Dave, I did the same thing when I had two short passing sidings. I ended up with one long one and a yard track.
New Trolley Track I added near to be completed.
I began last week selecting used Gargraves track and setting up sections in place into an empty space on one corner of the layout. The new 20ft section of track is now operating with all the ballast glued into place as of 6:30pm yesterday. Using my father’s Type R 115 volt TrainMaster transformer to power the Balboa.
I purchased my used Atlas Balboa Park trolley car two years ago at the Charleston train show. I’m excited to now have the extra action on top of the layout.
I wanted to complete the new track before I began adding scenic grass, gravel, & trees.
Truly love this OGR Forum each week guys. A great way to help me escape the demands of each day. Enjoy visiting, learning how, spawning new ideas from your descriptions & photos.
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@Seth Thomas posted:New Trolley Track I added near to be completed.
I began last week selecting used Gargraves track and setting up sections in place into an empty space on one corner of the layout. The new 20ft section of track is now operating with all the ballast glued into place as of 6:30pm yesterday. Using my father’s Type R 115 volt TrainMaster transformer to power the Balboa.
I purchased my used Atlas Balboa Park trolley car two years ago at the Charleston train show. I’m excited to now have the extra action on top of the layout.
I wanted to complete the new track before I began adding scenic grass, gravel, & trees.Truly love this OGR Forum each week guys. A great way to help me escape the demands of each day. Enjoy visiting, learning how, spawning new ideas from your descriptions & photos.
Way to go Seth! Looks wonderful! You are so right about coming here to relax some and learn! 😀
Nice work folks!
@Jayhawk500- You have THREE of the most expensive hobbies....Boats are a hole in the water in which you throw money......
. Looking forward to more layout progress in the Fall.
@third rail- I like the creativity. Nice work.
@Dave Ripp.- Well they are model train layouts....sometimes the trains do win out.
@Seth Thomas- Nice work on the trolley line. I do think she needs to head to the car barn for a little maintenance. Seems to hesitate a bit when it runs.
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:Nice work folks!
@Jayhawk500- You have THREE of the most expensive hobbies....Boats are a hole in the water in which you throw money......
@third rail- I like the creativity. Nice work.
@Dave Ripp.- Well they are model train layouts....sometimes the trains do win out.
@Seth Thomas- Nice work on the trolley line. I do think she needs to head to the car barn for a little maintenance. Seems to hesitate a bit when it runs.
Bob
Thanks for the letting me know about the boat. This is my first full year of having it. So I need to get it MY way. Then it's just the gas and maintenance for the motor.
Thank you to all that has responded with "LIKES" to my post.
additional boat cost, insurance. It's been very helpful to pay some of lowerunit repair costs after I've hit underwater obstacles.
Love The trolleys; I run three of them on separate areas of the layout. After trying a number of MTH and Lionel Transformers, the Atlas 30 Watt trolley transformers gave me the best uniform low speed. I was able to avoid the dreaded bump and go whiplash.
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Installed Kadee couplers on a 3 pack of Lionel O scale PRR Gla Hoppers, and then dull coated them today.
Also, took delivery late last week of an MTH N&W 1218 Class A Articulated upgraded to Lionel Legacy, very cool.... So opened up the tender and installed a Kadee on the rear as the factory coupler wasn't always staying coupled to my cars equipped with Kadee 805's
Shot a very short video tonight before dinner of the Class A pulling 20+ Hoppers. Yeah it's a little darker than I'd like, I was probably zooed in too far limiting the amount of light reaching the sensor. Here's a link to the video on my YouTube Channel
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Chris, very nice 1218 and hoppers traversing the layout!
Chris that's an awesome looking engine and it sure sounds greatnin your video! You have suck a great looking layout, it is always a pleasure to see it!
Hi guys not much this last week, but I did get some time theblast 2 days for the train room. I started on the outside line going to the left as you enter the room as I had to work the incline in to the back wall where it flattens out.
In the corner to the right of the TV I have the airport sitting there, I was going to scrap it for this layout but the CEO said NO!
So I plan on seeing if I can put a S curve in before the 072 curve and the incline going down.
Open for thoughts and comments!
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Mike, the layout is looking great! I’m glad to see you started on the support for the upper tracks…and that you listened to the CEO once again! 👍🏻
@Mark Boyce posted:Mike, the layout is looking great! I’m glad to see you started on the support for the upper tracks…and that you listened to the CEO once again! 👍🏻
Thanks Mark, I am goi g to try and mock up the S curve that will lead into the 072 curve tomorrow. Hopefully it will go smoothly! 😀
@Seth Thomas posted:New Trolley Track I added near to be completed.
I began last week selecting used Gargraves track and setting up sections in place into an empty space on one corner of the layout. The new 20ft section of track is now operating with all the ballast glued into place as of 6:30pm yesterday. Using my father’s Type R 115 volt TrainMaster transformer to power the Balboa.
I purchased my used Atlas Balboa Park trolley car two years ago at the Charleston train show. I’m excited to now have the extra action on top of the layout.
I wanted to complete the new track before I began adding scenic grass, gravel, & trees.Truly love this OGR Forum each week guys. A great way to help me escape the demands of each day. Enjoy visiting, learning how, spawning new ideas from your descriptions & photos.
That ballast was quite the undertaking Seth. Congratulations on a job well done. What did you use for ballast and how was it applied? Looks like you need to include a quarry onto your empire.
Mike love watching your layout take shape.
I noticed a comment about Seth's trolley, hesitating a bit And I had similar experiences with my trolleys. I had trouble getting consistent speed using my kW190 or MTHZ 750 transformers. Tried a little lubrication and that really didn't seem to solve the issue. Got the Atlas 30 watt trolley transformer and I was able to maintain a slow but consistent speed for the trolleys. Using those transformers now on Lionel, MTH, and industrial rail trolleys without issue.
Craig, I have a new MTH bump and go trolley lettered for Pittsburgh, Butler, Harmony & New Castle, a local name from years gone by. Using a Z4000, It has a bit of a problem like Seth’s, but not as much. I looked up the Atlas trolley transformer, but don’t understand what is different about its output when compared to the other examples. @RBB&BC
@mike g. posted:Hi guys not much this last week, but I did get some time theblast 2 days for the train room. I started on the outside line going to the left as you enter the room as I had to work the incline in to the back wall where it flattens out.
In the corner to the right of the TV I have the airport sitting there, I was going to scrap it for this layout but the CEO said NO!
So I plan on seeing if I can put a S curve in before the 072 curve and the incline going down.
Open for thoughts and comments!
Mike, I can now understand the advantage of having that style of benchwork. It makes it that much easier to add the riser supports without needing extra cleats if it had plywood. It’s nice to hear the CEO had a little input in keeping the runway. Anyway, it’s looking good with that elevated design.
Gene
Mark B posted: Craig, I have a new MTH bump and go trolley lettered for Pittsburgh, Butler, Harmony & New Castle, a local name from years gone by. Using a Z4000, It has a bit of a problem like Seth’s, but not as much. I looked up the Atlas trolley transformer, but don’t understand what is different about its output when compared to the other examples. @RBB&BC
Craig's reply - I really have no idea why the trolleys run smoother at lowerspeeds With the atlas transformers. I had also tried an MTH dual 80 transformer but again less than consistent speed. I'm running three trolleys From three different manufacturers on three separate tracks with three separate transformers. I don't understand why it works so well, but I'm glad it does. Thanks for your thoughts on this.
how do you add the post of another member inside your own reply other than trying to copy and paste?
@RBB&BC posted:how do you add the post of another member inside your own reply other than trying to copy and paste?
Other than retyping I don't think you can.
@RBB&BC posted:how do you add the post of another member inside your own reply other than trying to copy and paste?
@Dave Ripp. posted:Other than retyping I don't think you can.
I'm confused by the question. How does what you're asking differ from using "reply with quote"?
@RBB&BC posted:Mark B posted: Craig, I have a new MTH bump and go trolley lettered for Pittsburgh, Butler, Harmony & New Castle, a local name from years gone by. Using a Z4000, It has a bit of a problem like Seth’s, but not as much. I looked up the Atlas trolley transformer, but don’t understand what is different about its output when compared to the other examples. @RBB&BC
Craig's reply - I really have no idea why the trolleys run smoother at lowerspeeds With the atlas transformers. I had also tried an MTH dual 80 transformer but again less than consistent speed. I'm running three trolleys From three different manufacturers on three separate tracks with three separate transformers. I don't understand why it works so well, but I'm glad it does. Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Thank you Craig! If it works, that’s all I care about. I see them offered by a forum sponsor for about $45. It sounds like a good deal. I would like to get one.
that's a good deal, I paid $55 apiece for them.
@Mallard4468 posted:I'm confused by the question. How does what you're asking differ from using "reply with quote"?
thank you, I get it now. Appreciate the help.
@RBB&BC posted:how do you add the post of another member inside your own reply other than trying to copy and paste?
Hover over the gear icon in the lower right corner of the post. Hit "reply with quote"
Bob
This is a MTH trolley on a Lionel KW. I was able to get it slowed a little more in subsequent runs.
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Thank you for the vide, Bob! I will have to try mine with the ZW and see if it is suitable for me before buying the Atlas one.
Installed 1 072 switch a 10 & 5 inch where I took out 30 inch for start of passing siding. The rest of the track won't be here till Tuesday slow shipping. The building on the left will not be there once I get the track in.
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@Dave Ripp. posted:Installed 1 072 switch a 10 & 5 inch where I took out 30 inch for start of passing siding. The rest of the track won't be here till Tuesday slow shipping. The building on the left will not be there once I get the track in.
Great start Dave, just wondering what is going to be along the siding?
@mike g. posted:Great start Dave, just wondering what is going to be along the siding?
A small freight station & small passenger station. I'll decide as I go but those two have to be on it.
@Dave Ripp. posted:A small freight station & small passenger station. I'll decide as I go but those two have to be on it.
Sounds good! Can't wait to see it!
Doodlebug wouldn't do anything except sit with the lights on. My knee bumped the table and it started. I took a few of the cheap figures to the wheel and after a little malpractice, I had passengers. Next a Mars light, an engineer with batman and away we go.
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@RSJB18 posted:Hover over the gear icon in the lower right corner of the post. Hit "reply with quote"
Bob
thanks Bob, thats great. Also, I have a short video of an industrial rail trolley on the atlas 30 W trolley transformer. It seems to get down pretty slow without stopping at the bumper. Second video Includes the MTH and Lionel trolleys also on Atlas Transformers. However, if I get any slower, the Lionel trolley tends to stop at the bumper. Guess I have to have a little speed.
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@RBB&BC posted:thanks Bob, thats great. Also, I have a short video of an industrial rail trolley on the atlas 30 W trolley transformer. It seems to get down pretty slow without stopping at the bumper. Second video Includes the MTH and Lionel trolleys also on Atlas Transformers. However, if I get any slower, the Lionel trolley tends to stop at the bumper. Guess I have to have a little speed.
Craig those are some good looking g trollies! Nice to see they are not.flyimg and bump to death.
@RBB&BC posted:thanks Bob, thats great. Also, I have a short video of an industrial rail trolley on the atlas 30 W trolley transformer. It seems to get down pretty slow without stopping at the bumper. Second video Includes the MTH and Lionel trolleys also on Atlas Transformers. However, if I get any slower, the Lionel trolley tends to stop at the bumper. Guess I have to have a little speed.
Yes Craig. That’s how we want to see them respond!
@Dave Ripp. posted:Installed 1 072 switch a 10 & 5 inch where I took out 30 inch for start of passing siding. The rest of the track won't be here till Tuesday slow shipping. The building on the left will not be there once I get the track in.
The switch looks nice. Have you used MTH switches before.
I connected the ZW to the track. The lowest voltage it would run was at 5.5 volts. Six volts was a little better. It responded better than with the Z4000. 
@RSJB18 Bob Prior to my return to this post I had the used Atlas Balboa Park trolley in the barn for lubrication of the pickup rollers and gears. Once out of the barn I found the used Gargraves was the issue. After trying several items from the toolbox a metal file applied to the center rail appeared to be the answer. From spraying the 90% isopropyl when spreading and gluing down the ballast the rail became somewhat rusty in several sections of rail. The black on the center rail is gone leaving the metal vulnerable. And @Tranquil Hollow RR I don’t recall the name but the gray ballast is a lose granular which is made for asphalt roofing shingles. Near 10 years ago a friend gave me a 5 gallon bucket full to use as my ballast. I believe the manufacturing firm is located in southern Indiana.
After the barn lubrication and the attention I gave the center rail I feel the trolley now glides from point to point. The lights only flash at the bumpers now. Trolley operates at 10 volts in this video action. You be the judge. Bob your MTH operates very smoothly.
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@Mark Boyce posted:Yes Craig. That’s how we want to see them respond!
The switch looks nice. Have you used MTH switches before.
Yes, I had a small yard on the last layout the work well. May mains are only 054 but all but one turnout are 072 with two being 054.
@Seth Thomas nice running trolly! Very smooth. With all these trollies running around makes me jealous! 😆
