tip on the gazebo. It was on a 2012 post. I have another flagman, not sure if it would be overkill on a small layout.

This is a train that I received on my 8th birthday.  Like 1960.  My dad kept the train, much to my surprise.  I have spent forever to get to the point today that everything planned for train operation is in place.  The only things not hooked up are the uncouplers/"decouplers".  That is now a matter of a few more electrical connections, which I will do tomorrow.

Then I get to work on scenery details, which will not be much more than what you see.

A little detail is this layout folds up into the wall.  If it is not nailed down it is falling off.  So I have used lots of glue and screws.

@Eighthtry posted:

This is a train that I received on my 8th birthday.  Like 1960.  My dad kept the train, much to my surprise.  I have spent forever to get to the point today that everything planned for train operation is in place.  The only things not hooked up are the uncouplers/"decouplers".  That is now a matter of a few more electrical connections, which I will do tomorrow.

Then I get to work on scenery details, which will not be much more than what you see.

A little detail is this layout folds up into the wall.  If it is not nailed down it is falling off.  So I have used lots of glue and screws.

Nice layout. I like the winch system too.

The Rexall train:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zax66T_0zN8

Making a mess.

Gonna' be a mess for while now.

Andre

Not technically my layout; but related. When I created the tinplate room I realized that my work bench would fit in the closet.

On 3 different occasions I left the power on the work bench. 2 times I realized it and went back upstairs to turn it off. The 3rd time it was on for 2 days. I knew I had to remind myself to turn off the work bench power. I ordered a led pilot light that’s 120 AC. It arrived today and I installed it where I would be looking at it when I sat on the chair lift to go down stairs.

Problem solved.

Entertrainment Junction:

https://ogrforum.com/...8#162475944988574028

@laming posted:

Making a mess.

Gonna' be a mess for while now.

Andre

Saw horses and a skill saw......

I'm makin' the popcorn....😁😁

@pennsyfan posted:

Not technically my layout; but related. When I created the tinplate room I realized that my work bench would fit in the closet.

On 3 different occasions I left the power on the work bench. 2 times I realized it and went back upstairs to turn it off. The 3rd time it was on for 2 days. I knew I had to remind myself to turn off the work bench power. I ordered a led pilot light that’s 120 AC. It arrived today and I installed it where I would be looking at it when I sat on the chair lift to go down stairs.

Problem solved.

Good idea. I've left the soldering iron on once or twice. I have 2 quad outlets, one one each side of my bench. I scan both of them to make sure everything is unplugged before leaving my shop.

Bob

After too long of a break, finally finished the Burr Oak. This will be its final home.   At some point I may add a few more branches, but for now I am happy with the way it turned out.  @Mark Boyce won the "prize" for closest to the next build.  Now I am getting ready to start cutting the dowels and corrugated cardboard for a log cabin lodge and restaurant - AKA the Twin Pines Inn. Not sure about the build of a twin pine tree, just want to finish enough for a great video of the last run of this version of the Twin Pines Rail Road.  Now if I could convince a certain videographer to stop by for the shoot - it really would turn out nice - and I would have a nice Last Run memory.  I think I like watching videos of the layout more than I do running the trains - certainly more relaxing with an adult beverage in hand. Note to self on the next oak if using sedum, bring the wire branches closer in to the trunk for a more dense look. (I originally built the wire arbor to add poly plus 12 mil static grass for fine branches and then the leaves. The build with the longer wires would have worked as built.)

For fun, as I was recording the final elements of the Burr Oak build, I re-edited the Tardis. I like this version way better.

So for the prize I am considering building a 7 inch-ish elm or ash type tree or trying my hand at aspens/birches probably with a fall yellow for the leaves. Mark let me know what might best fit the Blackwater Canyon Line. Time to build TBD but will post photos when complete. 

Note: thinking probably 3 to 6 months till this TPRR is retired for good. 

@ScoutingDad, wow, that’s a nice looking tree, it’s very real looking, also, neat video, and nice pictures everyone, I spent the day at Dr. Jack Fishers entertaining many nice folks visiting Nashville at the N Gauger’s National Convention, over 165 folks past thru Jacks layouts today and we had a great time. (Outdoor G gauge, Basement O Gauge three rail scale.) No matter what gauge one models, trains are fun. These are all Dr. Fishers model trains. Happy Railroading Everyone

@ScoutingDad posted:

After too long of a break, finally finished the Burr Oak. This will be its final home.   At some point I may add a few more branches, but for now I am happy with the way it turned out.  @Mark Boyce won the "prize" for closest to the next build.  Now I am getting ready to start cutting the dowels and corrugated cardboard for a log cabin lodge and restaurant - AKA the Twin Pines Inn. Not sure about the build of a twin pine tree, just want to finish enough for a great video of the last run of this version of the Twin Pines Rail Road.  Now if I could convince a certain videographer to stop by for the shoot - it really would turn out nice - and I would have a nice Last Run memory.  I think I like watching videos of the layout more than I do running the trains - certainly more relaxing with an adult beverage in hand. Note to self on the next oak if using sedum, bring the wire branches closer in to the trunk for a more dense look. (I originally built the wire arbor to add poly plus 12 mil static grass for fine branches and then the leaves. The build with the longer wires would have worked as built.)

For fun, as I was recording the final elements of the Burr Oak build, I re-edited the Tardis. I like this version way better.

So for the prize I am considering building a 7 inch-ish elm or ash type tree or trying my hand at aspens/birches probably with a fall yellow for the leaves. Mark let me know what might best fit the Blackwater Canyon Line. Time to build TBD but will post photos when complete.

Note: thinking probably 3 to 6 months till this TPRR is retired for good.

Jeff,

The burr oak looks great!  I do agree a more dense look would be better.  Wow, I forgot all about the next build 'contest'  The log cabin lodge and restaurant representing the Twin Pines Inn.  It reminds me of the Log Cabin Restaurant not far here.  You don't see many aspen or birch trees here unless they are 'volunteers' from ornamental aspen or birch.  An elm or ash would be great!  Thank you!

The Tardis looks great!  I would not have known what a Tardis is if it weren't for our older son-in-law's interest in Dr. Who.

While it will be sad to see this layout go, I know you have any improvements in mind for the one in the next house.

Morning guys, I hope you are all doing well and having fun!

@Steamfan77 Andy the ground cover is looking good, sure is alot of area to cover! It will be amazing with the grass and fence!

@pennsyfan Bob Outstanding job on your Tinplate town! I really love how you were able to cover the brass electrical tape!

@Eighthtry Wonderful looking layout and what a great way to store it when not working on it or in use!

@laming Andre a mess can be a good thing! It means more progress is being made. I to will be making popcorn and a cold coors while I am watching! LOL

@ScoutingDad Jeff, I think the tree looks fine, but then again we dont have them here in Washington State. I can't wait to see the Twin Pines Inn come alive! That is going to be one heck of a scratch build! Makes me want to try something new for my layout, but I would have to find more room! LOL Sorry the layout will be coming down one day, but I am sure you have a bigger and better plan in your head for the next one!

@leapinlarry Larry thanks for sharing the photos of such a wonderful layout! I bet you had a great time!

Well guys as for me there is nothing new from the train room. I did make it to the Doc and they think I have a torn meniscus, but they want to wait and see if it gets better before anymore scans. So no up and down under the layout or strenuous work so I guess that means watching tv or even better yet spending the time I have been missing just running trains and making a list of things I would like to do!

I hope you all have a great weekend and have fun with your layout and trains! I know I will as it is 62 and raining here! LOL

I'm still digging out from the pandemic:

Too much on-line auction time buried the layout.

PD

I finally got my crappy basement layout wired up and did the inaugural run around the entire layout with my MTH 44 tonner at 5 smph to make sure I have power everywhere.   Next up is ordering some light bulbs to wire inline to increase the signal strength (could've sworn I had some, but no).

-Greg

@pd Pd that's quite the haul! If you run out of room I still have a little here! LOL

@Greg Houser Greg great looking bench work and congratulation on the inaugural run! It is nice when things go right! I love the layout plan and can't wait to see more!

Well for me so far all I have done is run trains today. I haven't even started a list of what I should do, just sat back and enjoyed the trains and a little music!

@Greg Houser  Greg where do you plan to stand when you operate your layout? 

@pd  The CEO would revoke all my monetary privileges with that haul. No more storage space no more trains.

@Greg Houser - I like your plan. Lot's of switching possibilities but a nice main line to sit back and run some trains on. Congrats on the maiden voyage.

Bob

I haven't done much on my layout lately. But I did run some trains last night for my SWSat post. I just bought two more K-line LIRR passenger coaches from a forum member that match my LIRR Greeenport Scoot set. The numbers are sequential so now I have 4 plus 1 parlor car for the set. The new coaches will need some passengers added and I think I will upgrade the lighting with GRJ's modules. The set came with a MP-15 but I ran with a SW-8 that was already on the layout. The PA unit on the end is a dummy.

Bob

@mike g. posted:

Well guys as for me there is nothing new from the train room. I did make it to the Doc and they think I have a torn meniscus, but they want to wait and see if it gets better before anymore scans. So no up and down under the layout or strenuous work so I guess that means watching tv or even better yet spending the time I have been missing just running trains and making a list of things I would like to do!

I hope you all have a great weekend and have fun with your layout and trains! I know I will as it is 62 and raining here! LOL

Hopefully it will heal on its own Mike. Follow the doc's orders.

I like your plan of attack- sit back and run trains.

Bob

@RSJB18  Bob was that the anti-derailing wiring making the switch motor buzz? I was rather surprised the cars cleared the switch motor.  Nice looking cars by k-line - 15 inches long?  Still was surprised by the dummy being pulled along.   

@ScoutingDad posted:

@RSJB18  Bob was that the anti-derailing wiring making the switch motor buzz? I was rather surprised the cars cleared the switch motor.  Nice looking cars by k-line - 15 inches long?  Still was surprised by the dummy being pulled along.   

Yes, regrettably, it's the solenoid buzz Jeff. It drives me nuts.
It's my electrician's OCD, can't help it.

If I had a layout time machine, I would go back and install K-line turnouts. They used a gear motor, not a solenoid.

Wait a minute.....send me your Tardis!

These are 13" cars so they clear the 027 switch motors. I wish I could say the same for my RS-1's.

Bob

Bob, that Greenport Scoot set is a beauty!

Andy

Good like Mike, I hope it heals up. I’ve had a torn meniscus for years. Ok for the most part, but every once in a while it lets me know it’s there.

Andy

With the help of many replies here, I was able to successfully provide LED strip lights and 3mm LED  headlights to an MTH subway car replacing the OEM bulbs.  And special props to @TedW who conducted his own experiment to solve the mystery by using different value resistors wired in series and shared his results, with photos, with me via email.  Thank you, Ted.

And with the help of my fellow club member Les, we were able to assign Engine ID numbers to new to me LIONEL TMCC F-3's in NP and MR liveries.  HOORAY!!!  (Of course, it's incredibly easy to do once you know how, -- but, just think of the fun I had trying to guess those ID numbers used by the previous owner before Les showed me how.

Since it is impossible to find a Lionel 4-6-6T "1945", I decided to convert my K-line into one, I also went with "1941" as the road number.

@mike g. posted:

@pd Pd that's quite the haul! If you run out of room I still have a little here! LOL

@Greg Houser Greg great looking bench work and congratulation on the inaugural run! It is nice when things go right! I love the layout plan and can't wait to see more!

Well for me so far all I have done is run trains today. I haven't even started a list of what I should do, just sat back and enjoyed the trains and a little music!

I appreciate the kind words! I can't believe it's level all the way around and the wiring works - it's my first time soldering wire to the track.  I'm sorry to hear about you knee - best wishes for a full and speedy recovery!

@ScoutingDad posted:

@Greg Houser  Greg where do you plan to stand when you operate your layout?

On my own two feet!    Seriously though, most of the time I will be on the inner part.  On the sides parallel to the stairs on each side I have a 4' wide aisle on the inside and a 3' wide aisle on the outside.   The area behind the steps has a 3' aisle on the inside and a 2.5' aisle on the outside.  At the bottom of the steps it's 3' to the layout except it's a 2.5' space to clear the far side of the stairs between the bottom step and the layout.   To the left of the where I'm standing to take the photo is 4' to the wall on the outside of the layout.

@RSJB18 posted:

@Greg Houser - I like your plan. Lot's of switching possibilities but a nice main line to sit back and run some trains on. Congrats on the maiden voyage.

Bob

Thank-you!  I like doing both and this was the best I could come up with in the space available.

-Greg

@Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, that Greenport Scoot set is a beauty!

Andy

Thanks Andy. K-line made some great stuff. I have several sets of their passenger coaches in different road names. They are great for small layouts without looking too toy like.

Bob

@FECRailroaddog posted:

Since it is impossible to find a Lionel 4-6-6T "1945", I decided to convert my K-line into one, I also went with "1941" as the road number.

Very nice work.

Happy Father's Day to all.

Bob

I added a bit to the table so that I could expand from O36 to O48 curves at one end of my table to allow for more clearance between the inner and outer loop. All my trains are O27 O36 but look great on the O48 curves. I'm planning to do the same to the other end of the table later this year.

I sulked when one ditch light on a now 13 or 14 month old MTH Dash-8 stopped working. How to fix.....sigh