What did you do on your layout today?

I dunno, Brian.  I might put in a little heftier support here.  

     you are right Ted, the inspector caught that also. here she comes with the new plans....

TedW posted:

I dunno, Brian.  I might put in a little heftier support here.  

 

Why Ted, that looks perfectly safe!!  

Brian, is the wall section you uncovered that has a silvery-gray material, actually garage doors you covered with insulation?  Yes, I can see where pup decided to get into the act with demolition of his/her own!!    It's all looking good; but I get tired just looking at your rapid fire hard work.  Yes, I know demolition is quick, but your construction is quick too!

Paul,

I think those are good choices for downtown building kits.  Small downtown buildings add more interest on our compacted downtown spaces!!

hello Mike, here is a rough drawing plan and video simulation on track plan...

                                    yellow area is the walkway.....

               3 main levels....   roughly a 1% grade will connect the 3 levels....

                                            example of what I am thinking....

hello Mark, the 2 silver areas and the next one down where the train shelves are getting removed in spring for a 12'x30' addition......loop shown in red....

Okay, Brian; Now I get it!!  Thank you for the answer!!

That's very cool Brian! Thank you for sharing, now I can see where your going! Looks like its going to be fun!

Randy at Downtown Deco ran this special so I decided to order it last week and it came today. It has a nice small foot print for my lower level. I already have the spot picked out for it. Pic...........Paul

Well I decided to open up the package and start putting this building together. It has been a long time since I worked from directions. I am using Elmer's wood glue so it is going to take some time to set up. ..Pics.........Paul

From the pictures it looks like a pharmacy! LOL

railhead53 posted:

Really worked on the railroad yesterday setting up a newly acquired ZW-L to replace my two ZW's.  Had to run some new wire under the layout as I have the railroad divided into two power districts and the ZW's were in different locations.  Now the ZW-L powers both districts.  I was up until 3:30 this morning running trains.  So I guess I did do something on the layout today! 

 

Tom, like the new vignette.  Well done!

 

Worked on my wesite this afternoon and wrote about the new ZW-L.  Bo 

 

Visit my website Bo's Trains at http://www.bostrains.com  

Hello Bo....missed you on some of the other sites. Thought you may have stopped modeling. Going to check out your  website to hopefully catch up on the MARS!

I saw railhead53's post, but didn't check out the link to bostrains.com.  Now I see it is my old friend from FaceBook Bo!!  I am with Howard, I miss seeing what you are doing on FB, but now I have the link to the website and know who you are with your OGR alias!!!  I'm glad to see you here, Bo!!!

Howard, You never cease to put up wonderful shots of your wonderful railroad!!  Those billboard reefers are the best!!!

So what did I do on the layout yesterday?  I was off work yesterday and today; being semi-retired, I was cut from 5 days to 3 days a week for a while.  I feel a bit more semi-retired now.  I couldn't clean up leaves yesterday because of the rain, I cleaned up the train room a bit to make room for lumber.  Yes, lumber!!  I boxed up all my buildings saved for the new layout and put them in the attic, since the summer heat is over.  

By afternoon, the rain had stopped, and since I had enough natural light, I cut off the breaker and wired in my two track lights.  It wasn't too bad, since fortunately the positions I wanted them in were between the same two joists as the main light.  I didn't want to put them on a separate switch, and I can add the dimmer switch later.  Between getting my cataracts removes, and the two track lights and main light, all LED lighting, I am almost blinded when I go in the room.  Therefore, I think that will be enough light once I position the track lights effectively. 

Looks good Mark, the room is nice a tidy and the track lighting looks to be nice a bright! Great Job! I noticed your working on an engine on you work bench, what is it and what's wrong? People want to know. LOL

                                                           ran some trains......

                                                    met with the inspector......

                                                    cleaned and painted.......

                                    now I have to get this side cleaned up.......

Looks good Brian, I bet the inspector is also happy! I have 2 questions for you. What is the height of your layout levels? and what is the framing under the saw horses for?

       Mike, that is framing started for the lower level of the layout......will be approx. 12'x30'

it will be a a large reverse loop with yard tracks....trains will start here, then climb about 900' of track at a 1% grade to the top level....          the mainline is basically a giant helix.....

WOW that is going to be impressive! Can't wait to see it come along!

mike g. posted:

Looks good Mark, the room is nice a tidy and the track lighting looks to be nice a bright! Great Job! I noticed your working on an engine on you work bench, what is it and what's wrong? People want to know. LOL

Mike, Thank you!  I try to keep things neat.  I'm a bit OCD, I guess.  The engine on the workbench is an MTH ProtoSound BL2, Western Maryland.  I am in the process of upgrading it to PS-3.  I'm dusting off some of my bench technician skills from earlier in my working days.  Now I just stare at a computer screen all day!  Keep your fingers crossed on the upgrade!  

I'm with Mike on the inspector's attitude!  I don't see any REJECT stamps in his paw, so things must be going okay!!  I'm also with Mike on the job you are doing.  Looking good!  You are an inspiration for me to get my benchwork going too!

Good luck with it Mark! Keep us posted!

Mark Boyce posted:

I saw railhead53's post, but didn't check out the link to bostrains.com.  Now I see it is my old friend from FaceBook Bo!!  I am with Howard, I miss seeing what you are doing on FB, but now I have the link to the website and know who you are with your OGR alias!!!  I'm glad to see you here, Bo!!!

Howard, You never cease to put up wonderful shots of your wonderful railroad!!  Those billboard reefers are the best!!!

Thanks Mark. I'm really glad we rediscovered our old friend Bo. My understanding is he took a 2 year hiatus from model railroading to recharge. Glad he's back and looking forward to progress on the MARS.

gandydancer1950 posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

I saw railhead53's post, but didn't check out the link to bostrains.com.  Now I see it is my old friend from FaceBook Bo!!  I am with Howard, I miss seeing what you are doing on FB, but now I have the link to the website and know who you are with your OGR alias!!!  I'm glad to see you here, Bo!!!

Howard, You never cease to put up wonderful shots of your wonderful railroad!!  Those billboard reefers are the best!!!

Thanks Mark. I'm really glad we rediscovered our old friend Bo. My understanding is he took a 2 year hiatus from model railroading to recharge. Glad he's back and looking forward to progress on the MARS.

Yes Howard, I do recall Bo said he needed to get away for a while.  I loved his stories he wrote about daily incidents on the railroad or in the community, and staged photos to go with the story!  Absolutely great!  And what a nice layout he has!!

Mark Boyce posted:

So what did I do on the layout yesterday?  I was off work yesterday and today; being semi-retired, I was cut from 5 days to 3 days a week for a while.  I feel a bit more semi-retired now.  I couldn't clean up leaves yesterday because of the rain, I cleaned up the train room a bit to make room for lumber.  Yes, lumber!!  I boxed up all my buildings saved for the new layout and put them in the attic, since the summer heat is over.  

By afternoon, the rain had stopped, and since I had enough natural light, I cut off the breaker and wired in my two track lights.  It wasn't too bad, since fortunately the positions I wanted them in were between the same two joists as the main light.  I didn't want to put them on a separate switch, and I can add the dimmer switch later.  Between getting my cataracts removes, and the two track lights and main light, all LED lighting, I am almost blinded when I go in the room.  Therefore, I think that will be enough light once I position the track lights effectively. 

Looks good Mark. The electrician approves .

Bob

Mark Boyce posted:

So what did I do on the layout yesterday?  I was off work yesterday and today; being semi-retired, I was cut from 5 days to 3 days a week for a while.  I feel a bit more semi-retired now.  I couldn't clean up leaves yesterday because of the rain, I cleaned up the train room a bit to make room for lumber.  Yes, lumber!!  I boxed up all my buildings saved for the new layout and put them in the attic, since the summer heat is over.  

By afternoon, the rain had stopped, and since I had enough natural light, I cut off the breaker and wired in my two track lights.  It wasn't too bad, since fortunately the positions I wanted them in were between the same two joists as the main light.  I didn't want to put them on a separate switch, and I can add the dimmer switch later.  Between getting my cataracts removes, and the two track lights and main light, all LED lighting, I am almost blinded when I go in the room.  Therefore, I think that will be enough light once I position the track lights effectively. 

Ok, its official. Mark is now a certified foamer         ↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑

...and I don't want to even talk about "track lights"..... because the fact they are on the ceiling isn't the only way they went over a head 

 Looking good Mark..... and everyone, even you, can see that now!

Not much layout work lately beyond looking at it. Kinda hit one of those dry spells that guys mention on here occasionally.

On the bright side it was sunny and 70 deg on LI yesterday so a round of golf was in order.

Ran into this little guy on the course. Unusual for central Nassau County to see deer. We are only 20 miles from NYC.

RSJB18 posted:

Not much layout work lately beyond looking at it. Kinda hit one of those dry spells that guys mention on here occasionally.

On the bright side it was sunny and 70 deg on LI yesterday so a round of golf was in order.

Bob,  Don’t wanna get too far off thread, but could the electrician go here and opine if the plan is viable?  Thx Ted

TedW posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Not much layout work lately beyond looking at it. Kinda hit one of those dry spells that guys mention on here occasionally.

On the bright side it was sunny and 70 deg on LI yesterday so a round of golf was in order.

Bob,  Don’t wanna get too far off thread, but could the electrician go here and opine if the plan is viable?  Thx Ted

Done....

Mark, you are off to a good start and before you know you will have a table in place. And now with work cut down you have a bit more time during the week to work on the layout. I hear ya. I have been retired for a number of years now and some days I think I am at work again because sometimes other pressing matters have to be taken care of first. Today I got a late start at relaxing ( doing something on or for the layout ) but I had to get the grocery shopping out of the way and then a quick run to Home Depot to get a few things. Like Flat white paint to do the deco building, double faced tape for the building flats, I learned that the glue dots don't work, and some more box knives for cutting black foam. So now I am waiting for the paint to dry so I can bring the building back in the house. Pics......Paul

TedW posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Not much layout work lately beyond looking at it. Kinda hit one of those dry spells that guys mention on here occasionally.

On the bright side it was sunny and 70 deg on LI yesterday so a round of golf was in order.

Bob,  Don’t wanna get too far off thread, but could the electrician go here and opine if the plan is viable?  Thx Ted

Ted, I see you got your answer!  I agree with what was posted on your other topic!

paul 2 posted:

Mark, you are off to a good start and before you know you will have a table in place. And now with work cut down you have a bit more time during the week to work on the layout. I hear ya. I have been retired for a number of years now and some days I think I am at work again because sometimes other pressing matters have to be taken care of first. Today I got a late start at relaxing ( doing something on or for the layout ) but I had to get the grocery shopping out of the way and then a quick run to Home Depot to get a few things. Like Flat white paint to do the deco building, double faced tape for the building flats, I learned that the glue dots don't work, and some more box knives for cutting black foam. So now I am waiting for the paint to dry so I can bring the building back in the house. Pics......Paul

Thank you, Paul!  Yes, I just got in from mowing some grass and trying to blow some leaves into a pile.  However, it got too windy to make any more headway.  Yesterday it was raining.

Looks like you got a good handle on that deco building.

Adriatic posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

So what did I do on the layout yesterday?  I was off work yesterday and today; being semi-retired, I was cut from 5 days to 3 days a week for a while.  I feel a bit more semi-retired now.  I couldn't clean up leaves yesterday because of the rain, I cleaned up the train room a bit to make room for lumber.  Yes, lumber!!  I boxed up all my buildings saved for the new layout and put them in the attic, since the summer heat is over.  

By afternoon, the rain had stopped, and since I had enough natural light, I cut off the breaker and wired in my two track lights.  It wasn't too bad, since fortunately the positions I wanted them in were between the same two joists as the main light.  I didn't want to put them on a separate switch, and I can add the dimmer switch later.  Between getting my cataracts removes, and the two track lights and main light, all LED lighting, I am almost blinded when I go in the room.  Therefore, I think that will be enough light once I position the track lights effectively. 

Ok, its official. Mark is now a certified foamer         ↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑

...and I don't want to even talk about "track lights"..... because the fact they are on the ceiling isn't the only way they went over a head 

 Looking good Mark..... and everyone, even you, can see that now!

Yes, I have been a foamer for a long time.  Back when we lived in Virginia from 1985 to 93, there were so many constructions jobs going on, that scraps blew out of trucks, and I was able to pick up all the blue and pink foam I needed.  The price certainly has gone up!    Actually the room looks brighter even at night than my smart phone camera showed.

Started track work on the upper leve; of the layout . The Curves are Gargraves preformed O89 diameter. Set out the track and adjusted to try and get the curvature of the track as preformed. Pretty close to the 089 curve. Depending on the joints as the sections are mated, you can get a minor variation . It should be fine for the Atlas California Zephyr which I plan to run on that level. 

Tommorrow a bit more tweaking and lay out the cork roadbed and maybe secure the track on the rioaadbed.  

looking forward to seeing this train run up there. 

Just hanging out in the train room, with my two grandchildren.

Gary

TrainroomGary, You sure have the layout at the perfect height for them. Wonderful. Their "body-English" speaks volumes, doesn't it.    FrankM

paul 2 posted:

Mark, you are off to a good start and before you know you will have a table in place. And now with work cut down you have a bit more time during the week to work on the layout. I hear ya. I have been retired for a number of years now and some days I think I am at work again because sometimes other pressing matters have to be taken care of first. Today I got a late start at relaxing ( doing something on or for the layout ) but I had to get the grocery shopping out of the way and then a quick run to Home Depot to get a few things. Like Flat white paint to do the deco building, double faced tape for the building flats, I learned that the glue dots don't work, and some more box knives for cutting black foam. So now I am waiting for the paint to dry so I can bring the building back in the house. Pics......Paul

Looks good Paul! but wouldn't it dry faster in the house! LOL

trainroomgary posted:

Just hanging out in the train room, with my two grandchildren.

Gary

Gary, trains and grandkids! Can't get much better then that! just the look on there faces is worth billions~!!!!

MIKE G, I figure I would take advantage of the nice windy day outside to air dry it faster LOL. So while doing laundry I got some diluted yellow ochre and started applying it to the walls. Waiting for that to sink in a bit I got out the Lionel 4 bay wood chip hoppers I just got to change out the loads. I put in ones from Don Kane. Then I went back and applied a second coat leaving open spots where mortar will go as a patch. I'll let that dry overnight and see what I have in the morning. This has been a new learning curve for me. I think the next building I am just going to spray each wall once instead of twice as I did with this building. Tomorrow it is off to a train show in Kirkland Ohio. It is basically a two rail show but I may find something nice that I can convert to three rail. Pics...............Paul

Paul,

Don's loads are always nice.  The building is looking more complete already.

Have a good time at Kirtland!!

Tested some signals.