What did you do on your layout today?

Just ran some trains

Ran my new B6 for a few minutes.  Reset the ID#. Such a cool engine.  Then I forced myself to continue my basement clean up projects.  I am real close to completion. 

Starting working on the layout again after a small buying spree with the help of Cabinet Bob and also with some help from myself. Focused on the power plant. Originally I was going to put a Y off the curve with a switch for two sidings at the plant. After mulling it over I decided to try something different. I had a cross over that I thought would work but when I tried to tie it in it was the wrong degree. A good buddy from the Tuesday night train group had a different degree one and gave it to me. Well by gosh it worked out. So I pulled up the track and roadbed I had down in that spot to redo it. I got the cork down and now waiting for the glue to dry. Hoping to paint the cork and where the rest of the track will be going in back of the plant after dinner. I am not going to run cork through the power plant because they are only sidings. Couple of pics..............Paul

I have mostly been working on my chessie SD35 project. But I did do a little more with the grass along the line. It's all sisal twine and jute rope. Planted one tuft at a time. It's my first real effort at scenery and I am not satisfied with it completely. Will be adding more virtical elements as I go go with various techniques. That's why I am starting with a module. Let's me find out what works for me. 

Comments/ criticism welcome.

TJ, I think it came out pretty darn good. So exactly how did you do it. Does it come like that and you just glue it down...........Paul

Paul, IMO I think you made the right choice, I think its going to look better and run smoother.

TJ, The grass is looking wonderful, careful of sparks you don't want your new grass to catch fire! LOL just a joke I wouldn't worry about it!

It has taken a little while to make some progress on the layout, between work, theatrical set building, and grandson being a bit afraid of the whine a Dremel tool cutting or grinding. The last time I posted, there was a picture of the new layout just kind of roughed into place. Several people commented about the lack of clearance between tracks on the curves, which I knew about, but nice to have the comments and suggestions. Part of my solution was to modify a couple of 022 switches by cutting off about an inch of the base and track, doing a bit of grinding for the pins to fit back in, and reassembling. I also was able to add one of those really short FastTrack sections to the outer track, which did put us right on the edges of the layout board, but later fascia and/or edging will help prevent trains from diving to the floor. The second switch I did a bit differently, in that I left the rail stubs in place, and instead essentially drilled out ends  with a small diameter diamond gritted bit. Here's a couple pictures of the progress at one end of the layout:

Just one day after passing on investing in another Menards building...I received an email from Menards notifying me that the two NYC boxcars and two free box trucks that I had ordered last week, as a ship-to-store, had arrived and were ready for pickup. So I made the trip to the local store yesterday afternoon and on my way to check-out, I walked by the "Toy" aisle again and stopped to take another look at the display building that was on sale at 30% off. Somehow that Herman's Sauerkraut Factory found it's way into my cart. But, with a list price of $99.99, discounted down to $69.99 and then subtract the $13.20 rebate coupon that I had from a previous purchase and the $7.70 11% rebate I'll send for from this purchase...turns into less than $50.00 for this new, to me, building! Really hard to pass up...however, not being a big fan of sauerkraut...the new signage and logo for that building will be modified to read...Dark Horse Brewing Company...which is a very popular local and always expanding brewing facility here in town.

So now with the new building in tow, and of course, having no where to put this on my existing layout...it looked like it was time once again for a little more expansion! Another fine mess I've gotten myself into...

That was yesterday...Well, today, as luck would have it...I found a temporary location on my layout for the new brewery...and it may well become a permanent one!!! The new signage is in place and the power is on...so time to get brewing and of course, make time for whatever it is that follows that?

Then I erected a fence around the barnyard...those bovines kept trying to cross the road to get to those ever "greener pastures"!!!

And finally I added a family of deer...no hunting until fall, so they're safe for now...Just sayin

Jedderbob posted:

Just ran some trains

OH I wish I had room to add a "leg" to my train table!   I have extra rolling stock and some fencing sitting on mine too!  But you have some AWESOME engines and rolling stock!    

Here's an inspirational tale for us all!

https://ogrforum.com/t...that-certainly-could

PDDMI posted:

Just one day after passing on investing in another Menards building...I received an email from Menards notifying me that the two NYC boxcars and two free box trucks that I had ordered last week, as a ship-to-store, had arrived and were ready for pickup. So I made the trip to the local store yesterday afternoon and on my way to check-out, I walked by the "Toy" aisle again and stopped to take another look at the display building that was on sale at 30% off. Somehow that Herman's Sauerkraut Factory found it's way into my cart. But, with a list price of $99.99, discounted down to $69.99 and then subtract the $13.20 rebate coupon that I had from a previous purchase and the $7.70 11% rebate I'll send for from this purchase...turns into less than $50.00 for this new, to me, building! Really hard to pass up...however, not being a big fan of sauerkraut...the new signage and logo for that building will be modified to read...Dark Horse Brewing Company...which is a very popular local and always expanding brewing facility here in town.

So now with the new building in tow, and of course, having no where to put this on my existing layout...it looked like it was time once again for a little more expansion! Another fine mess I've gotten myself into...

That was yesterday...Well, today, as luck would have it...I found a temporary location on my layout for the new brewery...and it may well become a permanent one!!! The new signage is in place and the power is on...so time to get brewing and of course, make time for whatever it is that follows that?

Then I erected a fence around the barnyard...those bovines kept trying to cross the road to get to those ever "greener pastures"!!!

And finally I added a family of deer...no hunting until fall, so they're safe for now...Just sayin

I had my Michigan buddy go to the Menards store near him.   He was going to get me two buildings.   ALL of them had marked down price tags.   Took two up front and they told him they were not the buildings on sale.  They walked him back to the area where all of them had the sale prices and picked out two more and handed them to him.   They had wires hanging out of them and parts rolling around in the packages.   One of them even had the LED lights pulled out of it laying in the package.  "Those are the buildings that are 30% off." He had me on the phone during all of this.  He told the woman "These are literally destroyed".  No comment from her.   Needless to say I told him not to get them.     Plugged in and ran?   No problem.    Broken up with the lights torn out?  No thanks.   I'd rather pay full price for intact product.   Very pleased with my Menards train station and hobby shop.   What you did with the kraut factory is amazing!   I was going to get the feed store and the cabinet factory. 

paul 2 posted:

TJ, I think it came out pretty darn good. So exactly how did you do it. Does it come like that and you just glue it down...........Paul

Paul I took a few mins and took some pics to add to a discription of how I do sisal twine weeds 

First. Get some sisal twine and jute rope. You can find it just about anywhere. Wal-Mart, Ace hardware, Michael's etc. 

then I use a shallow dish and some scissors to cut a bunch of it at random lengths of around a inch

I don't worry about being precise. And I shred a lot of it with my fingers till I have a pile. Then armed with your favorite glue. I use tacky glue. Just a personal preference and spread some out in a random pattern. 

Then I grab some between my fingers. Pulling the errant strands away to make a rough bushel like soand just start setting them in the glue. I use the bushels to spread the glue as I go. I add it to the desired thickness and some gets matted down into the glue. As I am modeling early fall. I try to make it appear like the first frost has come and ice and rain has started to break the grass down. it goes pretty quickly. But I only work in 20 min intervals to stay sane. This is about 10 mins worth of work

And because the time of the year I am modeling. There will be some areas of green left on the grass I make a wash of around 10 parts water to 1 part your favorite color green craft paint. And use a small chisel brush to apply the wash to random areas of the grass. after it all dries I use a old hair brush to tease the fibers to where I want them. Then vacuum and reapply where needed. Hope that helps Paul. If you have any other questions feel free to ask

After a little fun running on Monday, it was back to work (still fun). My ADD was in full swing today as I got into a bunch of different projects.

One major one is to move the hidden yard control panels (big and small) over to the dispatcher's corner.

This is the current big hidden yard control area. The three components are the monitor, the panel and the track occupancy board. The monitor has already been decommissioned. The track occupancy board is easy to move. It's the control panel that will take work, because of all the wires, 30 to be precise.

I had some very large old phone cables. This one has 50 pairs. I'm only using less than half the conductors. These will be control lines and throw relays which will handle the track power.

I cut a grommet into the new desk top.

This little spread sheet tells me which colored wire is assigned to which function.

Preparing to build the new relay panel.

The panel behind the vacuum is where the relays will be mounted, on the other side, under Red Wing.

Speaking of Red Wing, it has been a long time since I've seen it. It was buried under a blizzard of junk for the last couple years. All gone, and the dust with it!

Yes, this is just an ordinary room fan...

and this is an empty box with a furnace filter taped to the bottom. The idea is to place the fan in the opening and have it blow the air through the filter. I'm getting ready to paint rail! Last time there was a huge cloud of over spray. I hope this works.

I spent an hour last week calling all over the country to get these. Cleaned out two stores and put a dent in the stock of a third. All they are is the non-illuminated plastic bumpers for tubular track. It's weird, because people keep telling me they aren't being made anymore, but they are on page 106 of the brand new Lionel catalog. Go figure!

All that remain from that pile, is one box of three. They go fast when you put in 8 at a time.

some more tinkering.

some scenery in the corner.

new facia

Elliot, thanks for taking the time to post photos of the details. What color did you chose for your track? I sprayed my atlas earth brown camo and it made a world of difference. I like the idea of your over spray inhibitor.

I made a big order to Scenic Express, and it arrived today. I now have three rabbits running free on the layout, and finally a scarecrow for my cornfield. I also bought several sheets of static grass mats, two of which went in place on the layout tonight because I couldn't sleep, and the rest are going to be put on the layout this weekend.

You're welcome Pennsy. I bought a gallon of flat latex wall paint from Menards, so it isn't as if there are fumes, just the dust that eventually settles on everything. Trying to catch some of that before it gets too far could only help.

BTW, the color is called "Potting Soil", just a very dark brown. I bought four cases of GarGraves from a forum member, which he had painted. I was in the paint department and tried to find a match from memory. I came pretty darn close too.

TJ, thanks for the step by step with pics. I am always looking for different ways to add scenery. Thanks Paul

Man there is so much posted today and so many great ideas and progress. First off TJ I agree with Paul, thanks for the how to on the grass, looks great.

Elliot, Things are just moving forward for you and I like your progress, everytime I see your post I am amazed on how much you get done in a shot period of time. Keep Rocking on!

JHAINER, you layout is looking nice, I like how you take the time to just tinker with it, before to long you will be a Tinker Master. Looking forward to see what you do next.

Lee, You get so much done on so little sleep and everthing comes out looking great! If I missed that much sleep I have no idea what I would end up with. But I am glad it works for you cause it sure is a pleasure for me to read about and see!

mike g. posted:

Man there is so much posted today and so many great ideas and progress. First off TJ I agree with Paul, thanks for the how to on the grass, looks great.

Elliot, Things are just moving forward for you and I like your progress, everytime I see your post I am amazed on how much you get done in a shot period of time. Keep Rocking on!

JHAINER, you layout is looking nice, I like how you take the time to just tinker with it, before to long you will be a Tinker Master. Looking forward to see what you do next.

Lee, You get so much done on so little sleep and everthing comes out looking great! If I missed that much sleep I have no idea what I would end up with. But I am glad it works for you cause it sure is a pleasure for me to read about and see!

Mike,

You said it all!!!  Elliot, Jhainer, and Lee are really poundin' out the work, as a former supervisor of mine used to say!

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

After a little fun running on Monday, it was back to work (still fun). My ADD was in full swing today as I got into a bunch of different projects.

One major one is to move the hidden yard control panels (big and small) over to the dispatcher's corner.

This is the current big hidden yard control area. The three components are the monitor, the panel and the track occupancy board. The monitor has already been decommissioned. The track occupancy board is easy to move. It's the control panel that will take work, because of all the wires, 30 to be precise.

I had some very large old phone cables. This one has 50 pairs. I'm only using less than half the conductors. These will be control lines and throw relays which will handle the track power.

I cut a grommet into the new desk top.

This little spread sheet tells me which colored wire is assigned to which function.

Preparing to build the new relay panel.

The panel behind the vacuum is where the relays will be mounted, on the other side, under Red Wing.

Speaking of Red Wing, it has been a long time since I've seen it. It was buried under a blizzard of junk for the last couple years. All gone, and the dust with it!

Yes, this is just an ordinary room fan...

and this is an empty box with a furnace filter taped to the bottom. The idea is to place the fan in the opening and have it blow the air through the filter. I'm getting ready to paint rail! Last time there was a huge cloud of over spray. I hope this works.

I spent an hour last week calling all over the country to get these. Cleaned out two stores and put a dent in the stock of a third. All they are is the non-illuminated plastic bumpers for tubular track. It's weird, because people keep telling me they aren't being made anymore, but they are on page 106 of the brand new Lionel catalog. Go figure!

All that remain from that pile, is one box of three. They go fast when you put in 8 at a time.

Making good progress.  Looking forward to an April visit.  Keep up the good pace and work Elliot.  Thanks again for sharing your project.   Always and inspiration to view your posts.

Dave

I get off of work, I go upstairs turn the layout on I get one engine running on the loops and I start tinkering build this or that wire this or that. next thing you know it's 11:00 or 12:00 and I got  things accomplished on the layout there is always a train running when I tinker. I want to get back to where there is 2 running at the same time just haven't gotton there yet. right now one of the issues with getting there is both loops have one switch in common so one place for a collision. I want to rework it a little so that I can run continuous without a worry about a collision.

here is the current layout the reversing loop to the right the left hand switch is used on both loops. highlighted in red

so here is the proposed new configuration.

just reworked Scarm to show both loops. loop in light blue is loop one  loop in green is loop 2 it changes elevation

This is the first time posting a picture of my layout on the forum. Feel free to give some constructive criticism. Mainly what I have don't is putting down scenery and ballast (top photo), but enjoy so,e other picture of my layout. Please excuse the mess. 

Lirr, you need to use the program that allows you to add attachments, none of your pictures show.

mike g. posted:

Lee, You get so much done on so little sleep and everthing comes out looking great! If I missed that much sleep I have no idea what I would end up with. But I am glad it works for you cause it sure is a pleasure for me to read about and see!

I don't suggest this method of progress on a layout. At the risk of getting a heaed start on being an old man and writing about ailments, I'm getting over a 'creeping crud' winter cough that I was RX'd some steroids for sinuses. The night before last, I couldn't sleep (or even lay down in bed) without feeling anxious and I got to bed finally about 1:30 in the morning (having to get up at 6). I was jittery all day yesterday, and a co-worker asked what meds I was on. I looked up the side effects for the steroid and I had half the list! I tried going to sleep last night and the same thing. Gave up and went into the layout room to put static grass in. By 2AM, I still wasn't the least bit tired.

I hope to heck I can start sleeping soon!

Thanks Mike, Mark and Dave as well as all those who just hit the like button. I appreciate all of your support.

As J Hainer points out, there is a lot to be said for diligence when it comes to this hobby. For all practical purposes, I'm retired, even though I'm not quite of that age. This has been a particularly special week, as I have not had to leave the house since Monday when we stocked up on groceries.

I'm getting so excited, I'm spending 4 - 6 hours each day on the layout. Even though February only has 28 days, I may be on pace to set a personal best in terms of hours worked in a month. I'll have to check that stat. It probably goes back a few years to when Patrick was coming over on a regular basis.

Don't forget, this big push is all building up to a layout tour at the end of April, so I really want to have it looking good. It doesn't stop after that, because the National Narrow Gauge Convention is coming to town Labor Day weekend 2018.

Even if you aren't a narrow gauger, it's a good excuse to come for a visit!

Got up this morning and after breakfast got to work. Check the forum first and Mark and Mike g are right. There is a flurry of activity. Maybe because spring is approaching for a lot of us and that will mean yard work over layout time. After breakfast with the paint drying overnight I got track laid down and although I should not of done it yet I added ballast, not glued down yet. I am totally happy with this track configuration. I sure better be I am not going to rip it up again LOL. Going back to add black paint to the plywood where the sidings will be going and hopefully it will be dry so I can start to do that track area after lunch. Couple of pics............Paul

Bought some LED's from Model Power for my freight depot. I wanted to make a hood for them to look like old industrial shop lights. I was looking around my work shop and came across some thin cup washers for drywall screws. Problem is they are cupped the wrong way. I ran a screw through the back side and down onto a piece of scrap wood...Viola! Going to paint them silver. Stained the depot and platforms with a dark oak stain. I will post some pictures of the progress soon.

Here's the lights

Bob

p51 posted:

mike g. posted:

Lee, You get so much done on so little sleep and everthing comes out looking great! If I missed that much sleep I have no idea what I would end up with. But I am glad it works for you cause it sure is a pleasure for me to read about and see!

I don't suggest this method of progress on a layout. At the risk of getting a heaed start on being an old man and writing about ailments, I'm getting over a 'creeping crud' winter cough that I was RX'd some steroids for sinuses. The night before last, I couldn't sleep (or even lay down in bed) without feeling anxious and I got to bed finally about 1:30 in the morning (having to get up at 6). I was jittery all day yesterday, and a co-worker asked what meds I was on. I looked up the side effects for the steroid and I had half the list! I tried going to sleep last night and the same thing. Gave up and went into the layout room to put static grass in. By 2AM, I still wasn't the least bit tired.

I hope to heck I can start sleeping soon!

I hope you luck with it! Been there done that, after my Chemo treatment started I was up till 2AM and back awake at 4 AM. Things finaly changed, now I am in be at 7 or 8 and up at 3 or 4 am.

Paul, that looks like its going to work out great! When do you plan on laying the track behind the power plant and where does it tie back in at?

Bob, great idea with the washers for the leds. What did you use for the black part? They look sweet!

mike g. posted:

Paul, that looks like its going to work out great! When do you plan on laying the track behind the power plant and where does it tie back in at?

 

Bob, great idea with the washers for the leds. What did you use for the black part? They look sweet!

Mike

They came that way from Model power. They are stick on units with the resistors already installed. 

Thanks

mike g. posted:

p51 posted:

I don't suggest this method of progress on a layout. At the risk of getting a heaed start on being an old man and writing about ailments, I'm getting over a 'creeping crud' winter cough that I was RX'd some steroids for sinuses. The night before last, I couldn't sleep (or even lay down in bed) without feeling anxious and I got to bed finally about 1:30 in the morning (having to get up at 6). I was jittery all day yesterday, and a co-worker asked what meds I was on. I looked up the side effects for the steroid and I had half the list! I tried going to sleep last night and the same thing. Gave up and went into the layout room to put static grass in. By 2AM, I still wasn't the least bit tired.

I hope to heck I can start sleeping soon!

I hope you luck with it! Been there done that, after my Chemo treatment started I was up till 2AM and back awake at 4 AM. Things finaly changed, now I am in be at 7 or 8 and up at 3 or 4 am.

Dang, I hope you're doing better now, I didn't know that. Makes my situation seem silly in comparison as what I have isn't even the flu (got tested last week just to be sure).

last night was a bad experience, with the layout work being the only good part. I hate being awake at night like this. I now realize that steroids are NOT for me as I was stressed almost the point of having a day-long panic attack yesterday. I didn't take any more after reading those side effects.

I was exhausted before noon today, and it felt great. I swear I felt like someone rotated a dimmer switch on me to the tired setting. First time I’d felt really tired in over 3 days. Odd as it sounds, I liked the feeling as to me, it meant that MAYBE I’ll be able to sleep tonight. I don’t care how much you’re hacking or bugging out, eventually exhaustion will simply take you out.

RSJB18 posted:

mike g. posted:

Paul, that looks like its going to work out great! When do you plan on laying the track behind the power plant and where does it tie back in at?

 

Bob, great idea with the washers for the leds. What did you use for the black part? They look sweet!

Mike

They came that way from Model power. They are stick on units with the resistors already installed. 

Thanks

Thanks for the great information!

p51 posted:

mike g. posted:

p51 posted:

I don't suggest this method of progress on a layout. At the risk of getting a heaed start on being an old man and writing about ailments, I'm getting over a 'creeping crud' winter cough that I was RX'd some steroids for sinuses. The night before last, I couldn't sleep (or even lay down in bed) without feeling anxious and I got to bed finally about 1:30 in the morning (having to get up at 6). I was jittery all day yesterday, and a co-worker asked what meds I was on. I looked up the side effects for the steroid and I had half the list! I tried going to sleep last night and the same thing. Gave up and went into the layout room to put static grass in. By 2AM, I still wasn't the least bit tired.

I hope to heck I can start sleeping soon!

I hope you luck with it! Been there done that, after my Chemo treatment started I was up till 2AM and back awake at 4 AM. Things finaly changed, now I am in be at 7 or 8 and up at 3 or 4 am.

Dang, I hope you're doing better now, I didn't know that. Makes my situation seem silly in comparison as what I have isn't even the flu (got tested last week just to be sure).

last night was a bad experience, with the layout work being the only good part. I hate being awake at night like this. I now realize that steroids are NOT for me as I was stressed almost the point of having a day-long panic attack yesterday. I didn't take any more after reading those side effects.

I was exhausted before noon today, and it felt great. I swear I felt like someone rotated a dimmer switch on me to the tired setting. First time I’d felt really tired in over 3 days. Odd as it sounds, I liked the feeling as to me, it meant that MAYBE I’ll be able to sleep tonight. I don’t care how much you’re hacking or bugging out, eventually exhaustion will simply take you out.

Hi Lee, I know its going to sound funny, but I am glad your tired! I sure hope you get a good night sleep. As for me like I tell my wife, I'm still here and kicking, I tease her and tell her I am not going anywhere till I get the dam layout built and finished. As we all know they are really not finished!

mike g. posted:

As for me like I tell my wife, I'm still here and kicking, I tease her and tell her I am not going anywhere till I get the dam layout built and finished. As we all know they are really not finished!

And I wish you the ability to see multiple layouts completed, if you get my meaning!

Got the track in around the power station. In the back of the station I used pre formed Gar Graves 0-32. I wanted a small radius. My plan is to continue the two tracks down the table at a 45 degree angle after the curves. There will be buildings in front of the tracks hiding them. I did it this way so I could push full hoppers in. And at the other end of the two tracks take them and bring them back to push into the station again. Done for tonight. Pics of the project so far...........Paul

Looks good Paul, I am guessing with small curves you might plan on using a switcher to push the cars?

The power station area is looking very good Paul!  Until seeing these photos, I didn't realize there was space behind the Menards station for the tracks to curve around back.  The coved corner may have tricked my eye on earlier photos, and I may have missed reading something you may have written about it.  Somehow I have been catching myself skipping sentences and whole paragraphs and not realizing it right away, or not at all.  Glad I don't have to take any McCalls Crabs reading comprehension tests like we did in school in the '60s.  

PDDMI posted:

Just one day after passing on investing in another Menards building...I received an email from Menards notifying me that the two NYC boxcars and two free box trucks that I had ordered last week, as a ship-to-store, had arrived and were ready for pickup. So I made the trip to the local store yesterday afternoon and on my way to check-out, I walked by the "Toy" aisle again and stopped to take another look at the display building that was on sale at 30% off. Somehow that Herman's Sauerkraut Factory found it's way into my cart. But, with a list price of $99.99, discounted down to $69.99 and then subtract the $13.20 rebate coupon that I had from a previous purchase and the $7.70 11% rebate I'll send for from this purchase...turns into less than $50.00 for this new, to me, building! Really hard to pass up...however, not being a big fan of sauerkraut...the new signage and logo for that building will be modified to read...Dark Horse Brewing Company...which is a very popular local and always expanding brewing facility here in town.

So now with the new building in tow, and of course, having no where to put this on my existing layout...it looked like it was time once again for a little more expansion! Another fine mess I've gotten myself into...

That was yesterday...Well, today, as luck would have it...I found a temporary location on my layout for the new brewery...and it may well become a permanent one!!! The new signage is in place and the power is on...so time to get brewing and of course, make time for whatever it is that follows that?

Then I erected a fence around the barnyard...those bovines kept trying to cross the road to get to those ever "greener pastures"!!!

And finally I added a family of deer...no hunting until fall, so they're safe for now...Just sayin

I like your idea of the brewery.