Hello,
This is my new screen name. I was trying to change my avatar, and last time could only change it by making a new screen name. Even that didn't work this time, and I have the generic man avatar that is so in vogue these days....
Anyhooo..... I always need a train project to work on. The garden railroad is looking great, and I'm satisfied with it for the moment. Shifting to the train room. Adding 2 more loops, bringing a total of 15 operating loops to the layout. I can run 12 trains simultaneously due to wall power output limitations. New additions are:
1. An H0/ 0n30 display loop to showcase Tyco and vintage H0 trains
2. an American Flyer S gauge loop. I have revised my plan. As Lou Palumbo mentioned in his column, I have realized I am no longer up to too much crawling under the layout, and various gyrations that would have been no problem in earlier times.... So, the new loop runs partially under the layout, pops out in my Royal Gorge scene, comes around the front, and around the corner of the layout on a huge rock outcropping. Then ducks back under the layout. Also, I am pushing to use up everything I already have available: track, transformers, trains. Only purchasing construction supplies.
Stay tuned.....
Paul
Holy frijoles, 15 loops? Did you buy an old Skateland to run them in? Please share some pics on Sunday Photo Fun, when you get a chance.
Sure enough! When I have something to share, you will see it!
If you focus on a project long enough, it becomes crystal clear. I finally figured it out:
for the train room, I need to move the Ho/ On30 loop to open up the access aisle again. I need to decommission my " Royal Gorge" scene, and move the 0-31 loop off the floor, and elevate it. Then, I can try to fit an elevated Flyer loop on the other wall. I need to keep the area under the layout for G gauge engine and car storage. And, access for cleaning and retrieving derailed equipment. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.....
Road Foreman of EnginesI need to decommission my " Royal Gorge" scene, ...
Could you post some photos before it's gone.
Hello Mike,
it is still intact. I will probably post some before and after pictures once I complete this major makeover. I always like a train project to work on; I enjoy building it much more than when it's done. Can't just leave it alone...so, yes I'll put up some pictures.
I'll second that. Building is the best part
Same me, different spelling!
I have a lot of fun with construction. Become totally engrossed in the project, overcoming issues that come along, excited over the progress.
Yes, I enjoy it when it's done, but can become vaguely Ho-Hum.....
Love to build!
Last year was my first year of retirement, and I ran forward like gangbusters, with a major Garden Railroad project, and detailing the indoor layout, servicing locomotives. Most productive!
This year, I must have joined the union, because work is progressing at a snail's pace, but it is at least moving along....
Just like " Mr. Habib"( Eugene Levy) in " Father of the Bride", the wrecking ball has come out. I have taken up a loop of 3 rail Lionel track, to be relocated. And half the loop of Atlas Snap track has been dynamited. There will be a line relocation.
Everything will be recycled. A new loop of Flyer S gauge will be worked in somewhere....
Road Foreman of EnginesLast year was my first year of retirement, and I ran forward like gangbusters, with a major Garden Railroad project, and detailing the indoor layout, servicing locomotives. Most productive!
If you're like me you know what you'll REALLY enjoy about retirement?
Having time to do nothing, if that's what you feel like doing!
I also look at it this way, I worked for 40+ years, now I play!
Thanks, Flint! You know, I always hear stories about people retiring, and not knowing what to do with themselves. I don't seem to have that malady....
I always have lots of projects to work on, some for the house, but tons of train projects. Lovin' retirement!
It's a great gig ,if you can get it....
I've had several options for the new Flyer loop that I've been kicking around. It's not easy working a new track into an existing layout, especially one as densely packed as mine is. After careful and methodical consideration, I have gone back to my original scheme: it will be a 92" x92" square, elevated 28" above the main Lionel loop. There will be a loop of 0-31 in the back corner, 36" to 40" above the main Lionel loop.
Once I have completed these, I can reinstall my Atlas snap track loop on a new alignment......
So far, so good! I have installed my new Flyer loop. It is 8'x8', sitting 26" above an 8.5x8.5 foot layout. Using vintage Flyer track sections, some of which are bowed from being stepped on years past. I have nailed them down to the track boards, and have flattened them out as much as possible. Pretty smooth now! Eventually, there will be a guard rail/ safety net system. Not practical to install at this time, until construction is completed. Speeds will be low to moderate for now.....
That old Flyer track has been durable and forgiving on my layout.
fifedog That old Flyer track has been durable and forgiving on my layout.
I like the way the old Flyer track looks. Some pieces are not flat, and it is not always obvious, until you try to use them on a layout. But it looks like I have flattened them out.
Yeah, one finicky pilot truck spring will keep you up at night trying to figure out how to get that locomotive around that curve.
It seems to me that 95% of the issues are more track related, with very few issues being the trains themselves. It would have made things easier to get some quality track, Gargraves or something. But I like the look of the vintage Flyer track. Some of these track sections are right out of the 1940's! Love the vintage look! With a little care, and careful track laying, I can still get acceptable results.
Pretty happy with what I've got So far !
Making progress:
Flyer loop is complete, 28 inches above the main Lionel deck. Just needs guard rails on the corners.
Lionel 0-31 loop completed at 65 inches above the floor. To display Marx, and smaller 0-27 trains
The " Tyco track" is in place, to display low end and vintage H0.
just need to work on scenic elements next.....
See if this link works for my updated train room
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP7qOmqx4Uw71GVcyuW5UWYXwEGG-4PUDD7JQZ6Zde_IixrjVgNIxWCDol69dT3YA?key=N25ZdE1NZkc5T04yWngyMnVscF84RVdrNHVvUlZna
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNnC8oEnP82ruiYZ5mGaa4xTe6FP8CNvYtVT2YCQXNNS_QpkKTgjLlr6pTPof9z6w?key=cjZMMUtLRWNqcFJxaGU2R09ITzNrTFo3M0I1Q3VRtrying to get the pictures to work properly.....
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMn5Ihe7liEMS_ix0IRPAhnymgXfeBEBRibR7yFxHzgpZ8dj6E8qKuS10xhjHmmsQ?key=bGp1ckVzXzNuMGVHT004TE5jMDRFMXZiMjdCTGtB
Hey, check these out!
15 loops of track:
3 Lionel
3 Flyer
3 Quality HO
2 Snap track loops for Tyco/ 0 n30
4 tracks for N guage
12 can operate a one time
Enjoyed the picture show. Seeing and hearing the layout in motion must be something to behold.
Thank you! It's a work in progress, and I'm sure I'll keep changing it around, since I get bored quickly with things....
It's fun to get the layout really wound up with trains in motion everywhere! The rumble and sweet music of all those trains.....
It's very relaxing to watch and enjoy!
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPy-OmMT_VcboFKYyoQ-Gh6LA1GWbQXORTm_X5_s9VtCsDoxNASu_jAucM6fpX4pw?key=cHJEeGEtRFFTWkdSYVI1S2x4T0k4dVh0ZWRJOW93Here's a laser cut " puzzle" from Japan I just built. Most parts are press fit.
Check out this "locomotive" https://specialtyproducts.store/advanced-build-dazzling-steamliner-mechanical-metal-model-kit-t4m/
I can't quite figure out how those cylinders are supposed to operate
pennytrains Check out this "locomotive" https://specialtyproducts.store/advanced-build-dazzling-steamliner-mechanical-metal-model-kit-t4m/
I like things that are a bit unusual anyway. Keeps things interesting......
Road Foreman of Engines https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPy-OmMT_VcboFKYyoQ-Gh6LA1GWbQXORTm_X5_s9VtCsDoxNASu_jAucM6fpX4pw?key=cHJEeGEtRFFTWkdSYVI1S2x4T0k4dVh0ZWRJOW93Here's a laser cut " puzzle" from Japan I just built. Most parts are press fit. Paul
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