What did you do on your layout today?

Rod and others

I like this thread the way it is!  Yes one reason is because I created it, but it gives me inspiration to work on the layout.  

I took a 2 year break from model railroading and had torn down my layout.  I checked the forum here and there but really did nothing with trains except for my photography.  I came back about a month ago and have started my layout and do not feel like I need to go back and read everything that was posted from the time I was gone.  I was able to pick up from what everyone was doing on their layouts from just reading the past few posts.

One thing is I wish I could invite more members to post on the thread.  I would like to see what they are doing on their layouts.  If we could figure a way to invite more people it would be great to see daily what others have worked on.  

Except for a mass email from Rich I do not find it possible to invite everyone to post to the thread.

BTW this thread is actually a Part B, as I had started a very similar thread a few months before and it had died after about 10 pages of posts.  

Well for one, I am glad you started it, and that it is still here. As I stated before I have learned so much just fallowing members post and updates! Thanks!

Well I'm still not sure if Rod was really serious when he wrote "toung in cheek" on the initial suggestion.  Or was he just stating it is a really long topic that has stood the test of time.  

I like it as "The topic that never ends".  Jim, you certainly started a winner!!  I find it a way to keep up on little things folks do, and then they can reference to specific topics.  That said, please look at my layout planning topic in my Signature.  I'll start another when I start to build.

Since joining the Forum last Fall I have enjoyed this thread tremendously, even with the occasional diversion into things like dead parrots and Spam. (OK so I may have poured gas on the fire).

Anything today that can last for 287 pages can't be all bad. I wouldn't change a thing.

I've picked up some great tips and enjoyed seeing what other modelers are building. Post away gents and ladies!

Bob

Special shout out to Big Boy and Mitch of their outstanding work, whimsy and motivating posts.

I agree to let this post continue. I certainly get some great ideas and much valued information on all aspects of my layout.

Jdevleerjr posted:

Rod and others

I like this thread the way it is!  Yes one reason is because I created it, but it gives me inspiration to work on the layout.  

I took a 2 year break from model railroading and had torn down my layout.  I checked the forum here and there but really did nothing with trains except for my photography.  I came back about a month ago and have started my layout and do not feel like I need to go back and read everything that was posted from the time I was gone.  I was able to pick up from what everyone was doing on their layouts from just reading the past few posts.

One thing is I wish I could invite more members to post on the thread.  I would like to see what they are doing on their layouts.  If we could figure a way to invite more people it would be great to see daily what others have worked on.  

Except for a mass email from Rich I do not find it possible to invite everyone to post to the thread.

BTW this thread is actually a Part B, as I had started a very similar thread a few months before and it had died after about 10 pages of posts.  

 

 

I am a firm believer that if its not broke don't fix it.    I have learn a lot from this thread too.   

Jeff Z posted:

Special shout out to Big Boy and Mitch of their outstanding work, whimsy and motivating posts.

I agree to let this post continue. I certainly get some great ideas and much valued information on all aspects of my layout.

Thanks Jeff, actually I was the one who sent us down the Monty Python sidetrack a few pages ago, when I commented on Mitch's flat cars with the feet on them. I didn't mean to, but it has been a fun(ny) trip.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Jeff Z posted:

Special shout out to Big Boy and Mitch of their outstanding work, whimsy and motivating posts.

I agree to let this post continue. I certainly get some great ideas and much valued information on all aspects of my layout.

Thanks Jeff, actually I was the one who sent us down the Monty Python sidetrack a few pages ago, when I commented on Mitch's flat cars with the feet on them. I didn't mean to, but it has been a fun(ny) trip.

 Now we just need a video of Mitch dancing with two left feet and things will be complete.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Jeff Z posted:

Special shout out to Big Boy and Mitch of their outstanding work, whimsy and motivating posts.

I agree to let this post continue. I certainly get some great ideas and much valued information on all aspects of my layout.

Thanks Jeff, actually I was the one who sent us down the Monty Python sidetrack a few pages ago, when I commented on Mitch's flat cars with the feet on them. I didn't mean to, but it has been a fun(ny) trip.

Laughter is the best medicine!

Thanks Elliot!

RSJB18 posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Jeff Z posted:

Special shout out to Big Boy and Mitch of their outstanding work, whimsy and motivating posts.

I agree to let this post continue. I certainly get some great ideas and much valued information on all aspects of my layout.

Thanks Jeff, actually I was the one who sent us down the Monty Python sidetrack a few pages ago, when I commented on Mitch's flat cars with the feet on them. I didn't mean to, but it has been a fun(ny) trip.

Laughter is the best medicine!

Thanks Elliot!

Perhaps, right after trains.

Thanks, all, for the encouragement!

Here's my latest:

https://ogrforum.com/t...ise-storage-facility

I'm just trying to figure out if I should keep building, or just take it down and start over again , I mean how many foam mountains can you put on a flimsy 6x11 train board without it collapsing? :>

Kittytrain1969 posted:

I'm just trying to figure out if I should keep building, or just take it down and start over again , I mean how many foam mountains can you put on a flimsy 6x11 train board without it collapsing? :&gt

If you want it to last, I think you need a solid foundation.

Kittytrain1969 posted:

I'm just trying to figure out if I should keep building, or just take it down and start over again , I mean how many foam mountains can you put on a flimsy 6x11 train board without it collapsing? :&gt

How many mountains? I received advice in that regard when I was first constructing the first layout and was trying to decide how much real estate would be absorbed by mountains and hills. A fellow hobbyist who also sells materials for constructing such projects advised, "You don't want to make it look like the moon, do you ."

I thought that was fair advice and made instant sense to me. I offer it to you for your consideration .

Frankm

I got a lot done this morning.  

1) I cut a shelf to go in front of the layout to hold the transformers, switch levers, buttons, and TMCC controller.  I have my old TW transfomer on there now but plan to upgrade it to a MTH Z-1000

2) I started laying track, well kinda.

I was about to sell off all my Gargraves and use O27 track because I have a lot of it and I wanted a shinny center rail so it blended in with the snow.  I even posted all the Gargraves for sale on the forum.  Then I had a change of heart.  I have almost all the track I need for the layout except for a few curves that are too tight for me to bend with flex track.  I decided that I will weather the outer rails of the gargraves and leave the inner black.  When I ballast and put snow down I will weather between the rails pretty heavly with india ink and such so it looks like there is a bunch of grease down the middle of the tracks and they are heavily used.  This should make the black of the phantom rail disappear pretty well.

 PS - All the O27 track you see I will be purchasing Gargraves curves to replace it.  

Is this the look you have in mind, Jim?

Mark Boyce posted:

Is this the look you have in mind, Jim?

Exactly Mark!!

I came across it last month while looking for more photos for my Blackwater Canyon Line.  While I don't normally notice the third rail while running trains, I thought it was a really great idea if someone was looking to disguise the third rail; especially the GarGraves Phantom Line black rail.

I to have enjoyed this tread a lot. Keep it coming. Even if it is not always layout work, anything working in the hobby is doing something.

I'm afraid the situation is deteriorating...

L-R: "One Horn" Gi-raffe, conductor; "Smoky" Gi-raffe, fireman;  "Casey" Gi-raffe, engineer;  "Blinky" and "Winky" Gi-raffe, brakemen. 

Secured with clear silicone caulk so they'll stay in place, but can be easily removed if I ever decide to NOT be silly. 

Mitch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K35RF7UAsI

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

I'm afraid the situation is deteriorating...

L-R: "One Horn" Gi-raffe, conductor; "Smoky" Gi-raffe, fireman;  "Casey" Gi-raffe, engineer;  "Blinky" and "Winky" Gi-raffe, brakemen. 

Secured with clear silicone caulk so they'll stay in place, but can be easily removed if I ever decide to NOT be silly. 

Mitch

I would vote for a state of permanent silliness.  It works for me

Al Galli posted:

I would vote for a state of permanent silliness.  It works for me

-"Down Periscope," 1996 (has it REALLY been 20+ years? I still remember seeing it in the theater!)

Mitch

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

I'm afraid the situation is deteriorating...

L-R: "One Horn" Gi-raffe, conductor; "Smoky" Gi-raffe, fireman;  "Casey" Gi-raffe, engineer;  "Blinky" and "Winky" Gi-raffe, brakemen. 

Secured with clear silicone caulk so they'll stay in place, but can be easily removed if I ever decide to NOT be silly. 

Mitch

The Gi-raffe Wisperer!

do NOT go to the DARKside...... stay silly, and thanks for the smiles..

"Watchout! They are beginning to Multiply! Situation Serious.. "CODE ORANGE""

(2x2 = 4  2x3= 6  2x5 =   )  

Dave, umm Dave, I believe THAT Girraff crossing Will require a Sign!

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Al Galli posted:

I would vote for a state of permanent silliness.  It works for me

Lt. Comd. Dodge: All right, ladies and gentlemen. We have fulfilled every requirement of this mission except one: Norfolk. Presently, there are several ships positioned outside the harbor to intercept us. To get in, we're gonna have to use a tactic that is somewhat bizarre, and extremely risky. If any of you feel it's not worth it, please let me know now.

Seaman Stanley 'Spots' Sylvesterson: Uh, actually, sir, I think we prefer to go with the bizarre and risky. It's worked for us so far.

-"Down Periscope," 1996 (has it REALLY been 20+ years? I still remember seeing it in the theater!)

Mitch

One of Dads favs, too [and mine]. Next time you see him, drop a quote from the movie and he'll eat it up.  Though he calls it Up Periscope. 

But wait!  Salvation is at hand!  It's the intrepid 35th Mobile Rubber Chicken Artillery! 

With their dread cry,  "BERWYN?!" , they leap into the fray! 

Mitch

(what the heck.  If UPS rings the doorbell, delivering a couple 6544s I bought on Facebook, I shouldn't run with it?) 

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

 

(what the heck.  If UPS rings the doorbell, delivering a couple 6544s I bought on Facebook, I shouldn't run with it?) 

Great... blame the internet... blame UPS... Well, Mitch, this settles it - you are a Borg... "resistance is futile"!!!

Apples55 posted:

Great... blame the internet... blame UPS... Well, Mitch, this settles it - you are a Borg... "resistance is futile"!!!

(happynods)  My sense of humor isn't just twisted, it's actively sprained!

Mitch

Steamer posted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K35RF7UAsI

Is that Mitch's back yard?

Miggy posted:

Dave, umm Dave, I believe THAT Girraff crossing Will require a Sign!

Humor  him while go get a net... lol

Tears running down my face......Houston we have a problem......

I found Annette.  Now what?

Bruce

Wait a minute, He not only has rubber chickens, he has a BRIGADE of rubber chickens, that does not amaze nor surprise me. The fact that he has Two Missle Launcher Flats that can carry the lot.... this man does Not cease to amaze and delight...

Is the Net for Hom, the Girraff stampede, The brigade of Chickens, or the ever-increasing- multiplying- orange, Google- eye "Girraffs"? 

"What do they want? They want us to join in a quest, in search of The Holy Grail. I told them We already got one."

The chickens can't stay the night? "No. Now, go away, or I shall taunt you a second time-a!"

THIS thread just took a Beautiful tune, um, tuned, err, turn, be still my heart

These guys will take care of everything. No worries!

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

But wait!  Salvation is at hand!  It's the intrepid 35th Mobile Rubber Chicken Artillery! 

With their dread cry,  "BERWYN?!" , they leap into the fray! 

Mitch

(what the heck.  If UPS rings the doorbell, delivering a couple 6544s I bought on Facebook, I shouldn't run with it?) 

Mitch, man do I love your work! It take a great mind to come up with what you do, but I am starting to wonder if that great mind of yours might have missed a switch somewhere!

RSJB18 posted:

These guys will take care of everything. No worries!

I'm not sure about Superman, but Bats has run into...technical difficulties...

mike g. posted:

Mitch, man do I love your work! It take a great mind to come up with what you do, but I am starting to wonder if that great mind of yours might have missed a switch somewhere!

Oh, I'm a firm believer in Donald O'Connor's philosophy...

Mitch

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Steamer posted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K35RF7UAsI

Is that Mitch's back yard?

I believe it is.