Pic problems. But it's done.
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I started detailing this building front from the Chooch Ultra Scale line. I'm not sure if brand new, it came with door inserts or not. Anyways, I decided to create some docks/roll up doors out of styrene. I just need to finish installing them and get them weathered to blend with what I've done to the rest of the facade.
Dave
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Very nice Dave! I like the added detail, well done.
Andy
Planted some more trees in the park scene, and I have another batch in progress.
Andy
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Andy,
Thank you. Your work is always very neat. The way that you have blended the road, trees and fence into the backdrop is very well executed.
Dave
Thank you Dave! I appreciate the kind words.
Andy
After my York trip I was able to install my last 2 layout overhead lights. I used surface conduit to avoid having to open up the ceiling more & contend with ceiling joists running against my paths. Next will be Masonite backdrop panels and removable window blocking panels. Do folks use 1/4” or 1/8” Masonite ?
Rich in WV
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I bought a premier flatcar and an aurora tank model at the last train show down here for $10 each and finally had a chance to assemble and weather them. The Aurora had a lot of flashing to clean up and the figures that came with the kit were not well molded with detail, but overall, it’s a great model for a tank load. For the premier flatcar, I went to town carving and scraping the molded in deck planks, which I think gave it a really good effect. Everything seemed nice and dry this morning. I’m holding off on chaining the tank down until I assemble the jeep model that I also picked up at the show and see how the two look together on the flat car. Overall, a nice project -
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@trestleking posted:Next will be Masonite backdrop panels and removable window blocking panels. Do folks use 1/4” or 1/8” Masonite ?
Rich in WV
Rich, I used 1/8” panels which worked fine for me.
Gene
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@Strap Hanger posted:I bought a premier flatcar and an aurora tank model at the last train show down here for $10 each and finally had a chance to assemble and weather them. The Aurora had a lot of flashing to clean up and the figures that came with the kit were not well molded with detail, but overall, it’s a great model for a tank load. For the premier flatcar, I went to town carving and scraping the molded in deck planks, which I think gave it a really good effect. Everything seemed nice and dry this morning. I’m holding off on chaining the tank down until I assemble the jeep model that I also picked up at the show and see how the two look together on the flat car. Overall, a nice project -
Nicely done, great job!
Gene
@trestleking posted:Do folks use 1/4” or 1/8” Masonite ?
Yes. 
Slightly longer answer: it depends on the task. Either will be rigid enough in length and breadth for most uses, but there are times light weight is more important than extra strength, and vice versa. Dealers choice, really . . .
@Strap Hanger posted:I bought a premier flatcar and an aurora tank model at the last train show down here for $10 each and finally had a chance to assemble and weather them. The Aurora had a lot of flashing to clean up and the figures that came with the kit were not well molded with detail, but overall, it’s a great model for a tank load. For the premier flatcar, I went to town carving and scraping the molded in deck planks, which I think gave it a really good effect. Everything seemed nice and dry this morning. I’m holding off on chaining the tank down until I assemble the jeep model that I also picked up at the show and see how the two look together on the flat car. Overall, a nice project -
So many interests in this hobby. It's not just about playing with toy trains. Nice modeling Strap!
One comment on the Jeep placement. I watch a lot of trains on Virtual Rail Fan, on the military transport trains, the tanks are usually loaded all together with no other vehicles in between. But as always- your RR your rules! 
@trestleking- The lighting looks good Rich. Not too much longer till benchwork I hope. I would think 1/8" masonite would be adequate. Just provide enough blocking behind so that it doesn't warp.
A comment on the electric baseboard along the back wall. Those things get HOT, make sure you keep any combustibles at least 12" away. (There's actually language in the electrical code about this).
Bob
Thanks @Genemed and @RSJB18 . Good point Bob. I struck gold at the last train meet and also picked up a bunch of other aurora models that the guy had including a tanker, a ford truck, and a field gun, all for $10 each. Great deal. So I’m just going to keep building them and see what goes best on that flatcar. Fortunately, the citrus model train group is holding a train show on November 4, so I see more used flatcars in my future. It really is a fun, multidimensional hobby, Bob.
@RSJB18 posted:So many interests in this hobby. It's not just about playing with toy trains. Nice modeling Strap!
One comment on the Jeep placement. I watch a lot of trains on Virtual Rail Fan, on the military transport trains, the tanks are usually loaded all together with no other vehicles in between. But as always- your RR your rules!
@trestleking- The lighting looks good Rich. Not too much longer till benchwork I hope. I would think 1/8" masonite would be adequate. Just provide enough blocking behind so that it doesn't warp.
A comment on the electric baseboard along the back wall. Those things get HOT, make sure you keep any combustibles at least 12" away. (There's actually language in the electrical code about this).Bob
Thks Bob, I did not know about the 12” clearance requirement for the bb heaters. We’ll likely only use the electric heat when we’re away — what could go wrong there ? 😑. I’ll have to design the benchwork with that in mind !
Rich
Back when I was with the fire department, we always warned folks about baseboard heaters in the bedroom. Blankets piled-up on those heaters used to cause more than a few fires.
@trestleking posted:Thks Bob, I did not know about the 12” clearance requirement for the bb heaters. We’ll likely only use the electric heat when we’re away — what could go wrong there ? 😑. I’ll have to design the benchwork with that in mind !
Rich
LOL! 
Found this chart for general clearances.
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I finished planting the majority of the trees in the park area. I can now focus on the park scene itself.
Andy
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WOW is all I have to say! Not only are the trees and area awesome, they truly seamlessly blend into the back ground which gives the scene such depth and character. The background is just outstanding ... GREAT job!
I created this coal load using a black cardboard base to support the entire load, modeling clay to create the mound (s), flat black spray paint to coat the modeling clay. After the paint dried, I applied brush on scenic cement ( because I ran out of spray glue ) then sprinkled on some crushed black stone granules which I bought at Michael's Crafts ( much less expensive than coal sold by hobby retailers ). The 100 ton hopper car is by Weaver.
Side A showing contour of coal mound. 
Side B showing counter of coal mound. 
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Nicely done, very realistic.
@trumpettrain posted:I created this coal load using a black cardboard base to support the entire load, modeling clay to create the mound (s), flat black spray paint to coat the modeling clay. After the paint dried, I applied brush on scenic cement ( because I ran out of spray glue ) then sprinkled on some crushed black stone granules which I bought at Michael's Crafts ( much less expensive than coal sold by hobby retailers ). The 100 ton hopper car is by Weaver.
Side A showing contour of coal mound.
Side B showing counter of coal mound.
Nice work Pat. I use those same gravels. They are great and much cheaper than modeling supplies. Throw in a Michaels coupon and it's a steal!
This is a pair of ore cars that I did last year. These are Menards ore cars. Nice cars but the loads leave a lot to be desired. I used Tacky glue since it's thicker and didn't run off of the plastic.
Bob
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@trumpettrain posted:I created this coal load using a black cardboard base to support the entire load, modeling clay to create the mound (s), flat black spray paint to coat the modeling clay. After the paint dried, I applied brush on scenic cement ( because I ran out of spray glue ) then sprinkled on some crushed black stone granules which I bought at Michael's Crafts ( much less expensive than coal sold by hobby retailers ). The 100 ton hopper car is by Weaver.
Side A showing contour of coal mound.
Side B showing counter of coal mound.
Pat just an observation the load looks very much like coke.
This is what I should do to a MTH car that says it is a coke load but looks just like coal!
Ron
I hung two more shelves in my tinplate room; because those boxes keep coming and coming! 😳
I recently finished up a batch of trees. This project included my first time using an airbrush. Just like many techniques, these took a bit more time than I am used to spending on trees. That is impart to this being my first time using this process. I think the time spent was well worth it. I will begin planting these as I finish up various areas projects around the layout. A how-to video is forthcoming to my YouTube channel soon. More to come...
Dave
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@luvindemtrains posted:I recently finished up a batch of trees. This project included my first time using an airbrush. Just like many techniques, these took a bit more time than I am used to spending on trees. That is impart to this being my first time using this process. I think the time spent was well worth it. I will begin planting these as I finish up various areas projects around the layout. A how-to video is forthcoming to my YouTube channel soon. More to come...
Dave
Lovedemtrains - I LOVE demtrees!!! Superb job!!!! WOW!!!
Thank you Patrick! I like how you incorporated my handle into your reply.
Dave
Still a work in progress
@Alabama Joe posted:Still a work in progress
Outstanding layout. Joe. Nice job weathering your fleet as well. Thanks for sharing.
@luvindemtrains- Great job on the trees Dave. Can't wait for the video.
@Alabama Joe- Where have you been hiding???? A spectacular layout! The detailing and weathering are top notch!
Thanks for sharing.
So it's not what I did on the layout but under and in the shop. Much like Bob @pennsyfan I also packed up a bunch of boxes today. About 8 locomotive, and a dozen rolling stock. Banished to the attic for now. Problem is the attic is filling up too...... 
Oh- And I got the "stop buying so many trains" comments and associated dirty looks from the CEO too.
Bob
@Strap Hanger posted:Outstanding layout. Joe. Nice job weathering your fleet as well. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I can’t take credit for all the weathering, Harry Hieke did all my Steam Engines. Steve Phetterplace did most of my rolling stock. However, I’m getting pretty good at it too.
Hi guys, I know some of you are saying who is this crazy guy? As the name says I am Mike!
I have to say you all have been hitting it out of the park! Everyone is doing such nice work I am glad I have time each day to catch up, just not to respond or reply. I hope you all will keep the fire going as I am going to need the help keeping the interest as things change around here!
LOL it's been a while and have been doing a lot of things, just not train related. But this weekend I was able to get a start to taking down the layout, the track is still intact, and trains can still run. The plan is for that to change next weekend as I will be packing up the AIU, TIU, and Z4000 along with the all the other wiring from under the layout. Then the track will come up, but first I still have a couple of buildings and a crane to pack up. Here are a couple photos for an update.
All the boxes in the front here are from the train room, buildings, RR Cars, no engines yet but they are coming!
I hope you all had a great weekend and found time to have fun with your layouts and trains!
I will be checking again soon!
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Got up this morning, downed a homemade cappuccino and began work on the layout. Unfortunately, one of the Lionel Fastrack Remote/Command switches failed which will require some work to remove.
Here’s a brief description of the failure: I first noticed the switch would not work with my cab2 but worked with the remote switch lever. I tried to reprogram the switch, but when I pushed the program button and held it the switch direction lantern would not flash to indicate it was ready to program. Bummer, not a good sign! Next and worst issue, I could not run a locomotive through the switch when it was set to through, as it would short out and trip the Lionel Brick breaker. But locomotives would go through when the switch was set too out.
After some investigation with a VOM meter, I found that with the switch set to through, the isolated common rail was not “open” as it should be. So as soon as the first power roller pickup touched the rail it shorted to common. Here’s a photo with the offending rail circled in blue.
Switch removal begins. Of course, I need to remove a few things, like the roadway to R&R (Remove and Replace) the defective switch. Here’s a few photos of the fun! Removing the track on either side of the switch is the real fun!
Old switch removal.
These are not cheap!
All my Remote/Command switches have the switch lever connected and are hidden under the layout. Backup just in case the Command feature fails, as is the case here.
Reconnecting the remote wires.
Back in operation, the new switch works perfectly. I ran the LionMaster Big Boy through the switch, both through and out and in both directions. Still some touch up work left to do.
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A few happy snaps and such as to what I've been up to of late...
Mitch
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@mike g. posted:Hi guys, I know some of you are saying who is this crazy guy? As the name says I am Mike!
I have to say you all have been hitting it out of the park! Everyone is doing such nice work I am glad I have time each day to catch up, just not to respond or reply. I hope you all will keep the fire going as I am going to need the help keeping the interest as things change around here!
LOL it's been a while and have been doing a lot of things, just not train related. But this weekend I was able to get a start to taking down the layout, the track is still intact, and trains can still run. The plan is for that to change next weekend as I will be packing up the AIU, TIU, and Z4000 along with the all the other wiring from under the layout. Then the track will come up, but first I still have a couple of buildings and a crane to pack up. Here are a couple photos for an update.
All the boxes in the front here are from the train room, buildings, RR Cars, no engines yet but they are coming!
I hope you all had a great weekend and found time to have fun with your layouts and trains!
I will be checking again soon!
Mike,
I had to go back in the thread and catch myself up to speed. The first thing, as others have said, is to be careful and take your time. You definitely don't need to aggravate your back any further. I hope that you have some kind of help with all of the work you have been doing. Man, it seems like it wasn't too long ago when you built the train building and you have been doing some great work the last several months. I guess, it goes to show, we never know what tomorrow will bring. Anyways, best wishes with your surgery and move. On to better things.
Dave
@luvindemtrains posted:Mike,
I had to go back in the thread and catch myself up to speed. The first thing, as others have said, is to be careful and take your time. You definitely don't need to aggravate your back any further. I hope that you have some kind of help with all of the work you have been doing. Man, it seems like it wasn't too long ago when you built the train building and you have been doing some great work the last several months. I guess, it goes to show, we never know what tomorrow will bring. Anyways, best wishes with your surgery and move. On to better things.
Dave
Hi Dave thanks for the kind words and where ever we end up the CEO has promised a train room! I have been thinking about bringing the plywood and framing with me, but then again moving into a new house might call for new wood! LOL Then again I guess that will be up to the CEO and if I can plead my case for not moving it halfway across the country! To be honest she has been looking for a house with a basement so I can use the whole basement as my train room as long as it has a tornado shelter built into it! I told her I can do that! LOL
Anyway for all of you I will keep watching all the wonderful and Amazing things you all do with your Outstanding layouts! I know I will be jealous of all of you, but it will be a great time to learn from all of you from this wonderful forum! There is so much knowledge here that anything is possible!
As usual I hope you all had fun with your layout and trains today and please stay safe!
Last night I made another coal load for my Weaver B&O 3 bay hopper. I will follow up with photo later.
Also does anyone know a good source for Anthracite coal? I will appreciate any leads. I have a Reading Blue Coal 3 bay hopper to make a coal load for.
Patrick, check out Dennis Brennan for anthracite coal. If you want to give it a blue tint. Rit Dye might work or some ground up blue chalk.
@Dave_C posted:Patrick, check out Dennis Brennan for anthracite coal. If you want to give it a blue tint. Rit Dye might work or some ground up blue chalk.
Thanks for those tips Dave! Greatly appreciated!
