What did you do on your layout today?

@Seth Thomas posted:

@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.

Dirty track was my other thought but since you had just put it down, I didn't think that was the issue. Glad you found the problem. The trolley runs well now.

I forgot to mention that I added a couple of ounces of weight to my trolley. They are too light to at slower speeds to trip the bumper fully. The extra weight gave it more inertia and it trips the bumpers reliably now.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

Dirty track was my other thought but since you had just put it down, I didn't think that was the issue. Glad you found the problem. The trolley runs well now.

I forgot to mention that I added a couple of ounces of weight to my trolley. They are too light to at slower speeds to trip the bumper fully. The extra weight gave it more inertia and it trips the bumpers reliably now.

Bob

Just wondering as I read your comment and watched the video...  how robust and durable are the MTH, Atlas, and modern Lionel bump-and-go trolleys?  I rarely run mine for long - I cringe each time they hit a bumper.  The mechanisms seem much more fragile than the postwar version.  Thoughts and comments?

I am feeling envious watching everyone's progress. I am away from my under-construction layout for a few months and only have you guys to keep me dreaming. Yes, I could have brought some kits with me and the supplies to build but I did that last winter and never opened the bin. I DO have a totally separate hobby that I am working on here, and like model railroading, I become consumed with it. Looking forward to May in WNC but happy to spend the coldest month in FL at my BF's house.

Here is my recent purchase which I can't wait to run when I get back. MTH Premier F3, which has been on my wish list for a while and got it for a great price since only one other person bid on it. Sorry about the poor lighting; I don't want to unpack it for a better shot. Now to find a dummy A unit for an equally good price.

Mikki

@Mallard4468 posted:

Just wondering as I read your comment and watched the video...  how robust and durable are the MTH, Atlas, and modern Lionel bump-and-go trolleys?  I rarely run mine for long - I cringe each time they hit a bumper.  The mechanisms seem much more fragile than the postwar version.  Thoughts and comments?

I had similar feelings about contact with the bumpers so  On each bumper I stuck A round felt glider that I use on the bottom of chairs to keep them from scratching the floor.  The felt appears to cushion the blow yet still allows a trolley to bump and reverse.  I Typically run the trolleys between 30 to 60 minutes at a time Without incident.

A small change.

Goodby Humpty and railing.  Hello Billboard and scenic Materiels

Turning the train room closet into a train display/workstation table with folding hinges. Finally got around to installing more shelves this morning. Felt great to get some passenger sets out of the boxes and on display. Still a work in progress.

@Sparky74 posted:

Turning the train room closet into a train display/workstation table with folding hinges. Finally got around to installing more shelves this morning. Felt great to get some passenger sets out of the boxes and on display. Still a work in progress.

Great use of space, Sparky!

Here is what I did with a closet in my train room.

I made the displays. American Flyer loop goes around into my workshop. O27 curves with my giraffe car train below.

The shelves at the bottom with the orange and black passenger cars on them are removable - box storage is behind them.

Finally put some travelers on the southbound platforms...the "Chief" is loading from the station side while travelers wait for the arrival of the "local" train headed to the "burbs..." 

The wife and I drove to Reading, PA today to pick up a new MTH diesel we bought from Iron Horse Hobby House (pictures and videos of that to come later) and we stopped in Strasburg on the way home. But, I did post a new video of my layout on my channel. I hope you enjoy and I hope everyone is having a bless Saturday and happy railroading  

https://youtu.be/ExRF-_VyHRQ?si=6w8_Nat3-dFGnAVc

some great looking trains there and I like the conductor announcements.