@RSJB18 posted:Guess you should get the rest of the layout built first? No?
That would probably be a good idea! I still havebto move the area where I plan on putting the switch's on the flat section so the trains can switch either to the top loop or the bottom going in either direction.
@mike g. posted:Hi guys I got a little time out in the train room after some work for the CEO.
I was able to get my airfield moved and the upper loop set to go behind it. I had to move the airfield closer to the center of the back wall which could cause the grade to increase, right now it is at 2.5%. I know I can go with a steeper grade as my old layout had a 4% grade!
Here are a couple photos!
As you can see I had to cut the cross members, don't worry I plan on reinforcing them, plus I ran a 1x4 directly under the mounting blocks. In the front of the airfield will be a small field with grass and small trees.
I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains! 😀
Looking good, Mike! I will be following your progress - you do great work!
George
I've been trying to modify my Zstuff switch motor mounting to accommodate a new Lionel engine. The snow plow clips the mounting screw. I thought a flathead screw would do it. Dennis Z suggested using the vacant hole at the back of the moto. That would be two screws on the same side. Besides there is nothing under there to screw into. Does anyone know what these threads are?
The screw is laying on the roadbed
@mike g. posted:Hi guys I got a little time out in the train room after some work for the CEO.
I was able to get my airfield moved and the upper loop set to go behind it. I had to move the airfield closer to the center of the back wall which could cause the grade to increase, right now it is at 2.5%. I know I can go with a steeper grade as my old layout had a 4% grade!
Here are a couple photos!
As you can see I had to cut the cross members, don't worry I plan on reinforcing them, plus I ran a 1x4 directly under the mounting blocks. In the front of the airfield will be a small field with grass and small trees.
I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layouts and trains! 😀
Mike, I like the way the track runs behind the airstrip. I think it will add a better depth of view especially when the scenery is placed.
Gene
@RSJB18 posted:Got my railing and stone wall installed last night. Ground cover and ballast is next.
Bob
Very nice Bob, these little touches give the layout some added character, and it’s fairly quick and inexpensive.😉
Gene
@pennsyfan posted:Does anyone know what these threads are?
I think your idea of swapping out the pictured pan head screw for a flat head screw might work. Perhaps a #4 wood screw with a flat head. The thread count likely does not matter for wood screws (like it does for bolts that must match a nut or threaded hole) - usually coarse or fine for wood screws. If the hole in the tie is too big for your new screw, you can pack it with tooth pick shavings and carpenter's glue, then drive the screw before the glue dries. This gives some clamping and the screw is usually very firmly embedded.
Additionally, I think there is enough plastic thickness on the switch motor housing to slightly countersink the hole - that would give you a little more clearance. Be cautious that you do not enlarge the hole too much.
If nothing works, could you mount the motor on the other side of the switch?
Good luck.
@Bob "O" posted:I think your idea of swapping out the pictured pan head screw for a flat head screw might work. Perhaps a #4 wood screw with a flat head. The thread count likely does not matter for wood screws (like it does for bolts that must match a nut or threaded hole) - usually coarse or fine for wood screws. If the hole in the tie is too big for your new screw, you can pack it with tooth pick shavings and carpenter's glue, then drive the screw before the glue dries. This gives some clamping and the screw is usually very firmly embedded.
Additionally, I think there is enough plastic thickness on the switch motor housing to slightly countersink the hole - that would give you a little more clearance. Be cautious that you do not enlarge the hole too much.
If nothing works, could you mount the motor on the other side of the switch?
Good luck.
Thanks for the reply. I was looking for the same type as the OE but a flat head. Every thing you buy has those screws that go into plastic.
Pennsyfan, the motor can be placed on any of 3 positions on the switch. Looks like a diagonal placement would work. Alternative is to do undermount such as Tortoise or MP5 motors. I have both, more reliable than dzs IMO. MP5s are nice due to low profile and somewhat easier install than Tortoise.
@pennsyfan posted:Thanks for the reply. I was looking for the same type as the OE but a flat head. Every thing you buy has those screws that go into plastic.
Just to see if it worked, I tried a #4 flat head wood screw and a carefully countersunk hole. It does reduce the profile to almost flush with the housing, compared to the pan head. Touch it up with a little black paint and it won't be seen.
@Bob "O" posted:Just to see if it worked, I tried a #4 flat head wood screw and a carefully countersunk hole. It does reduce the profile to almost flush with the housing, compared to the pan head. Touch it up with a little black paint and it won't be seen.
Another Bob chiming in here.....
@pennsyfan - I was going to recommend the same option. A flat head wood screw, maybe #4 x 3/4" should work.
I don't know why the mfr's all use pan head screws to begin with. Flat heads look so much better.
Bob
@ScoutingDad posted:Pennsyfan, the motor can be placed on any of 3 positions on the switch. Looks like a diagonal placement would work. Alternative is to do undermount such as Tortoise or MP5 motors. I have both, more reliable than dzs IMO. MP5s are nice due to low profile and somewhat easier install than Tortoise.
Thanks Jeff, given my mobility issues I'm not going to a redo.
@pennsyfan posted:I've been trying to modify my Zstuff switch motor mounting to accommodate a new Lionel engine. The snow plow clips the mounting screw. I thought a flathead screw would do it. Dennis Z suggested using the vacant hole at the back of the moto. That would be two screws on the same side. Besides there is nothing under there to screw into. Does anyone know what these threads are?
The screw is laying on the roadbed
I had the same problem with K-Line EP5s. They came with realistic 3rd rail slide shoes. Going to a flat head screw over the pan head screw did the trick. I can’t tell you what size we used because this was an issue nearly 15 years ago when we built the modular layout…..but, it worked!
Peter
@Bob "O" posted:Just to see if it worked, I tried a #4 flat head wood screw and a carefully countersunk hole. It does reduce the profile to almost flush with the housing, compared to the pan head. Touch it up with a little black paint and it won't be seen.
Thanks Bob "O"!
House elevations are finished and the driveway and path have been cut in. The grade for the road going to the houses have been cut.
They say the devil is in the details....did a bunch of them today. Nothing earth shattering, but necessary none the less.
Added ballast to the upper siding and surrounding area, placed some clump foliage and ground cover, and took some short pieces of rail and "rusted" them, and dropped them in place too.
@poconotrain posted:House elevations are finished and the driveway and path have been cut in. The grade for the road going to the houses have been cut.
Are you planning to cover everything with plaster cloth? The grade changes look great.
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:They say the devil is in the details....did a bunch of them today. Nothing earth shattering, but necessary none the less.
Added ballast to the upper siding and surrounding area, placed some clump foliage and ground cover, and took some short pieces of rail and "rusted" them, and dropped them in place too.
Nice looking job, Bob!!
@RSJB18 posted:They say the devil is in the details....did a bunch of them today. Nothing earth shattering, but necessary none the less.
Added ballast to the upper siding and surrounding area, placed some clump foliage and ground cover, and took some short pieces of rail and "rusted" them, and dropped them in place too.
Looks good Bob! I hope you took time to enjoy the weekend! 😀
Seems like I have not posted an update in quite a while. Here goes:
I previously posted on the too many projects I have going. Part of the issue is figuring out what I want and then need, finding a vendor and then ordering and waiting for parts. Then there is learning to use an airbrush and a band saw ... the list goes on. However I find it challenging and relaxing at the same time.
In the foreground is the 3 story freight warehouse. Loads on this side, ships out via truck on the other. The center panel shows the industrial windows I decided to use. 2 more panels will go on either side as well as the freight dock and rain roof. It also means I have to level the lower yard as the left side is an inch lower than the right. Now that I am comfortable with the design and assembly of the elevated section. this foreground section is destined to become an elevated trestle. I would like to have a better view of the cars in the yard, but no hurry.
In order to get at the background, the grain terminal and track were moved out of the way. (It was built as a sectional piece for this very reason.) The green sections are an elevated trolley line which was standing a couple of hours ago, until my order from a laser cutting guy arrived. I was able to peel a side off the posts to make way for the lattice without damaging the posts. Two sides of post will have the iron lattice work that can now be seen on two of the posts here unpainted. The posts and girders are pretty easy to remove although that will change when the overhead live trolley wire goes in. The Korber buildings have a final coat of paint and sealer. The fire escape for the apartment building is finished waiting for the window glazing, lighting and last minute adds.
Took a while but decided to build an intermediate level between the town high point and the mainline track and engine house. Of course then there has to be a way to move between levels, so yesterday got the "brilliant" idea to build a set of stairs - where they really did not want to fit - and I did not need yet another project. A little more glue up and painting and those stairs will be done. The business magnates drove over from Dick's Twin Pines Resort to check out the progress on their new operations center. The fence is saved from TPRR1.
So more work to do on TPRR2. I finally have a vision for TPRR2 that I think I can live with and enjoy - given the realities of space limitations. Took some time to get there. Happy railroading all. Jeff
Lots going on there; rspecially like the building fronts. Some appear to be partial.facades which is agreat way to get the town look without sacrificing so much space. Fun to watch your project take shape.
@ScoutingDad posted:Seems like I have not posted an update in quite a while. Here goes:
I previously posted on the too many projects I have going. Part of the issue is figuring out what I want and then need, finding a vendor and then ordering and waiting for parts. Then there is learning to use an airbrush and a band saw ... the list goes on. However I find it challenging and relaxing at the same time.
So more work to do on TPRR2. I finally have a vision for TPRR2 that I think I can live with and enjoy - given the realities of space limitations. Took some time to get there. Happy railroading all. Jeff
Things are starting to come together Jeff. Looks good.
Bob
@ScoutingDad posted:Seems like I have not posted an update in quite a while. Here goes:
I previously posted on the too many projects I have going. Part of the issue is figuring out what I want and then need, finding a vendor and then ordering and waiting for parts. Then there is learning to use an airbrush and a band saw ... the list goes on. However I find it challenging and relaxing at the same time.
In the foreground is the 3 story freight warehouse.
Took a while but decided to build an intermediate level between the town high point and the mainline track and engine house. Of course then there has to be a way to move between levels, so yesterday got the "brilliant" idea to build a set of stairs - where they really did not want to fit - and I did not need yet another project. A little more glue up and painting and those stairs will be done. The business magnates drove over from Dick's Twin Pines Resort to check out the progress on their new operations center. The fence is saved from TPRR1.
So more work to do on TPRR2. I finally have a vision for TPRR2 that I think I can live with and enjoy - given the realities of space limitations. Took some time to get there. Happy railroading all. Jeff
Jeff things are really look good! What type of background interior are you going to put in the 4 story build?
Also how do you get in the center?
@ScoutingDad posted:Seems like I have not posted an update in quite a while. Here goes:
I previously posted on the too many projects I have going. Part of the issue is figuring out what I want and then need, finding a vendor and then ordering and waiting for parts. Then there is learning to use an airbrush and a band saw ... the list goes on. However I find it challenging and relaxing at the same time.
In the foreground is the 3 story freight warehouse. Loads on this side, ships out via truck on the other. The center panel shows the industrial windows I decided to use. 2 more panels will go on either side as well as the freight dock and rain roof. It also means I have to level the lower yard as the left side is an inch lower than the right. Now that I am comfortable with the design and assembly of the elevated section. this foreground section is destined to become an elevated trestle. I would like to have a better view of the cars in the yard, but no hurry.
In order to get at the background, the grain terminal and track were moved out of the way. (It was built as a sectional piece for this very reason.) The green sections are an elevated trolley line which was standing a couple of hours ago, until my order from a laser cutting guy arrived. I was able to peel a side off the posts to make way for the lattice without damaging the posts. Two sides of post will have the iron lattice work that can now be seen on two of the posts here unpainted. The posts and girders are pretty easy to remove although that will change when the overhead live trolley wire goes in. The Korber buildings have a final coat of paint and sealer. The fire escape for the apartment building is finished waiting for the window glazing, lighting and last minute adds.
Took a while but decided to build an intermediate level between the town high point and the mainline track and engine house. Of course then there has to be a way to move between levels, so yesterday got the "brilliant" idea to build a set of stairs - where they really did not want to fit - and I did not need yet another project. A little more glue up and painting and those stairs will be done. The business magnates drove over from Dick's Twin Pines Resort to check out the progress on their new operations center. The fence is saved from TPRR1.
So more work to do on TPRR2. I finally have a vision for TPRR2 that I think I can live with and enjoy - given the realities of space limitations. Took some time to get there. Happy railroading all. Jeff
Well done!
Peter
Mike g ... i usually remove the 3 bridges that block access to the center if i am going back and forth a lot. Otherwise I just crawl under. Not too bad for a 6 -2 nearly 69 year old.
Regarding the buildings all have a 1st and 3rd floors. Have not thought much about the apartment building. I have reflective window film for the office buildings. Was going to see how that would look. Interior lighting is also undetermined at this point.
Got the elevated posts all glued up and will paint later tonight or tomorrow to give a 24 hour cure. Hard to wait.
Streched the legs on a couple of nice looking postwar Burlington postwar outfits
.....
@ScoutingDad posted:Mike g ... i usually remove the 3 bridges that block access to the center if i am going back and forth a lot. Otherwise I just crawl under. Not too bad for a 6 -2 nearly 69 year old.
Regarding the buildings all have a 1st and 3rd floors. Have not thought much about the apartment building. I have reflective window film for the office buildings. Was going to see how that would look. Interior lighting is also undetermined at this point.
Got the elevated posts all glued up and will paint later tonight or tomorrow to give a 24 hour cure. Hard to wait.
Jeff, it’s all looking very good! I’m interested in seeing how the el ends up. They are something I have only seen in movies and photographs, never in person.
Jeff thanks for the answers! I am with Mark that things are looking really good!
As.for myself, I did nothing today but yesterday I cut 9 072 sub roadbed and figured out because I added the airfield and a upper loop I have to make a tunnel to go around and behind the airfield for the lower loop to meet up with the Y going into my yard!
Sorry no photos, will try to get some tomorrow!
I hope everyone is having a good week sofar and find time to have fun with there layouts and trains! 😉
@mike g. posted:As.for myself, I did nothing today but yesterday I cut 9 072 sub roadbed and figured out because I added the airfield and a upper loop I have to make a tunnel to go around and behind the airfield for the lower loop to meet up with the Y going into my yard!
Sorry no photos, will try to get some tomorrow!
Mike, you’re slipping, I look forward to the progress of your layout build.
Gene
I hope everyone is having a good week sofar and find time to have fun with there layouts and trains! 😉
Scouting dad. Wow you're coming along great on you're layout . I really like the different elevations you're putting buildings. Getting rid of the straight lines is so important in the eye appearance of any layout. Great work and keep it up. Thanks for posting. Trains are so much fun when others enjoy them also. Farmerjohn.
@mike g. posted:I will try to do better! Life has slowed me a little, next time I get out to the train room I will take some photos. I think the new tunnel is going to be a big improvement!
tunnels are great; I really enjoy seeing the train disappear into a tunnel only to reappear a bit later. I think that's the thing that my two-year-old grandson loves the most is those trains coming out of the tunnels, and of course, I always blow the horns and whistles. Actually, I think I'm the one who's having the most fun, but it is great to share the love of trains with him. tonight I just ran all the trains and the trolleys and enjoyed my hard work. Tomorrow it's back to Gluing passengers into the train cars. not my favorite thing to do, but I do like the results.
Farmer John well your layout and attention to detail are quite impressive. I always enjoy seeing the views of your layout. The trolley line is an attempt to get some verticality in an otherwise flatish layout.
Not much progress today as i was waiting for glue and paint to dry.
Thanks all for the positive comments, i usually "like" the posts as a thanks.
@gandydancer1950 posted:Streched the legs on a couple of nice looking postwar Burlington postwar outfits
.....
Always nice to see the PostWar sets get a “spin” on a modern HiRail layout!
Peter
@ScoutingDad posted:Seems like I have not posted an update in quite a while. Here goes:
I previously posted on the too many projects I have going. Part of the issue is figuring out what I want and then need, finding a vendor and then ordering and waiting for parts. Then there is learning to use an airbrush and a band saw ... the list goes on. However I find it challenging and relaxing at the same time.
In the foreground is the 3 story freight warehouse. Loads on this side, ships out via truck on the other. The center panel shows the industrial windows I decided to use. 2 more panels will go on either side as well as the freight dock and rain roof. It also means I have to level the lower yard as the left side is an inch lower than the right. Now that I am comfortable with the design and assembly of the elevated section. this foreground section is destined to become an elevated trestle. I would like to have a better view of the cars in the yard, but no hurry.
In order to get at the background, the grain terminal and track were moved out of the way. (It was built as a sectional piece for this very reason.) The green sections are an elevated trolley line which was standing a couple of hours ago, until my order from a laser cutting guy arrived. I was able to peel a side off the posts to make way for the lattice without damaging the posts. Two sides of post will have the iron lattice work that can now be seen on two of the posts here unpainted. The posts and girders are pretty easy to remove although that will change when the overhead live trolley wire goes in. The Korber buildings have a final coat of paint and sealer. The fire escape for the apartment building is finished waiting for the window glazing, lighting and last minute adds.
Took a while but decided to build an intermediate level between the town high point and the mainline track and engine house. Of course then there has to be a way to move between levels, so yesterday got the "brilliant" idea to build a set of stairs - where they really did not want to fit - and I did not need yet another project. A little more glue up and painting and those stairs will be done. The business magnates drove over from Dick's Twin Pines Resort to check out the progress on their new operations center. The fence is saved from TPRR1.
So more work to do on TPRR2. I finally have a vision for TPRR2 that I think I can live with and enjoy - given the realities of space limitations. Took some time to get there. Happy railroading all. Jeff
Looking at these great pics again……you really nailed the trestle support color! Love the green!
Peter
@RBB&BC posted:tunnels are great; I really enjoy seeing the train disappear into a tunnel only to reappear a bit later. I think that's the thing that my two-year-old grandson loves the most is those trains coming out of the tunnels, and of course, I always blow the horns and whistles. Actually, I think I'm the one who's having the most fun, but it is great to share the love of trains with him. tonight I just ran all the trains and the trolleys and enjoyed my hard work. Tomorrow it's back to Gluing passengers into the train cars. not my favorite thing to do, but I do like the results.
Craig, it’s is great you can enjoy trains with your grandson! There are a lot of things on the layout that aren’t my favorite, but I like the results. I still have one set of passenger cars to populate.
Not a very extensive or glamorous job but a necessary one. I installed this magnet early on in the layout construction. It was never used and all it did was cause problems. The WBB steps would hit it. Other cars would derail, especially new passenger cars on the layout. I finally had enough; I took Main 1 out of service and ripped out the track. 
Here is Main 1 back in service, handling the backlog.
@Mark Boyce posted:Craig, it’s is great you can enjoy trains with your grandson! There are a lot of things on the layout that aren’t my favorite, but I like the results. I still have one set of passenger cars to populate.
Just got 2 more sets of Lionel 21" passenger scale figures delivered so now I can finish populating the cars. Wish I could have done it with less expensive figures but most I tried did not fit well, even with "surgery". For future reference may I ask, have you found figures that fit well for you? I'm only a year and a half into this train world and appreciate that I have a great deal to learn; advice from the more experienced members is valuable to me. I figure I'm only 30-40% of where I would like to be. Long exciting road ahead of me.
@pennsyfan posted:
Is that an old Super-O uncoupling track piece, Bob??? Looks like the one that came with my first set (still have it down in the basement somewhere). My current layout uses Fastrack and I had a lot of headaches with their implementation of the magnet. I placed it at the entrance to my 6 track engine yard and almost every engine that went over it sparked badly, and some shorted. Luckily it was very early in the build so ripping it out wasn’t a big deal.
@Apples55 posted:Is that an old Super-O uncoupling track piece, Bob??? Looks like the one that came with my first set (still have it down in the basement somewhere). My current layout uses Fastrack and I had a lot of headaches with their implementation of the magnet. I placed it at the entrance to my 6 track engine yard and almost every engine that went over it sparked badly, and some shorted. Luckily it was very early in the build so ripping it out wasn’t a big deal.
Good eye Paul. I modified it to use it with Gargraves track. A lot of cutting and shimming.
@RBB&BC posted:Just got 2 more sets of Lionel 21" passenger scale figures delivered so now I can finish populating the cars. Wish I could have done it with less expensive figures but most I tried did not fit well, even with "surgery". For future reference may I ask, have you found figures that fit well for you? I'm only a year and a half into this train world and appreciate that I have a great deal to learn; advice from the more experienced members is valuable to me. I figure I'm only 30-40% of where I would like to be. Long exciting road ahead of me.
Craig, it seems you have progressed very far in a short amount of time.
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