Since Mike G asked, here are some photographs of my Ceiling Central Railroad. The first is the Western Maryland Pacific #204 pulling the heavyweights, then just some random photographs from the past.
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Bob, the new cars look great.
Mark, nice pics of the Ceiling Central.
Johan, great scene.
Andy
Mike, rail is not just one color, so you'll have to pick what looks best to you. Potting soil was just the name of the color I used. I got it at Menards, which won't help you. I think it was a Dutch Boy color.
Here are some pictures I grabbed off the net. As you can see there is quite a bit of variation.
This one is pretty close to what I used.
Here's one in good sunlight, it looks lighter.
This small chunk looks different still.
Here's a more rusty one. I don't think you should go this route, too orange, and it looks "cartoonish" on a layout.
You're correct, Elliot. If you looked at CSX (formerly Conrail, Formerly NYC) track 5 miles from my home, you would see it's very very dark grey. There is no right or wrong; one should just look at the world around them.
Steamfan77 posted:Bob, the new cars look great.
Mark, nice pics of the Ceiling Central.
Johan, great scene.
Andy
Andy. Thanks.
Johan
Steamfan77 posted:Bob, the new cars look great.
Mark, nice pics of the Ceiling Central.
Johan, great scene.
Andy
Thank you Andy!!
Does anyone out there know how to load the locomotives found from the (MTH) TIU, to all my handhelds (4 in this case). Without taking each handheld separately and ''finding'' each loco all over again. I'm sure I heard, or read somewhere, that you can plug a tethered cable from the TIU tothe remote hand controller and it will transfer the info to it. Thanks for your help!
Mark, I like the overhead trains. Nice string of reefers.
Johan, again nice weathering and good shots of the layout. With the information you gave me I may have located that boxcar but have to wait till Tuesday to call them to see if their list is up to date. And what are the dimensions of the layout.
So today after spending most of the day outside I decided to work on the layout before dinner. I tried a different engine and it went through the crossover with no problem. Then I put the lift out section in place and wired up one of the plugs so the lift out has power. I had added gar graves connectors to the tracks so when I dropped in the liftout section the tracks would line up better. Then I powered up the track. I got the engine to run through the section but after it got past the lift out it stopped dead. After taking the engine off the track I powered up again and with a tester found I had 17 volts all the way to the last section of tracks I did over the gorge. I placed the engine at that end and it started to run but stopped after a few feet. So now I have to figure what is up there plus I have to figure how I can clean the track under the stairs. Pics............Paul 2
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Thank you Paul. You are making good progress on the track wiring!
Running the night local on the Hudson River Line....
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Bob, the State of Maine cars look very nice ! Congratulation! 
Keith Looks like a good time! Enjoy it as much as you can!
Mark the celling RR looks great! I wish the CEO here would let me put on in the house, but I am reminded that's what the train room is for! LOL
Johan, that sure is a great photo! I have to ask, it the guy on the wall a worker or a trespasser ? LOL
Elliot, thank you sir I really like the second picture. I am glad I didn't buy the dark brown paint! LOL
Paul 2, Thing are really looking good at your place! I sure hope you can find the little gremlin running around your layout down there!
So as for me after working at the store this morning, I came home and worked on getting my toggle switches wired for my TSM's so far so go, they are all working like they should! I have 4 more to do in the morning, then I can switch to working on a cliff wall! Sorry no pictures today as I know everyone loves to see wiring! LOL
I sure hope everyone has a great Sunday!
ROMAN: I think that's going to be a fun layout! I have a 2026 that is my Dad's. I've been running it on my Carpet Central off and on for a while, they are fun locomotives to run!
Rusty
Mike, The Ceiling Central RR was my wife’s suggestion, since when the girls lived with us we had no place for a layout of any size. It is awkward to build, maintain, and even move engines on and off in my opinion. If the room had 8-foot ceiling, it may have been easier.
myles posted:Does anyone out there know how to load the locomotives found from the (MTH) TIU, to all my handhelds (4 in this case). Without taking each handheld separately and ''finding'' each loco all over again. I'm sure I heard, or read somewhere, that you can plug a tethered cable from the TIU tothe remote hand controller and it will transfer the info to it. Thanks for your help!
Myles, this is probably not the best place to get your question answered. It's not that the guys who frequent this topic aren't helpful, but that you are only reaching a small segment of the forum population, by posting it in this topic. I suggest you either search the forum for the answer, or just start a fresh topic of your own, in the correct sub forum. I don't use DCS, so I'm of no use to you, except that I can point you in the right direction. This topic is really about layout construction, where everyone can post pictures and stories of what they are up to.
Roman - That little video reminds me of the old days when I ran postwar and MPC.
Mike - One thing about using a darker color is, it makes the rail look smaller. For us 3 railers, that's a good thing.
Thanks Rusty. Fun is what I’m hoping for with my redo of the layout. The original track plan just didn’t cut it.
Postwar rules Elliot, at least on my little table. 😃
JamesRx posted:Running the night local on the Hudson River Line....
Wow, that is awesome!
JamesRx posted:Running the night local on the Hudson River Line....
This looks real life. You did a wonderful job,
Thanks Mark and Kevin!
Hi all- busy day out in the yard yesterday (not the rail type either 
). Thanks for all the likes and comments on the new box cars.
Johan- that scene is amazing. The perspective on the building flats give it great depth. Somebody better get that guy down off the wall before he falls
Mark- Love the CC. I thought about doing in around my basement but my ceiling height is just about 7'. I'd have the same problem as you. I particularly like that #23 Geep. 
Mike- What's wrong with wiring??????
Paul- The layout is coming together. Hope you find your power issues.
James- great shot. The lighting is perfect.
Roman- looks great. Gotta get my 2026 some run time soon.
Keith- looks like your grandson has everything under control.
Elliot- thanks for the info on rail color.
Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom's in our lives!
Bob
JamesRx, wonderful Photo! You really bring things to life! Nice work!
Mark, either way I still thinks it very cool! Maybe one day I will do one around the garage celling!
Roman, Fun looking layout, I bet all the neighborhood kids want to come in the garage and see it!
Elliot, thanks again, I guess I am going to have to get a couple different colors and see what I like best! When you thin it down do you just use water 1 to 1?
Bob, wiring is my down fall! That's why I don't like it that much. If you only knew how many LED's I have burnt out! LOL The good thing is most of them have been free!
Well I will get some work done today in the train room, not sure how much but will let you all know by the end of the day!
I sure hope everyone has a wonderful Mothers Day!
myles posted:Does anyone out there know how to load the locomotives found from the (MTH) TIU, to all my handhelds (4 in this case). Without taking each handheld separately and ''finding'' each loco all over again. I'm sure I heard, or read somewhere, that you can plug a tethered cable from the TIU tothe remote hand controller and it will transfer the info to it. Thanks for your help!
Myles Elliot is correct wrong section but in short the answer is to do a backup and then restore into the other remotes.
It is in Barry's Book which is worth every penny.
Curtis
paul 2 posted:Mark, I like the overhead trains. Nice string of reefers.
Johan, again nice weathering and good shots of the layout. With the information you gave me I may have located that boxcar but have to wait till Tuesday to call them to see if their list is up to date. And what are the dimensions of the layout.
So today after spending most of the day outside I decided to work on the layout before dinner. I tried a different engine and it went through the crossover with no problem. Then I put the lift out section in place and wired up one of the plugs so the lift out has power. I had added gar graves connectors to the tracks so when I dropped in the liftout section the tracks would line up better. Then I powered up the track. I got the engine to run through the section but after it got past the lift out it stopped dead. After taking the engine off the track I powered up again and with a tester found I had 17 volts all the way to the last section of tracks I did over the gorge. I placed the engine at that end and it started to run but stopped after a few feet. So now I have to figure what is up there plus I have to figure how I can clean the track under the stairs. Pics............Paul 2
Paul. Thanks. The dimensions of the layout are 15.5 x 19.5.
Johan
mike g. posted:Bob, the State of Maine cars look very nice ! Congratulation!
Keith Looks like a good time! Enjoy it as much as you can!
Mark the celling RR looks great! I wish the CEO here would let me put on in the house, but I am reminded that's what the train room is for! LOL
Johan, that sure is a great photo! I have to ask, it the guy on the wall a worker or a trespasser ? LOL
Elliot, thank you sir I really like the second picture. I am glad I didn't buy the dark brown paint! LOL
Paul 2, Thing are really looking good at your place! I sure hope you can find the little gremlin running around your layout down there!
So as for me after working at the store this morning, I came home and worked on getting my toggle switches wired for my TSM's so far so go, they are all working like they should! I have 4 more to do in the morning, then I can switch to working on a cliff wall! Sorry no pictures today as I know everyone loves to see wiring! LOL
I sure hope everyone has a great Sunday!
Mike. Thank you. I think the guy is a trespasser, but where is a railroad police?
Johan
RSJB18 posted:Hi all- busy day out in the yard yesterday (not the rail type either
Johan- that scene is amazing. The perspective on the building flats give it great depth. Somebody better get that guy down off the wall before he falls
Mark- Love the CC. I thought about doing in around my basement but my ceiling height is just about 7'. I'd have the same problem as you. I particularly like that #23 Geep.
Mike- What's wrong with wiring??????
Paul- The layout is coming together. Hope you find your power issues.
James- great shot. The lighting is perfect.
Roman- looks great. Gotta get my 2026 some run time soon.
Keith- looks like your grandson has everything under control.
Elliot- thanks for the info on rail color.
Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom's in our lives!
Bob
Bob. Thanks. That is a just one idea, added some detailing around the layout.
Johan
Mike, I can't tell you the exact amount of water to thin the paint with. What you are looking for is a thin enough mix that will go through the air brush. As I said before, something close to the consistency of cream. Be careful not to over thin it. One of my better tricks, is to use a turkey baster to transfer the paint from the can to the air brush jar.
The dimensions of the layout are 15.5 x 19.5.
Johan, that's a decent size layout. From your pics you have added a lot of detail to it. Magazine quality for sure. Thanks........Paul 2
Last night I ran trains before turning in. While doing so I changed out the consist of the train running on the Mountain Division removing the two gons of rocks ( which have been running for a couple months now ) and replacing with a B&O livestock car, a flat car loaded with heavy timber, and a B&O bobber caboose. As the loco ( Dockside ) the flat with heavy timber and bobber are pieces that I've already weathered, I realized that the B&O livestock car can use some weathering. It has now moved to the top of my " rolling stock to be weathered " list.
Just watching em run, I totally enjoyed the time!
As I've got a long list of non train related things to do today, I hope to get a little bit of train time in at some point today, as it is a rainy day here in Maryland.
Here's the newest member of my B&O roster: GP9 #6463. It's purely a dummy unit at this point although I may add cab figures and headlight(s) later. I had a nice RK GP9 body and the rest of it - chassis, trucks, pilots, couplers, fuel tank are all cobbled together from junk I had laying around. I used a generous amount of dullcoat to give the blue paint that faded look.
This is 98% complete. I will probably do some additional weathering and tweaking before I'm completely done. I used Williams pilots which means they have zero detail so I may upgrade them whenever I stumble across something nicer.
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JamesRx posted:Running the night local on the Hudson River Line....
.....and the day local
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Awesome GandyDancer!
Ralph M. The whole vista has a nice, clean, cheerful feel to it, somewhere nice to go to play, have fun, and be happy. Those positives are consistent throughout what we can see there, so I imagine that is your personality coming thru. Congratulations on such a successful presentation of our hobby for yourself and anybody lucky enough to be invited to see your treasure there.
FrankM
Ralph M posted:Here's the newest member of my B&O roster: GP9 #6463. It's purely a dummy unit at this point although I may add cab figures and headlight(s) later. I had a nice RK GP9 body and the rest of it - chassis, trucks, pilots, couplers, fuel tank are all cobbled together from junk I had laying around. I used a generous amount of dullcoat to give the blue paint that faded look.
This is 98% complete. I will probably do some additional weathering and tweaking before I'm completely done. I used Williams pilots which means they have zero detail so I may upgrade them whenever I stumble across something nicer.
Great looking pair there, Ralph. Is it purely coincidence or were you purposely trying to replicate the GP9/GP30 combo in the B&O museum? If the latter, you nailed it!
Bruce
Worked on my track problem but still hitting a wall. Tried running ground at the end of the track looping it between the outside rails. Strange thing was I could start a legacy engine from the back and from the front but when they hit the section under the stairs they die. I am wondering if after all this time the tracks under the stairs have a lot of dust on them. Since I can't find my track cleaner I am going to use the wife's swifter with either a micro fiber rag or a terri cloth rag on top of the rails. The handle of the swifter should be long enough to reach the furthest tracks under the stairs. Tomorrow I'll try again..... If that fails I'll have to add the other plug to run ground and power to those rails...........Paul 2
Thank you everyone for the comments on the Ceiling Central RR. Yes Bob, I am afraid I will be drop an engine. The #23 would be a sad one to loose. I have improved getting up there with a two step three-foot folding platform I found in my dad’s shop when we were cleaning it out last summer. It’s real handy for using. I have some balance troubles that must be caused by my sciatic pain med. My ceiling is 7’ 4” High.
Mike, I think it would be a good addition once the regular layout is well along. At least your ceiling is a standard eight feet.
Ralph, another excellent looking B&O unit.
Paul, I’ll bet you do have trouble with dirt under the steps.
Thanks for the daytime version Gandydancer. Beautiful!
I just received my new Lionel Baltimore and Ohio GP9 #3419 back from Lionel Service. The gears on the front truck did not mesh properly when I bought it, so Lionel installed a new Truck.
Unfortunately in the process, Lionel broke off the front lift bar and replaced it with an all black wire bar that is a smaller thickness and not painted to match the engine. The body shell also dips downward on the back non-engineer side. I believe the frame got bent downward, pulling the shell down when screwed to the frame. A wire vertical stanchion was glued back to the rear of the Cab walkway too.
I am not happy about this engine repair. I am still waiting for a refund check from Lionel for my CSX F40PH #9999 that was sent to Lionel two months ago. I was told that Lionel will probably issue refund checks in June, hopefully of this year. Model Railroading should be fun. The Lionel repair issues are not. My C&O Allegheny Steam Whistle #1604 still does not run correctly after service by Lionel. The service technician who worked on it no longer works for Lionel according to the service call center. Lionel did refund my money on the Vision Line GG1 #4913 that they could not fix after three attempts.
Boy, I hope I start having fun with model railroading soon.
Sincerely, John Rowlen
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I did get a chance to run trains today and really enjoyed every moment! Here are a few pics I took over the last couple days. 
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I actually got out to the train room before work today and ran the 3 rail layout today. I had a late night operating session last night but this morning it was just good to run some trains. I just got a few new MTH hopper cars and a MTH Reading side dump car. It works great with the 497. Have a great day everyone!
