Swapped out power and rolling stock Saturday afternoon.
Had some fun with an unscheduled repair too. 
Then I ran 'em for a while.
Bob
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@chris a posted:@Mark Boyce - Mark the buildings and the scenery on the lift out section are outstanding. Yes, I'd agree for your first time shot at the batting method, it came out really well, lots of texture, good color choices. Your skills on the buildings is excellent, both the mechanical assembly and the weathering/painting etc.
Well my latest "fixation" is PFE Steel Sided Reefers. Long story short, I acquired 7 MTH PFE R-40-23 reefers that someone started to 2 rail and then abandoned the project, I have completed converting 6 of them so far with the nice free rolling Lionel Steel Reefer Bettendorf Wheel trucks and Kadee's.
Thank you, Chris!! The PFE cars are looking great!
@chris a posted:@Mark Boyce - Mark the buildings and the scenery on the lift out section are outstanding. Yes, I'd agree for your first time shot at the batting method, it came out really well, lots of texture, good color choices. Your skills on the buildings is excellent, both the mechanical assembly and the weathering/painting etc.
Well my latest "fixation" is PFE Steel Sided Reefers. Long story short, I acquired 7 MTH PFE R-40-23 reefers that someone started to 2 rail and then abandoned the project, I have completed converting 6 of them so far with the nice free rolling Lionel Steel Reefer Bettendorf Wheel trucks and Kadee's.
Then I purchased 6 Intermountain Railway Co. (IMRC) PFE Steel Reefers (these are the R-40-10's), they need some TLC and I am changing the wheels/axles over to 3 rail Lionel Wheelsets.... Fortunately, I managed to get all 3 PFE Logo Schemes, Double Logo UP & SP in both Color and B&W and I found 2 of the Single Logo, "UP Overland" on one side of the reefer, single SP logo on the other side.
With the Lionel Vision Line (R-40-23) set plus one single Lionel Car I already own, I'll have a 17 car PFE Reefer train when I am done with this project.
Hi Chris, I have 5 PFE's myself, 4 SP/UP like some of yours, and on3 Western Pacific. Mine are all K-Line. Interesting, I had not seen the one you have with UP logo on one side and SP on the other. Really nice looking PFE consist all together, what ya gonna pull 'em with?
@WesternPacific2217 posted:After completing the interior work on my California Zephyr Aluminum K-Line 15” RPO/Baggage combo car, I decided it was time to put a wood floor in my other 15” baggage car. The gray plastic floor with a bunch of holes in doesn’t look so good!
I had already updated the stock incandescent lights with LED strip lights and one of gunrunnerjohn's LED power supplies.
Disclaimer: This project started out as a simple wood floor installation and turned into something else!! This project took two full evenings and a trip to the model train store, it was not done in one day as this thread suggests.
This is my proof that model railroading can trigger brief, and even prolonged, episodes of insanity! The following will clearly show my level of insanity.
Here you can see the cheesy plastic floor.
Chassis removed from the body. This particular car the chassis slips out pretty easy, some are a pain!
I already had the scribed siding wood 1/16" thick. One piece wasn't long enough to cover end to end, so I put the seam in the middle. Measure twice and then cut. Box cutter knife of razor blade works best.
I used Woodland Scenics Earth Tones paintfor the floor, its water based and easy to clean up. It also leaves an imperfect paint job which is what I was looking for. No mater what type of paint used on this thin wood it will warp without any support.
Applying the wood to the gray plastic subfloor I use some CA gel glue and bricks during the cure. The plastic is strong enough to maintain its shape and not warp. Plus, once the floor is attached to the chassis is will stay flat.
Reattached to the chassis nice and flat.
Okay, all is good, but this is where I loose it!!! Keep in mind that the only windows in most baggage cars are in the sliding doors!
I scratch built cabinets for the baggage and install them. These took some time.
Gotta have some luggage and cargo too, right? I mean the guy has to put that hand truck somewhere. Figures always add live to a scene.
Finally, slide the chassis back into the car body, attach the wires, fasten the ends, put it on the tracks.
Of course with the doors closed ya can't see much of anything. LoL I'll admit, my episode of insanity was fun!
Attention to detail is everything and you nailed it!
Hi guys, Idea Thinker, Mark, Myles, Scott, Chris, Peter and many others I have to say you are all doing AMAZING work! I am sorry I didn't call each and every one of you, but I am so far behind and there has been so much done! I know by reading what you all do helps me learn more about this hobby!
Even though I don't have a layout right now or anything to really work on, one can never stop learning! I tried to make comments on my phone but for some reason it forgot my sign information and so did I! LOL
I hope you all take care and are able to find to have fun with your layouts and trains! 
I will check in later!
Hey Scott, @WesternPacific2217 thanks for the kind words. Yes, I am looking forward to putting in some more hours tomorrow and trying to complete the last MTH PFE car, and hopefully get most of the IMRC car wheels swapped out. I have two IMRC reefers, that aren't sitting quite straight on the trucks so I have to dig in and figure out what's going on, whether it's the bolster, the truck frame or what.
As far as what's going to pull this train, not sure. Just picked up a beautiful 3rd Rail Sunset ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain. It's arriving tomorrow. Don't have a single SP, or UP Steam engine, and probably not going to go out and buy one right now, but that's ok. This early ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain is a stunning model with unbelievable detail, and while it won't be the correct road name, it should look pretty cool pulling this 17 car Reefer express.
Also, Scott, @WesternPacific2217 I didn't comment earlier, but the interior work on that baggage car is exceptional.
Mike G. - Glad to see you chiming in !!
@chris a posted:Hey Scott, @WesternPacific2217 thanks for the kind words. Yes, I am looking forward to putting in some more hours tomorrow and trying to complete the last MTH PFE car, and hopefully get most of the IMRC car wheels swapped out. I have two IMRC reefers, that aren't sitting quite straight on the trucks so I have to dig in and figure out what's going on, whether it's the bolster, the truck frame or what.
As far as what's going to pull this train, not sure. Just picked up a beautiful 3rd Rail Sunset ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain. It's arriving tomorrow. Don't have a single SP, or UP Steam engine, and probably not going to go out and buy one right now, but that's ok. This early ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain is a stunning model with unbelievable detail, and while it won't be the correct road name, it should look pretty cool pulling this 17 car Reefer express.
Also, Scott, @WesternPacific2217 I didn't comment earlier, but the interior work on that baggage car is exceptional.
Mike G. - Glad to see you chiming in !!
Hi Chris, thanks for the kudos on the baggage car, appreciate it. It was a lot of fun doing the interiors on the 15" RPO and baggage cars.
Oh yeah, that 3rd Rail Sunset ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain will look great pulling those PFE's, and totally plausible too, as ATSF, SP, and UP all pulled each others consists. You could mix some Santa Fe PFE's in with the SP/UP's and would look great. Please post a photo of the ATSF 4-8-2 on your layout when you have the chance, I'm sure we would all love to see it!
@chris a posted:Hey Scott, @WesternPacific2217 thanks for the kind words. Yes, I am looking forward to putting in some more hours tomorrow and trying to complete the last MTH PFE car, and hopefully get most of the IMRC car wheels swapped out. I have two IMRC reefers, that aren't sitting quite straight on the trucks so I have to dig in and figure out what's going on, whether it's the bolster, the truck frame or what.
As far as what's going to pull this train, not sure. Just picked up a beautiful 3rd Rail Sunset ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain. It's arriving tomorrow. Don't have a single SP, or UP Steam engine, and probably not going to go out and buy one right now, but that's ok. This early ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain is a stunning model with unbelievable detail, and while it won't be the correct road name, it should look pretty cool pulling this 17 car Reefer express.
Also, Scott, @WesternPacific2217 I didn't comment earlier, but the interior work on that baggage car is exceptional.
Mike G. - Glad to see you chiming in !!
Chris you must have an endless supply of trucks! LOL The PFE cars look really cool! I myself am one day going to work on a long line of BNSF Coal cars!
You are correct about Scott's @WesternPacific2217 work on his baggage car! It looks good enough to live in! I know I would really dig something like that!
Well Scott, @WesternPacific2217, you just made my night with those comments..... I have 8 of the Lionel Santa Fe MAP Reefers, wasn't sure if they ever ran in the same train with the PFE cars, so now I can add them as well... Very cool !.... When I get that all together I'll shoot a video and post here.
Hey Mike G: Yeah I recently purchased a really large lot of 3 rail trucks and wheels from a guy here in New England that does 2 rail conversions.....
Opened my new to me ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain Locomotive made by 3rd Rail/Sunset, it's amazing ! ..... Just shot a short video and got it up on YouTube, it's now processed in HD. Pulling maybe 17 Reefers here, still have a couple to go, but I am pretty excited, the whole project came out better than I expected. The ATSF Sunset Steam Locomotive definitely lives up to the reviews I read about it...
Sorry too tired tonight to relearn the video imbed procedure....
Chris, I just got done watching your video and think you have a outstanding train running there on your beautiful layout!
@chris a posted:Opened my new to me ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain Locomotive made by 3rd Rail/Sunset, it's amazing ! ..... Just shot a short video and got it up on YouTube, it's now processed in HD. Pulling maybe 17 Reefers here, still have a couple to go, but I am pretty excited, the whole project came out better than I expected. The ATSF Sunset Steam Locomotive definitely lives up to the reviews I read about it...
Sorry too tired tonight to relearn the video imbed procedure....
The train looks great Chris.
Now you need to build a Tropicana Juice Train.....
Bob
Thanks Bob, and Mike for the "Second Vote" support.... Actually, I am pretty sure I need to put the back hoe and power auger away and stop digging new "Rabbit Holes" that I then feel compelled to dive into !!!
As soon as I am done with these last 3 PFE cars, it's time to go down to the west end and start working on the urban canyons with all the buildings that I have been buying and storing for a decade now.
Its the final (completely unscenicked) frontier on the layout, roughly 14 x 16, and it's time to quit procrastinating and start doing some "mock ups" to see what options seem most attractive.
@chris a posted:Opened my new to me ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain Locomotive made by 3rd Rail/Sunset, it's amazing ! ..... Just shot a short video and got it up on YouTube, it's now processed in HD. Pulling maybe 17 Reefers here, still have a couple to go, but I am pretty excited, the whole project came out better than I expected. The ATSF Sunset Steam Locomotive definitely lives up to the reviews I read about it...
Sorry too tired tonight to relearn the video imbed procedure....
Pat, awesome video, that ATSF Mountain class loco is a beautiful model and looks like it runs great too. And of course your layout looks great with those PFE's rolling down the track! The PFE cars are all top quality! Thanks for posting that most enjoyable video.
Chris, the train looks great! Nice job!
Recently I acquired a fiber optic system for my Plasticville structures; which I’m happy with. I was looking at my 40 year old street lamps and contemplating the wiring that they require. The light bulb went off and I thought why not use try the fiber optic. At first it didn’t fit but then I drilled down a little and it fits. Now I don’t have to wire them to the transformer.
Jay
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Jay, the first street lamp looks great!!
Thanks Mark, it’s ironic because it was no where near being on my list of things to do. But, my knees, and I, are pleased with the results.
Washing machine overflowed.....🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Just some wet rugs. Luckily my son discovered it before the whole basement was under water. Looks like the fill sensor isn't sensing anymore.
Bob
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@RSJB18 posted:Washing machine overflowed.....🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Just some wet rugs. Luckily my son discovered it before the whole basement was under water. Looks like the fill sensor isn't sensing anymore.
Bob
Sorry to hear about the overflow, but I am really happy that your son found it before it got to bad! Just think if that was part of your layout and not his gaming area you could have got water up to the windows!
It’s been about a year since I have posted here. Lots of excellent work to be seen.
My son made a small display cabinet to put under my layout extension.
Bob….sorry about the water issue. Shop vacs are handy.
John
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@Fendermain posted:It’s been about a year since I have posted here. Lots of excellent work to be seen.
My son made a small display cabinet to put under my layout extension.
Bob….sorry about the water issue. Shop vacs are handy.
John
The little display shelf looks great John!
@RSJB18 posted:Washing machine overflowed.....🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Just some wet rugs. Luckily my son discovered it before the whole basement was under water. Looks like the fill sensor isn't sensing anymore.
Bob, I *highly* recommend getting one or more cheap battery powered wi-fi connected moisture sensors, available for only a few bucks. We had a leak in our hot water heater, and by the time I discovered it, the heater had to be replaced. I've since added a sensor in the overflow pan (sets off an alarm on my cellphone), and recommend anyone doing the same for any flood-prone area.
@RSJB18 posted:Washing machine overflowed.....🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Just some wet rugs. Luckily my son discovered it before the whole basement was under water. Looks like the fill sensor isn't sensing anymore.
Bob
Good save - Bob, & family ! Glad no trains were involved !
Rich
@Steve Tyler that is so cool you said something about a wifi moisture detection! Never heard of such a thing! Thank you so much!
@mike g. posted:@Steve Tyler that is so cool you said something about a wifi moisture detection! Never heard of such a thing! Thank you so much!
Yeah, it was new to me, too, but they are rather cheap (under $5 or so, plus shipping, from "slow boat" sources, a bit more from closer-but-quicker suppliers). Here's a sample:
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@Steve Tyler posted:Yeah, it was new to me, too, but they are rather cheap (under $5 or so, plus shipping, from "slow boat" sources, a bit more from closer-but-quicker suppliers). Here's a sample:
Very cool! Should be one in every train room! 😆
As much as I did not want to poke holes in my concrete basement walls, practicality won out. This image shows 3 sheets of 1/8 Masonite primed and painted and hung on the walls. 1x 3 primed wood is tapcon'd into the concrete, the Masonite is screwed into the wood. The seams need to be finished as they stand out much more in person.
I removed the upper sections of the layout to ease installation. Maximum reach from layout edge to the wall is 30 inches so the install went relatively smoothly. The layout is built in sections to ease future changes. The first happened much quicker than anticipated. Added benefit is the ability to climb on top of the layout to hit the upper screws. (9 foot basement ceilings)
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@ScoutingDad posted:As much as I did not want to poke holes in my concrete basement walls, practicality won out. This image shows 3 sheets of 1/8 Masonite primed and painted and hung on the walls. 1x 3 primed wood is tapcon'd into the concrete, the Masonite is screwed into the wood. The seams need to be finished as they stand out much more in person.
I removed the upper sections of the layout to ease installation. Maximum reach from layout edge to the wall is 30 inches so the install went relatively smoothly. The layout is built in sections to ease future changes. The first happened much quicker than anticipated. Added benefit is the ability to climb on top of the layout to hit the upper screws. (9 foot basement ceilings)
Jeff sorry to hear about the holes, but if built correctly you should have no problems! Fingers crossed 🤞
Jeff, the Masonite looks great! I wasn’t going to put holes in my walls for a backdrop either, but like you said, practically won out. Whether it is me or someone else, it won’t take much to patch and paint when the layout is removed.
Hi guys. Back with the post mortem. No major damage. Rugs will dry and life will return to normal. Probably picked up about 50 gallons of water.
One train box got wet under the layout. It was in a plastic bag but guess the water soaked through. Everything else was in plastic tubs or up on 3/4" sleepers and shelves.
@Steve Tyler. Ironically I'm working on a project at work to add water bugs in labs and critical areas. Guess I should do the same at home. On my list of things to do......
Before the flood, I had finally resurrected a nice MPC combo RPO car that's been sitting on my bench for years. It needed couplers, finally got them.
It's gonna go nicely behind a LC+2.0 PRR Doodlebug.
Bob
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@RSJB18 posted:Washing machine overflowed.....🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Just some wet rugs. Luckily my son discovered it before the whole basement was under water. Looks like the fill sensor isn't sensing anymore.
Bob
I don’t know Bob, seems to me that the wall should come down and that will prevent the overflow danger. Layout legs respond better than wet rugs😄.
Jay
Bob the RPO car looks wonderful !
@RSJB18 posted:Hi guys. Back with the post mortem. No major damage. Rugs will dry and life will return to normal. Probably picked up about 50 gallons of water.
One train box got wet under the layout. It was in a plastic bag but guess the water soaked through. Everything else was in plastic tubs or up on 3/4" sleepers and shelves.
Before the flood, I had finally resurrected a nice MPC combo RPO car that's been sitting on my bench for years. It needed couplers, finally got them.
It's gonna go nicely behind a LC+2.0 PRR Doodlebug.
Bob
Sorry about the flood, Bob - glad there was little damage. Having had two basement floods, I feel your pain.
And I’m glad you got the RPO up and running - congrats on actually getting the couplers this time 
The NYC office sent me an MPC era Pennsy streamliner set last year, but I didn't have appropos motive power for the same until I sold a bunch of stuff at the train show and picked up a K-Line Tuscan GG-1:
Also picked up a prewar crane car and complementary gondola...
Mitch
Added GCT to my upper level section.
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@Apples55 posted:Sorry about the flood, Bob - glad there was little damage. Having had two basement floods, I feel your pain.
And I’m glad you got the RPO up and running - congrats on actually getting the couplers this time
Thanks Paul. That car has been sitting on my bench forever, I've probably moved it around more times than I can count. I redid the lighting and power trucks a long time ago. Glad its finally back where it belongs too.
On a side note several of the boxes I pulled out from under the layout will be hitting the F/S forums soon. I've gotta start thinning the heard so to speak......
And make room for more new stuff 
OK finally got all the PFE Reefers done, and after several attempts finally got a decent video done.... Yes I have to work on being steadier and smoother when I am moving around with the camera, but the shots moving along with the engine are pretty cool.
I am really liking the Sunset/3rd Rail ATSF 4-8-2 Mountain. I opened up the tender put a speaker baffle over the speaker and lined the brass sheet on the inside with Kilmat, that sound deadening material people put in their cars... Not sure it made a huge difference, but it's done now
