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@RSJB18 posted:

I moved my PRR 0-4-0 consist out of harms way (don't ask). Otherwise layout time as been a big goose-egg!

@necrails- 2-rail shelf layout? Do tell.....pix to share?

Bob

RSJB18, here is the shelf layout so far, the cutout helps with storage.  Wired for DC, upper left is a simulated car float, two sidings on the right will be a freight house, lower right siding will be locomotive storage.

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Last edited by necrails

I finally finished up building the passenger car lighting kits.  I actually enjoy soldering and assembling kits.  Still have one of my original Heath Kits from way back.  Anyway, a big thanks to John for designing these in the first place.

Next comes the not to fun part - installing them in the cars.  Oh yea...PC030234PB050256

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WOW guys! I have been so busy with non-train stuff I haven't been able to see what is going on. Seems like while I have been gone everyone has been doing outstanding work!

All I have been able to do is put up Christmas lights, shovel snow and use my tractor to dig people's driveways out. I was able to make a few bucks for layout money. Which brings up a question, how many of you use a MTH AIU on their layout and are they worth it or is it just more to worry about with the remote operation?

I see one for sale and have been thinking about it, just not sure. I would really like your thoughts!

I hope your all having a great weekend and finding time for your layout and fun with your trains!

Continued working on my "plant room" turnaround loop.  If you've seen Jim Barrett's book, in the chapter titled "Run Around the Furnace", he makes a turnaround loop that's elevated.  So, I too, am making elevated towers to carry the upper & lower turnaround loops.  My woodworking skills are not on his level but they'll suffice. Wood was free, prior homeowner left lots of dimensional lumber in the workshop.

Rich in SD

@mike g. posted:

WOW guys! I have been so busy with non-train stuff I haven't been able to see what is going on. Seems like while I have been gone everyone has been doing outstanding work!

All I have been able to do is put up Christmas lights, shovel snow and use my tractor to dig people's driveways out. I was able to make a few bucks for layout money. Which brings up a question, how many of you use a MTH AIU on their layout and are they worth it or is it just more to worry about with the remote operation?

I see one for sale and have been thinking about it, just not sure. I would really like your thoughts!

I hope your all having a great weekend and finding time for your layout and fun with your trains!

I have been delinquent here as well because of non-train stuff, though I didn't earn any money doing it. 

I installed AIUs on my layout to control power to track sections and switches.  I find controlling the power from the remote to be convenient, but I ended up controlling the switches with the local pushbuttons or manual ground throws.  I could use the AIUs to control operating  accessories if I add them or turn lights on and off.  Forum member Bill Webb shared how he wired everything, and I followed his method.  I hope others answer your question, because like most things, everyone has a different experience.

@mike g. posted:

Thanks Mark, I hope Bill Webb shares some input.  I would really like to know if it hard to wire and learn!

Mike, they are pretty straightforward, but since a lot of the AIUs have relays only rated at 4 amps, it is advisable to wire in 10 amp relay boards to handle the potential load for controlling power to the rails.  That adds another layer of complexity, but once you see what to do they are all the same.  Wiring switches, accessories, etc is a breeze.

Nothing much compared to what has been accomplished by others above, but there is a new flower garden at what was a dull little corner of the Lumber & Hardware property. They didn't need the space, so they gave the Department of Park & Recreation permission to landscape it. (Nothing on paper, just a handshake agreement.) Park & Rec (it's singular) put in some nice flowers and made it an extension of Central Park.

20221204_18172920221204_181611

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Nothing much compared to what has been accomplished by others above, but there is a new flower garden at what was a dull little corner of the Lumber & Hardware property. They didn't need the space, so they gave the Department of Park & Recreation permission to landscape it. (Nothing on paper, just a handshake agreement.) Park & Rec (it's singular) put in some nice flowers and made it an extension of Central Park.

20221204_18172920221204_181611

Really nice work - it fits!

Today I officially start my semi-retired lifestyle. So I thought I would do a quick win project to kick things off. I went old school and bought a Williams BL-2. Which predictably runs great however the lighting from the headlight and markers lights was almost nonexistent running at 8 volts. So I added LEDs to brighten things up.



The original lighting arrangement is 2 12 volt bulbs and an open interior for the light to shine through.

OriginalOriginal Back



In order to direct the LEDs focus I encased them in heat shrink tubing.

Lights with Tubing



Here are the triple LED light sets installed in the engine. Note the tube completely goes up to or over the plastic lenses. This focuses the light out of the cab and not shining inside.

Installed Back



Here is everything connected up. I removed the 12 volt bulb holder and wired direct to the truck leads. There is enough wire length to comfortably open the shell from the frame. Not too much so that fitting it all into the cab when closed up is easy.

Installed Complete



The final result is a focused headlight that shines forward about 6 inches down the track. The marker lights are now quite visible but not too much. The picture makes the headlights look blurry which they are not to the naked eye.

Complete FrontComplete Back

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@RSJB18 posted:

@ChiTown Steve- nice step by step on the LED conversion. I have 2 Williams BL-2's that could use the same upgrade. Did you happen to wire the motors in series while you were under the hood? I've done my Williams and K-lines and it makes a big difference at the lower voltages.

@John's Trains- Your Parks and Rec Dept can stop by my house anytime.

Bob

Thanks. I’ve wired some proto 1 MTH in series before. TBH I don’t know if this really needs it. It runs smooth as it is with my Z4000 and track wiring. But since you mentioned it I’ll probably  want to do it. 🤣

Last edited by ChiTown Steve

Hey Y'all,

   I shot this video last night.  I bought a Lionel #8802 and some Southern cars for my birthday.  All NIB.  I am thrilled to have more Southern stock.  I put my camera in the middle of my layout, facing out at me.

Bill

@ScoutingDad posted:

Bill could not tell if you were smiling or not?  Looked like you were trying to keep a straight face. Interesting camera angle none the less. Never seen that take before - that's called innovation!  I would break my camera if I tried that. 

I was waiting to see if you moved, Bill.  You finally did at the end.  Were you watching the camera?  I agree with Jeff! That is a great camera angle.  The train ran so smoothly as well !  I always have trouble taking videos, trying to pan with the train.  I will have to give what you did a try!

On my new layout I've decided to go the MTH route for control of my switches and accessories. The current game plan calls for 3 AIUs. Given that they will be located in regions that are not extremely accessible, I've decided to do as much prewiring as I can before I install them. So here is an AIU with 2 busses. One side is for switches, the other for accessories. I also have individual leads for each of the switches and accessories. I'll mount this into position and make the connections to the layout with WAGO connectors.

Also, I've stolen an idea from  GRJ (Thanks, John!) and have bought some desk cable groments. I used a hole saw the drill through the front of the layout. I'll glue a back plate to each with a momentary push button switch. This way I can have local control of an accessory, or use the remote through the  AIU.

Chris

LVHR

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IMG_1631

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@Bill Sherry posted:

I finally finished up building the passenger car lighting kits.  I actually enjoy soldering and assembling kits.  Still have one of my original Heath Kits from way back.  Anyway, a big thanks to John for designing these in the first place.

Next comes the not to fun part - installing them in the cars.  Oh yea...PC030234PB050256

Wow Bill  .......that is certainly some kind of commitment .   

Kudos sir. 

Hey Y'all,

   I shot this video last night.  I bought a Lionel #8802 and some Southern cars for my birthday.  All NIB.  I am thrilled to have more Southern stock.  I put my camera in the middle of my layout, facing out at me.

Bill



Aaha......just what i figured Bill.  You can't hide with that scary profile photo.

20221205_171018

Really a neat idea Bill and even with the other train and showing a unique way of showing the Southern layout .

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Dallas Joseph - Big  Ken,    Thanks guys, appreciate the positive comments.  I'll keep repeating them over and over again as I install the boards in the cars !   And guess what, I purchased the General Set from the Fundimensions era from my local hobby shop and that's two cars that won't be getting the lighting boards. I don't think I will build any more although I have plenty of parts left over except the naked boards.

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