Layout work on hold now and probably until mid-late May. Have to do a bunch of outside housework since HOA is back to doing inspections and my daughter is getting married May 1st in the finger lakes region of NY.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I'm working on finishing my F&C McKeen car. There are just a few details and figuring out how best to weigh it for traction before I get to painting. Since I recently decided to create a full interior and my custom truck uses a single axle like the prototype, getting enough weight on that one axle is tricky!
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Darth Santa FeI'm working on finishing my F&C McKeen car. There are just a few details and figuring out how best to weigh it for traction before I get to painting. Since I recently decided to create a full interior and my custom truck uses a single axle like the prototype, getting enough weight on that one axle is tricky!
Hi Darth,
FWIW, I put a subfloor in my McKeen car made out of 1/16" lead sheet. I also put a brass 'U' channel on the bottom of the frame to stiffen it. The channel could have been filled with lead but I thought that the car was heavy enough with just the lead subfloor. You can see the lead floor on the right:
Here is the brass 'U' channel:
I'm looking forward to seeing the finished project.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Benchwork and main bus wiring completed. Now I am laying roadbed/track on the layout. For a change of pace I am also working on a LaserKit Crossroads Church at the work desk.
Paul
Just finished my locomotive lighting project, as previously discussed.
Next up. Gonna set up a series of track work and turnouts on the work bench to test a double crossover and a 3-way turnout. Each piece of track had some dead rail segments. I need to identify those rail segments, and possibly repair them, before selling them.
I also want that track work set up to test my NCE Mini Panel, Switch-8, and Switch It devices before putting them up for sale. My new layout doesn't have a need for any of these items.
Rich
Alton Junction
Finalized the track arrangement for the switching area and wired the main line. Now its time to wire the switching area with feeder joiners and test. In a short time I'll be removing the joiners and track and applying caulk to affix the track.
I could get it done in two days if I ever got motivated to solder the feeders to the bus. That's usually the hang up. Once I get in the mood and rolling, it goes quick though.
- Douglas
hon30critterEventually I will put sound in all of them but I'm not going to pop for 11 decoders all at once.
Well, that didn't last long! I did our income taxes yesterday and, thanks to the income splitting option, we are getting way more money back than I expected. I just ordered nine decoders!!
Oh man, where do I start?
Well, I have a dead spot on one of my switches that I can't seem to figure out why that is happening. I also have to finish making my mountain and I have not been able to do that because of work, and once I finish that mountain, I have to find a new workspace since my "workbench" is the last flatspot on my layout.
I also have some not-big-but-not-small projects, like converting some of my locos to DCC/Sound or re-decalling and weathering some of my fleet.
I have just been putting it off for awhile now.
hon30critter FWIW, I put a subfloor in my McKeen car made out of 1/16" lead sheet. I also put a brass 'U' channel on the bottom of the frame to stiffen it. The channel could have been filled with lead but I thought that the car was heavy enough with just the lead subfloor. You can see the lead floor on the right:
Good idea! Due to my design, I can't make the subfloor from metal, but i can add a bit more weight where that U channel should go. Unless it's flipped over, I'm sure it won't even be noticeable that it's filled.
hon30critter hon30critter Eventually I will put sound in all of them but I'm not going to pop for 11 decoders all at once. Well, that didn't last long! I did our income taxes yesterday and, thanks to the income splitting option, we are getting way more money back than I expected. I just ordered nine decoders!! Dave
hon30critter Eventually I will put sound in all of them but I'm not going to pop for 11 decoders all at once.
Sort of struggling with that myself! Currently adding TCS and Soundtraxx decoders to everything from Rivarossi to brass depending on space and application. Even the BLI models are getting their Paragon2 and 3 decoders removed and replaced, 7 or so locomotives in total so far. I'm averaging about a decoder per month, so it's a decent pace at least. I need to stop adding motive power to the roster that need decoders before I get more decoders installed!
I always have a few things going at any one time. Last night I ordered a Scale Sound Systems Big Boy speaker for an Athearn 4018. Spent most of the evening trying to open that tender as well to start removing the old speaker box to prep. It isn't exactly clear how to open it so it took some careful prying and pulling before I figured it out. The old speaker will be repurposed in another locomotive.
Besides that, I have some brass models that are getting new motors and gearboxes, really just waiting on the mail for those parts. I'm planning out the fitment of decoders into a 2-10-2 and a 0-6-0 and I want to ensure they are running fine before committing them to decoders and paint. I'm interested in trying the Scale Sound Systems boiler barker speakers for that 2-10-2 in particular.
The Backshops - A blog dedicated to modeling projects
micktropolisSort of struggling with that myself! Currently adding TCS and Soundtraxx decoders to everything from Rivarossi to brass depending on space and application. Even the BLI models are getting their Paragon2 and 3 decoders removed and replaced, 7 or so locomotives in total so far. I'm averaging about a decoder per month, so it's a decent pace at least. I need to stop adding motive power to the roster that need decoders before I get more decoders installed!
Hi micktropolis,
We share some common goals and challenges. Just like you, I am trying desparately to stop buying more locomotives. Unfortunately eBay is too tempting.
I look at my dilemma like this: We have more than enough money to live comfortably for the rest of our lives so why shouldn't I indulge myself with what makes me happy? I figure that I would have to go really nuts if I was to blow our financial assets on model trains. That just won't happen. My hobby spending will never endanger our son's inheritance, so if I choose to spend some money on buying trains, so be it!
I'm not trying to brag. I'm just explaining my situation. Admittedly, I am a lucky guy.
Cheers!!
hon30critter micktropolis I need to stop adding motive power to the roster that need decoders before I get more decoders installed! Hi micktropolis, We share some common goals and challenges. Just like you, I am trying desparately to stop buying more locomotives. Unfortunately eBay is too tempting.
micktropolis I need to stop adding motive power to the roster that need decoders before I get more decoders installed!
At one time I had over 70 locomotives, and that seems to be a relatively low number compared to the number of locomotives that some have on their roster. I have now cut back to 41 locomotives with a few more planned sales.
Why do we do this? I have a fairly large a layout, and I can rationalize the presence of each locomotive on the layout. But, it is impossible to run all of those locomotives.
hon30critter micktropolis Sort of struggling with that myself! Currently adding TCS and Soundtraxx decoders to everything from Rivarossi to brass depending on space and application. Even the BLI models are getting their Paragon2 and 3 decoders removed and replaced, 7 or so locomotives in total so far. I'm averaging about a decoder per month, so it's a decent pace at least. I need to stop adding motive power to the roster that need decoders before I get more decoders installed! Hi micktropolis, We share some common goals and challenges. Just like you, I am trying desparately to stop buying more locomotives. Unfortunately eBay is too tempting. I look at my dilemma like this: We have more than enough money to live comfortably for the rest of our lives so why shouldn't I indulge myself with what makes me happy? I figure that I would have to go really nuts if I was to blow our financial assets on model trains. That just won't happen. My hobby spending will never endanger our son's inheritance, so if I choose to spend some money on buying trains, so be it! I'm not trying to brag. I'm just explaining my situation. Admittedly, I am a lucky guy. Cheers!! Dave
micktropolis Sort of struggling with that myself! Currently adding TCS and Soundtraxx decoders to everything from Rivarossi to brass depending on space and application. Even the BLI models are getting their Paragon2 and 3 decoders removed and replaced, 7 or so locomotives in total so far. I'm averaging about a decoder per month, so it's a decent pace at least. I need to stop adding motive power to the roster that need decoders before I get more decoders installed!
Back on track, I touched up painting on some casting and then sprayed them with Lusterless flat as the final finish involves a rusting mixture. Tried it on another project without the extra flat and some of the paint rubs off while the fisnish is applied which is brushed on. Never had this issue before but these are old castings with lead in them so hopfully the clear flat spray will delay the reaction as the original peice looked fine but did need a touch up here or there.
No worries there, Dave! My wife and I are looking at purchasing a house in the next year or so and starting a family shortly after. We aren't suffering in any way financially but have a shared goal, so I keep my spending in check and put more towards our savings.
It takes about a month or two (for brass) to install sound into a non-sound non-DCC ready locomotive at the rate I'm going due to work and other life factors interrupting, but I think it's a good pace.
I'm expecting the delivery of a gearbox for the PFM 0-6-0 today, so I'm excited to see how it fits - now it's waiting for the wheel puller and new motor. The worst part about these projects is waiting for parts to come in the mail.
richhotrainThis is not a criticism of the above discussion, but it does highlight the disease that plagues many of us - - buying more and more locomotives. I plead guilty myself, although I have now started a journey to slim down my roster, and it has been ongoing for some down now. At one time I had over 70 locomotives, and that seems to be a relatively low number compared to the number of locomotives that some have on their roster. I have now cut back to 41 locomotives with a few more planned sales. Why do we do this? I have a fairly large a layout, and I can rationalize the presence of each locomotive on the layout. But, it is impossible to run all of those locomotives. Rich
Hi Rich,
You are absolutely correct! The 'disease' as you describe it is very addictive. In the past I have been totally guilty of imagining that I am modeling just because I am buying more stuff. I am trying desperately to break that habit. I still search eBay regularly but I only buy stuff that is really rare and is special to my heart.
hon30critter...The 'disease' as you describe it is very addictive. In the past I have been totally guilty of imagining that I am modeling just because I am buying more stuff. I am trying desperately to break that habit....
No (locomotive) soup for you!!!
Wayne
richhotrainThis is not a criticism of the above discussion, but it does highlight the disease that plagues many of us - - buying more and more locomotives.
I have stopped buying locomotives. I have enough steam to fill the 18 stall roundhouse and 2 stall enginehouse. I have enough diesels for every staging track.
There are just 5 special locomotives on my "to buy" list, and they are all uncommon/rare brass models. They might very well never get purchased.
My one weakness is Sunset USRA Heavy Mikados. I have two, and that is really all I need. However, long ago I decided thhis would be the "standard" SGRR steam locomotive, and it should be the most common type.
I will never have a layout big enough to benefit from a fleet of standard steam locomotives, so I need to resist the urge to buy more.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
richhotrain hon30critter micktropolis I need to stop adding motive power to the roster that need decoders before I get more decoders installed! Hi micktropolis, We share some common goals and challenges. Just like you, I am trying desparately to stop buying more locomotives. Unfortunately eBay is too tempting. This is not a criticism of the above discussion, but it does highlight the disease that plagues many of us - - buying more and more locomotives. I plead guilty myself, although I have now started a journey to slim down my roster, and it has been ongoing for some down now. At one time I had over 70 locomotives, and that seems to be a relatively low number compared to the number of locomotives that some have on their roster. I have now cut back to 41 locomotives with a few more planned sales. Why do we do this? I have a fairly large a layout, and I can rationalize the presence of each locomotive on the layout. But, it is impossible to run all of those locomotives. Rich
This is not a criticism of the above discussion, but it does highlight the disease that plagues many of us - - buying more and more locomotives. I plead guilty myself, although I have now started a journey to slim down my roster, and it has been ongoing for some down now.
I largely stopped buying locomotives a while ago. I have a fair number if you count every unit of 1950's diesel lashups as a separate loco.......
I think the actual count is 145 right now. But on the diesel side that is ABBA sets of EMD F units, ALCO FA/FB units, "groups" of EMD GP7's. etc. I actually pretty much think of an ABA, ABB or ABBA set as one "locomotive". That means I only have about 100 locos.......
That may sound like a lot unless you have looked at the track plan for my new layout which will stage nearly 30 trains, most 35 to 45 cars long.
It will take 3 or 4 first generation diesels to pull those trains up my 2% grades.
As well as double and tripple head steam for similar trains. So do that math, 30 trains, average three powered units per train, that uses 2/3rds of the roster right there.
Then you need switchers, backup power for operating session power changes, etc.
I have short list of "would like to have" locos, no more than 5-8 pieces on that list in my head.
And, I will not be selling any off and "upgrading" them.
Very happy that I am nearly done "acquiring" locomotives, and rolling stock is also nearly at the max needed for the layout.
Planning and shopping for structures now. Have a "stock" of structures from previous layouts, and a stock of unbuilt kits, but I will need more......
Getting the work bench set back up, and getting the basement ready for the layout...... as fast as free time will allow.
Sheldon
Kevin, those are very nice.
I have two BLI heavy Mikes, that now have Delta trailing trucks from Athearn Genesis Pacifics and Bachmann long haul tenders.
Before paint:
The rest of my Mikado fleet is 5 of these, freelanced from Bachmann 2-8-4's, also before paint:
Mikados (7), Consolidations (5) and Mountains (7) are the primary steam power here on the ATLANTIC CENTRAL.
And are also represented by B&O, C&O and WM versions.
doctorwayneNo (locomotive) soup for you!!!
Oh darn! I like greasy food!!
ATLANTIC CENTRAL richhotrain At one time I had over 70 locomotives, and that seems to be a relatively low number compared to the number of locomotives that some have on their roster. I have now cut back to 41 locomotives with a few more planned sales. I largely stopped buying locomotives a while ago. I have a fair number if you count every unit of 1950's diesel lashups as a separate loco....... I think the actual count is 145 right now. But on the diesel side that is ABBA sets of EMD F units, ALCO FA/FB units, "groups" of EMD GP7's. etc. I actually pretty much think of an ABA, ABB or ABBA set as one "locomotive". That means I only have about 100 locos.......
richhotrain At one time I had over 70 locomotives, and that seems to be a relatively low number compared to the number of locomotives that some have on their roster. I have now cut back to 41 locomotives with a few more planned sales.
richhotrain ATLANTIC CENTRAL richhotrain At one time I had over 70 locomotives, and that seems to be a relatively low number compared to the number of locomotives that some have on their roster. I have now cut back to 41 locomotives with a few more planned sales. I largely stopped buying locomotives a while ago. I have a fair number if you count every unit of 1950's diesel lashups as a separate loco....... I think the actual count is 145 right now. But on the diesel side that is ABBA sets of EMD F units, ALCO FA/FB units, "groups" of EMD GP7's. etc. I actually pretty much think of an ABA, ABB or ABBA set as one "locomotive". That means I only have about 100 locos....... ahh, that makes sense. Using that approach, i only have 23 locos, not 41. The majority of my locos are in passenger consists, AA, AB, ABBA. Rich
ahh, that makes sense. Using that approach, i only have 23 locos, not 41. The majority of my locos are in passenger consists, AA, AB, ABBA.
Yes, how can you count a bunch of B units as "locomotives", not like you are going to pull a train with one of them by itself.
And most of my mainline steam is double or tripple headed too, so take the number of steam locos and cut it in half.
I do have a few more locos than I need for all the assignments, but not by all that many.
But again, I'm pretty much done.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Yes, how can you count a bunch of B units as "locomotives", not like you are going to pull a train with one of them by itself.
richhotrain ATLANTIC CENTRAL Yes, how can you count a bunch of B units as "locomotives", not like you are going to pull a train with one of them by itself. True enough and, also, 4 of those B units are dummy locos, so only 19 of those 23 locos that I mentioned are actually powered. Rich
True enough and, also, 4 of those B units are dummy locos, so only 19 of those 23 locos that I mentioned are actually powered.
Wow, I do have to admit all my B units are powered, but again, the grades and the train lengths pretty much require it.
Those 4 unpowered dummy B units were not my chosen preference, but at the time it was the only way that the manufacturer offered them.
Two of the four were F7B units produced as part of a BLI Blueline ABBA consist.
The other two were part of my now infamous Proto 2000 PAB consists.
richhotrainThose 4 unpowered dummy B units were not my chosen preference, but at the time it was the only way that the manufacturer offered them.
That is why I never purchased a Stewart FTA/FTB set. The FTB did not come powered. I do not have any dummies, and decided not to buy. But now I am now sure that it would have been fine givien my space limitations on train length.
SeeYou190 richhotrain Those 4 unpowered dummy B units were not my chosen preference, but at the time it was the only way that the manufacturer offered them. That is why I never purchased a Stewart FTA/FTB set. The FTB did not come powered. I do not have any dummies, and decided not to buy. But now I am now sure that it would have been fine givien my space limitations on train length. -Kevin
richhotrain Those 4 unpowered dummy B units were not my chosen preference, but at the time it was the only way that the manufacturer offered them.
I have never been a fan of dummy units, even way back in the day when they were common.
When I started several years ago, I thought I wanted some dummy units for the look. I thought I would be able to buy some real cheap.
I found that there were almost none for sale in N scale.
Now I'm glad I didn't. I have some powered A and B, and I'm glad because of the pulling power. The only issue is the money.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."