What did you do on your layout today?

What a nice long, smooth running Polar Express train in Craig's video. The children must be ecstatic when they see that!

Had a few minutes before we leave to go out for dinner. I painted the blue on the Masonite. Then cleared off the table, vacuumed it off. Lined up my Foam board and hot knife to start doing the hill tonight or tomorrow. Pics..........Paul

briansilvermustang posted:

                                               heading to my workshop.....

                                         gonna tinker with some trains....

                                                                  

Peek a boo... 

Not on MY layout,but I just got home from an op session on a large On30 layout just north of where I live...

p51 posted:

Not on MY layout,but I just got home from an op session on a large On30 layout just north of where I live...

you On30 guys really do nice  work!

Mark Boyce posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

Elliot,

An excellent prototype for inspiration in Grand Forks!!  That will turn out great!!  I'll like to see a photograph of your steam excursion someday!!  

Well Mark, my Milwaukee Road 261 and the 21" K-line cars are still packed away. The UP 3985 is gathering dust on the layout awaiting the new Lionel UP excursion set (and the theater car). In lieu of model pics, I have some of the real thing. It's where I get my inspiration.

These first two were taken at Hastings, MN

Here she is heading north along the Mississippi on the CP main south of Red Wing.

This was Tammy's first train ride shortly after we met.

I spent much of that trip in the vestibule hanging out the window, collecting cinders in my hair.  I had wanted to use this picture as my forum avatar, but Rich nixed it twice before I bought a clue.

3985 has come to town a few times.

The Empress even came to town, so I bought the Weaver model.

Elliot,

Thank you for the great photographs!!  Looks like a great Forum avatar to me!!  :-)

Mark - I guess Rich didn't think it was a "recognizable" picture of me because it was a profile instead of straight on. No point in changing now, been using this one for over 5 years.

Dominic Mazoch posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I took the sheet of buffalo board that will go on top of the plywood, and proceeded to try and remember high school geometry.

Then I cut out the opening. The hole in the plywood deck will be round.

There is a very good chance that all of the backdrop, fascia, benchwork and track will be done by the end of the year!

Workin' on the railroad like this sure is hard work. Looks like you are making great progress on your masterpiece! You must get a great feeling of accomplishment when you are done for the day. 

Are those 1970's Amtrak posters on the wall?

Yup, those were given to me as partial payment for a layout that I built for a guy when I was living in Denver. I recently had them framed, after about 35 years. All that time loose, they ended up with minor water damage.

Here's a little better picture:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Workin' on the railroad like this sure is hard work. Looks like you are making great progress on your masterpiece! You must get a great feeling of accomplishment when you are done for the day. 

Thanks Arnold, it is a lot of work, but I love it. I don't just work my body, but my mind as well.

Most of my efforts today showed up in the form of a single sheet of paper coming off the printer (around 5 hours). I finished my  C/MRI - JMRI worksheet which names all the turnouts, signals and detectors, by bit position. Now I can transfer this information to the various detection panels and build the necessary signal panels. After that, the wiring is simply a matter of connecting the dots. It feels good to have it all planned out.

I have the Amtrak SW poster somewhere.

Seems like I do so little work on the train layout,  However I have found a lot of time to operate.

clem

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Workin' on the railroad like this sure is hard work. Looks like you are making great progress on your masterpiece! You must get a great feeling of accomplishment when you are done for the day. 

Thanks Arnold, it is a lot of work, but I love it. I don't just work my body, but my mind as well.

Most of my efforts today showed up in the form of a single sheet of paper coming off the printer (around 5 hours). I finished my  C/MRI - JMRI worksheet which names all the turnouts, signals and detectors, by bit position. Now I can transfer this information to the various detection panels and build the necessary signal panels. After that, the wiring is simply a matter of connecting the dots. It feels good to have it all planned out.

I think we are all frustrated engineers of sorts. The design and planning of the layout is so stimulating. When I designed mine about 15 years ago,  I used a mere pencil and paper, and occasionally a compass. You, on the other hand, are using computers and taking a scientific and sophisticated approach that will pay big dividends for you.

Set up around the tree. Oldest was enthralled. Took turns running the locomotive and the trolley. Just wish this train had a horn.  

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Workin' on the railroad like this sure is hard work. Looks like you are making great progress on your masterpiece! You must get a great feeling of accomplishment when you are done for the day. 

Thanks Arnold, it is a lot of work, but I love it. I don't just work my body, but my mind as well.

Most of my efforts today showed up in the form of a single sheet of paper coming off the printer (around 5 hours). I finished my  C/MRI - JMRI worksheet which names all the turnouts, signals and detectors, by bit position. Now I can transfer this information to the various detection panels and build the necessary signal panels. After that, the wiring is simply a matter of connecting the dots. It feels good to have it all planned out.

I think we are all frustrated engineers of sorts. The design and planning of the layout is so stimulating. When I designed mine about 15 years ago,  I used a mere pencil and paper, and occasionally a compass. You, on the other hand, are using computers and taking a scientific and sophisticated approach that will pay big dividends for you.

Actually, I designed my layout the same way you did, paper and pencil. The computer is for controlling various aspects of the layout. It will allow a dispatcher to keep track of all the trains more easily. Could you imagine controlling, 169 signal heads, over 200 detection blocks and 122 mainline turnouts, any other way?

Deuce posted:

Set up around the tree. Oldest was enthralled. Took turns running the locomotive and the trolley. Just wish this train had a horn.  

Awesome!

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Workin' on the railroad like this sure is hard work. Looks like you are making great progress on your masterpiece! You must get a great feeling of accomplishment when you are done for the day. 

Thanks Arnold, it is a lot of work, but I love it. I don't just work my body, but my mind as well.

Most of my efforts today showed up in the form of a single sheet of paper coming off the printer (around 5 hours). I finished my  C/MRI - JMRI worksheet which names all the turnouts, signals and detectors, by bit position. Now I can transfer this information to the various detection panels and build the necessary signal panels. After that, the wiring is simply a matter of connecting the dots. It feels good to have it all planned out.

I think we are all frustrated engineers of sorts. The design and planning of the layout is so stimulating. When I designed mine about 15 years ago,  I used a mere pencil and paper, and occasionally a compass. You, on the other hand, are using computers and taking a scientific and sophisticated approach that will pay big dividends for you.

Actually, I designed my layout the same way you did, paper and pencil. The computer is for controlling various aspects of the layout. It will allow a dispatcher to keep track of all the trains more easily. Could you imagine controlling, 169 signal heads, over 200 detection blocks and 122 mainline turnouts, any other way?

Sounds like a railroad empire. What fun! One of my train buddies, who is heavily involved with the Catskill tourist train that is now doing Polar Express, recently told me that trains are all about excess: the more, the better, and no matter how big the layout, and you are clearly building a huge one, it is never big enough.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Workin' on the railroad like this sure is hard work. Looks like you are making great progress on your masterpiece! You must get a great feeling of accomplishment when you are done for the day. 

Thanks Arnold, it is a lot of work, but I love it. I don't just work my body, but my mind as well.

Most of my efforts today showed up in the form of a single sheet of paper coming off the printer (around 5 hours). I finished my  C/MRI - JMRI worksheet which names all the turnouts, signals and detectors, by bit position. Now I can transfer this information to the various detection panels and build the necessary signal panels. After that, the wiring is simply a matter of connecting the dots. It feels good to have it all planned out.

I think we are all frustrated engineers of sorts. The design and planning of the layout is so stimulating. When I designed mine about 15 years ago,  I used a mere pencil and paper, and occasionally a compass. You, on the other hand, are using computers and taking a scientific and sophisticated approach that will pay big dividends for you.

Actually, I designed my layout the same way you did, paper and pencil. The computer is for controlling various aspects of the layout. It will allow a dispatcher to keep track of all the trains more easily. Could you imagine controlling, 169 signal heads, over 200 detection blocks and 122 mainline turnouts, any other way?

Sounds like a railroad empire. What fun! One of my train buddies, who is heavily involved with the Catskill tourist train that is now doing Polar Express, recently told me that trains are all about excess: the more, the better, and no matter how big the layout, and you are clearly building a huge one, it is never big enough.

Lately I have been describing my layout to people as "a railroad simulator". I look at train buying in terms of a well balanced fleet of cars and enough engines to pull them. It's really about logistics, and how loads get from one place to another. With the size of my layout, I think there are enough possibilities, where I don't need it any bigger.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Deuce posted:

Set up around the tree. Oldest was enthralled. Took turns running the locomotive and the trolley. Just wish this train had a horn.  

Awesome!

Yeah, he was really into it. I think he's going to be surprised when he sees Thomas the Train running under the tree on Christmas morning!

This evening, I was saying "I wish this train had a horn." and my son looked at me and said "I can do it Daddy! Toot toot!" Melted my heart.

Deuce posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Deuce posted:

Set up around the tree. Oldest was enthralled. Took turns running the locomotive and the trolley. Just wish this train had a horn.  

Awesome!

Yeah, he was really into it. I think he's going to be surprised when he sees Thomas the Train running under the tree on Christmas morning!

This evening, I was saying "I wish this train had a horn." and my son looked at me and said "I can do it Daddy! Toot toot!" Melted my heart.

That's beautiful.

Ran some test trains on the first tracks in place....I'll admit it ain't much....but baby steps!! 

Deuce posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Deuce posted:

Set up around the tree. Oldest was enthralled. Took turns running the locomotive and the trolley. Just wish this train had a horn.  

Awesome!

Yeah, he was really into it. I think he's going to be surprised when he sees Thomas the Train running under the tree on Christmas morning!

This evening, I was saying "I wish this train had a horn." and my son looked at me and said "I can do it Daddy! Toot toot!" Melted my heart.

Gotta get him one of these

At least your running trains! That's one big baby step! Happy for you!

Deuce posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Deuce posted:

Set up around the tree. Oldest was enthralled. Took turns running the locomotive and the trolley. Just wish this train had a horn.  

Awesome!

Yeah, he was really into it. I think he's going to be surprised when he sees Thomas the Train running under the tree on Christmas morning!

This evening, I was saying "I wish this train had a horn." and my son looked at me and said "I can do it Daddy! Toot toot!" Melted my heart.

That reminds me of our two daughters when they were that age.  They are 22 months apart, and they used the empty wrapping paper rolls as "tooters".  

Now they are both grown and married.

AMCDave posted:

Ran some test trains on the first tracks in place....I'll admit it ain't much....but baby steps!! 

Looking great, Dave!!!

AMC DAVE, the pic with the two engines on the curve are they your biggest engines for checking overhang. What is the center to center spacing in that area. If that is going to be your permanent track if you have some of the Lionel scale Auto racks, High cubes or the 21 inch passengers cars I would check to make sure they don't overhang too close to the inner track and the engine cabs or fronts would hit...........Paul

Little boys all love trains. I've never met one that, once he was in the presence of an O Gauge train and layout, didn't love it. I also believe that little girls, by and large, feel the same way about our trains.

Councidentally, my daughter and son, both now adults, are also 22 months apart.

Bought a 1” x 8” x 10’ for a front/side fascia that I painted with chalkboard and will have someone more creative than I draw a steamer and cars on the 8’ front section.  I started dismantle to make the move up to family room for display in a week or so.  Kinda sad to move trains off.

Ted, Yes it does seem a shame to move the trains off, but it will look great upstairs!!  Congratulation of the fine photograph in the latest issue of OGR magazine!!!!!!

Mark Boyce posted:

Ted, Yes it does seem a shame to move the trains off, but it will look great upstairs!!  Congratulation of the fine photograph in the latest issue of OGR magazine!!!!!!

Thx       Has changed some since then as you all know.

No worries Ted. All your hard work is about to finally pay off when the tree is decorated above your masterpiece!

Bob

RSJB18 posted:

No worries Ted. All your hard work is about to finally pay off when the tree is decorated above your masterpiece!

Bob

  That might be a little strong...  Maybe go with “not bad for a beginner”

TedW posted:

RSJB18 posted:

No worries Ted. All your hard work is about to finally pay off when the tree is decorated above your masterpiece!

Bob

  That might be a little strong...  Maybe go with “not bad for a beginner”

You're too humble Ted

TedW posted:

RSJB18 posted:

No worries Ted. All your hard work is about to finally pay off when the tree is decorated above your masterpiece!

Bob

  That might be a little strong...  Maybe go with “not bad for a beginner”

Ted, In all sincerity, it is quite good for a beginner!!

With all the talk on the OGR Forum about MTH, no longer manufacturing the handheld remote. Today I backed up the remote. Below is an overview of the process.

This has to be done if you are going to add a second remote to your layout. Just follow the computer prompts on the MTH web site.

Gary

Finally felt good to get something done on the layout. After three days of raking today I got the last of the leaves to the street. I started working on the hill/cliff. While laying it out I cut a piece of cardboard placing it over the track. This is where the coal loader will be. It looks like I am going to have to do this in two sections. The furthest back is too hard to reach to apply plaster wrap to. So I'll do at least half and maybe scenic it then tie it all in together because the rest will be glued in place. Pics............Paul

Looks good Paul, just make sure you check your clearance! LOL

Did a brief article on tuning up FastTrack!  

https://ogrforum.com/...ne-up-that-fasttrack

Mitch 

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Little boys all love trains. I've never met one that, once he was in the presence of an O Gauge train and layout, didn't love it. I also believe that little girls, by and large, feel the same way about our trains.

Councidentally, my daughter and son, both now adults, are also 22 months apart.

I could not agree more. But one thing needs mention is kids of ALL ages cannot walk past a model train display without stopping and watching with fascination. Moms, dads, grandmas  and grandpas all seem to go back in time and become children once again while watching toy trains. I know that when I go down to my train room all lifes problems seem to disappear for that short time. Makes my life simple and uncomplicated in that little world that I created.

Very well said, Howard!

paul 2 posted:

AMC DAVE, the pic with the two engines on the curve are they your biggest engines for checking overhang. What is the center to center spacing in that area. If that is going to be your permanent track if you have some of the Lionel scale Auto racks, High cubes or the 21 inch passengers cars I would check to make sure they don't overhang too close to the inner track and the engine cabs or fronts would hit...........Paul

Just over 4.5" center to center....outside track works out to almost O-82.  I was using these guys just to test as I go. I did get the UP Big Boy out tonight and it MAY be limited to the outside track.....but it cleared everything so far. No 86 ft cars or 21" passengers on my layout.....so I think I'm OK. Thx

                                                   worked some on the layout......

                                                      and ran some trains...