What did you do on your layout today?

@RSJB18 posted:

Randy- I got my first battery drill in 1987, a Makita pistol-grip drill with a 3/8" chuck. I still have it and it still works. The batteries are basically shot but I can get enough charge in them to run the drill.
Fast forward to now and almost all of my portable tools are battery. A word of advice, pick a brand and stick with it. This way batteries are interchangeable between tools and charging is standardized. I've settled on Milwaukee.
Most of my lawn equipment is battery too, also Ryobi 48v.

Bob

@RSJB18

Bob:

Thanks for the acknowledgement of my post and the advice on standardization of brand. Ryobi looks to be it for me. The instruction for use of the jigsaw were almost worthless. I took me about 15 minutes and a lot of experimentation to understand how to work the "easy change" blade holder but, I finally got it.

Thank you for all the nice comments and Likes Gentlemen! I have no TT as of yet. I'm looking at, at least 30" if not 32". With my CSS and Daylight, a 24" TT is too small. The round house is a 3 stall Kober 320 with 2 extra stalls.

Here's that build if your interested.
My Korber #320 Roundhouse Build | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogrforum.com)

@mike g. posted:

Thanks Paul, I hope this next one is better then the last one! LOL

Then it would be a really nice layout!

@Jayhawk500 Chris thanks for the link to your Roundhouse build, you did an amazing job and documented in a wonderful way for the rest of us. I have the TT, just bo Roundhouse yet.

@Mark Boyce Thanks Mark, I'm going to do the best I can, it should be a little easier this time around as I have met other model RR's here in my new home town. I even went and visited a man with a 3R layout 15 minutes away.

@mike g. posted:

@Jayhawk500 Chris thanks for the link to your Roundhouse build, you did an amazing job and documented in a wonderful way for the rest of us. I have the TT, just bo Roundhouse yet.

@Mark Boyce Thanks Mark, I'm going to do the best I can, it should be a little easier this time around as I have met other model RR's here in my new home town. I even went and visited a man with a 3R layout 15 minutes away.

15 minutes away!  Wow!  I haven’t managed that in all my life!  😃

@Mark Boyce posted:

15 minutes away!  Wow!  I haven’t managed that in all my life!  😃

I know Mark! I have even been invited to join their Model train club. Most of the guys are into N or HO, and 1 other person into 3r. Either way I have more people to bounce things off of and get hands on help if needed!

I was finally able to run a few engines after I completed the wiring for 2 of the lines a week ago! So I wanted to share my excitement with you all, here's the video on my grandsons TicTock channel.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFfAQwC8/

I wanted to test the smoke unit on my new 0-6-0. It works!

Off to the right is a window that I had a fan in.....still filled the room with smoke......

Also swapped out all diesel power for steam.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

I wanted to test the smoke unit on my new 0-6-0. It works!

Off to the right is a window that I had a fan in.....still filled the room with smoke......

Also swapped out all diesel power for steam.

Bob

I love the smell of Lionel smoke in the morning. Growing up we had a nice sized layout in the basement. I would put on 2020, 681, and 736 and load them up with smoke pellets. Add on a few extra cars and the basement would have a cloud hovering. My mother didn’t always appreciate that.

Jay

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

I love the smell of Lionel smoke in the morning. Growing up we had a nice sized layout in the basement. I would put on 2020, 681, and 736 and load them up with smoke pellets. Add on a few extra cars and the basement would have a cloud hovering. My mother didn’t always appreciate that.

Jay

The CEO doesn't like it either, hence the fan in the window.......

I had HO trains growing up, didn't know of smoke pellets until later in life.

Bob

I sadly converted the last room I could use as a train room into a spare bedroom...I lost the battle, so trains will stay Under Piano for a bit.  WELL DONE TO ALL...the layouts work all of you are doing continues to inspire me!

@RV Junke posted:

I sadly converted the last room I could use as a train room into a spare bedroom...I lost the battle, so trains will stay Under Piano for a bit.  WELL DONE TO ALL...the layouts work all of you are doing continues to inspire me!

I’m sorry you lost the spare room.  I was looking forward to seeing your innovative work in a larger environment!  I know you were too!

@Mark Boyce posted:

I’m sorry you lost the spare room.  I was looking forward to seeing your innovative work in a larger environment!  I know you were too!

Thanks Mark, and yes...fought a good fight but in the end the CEO declined my request!

@RV Junke posted:

I sadly converted the last room I could use as a train room into a spare bedroom...I lost the battle, so trains will stay Under Piano for a bit.  WELL DONE TO ALL...the layouts work all of you are doing continues to inspire me!

Hang in there RV...

notice the file cabinets? They aren't there cause I like them. I did save on lumber for bench work tho.....

Call me the over the file cabinets guy....🤣🤣🤣

Today I finally got back to my layout. I decided to try something new I really never like the old plans of the layout. I’ve been kicking this plan around in my head for a while so this evening I re-done the track plan.  Probably going to have a Piggyback siding on one side and I may put a warehouse on the other. I’m undecided yet. Enjoy the pics.

Lee, I’m glad you finally got back to working on the layout!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Lee, I’m glad you finally got back to working on the layout!

Mark me to feels good to be back.  I’m so sorry I’ve been gone so long life just got busy on my farm. I have to give the layout a major cleaning now as well.

@lee drennen posted:

Mark me to feels good to be back.  I’m so sorry I’ve been gone so long life just got busy on my farm. I have to give the layout a major cleaning now as well.

It’s a shame work gets in the way of hobbies. 😄

@Mark Boyce posted:

It’s a shame work gets in the way of hobbies. 😄

Yes it is but the Farm work I enjoy. 6 more years and I can take it easy

Afternoon folks I hope your all doing well!

I just thought I would check in to see what everyone is up to! some new stuff and some old stuff and a nice return off a forum member!

@RV Junke Sorry I know it really sucks! We just bought a 3300Sqft home and I was thinking I could have half of the basement for a train room, then the hammer was dropped, and I am building a new train room out in the shop! So is life! Good luck wherever you get to build a layout!

@RSJB18 Bob, wouldful work on the smoke for your 0-6-0! Its funny how such a small engine can smoke so much! LOL

@lee drennen Hey Lee nice to see you back in the train room, I am afraid working on the farm might have gave you to much time to think about your layout! I see there is plenty of room there, it will be intresting to see what comes of it! Oh and Welcome Back!

Well guys as for me nothing since the last time, but tomorrow I will be going out to get the last of the lumber to frame in the last wall and get all the outlets installed. Then it will be a little while before I can get the lumber for the ceiling. But at least I am still moving forward!

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

This evening I changed the spurs again. I try to utilize as much space as I can. I ordered a Lionel/K-Line loading and unloading Piggyback ramp. I’ll post it when it arrives. Thanks for looking in.

@mike g. posted:

Afternoon folks I hope your all doing well!

I just thought I would check in to see what everyone is up to! some new stuff and some old stuff and a nice return off a forum member!

@RV Junke Sorry I know it really sucks! We just bought a 3300Sqft home and I was thinking I could have half of the basement for a train room, then the hammer was dropped, and I am building a new train room out in the shop! So is life! Good luck wherever you get to build a layout!

@RSJB18 Bob, wouldful work on the smoke for your 0-6-0! Its funny how such a small engine can smoke so much! LOL

@lee drennen Hey Lee nice to see you back in the train room, I am afraid working on the farm might have gave you to much time to think about your layout! I see there is plenty of room there, it will be intresting to see what comes of it! Oh and Welcome Back!

Well guys as for me nothing since the last time, but tomorrow I will be going out to get the last of the lumber to frame in the last wall and get all the outlets installed. Then it will be a little while before I can get the lumber for the ceiling. But at least I am still moving forward!

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

Thanks Mike for the warm welcome back. Yes working a lot has gave me plenty of time to think about the layout and ideas in my head. I’m hoping to get the ideas out of my head and on the Layout soon. Tomorrow it’s cleaning time on the layout. Hope you can get a little layout time your self. Again thanks Mike.

Another tiny step in the 41 year evolution of Warrenville.

Before:

After:

I'm really starting to like the possibilities of 3D printing.

More here:  3-D Printing Comes to Warrenville (warrenvillerailroad.com)

Thank you John I always appreciate the information you share. Your layout has such interesting, and unexpected detail (Batman).
The next big thing for our hobby will be the 3D printer. As they become more affordable, the possibilities will be endless.

Jay

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Thank you John I always appreciate the information you share. Your layout has such interesting, and unexpected detail (Batman).
The next big thing for our hobby will be the 3D printer. As they become more affordable, the possibilities will be endless.

Jay

Thanks Jay.

Sharing our hobby is one of the best parts of it - I love seeing and learning from all of you guys.

@lee drennen posted:

This evening I changed the spurs again. I try to utilize as much space as I can. I ordered a Lionel/K-Line loading and unloading Piggyback ramp. I’ll post it when it arrives. Thanks for looking in.

Lee, looks like you're re-designing the layout...looking forward to seeing your progress!  I like the siding at the building loading dock (top right hand corner) and the track configuation overall.  Great to see you back posting again...

@Capetrainman posted:

Lee, looks like you're re-designing the layout...looking forward to seeing your progress!  I like the siding at the building loading dock (top right hand corner) and the track configuation overall.  Great to see you back posting again...

Thank you very much Paul. Feels good to be back posting.  I just needed something fresh on the layout so I re-designed it a little. Hope to get more updates soon.

Morning guys and gals! I hope you are all well and ready for a good weekend!

@lee drennen Lee I cant wait to see what you come up with! I hope to much time from the layout hasen't pushed you over the edge! LOL

Well guys I really didn't get much done as I am still working on the train room. But I did get the rest of the walls framed in and the center beam for the ceiling rafters, today I will get the last of the outlets wired in! Just an update photo.

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

@mike g. posted:

Morning guys and gals! I hope you are all well and ready for a good weekend!

@lee drennen Lee I cant wait to see what you come up with! I hope to much time from the layout hasen't pushed you over the edge! LOL

Well guys I really didn't get much done as I am still working on the train room. But I did get the rest of the walls framed in and the center beam for the ceiling rafters, today I will get the last of the outlets wired in! Just an update photo.

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

It’s hasn’t yet Mike. I can’t wait either to work on the new design. Your room is going to be do nice. Thanks for sharing

@Lionelski posted:

Another tiny step in the 41 year evolution of Warrenville.

Before:

After:

I'm really starting to like the possibilities of 3D printing.

More here:  3-D Printing Comes to Warrenville (warrenvillerailroad.com)

Very nice @Lionelski! I just picked up a 3d printer myself. Looking forward to creating things for the layout.

@RSJB18 smoke em' if ya got em!

@RV Junke Sorry for your loss!

@lee drennen Looking forward to seeing your progress!

@mike g. Looking good Marine! Hopefully when you're all done you'll have a grand opening party!!

@T-Bone1214 posted:

@mike g. Looking good Marine! Hopefully when you're all done you'll have a grand opening party!!

I agree with Tom, a grand opening event would be great!  Unfortunately, Mike, you only moved halfway from Northwest Washington to Northwest Pennsylvania.  I would still have a long trip!  😃

Well, not really today but on Sunday, I found an old broken up flatcar under the train layout that I had previously purchased at a train show and forgot about. So, as hurricane Milton approached, I figured I’d strip and repaint it for a future military load.  Nothing like a little project to take one’s mind off of everything.  I finished her on Thursday and now need to do some weathering but I like how she came out. Here is the before and after -

Micro scale decals are a great product. They went on nicely without any tearing or overlapping.  I used portions of their generic boxcar and Military decal kits that I had lying around. Great product.

Good morning everyone. Some great work going on as we enter this train season. It's interesting that two years ago I said I was going to have my layout "finished". Well it ain't happening. I guess that's part of the fun and I keep coming up with more projects.

Most recently, with the help of Dave Bennett of Train Installations, and forum sponsor, I began installing crossing signals. Might I add, I love crossing signals. However, on a model railroad they can be finicky. I don't have the patience or expertise in this area but with Dave's help this project was started. I have one more set that needs to be installed and one repaired. Here's a look see.

Dave

I have to agree with Dave everyone is doing great work!

@Strap Hanger nice work on the military car! What is the load going to be?

@luvindemtrains Dave nice work on the crossing signals! how many did you install on your layout and was it really hard?

Well not much for me folks, I would take photos but you all know what an outlet looks like! LOL Well yesterday I finished wiring in all 14 outlets in my train room. All are controlled by one single on/off switch! That way there is no way of leaving anything on when I leave the train room!

Also after talking to a forum member here I have reached out to a pole barn builder or construction engineer to see if I can remove the 8 x 8 post in the train room. I really doesn't look like it is doing anything. It use to be the center post of the back wall when the shop was built, but then at some point in time the extended the shop by 15 feet and just left the post.

Well either way I hope you all find time to have fun with your layouts and trains!

@luvindemtrains posted:

Good morning everyone. Some great work going on as we enter this train season. It's interesting that two years ago I said I was going to have my layout "finished". Well it ain't happening. I guess that's part of the fun and I keep coming up with more projects.

Most recently, with the help of Dave Bennett of Train Installations, and forum sponsor, I began installing crossing signals. Might I add, I love crossing signals. However, on a model railroad they can be finicky. I don't have the patience or expertise in this area but with Dave's help this project was started. I have one more set that needs to be installed and one repaired. Here's a look see.

Dave

Excellent work as usual Dave. Those are some of the most realistic crossings I’ve seen. They look perfect on your layout.

Gene

@luvindemtrains posted:

Good morning everyone. Some great work going on as we enter this train season. It's interesting that two years ago I said I was going to have my layout "finished". Well it ain't happening. I guess that's part of the fun and I keep coming up with more projects.

Most recently, with the help of Dave Bennett of Train Installations, and forum sponsor, I began installing crossing signals. Might I add, I love crossing signals. However, on a model railroad they can be finicky. I don't have the patience or expertise in this area but with Dave's help this project was started. I have one more set that needs to be installed and one repaired. Here's a look see.

Dave

I do believe that whatever time estimate we set, there is a multiplier that we have yet to accurately comprehend.
Upon first glance the top photo looks real! Your layout is a showpiece.

Jay

Mike, Gene, and Jay-Thank you much.

Jay- I agree, a multiplier should be added to the timeframe. Of course there is no consistency there either because everyone has their own idea of completion.

Mike-This go around we installed 2 sets of flashers one set of crossing gates. Gates are always a little bit more involved. All in all it was about a day's work.

Dave

@mike g. posted:

I have to agree with Dave everyone is doing great work!

@Strap Hanger nice work on the military car! What is the load going to be?

Thanks Mike. I have a few Atlantis models waiting to be assembled - gun, gas truck, flat bed Ford, etc.  Whichever one I get to next is going to sit on that flatcar.  

@Strap Hanger posted:

Thanks Mike. I have a few Atlantis models waiting to be assembled - gun, gas truck, flat bed Ford, etc.  Whichever one I get to next is going to sit on that flatcar.  

Let me know how that goes......I've heard that Atlantis models don't go together well. I have a Chevy rack-body truck to do one day.