What did you do on your layout today?

Hi guys and gals I hope your all having a wonderful weekend! I see you all have been hard at work on your layouts! It is nice to see everyone progressing!

@Dave Ripp. Dave it looks like you have a good start to putting things back together!

@leapinlarry Larry I am glad you were able to get your train room cleaned out! I hope you take the time to run some trains before your trip! The place looks nice and comfy!

@RSJB18 Bob nice looking little engine, LOL Its funny I say little but it is probably large for your layout!

@ScoutingDad Jeff here is an idea if all else fails, Hot Glue then you can make up a cream and just fill the gaps and then add your weathering color.

Well I know I didnt mention everyone and I am sorry for that! I only have so much attention span! LOL

Have a great Sunday and I hope you all find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

Completed my track subroadbed, installed my remaining Homasote and painted it black. About 50% of the track is laid & wired, now to tackle the rest  !  Lots to look forward to !

Rich

@trestleking posted:

Completed my track subroadbed, installed my remaining Homasote and painted it black. About 50% of the track is laid & wired, now to tackle the rest  !  Lots to look forward to !

Rich

Some god looking work there Rich! You sure are moving right along!

Adhesive finally grabbed the plaster. The only thing I can figure is the residual water in the casting prevented any kind of bond until completely cured.  Mountains and sky need more work.   

The curve still has a few bubbles so I'll wait a few days before I decide to pull it out and redo. At that point I can decide how to pull the mountains through the corner. Needless to say the rock castings need some color.

Looks good Jeff! I am glad things dried up and things are holding!

Keep up the great work!

Very nice, Jeff!!

Hey Y'all,

It's been a long time since I was last in the train building.  Early last June, my wife fell, breaking both arms.  She is much better now.   Today I slipped off to my layout.  I was greeted by a hard short somewhere on the two lower levels.  I started disconnecting sections of track.  This is what I found.

After dinner I put it all back together.  My postwar Lionel #681 steam turbine performed track testing.  Tomorrow I'll run trains!

Bill

Bill, I’m glad your wife is doing better.  Yes, those problems even happened to us when I worked at the power company.

@trestleking posted:

Completed my track subroadbed, installed my remaining Homasote and painted it black. About 50% of the track is laid & wired, now to tackle the rest  !  Lots to look forward to !

Rich

Love the backdrop.

I'm waiting on switches and my sons help for the bench work but got a little done. I removed some track back to where the new plan starts. I then added the first 054 switch with a 30-10-5-3-inch straights & a bumper. The piece of 054 track hanging out is just to show the path. The 45 angle that will be under it won't be big and allows me to use 054 on the main. Here is my track plan designed with the help of members DoubleDAZ- Dave & Steve H. I hope to stick to it as much as possible.

Looks like a good plan Dave! Plus if you want down the road you could make the outer loop bigger by running it thew the yard and around! LOL

@mike g. posted:

Looks like a good plan Dave! Plus, if you want down the road you could make the outer loop bigger by running it thew the yard and around! LOL

Thanks Mike, I'd have to get a bigger basement LOL.

Scouting dad. You can use tempra water based colors on you're castings .it's fast and you can make some very detailed rocks. A few drops in a spray bottle of water and you can make them look any way you want.

Great picture @farmerjohn I wish I would have had more time to see your layout!

@ScoutingDad Jeff John is so right about the tempra water based colors, While I had a chance to visit his layout he showed me the method he is using! It really works great and so realistic!

Well Ladies and Gentlemen there is nothing new from me on the layout. But I did get a chance to meet and join a model RR club here near our new house. Most of them are N & HO scale but there is one guy that is all 3R O Gauge! I don't mind as I can still help them with the club and learn at the same time!

I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

@farmerjohn posted:

Scouting dad. You can use tempra water based colors on you're castings .it's fast and you can make some very detailed rocks. A few drops in a spray bottle of water and you can make them look any way you want.

FarmerJohn, your scenery looks so authentic. What colors did you choose for the rocks? Thanks, Jay

Afternoon guys and gals!

@Tranquil Hollow RR Jay it's an amazing layout! If you ever get a chance to see it in person jump on it!

Ok folks I was thinking I should do something that didn't require heavy lifting, so I decided to tape out my future layout bench work. Below are a couple photos. I might have to do a little changing on the right side as you enter the room.

Here is a snapshot of the layout plan.

and here is what the room looks like with it measured and taped out.

I can still fit between the post and the layout, so either I diet and stay where I am or move something! LOL

I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

@mike g. posted:

Afternoon guys and gals!

Ok folks I was thinking I should do something that didn't require heavy lifting, so I decided to tape out my future layout bench work. Below are a couple photos. I might have to do a little changing on the right side as you enter the room.

Here is a snapshot of the layout plan.

and here is what the room looks like with it measured and taped out.

I can still fit between the post and the layout, so either I diet and stay where I am or move something! LOL

I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

Mike, that is so cool to see an actual plan of your design, you must be excited after all this time without a layout. You can bet I’ll be following your build entirely.

Gene

@Genemed posted:

Mike, that is so cool to see an actual plan of your design, you must be excited after all this time without a layout. You can bet I’ll be following your whole build!

Gene

Thanks Gene, but it is going to be a while before I get bench work going. I still have to frame one more wall then insulation and ceiling. But it is getting closer! lol

@mike g. posted:

Thanks Gene, but it is going to be a while before I get bench work going. I still have to frame one more wall then insulation and ceiling. But it is getting closer! lol

That’s understandable, but to see a design plan is a big step going forward and helping your back by taking it easy.

Gene

Mike, that is nice that you met some model railroaders near your home.

Laying out the benchwork dimensions on the floor is a start.  I did the same thing.

Jay. The color I use the most is black. The rocks in the last picture  was a mixture of 20 drops of tempra paint in about a pint of water. Brown is the other color I use to put the iron oxide effect in the rocks you see out west. The great thing  about this is  you can control the color of the rocks with a few sprays at any time ive darkened  rocks a year later . I use plaster  of paris for my rock castings. They when really dry take the color spray on great.

Beautiful layout John!

@farmerjohn posted:

Jay. The color I use the most is black. The rocks in the last picture  was a mixture of 20 drops of tempra paint in about a pint of water. Brown is the other color I use to put the iron oxide effect in the rocks you see out west. The great thing  about this is  you can control the color of the rocks with a few sprays at any time ive darkened  rocks a year later . I use plaster  of paris for my rock castings. They when really dry take the color spray on great.

Thank you John and your layout is stunning.

Jay

@mike g. posted:

Afternoon guys and gals!

@Tranquil Hollow RR Jay it's an amazing layout! If you ever get a chance to see it in person jump on it!

Ok folks I was thinking I should do something that didn't require heavy lifting, so I decided to tape out my future layout bench work. Below are a couple photos. I might have to do a little changing on the right side as you enter the room.

Here is a snapshot of the layout plan.

and here is what the room looks like with it measured and taped out.

I can still fit between the post and the layout, so either I diet and stay where I am or move something! LOL

I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

WOW Mike that is going to be an amazing layout. Have you given any further consideration to a backdrop?

So today I was testing the future track plan some more, wanted to see if a single engine could pull a 30 car train up the grade. For this test I chose my Weaver GP38-2 since it has a big old pitman motor in it and is equipped with ERR cruise and sounds. The consist was made up of 1 weaver box car that has been modified so the locomotive will work without derailing the first car on the 054 curves, and 28 lionel ore cars from the GPD TTOM. Couldn't find the 2001 ore car so it's actually only 29 cars. Went as expected, made it a quarter of the way on the upgrade and then sat and spun the wheels! So I then started looking to add weight to the loco, what could I have laying around that would work? Then I remembered a post from @gunrunnerjohn, and took a page out of his playbook! It  took 30 .45 cal. slugs to make up the hill, LOL!

The locomotive did great after that, but here's the thing: it pulled less than an amp on flat ground but increased to 2 amps on the incline! So probably not something I would do for any amount of time, but was neat anyway. Should not be as bad when the layout is actually built since the grade will be longer and therefor less steep.

Morning guys its the weekend! Yee Ha!

@Tranquil Hollow RR Jay I havent thought about a backdrop yet as it is a long way off!

@Darrell great idea for a test run and it turned out to be a nice run!

@Darrell it's not abnormal for it to pull more current on the grade.  Since it's not a steady draw, I don't think that's anything to be concerned about.  FWIW, the Weaver and Williams stuff back then tend to be somewhat of a current hog.  Are you sure that has a Pittman motor and not just one of the Mabuchi 5xx series or their clones?

@mike g. posted:

Afternoon guys and gals!

@Tranquil Hollow RR Jay it's an amazing layout! If you ever get a chance to see it in person jump on it!

Ok folks I was thinking I should do something that didn't require heavy lifting, so I decided to tape out my future layout bench work. Below are a couple photos. I might have to do a little changing on the right side as you enter the room.

Here is a snapshot of the layout plan.

and here is what the room looks like with it measured and taped out.

I can still fit between the post and the layout, so either I diet and stay where I am or move something! LOL

I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

Mike, some nice detail on the drawing...and the placing of the tape on the floor really provides a vision of the final product!  The "future" turntable and engine house is a great idea.  Mike, I'm envious of your high level of energy... first the constructive project and now the layout...wow!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

@Darrell it's not abnormal for it to pull more current on the grade.  Since it's not a steady draw, I don't think that's anything to be concerned about.  FWIW, the Weaver and Williams stuff back then tend to be somewhat of a current hog.  Are you sure that has a Pittman motor and not just one of the Mabuchi 5xx series or their clones?

Yep, it's a pittman! Managed to add 12 oz of wheel weights, 5 oz in the fuel tank and 7 oz in every nook and cranny inside the shell LOL! At speed step 50 (of 100) it will draw almost 3 amps going up the hill. Speed step 10 draws just over 2 amps. BTW, 30 230gr .45 slugs are 15.75 oz.

@Capetrainman posted:

Mike, some nice detail on the drawing...and the placing of the tape on the floor really provides a vision of the final product!  The "future" turntable and engine house is a great idea.  Mike, I'm envious of your high level of energy... first the constructive project and now the layout...wow!

Thanks Paul, but its not a High Level of energy, its boardom and lack of funds to move forward as fast as I would like! LOL

Good afternoon fellow O Gaugers. I've been putting this off for some time and I believe it's now time to let you all in on what's going on here in Ohio. After moving "back Home" (sort of, Home is still over an hour away, but I'm close to my family) 2 years ago, it was my intention to build a nice large layout in the basement. The house we bought was perfect for my layout. In the winter of 2022, I posted requesting some help in planning a layout for the basement. A member here emailed me and we started a very long conversation. To make a long story short, Here is a copy of the plan I settled on.
There is a small loop on the right side. This was requested so I had somewhere to run my Dad's American Flyer 4-8-4. I grow up playing with this train and it brings back some very fond memories.

I did some searching on the internet for benchwork and found some I liked. I then proceeded to build my own with some modiications.
I used 5-ply Birch plywood from Menards to build the entire structure. I had a pile of 1/2" OSB, so that got used for the decking, and finally, I put on a layer of 1/2" sound deadening fiberboard.

The roundhouse end of the layout was expanded to be 2 full 4x8 sections with another 20" in the middle. The roundhouse base will be inlayed into the fiberboard so the gargraves track will be flush.  And YES, I will be using Fastrack. I was able to accumulate a large amount of used track and switches. I don't mind the clickty-clack of the wheels and when I run my SD70 UP 9096, the noise of the engine is fairly non-existant. As a side note, the main portion of the room has pencil drawings of trains by Stewart S. Buck. These were given to me by a firefighter friend before we left Oregon.

All of the wiring will be run through the 1" holes that I drilled throughout the benchwork.  I still have three more sections to build to complete this half on the framing. I'll be attending the York Train Show for the first time this year and look forward to getting the rest of the track I need to complete at least this half of the layout.

And finally, the loop is only temporary so I can at least run some trains during the upcoming holiday season. There will be a series of bridges that will link the two halves of the layout together. This was done so the wife and I would be able to egress the basment through the window if we needed to in an emergency. I have made a few track plan changes and hopefully they'll work out.

Until next time...

@Jayhawk500 Chris, that is a nice track plan and the layout is looking great!  What era trains will you run and what are your plans for industry and scenery?  You will love York!  I have been there twice, but not since Spring 2018.    I’ll look forward to seeing you post more progress on the layout.

Today I spent the afternoon in the basement measuring, rough cutting, final cutting and installing a curved corner for the platform. When one sees it, it does not look like a big deal but, for my old disabled body, it was quite a workout. Also, for the first time, I used my Father's Day present, a battery powered hand jig saw. This is quite a leap of faith for me. I tend not to trust anything that requires a battery. However, my son Chris spoke very highly of Ryobi power tools. He used them helping a friend do a major outdoor project. So, in addition to the saw, I also received 2 batteries and a charger. I must confess that i really like the saw. Even with the heavy battery, the tool was well balanced in my hand and worked with ease. So, Chris has finally dragged me kicking and screaming into the 21st century. I now admit that the battery powered tool is MUCH more convenient.

@Mark Boyce posted:

@Jayhawk500 Chris, that is a nice track plan and the layout is looking great!  What era trains will you run and what are your plans for industry and scenery?  You will love York!  I have been there twice, but not since Sprint 2018.    I’ll look forward to seeing you post more progress on the layout.

I'm a huge steam engine guy. I have a heavily modified LTI Chessie Steam Special and a modified MTH SP Daylight Special. No era in particular. I do a big Christmas layout during the holidays with of course the Polar Express that's been modified, but I don't see that happening this year. I also have an almost complete Bush Funeral Train as Lionel has it, but I'm trying to complete it. I have to build 2 cars and hopefully steal a "City of San Francisco" dome car from somewhere. This consist was a first year anniversary present to myself after having open heart surgery 5 years ago in December.

I'm looking forward to York. Hopefully I can find some deals.  As far as scenery goes, that'll be slow going. I'll have some hills on the right side of the layout, but the rest will be mostly flat.

Here's my first project car.
Modeling Union Pacific's Generator Car UPP #2066 | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogrforum.com)

The Portola Sleeper car is my second project car.

Thank you for all the kind likes and comments.

@Jayhawk500 posted:

I'm a huge steam engine guy. I have a hugely modified LTI Chessie Steam Special and a modified MTH SP Daylight Special. No era in particular. I do a big Christmas layout during the holidays with of course the Polar Express that's been modified, but I don't see that happening this year. I also have an almost complete Bush Funeral Train as Lionel has it, but I'm trying to complete it. I have to build 2 cars and hopefully steal a "City of San Francisco" dome car from somewhere. This consist was a first year anniversary present to myself after having open heart surgery 5 years ago in December.

I'm looking forward to York. Hopefully I can find some deals.  As far as scenery goes, that'll be slow going. I'll have some hills on the right side of the layout, but the rest will be mostly flat.

Here's my first project car.
Modeling Union Pacific's Generator Car UPP #2066 | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogrforum.com)

The Portola Sleeper car is my second project car.

Thank you for all the kind likes and comments.

I like steam also!  Your work on the Generator car is great.  Thank you for your answer!!

@Jayhawk500 posted:

Good afternoon fellow O Gaugers. I've been putting this off for some time and I believe it's now time to let you all in on what's going on here in Ohio. After moving "back Home" (sort of, Home is still over an hour away, but I'm close to my family) 2 years ago, it was my intention to build a nice large layout in the basement. The house we bought was perfect for my layout. In the winter of 2022, I posted requesting some help in planning a layout for the basement. A member here emailed me and we started a very long conversation. To make a long story short, Here is a copy of the plan I settled on.
There is a small loop on the right side. This was requested so I had somewhere to run my Dad's American Flyer 4-8-4. I grow up playing with this train and it brings back some very fond memories.

I did some searching on the internet for benchwork and found some I liked. I then proceeded to build my own with some modiications.
I used 5-ply Birch plywood from Menards to build the entire structure. I had a pile of 1/2" OSB, so that got used for the decking, and finally, I put on a layer of 1/2" sound deadening fiberboard.

The roundhouse end of the layout was expanded to be 2 full 4x8 sections with another 20" in the middle. The roundhouse base will be inlayed into the fiberboard so the gargraves track will be flush.  And YES, I will be using Fastrack. I was able to accumulate a large amount of used track and switches. I don't mind the clickty-clack of the wheels and when I run my SD70 UP 9096, the noise of the engine is fairly non-existant. As a side note, the main portion of the room has pencil drawings of trains by Stewart S. Buck. These were given to me by a firefighter friend before we left Oregon.

Until next time...

Nice plan and train room. I like all the FD memorabilia. This is going to be a great layout. Good luck with the build and keep sharing your progress.

@Randy Harrison posted:

Today I spent the afternoon in the basement measuring, rough cutting, final cutting and installing a curved corner for the platform. When one sees it, it does not look like a big deal but, for my old disabled body, it was quite a workout. Also, for the first time, I used my Father's Day present, a battery powered hand jig saw. This is quite a leap of faith for me. I tend not to trust anything that requires a battery. However, my son Chris spoke very highly of Ryobi power tools. He used them helping a friend do a major outdoor project. So, in addition to the saw, I also received 2 batteries and a charger. I must confess that i really like the saw. Even with the heavy battery, the tool was well balanced in my hand and worked with ease. So, Chris has finally dragged me kicking and screaming into the 21st century. I now admit that the battery powered tool is MUCH more convenient.

Randy- I got my first battery drill in 1987, a Makita pistol-grip drill with a 3/8" chuck. I still have it and it still works. The batteries are basically shot but I can get enough charge in them to run the drill.
Fast forward to now and almost all of my portable tools are battery. A word of advice, pick a brand and stick with it. This way batteries are interchangeable between tools and charging is standardized. I've settled on Milwaukee.
Most of my lawn equipment is battery too, also Ryobi 48v.

Bob

@mike g. posted:

Afternoon guys and gals!

@Tranquil Hollow RR Jay it's an amazing layout! If you ever get a chance to see it in person jump on it!

Ok folks I was thinking I should do something that didn't require heavy lifting, so I decided to tape out my future layout bench work. Below are a couple photos. I might have to do a little changing on the right side as you enter the room.

Here is a snapshot of the layout plan.

and here is what the room looks like with it measured and taped out.

I can still fit between the post and the layout, so either I diet and stay where I am or move something! LOL

I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

Mike- Sorry that I hadn't commented sooner. The plan laid out on the floor looks like a good fit for the room.
Who's the new inspector? I recall a picture of Tank sitting on the slab in Washington when you were building the last train room.

Bob

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope your all having a wonderful weekend! I also hope those of you who were in the path of the horrific storm down southeast are safe and well!

@Jayhawk500 Chris I too like all the FF memorabilia as I use to be a volunteer for 18 years. I really think that you have one heck of a layout their sir! Nice big curves, long runs, a turn table and round house! It's going to be great to watch your build! Side notes who is the manufacture of the TT and Round house! Also, nice work on the generator car!

@Randy Harrison Randy it sure is nice to have a son like you to look out for your best interest! I am glad that the saw worked well for you and WELCOME to the 21st century!

@RSJB18 Hi Bob, thanks for the comment about the room and the new inspector is Kona, she is a rescue that was going to be put down cause her breeder didn't think she was good enough to breed!

Well floks nothing new from me today, I hope to get more lumber next week to finish framing the walls and finish all the electrical in the walls, the I work on the ceiling. Of course I still have to add more insulation as all the room has is 1/2" foam board insulation.

I wish everyone a great weekend and hope you all find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

Some great scenes on Mike's prior layout...I recall the airstrip, the heavy metal equiptment, and the main street area with some heavy power...looking forward to seeing the new layout come together, under the supervision of the "CEO!"...

@Capetrainman posted:

Some great scenes on Mike's prior layout...I recall the airstrip, the heavy metal equiptment, and the main street area with some heavy power...looking forward to seeing the new layout come together, under the supervision of the "CEO!"...

Thanks Paul, I hope this next one is better then the last one! LOL