Definitively, your project is stunning. I like the LED lighting idea. It gives a constant lighting all over the shelves. I once experimented with a kind of similar but low budget version of that (X'mas LED lights series encased in a U-shaped channel) but the overall watt output was only good enough to simulate night operation. Definitively, your option is worth a try.
Matt
Proudly modelling the Quebec Railway Light & Power Co since 1997.
http://www.hedley-junction.blogspot.com
http://www.harlem-station.blogspot.com
Sailormatlac Definitively, your project is stunning. I like the LED lighting idea. It gives a constant lighting all over the shelves. I once experimented with a kind of similar but low budget version of that (X'mas LED lights series encased in a U-shaped channel) but the overall watt output was only good enough to simulate night operation. Definitively, your option is worth a try. Matt
Thanks, Matt
The xmas and rope lights just don't put out enough lumens to do any justice for a model railroad, unless you're trying for a crescent moon at midnight in the desert.
The great thing about these led strips is that they can easily be dimmed for night effects. You can even install RGB led strips and switch between daylight, night time blue, or red if you want to model the end of the world
These led strips are the wave of the future, IMHO, and are continuing to come down in price. You can now get a 16 foot length of led lighting and a power supply for less than 50 bucks. Not to mention the money you save on the ol' electric meter on the side of the house!
Jerry
New York&Long Branch Sailormatlac: Definitively, your project is stunning. I like the LED lighting idea. It gives a constant lighting all over the shelves. I once experimented with a kind of similar but low budget version of that (X'mas LED lights series encased in a U-shaped channel) but the overall watt output was only good enough to simulate night operation. Definitively, your option is worth a try. Matt Thanks, Matt The xmas and rope lights just don't put out enough lumens to do any justice for a model railroad, unless you're trying for a crescent moon at midnight in the desert. The great thing about these led strips is that they can easily be dimmed for night effects. You can even install RGB led strips and switch between daylight, night time blue, or red if you want to model the end of the world These led strips are the wave of the future, IMHO, and are continuing to come down in price. You can now get a 16 foot length of led lighting and a power supply for less than 50 bucks. Not to mention the money you save on the ol' electric meter on the side of the house! Jerry
Sailormatlac: Definitively, your project is stunning. I like the LED lighting idea. It gives a constant lighting all over the shelves. I once experimented with a kind of similar but low budget version of that (X'mas LED lights series encased in a U-shaped channel) but the overall watt output was only good enough to simulate night operation. Definitively, your option is worth a try. Matt
" unless you're trying for a crescent moon at midnight in the desert" Ahahah! Exactly and it was the original intention.
I like the fact a LED strip makes a continuous lighting device, which is good from a realistic point of view. And they take virtually no room. Definitively worth a try.
Jerry,
Just visited your layout website - very inspiring by the way, and I have just read your latest update.
My profound and sincere condolences to you on the loss of your wife.
John
God Bless and my thoughts are with you - Christopher
I was very sorry to read about the passing of your wife.
I have been enjoying reading about your progress on this very interesing project.
Here's hoping for better days ahead.
Eric
I wish I was a headlight
On a northbound train
I'd like to thank all of my fellow modelers who showed their support for my wife and myself over the past several weeks. It means a lot to me and helped me get through this difficult time in my life.
My Mary is in Heaven now, but she is gently nudging me toward the basement to continue my work on the NY&LB line. She was my biggest fan, despite the countless trips to Home Depot where she would make snoring sounds while tagging along after me in the lumber dept., or when I would present her with modeling-related bills, sometimes beyond our means, which she would just say "if it makes you happy". God Bless her!
I'm ready to resume layout contruction and will also resume the updates on the web site in the next week. It's just me and our beagle Abigail now, but Mary will always be looking over my shoulder cheering me on. I plan to eventually dedicate the layout to her when it's finished.
Thanks again for all of your support my friends!
Jerry-
So sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you all the best going forward. Sending you best wishes from San Diego California!
Sean
Hello all,
I've resumed construction on my NY&LB line after taking some time off to regroup and decide where to go next with the layout. Progress will pick up as summer winds down and I plan to get trains running on both decks this fall.
I also updated the web site which you can see here. Thanks everyone!
Glad to hear from you and looking forward to future progress - Chris
Since discovering your website I have been avidly following your progress. You have a fine layout going, well thought out in both concept and execution. While I am a happy N scaler I nevertheless find your efforts engaging and informative.
I was saddened by your tragic loss and I encourage you to continue working on your layout. I was amused by your anecdote of your trips to Home Depot with your wife as she playfully made her boredom at yet another trip down the lumber aisle evident. I have had to endure more than one instance of a rolling-of-the-eyes from my better half as well, as she followed me around trying to pick out the best cuts of lumber from the rack or waiting out in the car as I ran into the local hobby shop for a few lengths of cork roadbed.
Keep up the excellent work and do your best to keep us all updated whenever you can. I am looking forward to see how your layout develops!
Frank B.
Dorval, Canada
Hi everyone. Verizon pulled a fast one on me recently so I had to find a new web site host for my NY&LB construction site. You can find it at www.NYandLB.com. The old site is in limbo and I can't even delete it, let alone modify it! What a kick in the butt!
I'll admit that that I'm still trying to get back into the mrr groove but I have been doing some work on the layout. My days off have been spent taking care of the house and minding my college-age daughter instead of modeling work but that is gradually changing as I write this message.
I'm still working on debugging some track issues and at times feel like tearing apart what I've built. So far, cool heads have prevailed and the various issues have been resolved. Stay tuned.........
Great to see the continuing work. I was just thinking a few days ago when we would start to see the work on this again.
My Prayers are with you and you family.
Oh and don't forget, the Reading Company criss crossed the CNJ and PRR in this part of the world and at one time in it's history owned the CNJ. I am not sure if any interchange tool place on the NY&LB.
Great job on website as well!
Chris
Thanks Chris,
I don't believe the Reading ever got down the shore on the NY&LB, at least for motive power. Some passenger equipment may have during peak periods of summer traffic. Now I'm going to have to dig into this possibility. Thanks a lot!
There will be an update to the web site this week as I have really begun construction again and have gotten the old bug back. The guilt I suffered through concerning the layout the past 6 months in connection with my wife's passing has run its natural course and I feel good about going into the basement again, thank goodness! I'll keep everyone on the various forums posted.
Just a little update on the progress of my HO New York and Long Branch construction.
I finally installed the final section of track on the first half of the double-deck layout. This was a code 70 section of flex track in the Neptune Yard and I'm now starting the wiring and turnout control installations.
You can check out the latest construction log at my NY&LB web site. This is a new link since my old site has been shut down. Can't wait to start digging into some scenery work on the upper deck.
Hello fellow modelers. It's been a while since I last posted here but progress continues on my NY&LB layout.
Trains have been running over the completed half and track de-bugging has slowed down as most of the issues involving the trackwork have been resolved. I've now turned to the scenery on the upper level with much anticipation.
I'm beginning construction of the Shark River rolling lift bridge after just completing the Sylvania Avenue wood overpass. The Shark River Bridge will be similar to the completed Manasquan bridge shown below. I plan to finish up much of the upper level scenery before moving to the lower level.
You can visit my construction log at my NY&LB web site. Hope everyone is having a great summer!
The Manasquan River Rolling Lift Bridge
The Sylvania Ave crossing waiting for some detail work and the surrounding land to rise around it.
Superb Jerry!!!!
The Sylvania Ave overpass now has some land to go with it. I also detailed the bridge a bit more with some tie rods and bolt heads.
Work on the Shark River movable bridge has started and photos will post to the site as it progresses.
Jerry, as always a great inspiration and great work!
hello all...It's been a while since I posted any updates on the forums, but I thought I would let anyone interested know that my layout will be open for visits on Sunday October 26th between 9am and 2pm.This is in conjunction with the annual New Jersey Layout Design/Operations SIG and RPM Meet that weekend. Ifn anyone wants to stop by, just shoot me and email and I'll provide directions.For those who haven't been following, the layout web site is at http://www.nyandlb.comJerry
How about http://www.nyandlb.com/
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Looks like you had some of the same issues I did. One whole section of my basement had a lot of water damage (but never any water actually coming in). Since I lived here, I've had all the gutters replaced, as they were leaking badly, which has helped a lot. I just recently finally got started on demo and rebuild of the basement, walls and floors are all sealed up now. Soon I will start the build part, I am putting up insulated walls all around. My contractor is going to use treated lumber for the sill plates, install a vapor barrier, and use the green board type of drywall typically used in damp environments, so I think I will be quite safe from water intrusion and moisture issues going forward.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I too had to do significant work in my basement just to get to the point of building anything for a layout. Had to clean sections of walls and seal with DAP concrete sealant, treat areas for efflorescence and mildew, then paint with Watertite paint. What a pain. All could have been avoided if the previous owners of my home had simply USED DOWNSPOUT EXTENSIONS. Grrr.
Anyway, I went to your layout web site and went thru all 7 pages of construction photos. It's amazing to see your documentation! It's like a tutorial from start to finish. Thanks for taking the time to document for the benefit of others.
Andy
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Milwaukee native modeling the Milwaukee Road in 1950's Milwaukee.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/196857529@N03/
Hey thanks! Being a kind of tutorial as well as a log was my original intent for the web site. I sometimes go back and re-live my life the past 9 years on these pages.
I'm really happy with the basement water issues finally resolved. We've had a very wet past few months here in New Jersey and all the repairs have held up perfectly. I finally have the confidence to move forward with construction of the layout on this previously troubled side of the basement.