What did you do on your layout today?

@p51 posted:

Ran an op session yesterday:

And on Friday, I had some folks shooting stills and video for their website:

Lee,

If I am correct, that looks like Trackside Model Railroading staff. In my singing voice, "Trackside model railroading, where the hobby comes to life".

Dave

@Dave_C posted:

Dave, NICE work on those trees. Those look like what you would see along the right of way. Most commercial trees seem more the type you would see in a residential area.

The flocking looks like long static grass. The armatures look very real seeing they aren’t perfectly straight.  Can you share your method as to how you made them. I’m always up for trying different ways of making trees.

Dave,

Thank you kindly. Your are correct that the flocking is 12mm static grass. I plan to share the process once the trees are completed.

Dave

Today I actually ran trains for the first time since the beginning of June!  Good times!!

Bill Grafmiller, looks like you converted your wheelsets for two rail as well.
conversions can be tricky. Nice job.

@Leroof posted:

Oh Look! A new member!

Where you been hiding?????

@luvindemtrains posted:

If I am correct, that looks like Trackside Model Railroading staff. In my singing voice, "Trackside model railroading, where the hobby comes to life".

It is indeed, Dave. I don't consider them 'competition' for OGR anyway as each covers their own lane within this hobby. If they were from a direct competitor to OGR, I wouldn't have posted it.

They're a very nice couple and it was nice having them come out to shoot here again, I hadn't seen them since around Christmas of 2017.

@Leroof posted:

Bill Grafmiller, looks like you converted your wheelsets for two rail as well.
conversions can be tricky. Nice job.

No same wheel sets.

Hey Bob! I’m new again! Thank you! Lol

but super busy in my semi retirement, still manage to squeeze train time in!

in keeping with the topic, what did I do on my layout?
I ran postwar stuff in my well lit w LEDs in the basement, made a lot of Ozone!

the only 3 rail non postwar stuff I run is LIRR stuff!

designing a new water front 2 rail switching layout.

need to engage my MEC #11 44 tonner.

Without fail, observing Saturday Switcher each week!

Bill Grafmiller, I must say I am perplexed.  after enlarging the photo you submitted, what is interesting to me is the high rail two-rail track  and the use of standard traditional wheels. If operationally using two-rail track either the wheel sets should be isolated on one side of the truck? Could your power possibly be radio controlled? Hmmm.
just trying to figure this out!
I have considered scale conversion of a couple of my RMT ballast cars which are the same ore car you have. The trucks sides and springs are keepers! I certainly admire them not being a rivet counter guy!   But isolated wheel sets and scale wheels I will adapt for scale switching layout I have in mind. Traditional wheels would never make it through the scale turnout, ask me how I know! Lol.

Another question: did you just saw off the traditional coupler arm or does it dismantle easily?
thx.

@Leroof posted:

Bill Grafmiller, I must say I am perplexed.  after enlarging the photo you submitted, what is interesting to me is the high rail two-rail track  and the use of standard traditional wheels. If operationally using two-rail track either the wheel sets should be isolated on one side of the truck? Could your power possibly be radio controlled? Hmmm.
just trying to figure this out!
I have considered scale conversion of a couple of my RMT ballast cars which are the same ore car you have. The trucks sides and springs are keepers! I certainly admire them not being a rivet counter guy!   But isolated wheel sets and scale wheels I will adapt for scale switching layout I have in mind. Traditional wheels would never make it through the scale turnout, ask me how I know! Lol.

Another question: did you just saw off the traditional coupler arm or does it dismantle easily?
thx.

Yes I am deadrail / Battery Power radio  controlled. Started this about 1 yr ago. I always liked the 2 rail cosmetic look over three rail . I decided to replace my 3 rail with 2 rail I kept my 3 rail switches . I still run 3 rail cars  , engines on 2 rail with no  problems with exceptions to a occasional operator error . On the couplers I took wheels off , it was time consuming,  I could not figure how to get the coupler off without damaging the car and wheel cradle . I guess it's close to removing MTH wheel sets. And I might add the RMT ORE cars have kadee mounting pads that was very nice .

Dead Rail YES!  Awesome!

those ORE cars were originally an O scale item back in the day. I remember seeing them in abundance from Atlas/ROCO in the 70’s and 80’s at O scale shows. They all had stock Plastic  3 rail side frames, Plastic hi rail wheels with the plastic passive three rail type hook coupler arm  that was removable. There were pilot holes coupler pads for Kay Dees then same basic design carried successfully til this day.
The RMTs are a very decent model.

your set looks great!

Current project, I only have room for a single stall engine shed but loved the Atlas one so I’ve chopped it down to single. Working on getting it lighted before the roof goes on. Had to laser cut some custom roof trusses.

Lance, the engine house looks great!

Getting back to m passenger car conversion. Using a Williams Rio grand set and extra observation car to create a New Hope and Ivyland set.
https://ogrforum.com/...8#177257758344473818

The body’s are out being painted. I prepared the trucks and just ordered some chairs and tables for the parlor car and chairs for the coaches, I cut out windows out of the extra Obs to make an open air car.
I would like some suggestions on upgrading the two incandescent lamps in each coach. I don’t care for it to be too bright but a little brighter and even lighting would be nice.
Thanks !

Today my plan is to clean my track. It’s LONG overdue. I just received my Northeast Model RR track cleaning car but need some advice. What track cleaning fluid should I use?

@ChefTed posted:

Today my plan is to clean my track. It’s LONG overdue. I just received my Northeast Model RR track cleaning car but need some advice. What track cleaning fluid should I use?

Last time I. Did it 1to 2 years ago I used lacquer thinner. Did a good job.

"Doing" on the layout involves a much longer back story.

Here is a sample of a section of TPRR2.  Placement of towns and industries is a challenge with a "small" layout space. Going up (or down) is often a workable solution. The depth of the upper section is 21 inches leaving plenty of space for buildings and a frontage road. If I can work it in, the frontage road will also have an operating 2 rail trolley servicing the townspeople.  This is just an idea for now. I was going back and forth about using a brick/stone block/concrete wall and decided to see how cast rock would work out. 

For orientation, the front track is an industry track. The middle two are my mainline. In this area the mains operate under the town and will enter and exit through tunnel portals. At the very back is the incline track leading to the lower yard.  I plan to make all of this in sections so I can remove pieces as necessary for maintenance. Since I basically have 3 ovals I needed to break up the visual sight lines.

I did find out an interesting thing about casting rocks using rubber molds. I used two different materials one a 20 minute drywall compound and the other a casting plaster.  The casting plaster created sharp details in the hardened casting. The compound detail was "softer".  I was considering abandoning the use of the compound until I found I could shape the casting easily with various pointy tools. So I think each has its uses. In the upper image the plaster is on the left, in the lower the plaster is on the right. In both of the compound castings, I removed material to intensify the rock defects. This is much harder to do with the plaster. I will be interested to see how the difference changes with coloring applied to the rock.

@Lancer posted:

Anyone else think the walls, windows, and doors look a lot like an IHC branded engine house from 30-40 years ago? I built one back in the day and those components look identical to the IHC product.

Regardless, it looks great in your photo @Lancer.

At the moment, the primer paint is drying on the LIONEL F-3 ABA shells, A unit power and dummy pilot trucks, and a TCA aluminum coach. Photos to follow.

@ScoutingDad Jeff, isn’t it great to now be experimenting with your town and scenery.  Thank you for sharing your observations on the castings.

We turned this corner:

Into this today:

@Pingman posted:

Anyone else think the walls, windows, and doors look a lot like an IHC branded engine house from 30-40 years ago? I built one back in the day and those components look identical to the IHC product.

Regardless, it looks great in your photo @Lancer.

Hi Carl, you are correct. They were originally IHC kits before Atlas adopted them. I think I have a sealed IHC kit laying about somewhere.

@ScoutingDad posted:

"Doing" on the layout involves a much longer back story.

Here is a sample of a section of TPRR2.  Placement of towns and industries is a challenge with a "small" layout space. Going up (or down) is often a workable solution. The depth of the upper section is 21 inches leaving plenty of space for buildings and a frontage road. If I can work it in, the frontage road will also have an operating 2 rail trolley servicing the townspeople.  This is just an idea for now. I was going back and forth about using a brick/stone block/concrete wall and decided to see how cast rock would work out.

For orientation, the front track is an industry track. The middle two are my mainline. In this area the mains operate under the town and will enter and exit through tunnel portals. At the very back is the incline track leading to the lower yard.  I plan to make all of this in sections so I can remove pieces as necessary for maintenance. Since I basically have 3 ovals I needed to break up the visual sight lines.

I did find out an interesting thing about casting rocks using rubber molds. I used two different materials one a 20 minute drywall compound and the other a casting plaster.  The casting plaster created sharp details in the hardened casting. The compound detail was "softer".  I was considering abandoning the use of the compound until I found I could shape the casting easily with various pointy tools. So I think each has its uses. In the upper image the plaster is on the left, in the lower the plaster is on the right. In both of the compound castings, I removed material to intensify the rock defects. This is much harder to do with the plaster. I will be interested to see how the difference changes with coloring applied to the rock.

 

Excellent progress Jeff. I like your idea of a trolley line. If you can, have the trolley loop rather than a bump n go. It will give you some nice options in acquiring a PCC fleet.

@ChefTed posted:

Today my plan is to clean my track. It’s LONG overdue. I just received my Northeast Model RR track cleaning car but need some advice. What track cleaning fluid should I use?

I use Goo Gone. Denatured mineral spirits are good too but I'd get dirty looks from the CEO if I stink up the basement with that stuff.......

Front pad wet, rear pad dry. I run mine in both directions for about 5 minutes each way. The pads can be washed after use.

Bob

I finally finished restoring this Lionel 455 oil derrick!  Everything is working and all parts to original condition.

Before

Before

After

Working!

@Lancer posted:

Hi Carl, you are correct. They were originally IHC kits before Atlas adopted them. I think I have a sealed IHC kit laying about somewhere.

Great job in cutting it down and adapting it to your space!

Peter

Last Sunday's progress - My Sunday morning helper Zora Maya Keith, puts her finishing touches of paint on our transformer cabinet shelves, while I plodded along with my work-in-progress conversion of an MTH, O-27, PRR, Madison, combine coach into a Railway Post Office car with interior that will be visible through the windows and open freight door. More progress will be made tomorrow morning in assembling the rest of the transformer cabinet, putting it in place and taking the final measurements to for the control panel. So, stay tuned for more reports later next week.

It has been a few months since I have been in the train room. Got started on the main level and finished laying out the ramp from the staging to main levels.

@ChefTed posted:

Today my plan is to clean my track. It’s LONG overdue. I just received my Northeast Model RR track cleaning car but need some advice. What track cleaning fluid should I use?

I second the goo gone, I use that car with goo gone to clean my track and it does a great job.  I do add a diecast truck on top of if for some added weight. I use a postwar F3 with Magnetraction to pull it around.

Morning guys I know you all are thinking here we go again! Well you are correct as I figure if you all take the time to post something and I take the time to read everything you all post, it gives me the right to comment! LOL So it might be a little long. Plus a Suprise at the end! LOL

@John's Trains John thank you for the nice kind words!

@Mike Wyatt Mike Outstanding work on the Presidential train and the back story is a wonderful read!

@ScoutingDad Jeff it sure is easy to forget that trains are fun for both you and older kids! It will be interesting to see what you come up with between your town and industries! I really like the rock wall and hope it works out for your location! P.S. I got the cars and they look like they will work just fine! Thank you!

@dan 77 Dan looks like you have been really busy! It is funny how a layout can quickly become a mess when taking it down and until it starts going back up! From what I see you have a great start!

@Steamfan77 Andy nice work on the fence! Is it store bought or scratch built?

@trestleking Rich if you take that out what are you going to use to supplement your winter heating? I do agree that is one monster! LOL

@luvindemtrains Dave the trees look outstanding! I will be watching for your how too!

@p51 Lee congrats on your photo and video shoot!

@Bill Grafmiller Bill good looking ORE cars and the Kadee's are a nice addition!

@Lancer Lance you're doing an outstanding job on your single engine shed!

@redbarchetta81 Bob what a great idea! Potable trains are a great way to get younger and older generations involved into trains!

@SuperChief Amazing job on the corner at Bill's Automotive!

@OhB1 Wonderful job on the oil derrick!

@Randy Harrison Randy your cabinet is looking great! Tell Ms. Zora she is doing a wonderful job! I cant wait to see your Mail car!

@Jstewart204 Even thought you have been away for a couple of months your still moving forward! Keep moving even if its just a little thing here and there your still moving!

@samparfitt Sam, you always seem to have a fun time in your op sessions! It sure looking like you always have a great group of guys to help you enjoy your wonderful layout! I am glad your having fun!

Ok guys for the little surprise, I moved that airfield and helicopter pad so I could open up more area for my town. Today I get to rewire it and get it running again. I might do more, but I don't want to get a head of myself as yesterday I was having a problem with wiring a 7-pin switch for reverse motion along with limit switches.

Here are a couple of photos!

Today I did a little troubleshooting. I had got some upgrade boards from Scott Mann in another post I wrote about how they had issues. I took my desk lamp which is new and LED and brought it by the layout. Turned it on, and a few locomotives stopped responding to the TMCC legacy. I turn the lamp off and everything went back to normal. I have seen this happen a couple times but with fluorescent lights. Just something to keep in mind when a ghost appears, check for the new things added it may be something simple..

Adding MTH ore cars in with NEW RMT ORE cars also adding new ore loads . Still waiting for the rest of my RMT ore car order.

Mike does that plane taxi down the runway ?  That would be so cool. Kids would love that if it does. Give us an update when done.

@mike g. posted:

Morning guys I know you all are thinking here we go again! Well you are correct as I figure if you all take the time to post something and I take the time to read everything you all post, it gives me the right to comment! LOL So it might be a little long. Plus a Suprise at the end! LOL

@John's Trains John thank you for the nice kind words!

@Mike Wyatt Mike Outstanding work on the Presidential train and the back story is a wonderful read!

@ScoutingDad Jeff it sure is easy to forget that trains are fun for both you and older kids! It will be interesting to see what you come up with between your town and industries! I really like the rock wall and hope it works out for your location! P.S. I got the cars and they look like they will work just fine! Thank you!

@dan 77 Dan looks like you have been really busy! It is funny how a layout can quickly become a mess when taking it down and until it starts going back up! From what I see you have a great start!

@Steamfan77 Andy nice work on the fence! Is it store bought or scratch built?

@trestleking Rich if you take that out what are you going to use to supplement your winter heating? I do agree that is one monster! LOL

@luvindemtrains Dave the trees look outstanding! I will be watching for your how too!

@p51 Lee congrats on your photo and video shoot!

@Bill Grafmiller Bill good looking ORE cars and the Kadee's are a nice addition!

@Lancer Lance you're doing an outstanding job on your single engine shed!

@redbarchetta81 Bob what a great idea! Potable trains are a great way to get younger and older generations involved into trains!

@SuperChief Amazing job on the corner at Bill's Automotive!

@OhB1 Wonderful job on the oil derrick!

@Randy Harrison Randy your cabinet is looking great! Tell Ms. Zora she is doing a wonderful job! I cant wait to see your Mail car!

@Jstewart204 Even thought you have been away for a couple of months your still moving forward! Keep moving even if its just a little thing here and there your still moving!

@samparfitt Sam, you always seem to have a fun time in your op sessions! It sure looking like you always have a great group of guys to help you enjoy your wonderful layout! I am glad your having fun!

Ok guys for the little surprise, I moved that airfield and helicopter pad so I could open up more area for my town. Today I get to rewire it and get it running again. I might do more, but I don't want to get a head of myself as yesterday I was having a problem with wiring a 7-pin switch for reverse motion along with limit switches.

Here are a couple of photos!

Hi Mike, I like the move you made, looks good.
The fencing is from Woodland Scenics.

Andy

Afternoon guys I hope you all had a great day!

@Bill Grafmiller Hi Bill it does taxi down the runway I will try and dig up a video of it for you!

@Steamfan77 Thanks Andy and I will have to check into the fence, it might be easier then scratch building more!

Well guys i was able to get the switch replaced and all the wiring for the taxi lights and propellers on both the plane and helicopter! here is a couple photos and maybe a video if I can find it! LOL

EXCELLENT! Mike G

Steve

Looking good, Mike!!  Takeoff!!

@mike g. posted:

Afternoon guys I hope you all had a great day!

Glad you were able to correct for that heavy windshear at the beginning of your takeoff in this video Mike.

Always enjoy watching the plane taking off sir.   A really great job you did on that cool project.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Glad you were able to correct for that heavy windshear at the beginning of your takeoff in this video Mike.

Always enjoy watching the plane taking off sir.   A really great job you did on that cool project.

Mike is quite a pilot!  😄👍🏻