What did you do on your layout today?

Earlier in the week  

Last nights progress. I am going for a retro 1950's look.

Great video Sam, I had seen it before, but that's one in can watch over and over again! Love the remote truck!

Rick Bivins posted:

Earlier in the week  

Last nights progress. I am going for a retro 1950's look.

Rick the bench work looks great! I cant help you with the Retro 50's as that was before my time!

Rick, your NYC sign looks like it may have come off one the Flexi-Van trailers.

                                             above:  Rick Bivins photo...

Boo Man posted:

Been working on my yard for the last several weeks.  Finally got all the ballast in.  Built 5 kits (4 buildings/structures and the water tower) for the yard.  Still have to weather the kits and have to work on detailing the yard in the coming weeks.  Also have some electrical to do.  Because of the length of the yard, I used wide angle and fisheye lenses for these pictures.  The distortion is intentional.  

Bob, everything in your yard looks absolutely great!!!

John D. posted:

John D. posted:

Someone posted on the Facebook Tips and Tricks group something about braided fishing line that comes in black and actually has a realistic sag to it.  I can't find the post right now...I'll keep looking.

Two seconds after I hit "post" I tried a search for "braided line" in facebook and found this post:

Link:

 

https://www.amazon.com/PLUSINN...ativeASIN=B01MQYM7LU

 

TinyURL:

https://tinyurl.com/y7eq797y

 

John, I missed that topic on Tips and Tricks.  Thank you!!!  Although, I won't get to that point for a long time, and by then my arthritis will be so bad, I'll end up in Torrance State Mental Hospital!  

Last evening I actually got some time to watch Bob Phillips on TM Legacy video and got my Western Maryland GP7 programmed with my new Legacy system.  I had them working on a used TMCC controller I bought from gunrunnerjohn a couple years ago.  Everything else I have is DCS. 

No video because I have a full yard, so to speak with freight and passenger cars I moved onto the Ceiling Central RR to make room for Christmas trains on the multi-function 4x8 RR.  I still have to do my WM F7 ABA set.  I'm still trying to moves stuff around so I don't break something when I start bringing lumber in for the new layout build.  

briansilvermustang posted:

                                             above:  Rick Bivins photo...

 

I believe that is correct. I wish I had the "Flexi-Van" sign as well. 

Rick

mike g. posted:

Rick Bivins posted:

Earlier in the week  

Last nights progress. I am going for a retro 1950's look.

Rick the bench work looks great! I cant help you with the Retro 50's as that was before my time!

Before my time as well...but I was born in the wrong era!!!

Rick.

Rick Bivins posted:

briansilvermustang posted:

                                             above:  Rick Bivins photo...

 

I believe that is correct. I wish I had the "Flexi-Van" sign as well. 

Rick

samparfitt posted:

This video is impressive, especially at time line 3:20.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...amp;feature=youtu.be    

Sam

 

Exquisite modelling work!   

Mitch 

I've spent a good chunk of the last three days plowing through the Scenic Express catalog, all 300+ pages. Big project! I have tons of Woodland Scenics materials packed away, but the static grasses look so much better. I'll still use the old stuff, but the newer materials should add a real pop.

It's a very handy feature that S.E. has where you can create a wish list. I filled mine up with a bunch of items, and many times all the colors, because I'm modelling all four seasons. Soon as I'm done with this post, I'm going to fill my cart with a monster order.

In prep for scenery, the cardboard and plaster cloth treatment continued yesterday.

I added plywood strips to the back of the fascia for a stapling surface.

Then got ten feet of cardboard installed.

I only got four feet of it covered with the plaster cloth, but the rest should be quick.

There are just a few more holes in Newport left to fill. Then I'll probably go back around the corner to Cottage Grove, and fill it in.

The plaster cloth that did get done.

The other thing I worked on was the fascia above Red Wing, filling in all the holes. A little sanding and it's ready for paint.

Got my former battery terminal puller, now wheel and gear puller, back from the machine shop yesterday.  Have already pulled the flywheel from the above Lionel Polar Express motor, soon to be repowering my Razorback Traction Bowser Birney (which has had a cracked gear replaced by a gear from a donor truck)...

Mitch 

Looking good Elliot!

Mitch hats off to you, I would never think of going that far! I would have to send it out to get it fixed!

Elliot, it is all starting to come together. Scenic Express is my number one go to for materials........Paul

Mark Boyce posted:

Bob, everything in your yard looks absolutely great!!!

Thanks Mark and Mike for the comments.  Always nice to hear good comments.  

mike g. posted:

Mitch hats off to you, I would never think of going that far! I would have to send it out to get it fixed!

Well, being impoverished, I need to shift for myself, repairs-wise...  ^.^ 

In other news, someone on another forum asked if, since Fortescue was riding alongside Batman,  this made him the new Robin. 

The answer, of course, is, "Why...yes.  Yes, he is!" 

Mitch 

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I've spent a good chunk of the last three days plowing through the Scenic Express catalog, all 300+ pages. Big project! I have tons of Woodland Scenics materials packed away, but the static grasses look so much better. I'll still use the old stuff, but the newer materials should add a real pop.

The other thing I worked on was the fascia above Red Wing, filling in all the holes. A little sanding and it's ready for paint.

Elliot, fun to see the landscape fill in around your track work.  Are you top dressing your plaster cloth with Sculptamold modeling compound?   I used it and it provides a nice texture and it is ideal for filling in small gaps near the roadbed, around rock castings, etc.  BTW, did you find a solution for hiding the two backdrop openings behind the lead up to the hump yard?    Dave

Boo Man posted:

Been working on my yard for the last several weeks.  Finally got all the ballast in.  Built 5 kits (4 buildings/structures and the water tower) for the yard.  Still have to weather the kits and have to work on detailing the yard in the coming weeks.  Also have some electrical to do.  Because of the length of the yard, I used wide angle and fisheye lenses for these pictures.  The distortion is intentional.  

Hey Bob...

Who's Diesel Shop is that?

Is it a Berkshire Valley?

Regardless, what paint did you use for the concrete. It looks great!!

Donald

paul 2 posted:

Elliot, it is all starting to come together. Scenic Express is my number one go to for materials........Paul

Thanks Mike.

Paul, the deed is done, order placed. It went into four figures. Now we wait, then the fun really begins!

WOW Elliot things are going to change fast!

darlander posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I've spent a good chunk of the last three days plowing through the Scenic Express catalog, all 300+ pages. Big project! I have tons of Woodland Scenics materials packed away, but the static grasses look so much better. I'll still use the old stuff, but the newer materials should add a real pop.

The other thing I worked on was the fascia above Red Wing, filling in all the holes. A little sanding and it's ready for paint.

Elliot, fun to see the landscape fill in around your track work.  Are you top dressing your plaster cloth with Sculptamold modeling compound?   I used it and it provides a nice texture and it is ideal for filling in small gaps near the roadbed, around rock castings, etc.  BTW, did you find a solution for hiding the two backdrop openings behind the lead up to the hump yard?    Dave

I was just going to go with a top coat of plaster of Paris. I'm looking for mainly smooth terrain, so I'll use my taping knife.

Except for the snow area, I'll add some brown to the mix in case of chipping.

I don't plan on rock castings, for the little bit of rock I need, I was going to mix up some Durabond, like we did back at enterTRAINment. You carve it just as it begins to set. Tint that too.

I haven't really looked at those openings again. Been working over in the next aisle.

3rail 2 posted:

Boo Man posted:

Been working on my yard for the last several weeks.  Finally got all the ballast in.  Built 5 kits (4 buildings/structures and the water tower) for the yard.  Still have to weather the kits and have to work on detailing the yard in the coming weeks.  Also have some electrical to do.  Because of the length of the yard, I used wide angle and fisheye lenses for these pictures.  The distortion is intentional.  

Hey Bob...

Who's Diesel Shop is that?

Is it a Berkshire Valley?

Regardless, what paint did you use for the concrete. It looks great!!

Donald

 

Don,

It is Bershire Valley's, but I used .125 styrene for the roof and used trusses from plastruct to support the roof.  The kits cardboard roof sags rather quickly and has no support from the perimeter wood.  

I used Rustoleum camo.  The concrete pad in front and back were painted with Uline spray paint.   I still have to chalk and detail it yet.   

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

darlander posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I've spent a good chunk of the last three days plowing through the Scenic Express catalog, all 300+ pages. Big project! I have tons of Woodland Scenics materials packed away, but the static grasses look so much better. I'll still use the old stuff, but the newer materials should add a real pop.

The other thing I worked on was the fascia above Red Wing, filling in all the holes. A little sanding and it's ready for paint.

Elliot, fun to see the landscape fill in around your track work.  Are you top dressing your plaster cloth with Sculptamold modeling compound?   I used it and it provides a nice texture and it is ideal for filling in small gaps near the roadbed, around rock castings, etc.  BTW, did you find a solution for hiding the two backdrop openings behind the lead up to the hump yard?    Dave

I was just going to go with a top coat of plaster of Paris. I'm looking for mainly smooth terrain, so I'll use my taping knife.

Except for the snow area, I'll add some brown to the mix in case of chipping.

I don't plan on rock castings, for the little bit of rock I need, I was going to mix up some Durabond, like we did back at enterTRAINment. You carve it just as it begins to set. Tint that too.

I haven't really looked at those openings again. Been working over in the next aisle.

Sounds good, keep up the good pace!   My experience with Durabond is that it very strong but difficult to sand or carve.   Your carving it before it sets would be the only way - didn't think of that.    I have used it to set the tape when taping sheet rock joints.    It even hardens under water, like concrete.    The other nice thing is that it comes in a variety of set times, i.e. 90 min, 120 min, etc.   Sorry to bother you with questions and post replies - now get back to work!     Dave

P.S.  I'm enjoying the warm spell.   Got my Taconite plant yard track ballasted today in the garage.   Need to get it back on the layout later tonight as our great-grand-son is coming to see the trains tomorrow!   Also applied the finish coat to my plant buildings.  

darlander posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

darlander posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I've spent a good chunk of the last three days plowing through the Scenic Express catalog, all 300+ pages. Big project! I have tons of Woodland Scenics materials packed away, but the static grasses look so much better. I'll still use the old stuff, but the newer materials should add a real pop.

The other thing I worked on was the fascia above Red Wing, filling in all the holes. A little sanding and it's ready for paint.

Elliot, fun to see the landscape fill in around your track work.  Are you top dressing your plaster cloth with Sculptamold modeling compound?   I used it and it provides a nice texture and it is ideal for filling in small gaps near the roadbed, around rock castings, etc.  BTW, did you find a solution for hiding the two backdrop openings behind the lead up to the hump yard?    Dave

I was just going to go with a top coat of plaster of Paris. I'm looking for mainly smooth terrain, so I'll use my taping knife.

Except for the snow area, I'll add some brown to the mix in case of chipping.

I don't plan on rock castings, for the little bit of rock I need, I was going to mix up some Durabond, like we did back at enterTRAINment. You carve it just as it begins to set. Tint that too.

I haven't really looked at those openings again. Been working over in the next aisle.

Sounds good, keep up the good pace!   My experience with Durabond is that it very strong but difficult to sand or carve.   Your carving it before it sets would be the only way - didn't think of that.    I have used it to set the tape when taping sheet rock joints.    It even hardens under water, like concrete.    The other nice thing is that it comes in a variety of set times, i.e. 90 min, 120 min, etc.   Sorry to bother you with questions and post replies - now get back to work!     Dave

P.S.  I'm enjoying the warm spell.   Got my Taconite plant yard track ballasted today in the garage.   Need to get it back on the layout later tonight as our great-grand-son is coming to see the trains tomorrow!   Also applied the finish coat to my plant buildings.  

Dave, my consecutive days worked streak, with at least one hour, and many 5 - 8 hour days,is well into its fourth month. The last day I didn't work was October 9th. Dialysis days, MWF, I'm usually so wiped out after dinner, that I don't go downstairs. Those days I try to get in between 1 - 3 hours during my run. If I don't, I make a point to get in some time after my nap. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are the big days. Sundays are a tossup. This week I expect a short day.

Usually, you want your Durabond to go on fairly smooth when you apply it as directed. otta think outside the box or bag as it were. I want to say we used 45. I still have a couple 25 year old bags downstairs. Wonder if they are still powder or have gone solid.

Anxious to see the latest pics of the Taconite plant. It really looked great the last time I saw it.

Took a ride to Menards this afternoon to take advantage of their 15%  off if it fits in the bag. But as my luck goes I got everything on my list except they only had one bottle of white glue left. So I bought the bag and at the top of my list was a two step step ladder. Well being a person who will try something I placed the ladder in the bag and it fit but it hung out the top a bit. Cashier tried to scan it but it didn't work so I had to pay regular price but that was alright because I needed it so I could reach and start working on the larger tables. I also got the second and last side painted a second coat on the girder so when it dries I can put it in place. Pics............Paul

luvindemtrains posted:

Mo985 posted:

Busy busy 'round the P&L.

All the track is laid, powered, and switches wired, but only half of it is ballasted. Shifting focus to scenery.

Township was out patching holes, and finished painting the grade crossings. Also, prepping for crossing signal placement. 

Got my Pepsi plant in last week. Didn't fit where I had planned originally, so added some track after my better half pointed out that the lights and signs should be seen from the front. Working on some scratch built flats for the empty wall area and siding in the background. 

Got the power company trucks labeled, next is some color and weathering.

Got the hill up to Linglestown roughed in, and the auto tunnel installed

And lastly, the zoning board approved our plans for a new gas station. We expect groundbreaking as soon as the ground thaws.

Mo,

The roads at your grade crossings are well done. Please share your technique.

Dave

Dave,

I wrote up a thread on it, which you can find here.

paul 2 posted:

Took a ride to Menards this afternoon to take advantage of their 15%  off if it fits in the bag. But as my luck goes I got everything on my list except they only had one bottle of white glue left. So I bought the bag and at the top of my list was a two step step ladder. Well being a person who will try something I placed the ladder in the bag and it fit but it hung out the top a bit. Cashier tried to scan it but it didn't work so I had to pay regular price but that was alright because I needed it so I could reach and start working on the larger tables. I also got the second and last side painted a second coat on the girder so when it dries I can put it in place. Pics............Paul

All in all it sounds like a good day Paul!

Boo Man posted:

3rail 2 posted:

Boo Man posted:

Been working on my yard for the last several weeks.  Finally got all the ballast in.  Built 5 kits (4 buildings/structures and the water tower) for the yard.  Still have to weather the kits and have to work on detailing the yard in the coming weeks.  Also have some electrical to do.  Because of the length of the yard, I used wide angle and fisheye lenses for these pictures.  The distortion is intentional.  

 

Hey Bob...

Who's Diesel Shop is that?

Is it a Berkshire Valley?

Regardless, what paint did you use for the concrete. It looks great!!

Donald

 

Don,

It is Bershire Valley's, but I used .125 styrene for the roof and used trusses from plastruct to support the roof.  The kits cardboard roof sags rather quickly and has no support from the perimeter wood.  

I used Rustoleum camo.  The concrete pad in front and back were painted with Uline spray paint.   I still have to chalk and detail it yet.   

 

Excellent Bob. Thank you very much for the information. I have one to build and now I know how to make it look good!

Sorry if it turns out a replica but I will give all credit to you!

Donald

Not much,  just run trains all afternoon !!   Thanks Rick & Rick   that was fun.    

Thanks to the good weather (40 degrees F) the past two days, I was able to work in the garage.  The taconite rail yard received lights and the tracks are ballasted.  Still have scenic work to do but needed to relocate the summit back to the layout as we are entertaining our great-grandson tomorrow. I use to claim all are grand kids as “Greats”.   Our children are wonderful, but grand kids are GREAT! But now we have a real 2 year old great-grandson, and it is really Great plus, he loves trains!

I have much more scenery to add to the summit and the buildings have been painted but no weathering at this point.   I am taking baby steps and will get that done later this summer.   I need to connect the building and yard lights to power plus add trees, ground cover and greenery.   Ordered an Atheran HO DM&IR SD38AC to do the switching duties at the Mountain Iron Taconite Plant.   That is scheduled for a July arrival.

I also changed out all my switch and track power switches.   I converted all to rocker switches as the toggles would occasionally get caught on clothing, belt loops, etc.   Now I have smooth passages as I move around the layout.    With the DCS system and using hand held iPads and phones for train control, there is no longer a need for a central control panel.   Plus having switch controls located around the layout, provides young & old engineers an active role in operating the railroad.

Better get to bed and rest up for tomorrows arrival of the active two year old!

Dave

GOOD NIGHT!

Dave, It all looks great!!

Adding walls to my ore dock.

Before:

After.

Only dry fitted.  Still need to add the chutes.

For more details see:

https://ogrforum.com/...06#77593417088413406

Today, I finally unpacked my new Golden Gate Depot SP Harriman coaches and tried them on the layout. I just used the closest engine, an SP H-12-44, but we will probably use our SP GP-9 or SP Consolidation when we run our passenger train. These cars are very nice and were worth waiting for a year and a half to receive. They run well. 

Dave, sure is nice to hear your getting better weather back there! the time it gave you to do some work turned out looking wonderful!

Sam, that is one amazing ore Dock! Did you scratch build it? Not that I am going to, its just great!

John, nice looking cars and thanks for the little video! Its always fun to see others layouts on video!

Mitch dare I ask?  If Fortescue is the new Robin, does that make you the new Batman?

I applied a light coating of joint compound to the new addition so as to give a smoother texture. And hopefully hide the wood grain. 

Rick