What did you do on your layout today?

Paul2, nice work on your tracks and bridges.

Chris A, I really link your building project. The arched piers below complement the the wall sections perfect and the coloring on the brick is outstanding.

Andy , nice job on the ground foam. I like you stone walls that the track is elevated on.

Well I worked on trying to get the lift-out section into shape for the sawmill, log pond area. I don't think anything is more messy that pink foam bits everywhere.  Here is a overall shot of the lift-out it's around a little over 2ft. wide and about 5ft. long. Because of the way the tracks run around this area, I couldn't go deep with the pond. I plan on going really dark with the pond, a brown and black for most of the area and a little lighter on the perimeter. Since these had tons of floating tree debris in there it will look good, I think.

I have a B.T.S. log dump kit, but I wound up cheating a bit and scratch building the dump section because I can't raise my track high enough to accommodate the trestle bents for underneath it, so I will fake the bents beneath the log dump and on top will be covered in decking . With all the debris floating around it won't even be seen.  Looking forward to getting the pond and banks painted and sinking the trestle and mill into foam and start on water. I have a bunch of 1/2 logs that will be sprinkled around pond and I may have a few fresh logs in water by log dump.

Here is a photo of the foam lift out of what I have so far ( don't mind the can goods, I needed weight to hold foam down while Gorilla glue sets up)

Log dump stained and nut bolt washer detail added

Here is the B.T.S. photo of the log dump.  Other side of my dump track will have the crane.

Chris, that building is really going up quickly! Lee, thank you for the kind words. Thank you Al.

Andy 

carsntrains posted:

Ok this is the caboose that Mitch sent me!  It is awesome!  Thanks again Mitch!

This is the new Woodland Scenic's windmill.  It comes with the water tank and the hay feeder for the cows!

The two green tankers are the ones Mike G. sent to me!  They are great! He also sent me wheel sets to fix the yellow tank car! The silver one in the back is nearly 40 years old, and like the D&M boxcar this is their first time on the track!  Thanks Mike G. Hope you can find me one more Southern Railway car of some kind!  

This is the Detroit & Mackinac boxcar I had been talking about.  I'm going to keep in on the display because I am from Detroit and have many fond memories with family and friends in Mackinac. Mackinac Island is a place everyone should see!  And the jet boat ride to the island is amazing! No gas powered vehicles allowed!  Like stepping back in time!

Dr. Joe very nice video..   Whats that about Hillbillies?? LOL   I really like the new upper level also!  Sooner or later you are doomed to need to branch outward! 

Lee you are killing me with that 57 ford and the 56 crown vic!   And I may have noticed it before but is that a tucker??  I like the trains but the cars are amazing!  I have my 57 Fairlane sitting if front of the station with the door open and a guy shutting the door!  I just figured out the doors open lol 

Paul I cant wait to see the gorge all finished!   I am really dreading the detail work on my layout.  But I can put that off because now I am adding the passenger station and some sidings for US power and Vetter door and sash.  

Chris your building is looking better and getting there!   I wish I had the patience to do that!  

Everyone is doing something cool~!  The more I see yall do the more I want to do myself!  

Hope everyone is doing well !!!    A few folks have been missing a while??  

Jim 

I have a tucker but it’s in the drawer. If your talking about the light blue car that’s a 1949 merc. Thanks for complementing on my cars I really enjoy them on the layout with the trains the detail compared to HO is amazing and some are a lot cheaper too and some are sticker shock. Check out Green Light they are cranking out some awesome 1/43 vehicles that are affordable.

Al, the log dump kit is really sharp! 

Andy

After 4yrs of building this Mack B75 Custom Corgi truck with Don Mills  components on it  I finally finished it tonight. I also painted a trailer for it I’ve had built since 1996. The photo above is the beginning photo I took around February 2015

Here’s the trailer. It’s the trailer from the Revell  Honest John kit. I will post more updates when this is fully dry it’s still a little wet I just painted it today.

carsntrains posted:

 

Dr. Joe very nice video..   Whats that about Hillbillies?? LOL   I really like the new upper level also!  Sooner or later you are doomed to need to branch outward! 

Hope everyone is doing well !!!    A few folks have been missing a while??  

Jim 

Jim, thanks! Yes, I am thinking of an expansion and have priced the Mianne benchwork to take it all to an 8x12. I haven't told the wife, yet. :-)

Hillbillies! (Most of my family are...)

Dr. Joe

RSJB18 posted:

 

You started it, Bob...

Been walking,  just walking.

Doctor says at my station in life,  I need to take regular walks for 20 minutes at a time three for four days a week to maintain my health!!???  Are you kidding?  The man just doesn't have a walk along side model RR.  Now that most of the lines are up and running I count 125 paces per run from one terminal to the next on each of two levels.  It can get flat out tiring after a while.  Forget the gym membership.  Just build and around the wall layout in your basement, put on your walking shoes and lock the train rom door.

When just a kid my dad would drive along side the tracks following steam engines as best we could whenever we could.  Heck, now I can walk with any engine I want, anywhere I want, as long as I want to.  Just wish he was here to share the pleasure.  I can envision his smiling face.

Jim, CSXAl and Andy,  thanks for kind words.   I must have more patience than I thought !!  I underestimated the time required to do this 2/3/4 story build, but I am long on perseverance.   Of course I have pretty much under estimated every kitbash/scratch build project I have taken on.   Good thing I have a short memory and keep starting new ones......

This is another building that's pretty much in the main focal area of the layout, and as it's "disguising" a corner along, with two other buildings that I spent a lot of time on, I am hoping the three of them together will draw the viewer's attention away from other less impressive areas.  

Al the sawmill/log pond module is off to a great start, nice job on the scratchbuilt log dump ramp.  

Andy that corner is shaping up real nice.  

Lee,  Thanks for posting the video !   I like the Mack Tractor, I can't see the photos of the trailer, but maybe it's just me.   

Lee great work on that Mack tractor. Well worth the wait for you, the results say it all. 

Andy

Thanks guys it was a long build but worth it. I reloaded the pics of the trailer hope you can see it now 

Spent Sunday painting another box of Preiser 24 Unpainted Seated People in Green Pastel and Gray.  The work went quickly, but still took the entire day.  I have to do final inspection of each figure and touch-up any flaws.  I am now painting people for the new Lionel Santa Fe 21" passenger cars that will arrive at the end of the year.

I put two sprues of HO Preiser people for comparison to the O-Gauge People.  I painted twenty-one boxes of Preiser 16328 120 HO people for the 180 Walthers passenger cars I detailed six years ago.  I still have many of the cars in storage along with 40 buildings I assembled and detailed.  I should probably sell some of them.  I am running out of bedrooms.

Sincerely, John Rowlen

I changed the volumes on some of the sound functions and changed the whistles on all of my On30 ten wheelers. I never liked the default whistle that they came with...

I also slowed down the bell timing and lowered the volume on other sounds such as the pops going off. Some of them were quite loud.

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice pictures as always Brian. I remember when these ran as commuter units through West Chicago. They still run them at the railway museum in Union Illinois. 

 

I have a tucker but it’s in the drawer. If your talking about the light blue car that’s a 1949 merc. Thanks for complementing on my cars I really enjoy them on the layout with the trains the detail compared to HO is amazing and some are a lot cheaper too and some are sticker shock. Check out Green Light they are cranking out some awesome 1/43 vehicles that are affordable.

Lee the dark blue car sitting to the far right in your video.   Its mighty cool looking whatever it is!

Jim

After a fantastic weekend out of town performing and teaching music, it was yet an additional treat to come home and get into the train room last night!  I changed out some cars on two trains and let all 3 trains and a trolly have at it!  I enjoyed watching em run as I listened to music thru headphones.  Listening to music while running trains changes the whole train watching experience ... sort of like viewing a movie with no background music as opposed to viewing with the background music.   I listened to a variety of genres ... classical, several styles of jazz, country, pop, and rock and each kind of music changed the viewing experience for me.  I did this for several hours  I plan to do it again today

Trump Train,  Great  Idea!  I did not consider how much of a connecting effect there could be with non RR background music.

I have cranked up the "Sounds of 3985" through my Klipsch surround sound when my wife is out shopping but had not considered something like the "1812 Overture" in earphones.

What brand / style earphones do you like?  Wireless feature available?

trumptrain posted:

After a fantastic weekend out of town performing and teaching music, it was yet an additional treat to come home and get into the train room last night!  I changed out some cars on two trains and let all 3 trains and a trolly have at it!  I enjoyed watching em run as I listened to music thru headphones.  Listening to music while running trains changes the whole train watching experience ... sort of like viewing a movie with no background music as opposed to viewing with the background music.   I listened to a variety of genres ... classical, several styles of jazz, country, pop, and rock and each kind of music changed the viewing experience for me.  I did this for several hours  I plan to do it again today

Patrick - don't know if its just the photo but it looks like you have a large gap in the rails in front of that steamer. Does this cause any issues when running?

I used to blast Zepplin and Floyd in my headphones when I ran my old HO layout growing up. Very cool way to run trains.

RSJB18 posted:

trumptrain posted:

After a fantastic weekend out of town performing and teaching music, it was yet an additional treat to come home and get into the train room last night!  I changed out some cars on two trains and let all 3 trains and a trolly have at it!  I enjoyed watching em run as I listened to music thru headphones.  Listening to music while running trains changes the whole train watching experience ... sort of like viewing a movie with no background music as opposed to viewing with the background music.   I listened to a variety of genres ... classical, several styles of jazz, country, pop, and rock and each kind of music changed the viewing experience for me.  I did this for several hours  I plan to do it again today

Patrick - don't know if its just the photo but it looks like you have a large gap in the rails in front of that steamer. Does this cause any issues when running?

I used to blast Zepplin and Floyd in my headphones when I ran my old HO layout growing up. Very cool way to run trains.

RSJB - just the photo. 

trumptrain posted:

RSJB18 posted:

trumptrain posted:

After a fantastic weekend out of town performing and teaching music, it was yet an additional treat to come home and get into the train room last night!  I changed out some cars on two trains and let all 3 trains and a trolly have at it!  I enjoyed watching em run as I listened to music thru headphones.  Listening to music while running trains changes the whole train watching experience ... sort of like viewing a movie with no background music as opposed to viewing with the background music.   I listened to a variety of genres ... classical, several styles of jazz, country, pop, and rock and each kind of music changed the viewing experience for me.  I did this for several hours  I plan to do it again today

Patrick - don't know if its just the photo but it looks like you have a large gap in the rails in front of that steamer. Does this cause any issues when running?

I used to blast Zepplin and Floyd in my headphones when I ran my old HO layout growing up. Very cool way to run trains.

RSJB - just the photo. 

LOL I didnt know a photo added to a gap!  : )   I did hear that they added 10 pounds lol

Jim

Tom Tee posted:

Trump Train,  Great  Idea!  I did not consider how much of a connecting effect there could be with non RR background music.

I have cranked up the "Sounds of 3985" through my Klipsch surround sound when my wife is out shopping but had not considered something like the "1812 Overture" in earphones.

What brand / style earphones do you like?  Wireless feature available?

Tom Tee - glad you're having fun with the background sounds/music too!  I use JBL Everest 300 headphones ( non wireless ).  

trumptrain posted:

Tom Tee posted:

Trump Train,  Great  Idea!  I did not consider how much of a connecting effect there could be with non RR background music.

I have cranked up the "Sounds of 3985" through my Klipsch surround sound when my wife is out shopping but had not considered something like the "1812 Overture" in earphones.

What brand / style earphones do you like?  Wireless feature available?

Tom Tee - glad you're having fun with the background sounds/music too!  I use JBL Everest 300 headphones ( non wireless ).  

I play doo wop because I model (loosely) the late 1950s. Sometimes I play songs about trains. My friends got me a bluetooth lantern that I use with my tablet.

Jim

Lee, nice little video. The bells sounds better slower and the other sounds were not overpowering anything. Plus that was a good scene of the train coming around the curve.

And thanks guys for the kind words. This gorge is evolving as I go. I have a general idea of what I want.

I made a quick run to Menards to get some smaller width wood for framing the bottom of the gorge. I didn't feel like ripping wood for this. I tried to get a smaller piece of foam board while I was there but they didn't have any in the size I wanted. I call Lowes and Home depot to see if they might have some smaller pieces.... Pic.........Paul

Brian, in general, I do not like diesels, but that yellow North Western is one nice looking locomotive.

paul 2 posted:

Lee, nice little video. The bells sounds better slower and the other sounds were not overpowering anything. Plus that was a good scene of the train coming around the curve.

And thanks guys for the kind words. This gorge is evolving as I go. I have a general idea of what I want.

I made a quick run to Menards to get some smaller width wood for framing the bottom of the gorge. I didn't feel like ripping wood for this. I tried to get a smaller piece of foam board while I was there but they didn't have any in the size I wanted. I call Lowes and Home depot to see if they might have some smaller pieces.... Pic.........Paul

I got me two 4x8 sheets of 2 inch foam insulation at Home Depot for 10 bucks each because they had mild damage.  I think they are usually 24 a sheet. And we have auto glass removal razor blades that cuts the 2 inch really well!

Jim

carsntrains posted:

 

I have a tucker but it’s in the drawer. If your talking about the light blue car that’s a 1949 merc. Thanks for complementing on my cars I really enjoy them on the layout with the trains the detail compared to HO is amazing and some are a lot cheaper too and some are sticker shock. Check out Green Light they are cranking out some awesome 1/43 vehicles that are affordable.

Lee the dark blue car sitting to the far right in your video.   Its mighty cool looking whatever it is!

Jim

Jim

its a 1951 Studebaker Champ my mom and dad had one like it but it was gray and it was way before my time. There made by Yatming Diecast Direct may still have some or Fairfield Collectabes it’s 1/43 but goes well even in the front of the layout

lee drennen posted:

carsntrains posted:

 

I have a tucker but it’s in the drawer. If your talking about the light blue car that’s a 1949 merc. Thanks for complementing on my cars I really enjoy them on the layout with the trains the detail compared to HO is amazing and some are a lot cheaper too and some are sticker shock. Check out Green Light they are cranking out some awesome 1/43 vehicles that are affordable.

Lee the dark blue car sitting to the far right in your video.   Its mighty cool looking whatever it is!

Jim

Jim

its a 1951 Studebaker Champ my mom and dad had one like it but it was gray and it was way before my time. There made by Yatming Diecast Direct may still have some or Fairfield Collectabes it’s 1/43 but goes well even in the front of the layout

Ah I knew it was either a Tucker or a Studebaker!!   Couldn't tell by just the front end.   Thanks for letting me know what it is!  Cool car!!

Jim

lee drennen posted:

 

                        Your trucks are AWESOME Lee

RSJB18 posted:

trumptrain posted:

After a fantastic weekend out of town performing and teaching music, it was yet an additional treat to come home and get into the train room last night!  I changed out some cars on two trains and let all 3 trains and a trolly have at it!  I enjoyed watching em run as I listened to music thru headphones.  Listening to music while running trains changes the whole train watching experience ... sort of like viewing a movie with no background music as opposed to viewing with the background music.   I listened to a variety of genres ... classical, several styles of jazz, country, pop, and rock and each kind of music changed the viewing experience for me.  I did this for several hours  I plan to do it again today

Patrick - don't know if its just the photo but it looks like you have a large gap in the rails in front of that steamer. Does this cause any issues when running?

I used to blast Zepplin and Floyd in my headphones when I ran my old HO layout growing up. Very cool way to run trains.

I’ve been listening to metal while working on my railroads since the late 1970’s. Maiden, Priest, Sabbath all go good with trains. 😎

Excellent projects everyone!!  Wow, I am so far behind again!  I'm so far behind, I went back through to find one I wanted to comment on, but it must have slipped by, so here goes.

Paul, Thank you for the comment about the Mianne benchwork.  I'll put the photographs back up.

Paul, Actually, I plan to have about 6" out from the edge of the benchwork for some foreground scenery, to catch trains if they derail, and so I won't be so apt to kick the table legs with my clumsy feet!!  I happened to come by a very minor windfall and my wife said to not put it in the account, but to use it for what I want.  I am thinking I will use it for some more benchwork.  

I am feeling pretty good after pushing some snow off our sidewalk and running the snowblower on out driveway and my wife's mother's driveway.  I found out Friday I can't lift much weight still.  I helped our older daughter and son-in-law move some things.  I let the strong young man do the heavy work!!  

briansilvermustang posted:

lee drennen posted:

 

                        Your trucks are AWESOME Lee

 

 Brian

 I may have to try this tomorrow on my real Mack bulldog truck I drive every day 

Good news first !! 

I got my Lionel Southern bunk car today and it is 100% brand new and intact!! Not bad since it was made in 1984!  The year I graduated high school!   

Bad news 

I ordered a 6 pack of cars from a good supplier.  They emailed me and said they only had 4....  ???   Says a package of 6??  I found another set but wife said not to order until I hear back for sure that the first place will cancel...   BOOO 

Jim 

Try a 6" spackle knife for cutting foam.

Lightly and repeatedly drag a knife at about a 30 degree angle along a scribe line.  Do not rush or pressure it.  Repeat five or six times for 2" material.  You will find a sweet spot which is the angle you need to use.  The finished edge will be smooth with out making any smoke, crumbs or dust.

Note my scribe line.  I set the curved module on top of the foam.  Traced the bottom edge of the module  with the corner of the spackle knife sliding it along the frame's lower edge then removed the module and went to work.

If foam builds up in front of knife, stop, clean out the plowed crud and continue at a shallower angle.

Work in progress for the late Pennsy K-4's module.

Jim, Glad you got the bunk car and hope you eventually get the six cars!

Tom, Thank you for the demonstration of using the spackling  knife for cutting foam sheets!

When decking Mianne benchwork I like to use 5' X 10' panel  material.  The sides can be ripped back several inches for an even overhang or  sculped to accommodate cosmetic curves.  I prefer to cover the benchwork frame top edges.

Many lumber yards can get 5' X 9' or 10'.   I believe 5' X 9' is standard ping pong table material.

I used 5' X 10" by five quarter decking for my gluing and clamping assembly tables.  They made a nice L shaped train table when I closed shop.

Anybody heard from Mike G?    I sent him a package that was supposed to be there today!  He said they were expecting snow.  Hope all is well with him and his family! 

Jim 

Jim, No I see Mike hasn’t been on since the 8th.  If he still has the flu, it has really hung on.