WHAT TRAINS DID YOU RUN TODAY?

AMemorial Day weekend required my military trains to take a spin on the layout after Mass this morning. The GP20 was my first PS3 engine and it still sounds and runs great. The conventional US Army steamer running on the floor track is from the Lionel troop train set.

Here is the US Army GP20 backing out of the Yard heading to maneuvers on the other side of the layout -

Here is the Lionel US Army Steamer rushing those troops to the camp -

What a great way to start the morning. Once again, deepest honor and respect to all the heros that gave their lives for my Freedom.

Today I am running a Williams Brass Mikado with Williams brass freight cars ( bhoppers, 2 boxcars, 2 tank cars and caboose) and my very first Lionel set from 1961 which I have put together from individual purchases over the last few years.  This was a bottom of the line promotional set sold at Montgomery Wards and other places.  All rolling stock has fixed arch bar trucks and the engine has no reverse, windshield or fuel tank.  It is really cheesy but since it was my first it has special meaning to me.  I don't know what happened to my original since I have other trains from that time period.

Rolland

My version of the 20th Century Limited and Broadway Limited racing out of Chicago. The consists, led by two new Lionel E7’s, are both MPC era cars - the PRR from the late 70’s, and the NYC from the early 80’s.

Looks nice Paul. I like how they are running side by side.

Bob

Facing a long haul before I have a layout room prepared,  I just had to throw down some used track today & run a D,L & W  train.  Even if the tender's coupler did not want to pull just one diecast car - it was still enjoyable, and yes Ogauge takes up some space !  Have to hand it to some of the older stuff, take out of box, throw on track, apply power & off it goes !

@trestleking posted:

Facing a long haul before I have a layout room prepared,  I just had to throw down some used track today & run a D,L & W  train.

Lookin' good.  Been there, done that, I had Fastrack loops around for a couple of years here until I got my "real" track down.

@Apples55.....Whoa! Nice parallel lines those E7's are making. BTW....are you the builder of that cool curved passenger platform? It looks awesome! Please drop some hints on how you constructed that!

This one...

@Junior posted:

@Apples55.....Whoa! Nice parallel lines those E7's are making. BTW....are you the builder of that cool curved passenger platform? It looks awesome! Please drop some hints on how you constructed that!

Thanks, Junior. Unfortunately, I did not build the station/platforms. I have the building skills of a gnat (which is probably an insult to most gnats!!!). I bought them from Crescent Locomotive Works a couple of years ago. There was a thread recently which said Dave is no longer selling built up models, only kits. If you’re better at building, you may want to contact him to see if he’s doing them as a kit.

Well, I gotta tell ya Paul (aka @Apples55); from what I see.... your a pretty darn talented gnat!

This one - PRR train #30, the eastbound Spirit of St. Louis!

Lionel 2133040 PRR Legacy E7 A-As

K-Line 4680C PRR 18" Spirit of St. Louis 4-car set

George

I ran 3 consiststoday- all motive power acquired in the last week:

Lionel Conrail SD80mac with TMCC and Odyssey freight train

Lionel Legacy F40Ph phase III with w/ k-line baggage, 2 mth capstone phase V...

....and at the end of the passenger consist, one 18” Amfleet coach with  the Cab End car

As well as a Lionel/Ives 1932(late transition era if you consider 31 and 32 transition) 1600 series Ives labeled freight consist.

Headed by a Lionel 248 Box Cab, just bought at a show yesterday, until the 1652E I also acquired Is fixed!

This is a couple days running.  1st day I decided to break up the long Marx train  with all the red cars on  one track and all the tankers on another.   Yesterday  I boxed up the Marx and unpacked some forgotten Lionel box cars & hoppers.  So the outside track I'm running my coal train, center track just mixed boxcars pulled by an old Lionel  #2035,   and inside W.M. Alcoa pulling dairy and produce

I added the new Lionel Vision MDT reefers to my NYC goods train. So now, the milk train from upstate NY not only picked up some boxcars of biscotti and cookies from Stella D’oro in the Bronx, but made a stop somewhere in the Hudson Valley to get some fresh fruit to make a delicious, nutritious, well rounded breakfast!!!

boomer, what is the red burlington boxcar in the marx red train?

Thanks, John

Pat and me running on the TMB club

beardog49 - John,  The car was given to me,  but what I've found out by looking at the same car on bay it's a K-line box on a Marx frame.  There's a Marx stamp on the bottom of the frame.

Doug

Wow fellows, neat trains, and I hope everyone has a great weekend. Happy Railroading Everyone

Thanks for the info, boomer

SP freight run.

Paul, instead of another sound boxcar or reefer, Lionel should come up with rolling stock that emit smell.  Imagine how good that boxcar of biscotti would smell on an early morning leaving the factory.  The youth hockey players at the skating rink next door would be drooling as the train went by.

Today we ran the 911 First Responders…. Happy Railroading Everyone… Have a great weekend, and Happy Father’s Day to….

2:00 am, can't sleep, so I went downstairs and fired up the S.S. Brill gas electric, some RDCs and a K-4 headed consist to cycle through a morning and evening shuttle service through nine towns.  All local service.  Takes awhile.  Sure beats reading or counting sheep!  G'night.

Running my new Berkshire.

Let me take you back to 1956 in horse country where a Maryland Midland diesel hauls a B&O freight train through a town called Plasticville.

[This introduction reminds me of the way Rod Serling introduced his Twilight Zone episodes. He would add a spooky remark like: "Although the train is moving, the people and creatures are frozen in time, as still as mannequins in a store window." LOL]

The smoking locomotive is an MTH Premier Proto 3 Maryland Midland diesel. Arnold

I ran my MTH Premier N&W A Class loco!

Rod, I mean Arnold; what is the structure between the gas station and the tower?

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Rod, I mean Arnold; what is the structure between the gas station and the tower?

Jay, to the left of the tower and in front of the gas station in my above video is the back of the Plasticville supermarket.

To the right of the tower and the gas station is the Plasticville corner men's clothing store.

Here is a photo of the Corner Men's Clothing Store:

Here is a photo of the front of the supermarket:

Since I don't have much room for structures on my long narrow layout, I chose these structures because they are relatively small, and I could have eough structures to make a little village. Arnold

Thanks Arnold, I never knew that Plasticville made a haberdashery.

Correction: the above photo that I described as the Plasticville Supermarket is actually the Plasticville Hardware Store. In the 1950s there was a good chance that such a hardware store would have sold Lionel trains.

The N&W "J" starts the morning off getting the coal rolling,   then the Chessie Steam Special leaves the station .  The WM BL-2  is pulling out with the parade train getting ready for the Christmas in July festival.

Good thing the Boomerville sign is flexible. Those Christmas trees really wanted to take it down. ; )  Thanks for sharing. 

Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸

@Rixster posted:

Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸

Amazing!

Ran my new Baldwin demonstrators on my high line in a night scene. With six motors they plenty of power for the grades on this line. Happy  4th everyone.

NYC ESE….

Pennsy all the way, headed by this MTH Proto 2 PRR VO1000 diesel running on DCS, hauling coal, merchandise in boxcars and oil through Amish country, specifically Bird-in-Hand, PA.

@JamesRx posted:

NYC ESE….

I love the camera angle of this video, and the little people standing on the station platform and seated in the coaches. It beckons us to call out: All Aboard!

Ran a FlyerChief on my expanded S gauge layout today.

Today we ran the 911 CSX First Responders lash up again… Happy Railroading Everyone….

Arnold did the crew stop t the Bird in Hand Bakery for some Shoe Fly pie?

The 5:45 AM out of Grand Central….

Leapinlarry,  Wow,  that's one beautiful layout,  did I count 5 different levels ?  Did you make your own rock formations ?

Doug

@coach joe posted:

Arnold did the crew stop t the Bird in Hand Bakery for some Shoe Fly pie?

Not sure, but if I was in the crew, I would have headed straight for the saloon in Intercourse, PA.

I just Googled it:. Don't know if there is a saloon, but there are some interesting activities relating to the Amish.

Here are my Lionel C&O Hudson and Lionel Commodore Vanderbilt pulling passenger cars.

I was going thru my plug door boxcars which are an extension of my childhood trains. I have been trying to recreate the

set I had between about 1953 and about 1965. It started with 1953 set when I was about 4. 1130 loco, 6066T tender,

6034 boxcar, 6032 gon, 6465 tankcar and 6037 caboose. It went into grandmas attic after that. I would get to play with it

when I went to visit for a few days. Somewhere along the line a 6062 NYC gon was added. About  '55 or '56 my dad and

grandfather set up a sheet of homosote on a couple of sawhorses in her basement, a bit wavy with no framing but amazing

for me. My grandfather showed me how to solder and how to use his table saw and said there you go and went back up to watch

the Cubs. Imagine a 7 year old today standing on a wooden box operating a table saw with no guards and an open belt. I

learned to make my own uncouplers (glue a nail in an old spool, wrap wire around the spool and apply power), made crude

manual switches on a piece of wood from an old box, etc. Anyway, here are a couple of short vids of my recreation of my first

set, and its progression thru the next few years. The little 1130 could manage the cars on the sheet of homosote back in the

day kinda, but I don't want to burn this one up. Sorry about the crude video

I just love the look of the smoke pouring out of this MTH PS2 Pennsy Turbine running on DCS:

@farmerjohn posted:

Ran my new Baldwin demonstrators on my high line in a night scene. With six motors they plenty of power for the grades on this line. Happy  4th everyone.

Those Baldwin demonstrators look awesome!! Great looking layout, too!

July is military trains month at my house.  So I dug out some of my PW military items.  The inner train is pulled by 2 US Marines Alcos (both powered) and ends with the US Marines caboose.  I put an MRC sound system in the lead unit so now it has prime mover sounds, horn and bell.  Really livens up the action with these old Alcos.  The outer train is pulled by the US Navy Alco AB and ends with the security car.  Lots of fun shooting missiles and rockets at exploding bunkers and exploding boxcars.

Rolland

GP40s pulling my new freight cars.

Boomer 0622, thank you for the compliment, we used hydrocal in scenic express molds and painted each one individually, and yes, 5 levels, all inter-connected together, so a train on the bottom level can wind it’s way around via two helixes through each level all the way to the top and via a “Y” on the top level turn the train around to decent to the bottom level. I’m getting ready to set up Routing with my Cab 2 remote to make it easy. Thank you for asking. Winston B, cool video, I love the UP lash up freight train, wow…James RX, Beautiful NYC diesels video, nice layout and great scenery,  Happy Railroading Everyone

You have a gorgeous layout and trains, Larry.

Was at my buddy Jerry's house running trains today,

Hi Ulus,  great videos of some of yours and Jerry's trains.  Jerry the layout is as impressive as ever. Love all the aged custom military equipment. The Santa Fe colors really pop with the stainless look.

Keep up the good work!

Duncan

I decided to get out my old HO trains and clean them up a bit. Three of the locos ran after a few minutes of wiping down the track and the loco wheels. One still needs some work. Wow! I felt like a younger kid again. It brought back so many great memories.

I got that last HO loco running yesterday evening. It's almost 25 years old. I now have four HO locos to run, along with a small fleet of freight cars. These are my locos (some of the locos have parts missing and are not in the best condition, but they run):

-Life-Like HO UP GP38-2 Hi-Nose #2007 (Just got it running yesterday)

-Life-Like ATSF Warbonnet GP38-2 #3500

-Bachmann HO ATSF GP40 #6067

-Bachmann HO UP Greyhound 0-6-0 Steam Loco #4441

Here are a few pics of the locos (not my photos of course):

Ran my Bluebonnets on high line.

Farmerjohn, I know I have seen images of your town, but do not remember a video to show all your signs. I can see a glimpse of it at the left edge. Any chance to show more? I have been thinking about getting a barber pole - looks like you have one.  THX

Hello FarmJohn...

Another great view of your awesome layout! Thanks for sharing.

I was wondering if you have a graphic of your track plan that you would be willing to share? I'm sure inquiring minds want to know....and I'm certainly one of them!

Scouting dad.  Here is a short video  of part of my town . It is still a work in progress.  The Miller lights are really an eye catcher. Thanks for asking.

Junior.  I don't  have a track plan drawn out to show. I would draw it out on paper at night then later tried to work it in. A lot of trial-and-error.  Ill post some pictures  of the entire layout as soon as some more scenery is done. Thanks for the comments.

Absolutly stunning! Fantastic lighting without overkill.

Ran the Balwin demos more last night on high line

FarmerJohn a big thanks for posting the town video. looks like a scene out of a movie. I like the way the streets are at the front and back of the buildings. I don't have quite enough room to do that on this layout. I'll keep it in my back pocket of ideas for the next one.

I thought the Miller Barber sign kind of looked 3D in their photos sure looks like it is in you video. Besides that one, I am trying to decide between a Woolworth or Rexall building sign. Of course there are several window signs worth a look as well.

As usual, FarmerJohn, your layout is spectacular. A unique feature is how the street has a slight curve; rather than the squared concept that is typically used.
Thank you.

@farmerjohn posted:

Scouting dad.  Here is a short video  of part of my town . It is still a work in progress.  The Miller lights are really an eye catcher. Thanks for asking.

Junior.  I don't  have a track plan drawn out to show. I would draw it out on paper at night then later tried to work it in. A lot of trial-and-error.  Ill post some pictures  of the entire layout as soon as some more scenery is done. Thanks for the comments.

Hey FarmerJohn....

No worries....no rush! Just thought if you had a layout plan handy it would be fun to see.

BTW.....your curved street scene really reminds of Back to the Future II ! It's very cool!

My new Lionel 6-28057 Southern 4-8-2 Scale Mountain & my new Lionel 6-84470 Southern USRA Light Mikado #4758

Super traditional Lionel!

Today, on the upper level, I put up and ran my Post War Santa Fe F3 (A-B-A) set with 2 extra passenger cars. Here it is rounding a O54 curve.

I finally had a chance to operate my Menards FP7 on a test track at my house.  I sent my findings directly to the manufacturer.

@farmerjohn posted:

Scouting dad.  Here is a short video  of part of my town . It is still a work in progress.  The Miller lights are really an eye catcher. Thanks for asking.

Junior.  I don't  have a track plan drawn out to show. I would draw it out on paper at night then later tried to work it in. A lot of trial-and-error.  Ill post some pictures  of the entire layout as soon as some more scenery is done. Thanks for the comments.

That’s an awesome looking layout! How big is it?

Ran my PW Lionel CB&Q F-2 #153 (formerly SF F-3 2242) on the club permanent layout this evening.

   
My MTH locosound F3 from an old set pulling a freight train and the engine from my first set, the Pennsylvania Flyer pulling a passenger consist. I was pleasantly surprised to find the smoke unit on the Pennsylvania Flyer was working again, I thought it was broken for the longest time. My best guess is it got flooded with fluid.

Ran my custom GM&O F-3 AB #801 (formerly SF 2343) leading the "Abraham Lincoln" on the "Alton Route" with 5 passenger cars on the club layout this AM:

Prototype photo here.  Just scroll down and you'll see it.

This is my PW LIONEL version:

N&W guy. You asked how big my layout is . My basement is 2650 Sq ft. I built my house with my layout in mind . I've dedicated  my whole basement  to  my trains. It's a big project  but super fun. Thanks for asking .

Ran my Allegheny and Unshrouded J

@farmerjohn posted:

N&W guy. You asked how big my layout is . My basement is 2650 Sq ft. I built my house with my layout in mind . I've dedicated  my whole basement  to  my trains. It's a big project  but super fun. Thanks for asking .

Wow farmerjohn - you lucky dog! Your basement is bigger than my whole house (not including my basement)!

I gotta find me a basement stretcher to expand the WVRR again. Does anyone know where I can borrow or rent one?

Ran a ABA set of 2333 Santa Fe units just because tonight. I forgot how well the do really pull and I love that horn....just because.

Having fun with my Menards F7.

Nice, Bob. That has to be the brightest engine headlight I have ever seen!!!

@Apples55 posted:

Nice, Bob. That has to be the brightest engine headlight I have ever seen!!!

It sure is Paul. I might change it to a warm white LED since the cool white just doesn't work for me.

Ran my bluebonnet on my high line last night. I think I'm going to side them for awhile and give them a rest. Going to pull out the steam engines for future  post.

I placed the decals on the S-2 and the caboose and made the first "revenue run" with my favorite cargo.

226E with Blue Comet cars

If you've been following the Forum today, you know the answer.

The Blue Comet:

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

If you've been following the Forum today, you know the answer.

The Blue Comet:

My Blue Comet chased my blues away - today

44 ton center cab diesel takes passengers down by the Sedgewick Avenue Station Along The Put.

The engineer in that 44 ton center cab diesel is paying careful attention to the signals on the right of way in Westchester County, NY along The Put.

ATSF 0-6-0 with a short freight.

Very nice Bob. What did you use for ballast? It looks very authentic.

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Very nice Bob. What did you use for ballast? It looks very authentic.

The ballast is a combination of floral gravel from Dollar Tree (black) and Michael's ( grey on the fastrack).

I dont spend much $$$$ on disposables. 👍

Thanks

The rail cleaning SP TOFC made a couple of laps on the mainline and sightings along with SF 3751 hauling the Polar Express.

A Reading & Northern GP30 delivering a coal load to a local PPL power plant...

Very nice Paul and yesterday I finally made it to the Reading Heritage Museum.

Ran some different trains on different levels tonight. This is a night time scene which I like the most because of the lights ofcourse.

@farmerjohn posted:

Ran some different trains on different levels tonight. This is a night time scene which I like the most because of the lights ofcourse.

John, Great vidio. Tha Shark ABA Demo's, passenger trains and your layout are very impresive.

Ran my custom track cleaning car recently.