What did you do on your layout today?

Jeff, congratulations on the first run on some wire!  It just zipped right along!!

Been putting up new shelves.

Assembling my Team Track Models- based Johnson Controls Battery semi trailers.

Plus getting ready for wheels and landing gear for the remaining trailers.

Last run of the year around the family Christmas tree.  Lionel’s brand new 2-6-2 Prairie 531 takes its final turns on our Christmas Carpet Central Railway. Its hauling a consist of Lionel silver and red archived Madison cars produced circa 1991.  The engine is a flawless replica of the old Lionel Corporation’s 675/2025 made in 1946.  This model runs as smooth as the original.  Good job Lionel.

@ScoutingDad posted:

@Dave Ripp.  Dave I have the same issue as you - cannot leave well enough alone.  Just ideas - consider some elevation change with the houses, consider curving the streets or rotating the streets 45 degrees or so, with your garages I am seeing the alley ways common in Chicago .

As for me - got some trolley wire up and the trolley re-wired to take power from the overhead. A short video.  For whatever reason the trolley pole wheels (those that contact the wire will not conduct.) However if I offset the wire on either side of the wheel I get power to operate the trolley -  YEAH!!!  Obviously not good enough to run, but the concept is proven. Now to the engineering work. I may have to buy new trolley poles which will conduct through the wheels or get a slider shoe.

Soldering the trolley wire to the poles is not too bad, if you can figure out how to approach the job. My wire had a couple of kinks which is proving not so good. Also getting enough tension is another challenge. For this I will need to install a vertical pole at the end of the line. However, for a first "see if I can do this" not too bad overall.

That's why utilities put guy wires and poles at the end of the run. I would actually make yours so that you can adjust the tension. Run the guy-line cable down under the bench with a screw eye and nut that can be adjusted. The curved section is probably where you will have the most play in the catenary.

Looks good otherwise.

Bob

Bob, the tension adjustment is a good idea. The pole needs to be beyond the lift out portion of the trolley track / wire. I should be able to rig a hook and loop on the wire to keep the moveable aspect. That would make the tension adjustment straightforward. Thanks. Jeff. I will need to pull on the wire while soldering in place to keep wire movement between poles to a minimum.

It's been a "stay at home and stay warm few days" here in Ohio as Winter Storm Blair dumped 9 1/2 inches of snow in our town followed by bone chilling temperatures and wind chills.  I put the time to good use on my new 7 X 21 foot layout, namely:

I spackled and sanded and sanding the seams where the Homasote sheets met each other.  I also spackled and sanded some really rough spots in the Homasote's surface.

For those who are curious, the layout is set in a beach town called "Lighthouse Point".  The 2' X 2' outcropping of the layout is where a Lionel lighthouse and walkway will be installed surrounded by rip-rap gravel and Cape Cod sand.  (I proposed to Sylvia on Nauset Beach on Cape Cod on Sept 8, 2004, so the Cape is a special place for us.  When we visited the Cape several years ago, I filled three plastic containers with sand from the beach for future use on this layout, especially around the lighthouse area.)

Prior to the storm, I compared about two dozen paint chips on top of the layout so I could see how they would look "under the lights", I decided Valspar's "Stone Manor" # 6006-2A was about the closest to a "sandy dirt" color.  I consider the layout's top as the first layer of creating a realistic looking scene.  The "sandy dirt" paint color will provide the next layer--and background--upon which will eventually be covered with the various scenery materials such as turf, roads, etc.  That "sandy dirt" color will ensure a neutral background if some place ends up a little sparse of turf or other scenery materials.  This is one of the successful lessons I learned on my last layout where I used a similar approach, but with a lighter color.

I spent Sunday placing and taping drop cloths to protect the new paint on the walls and the new vinyl plank floor.  (My body told me to take Monday off to recover from all the stooping and kneeling to place and tape the drop cloths around and under the layout.)  By the way, if your layout butts up against a wall, a long piece of wax paper taped into place makes a great protector for the wall's paint.  That's about an eight foot long piece of wax paper you see taped up against the far wall.  About three inches of it hang below the layout's surface.

Yesterday (Tuesday) I painted the top of the layout using a roller.  I loaded up the roller pretty heavily to get a good coat since Homasote doesn't have an extremely smooth surface like sheet rock.  I used close to three-quarters of the gallon on paint on the layout's top, but only had a very few spots needing later touch up.  This photo was taken right after I finished, so you can still see some places where the wet paint is still visible.

Today (Thursday) I painted the edges of the 3/4" plywood and 1/2" Homasote to give those areas a subdued, but finished look.  I also touched up about a dozen spots that needed a little more paint after yesterday's painting session.  This photo was taken right after I completed the edge and touch up painting.

Tomorrow's work will be involve disposing of the drop cloths and putting away all the painting items.

This little story will bring a smile to your face.  When I handed the Stone Manor paint chip to the paint technician in Lowes, she looked at it and me with sort of an odd look.  I explained this painting project while she mixed the paint.  When the paint technician opened the now-mixed can of paint, she brought it over and said, "Yep; it looks like sandy dirt!" 

Pat, thank you for you description of the process to make a great base for your Cape Cod layout!

1st real snow in 7 years , near Athens, Ga.

What I did today was go down to the layout room and stare at my layout for some time wondering if I'm really happy with this layout. Too many duck-unders. The thought of a redo is both exciting and exhausting. Will see.

@Maxandy posted:

What I did today was go down to the layout room and stare at my layout for some time wondering if I'm really happy with this layout. Too many duck-unders. The thought of a redo is both exciting and exhausting. Will see.

The thrill of the build is a lot of fun.

@Pat Shediack posted:

It's been a "stay at home and stay warm few days" here in Ohio as Winter Storm Blair dumped 9 1/2 inches of snow in our town followed by bone chilling temperatures and wind chills.  I put the time to good use on my new 7 X 21 foot layout, namely:

I spackled and sanded and sanding the seams where the Homasote sheets met each other.  I also spackled and sanded some really rough spots in the Homasote's surface.

For those who are curious, the layout is set in a beach town called "Lighthouse Point".  The 2' X 2' outcropping of the layout is where a Lionel lighthouse and walkway will be installed surrounded by rip-rap gravel and Cape Cod sand.  (I proposed to Sylvia on Nauset Beach on Cape Cod on Sept 8, 2004, so the Cape is a special place for us.  When we visited the Cape several years ago, I filled three plastic containers with sand from the beach for future use on this layout, especially around the lighthouse area.)

Prior to the storm, I compared about two dozen paint chips on top of the layout so I could see how they would look "under the lights", I decided Valspar's "Stone Manor" # 6006-2A was about the closest to a "sandy dirt" color.  I consider the layout's top as the first layer of creating a realistic looking scene.  The "sandy dirt" paint color will provide the next layer--and background--upon which will eventually be covered with the various scenery materials such as turf, roads, etc.  That "sandy dirt" color will ensure a neutral background if some place ends up a little sparse of turf or other scenery materials.  This is one of the successful lessons I learned on my last layout where I used a similar approach, but with a lighter color.

I spent Sunday placing and taping drop cloths to protect the new paint on the walls and the new vinyl plank floor.  (My body told me to take Monday off to recover from all the stooping and kneeling to place and tape the drop cloths around and under the layout.)  By the way, if your layout butts up against a wall, a long piece of wax paper taped into place makes a great protector for the wall's paint.  That's about an eight foot long piece of wax paper you see taped up against the far wall.  About three inches of it hang below the layout's surface.

Yesterday (Tuesday) I painted the top of the layout using a roller.  I loaded up the roller pretty heavily to get a good coat since Homasote doesn't have an extremely smooth surface like sheet rock.  I used close to three-quarters of the gallon on paint on the layout's top, but only had a very few spots needing later touch up.  This photo was taken right after I finished, so you can still see some places where the wet paint is still visible.

Today (Thursday) I painted the edges of the 3/4" plywood and 1/2" Homasote to give those areas a subdued, but finished look.  I also touched up about a dozen spots that needed a little more paint after yesterday's painting session.  This photo was taken right after I completed the edge and touch up painting.

Tomorrow's work will be involve disposing of the drop cloths and putting away all the painting items.

This little story will bring a smile to your face.  When I handed the Stone Manor paint chip to the paint technician in Lowes, she looked at it and me with sort of an odd look.  I explained this painting project while she mixed the paint.  When the paint technician opened the now-mixed can of paint, she brought it over and said, "Yep; it looks like sandy dirt!" 

Now that’s making good use of situation and kudos for planning ahead with the sand. Are you going to do a backdrop?

Jay

@ScoutingDad posted:

Bob, the tension adjustment is a good idea. The pole needs to be beyond the lift out portion of the trolley track / wire. I should be able to rig a hook and loop on the wire to keep the moveable aspect. That would make the tension adjustment straightforward. Thanks. Jeff. I will need to pull on the wire while soldering in place to keep wire movement between poles to a minimum.

In Pennsylvania there is a trolley club called EastPenn Traction. They operate off an overhead and should be able to provide some guidance.

I started to place my trailer park at the far end of the layout. I'll extend the area a little bit, I just wanted to find a place for them.

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Now that’s making good use of situation and kudos for planning ahead with the sand. Are you going to do a backdrop?

Jay

Jay,

At this time I don't plan to put up any backdrops since the "Charge of Quarters" may want to put some porch plants "wintering over" in the house up on the window shelves.  I did, however, offer to buy some "LED grow strips" at Menards in the storage/workshop area for the plants.  We'll see what happens.

A case could be made for a Cape Cod like scape to help recreate the wonderful romantic memory. Even a trip back to the Cape to get background photos.😄

Just some stuff around the layout.

@RIRocket posted:

ust some stuff around the layout.

I always enjoy your photos but especially this one! A google search failed to find another like it. Did you make or have this made?

@Dave Ripp. posted:

I always enjoy your photos but especially this one! A google search failed to find another like it. Did you make or have this made?

I was displaying at a train show years ago, and next to me was Stoddart’s Ltd., a company that makes all kinds of 3D railroad things.  I looked at that for three days and finally gave in and bought it!

@RIRocket posted:

I was displaying at a train show years ago, and next to me was Stoddart’s Ltd., a company that makes all kinds of 3D railroad things.  I looked at that for three days and finally gave in and bought it!

Thanks, they would have got me too.

RIRocket, some things just grab a person.  It looks very sharp on the door!

Morning guys sure looks like you all have been busy and some of you found some really nice stuff!

@Tranquil Hollow RR Your table is looking great and ready for track! With the change of quarters, I hope you're not moving!

@Dave Ripp. Dave that looks like the perfect place for your trailer park! Just wondering if there is enough space for parking?

@RIRocket Wow what a wonderful train room and all the train stuff! I sure hope if we ever move again, I get a train room in the house, I am getting tired of walking out to the train room! LOL I love the door decoration!

As for me all I did was put up some more sheetrock! 4 more to go and it will all be sheeted in!

I hope you all are having a great weekend and finding time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

@mike g. posted:

Morning guys sure looks like you all have been busy and some of you found some really nice stuff!  @Dave Ripp. Dave that looks like the perfect place for your trailer park! Just wondering if there is enough space for parking.

Mike, I still have to extend the road another 5 feet. Then I'll spread them out and add parking & scenery.

@RIRocket Love the layout. One question. How far away from the wall is that straight run that I see in the picture. Does it work for you? I'm trying to figure out how much space I can get away with on my new layout. Thanks.

@Maxandy posted:

@RIRocket Love the layout. One question. How far away from the wall is that straight run that I see in the picture. Does it work for you? I'm trying to figure out how much space I can get away with on my new layout. Thanks.

Can’t measure right now, but I think it’s about 18”, or so.  I left a little over a foot for walking.

Been sick for the last few days and haven’t done much. Was able to get the energy to apply the water slides on this hi-rail truck that I been putting off

@87smokemetalic posted:

Been sick for the last few days and haven’t done much. Was able to get the energy to apply the water slides on this hi-rail truck that I been putting off

Just wondering where do you find a High-Rail truck?

That's a great idea and looks perfect!

Hi fellas !   Been a busy time of year so I haven’t had a chance to submit any project or layout pictures.   I looked back several pages and see a lot of busy modellers at work !   I hope I didn’t miss any requests from anyone but let me know if I did.  
Time has allowed me to really progress on the CPR laser cut station kit.  Lighting is done and adding more shingle caps and paint will finish the roof.    I’ll add a few extra interior details that should complete this project .

The second floor lifts off for viewing the interior.  

Here’s a couple views ….

The interior looks great, Myles!

@myles posted:

Time has allowed me to really progress on the CPR laser cut station kit. 

Very well done! Love the interior. Where did you source the kit?

(I looked back on some of your videos on the thread "2- rail home layouts - how many really exist" and was blown away by your attention to detail and outstanding realism.)

Bob

  Mike G,  check out this video. I can’t answer for what the poster used for the Hi Rail Truck. But this may work for you.        https://youtu.be/QgeMoAxMPSc?si=S-XlppMGIgCnvZFy

@Dave_C posted:

  Mike G,  check out this video. I can’t answer for what the poster used for the Hi Rail Truck. But this may work for you.        https://youtu.be/QgeMoAxMPSc?si=S-XlppMGIgCnvZFy

Thanks Dave, I will havebto check it again. I didn't see where he stated what bit would cost, but I checked the price for the truck and it ranges anywhere from $65 - $100.

@myles posted:

Time has allowed me to really progress on the CPR laser cut station kit.  Lighting is done and adding more shingle caps and paint will finish the roof.    I’ll add a few extra interior details that should complete this project .

Here’s a couple views ….

Really nice work, Myles!

I attempted a scratch build of a somewhat similar structure (even to the hip roof!), an old train station in my home town (detailed in my article in Run 339), but rather than actually build out the interior I took photos of the actual building interior from the viewpoint of each door and window, then printed each view on cardstock, curved them behind each opening and illuminated each separately, creating individual shadowboxes:

The end result gave the illusion of a 3-D interior, without all the work of actually building one!

Steve, I remember the article.  Very nice effect!

Thanks Mark , glad you like it !   It’s all laser cut and a pleasure to build.  The roof look’s complicated but it’s not as tricky as it looks.
  And thanks as well Bob.  The kit is made by Monashee Laser Engineering up here in Canada.  If you go to their site they have most of their kits in 3 scales.  H-O, N and O Scales.   You can order direct from Rick.   There’s a complete page by page assembly “book” with photos as you progress.  Material for a plates included as well.  
  Thanks as well Steve.  That’s a great idea using the photos for interiors viewable through the windows.  This particular kit is designed so the second floor and roof are removable to detail the main floor.  Furniture is included for the second floor bedrooms.  ( stairwell, beds , dressers and doors for each room ).   I did the extra detail as I knew my father , who worked as a CPR operator while summering going to university , would get a kick out of it.  
  Rick offers a small portable station as well that goes together very nicely.  

Here is a Ryerson Steel transfer station. Just got a delivery of flat rolled steel from the plant on 16th and Rockwell.

Now to be delivered  by rail to the International Harvester body plant in Springfield Ohio.

Here are some Berkshire Valley items I just finished to add more interest to the layout.

A baggage cart with trunks. Also 2 Coca Cola machines to amp up the kiddies with sugar.

Before

After

Not that much, but I managed to tame some cattle. Added clear walls to the Lionel cattle car so the cows did not fall over inside. Now, to keep them from dropping dead in the corral, so they can march into the car - that may be impossible.  Link to video shown.    Greg  video of same is in the link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4suRHobtTU

Hi guys I know it not the layout. But it's a big step in the right direction.  Thus we I have been able to get the last of the sheetrock up and just put on what I hope is the last coat of mud.

I hope to get the primer on Monday or Tuesday.  Then paint!

I hope your all having a great weekend!

Mike,

You're taking the right steps to a great train room. It really seems to be coming together nicely. I'm enjoying your progress.

Dave