@Mark Boyce posted:The things Bob and others suggested on my layout were beyond my imagination as well. What a great group of folks on this forum!
100% Agree Mark, fun bunch, very knowledgeable, and EXTREMLY Helpful! Proud & Blessed to be part of this community...
@RV Junke posted:100% Agree Mark, fun bunch, very knowledgeable, and EXTREMLY Helpful! Proud & Blessed to be part of this community...
RV, it doesn’t take long here to become aware of it either! 😊
My wife and I are installing (stapling) a cloth skirt around the table to add a touch of finality to the project...I really appreciate the time and effort she's put into the buying of the fabric, the cutting and the sewing. My job is too easy, just requiring a staple gun! I'll attach pics as the project m0ves forward...
@Capetrainman posted:My wife and I are installing (stapleing) a cloth skirt around the table to add a touch of finality to the project...I really appreciate the time and effort she's put into the buying of the fabric, the cutting and the sewing. My job is too easy, just requiring a staple gun! I'll attach pics as the project m0ves forward...
Paul, that is wonderful to have help from your wife, or any partner. While I do have a sewing machine and know how to use it, I decided to take the easy road BUT don't know for sure how well it will work out. I bought yards of dark brown felt at 50% off as well as a roll of Velcro. The felt will automatically stick to the Velcro which I will adhere to the layout. It won't be a fancy skirt, but it will hide the storage as well as give it a finished look. I am so tempted to start putting it up BUT since the layout is still under development AND felt seems to attract everything, I am waiting, not so patiently. Please show before and after pics when done.
Mikki
Hi guys just thought I would let you know that I am still alive and kicking! LOL
I just handed out a bunch of likes and I normally mention everyone, but it has been to many pages that I missed till today and way to much great work being done! I will mention a few things that really standout to me and I am sorry if I forget some folks as I had just read 3 pages.
@Genemed Gene your yard is looking great it is so nice that @RSJB18 Bob was able to help! He is a great help on many things, but I always have to scratch my head cause some of the stuff he does is way over my head!
@Dave Ripp. Dave that sure is one heck of an undertaking! As @Mark Boyce stated it has to be nice to have a younger guy to help with some of that crazy stuff! I am glad your able to keep things going and can't wait to see what you end up with!
@ScoutingDad Jeff the trees look great, I have to say for me I am not skilled enough for that and it is so much easier for me to by trees at 75% off after Christmas and just spray paint them the color I want! LOL I might be a little lazy on that also!
@RSJB18 Bob, I am so sorry you had to cut your switch, you can always put a small piece of duct tape over the whole and paint it brown! After a couple adult beverages, it will blend right in! Trust me I know! LOL
I know there are many more and I should have wrote them down, but I didn't like a fool!
Well as for me guys I have been working around the house, on a new used car the CEO bought and cleaning the pool alot! LOL But I also found time to get half the new train room framed in some wire ran. I ran the wire threw a 20A light switch just like the old layout so when I leave the room it turns all power off!
I was at the restore yesterday and found a nice door for the train room, the CEO wanted windows which I am ok with and this one showed up as we were there for $75
As for all the train stuff I moved it back out into the shop so I would have to keep moving it around while building its home. I will just use the table saw and stuff in the train room as needed!
I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains! I hope to do a little more work out in the train room this weekend!
@mike g. posted:Hi guys just thought I would let you know that I am still alive and kicking! LOL
I just handed out a bunch of likes and I normally mention everyone, but it has been to many pages that I missed till today and way to much great work being done! I will mention a few things that really standout to me and I am sorry if I forget some folks as I had just read 3 pages.
@Genemed Gene your yard is looking great it is so nice that @RSJB18 Bob was able to help! He is a great help on many things, but I always have to scratch my head cause some of the stuff he does is way over my head!
@Dave Ripp. Dave that sure is one heck of an undertaking! As @Mark Boyce stated it has to be nice to have a younger guy to help with some of that crazy stuff! I am glad your able to keep things going and can't wait to see what you end up with!
@ScoutingDad Jeff the trees look great, I have to say for me I am not skilled enough for that and it is so much easier for me to by trees at 75% off after Christmas and just spray paint them the color I want! LOL I might be a little lazy on that also!
@RSJB18 Bob, I am so sorry you had to cut your switch, you can always put a small piece of duct tape over the whole and paint it brown! After a couple adult beverages, it will blend right in! Trust me I know! LOL
I know there are many more and I should have wrote them down, but I didn't like a fool!
Well as for me guys I have been working around the house, on a new used car the CEO bought and cleaning the pool alot! LOL But I also found time to get half the new train room framed in some wire ran. I ran the wire threw a 20A light switch just like the old layout so when I leave the room it turns all power off!
I was at the restore yesterday and found a nice door for the train room, the CEO wanted windows which I am ok with and this one showed up as we were there for $75
As for all the train stuff I moved it back out into the shop so I would have to keep moving it around while building its home. I will just use the table saw and stuff in the train room as needed!
I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains! I hope to do a little more work out in the train room this weekend!
Great space Mike. It's nice you can plan it for what you have verses trying to fit what you can where you can. With your layout building history, I'm sure you'll thrive in your new space.
@mike g. posted:@Genemed Gene your yard is looking great it is so nice that @RSJB18 Bob was able to help! He is a great help on many things, but I always have to scratch my head cause some of the stuff he does is way over my head!
Well as for me guys I have been working around the house, on a new used car the CEO bought and cleaning the pool alot! LOL But I also found time to get half the new train room framed in some wire ran. I ran the wire threw a 20A light switch just like the old layout so when I leave the room it turns all power off!
I was at the restore yesterday and found a nice door for the train room, the CEO wanted windows which I am ok with and this one showed up as we were there for $75
As for all the train stuff I moved it back out into the shop so I would have to keep moving it around while building its home. I will just use the table saw and stuff in the train room as needed!
I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains! I hope to do a little more work out in the train room this weekend!
Thanks Mike. Your room is looking good, nothing like having a clean slate to work your design.
Gene
@mike g. posted:Well as for me guys I have been working around the house, on a new used car the CEO bought and cleaning the pool alot! LOL But I also found time to get half the new train room framed in some wire ran. I ran the wire threw a 20A light switch just like the old layout so when I leave the room it turns all power off!
I was at the restore yesterday and found a nice door for the train room, the CEO wanted windows which I am ok with and this one showed up as we were there for $75
As for all the train stuff I moved it back out into the shop so I would have to keep moving it around while building its home. I will just use the table saw and stuff in the train room as needed!
I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains! I hope to do a little more work out in the train room this weekend!
Mike:
BRAVO on the massive progress you have made in your train room!!!!! You are well on your way.
As you begin to wire your layout room, I offer the following suggestions based on my past experiences.
Enough of my dissertation on electricity, much of it you probably know already. Again, you are doing GREAT work!!!! I am eagerly looking forward to seeing your finished product.
Be creative with your lighting options too Mike. 😎💥😎😁
@mike g. Nice progress on the train room! It's nice to see your progress as it sounds like you have a lot going on. Looking forward to the next update. Semper Fidelis sir! Us Leathernecks always go big and highly detailed so keep up the good work!
Morning guys and thanks for the nice comments. It's a little at a time for this build, but the nice thing is I found a local Model train group. They mostly deal in N and HO, but most of the build is the same! It will be nice to have someone local to bounce things off of, I also have a gentleman that lives in the same neighborhood as we do that is into building 1/48 dioramas!
@Randy Harrison I am fallowing all the local electrical codes I have a 20A switch with 12-2 wire with outlets 1' off the floor and one every 6'. The light switch for the lighting is also 20A with 20A boxes I plan on having 6 hanging LED lights that are dimmable. Oh and one big screen TV to help pass the time when working on brain breaking items! LOL
just to be clear on the outside of the train room are to wall switches. 1 is for the power to all the outlets and 1 for the lighting.
I will post more later as I want to try and run some more electrical and hang my new door!
@T-Bone1214 Semper Fi my Brother!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and fun times with your trains and layouts!
@mike g. posted:Morning guys and thanks for the nice comments. It's a little at a time for this build, but the nice thing is I found a local Model train group. They mostly deal in N and HO, but most of the build is the same! It will be nice to have someone local to bounce things off of, I also have a gentleman that lives in the same neighborhood as we do that is into building 1/48 dioramas!
@Randy Harrison I am fallowing all the local electrical codes I have a 20A switch with 12-2 wire with outlets 1' off the floor and one every 6'. The light switch for the lighting is also 20A with 20A boxes I plan on having 6 hanging LED lights that are dimmable. Oh and one big screen TV to help pass the time when working on brain breaking items! LOL
just to be clear on the outside of the train room are to wall switches. 1 is for the power to all the outlets and 1 for the lighting.
I will post more later as I want to try and run some more electrical and hang my new door!
@T-Bone1214 Semper Fi my Brother!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and fun times with your trains and layouts!
Mike- the room looks good. Plenty of power and lights. Keep up the good work.
Bob
@mike g. posted:Morning guys and thanks for the nice comments. It's a little at a time for this build, but the nice thing is I found a local Model train group. They mostly deal in N and HO, but most of the build is the same! It will be nice to have someone local to bounce things off of, I also have a gentleman that lives in the same neighborhood as we do that is into building 1/48 dioramas!
@Randy Harrison I am fallowing all the local electrical codes I have a 20A switch with 12-2 wire with outlets 1' off the floor and one every 6'. The light switch for the lighting is also 20A with 20A boxes I plan on having 6 hanging LED lights that are dimmable. Oh and one big screen TV to help pass the time when working on brain breaking items! LOL
just to be clear on the outside of the train room are to wall switches. 1 is for the power to all the outlets and 1 for the lighting.
I will post more later as I want to try and run some more electrical and hang my new door!
@T-Bone1214 Semper Fi my Brother!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and fun times with your trains and layouts!
Mike you might want to consider dimmer switches for your ceiling lights.
Jay
@mike g. posted:Hi guys just thought I would let you know that I am still alive and kicking! LOL
I just handed out a bunch of likes and I normally mention everyone, but it has been to many pages that I missed till today and way to much great work being done! I will mention a few things that really standout to me and I am sorry if I forget some folks as I had just read 3 pages.
@Genemed Gene your yard is looking great it is so nice that @RSJB18 Bob was able to help! He is a great help on many things, but I always have to scratch my head cause some of the stuff he does is way over my head!
@Dave Ripp. Dave that sure is one heck of an undertaking! As @Mark Boyce stated it has to be nice to have a younger guy to help with some of that crazy stuff! I am glad your able to keep things going and can't wait to see what you end up with!
@ScoutingDad Jeff the trees look great, I have to say for me I am not skilled enough for that and it is so much easier for me to by trees at 75% off after Christmas and just spray paint them the color I want! LOL I might be a little lazy on that also!
@RSJB18 Bob, I am so sorry you had to cut your switch, you can always put a small piece of duct tape over the whole and paint it brown! After a couple adult beverages, it will blend right in! Trust me I know! LOL
I know there are many more and I should have wrote them down, but I didn't like a fool!
Well as for me guys I have been working around the house, on a new used car the CEO bought and cleaning the pool alot! LOL But I also found time to get half the new train room framed in some wire ran. I ran the wire threw a 20A light switch just like the old layout so when I leave the room it turns all power off!
I was at the restore yesterday and found a nice door for the train room, the CEO wanted windows which I am ok with and this one showed up as we were there for $75
As for all the train stuff I moved it back out into the shop so I would have to keep moving it around while building its home. I will just use the table saw and stuff in the train room as needed!
I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains! I hope to do a little more work out in the train room this weekend!
Looking good Mike! Looking forward for the bench work to start! Mark
Last weekend I glued and screwed down all of my Cumberland extension decking. Started re laying extension track and built a temporary bridge for Shenandoah river crossover. This week I installed plastic rail joiners to separate my inner and outer loops at the connecting switches. Now each side of Z4000 transformer powers inner and outer loops separately.
Well fellows, my great friend, the late Lt.Colonel Ray Ward, the folks that helped me build my model railroad passed on in February 2024 and left me 3 train collections for sale, HO, O, and G…. So, it’s not exactly what I’ve accomplished on my train layout, but I’ve liquidated the HO collection, now the G Gauge collection, and 90 percent of the O gauge collection. So, the area in my layout room is much less congested… I’ve got more work to do tomorrow and then we can run trains, and some new trains again. This thread is now on page 1257, and great thread to read…. Happy Railroading Everyone 
@mike g. posted:@Randy Harrison I am fallowing all the local electrical codes I have a 20A switch with 12-2 wire with outlets 1' off the floor and one every 6'. The light switch for the lighting is also 20A with 20A boxes I plan on having 6 hanging LED lights that are dimmable. Oh and one big screen TV to help pass the time when working on brain breaking items! LOL
just to be clear on the outside of the train room are to wall switches. 1 is for the power to all the outlets and 1 for the lighting.
I will post more later as I want to try and run some more electrical and hang my new door!
@T-Bone1214 Semper Fi my Brother!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and fun times with your trains and layouts!
Mike:
I should never have doubted your foresight. Again, GREAT WORK AND PROGRESS!!!!!!!
Morning guys It's Sunday, for some of you its the day of rest for others its work your rear off! Either way I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!
@leapinlarry Larry I am sorry for the loss of your friend Lt. Colonel Ray Ward! You are a true friend for helping those in need and I agree this has to stop, to many friends in such a short period of time! Plus you need to get back to running trains!
@Randy Harrison Randy No problem, it is always nice to have other folks chime in as there have been many times I have forgot this or that!
Well I know its not a lot to most of you, but that's ok it is just another step forward for me. Yesterday I was able to get another section of the train room framed in and wired. I even got the outlet up hi for the big screen TV! LOL
You all take care and have fun with your layouts and trains!
@Mikki posted:Paul, that is wonderful to have help from your wife, or any partner. While I do have a sewing machine and know how to use it, I decided to take the easy road BUT don't know for sure how well it will work out. I bought yards of dark brown felt at 50% off as well as a roll of Velcro. The felt will automatically stick to the Velcro which I will adhere to the layout. It won't be a fancy skirt, but it will hide the storage as well as give it a finished look. I am so tempted to start putting it up BUT since the layout is still under development AND felt seems to attract everything, I am waiting, not so patiently. Please show before and after pics when done.
Mikki
Mikki, we made good progress yesterday...our overall layout is essentially complete, with the exception of some wiring...my least favorite task on the layout! It's great to finally cover up the boxes and miscellaneous "stuff" stored under the table. My wife picked out the fabric and got a bargain like you mentioned...she must have known I'd like the pattern because one of my go to flannel shirts for the winter season is a similiar pattern. Today we start making the fabric panels for the two longest sides of the layout...so we're about half-way done with the panels...
@Capetrainman posted:Mikki, we made good progress yesterday...our overall layout is essentially complete, with the exception of some wiring...my least favorite task on the layout! It's great to finally cover up the boxes and miscellaneous "stuff" stored under the table. My wife picked out the fabric and got a bargain like you mentioned...she must have known I'd like the pattern because one of my go to flannel shirts for the winter season is a similiar pattern. Today we start making the fabric panels for the two longest sides of the layout...so we're about half-way done with the panels...
Paul, it looks awesome and will put my felt to shame. I never would have thought of plaid, but I really like it! She did it right with those box-pleats, much more polished than most (and mine). I will use the dark brown felt for now (same color as my laminate floor), or soon anyway, but look to the future for something nicer if I am not happy with it. Tell your wife "Great job!"
BTW, wiring is my least favorite part as well but probably the most important. I am still on that task and do not want to go too far in the scenery and details until it is done. A certain amount I can do off layout and then bring in. That is one of the joys of working with the pink foamboard. I still have a LONG way to go, only been working on it for a few months last summer and a few this summer in my new home.
Mikki
Mikki, it's a long process...but you'll get there!!! We'd enjoy seeing your progress, and my wife will appresicate your compliment!
@Capetrainman posted:Mikki, it's a long process...but you'll get there!!! We'd enjoy seeing your progress, and my wife will appresicate your compliment!
I have been avoiding posting my progress, not sure why other than some of the layouts here are so impressive and I feel humbled. Also, I am a stubborn independent woman who has always tried to do things without help and am afraid that folks will give advice even though it will be too late for changes. (for example I have THREE access hatches which will have town centers on them! I don't mind crawling underneath in my new home but might have to hire someone when I get older). I was an art teacher well before YouTube and taught myself numerous skills before teaching them to my high school students. YouTube, the forum and OGR Magazine as well as other magazines and books, is how I learned everything about model railroading.
I will share soon but would love to come up with a creative name for my rr first!
Mikki
Mikki, we have two "hatches" (as you mention) to access separate areas of the layout. One of the ways I stay in shape is accessing the areas by crawling under table...lol! We had caroet stripes leftover from what was installed upstairs, so I cut out two runners for the pathway under the table to make the journey easier on the knees.
By the way, now that you mention coming up with a name for your layout, we still have not named ours...now that we're finishing up, maybe it's time to give it a name...
Paul, glad to know someone else thinks like me. I also feel like I am getting a workout when I dive under the layout. I concentrate on what muscles I am using and or stretching. As for the floor, my old house had an unfinished damp basement which is why I didn't like to crawn under, it was nasty, but I DID have those square pieces of foam that hook together like a puzzle in my walking/working area; I brought all of those with me and the whole layout is on top of them.
Mikki
@PRR8976 posted:@Mikki Mikki, Don't worry if someone judges your work. Most everyone is super friendly and means well.
Having said that, as an art teacher you may have an unfair advantage over the rest of us, such as painting clouds on a backdrop!
Good luck,
Tom
Thanks Tom. I know that everyone here is great and helpful as I have been following on and off for years. I add a comment here and there as well as an occasional photo but never the whole layout or what it started from.
As far as those clouds are concerned, I decided to just go with a gray/blue wall as sky and will have some backdrops and/or flats. But, yes, I guess that I have an advantage in some scenic areas.
Mikki
Got the track base laid for my 15’ long high-line”. It will either be a branch line or a hidden train storage track. Learned that I should have started at the back of the layout & worked forward. Not as limber as I used to be !
Rich
Great to see everyone busy at their layouts.
Firstly, my condolences goes out to leapinlarry and to the loss of your friend. It’s always difficult when lose someone that has been so helpful .
For Paul , Where would our hobby be if it weren’t for our understanding wives helping out with things like sewing our layout skirting, as yours is, or building a few trees , even helpful advice while working on a scene. They’ll even help apply the bandaid when the stapler, hammer or screwdriver slips ! ( maybe even tell you what your doing wrong holding the tool . ) By the way, I also noticed the CNR F units in the pictures. Nice. For mike g. The framed walls are coming together nicely. You’re getting some great helpful advice coming from others experienced in room preparation, especially on the wiring ! Can never have too many outlets. Dallas Joseph is right. This is a great time to plan your room lighting and the option of dimmers as Tranquil Hollow RR suggested. Lots of options ahead.
For Obsidian, don’t forget to put a slow order out on that temporary bridge. Sounds like you’ve got lots of power to handle the traffic flow.
For Mikki, Tom‘s comment is right. Never worry about your work. I’ve toured lots of layouts and I’ve always come from them learning some great ideas from their imagination and creativity. Keep up with the fun in this hobby.
Rich, you’re learning the same as I did, but for me , I’m still working front to back and discovering what I’ve gone and done again. Oops.
For me, I scaled down, boarded my Westbound “ Canadian ”, opened the vestibule Dutch door and watched the world go by !
Morning Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and have fun!
@myles thank you for the comments!
@Mikki Mkki don't let these guys here scare you, they are nothing but big kids in big bodies! Most if not everyone here is supper friendly and will go out of there way to help you out in any way they can! I know as I came here at the age of 45 knowing nothing about trains let alone layout and they all have taught me so much!
@trestleking Rich looks good! Just wondering the cleats with no legs, are they attached to the wall?
Nothing new from me today. I am just checking in so I dont fall so far behind!
I hope everyone has a great week and finds time to have fun with there trains and layouts!
I’m very excited……I started something yesterday…….
Peter
Very exciting step Peter.
I'm getting ready to build a bigger layout so cleared off the current one. Then I found two lemax 4.5v power supplies in the clearance bin at Micheal's. Well, that led to unboxing a few Menard's buildings to see how they looked! Not very practical, but was fun!
@Putnam Division posted:I’m very excited……I started something yesterday…….
Peter
We talkin' buildings or ballast Peter? Don't think too many guys get excited to ballast a big layout. I know it's a layout changer but......
@Darrell posted:I'm getting ready to build a bigger layout so cleared off the current one. Then I found two lemax 4.5v power supplies in the clearance bin at Micheal's. Well, that led to unboxing a few Menard's buildings to see how they looked! Not very practical, but was fun!
Looks good Darrell. I assume the L shaped plan on the wall is the coming attractions?????
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:We talkin' buildings or ballast Peter? Don't think too many guys get excited to ballast a big layout. I know it's a layout changer but......
Bob
Ballasting……another milestone. I’m going to work on the sections that don’t have a lot of wiring. I’m in a thinking phase about placement and new buildings, etc………it’s good to have something to do while I’m waiting for a “light to turn on in my brain”.
Peter
@Putnam Division posted:Ballasting……another milestone. I’m going to work on the sections that don’t have a lot of wiring. I’m in a thinking phase about placement and new buildings, etc………it’s good to have something to do while I’m waiting for a “light to turn on in my brain”.
Peter
I’m having trouble with the power feed to that light in my brain. It seems someone keeps opening the breaker and as Curly used to say, “I’m trying to think, and nothing’s happening!” I have found those tasks that don’t require the light are getting a lot more time lately!
Good work on the ballast, Peter! I have always disliked ballast, no matter what scale I was modeling. I think it is because I always want it groomed perfectly like the gangs did a century ago! 🙄
@Putnam Division Peter, Good luck with your ballasting. My spell check tried to auto-correct ballasting with "Ballantine" which would be another process!
Tom
I finished my latest project. The Lionel Factory kit. I really enjoyed it. Good kit. I’m aware the bricks are too large but it doesn’t bother me.
@Vinny DeAngelis posted:I finished my latest project. The Lionel Factory kit. I really enjoyed it. Good kit. I’m aware the bricks are too large but it doesn’t bother me.
Nice work Vinny! I wouldn't worry about the size of the bricks, the factory looks great.
The lighting really adds to its appearance. Did you add that or was it part of the kit?
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