What did you do on your layout today?

Deuce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Deuce posted:

We're moving right along. Paul hooked me up yet again, so I swapped my old crummy O27 for the better stuff he sent me.

I fixed the other Marx Switch Tower (the brake light tape works well) and moved it to the other side of the track. Got the accessory transformer in place and in phase and I'm ready to run the bus wires.

I had purchased a couple of blinking yellow LEDs that could be used with the Just Plug system. Broke out one of my Plasticville Signal Bridges and I think it'll look ok. I'm going to hot glue that LED in place.

Deuce.  I ran my grounds from transformer to transformer.  Uses a lot less wire.     The went directly from the transformer to the bus wire.   When I ran my last bus, I drilled holes in the bench work big enough to slide wire through.   So when I had to take it apart my dang crimp on ends wouldn't fit through the holes, nor would my solder joints to drops connected to the track from the bus wire.     BOOOO   silly Jim!!   Learned a lesson lol 

Jim 

Jim, happy birthday!

As for wire ... well, I have a bunch of it. More than I may likely ever need (even after I expand) so a few extra inches won't kill me (or the budget) at the moment.

I didn't do much on the layout today other than wire a few of the accessories prior to drilling holes and getting them under the layout. My issue is what I'm going to do with the controller wires. I think I could slip them under the tracks. That would be "less intrusive". If I drill, the holes will have to be pretty freaking big. I don't feel like drilling a 1/2" hole in the layout (three of them to be exact).

I wired mine that way just to keep from having a bunch of wires.    And I may be picky but the first thing I see on a layout is wiring that you can see. 

And cars driving down a road with no people in it lol   Cant find a nice way to say that so I tossed it in here where its not aimed at anybody : )   

Id drill the holes and them fill them with silly putty or something. IMO.  My table tops are going to have a bunch of holes in them lol 

Jim 

Mostly cleanup today. Worked on my small control panel a bit as well. It'll have the three uncoupling track "momentary on" buttons, along with the SPST switch to power the short siding. 

Also received the PRR industrial switcher. It's a bottom of the line LC so I can't expect much. Not much in terms of sounds, and it flies when not loaded down, which will make the initial coupling a bit "interesting". Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see.

And my CW80 is making odd noises. I assume it's the fan. No idea how long it'll hold up. I noticed that TinMan3Rail has good prices on refurbished KW and ZW transformers.

Also, I think this little switcher might be my first "weathering" attempt, when I eventually get around to that.

Shot a couple photos.

Deuce posted:

... Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see... Said no one EVER   

 

 

Apples55 posted:

Deuce posted:

... Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see...

 Said no one EVER   

I'm trying to pump the brakes ... give me some credit at least.

briansilvermustang posted:

Pretty clever B...

thanks Ted !

Deuce posted:

Mostly cleanup today. Worked on my small control panel a bit as well. It'll have the three uncoupling track "momentary on" buttons, along with the SPST switch to power the short siding. 

Also received the PRR industrial switcher. It's a bottom of the line LC so I can't expect much. Not much in terms of sounds, and it flies when not loaded down, which will make the initial coupling a bit "interesting". Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see.

And my CW80 is making odd noises. I assume it's the fan. No idea how long it'll hold up. I noticed that TinMan3Rail has good prices on refurbished KW and ZW transformers.

Also, I think this little switcher might be my first "weathering" attempt, when I eventually get around to that.

Deuce is that a bluetooth engine?    They say that they run much better on a smart phone.  

Jim

carsntrains posted:

Deuce posted:

Mostly cleanup today. Worked on my small control panel a bit as well. It'll have the three uncoupling track "momentary on" buttons, along with the SPST switch to power the short siding. 

Also received the PRR industrial switcher. It's a bottom of the line LC so I can't expect much. Not much in terms of sounds, and it flies when not loaded down, which will make the initial coupling a bit "interesting". Whether it curbs the urge to grab an E33 or not, we shall see.

And my CW80 is making odd noises. I assume it's the fan. No idea how long it'll hold up. I noticed that TinMan3Rail has good prices on refurbished KW and ZW transformers.

Also, I think this little switcher might be my first "weathering" attempt, when I eventually get around to that.

Deuce is that a bluetooth engine?    They say that they run much better on a smart phone.  

Jim

I don't think so. None of the documentation lists BT functionality.

trumptrain posted:

Shot a couple photos.

Patrick, what manufacture and model is your N&W J????

Ron

Got 8 hours in yesterday, but it didn't feel like I got much done. Ballasting just seems to drag on and on, and there's so much of it left to do.

I'm almost done with the mains in the 44th Avenue scene. I also got three of the switches and part of the yard at the far end. Out of frame at the bottom, I had to deal with a good sized hole in the benchwork, so it could hold the ballast.

The mains beyond the stick are also glued.

I ballasted and glued about nine feet on the lower level. It's a little hard to see, but I glued some pieces of foam in place, as a base for the scenery and a ballast and glue dam.

This is where I put that bead of caulk in Sunday, to give the ballast a ledge to cling to. The section to the left looks pretty good. To the right, it needs another round, but it' working.

I finally got back to Newport and did more of the plaster cloth. There are just a couple small spots left, but I didn't feel like opening a new roll. My day had been long enough at that point.

Well, when I write it all down for you like this, maybe I did get a bunch done.

mitch, I want some of those!!!

why? Because they look kewl 👀 

That's a lot for one man for sure Elliot! Looking good.

Bob

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Kerrigan posted:

Test ran the new Legacy NW2 switcher, back from warranty repair at "the Lionel dealer".  After about two minutes the grinding got louder, so I stopped it and when I removed it from the rail the rear truck fell off, dangling by the coupler wire.   Called Lionel who said send it to us this time ... and that this "model" is much nosier than the other engines Lionel offers.  At least this time I don't have to pay shipping .... Don't think we'll be buying more ... this is the 5th new engine in a row we've had to immediately send in for repairs.  Enough is enough.

That’s outrageous.

Lionel was kind and sent a pre-paid return label so it's on it's way to them via FedEx. 

Just taking random shots on the layout last night...

Spectacular Lee. In B&W it looks like a real service station. The lighting is just right.

Bob

Lee, your random shots are all great!!!!

Yesterday I thought I would of gotten my Balsa wood but I talked myself out of it. Plus I didn't have the 40% coupon with me. This morning  I added another coat of earth color so that area is done. While I was down there I had an Atlas car that was converted into a wood chip car. At the time I bought it a year or so ago I had bought it along with a bunch of Weaver wood chip hopper kits. I thought at the time it was the one Weaver did for Brentwood Antiques a number of years back ( car was a BAR ). I kept it but was always bothered by the trucks under it which made it sit too high. So today I finally had the trucks to replace those. I used Weaver trucks I picked up on EBAY. Getting the old trucks off was a bit tedious.  On one truck the screw would not come out. So I had to take the car apart to see what was wrong. The plastic fitting was turning in the hole so I decided to pull both of them out and add a drop of glue to hold them in place. That did the trick but I had to wait for the mail to come. I found place with the help of the forum to get the right size screws. So now the car is done, I took pictures of before and after to show how the car sat and sits now. The trucks on there were MTH trucks which had a high bolster and with the Weaver trucks it sits much lower. So hopefully later tonight I can apply some ground foam and work with the Balsa wood to make my approached to the track. Pics..............Paul

Elliot, you got a boat load of stuff done! More then most of us would do in a day!  Looks GREAT! 

Elliot, when you have a slow day the next day you more then make up for it. Really taking shape plus you are getting more to the fun stuff......scenery, not so much ballasting. So I forgot to mention something in my last post. What is the best way to cut Balsa wood, Especially cross grain to get a neat cut. Any help is appreciated. Thanks Paul

paul 2 posted:

Yesterday I thought I would of gotten my Balsa wood but I talked myself out of it. Plus I didn't have the 40% coupon with me. This morning  I added another coat of earth color so that area is done. While I was down there I had an Atlas car that was converted into a wood chip car. At the time I bought it a year or so ago I had bought it along with a bunch of Weaver wood chip hopper kits. I thought at the time it was the one Weaver did for Brentwood Antiques a number of years back ( car was a BAR ). I kept it but was always bothered by the trucks under it which made it sit too high. So today I finally had the trucks to replace those. I used Weaver trucks I picked up on EBAY. Getting the old trucks off was a bit tedious.  On one truck the screw would not come out. So I had to take the car apart to see what was wrong. The plastic fitting was turning in the hole so I decided to pull both of them out and add a drop of glue to hold them in place. That did the trick but I had to wait for the mail to come. I found place with the help of the forum to get the right size screws. So now the car is done, I took pictures of before and after to show how the car sat and sits now. The trucks on there were MTH trucks which had a high bolster and with the Weaver trucks it sits much lower. So hopefully later tonight I can apply some ground foam and work with the Balsa wood to make my approached to the track. Pics..............Paul

Hobby Lobby? Download the Hobby Lobby app and you'll always have a 40% off coupon with you.  I did that yesterday to grab a second Just Plug light hub.

paul 2 posted:

What is the best way to cut Balsa wood, Especially cross grain to get a neat cut. Any help is appreciated. Thanks Paul

I think the answer is a fresh #11 X-acto blade and a cutting mat under it, is the way to go. I haven't touched the stuff in years, in favor of basswood. I know it tears easily on the crosscut.

a razon=saw works well, just slow and easy, xacto knive on smaller, a hobby size miter

box helps a lot

razor saw........

Paul, way to keep going! As for the balsa wood I use my bandsaw with a fine tooth blade.

Deuce posted:

paul 2 posted:

Yesterday I thought I would of gotten my Balsa wood but I talked myself out of it. Plus I didn't have the 40% coupon with me. This morning  I added another coat of earth color so that area is done. While I was down there I had an Atlas car that was converted into a wood chip car. At the time I bought it a year or so ago I had bought it along with a bunch of Weaver wood chip hopper kits. I thought at the time it was the one Weaver did for Brentwood Antiques a number of years back ( car was a BAR ). I kept it but was always bothered by the trucks under it which made it sit too high. So today I finally had the trucks to replace those. I used Weaver trucks I picked up on EBAY. Getting the old trucks off was a bit tedious.  On one truck the screw would not come out. So I had to take the car apart to see what was wrong. The plastic fitting was turning in the hole so I decided to pull both of them out and add a drop of glue to hold them in place. That did the trick but I had to wait for the mail to come. I found place with the help of the forum to get the right size screws. So now the car is done, I took pictures of before and after to show how the car sat and sits now. The trucks on there were MTH trucks which had a high bolster and with the Weaver trucks it sits much lower. So hopefully later tonight I can apply some ground foam and work with the Balsa wood to make my approached to the track. Pics..............Paul

Hobby Lobby? Download the Hobby Lobby app and you'll always have a 40% off coupon with you.  I did that yesterday to grab a second Just Plug light hub.

Deuce I didn't know Hobby Lobby had Woodland Scenics!!   This is the 4rth day I've been waiting for my light hub with lights to get here.  So much for Amazon Prime 2 day shipping!  lol    

Paul I cut up balsa sticks with a razor blade.   It worked but not very smooth.   

Elliot Ive not got to ballast yet.   But it looks like the least fun anyone can have with a railroad!!! : ) 

Jim 

Mark Boyce posted:

Lee, your random shots are all great!!!!

Thanks, Mark and Bob (RSJB18)!

I posted it in a couple of other places that seemed relevant as well here. I took that in a series of shots to show someone the civilian vehicles on the layout (of which, there aren't many, considering the WW2 years I model), but I liked how it looked in color and thought in sepia it might pop better.

Just a random cell shot, I didn't even move anything to take it, other than the cell to get a good angle.

beardog posted:

razor saw........

 

Beardog   I got that old stuff out.  Most of it is an American Flyer set ..  303 engine (4-4-2) 4 cars and a caboose.   But I do have a Marx 666 engine and red B&O car.  

Jim 

briansilvermustang posted:

Brian, can you show me some DM&IRR?????

Dave

carsntrains posted:

beardog posted:

razor saw........

 

Beardog   I got that old stuff out.  Most of it is an American Flyer set ..  303 engine (4-4-2) 4 cars and a caboose.   But I do have a Marx 666 engine and red B&O car.  

 

Jim 

Thanks, Jim. But i do have all of those

John

carsntrains posted:

beardog posted:

razor saw........

 

Beardog   I got that old stuff out.  Most of it is an American Flyer set ..  303 engine (4-4-2) 4 cars and a caboose.   But I do have a Marx 666 engine and red B&O car.  

 

Jim 

Jim, looks great!  my only Marx engine is a 666.   I have the whole boxed set it came in.  From Girard, Pennsylvania not that far from here.

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

Jim 

Paul and Elliot, that’s a lot of work you both accomplished!  Paul, I like your shiny, white workbench! LOL. You look like me, not much room, so I work on whatever is handy!

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

No worries Mark.   I've had that old thing since I was a kid : )    I used to put it on Lionel track and pull it with my DT&I switcher.   Since both outside rails are ground it shouldn't have damaged it lol 

Jim 

carsntrains posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

No worries Mark.   I've had that old thing since I was a kid : )    I used to put it on Lionel track and pull it with my DT&I switcher.   Since both outside rails are ground it shouldn't have damaged it lol 

Jim 

I had some Marx toys, but not a train.  Dad said a train set was too expensive for Christmas, so I saved money and finally bought a Tyco HO set when I was about 12.  About 1968.  Dad made it into a good learning experience on saving for something, then I used wood and wiring skills he taught me to build my own 4 x 8 layout.

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

carsntrains posted:

Guys..  Bad thing about it is I have no use for the AF or the MARX stuff.   And no idea if they run or not. I was told that they may be DC??   I guess I could use them as some sort of stand in on my layout.   ???  Cool looking engines! 

 

Jim 

Hmmm, I only got my Marx a couple years ago from a guy who had already given it a tuneup.  The Marx transformer is in the box too, and I don’t recall which it is, AC or DC, or both, but it hummed along nicely. The box os buried in a closet.  Hopefully an expert will respond before I can dig it out.

No worries Mark.   I've had that old thing since I was a kid : )    I used to put it on Lionel track and pull it with my DT&I switcher.   Since both outside rails are ground it shouldn't have damaged it lol 

Jim 

I had some Marx toys, but not a train.  Dad said a train set was too expensive for Christmas, so I saved money and finally bought a Tyco HO set when I was about 12.  About 1968.  Dad made it into a good learning experience on saving for something, then I used wood and wiring skills he taught me to build my own 4 x 8 layout.

Great learning experience Mark!  I wasn't exactly in the same boat.  But I still have all my trains from childhood.  You would not believe my HO collection!   I think I have 40 or more engines.  Most of which I bought myself as a kid/teen.  Have a couple sets of N.  My eyes and hands said O GAUGE LOL   

Jim 

Edit.   AND why I don't know.  But I had a desire to own many many Chattanooga Tyco engines.   Loved the early ones with all the side rods and stuff on it.   Amazing times learning the motor was in the tender.  And finding an add in model railroading from a hobby shop in Ohio that had bought all of Tycos spare parts.   Which I have new motors, gears, axles, well you name it for a Chattanooga engine lol