What did you do on your layout today?

leapinlarry posted:

RSJB18, I like your layout and your contributions to this OGR Forum, and your layout is also truly unique....Keep posting your pictures....I think you can see that we all add a different type humor to this hobby...Thank You.

Now, I will close with, thanks to everyone in our Hobby, we can share our thoughts, and pray for those with health issues, and compliment those that show us great Talent, and Learn from others that share there Knowledge so that We all, can enjoy this wonderful Hobby.

 

 

Thank you Larry for the kind words. My layout has evolved from my HO scale background to O gauge toy train with operating accessories (which didn't fit), to....I need more room. I've been having loads of fun building this and enjoying this great hobby again. I grew up with HO trains, had two huge layouts in my parents basement till we moved when I was 18. School, girls (married the best one), work, family, etc got in the way. When we finally bought a house I thought I could finally build a layout again. Took about 17 years till I did. I always had a loop of track under the tree each year running my HO Rivarossi Mallet and Hudson that I've had since I was little. Tried to get my son interested with Thomas trains but he never really was bitten by the bug like we are. Too many other distractions for kids today. He does enjoy watching mine run now though.

This forum has been amazing. The support from everyone and the camaraderie are wonderful. Perfect example is the post that you put together. Taking the time to comment on everyone's work is what this hobby is all about. I do try and do the same but often it's numerous "likes" to go around as I don't always have time to mention each and every post.

And I would be remiss if I finished this response without commenting on your spectacular layout and train room. One of the top 10 on the forum IMHO .

Thanks- Bob

Vincent Massi posted:

John Rowlen posted:

After a Valentine's Day break, I finished my 10th 24-Pack of Preiser 65602 Unpainted Seated People in the past 30 days.  The Yellow clothing pack is pictured as I readied the next, #11, for Lavender clothing.  That gives me another 240 people.  I have three more boxes at home to finish, and another thirteen on the way from Germany - I bought two more boxes last night.  The twenty six boxes of 24 will give me 624 people for the Lionel passenger cars arriving around Christmas 2019.

I took a break from painting and converted two Atlas O Trainman 40' B&O Sentinel Box Cars to three-rail.  I will sell the two-rail trucks and coupler boxes on Ebay later this month when I finally sell extra Atlas O 3-rail rolling stock.

Trying to keep up a good head of steam, but I may need to use a pusher engine, to keep me moving through this up-hill painting project.

Sincerely, John Rowlen

John, I had never heard of Sentinel Fast Freight Service boxcars, but your is very nice-looking. The web tells me that their distinctive blue and silver boxcars were used from 1947 to 1958, when the service ended. The boxcars were then painted brown, although some lasted until the mid-60's before being repainted. One fellow claims to have seen one in the early 1970's, in bad shape, in a railyard.

I acquired a Sentinel car as part of a MTH B&O Work train set. Love the colors on the car. One of my favorites.
Thanks for the background info on the real cars.

Bob

John, the people are looking great! Nice job on the conversion!

Well for me toady I have to go to an HOA Meeting, then come home and dig out a path so Tank the inspector can get out to a small part of the yard with less snow to have a bathroom! He has a hard time getting threw no 28" of snow with his 8" legs! LOL

I hope after that to get to the train room after a week or so of not even opening the door. I need to clean up so I can lay some more cork and some switches!

I hope everyone has a great Saturday! Tomorrow will be train room all day with the Daytona 500 on the T.V.!

"I hope everyone has a great Saturday! Tomorrow will be train room all day with the Daytona 500 on the T.V.! "  

                               looks like you're good to go Mike

                            Have a GREAT DAY Mike !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Brian, I have to get some new pictures, I cut the airfield down to one runway, the big one that hangs out over the tracks. Got some brick walls casted, Now I want to get things cleaned up before my cork and switches get here!

Mike g, the layout is taking shape. Looks like a lot of us are goin to be working on the layouts this weekend.

I ran to Menards this morning to pick up the Materials Handling silos. After a bit of deliberating I opted for this instead of the Gamer and Thrones building. My thought was I could add more switching possibilities to the other Material handling building plus maye scratch build some extra buildings. Won't be working on the layout till late this afternoon. Have a get together with the local club at one of the guy's houses. Pic.............Paul

                                                   How's this, Lee...

John Rowlen posted:

Carl and Mark,  The Preiser 65602 people count is now well over 3,500 completed in the last five years, probably more.  I also purchased 18 packs of 48 (864 )  Chinese seated figures according to Evermodel on Ebay, thirteen of the 8402 and five of the 8406.  The 8402 Seated Figures from China has the man turning around and talking and five other 1/45 (smaller) figures that fit well in the Lionel 21" Dining Cars. 

The boy with his hand on the table had his hand cut from his knee, bent upward, and placed on top of the table.  The young girl turning to her left and the two women with hats are among the six 8402 1/45 figures from China.

"Surgeon John" aka, "Butch R.", has had very few fatalities in his cutting, grinding, and bending as he placed people in the cars.  Unfortunately, a few did not literally make "the Cut."

Sincerely, John Rowlen

Butch R., I’ll not come your way when it’s time for my knee replacement.  I may not make the cut!!  LOL

Thank you for the numbers.  My passenger car populating will have to wait until I am fully retired.  Sounds like a good job for when I get that knee replaced!

You have been an inspiration!

briansilvermustang posted:

 

                                    

                                                   How's this, Lee...

 

 

Well

at least you got one of my favorite Railroads and a R Mack pulling it

Another clip from last nights running. Happy Daytona day to the other race fans !  I have  to get my racecar ready as well. Hopefully March 24th is here fast. Other news. Need to start to find more details and some other things. Banking for york kinda. Been busy with work too 

briansilvermustang posted:

 

 

 

                     

 

 

Hi Tank! Who's a Good Dog!

Lew

Geyser I had to spend  a while studying those pictures before I could figure it out, but you're right. You are better off without that S curve..

Geyser that is some fine Fastrack work there!   I see you added to the benchwork also.    Looks good!  Looks like a lot of switching opportunities  are available now!   

Jim 

Kon, I like the video of The a Great Northern very much...Your Layout is Fantastic.

Geyser, I like your track work and that’s a good idea, eliminating the S curve...Looks very nice.

Today I installed a Broadway Limited Talking operating and talking water tower..They are so cool. We painted it with Crayola Top, to Simply look at home on my “Leapin Larry’s Looney Lines RR....

Today I fixed the  pilot  on my F3 about 3 months ago it fell off I just had it super glued on but today I drilled some holes and put 2  screws in it. Now it’s a “fixed” pilot took some pics of it and ran it with a mixed manifest of vintage atlas O and 1 All Nations car I Custom built and some lionel pigs.

@leapinlarry. Thank you !   My dads a big GN fan and I agree with him.  I’ve found him a good amount of GN.   We drove from outside Philadelphia area to Brooklyn to get the F3s. I think he wants a green GN steam as well... 

your layout looks awesome too !    My goal is to post weekly videos.  Looking to build a camera car as well.  I have another scene planned just need to get started.  

Jim here’s some pics of that tucker

carsntrains posted:

paul 2 posted:

Had a chance to continue working on the gorge. I got the two extra falls in but after looking it over I think I'll add one more foam piece to the one on the left. I think it will look more interesting if they were different heights. Still have to gouge out some more foam where the culvert will be. Maybe after dinner Ill tackle it some more. Pics..........Paul

Paul that is really looking good!  You are out pacing me on getting the project done,  I am missing some turnouts that I need to get my stuff rolling again!  

We are expecting 12 inches of rain in the mountains around us and 8 to 10 inches of rain here in the valley in the next few days.  I think it is the weather system that dropped all that snow on MikeG!  

Lee those TOFCs are awesome!   I may have no choice but to buy those  Trailer Train cars with Southern trailers.   Can you post a picture of that Tucker you have?  

Erica nice repaint on that hopper!   Do you guys own/run a model business??  

Al you always impress me..  Do you run the company that makes turntables??   

I would love to have a job that included trains.  My neighbor at work designs and installs engine upgrades to real trains!  Puts new engines and computer systems in older diesels and they run the 3 rivers rambler in Knoxville, TN.   

Jim 

Jim,

I just saw your post. Thank you and Yes I run and Own Millhouse River Studios making turntables and transfer tables.

Paul 2, Thanks you ! I just got done shoveling paths threw the snow, one to the wood shed and the other one to the train room/garage! A little break then its out to the train room!

Brian, Now that's funny! For some reason Tank doesn't like the train room anymore if the big garage door is closed! I even put a bed out there for him!

Andy, nice video! but what more impressive is your Race Car! Very Nice!

Geyser, good change, looks a lot better! Not so busy!

Larry, the water tower looks wonderful! Its amazing how you can just ad something to your layout and it looks like its always been there! What wonderful work!

Lee, nice work on the Pilot fix! Also sweet looking Pacemaker!

Choff, nice layout...Great job..

Hi Friends!

First off, as usual, very beautiful work everyone! Mike, I hope you are finally passed that pesky virus.

I started ballast today, I have to admit it it quite therapeutic and relaxing IMO.

Here is my first few feet. Going to let it dry before going too far forward to make sure it sticks well to the track:

I do have a question for you guys, I want to spruce up the ReadyGrass area. I have ready that "turf blend" is the best. Any suggestions on what I can use in terms of colors? I must admit I am slightly colorblind so I fear that if I choose something myself, well you can only imagine what will happen.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

Stay warm and be safe from the MIA!!

THANKS

lee drennen posted:

Jim here’s some pics of that tucker

Lee man is that cool!   Would it be a stretch to think a Tucker would have made it down the Tennessee before 1959?   I think they were built just outside of Ypsilanti Michigan and very few were produced.   Shocked to see somebody makes one in 1/43.  I knew a guy that had a few of the real ones.   

Al thanks for the response!  I hope the chains you made will work out for you!  

Choff nice layout!  

Daniel good work on the ballasting of Fastrack!   Looks like Choff did something similar!  Keep us posted as it is something some of us (me) needs to do!! 

Ive gotten a bunch of goodies over the past few days.  And I did accidently win a bid on a boxcar that I already bought a few days before.   Who would have thought 6 bucks would get one?   Dang shipping was 14!!!   UGGGGGG    I managed to get 3 switches and some cows ordered on the Feb. sale!  Have to gain some parking space for this new rolling stock!   I can not buy anymore.  The boss said I had enough for now : )  

I will try to get some pictures posted later! 

Jim 

lee drennen posted:

Jim here’s some pics of that tucker

Lee, that is a good-looking car.

Daniel J. Gonzalez posted:

Hi Friends!

First off, as usual, very beautiful work everyone! Mike, I hope you are finally passed that pesky virus.

I started ballast today, I have to admit it it quite therapeutic and relaxing IMO.

Here is my first few feet. Going to let it dry before going too far forward to make sure it sticks well to the track:

I do have a question for you guys, I want to spruce up the ReadyGrass area. I have ready that "turf blend" is the best. Any suggestions on what I can use in terms of colors? I must admit I am slightly colorblind so I fear that if I choose something myself, well you can only imagine what will happen.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

Stay warm and be safe from the MIA!!

THANKS

Daniel

Ballast looks great I’m getting ready to do the same thing you’re doing glad you posted this I was wondering what that fast track would look like ballast I’ve seen several on the forum done it but this is the best pic yet

CHOFF, I am with Larry, Nice looking layout! Great work!

Daniel, thanks! Today is the first day I feel normal, but then what is normal at this point in life? Everyday its something else that pops up! LOL Wonderful job on the ballast! I would help you out with the grass color, but I really suck at stuff like that, that's why I do what your doing and ask here! Good luck on your project!

carsntrains posted:

lee drennen posted:

Jim here’s some pics of that tucker

Lee man is that cool!   Would it be a stretch to think a Tucker would have made it down the Tennessee before 1959?   I think they were built just outside of Ypsilanti Michigan and very few were produced.   Shocked to see somebody makes one in 1/43.  I knew a guy that had a few of the real ones.   

Al thanks for the response!  I hope the chains you made will work out for you!  

Choff nice layout!  

Daniel good work on the ballasting of Fastrack!   Looks like Choff did something similar!  Keep us posted as it is something some of us (me) needs to do!! 

Ive gotten a bunch of goodies over the past few days.  And I did accidently win a bid on a boxcar that I already bought a few days before.   Who would have thought 6 bucks would get one?   Dang shipping was 14!!!   UGGGGGG    I managed to get 3 switches and some cows ordered on the Feb. sale!  Have to gain some parking space for this new rolling stock!   I can not buy anymore.  The boss said I had enough for now : )  

I will try to get some pictures posted later! 

Jim 

Yes they were. I think Patrick “Trump Train” has a dealership on his layout of Tucker’s  I think he posted it here a couple days ago check it out 

Thank you guys all for the positivity! It helps so much.

I will keep posting photos for you guys to follow. Bill from Ready to Roll (My LHS) gave me a few tips. I used "wet water" which is just two drops of dish soap and water in a small spray bottle. Next I just made 50/50 water and white glue to stick it down.

I will make a quick video for you guys ASAP so you can see what I do. I am sure it can be approved upon but I have seen a million scenery videos and this really helpful Australia gentleman gave me what I think is the best tip to make it as realistic as possible. (Involves how to clear and tap the ballast down from the track after it is applied from the bottle.)

Thanks guys!

Daniel J. Gonzalez posted:

Thank you guys all for the positivity! It helps so much.

I will keep posting photos for you guys to follow. Bill from Ready to Roll (My LHS) gave me a few tips. I used "wet water" which is just two drops of dish soap and water in a small spray bottle. Next I just made 50/50 water and white glue to stick it down.

I will make a quick video for you guys ASAP so you can see what I do. I am sure it can be approved upon but I have seen a million scenery videos and this really helpful Australia gentleman gave me what I think is the best tip to make it as realistic as possible. (Involves how to clear and tap the ballast down from the track after it is applied from the bottle.)

Thanks guys!

What do you think about trying some HO size ballast on the top?   There is an excellent video in the OGR video archives on how to do ballast.  Exactly what you said.   Wetter water and a 50/50 mix of white glue and water. Cool how that works.  

Wife has me cleaning up because I have "TRAIN BOXES" stacked up all over the house!  LOL 

Jim 

Daniel

I don’t know if anyone told you or not but make sure to get the ballast out in between the rail your engine might suck a piece up into the gears and cause you some heart ache. 

What did I do today? Simple: I was on my hands and knees restringing track power wire. 

1. I upgraded the TIU, the Remote, and the WIU to the latest firmware/software.
2. Re-strung the wire, as mentioned. 
3. Had a glass of Chianti after signal strength reported a "1" throughout. I just don't know what the problem could be! Wine usually solves problems, but alas not with DCS. 

Off to bed. 

-- Dr Joe

I am enjoying the pictures and videos of the layouts in this thread.  When I wake to help my mother in the middle of the night, I often check the newest work completed.  Thanks.

In progress:  I am working on a Lavender clothing box of Preiser 65602 Seated People.  I have just the lavender and then white touch-up to do before final inspection of these 24 figures.  I also opened four boxes and pulled two figures that will be wearing darker blue pants and tan jackets.  With 26 boxes being painted, I want a variety of clothing in case I need to place two of he same figure in one car, usually a Dome with Upper and Lower levels.  I will then add more white to the blue for the next box of figures in light blue and brown.

Mom just got up from sleeping.  Time for me to fix her a grapefruit or orange midnight snack.  Have a good evening.

Sincerely, John Rowlen

After dinner I had a bit of time and I added the piece of foam to the one falls on the left. Made some small pieces for each side of the top falls. Tomorrow I'll cut those pieces down. I think I got enough of the area done between the two abutments. I carved out some more making it a bit wider near the top. I cut out a piece of  foam to make a culvert opening. So I think tomorrow after I vacuum up everything up I can start laying down plaster wrap. Pics....Paul

Finally got the striping crew back on site. They must get paid by the hour because it took twice as long as it seems like it should have. Need a word with the foreman.

Anyway, they are off to an ok start. 

lee drennen posted:

Daniel

I don’t know if anyone told you or not but make sure to get the ballast out in between the rail your engine might suck a piece up into the gears and cause you some heart ache. 

Thanks Lee, I was not planning on leaving it there, just wanted to leave it for now until I got further along and I can use a clean vacuum to pick the unused ballast up and reuse it. For now I have been using my inside loop when I want to run trains. Don't want the trains to loosen the ballast before it is completely dry.

Thanks again!

carsntrains posted:

Daniel J. Gonzalez posted:

Thank you guys all for the positivity! It helps so much.

I will keep posting photos for you guys to follow. Bill from Ready to Roll (My LHS) gave me a few tips. I used "wet water" which is just two drops of dish soap and water in a small spray bottle. Next I just made 50/50 water and white glue to stick it down.

I will make a quick video for you guys ASAP so you can see what I do. I am sure it can be approved upon but I have seen a million scenery videos and this really helpful Australia gentleman gave me what I think is the best tip to make it as realistic as possible. (Involves how to clear and tap the ballast down from the track after it is applied from the bottle.)

Thanks guys!

What do you think about trying some HO size ballast on the top?   There is an excellent video in the OGR video archives on how to do ballast.  Exactly what you said.   Wetter water and a 50/50 mix of white glue and water. Cool how that works.  

Wife has me cleaning up because I have "TRAIN BOXES" stacked up all over the house!  LOL 

Jim 

Hey Jim, I might look into it, I actually wanted to think of ways to improve on the look. It might be an option. I will give it a try on a scrap piece of FasTrack and let you all know how it goes.

Thanks Jim!

Daniel J. Gonzalez posted:

lee drennen posted:

Daniel

I don’t know if anyone told you or not but make sure to get the ballast out in between the rail your engine might suck a piece up into the gears and cause you some heart ache. 

Thanks Lee, I was not planning on leaving it there, just wanted to leave it for now until I got further along and I can use a clean vacuum to pick the unused ballast up and reuse it. For now I have been using my inside loop when I want to run trains. Don't want the trains to loosen the ballast before it is completely dry.

Thanks again!

Daniel

I didn’t think you would I really wasn’t going to say anything I’m the last guy to give advice on someone’s layout. Thanks for not taking it the wrong way can’t wait for more update and you and a couple others are giving me the fever to start ballasting.

CoastsideKevin posted:

Finally got the striping crew back on site. They must get paid by the hour because it took twice as long as it seems like it should have. Need a word with the foreman.

Anyway, they are off to an ok start. 

Great striping job. When do you think your crew can come to “Dough Hill” and stripe my roads?  

Before I went to bed last night I dug out my old Lionel 202 I notice that the decals were starting to peel and the flat paint I used was fading so I put a gloss coat on it to seal it I never wanted a gloss coat in the first place but I don’t feel like restoring it again. This was my  very first locomotive it was orange faded and needing help so I sanded it and repainted it and decaled it. This will probably go on the layout in my new model/train room in the house. 

Another great Saturday of layout work. Wish I could say the same. I did pick up the piece of trim I need for the front edge of the layout. I should have time to cut and install today.

Paul- the gorge is looking great. I'm stressing over the waterfall work to come....

Daniel- The ballast looks good. I have a couple of pieces on my layout that I did the same with. I painted the sides with white glue and sprinkled the ballast on. I let it set then went back with wet water and more ballast to fill any gaps. I left the top bare too. Once dry I blended the edge with some different gravel and some brush to cover the back of my 5121 switches.

Dr. Joe- I with you on the adult beverages (I usually head for the single malt ),...not DCS though, exactly why I have not made the jump yet.

Mike G- glad you are finally dug out. I'm sure Tank is happy to get into the yard again too. I wonder what our furry friends think of snow. Our outdoor cat loves it, she runs around like a nut diving into the piles. Expecting a whopping 1-2" tonight, changing to rain tomorrow. Don't know what happened to winter this year. All the storms have been just northwest of the Island. Enjoy the race today.

Brian- Izzy needs to start laying track....

Kevin- the striping crew is doing a great job. Those union work rule are a PITA to deal with.

Lee- Love that Tucker. All of your cars and trucks are just as nice as the trains.

John R- Another fine looking bunch of people. You are a good Son too......

Choff- Very nice layout. Please share more

Larry- Love the water tower. Gotta have some fun now and then. The roof looks great.

Geyser- the new track plan looks much better. I'm always frustrated by miss-aligned couplers on curved sections. I usually call in the 5-finger yard master to fix the problem. That looks like a great area to do some serious switching work.

Mark- haven't commented lately but good to hear you are finally felling better. Hope you get back to work on the layout soon.

Put my new WM MP-15 and caboose out to do a few laps. More pix to follow.

Bob