What did you do on your layout today?

@luvindemtrains posted:

drelo,

Will we get to see it?

Dave

Sure thing.  Here is the template that I mocked up.

Here is the base installed on my layout.  I'll be adding another level later this week.

Hi guys, I know I am starting to sound like a broken record, but once again nothing new from me! LOL, I have finished all the CEO's list as, so I thought! But I was told I was wrong, I guess I didn't see the additions to the list! LOL

Either way I want to say that everyone is doing wonderful work and with the heat wave I hope everyone is staying inside in their train rooms staying cool!

Peter I really like the road you're building. I would try but I don't have enough room left on the layout for roads!

They say it is going to get hot here tomorrow and Wednesday, but I love the hot weather. But on the other had the CEO has stated that if it does get really hot by her standards we should stay inside and cool! Which would be great to me as that means Train Room as it has A/C! LOL

I hope you all have great week and find time to have fun with your layout and trains!

P.S. Stay cool if needed!

Greetings to all!

Well I haven’t started my O scale layout yet, but I have progressed in my MEC#11 project.

recently I set up some class lights, headlights, and cab lights thanks to Evans Designs LEDs. Shout out for the products and helpful staff.

here some photos of model nearing completion, next stop the layout plan. Some may remember my rail float and float bridge from my former layout. I will be applying said structures in the simplified waterfront switching layout. The progress will be posted.

I will also post the maiden (flex track) voyage film of MEC #11.

leroof.

I put a picture on the entrance door to my train rooms.

@pennsyfan posted:

I put a picture on the entrance door to my train rooms.

Point Pleasant?

Point Pleasant?
Yes it is.

While this section does not have the landscaping completed, the renamed Inn is back in its final resting place. The build of the Inn is covered in WHAT’S ON THE WORKBENCH AT THE MOMENT

Some of you may recall I named my railroad after a resort my dad and his buddy owned in the 50's and 60's in the Spooner Wisconsin Area. I spent many summers fishing, swimming and only getting into a little trouble. When I realized the MTH Station was not going to fit in this location, I hit upon the log lodge idea. One thing led to another and it became a Supper Club (a Wisconsin thing) on the main level and lodging above. My dad's resort had 8 log cabins and a lodge - so here we are "Dick's Twin Pines Resort and Supper Club est 1924".  Dick loved a good meal to the point he was so impressed with one particular walleye dinner, and rather loudly at that, that the owner came over and asked him if he could eat another walleye dinner. Well that was a silly question, of course, and the second dinner was happily consumed, being every bit as good as the first. So that is why we now have a resort and a supper club on the Twin Pines Rail Road. A pleasant reminder of peaceful times with my dad up in the North Woods. 

If anyone is any good at 3D printing software, I could use a hand in creating a better sign for the inn.  I can get access to a 3D printer, so all I really need is help in creating the printable file.  Thanks Jeff

@ScoutingDad Really like your personal connection with the Twin Pines.  I know you were thinking and reliving a summer or two at the lodge as you labored on the resort.  I find it’s really fun an satisfying  to see our finished products.

Yesterday completed a wiring connection for the OHHS lighting adding liquid tape over the soldered joints. Works much better than the electrical tape in the hard to get to connections.  My accessories loop is just a hard wire house wire looping from one side to the other the whole length of my layout.  I’m afraid that I didn’t think through  my selection of accessories wire but I had the wire on hand and already paid for during the shop construction.  The accessories are connected to the 10 volt post in the z4000.

During the July heat I have begun the repainting on the MTH Passenger depot for the top of the tunnel.  Yesterday I began the addition of the mortar joints. Lots of painting by hand on this design to come.  I washed the windows and building after I disassembled the building.

have a good day everyone 😊

Hi guys, I hope everyone is doing well with all this strange weather! Hot some places, flooding rain in other places!

@Leroof Your work is looking nice! You have more guts than I do to drill into an engine! LOL Can't wait to see the video.

@pennsyfanBob wonderful photo and even a great message to go along with it!

@ScoutingDad Jeff looks perfect! I am guessing from your story that we will be seeing 8 more smaller cabins showing up on the layout! LOL Really though I love the scene and the story behind it all! I always love it when you post your progress.

@Seth Thomas Seth we all understand what you're saying about the wire! I am sure at one point we have all tried to use what we have on hand and already paid for. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't! The thing is for sure if you don't try you will never know!,,,

Well guys it is my lucky day, The CEO says it is to hot outside to work and that I should stay in where the AC is. Well, we only have 2 places here that have ac, the house or the garage with the train room attachment! So, I get the green light to play in the train room for the day and till the local heat warning is lifted! I know I love the heat, but now I really really love it! LOL

I hope you all have a great day and find time to have fun with your layout and trains!

@ScoutingDad posted:

While this section does not have the landscaping completed, the renamed Inn is back in its final resting place. The build of the Inn is covered in WHAT’S ON THE WORKBENCH AT THE MOMENT

Some of you may recall I named my railroad after a resort my dad and his buddy owned in the 50's and 60's in the Spooner Wisconsin Area. I spent many summers fishing, swimming and only getting into a little trouble. When I realized the MTH Station was not going to fit in this location, I hit upon the log lodge idea. One thing led to another and it became a Supper Club (a Wisconsin thing) on the main level and lodging above. My dad's resort had 8 log cabins and a lodge - so here we are "Dick's Twin Pines Resort and Supper Club est 1924".  Dick loved a good meal to the point he was so impressed with one particular walleye dinner, and rather loudly at that, that the owner came over and asked him if he could eat another walleye dinner. Well that was a silly question, of course, and the second dinner was happily consumed, being every bit as good as the first. So that is why we now have a resort and a supper club on the Twin Pines Rail Road. A pleasant reminder of peaceful times with my dad up in the North Woods.

If anyone is any good at 3D printing software, I could use a hand in creating a better sign for the inn.  I can get access to a 3D printer, so all I really need is help in creating the printable file.  Thanks Jeff

Great work Jeff. The story only adds to the great modeling. I think we all have fond memories of a "cabin on a lake" from our youth. Mine was on Lake George in upstate NY.

One comment on the stone chimney if I may, would be to add copper flashing around the base to tie it into the roof.

Bob

“One comment on the stone chimney if I may, would be to add copper flashing around the base to tie it into the roof.”

I have copper tape with adhesive backing. I could send you some. It’s 1/4 “ wide. Let me know how long you would need and send your address to my email in profile.

@pennsyfan posted:

Is that a real GG1 builder's plate on the wall?

Hi guys, well I went out to the train room, ran a few trains for a while and worked on my Starbucks truck transformation to a Coors delivery truck.

I got the cab off and the box off. I removed the lights, windshield, seats, headlights, grill and bumper!

I started on removing the box decals and I must have missed it somewhere that Isopropyl alcohol takes off paint! I thought I could use it to remove the glue residue worked ok on that but better on removing the paint.

The good thing is I planned on repainting it already! LOL

@RSJB18 @pennsyfan. Thanks for the idea on using copper flashing. When i laid in the stonework, the plaster sagged a bit leaving the chimney a little off kilter. I'll probably rebuild before i add the flashing. I have a piece of copper flashing which i can easily trim to size. Thanks for the tape offer. Will also add a rain cap over the top.  I tried filing down the stones that did not work. 

All, thanks for the likes, it was a fun build and brought back many happy memories. Cant believe he's been gone nearly 20 years, nor '24 would be his 100 birthday.

@mike g. posted:

Hi guys, well I went out to the train room, ran a few trains for a while and worked on my Starbucks truck transformation to a Coors delivery truck.

I got the cab off and the box off. I removed the lights, windshield, seats, headlights, grill and bumper!

I started on removing the box decals and I must have missed it somewhere that Isopropyl alcohol takes off paint! I thought I could use it to remove the glue residue worked ok on that but better on removing the paint.

The good thing is I planned on repainting it already! LOL

Pro tip.....WD-40 is great for removing adhesives and "sticky stuff" 😉😉

Bob

https://ogrforum.com/...9#163039312770181939
Lee,

The GG1 builders plate is a replica produced by the Friends of the museum of PA as a thank  you for a donation. I probably don’t have the name correct but it’s the one across from the Strasburg RR.

Finally had a breakthrough on my F3 upgrade yesterday. I was having issues with the front truck binding on something when the shell was installed. I thought it was the wiring but it turned out to be the cab that I added. It was a little too close to the motor and was hitting the sides on the curves. So the net result is that the engineer and conductor lost about an 1/8" of leg room.

I tested the engine with the shell in place and its good to go. Just fixing a couple things with the lights in the dummy unit that I wasn't happy with.

Bob

Well now that you’re an expert….

I had posted the trashed F3 that I picked up and wasn’t sure what I was going to do. Last night I’m looking at past purchases on eBay and I see a AA set SF that I picked up a year ago. The chassis were intended for my two JC METCA 10th anniversary shells. Suffering from CRS  I went up to see if I ever did it. The shells were still sitting on the Railrax. So now I have two motorized units with horizontal motors and a dummy. So that makes 4 motors and power trucks to tune up. I’ll outfit the METCA shells first and then the SF. I’ll have to find another dummy chassis for the SF. Then I’ll have the beat up shell to relegate to my still under construction scrap yard.

Afternoon guys I hope your all doing well! I have been able to get out to the train room the last couple day so I have been working on my Coors delivery truck conversion. I was able to get the interior painted, added some chrome to the dash and steering wheel, painted up a driver for it and got the box painted. I hope to get the outside of the cab painted tomorrow. Here are a couple photos!

I guess he will be waiting to be loaded! LOL

This morning I sweated my rear off cutting plexiglass for Mark. Just waiting to hear back from him on length and width that he would like and then I will get that cut!

I hope you all have a great weekend and find time to have fun with your layout and trains! Also Please stay cool and safe!

Mike, I like the pose of the waiting driver!  😄

Thank you for cutting the plexiglass.  I certainly appreciate it!!!   I sure couldn’t do it with the meager set of tools I have.  😄  If I had the tools, I don’t know where I would keep them!  😣

Between out new puppy, ongoing maintenance on my W2 Jeep after it sat in the garage since the pandemic started (that, I dearly regret, now), it being summer and a never-ending series of household projects my wife never seems to run out of, I have done very little on my layout.

I live vicariously through you all right now, but I'll soon need to make sure everything is cleaned and dusted off where it needs it, as it'll be on the layout tours for the 2022 National Narrow Gauge Convention in September...

Mark, your more than welcome! I really like to help out when I can!

Lee, tell me about it! LOL I just got lucky and got a week off of honey do's. Next week it's a new project so who knows when I will get back to the train room!

After cleaning out the garage (partially) I retreated to the cool basement train room this afternoon.  I was getting ahead of myself by throwing some track down on the floor, roughly following my current track plan when I realized the ceiling lighting better be next !   Using my train room drawing template I placed my "shrunken" 2' x 4' LED panels into the drawing & calculated where each needed to go without too much lighting overlap, or without leaving dark spots (I hope).  A simple exercise but it's given me a clearer path forward as to how to place & wire-in the lighting.  I feel better already, lol.

Rich in SD

The last three engines that I have purchased recently new and/used each one was a problem.  So I have been extremely hesitant to test run my Santa Fe engine I received from my servicer this week.

I am happy to report she fired up and ran with no problems, no, I’m truly excited. 😅

But I only tested in conventional operations so I have one more test with Legacy to worry about until tomorrow 😆

John, it looks great!  I’ll keep my fingers crossed on the Legacy test.

Mr. Thomas,  Havent seen the Coca Cola diner in a while.   I have one, and the engine looks good going by.  Do you have any other items to place with the diner, and what is the Shell, logo, station at the beginning of video clip -- Thanks  - Terry

Here is a wooden garage that I made. It went together well. I added a light inside and outside. For that I did slight additions to keep the light from leaking. All in all I thought it turned out good.

This evening I assigned a new number to the Santa Fe, #60.   The first number I screwed up by not turning the switch back to Run.  
I really messed up everything by leaving the switch in Program.

So now with a second assigned number
the El Capitan works using Cab 2.

Whistle, bell, brakes, lights, forward, reverse, everything is there right from the remote.

A great lesson learned tonight…

@Seth Thomas posted:

This evening I assigned a new number to the Santa Fe, #60.   The first number I screwed up by not turning the switch back to Run.  
I really messed up everything by leaving the switch in Program.

So now with a second assigned number
the El Capitan works using Cab 2.

Whistle, bell, brakes, lights, forward, reverse, everything is there right from the remote.

A great lesson learned tonight…

Yay!

Busy day today after returning from vacation.  First up was to add support for the track between the south side of Rockville bridge and the downgrade as well as install retaining walls and ballast the track on the bridge:

Since my order from Scenic Express hadn't yet arrived, instead of installing retaining walls on the rest of the southside incline I decided to cut foam, drill holes, and install the grade for the country road to the area of my layout which will include trailer homes, a log cabin, small lake and Lionel's Family Vacation and Tire Swing accessories:

Lastly, I installed a fence section on the north side of my brewery:

-Greg

Progress has been made on the next two projects. The first is getting the passenger station changed and installed the way that Paula wants it. We started on the front section and straightened and caulked several windows… tremendous improvement.

She then removed the original interior from the station and is totally redoing it floor to ceiling based on photos of the original station. The rear panel has been painted a dark burgundy, a new floor has been added and will have a green/black marble coating. A counter similar to the original station will be crafted from mahogany with a side news stand.

Materials arrived last week and Paula and Rich will tackle the project when he returns from trout fishing in western Virginia.

This was a fully completed interior… now empty.

It is amazing what can be found on Amazon and received within three days

My next project is a number of electrical changes including installing two ZW-L transformers on a cart that Rich made and wiring #2 which we have not used before. We are also adding a second TIU, and two more AIUs. The first transformer has been on the layout beside the station and for several years we have planned to move it and install the second when we reached this stage of the layout. It is nice to finally get it done.

Other than additional AIUs, this will complete the major component installation. There will be plenty of relays and terminal blocks as well as a lot of wiring to add as we extend level two from the right side left and forward.

Rich is very talented and a great help.

Greg, the retaining walls and river scenery under the bridge look great!

Bill, Where would you be without Paula and Rich??  The enhancements to the layout sound great!

I finished the ballasting on the Modular Layout's new engine testing area.

Some final touches this week. TW TrainWorx Wheel Stop kits are on order.

Peter

I started putting down some static grass using WS Static King. Initially disappointing results, but after some research, I came to find out that my room was too dry (humidity plays a part). So now I first wet the area with water, brush on my thinned glue mixture, then apply the grass. Happier with the results now.

Andy

@RSJB18 posted:

Finally had a breakthrough on my F3 upgrade yesterday. I was having issues with the front truck binding on something when the shell was installed. I thought it was the wiring but it turned out to be the cab that I added. It was a little too close to the motor and was hitting the sides on the curves. So the net result is that the engineer and conductor lost about an 1/8" of leg room.

I tested the engine with the shell in place and its good to go. Just fixing a couple things with the lights in the dummy unit that I wasn't happy with.

Bob

Sometimes those crew members have to drop a few pounds Bob.

0-4-0 saddletank loco at Lebanon, Ohio.

https://ogrforum.com/...7#163602343666135297

Completed the build of my coal breaker. Next build will be the conveyor structure with ore car dump building.

Stay cool,

Scott

I put my KLine Starlight diner on the table. Wired the inside lights also a wired an on/off button for the smoke unit. I didn’t wire a momentary on switch for the music yet, just dangled the wires down. Apparently they are touching as every time I plug in my layout it plays The Twist. 🤣

My goodness, there are so many great projects going on. Very inspired by what I see.

Greg-The bridgework, underpass, and retaining wall is quite a site.

Bill-You've got quite the team there. I look forward to seeing the interior transformation. As for wiring AIU's etc., my least favorite part of the hobby but it's               gotta be done.

Peter-Nice work on the ballasting. Again, not my favorite part of the hobby but it's gotta be done. It's great that you find time between working on your own                 layout to be so active with your club.

Andy-It looks like you're getting the hang of the static grass application. I see a transformation taking place. I never would have thought that humidity would                affect the application of the static grass. I've never heard anyone mention it before. That's good to know.

Scott- The coal breaker looks very nice. I was tempted to get one for myself but I already have a tipple and too many projects as it is. Maybe on a future layout.              Keep us posted once you detail the area.

Here's a photo of the 95% completed Woolworth from River Leaf Models (Andre). I say 95% complete because I still need to add lighting and a few more details. YouTube video of the build forthcoming. Enjoy your weekend!

Dave

Nice work Dave, I enjoyed your video on YouTube too.

Andy