What did you do on your layout today?

@mike g. look on the bright side, you will be starting your THIRD layout. Most of us are on #1 or 2 at best.

You should have all the mistakes figured out by now.....🤣🤣🤣

Bob

Cars and street lamp wired / waiting for more of that style to arrive and I’ll install them along the street. Irene’s diner is giving me a bit of a hastle….. come on Irene, lol

Working on another Downtown Deco classic...

The building is a low relief building that measures 4.5" by 3'. I had to take it apart at least 4 times for "mistakes". Now onto painting. More to come.

Dave

Well, I finally got around to doing a few things to clear the workbench, and tidy up the test layout:

First, I rationalized the rat's nest breadboard hookup I'd been using to connect two Lionel sound activation buttons into the power feed on the test layout to control the horn and bell features of my GG-1 (repositioning and tucking the wires through existing holes, and directly connecting and taping a junction I'd previously only had temporarily jumpered).

Then, I moved the MTH operating McDonalds I'd been upgrading off the workbench, to a new position on the test layout. That installation involved drilling a few more holes in the layout, adding some wire to the leads, then fastening down the activation button and connecting power to the accessory tap on the transformer. I had to do several repairs to the wiring I pulled loose under the McDonalds during the process to get everything working properly, but the end result is three new buttons for the grandkids to use to activate sound and animation features now on the test layout, *and* I have cleared some space on the workbench to start work on the diner kit and other projects!

Oh, and here's a short video of the newly-installed McDonalds and GG-1 sounds:

[ For those who haven't seen my prior posts on the upgrade project, I installed a new cardstock/photo paper interior to cover the blank white OEM surfaces, 3D printed benches and fabricated and installed tables for the interior scene, replaced a broken window, created a black plastic cover for the gap in the circular car track, replaced the missing OEM Ford Bronco with a 1:43 Mini-Cooper with figures inside it, painted the driveway in the gray base black and dry brushed red oxide over the 'brick', added figures representing me, my eldest son, and his grandson at the entrance, and put up a 'poster' outside of my mom visiting her favorite local McDonalds! There's also a photo of my mom and me in the collage depicting the counter inside . . . ]

I wanna rig a McDonald's to work with this: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaikPfD25S8

Mitch

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

I wanna rig a McDonald's to work with this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaikPfD25S8

Funny you should say that, Mitch.

After concluding there's no easy way to alter the three built-in dialogs, my eventual plan is just to disable the built-in speaker, replace the current SP momentary contact activation switch with a DP version, and use the second pole to simultaneously activate a separate sound module, pre-loaded with a series of DIY recorded dialogs timed to roughly match the car movements. I even hope to find a sound module that handles stereo files and has two output channels, so I can use two speakers and fade the dialog and music from one window to the other!

But, enough for today, in keeping with my new motto:

Been running a solo operations session: Moving tonnage over my Kansas City Gulf "Ozark Sub" layout!

Here's Extra 203 South heading into the siding to meet northbound #44, a manifest freight, at the summit town of Piney:

And earlier in the session, here's #50, a north local, grinding into Buck Holler with the back half of the train. (The tired old GP7 #418 had too much tonnage leaving Ozarka, so the crew had to double to the summit at Piney.)

Just about done with this operating "day" as only one more through train remains on the call board.

Andre

Well the lift up is no more.  One of the 'locks' broke and would not hold the assembly up. Since I had 2 days to get the slide replaced or returned I decided to return both pairs. While I liked not having to duck under the track, it was becoming more and more problematic to raise and lower the assembly as I added track and supports. I had finally gotten the mainlines wired across the section and was operating just fine. As I was working on the inner loop,  bingo, the lock broke.

If I had to do this all over again, I would use some kind of assisted lift mechanism - motorized or spring/pulley. Part of the problem is with the clearance of the mounting screws and the slides. They came with screws meant for sheet metal installation with low profile flat heads. Wood screw flat heads and sheet metal pan heads would slightly interfere with the movement of the slides. Not a whole lot of clearance there. 

So its back to lifting out 3 bridge sections for access to the interior of the layout. Not really happy but I'll live with it for now.

Keep the faith Jeff, you’ll land on something that you’re happy with.

Andy

Jeff, I’m with Andy!  You have the aptitude to figure out something else that will work.  I have posted a lot of things that didn’t work out for me, but there are many more I just didn’t take time to write about.  ☹️ As it stands now, lifting out three bridge sections at least let’s you fave access when needed.  

This photo shows a simple hinged section that flips over onto the adjoining section to allow entrance. Sometimes the low tech answer works out best.

Started laying out track for my first large layout. The O&I Railroad. 28x13 foot double mainline.

@Dan Kelley posted:

Started laying out track for my first large layout. The O&I Railroad. 28x13 foot double mainline.

That's looking good Dan, I see you made it so you can reach.

@Dan Kelley posted:

Started laying out track for my first large layout. The O&I Railroad. 28x13 foot double mainline.

Looks and sounds good Dan.

Got a track plan and other goodies to share?

@Dave Ripp. posted:

That's looking good Dan, I see you made it so you can reach.

Thanks Dave, I am getting to old for climbing up on tables!

Working on project  #4, weathering the church.

Dave

@RSJB18 posted:

Looks and sounds good Dan.

Got a track plan and other goodies to share?

Thanks, I don't have access to my track plan at the moment. It was done in RRtrack on another laptop. The plan is an around the walls with open center. Access to the center will be with a lift up Atlas double track Truss bridge. Still working on figuring out how I am going to accomplish the bridge portion. I have see many different ideas on the forum. i guess i just have to decide and go for it.

Hi Dan,  Since our area is close to the same size, I am extremely interested in your layout. I also have an Atlas double track Pratt bridge that has a motorized mechanism. Mike G. supplied info to make it happen. Thanks again Mike

Here is a link to my stumbling on the lift bridge.

Looking great so far Dan!

@Dan Kelley posted:

Thanks, I don't have access to my track plan at the moment. It was done in RRtrack on another laptop. The plan is an around the walls with open center. Access to the center will be with a lift up Atlas double track Truss bridge. Still working on figuring out how I am going to accomplish the bridge portion. I have see many different ideas on the forum. i guess i just have to decide and go for it.

No worries Dan. The lift up has been nicely done by @mike g. with a copy by @Mark Boyce.

Thank you for your service on this Veteran's Day as well.

Bob

I unpacked and serviced my new Christmas Express # 1224 2-4-2. Not the best engine Lionel every produced but a RTR LionChief is what it is. For seasonal duty, looping under the tree, it will do the job. The supplied remote and LC app both worked fine. Santa's announcements are a nice touch.
The leading and trailing trucks leave a lot to be desired. I need to take a closer look at them. Both go forward through switches OK but reverse is a whole new adventure. Even got the tension spring on the front truck cherry red hot before the breaker tripped on one derailment.

The shell is very similar to a MPC 4-4-2 that I have. And the tender is way too big but......LionChief.......

Bob

This is my track plan for 11 by 24 around the wall. A few more feet in both directions would be welcome. The addition on the right was an afterthought and not very practical but I like how it looks  

@RSJB18 posted:

No worries Dan. The lift up has been nicely done by @mike g. with a copy by @Mark Boyce.

Thank you for your service on this Veteran's Day as well.

Bob

Thank you for the links Bob, I will check them out.

Thanks,

Dan

Installed some custom billboards in Lionel billboard frames.   A tea billboard, claiming it's the English solution to all problems, and an ad for Sterling Nails from Northwestern Steel and Wire.  Northwestern Steel and Wire scrapped steam locomotives for their metal, hence the tongue in cheek slogan "A locomotive in every box".

Hi guys wow alot has happened in a week time!

@RSJB18 Bob, Thank you, you would thing I would know what I am doing by now, but then again that is why I am taking photos while I take down the layout! Your Christmas 2-4-2 looks nice, but I am guessing it lacks a little power as I noticed it had to back up to get a running start! Either way, it looks nice and should be a hit under the tree!

@DrSteveDC Steve great job on all the lighting! I really love the delivery trucks going around and around!

@luvindemtrains Dave the wall looks good and remember it's not how many times you take it apart to fix mistakes. Its how it looks in the end! Just think of it this way 4 is better than 5! LOL I think your doing an amazing job on the church Dave! I will be admiring your progress for sure!

@Steve Tyler Steve wonderful job on the McDonalds upgrade! It is so cool how you included the family!

@laming Looks like you had a busy day! Good thing you have some great crews working for your RR!

@ScoutingDad Jeff sorry to hear about your lift giving out! I guess they are like the rest of us as they age. I am sure you will figure it out! P.S. It was nice talking to you on the phone! I hope you are having a good trip.

@Terry Luft Terry Nice train room, just wondering if you have any more photos or even a video of it?

@Dan Kelley First off thank you for your service! It looks like you have a great start on your layout! If you need any ideas about your bridge we are here to help you out! I know there are so many different ideas that work!

@Aegis21 John your more then welcome, I am just happy to help where I can as so many folks here have really helped me!

@cbq9911a Wonderful work on the billboards!

Well guys as for me It has been a sad day. Today was the last run of the layout, it ended with me running into a big roll of plastic wrap I forgot on the layout. Then I had to get out of the gears! LOL Just my luck! All the engines and rolling stock are packed and just a couple more building to pack then the power and everything else go dead and track starts coming up. Here is a little video!

https://youtu.be/1vt9cRZPCPc

I hope this work and that you all have a wonderful weekend! Remember try to have fun with your layouts and trains!

@mike g. posted:

Hi guys wow alot has happened in a week time!

@RSJB18 Bob, Thank you, you would thing I would know what I am doing by now, but then again that is why I am taking photos while I take down the layout! Your Christmas 2-4-2 looks nice, but I am guessing it lacks a little power as I noticed it had to back up to get a running start! Either way, it looks nice and should be a hit under the tree!

Well guys as for me It has been a sad day. Today was the last run of the layout, it ended with me running into a big roll of plastic wrap I forgot on the layout. Then I had to get out of the gears! LOL Just my luck! All the engines and rolling stock are packed and just a couple more building to pack then the power and everything else go dead and track starts coming up. Here is a little video!

https://youtu.be/1vt9cRZPCPc

I hope this work and that you all have a wonderful weekend! Remember try to have fun with your layouts and trains!

Mike- sorry about the last run but don't look at it as the end, but a new beginning! The trains will roll again one day soon! Any offers on the house yet?
And the engine didn't need a running start. It started in reverse for some reason. This was already my 3rd take and it was late and I didn't want to do a 4th.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

Mike- sorry about the last run but don't look at it as the end, but a new beginning! The trains will roll again one day soon! Any offers on the house yet?
And the engine didn't need a running start. It started in reverse for some reason. This was already my 3rd take and it was late and I didn't want to do a 4th.

Bob

Hi Bob, we are getting it ready before we list it. One of the things to do was to take down the layout and fix any holes in the walls. Now I wish I would have never cut a hole going outside for the train! Lol 😆

I bought a 2046W tender that had the openings for backup lights, so I added 3 Evans Designs 3mm red LEDs to light them.  Also painted a pair of 2816 coal loads pink for my cancer awareness pink hopper.  Paint is still drying on those.

The center light is supposed to be white. It is a back up headlight.

The Cancer Awareness 816 hopper with a pink coal load I talked about yesterday.   Paint has dried so I can load the car.

@mike g. posted:

Hi Bob, we are getting it ready before we list it. One of the things to do was to take down the layout and fix any holes in the walls. Now I wish I would have never cut a hole going outside for the train! Lol 😆

Mike, I was sad to see the last run in Washington, but like Bob said it can be a new beginning in Joplin!!  Please keep us posted!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Mike, I was sad to see the last run in Washington, but like Bob said it can be a new beginning in Joplin!!  Please keep us posted!

Thanks Mark, you know the funny thing is it comes down a lot faster then when it went up. I spent the day pulling nails and track so I could remove the plywood.  Here is what one end looks like now.

And this was yesterday.

I won't get any work done during the week, but will hit ot hard next weekend.

I hope you all have a great week and fond tome.to have fun with your layouts and Trains!

@mike g. posted:

Thanks Mark, you know the funny thing is it comes down a lot faster then when it went up. I spent the day pulling nails and track so I could remove the plywood.  Here is what one end looks like now.

And this was yesterday.

I won't get any work done during the week, but will hit ot hard next weekend.

I hope you all have a great week and fond tome.to have fun with your layouts and Trains!

Mike good luck with the moving process. By chance did you happen to come across anything that you forgot that you had?

Jay

@Tranquil Hollow RR Hi Jay, nothing really big as I still had stuff packed away from my last rebuild. I am sure I will find a lot when we get moved next spring as I will probably forget what I had! Lol 😆

My latest brainstorm!

Mitch

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

My latest brainstorm!

Mitch

I removed the link in this post Mitch because it goes against our TOS guideline #2.  AGAIN...review the TOS!

The New York office wanted to know what a 6-6-6 locomotive would look like.

The New York office really SHOULD know better by now. 

Mitch

ProTip Of The Day:

I'm in the process of cheerfully swiping a concept from Lionel's "General" locomotives and fitting an air whistle to a prewar baggage car for the benefit of prewar locos devoid of whistles: 

When you're working with a DC motored whistle like this (scrounged from a whistling HO station), bear in mind that the DC motor is directional. 

In this case, I found the whistle to be much louder when the impeller turned counter-clockwise, pushing the air across the reeds. 

So, if you have a modern air whistle that sounds weak, check the rotation direction!  It might help! 

Mitch

I am back at working on my layout since winter is coming. I just finished cutting a new bridge type which has arched or curved sides. I will post more photos once I get these bridges installed.

idea-thinker

@idea-thinker that is another impressive looking bridge!!