What did you do on your layout today?

AmeenTrainGuy posted:

Here is my first official post on this thread. 

I am currently working on a section of the layout and wanted an asphalt road on it so I experimented with a few different products. Here are the results: 

Tell me what you guys think! 😀

BTW: I still have the road markings to do. Will post when the road markings are done. 

If I get enough likes or maybe comments I will tell you guys the surprising ingredient used for this road! 😉

Ameen 🚂

Looks great!  How about a wider shot of the area? Most of our roads are blacktop here in TN.  Pretty good look you got out of that! 

Jim 

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Mill City posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

 The dining room has already been over run.

Hahaha...true, with this stuff...

Love you, dearly...

Nah, we have a special room for ghost poop storage. The dining room is for yarn and boxes now.

Ghost poop!    

Bon voyage! 

I tried to find Jason Robards waving goodbye from " A thousand clowns" movie, but it seems boolean searches no longer work ..... All I get is the evil Capt. Spaulding despite quotes or +/-. Isn't tech today soo much better when it does your thinking for you?

AmeenTrainGuy posted:

Here is my first official post on this thread. 

I am currently working on a section of the layout and wanted an asphalt road on it so I experimented with a few different products. Here are the results: 

Tell me what you guys think! 😀

BTW: I still have the road markings to do. Will post when the road markings are done. 

If I get enough likes or maybe comments I will tell you guys the surprising ingredient used for this road! 😉

Ameen 🚂

It looks like dark cement to me (vs light) The inconsistent color; life like.

I want to guess dough, clay, or JB weld/other epoxy.

But don't hold out based on feedback. You may help someone who is not following the thread in the future. One person is worth a post, no?

(...though this thread is not a good place as it is "cleaned" by the powers that be, leaving only what that person(s) deems as important or interesting. Finding that out was the biggest of disappointments for me as the editor seems to have little use for anything toylike. It has had a bigger impact on thoughts of a new "home" than any squabble or anything. Sure lots can be edited out, I just think it went way too far forgetting that adding the non-scale content was instrumental in greatly increasing readers)

Excellent technique, Ameen!!  Thank you!

You'll be sorry....

When there is no gravy 

(flour is cheap, running out is the issue )

Besides running some trains, I finally got the uncoupling track in the yard. One was installed on each of the 6 tracks in the yard, for switching action. 

I will be installing a coaling station (pictures below) soon. I am not sure if I am going to put it in the yard or in the small siding on the other side of the layout. Once that decision is made I can finish ballast and scenic work in the yard.

Dave

Was working on supports for the third level of the layout for the city today with the help of my friend Jeff (Central Terminal Jeff ) and got the two buildings (brewery and Remington arms factory ) primed and ready for brick paint tomorrow. Then sat down tonight and painted the brewery sign and Indian chief head now the letters were all done. Here is a photo of the completed brewery sign.

I also finished up the Woolworth building front except for installing the glass. That sign came out great to. Thanks to help from Dave at Crescent Loco works for a fine job with cutting out the signs.

CSX Al posted:

Was working on supports for the third level of the layout for the city today with the help of my friend Jeff (Central Terminal Jeff ) and got the two buildings (brewery and Remington arms factory ) primed and ready for brick paint tomorrow. Then sat down tonight and painted the brewery sign and Indian chief head now the letters were all done. Here is a photo of the completed brewery sign.

I also finished up the Woolworth building front except for installing the glass. That sign came out great to. Thanks to help from Dave at Crescent Loco works for a fine job with cutting out the signs.

That brewery sign is top notch. 

Gentlemen,

   After having Brunch with Bob and Mark from the OGR, where I picked up some MTH Terminal Blocks from Bob.  One of which Bob gave me because the prior owner damaged it buy burning up the Positive Red Banana Plug and part of the Terminal Board itself.   I decided to due a little Reconstructive MIT Engineering, and fully Repaired & Replaced the Female Red Banana Plug and Reworked the Board at the head of the Terminal Block.  

It took a little time and skill but the Big Terminal Block now operates like brand spanking new.  Thanks Bob for providing the Engineering challenge, I now have more than enough MTH Terminal Blocks to complete the Train Room layouts, both DCS and Legacy.

Thanks again guys real nice meeting you for brunch, we will do it again I am sure.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks again Mike G for the fantastic DCS HHRC Holder, with the Pine Creek Picture!

CSX Al posted:

Was working on supports for the third level of the layout for the city today with the help of my friend Jeff (Central Terminal Jeff ) and got the two buildings (brewery and Remington arms factory ) primed and ready for brick paint tomorrow. Then sat down tonight and painted the brewery sign and Indian chief head now the letters were all done. Here is a photo of the completed brewery sign.

I also finished up the Woolworth building front except for installing the glass. That sign came out great to. Thanks to help from Dave at Crescent Loco works for a fine job with cutting out the signs.

Love the Woolworth sign.

I cut some roads into the layout and painted them flat black. Need to weather them and ad some road markings next.

Also got an area ready for my switch tower and speeder shed.

Finished up a little project. Still furniture shopping so layout time has been slim.

I built a coal bin for my engine yard. Balsa and 1/4" square stock. I stained it with a dark stain and put a black wash over that. Filled in the center with some foam before pouring in the "coal".

Bob

luvindemtrains posted:

Besides running some trains, I finally got the uncoupling track in the yard. One was installed on each of the 6 tracks in the yard, for switching action. 

I will be installing a coaling station (pictures below) soon. I am not sure if I am going to put it in the yard or in the small siding on the other side of the layout. Once that decision is made I can finish ballast and scenic work in the yard.

Dave

 

Looks good Dave!  Wow that is quite the building! You can tell that you have been taking your time with it, cause it looks wonderful! Keep you the great work.

CSX Al posted:

Was working on supports for the third level of the layout for the city today with the help of my friend Jeff (Central Terminal Jeff ) and got the two buildings (brewery and Remington arms factory ) primed and ready for brick paint tomorrow. Then sat down tonight and painted the brewery sign and Indian chief head now the letters were all done. Here is a photo of the completed brewery sign.

I also finished up the Woolworth building front except for installing the glass. That sign came out great to. Thanks to help from Dave at Crescent Loco works for a fine job with cutting out the signs.

Al you work is very impressive! Looks like a custom building one would pay hundreds for! Great detail! Thanks for sharing, please keep it up!

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Gentlemen,

   After having Brunch with Bob and Mark from the OGR, where I picked up some MTH Terminal Blocks from Bob.  One of which Bob gave me because the prior owner damaged it buy burning up the Positive Red Banana Plug and part of the Terminal Board itself.   I decided to due a little Reconstructive MIT Engineering, and fully Repaired & Replaced the Female Red Banana Plug and Reworked the Board at the head of the Terminal Block.  

It took a little time and skill but the Big Terminal Block now operates like brand spanking new.  Thanks Bob for providing the Engineering challenge, I now have more than enough MTH Terminal Blocks to complete the Train Room layouts, both DCS and Legacy.

Thanks again guys real nice meeting you for brunch, we will do it again I am sure.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks again Mike G for the fantastic DCS HHRC Holder, with the Pine Creek Picture!

 

Your more then welcome!

RSJB18 posted:

Finished up a little project. Still furniture shopping so layout time has been slim.

I built a coal bin for my engine yard. Balsa and 1/4" square stock. I stained it with a dark stain and put a black wash over that. Filled in the center with some foam before pouring in the "coal".

Bob

Nice work Bob, its little projects like that, that helps keep this hobby fun and interesting! I think its really cool, keep it up!

Thanks Mike. Rather be taking on bigger stuff right now but the little stuff needs to get done too. Gonna be Spring soon and the outside work will be calling my name before I know it.

Bob

mike g. posted:

luvindemtrains posted:

Besides running some trains, I finally got the uncoupling track in the yard. One was installed on each of the 6 tracks in the yard, for switching action. 

I will be installing a coaling station (pictures below) soon. I am not sure if I am going to put it in the yard or in the small siding on the other side of the layout. Once that decision is made I can finish ballast and scenic work in the yard.

Dave

 

Looks good Dave!  Wow that is quite the building! You can tell that you have been taking your time with it, cause it looks wonderful! Keep you the great work.

Thanks Mike! This entire layout has been a huge test of patience, lol.

RSJB18 posted:

Finished up a little project. Still furniture shopping so layout time has been slim.

I built a coal bin for my engine yard. Balsa and 1/4" square stock. I stained it with a dark stain and put a black wash over that. Filled in the center with some foam before pouring in the "coal".

Bob

Looks great!

What do you use that big wood clamp for. Did you really use one of that size on balsa this small?

I used to do woodworking, but I sold my whole woodshop, I kept all the clamps. One day I hope to have a hobby shop (micro sized machines). I am simply curious about the use of that particular clamp.

12 monkeys posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Finished up a little project. Still furniture shopping so layout time has been slim.

I built a coal bin for my engine yard. Balsa and 1/4" square stock. I stained it with a dark stain and put a black wash over that. Filled in the center with some foam before pouring in the "coal".

Bob

Looks great!

What do you use that big wood clamp for. Did you really use one of that size on balsa this small?

I used to do woodworking, but I sold my whole woodshop, I kept all the clamps. One day I hope to have a hobby shop (micro sized machines). I am simply curious about the use of that particular clamp.

 

 

Separate project- just repairing some cabinet pulls. They have wooden trims on  brass pull and the wood falls off sometimes. The clamps are holding the wood piece in place till the gorilla glue sets. The bin was assembled with a hot glue gun. Other than the strings from the glue, I like that you don't have to wait for carpenters or white glue to dry.

Bob

Basement flooded two weeks ago, (first time ever), no damage to trains or layout but quite the mess. Spent last two weeks cleaning, sanitizing, and drying out. Installing new floor now and will have to lug everything back downstairs.....can't wait to get back to normal

gandydancer1950 posted:

Basement flooded two weeks ago, (first time ever), no damage to trains or layout but quite the mess. Spent last two weeks cleaning, sanitizing, and drying out. Installing new floor now and will have to lug everything back downstairs.....can't wait to get back to normal

Nice! Sure is great to see things are going to be getting back to normal!~ Nice looking flooring also. Just wondering what you had before? Carpet, of floating floor? No Pun intended.

Bob, nice job on the coal bin. GANDYDANCER1950, great you to hear you can start to lay flooring or carpet. Did you figure out why the basement flooded and were you able to correct the problem so it doesn't happen again. Work on my building this morning . Glued in some cross braces to hold the roof up, cut the plastic to fit for the roof and glued down paper that looks like roofing material. While that is drying I am going to try to figure out from the picture on the box how to make the stand for the roof sign, what the pieces of foil are for. If anybody still has their directions to this Downtown Deco Pawn Shop could you scan them and send it to my email. pstackow@yahoo.com. Any help is appreciated. Couple of pics. Thanks Paul

Very early this morning 12:48 a.m. I felt this strong yearning to run trains while weathering a freight car .... so I did just that and I had a great time too!!!

trumptrain posted:

Very early this morning 12:48 a.m. I felt this strong yearning to run trains while weathering a freight car .... so I did just that and I had a great time too!!!

That's another great thing about this hobby, you can tend to it at anytime while home. Well most times...lol. I often times wake up at odd hours of the night and if not anything else, run trains.

So I need more storage yard space for long passenger lines. I thought of cutting a hole into the room nearby. Instead, I decided to remove an under table train cabinet. This way I can place 6 or more 28 foot  long storage spurs under the main layout and tie them into the main layout line.

With passenger lines consisting of 10 or more  21" cars plus ABBAs.  I may have enough length to store those lines.

I plan to create the under table access to look like a  subterranean underground yard with LEDs and a camera to see what happening in the yard. I am going to have to shift wires under the table, too.

AlanRail posted:

So I need more storage yard space for long passenger lines. I thought of cutting a hole into the room nearby. Instead, I decided to remove an under table train cabinet. This way I can place 6 or more 28 foot  long storage spurs under the main layout and tie them into the main layout line.

With passenger lines consisting of 10 or more  21" cars plus ABBAs.  I may have enough length to store those lines.

I plan to create the under table access to look like a  subterranean underground yard with LEDs and a camera to see what happening in the yard. I am going to have to shift wires under the table, too.

Ive figured out I have the same problem.  Plenty of trains, long passenger trains, not enough long spurs to park them........ Will be interested in seeing what you do to solve it! 

Jim 

Got the roof glued down and foundation and sides painted grey. Going through the box I found I am a door short but don't know if i  misplaced or it was never there. So I got to shop for some Grandt Lines doors. And unless I find some instructions somewhere the rest is most definitely going to be hit or miss with no room for any errors. Pics Paul

Worked on the final design of what I am hoping is my new layout

Started installation of the MTH bridge I bought yesterday at Allentown. Also started work on the trolley line that will connect the two villages.  I cut the bottom off of the MTH piers so that it would match the height of the "A" bents on the Lionel 110 trestle set.  Still had to shim a couple of approach bents.  It worked out nicely.  

Dan Padova posted:

Started installation of the MTH bridge I bought yesterday at Allentown. Also started work on the trolley line that will connect the two villages.  I cut the bottom off of the MTH piers so that it would match the height of the "A" bents on the Lionel 110 trestle set.  Still had to shim a couple of approach bents.  It worked out nicely.  

Looks great,  Dan!

AlanRail posted:

So I need more storage yard space for long passenger lines. I thought of cutting a hole into the room nearby. Instead, I decided to remove an under table train cabinet. This way I can place 6 or more 28 foot  long storage spurs under the main layout and tie them into the main layout line.

With passenger lines consisting of 10 or more  21" cars plus ABBAs.  I may have enough length to store those lines.

I plan to create the under table access to look like a  subterranean underground yard with LEDs and a camera to see what happening in the yard. I am going to have to shift wires under the table, too.

Alan it sounds like an ambitious project.  It will give your layout a big boost in operational capabilities though.

Art

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Gentlemen,

   After having Brunch with Bob and Mark from the OGR, where I picked up some MTH Terminal Blocks from Bob.  One of which Bob gave me because the prior owner damaged it buy burning up the Positive Red Banana Plug and part of the Terminal Board itself.   I decided to due a little Reconstructive MIT Engineering, and fully Repaired & Replaced the Female Red Banana Plug and Reworked the Board at the head of the Terminal Block.  

It took a little time and skill but the Big Terminal Block now operates like brand spanking new.  Thanks Bob for providing the Engineering challenge, I now have more than enough MTH Terminal Blocks to complete the Train Room layouts, both DCS and Legacy.

Thanks again guys real nice meeting you for brunch, we will do it again I am sure.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks again Mike G for the fantastic DCS HHRC Holder, with the Pine Creek Picture!

 

I'm glad you got the terminal block functional again Dave, and the remote holder looks great.  Yes, that was a very nice brunch with you and Bob!!

RSJB18 posted:

Thanks Mike. Rather be taking on bigger stuff right now but the little stuff needs to get done too. Gonna be Spring soon and the outside work will be calling my name before I know it.

Bob

The coal bin looks great, Bob!  Spring soon??  Where did the winter go?  I didn't get much done on my layout!!

Chugman posted:

AlanRail posted:

So I need more storage yard space for long passenger lines. I thought of cutting a hole into the room nearby. Instead, I decided to remove an under table train cabinet. This way I can place 6 or more 28 foot  long storage spurs under the main layout and tie them into the main layout line.

With passenger lines consisting of 10 or more  21" cars plus ABBAs.  I may have enough length to store those lines.

I plan to create the under table access to look like a  subterranean underground yard with LEDs and a camera to see what happening in the yard. I am going to have to shift wires under the table, too.

Alan it sounds like an ambitious project.  It will give your layout a big boost in operational capabilities though.

Art

Alan, Ditto to what Art said!  Please keep us posted!

RSJB18 posted:

Finished up a little project. Still furniture shopping so layout time has been slim.

I built a coal bin for my engine yard. Balsa and 1/4" square stock. I stained it with a dark stain and put a black wash over that. Filled in the center with some foam before pouring in the "coal".

Bob

I think it is the small details that people place on their layouts that add the biggest interest, and this is a perfect example. Great job, Bob.

Mark, Paul, Paul, Mike, 12 Monkeys- thanks for the compliments on the coal bin. It was a fun little project. 

Now I'm on to a new problem. The GP-9 I just picked up doesn't run. Looks like it may need new brushes. Still cleaning and fiddling. 

Yes Mark- spring will be here soon.

Bob

Installed the Switch Tower and Speeder shed Tonight, just some landscaping and this section will be done for now.

RSJB18 posted:

Mark, Paul, Paul, Mike, 12 Monkeys- thanks for the compliments on the coal bin. It was a fun little project. 

Now I'm on to a new problem. The GP-9 I just picked up doesn't run. Looks like it may need new brushes. Still cleaning and fiddling. 

Yes Mark- spring will be here soon.

Bob

SPRING! Hell Bob and Mark I cant wait to have summer, let alone spring! I have a train room to build and nice weather would make it easier! LOL