Uh, I think you mean January 10
Geez, weather that BAR car enough?
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
Oops! Yeah, new decade.
BAR came with the weathering. The Steam Loco weathering was my doing though.
Alex
Happy New Year!
~G4
19 Years old, modeling the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Cascade Railroad of Western Washington in 1927 in 6X6 feet.
IVRWWhats up with you all?
Nothing. For a while now, progress has stopped on my layout, and I don't know when progress will begin on the new one, because I'm broke. If I get money, I will eventually start on the new layout, but who knows when that will happen. If money slowly dribbles in, I will begin buying track and rolling stock to prepare for the new layout, until I get enough money to begin actually building it. In the meantime, I will continue running the same two locos and the same three (soon to be four, when I get that new centerbeam...) pieces of rolling stock around the same loop, over and over, with nowhere to go.
IVRWFor me, very little is going on right now.
That's what's happening here too. I've been looking for somthing to do on my layout all week. But until my order from Walthers comes in this week (I hope, I paid the extra $5 for priority shipping) I don't have any of the supplies I need. Unfortunitaly I'm also back in school this week, which means that now I won't have alot of time to work on anything. Anyways, in my walthers order I'm getting a few new rolling stock (my Christmas present to myself), late Christmas gifts for my brother and a friend, Kaddee #146 couplers, materials to create a "paved" area on the layout, and a chain link fence kit. The paving materials are for my MOW equipment storage yard and the connecting roads (more on that later), and the chain link fence is to enclose the yard. For now all I have to do is Wait
IVRWI cant do that much because the entire electrical system has a short, and I might have to remove some track.
You use EZ-track right? Do you connect to the terminal pieces, or solder directly to the rail. Just curious, good luck getting it fixed.
BigBlueConrailhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90pKVAemGiI I thought I would share a video I made, enjoy!
Awsome SD70. I've been wanting one since they were announced. I'm waiting for now because I want to check out the Intermountain ES44AC when they come out. They sound like they'll be good loco's too (and about the same price).
Jamie
Cape Vincent Southern Railroad
HO scale Horseshoe Curve in 5’x10’
My YouTube
From the old place, tyler, yeah man. I abt doubled my boxcar fleet this Christmas, and I probably need to triple my entire freight fleet to have enough cars to switch. Need probably 2 and a half times more hoppers (they'll probably all be bachmanns replaced w/ Micro-trains trucks, as the bachmann car is $4 and a pair of microtrains trucks cost $5.something a pair). I'll also need probably a half-dozen gondolas for the scrap yard. and eventually centerbeam flats will supply the lumber to the furniture factory.
John, I finally went back and soldered up a bus. Soldering does get easy, but still time-consuming and also makes my back hurt b/c the derned layout is only 3 ft. high, lol.
Anyways, I'll be posting my 2009 in review in the WPF.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Got the BAR Boxcar and Corn Syrup Tank Weathered. Also got around to giving a coat of brown to the track. Now to ballast it!
RailfanSI'm waiting for now because I want to check out the Intermountain ES44AC when they come out. They sound like they'll be good loco's too (and about the same price).
Yes, but EMDs are better!
ns3010 RailfanSI'm waiting for now because I want to check out the Intermountain ES44AC when they come out. They sound like they'll be good loco's too (and about the same price). Yes, but EMDs are better!
I know that...
My EMD:GE ratio is 17:6
But the Tusnami sound and factory intalled KD's on the Intermountain sound pretty good. Though the MTH has those remote couplers that work really well in O Scale. I'll wait and see. I figure that by this time next year I'll have one or the other....
7801 shoving the BAR Box to the West Chelmsford Freight House.
BAR Box
SYRX Tank Car
All the track on the module is now painted and ready for ballast, although I need to go back and highlight random ties with powders.
RailfanSMy EMD:GE ratio is 17:6
Mine's 5:0 My roster is all EMD! If I were to get any GEs, it would be either a standard cab Dash 8 (no widecabs for me!), U34CH (for display purposes only, unless the URHS one was "restored" [in my version of history...]), or a Genesis (P40/P42)
Wow GG, that BAR boxcar looks GREAT!
Thanks,
The entire car was done with a lighting misting of roof brown. The roof trucks and underbody got a bit more, but it really dulled down the sheen on the green which is good! Just 5 minutes with an airbrush can significantly improve the look of equipment.
What's happening here? I weighted my intermodal train and I'm planning to get metal wheels for it as well - it will enter service as NAWJ / WJNA (Nashua, NH - White River Jct., VT) as soon as I can add some weight to the end platforms next to the coupler to fix some derailment issues. I already added solder inside the main spine underframe so derailments are almost gone. I suspect that metal wheels, truck tuning, and some weight by the couplers should fix the rest. I finished the scenery at Delery Pulpwood, a video chasing local LE-2 is on my external hard drive and ready to be edited and uploaded, and I'm planning a purchase of another GP7 and some more freightcars.
My ratio of EMD:GE, once my roster is complete, will be 7:0 - three GP7s, two GP18s, and two GP15-1s.
Nice weathering on the BAR boxcar, Alex! It's taken on that brown-ish-green-ish-blue-ish color that dirty railcars of that color tend to turn after a couple thousand miles. To the uneducated eye it almost looks like it could have been B&M blue at one point.
As to the my own EMD/GE ratio it's 2:1 now that the roster has been downsized. a GP9, GP35, and U23B are the three locos that serve my layout right now. however, I could see adding either a B-mann GE 44 tonner to the roster or an SW1200 or something to the roster in the future. This would serve as a yard switcher if it's an SW unit, or the 44 tonner would just be the King Furniture switcher. If the GE comes onto the roster (which is the more likely scenario), there wouldn';t be any shift. However, if the SW comes onto the roster, it would become the yard switcher, the GP9 the turn engine, and then both the U23B and GP35 would work through trains. This is in the 1997 operating scheme of the ANRR. In it's history though, in 1991 it signed an agreement with the South Carolina, Georgia, and Western Railroad that allowed captive car service across both roads. in 1998 the SCGW bought the ANRR (however they leave the shortlines they buy in their state, only take over the controlling interest (i.e. profits, maintenance costs etc.). the original locos of that line retain their paint schemes or receive new ones; all other locomotives added or replacing those are in the SCGW scheme. therefore this would be my excuse for the ANRR locos to receive the new ANRR paint scheme I have in mind (would buy new shells so I can operate either in 1997 or 2000). The 2000 operating scheme will see the GP9 and GP35 stationed in Aiken for the yard and turn (the GE unit would theoretically be at the ANRR's old yard (steam era possibly; has shops, holding tracks for trains going to either the North branch (my layout contains the North branch yard and a town along the line (still need to decide on the name) as well as 3 or 4 classification tracks for several local industries) and appear on layout for extras or as a unit when either the GP35 or GP9 broke. Also could work it in as a runner loco for extras and such along the North branch; idk); however either two GP40s, a GP40 and GP38, or two GP38s (depends on A) when I get the money and B) what MB Klien has left, lol) painted in the SCGW scheme will handle through freights.
There we go. Two operating schemes, a bit of history, and a lot of thoughts, lol. I'll be refining this as the scenery progress slows down and operation becomes the focus of the layout.
Wow Sawyer, that's pretty neat. Never thought about two operation scenarios.
As my roster is completed, it will be several EMDs (not sure exactly how many at this point), one NRE (genset), and about 2 (again, not sure how many at this point) Alstoms (PL42ACs). And if you count passenger cars, Alstoms (Comet Vs), Bombardiers (Comet IIM-IVs and MLs), and Pullmans (heavyweights for business trains, and maybe a few Comet Is, cause I could find a reason for TSRy to buy a few from NJT before they're scrapped...). IDK.
I was originally thinking I would go with Arrows for NJT (which would mean a bunch of GEs entering the fleet, since, techinically, MUs are partly locomotive...), but I realized, it would be way more expensive. For say, a 4 car set (two married pairs and a single car), it would total nearly $500, including powering the units.For a four car train of push pulls, it would cost less than $400, including a powered locomotive. The price would be about the same, no matter if the trains were Comets or MLs.And, if I use diesel power, it would not require me to build catenary, which would save A LOT of T&M. And I know NJT has talked about possible electrification to Port Morris, but it is kinda unlikely...IDK...
Sweet John.
joe, sounds good.
Also, Either an F40PH or a F59PHI will find its way onto my layout as well as two Concor Budd Bi-level cars as a small commuter train, as there is room in North Branch (that name fits the town, so that's what it will be called) for a passenger platform (the station would be on the other side of the tracks in the aisleway, or I could put a small ticket stand there on the platform and just have a footbridge and the parking lot on the other aisle side. decisions, decisions). They would be painted for either SCRail (which would come back as a commuter road) or the commuter division of the SCGW (SCRail is more likely). The coaches would be patched out CNW equipment while the loco would be custom-painted. I'm thinking one regular coacha nd then if I can find it a cab coach so there will be push-pull ops (in which case I can give both coaches and the loco a different number on each side to model more of the fleet. in push-pull mode, only one side would be exposed to the aisle, so that would hopefully work.)
Packers#1...in which case I can give both coaches and the loco a different number on each side to model more of the fleet. in push-pull mode, only one side would be exposed to the aisle, so that would hopefully work.
IVRWPackers#1...in which case I can give both coaches and the loco a different number on each side to model more of the fleet. in push-pull mode, only one side would be exposed to the aisle, so that would hopefully work. That is a really good idea, Packers#1. Congrats. That reminds me of a workshop in my club a few months ago, in which, he showed us a locomotive that had different paint schemes on either side. But still, great idea.
I got the idea from a Tony Koester column a couple years ago. I'll have to go back and find out what exact issue. he was talking about a friend who made a Rio Grande stock car with two different styles of lettering and two different numbers.
Hmm Sawyer, that's a cool idea. Only problem is that, on the prototype, the locomotive is typically placed on the West (or South, whatever is outbound, at least on the east coast) end of the train. I mean, if you wanted to, you could just turn the entire train around, except it may not be totally prototypical.
Well, I've been working with operations for how the layout might run. Train numbers, physical operations of the layout, etc.I also got some money from my dad (for doing some work stuff for him). First I'm gonna buy new hockey gloves (the ones I have are shredded to pieces...), and then the rest will probably go toward trains in some way, shape or form (as in new camera, or rolling stock, or benchwork, whatever).
Packers#1IVRWPackers#1...in which case I can give both coaches and the loco a different number on each side to model more of the fleet. in push-pull mode, only one side would be exposed to the aisle, so that would hopefully work. That is a really good idea, Packers#1. Congrats. That reminds me of a workshop in my club a few months ago, in which, he showed us a locomotive that had different paint schemes on either side. But still, great idea. I got the idea from a Tony Koester column a couple years ago. I'll have to go back and find out what exact issue. he was talking about a friend who made a Rio Grande stock car with two different styles of lettering and two different numbers.
Speaking of columns, I was just reading a short article I got with a Dream Plan Build Video Series disc. David Popp wrote how to make easy home made casts for rocks. What material did he use? Playdoh! Roll out playdoh to about an inch thick, push face of real rock into it, add plaster, remove playdoh, get rid of small extra playdoh on the rock with a tooth brush, and replace "casting tool" into container. Pretty good, isnt it?
Sweet John. Thanks!
Joe, aight man. You got a point there. hmm, idk, could bend the rules, but idk. oh well.
Packers#1he was talking about a friend who made a Rio Grande stock car with two different styles of lettering and two different numbers.
Actually, if I recall correctly it was the same number on both sides of the car - just a different paint scheme. That way it's still correct to the car card but without reading the numbers they look like different cars. To be honest, I don't know the numbers of any car on my roster except for boxcar 4900 off the top of my head - not even two digits! No way could I tell whether it was the same car if I didn't know and couldn't see both sides.
All push-pull commuter trains have the engines on the outbound side, and at any point along the line they'll all be facing the same way, except for at least one line (Morristown) on New Jersey Transit, where the diesels running into Hoboken face outbound and the electrics running into Penn Station face inbound. Correct me if I'm wrong, Joe. This is just based on experience from railfanning at Convent Station. (Oh, and I figured out why I kept calling it Convent Garden! When I went to London in 2005, the hotel that we stayed at was closest to Convent Garden station on the Piccadilly line!)
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My operating scheme is pretty well defined. CDWJ runs from Concord Staging to White River Junction Staging, with a stop at Lebanon Yard to pull off the local delivery cars and pick up outbounds. WJCD does the same thing but in the other direction - White River Junction Staging to Concord Staging. Local LE-1 handles switching in Lebanon Yard and at industries in Lebanon and Mascoma, NH. Local LE-2 handles switching at industries in Enfield and West Canaan, NH, and intermodal hotshot NAWJ once the equipment is ready, will take a train of TOFC spine cars between Nashua, NH, (via Concord Staging) and White River Junction, VT, and WJNA will do the same in the opposite direction.
But here's the catch. CDWJ and WJCD share the same locomotives and crew. Lebanon yard is the west end of White River Southern Railroad track, and trains run over Claremont-Concord Railroad tracks via trackage rights the remaining miles to White River Junction where they interchange with New England Central, CCRR, Pan Am Railways, and Washington County Railroad. After dropping off their train, they pick up cars for the eastbound, change their symbol, and return to WRS tracks. WJNA and NAWJ also share power, but instead of handing over their train to NECR at White River Junction, they continue north to Montreal over NECR and CN tracks and return the next day (session).
TrainManTyI don't know the numbers of any car on my roster except for boxcar 4900 off the top of my head - not even two digits!
TrainManTy All push-pull commuter trains have the engines on the outbound side, and at any point along the line they'll all be facing the same way, except for at least one line (Morristown) on New Jersey Transit, where the diesels running into Hoboken face outbound and the electrics running into Penn Station face inbound. Correct me if I'm wrong, Joe. This is just based on experience from railfanning at Convent Station. (Oh, and I figured out why I kept calling it Convent Garden! When I went to London in 2005, the hotel that we stayed at was closest to Convent Garden station on the Piccadilly line!)
TrainManTyWJNA and NAWJ also share power, but instead of handing over their train to NECR at White River Junction, they continue north to Montreal over NECR and CN tracks and return the next day (session).
TrainManTyPackers#1he was talking about a friend who made a Rio Grande stock car with two different styles of lettering and two different numbers. Actually, if I recall correctly it was the same number on both sides of the car - just a different paint scheme. That way it's still correct to the car card but without reading the numbers they look like different cars. To be honest, I don't know the numbers of any car on my roster except for boxcar 4900 off the top of my head - not even two digits! No way could I tell whether it was the same car if I didn't know and couldn't see both sides.
That reminds me of a GMR thing. This guy who modeled the granger states needed a way to transport grain, so all his cars had one door open through which you could see grain behind wooden boards. Rather than having specific grain cars, every boxcar could be one. They were normally in regular service, but if the operating scheme required that car x goes into grain service, he would merely turn the car around. Nifty, isnt it?
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Packers, In your case, rather than turning the entire train around, might I suggest breaking up the train, and turning each piece around Individually, that way, you always have the engine on the right side of the train, even if it is backwards, which is still okay.
Tyler, do you have a trackplan I could have to follow your operating scheme?
Jhon, that was the idea. now I've just got to figure out if I want to stick to prototypes or bend the rules, lol. oh well, decisions, decisions.
IVRWYou can do it AND still stick to the prototype by saying, the turning facilities down the line were broken.
Well, that was the entire point of a push-pull operation in the first place, but I agree. It's YOUR layout, do what YOU want and don't let anybody stop you!
ns3010TrainManTyWJNA and NAWJ also share power, but instead of handing over their train to NECR at White River Junction, they continue north to Montreal over NECR and CN tracks and return the next day (session).So, would, say, NAWJ run every other day, or every day, and those trains have two sets of power?
NAWJ runs every other day, and then that day in between it runs the other way as WJNA. Someday I might get enough equipment for another intermodal train and then I can run both on the same day.
I don't have a track plan, although I do need to get one soon. The town arrangement from east to west is Concord/Nashua/Points South staging, West Canaan, Enfield, Mascoma Lake Grade (in Enfield around Lake Mascoma, but on the layout it's as big as a town), Mascoma, Lebanon (Lebanon Yard is located there and is the base for local turns LE-1 and LE-2), and then the mainline continues to White River Junction/Montreal staging. I'll be sure to post my track plan here when it's done.
Hate to double post, but here's the track plan as a link. I didn't add industry labels or scenery details because it would be really complicated, hard to read and for the scenery details, even I don't know what all the areas will look like yet. The layout measures about 22' long and 12' wide, not including the staging yard.
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee261/TrainManTy/WRS_Trackplan_1-6-10.jpg
Tyler, track plan looks good.
Thanks guys. eh, we will see. to take John's point, I could say that some locos had to be pushed into service backwards. oh well, we will see; commuter service is a LONG way off for the citizens along the ANRR ROW.
Sawyer, as they said, do what YOU want. We CAN give you advice, but we CANT make you do something. It's all up to you
Tyler, that's what I figured (about NAWJ/WJNA). And the WRS always seemed like it would be big, but the track plan makes it look way smaller than 12x22...
So, my replacement centerbeam came yesterday, but I haven't gotten to even take it out of the box yet. MAYBE tonight. But I won't be here tomorrow night. So who knows when I'll actually get to it.Which reminds me, I still have to send the broken one back... Didn't have time before we went away, then it was New Years, and then it was the weekend, and then it slipped my mind. Maybe I can get my mom to ship it tomorrow?
Is WRS getting surplus QNE TOFC cars? They have about 20-30 too many... With luck my S4's decoder is not fried, (It pretended to be a real ALCo and put out a little too much smoke today...) and you'll have CCRR power running interchange service in a couple weeks. Will probably bring the RS3 over too if I can get a new coat of paint on it in that time.
To sum our email conversation up for everyone, the WRS is still using a single intermodal train. Alex is painting both Impack sets into WRS red and black but NAWJ/WJNA is keeping the same schedule. Since the operating session on the 23rd will have 4 operators including me, I need to work an intermodal hotshot into the schedule, provided there's enough locos to operate it.
Also, this new video will be in next weekend's WPF, but you guys can get a sneak preview!
Chasing WRS local LE-2 (1/11/2010)
Ok, so I finally got to run my centerbeam. Fine. Run it for a while, whatever. Begun the patching process (the car's already green, so I only need to patch out the numbers [BTW, the car is really close to the BN green I'm using, so it looks almost like a full paint job...]). AFTER I put the paint on I notice it's broken AGAIN, in the SAME PLACES. Yup, end ladders and floor. Too late to send it back, although I don't think I would want to wait for yet another car. So I'm gonna call Walthers (probably tomorrow) and ask what's up with this whole thing. Maybe if I'm lucky, they'll send me a free car...
ns3010Maybe if I'm lucky, they'll send me a free car...
Hmm, I was right
Now, I'll actually need two hands to count my rolling stock roster...
I found this on ebay, and I want it! It's a good price, so maybe, if my mom says yes... Mostly for display purposes (like the 500 is), but I can still run it once in a while... Maybe the URHS restored their's to operating condition and uses it for special runs? (even though their's is 4172...)?
Well, I got three big new purchases since Christmas! First, I finally got one of the elusive EJ&E Harriman Award GP38-2/caboose sets. These were only given out to J employees so these are rare! Second, my hobby store had EJ&E 654 in HO scale so that was pretty much a must-have! Third, I now own one of the MTH HO Scale SD70ACes, UP 1988, the Katy Heritage unit. This is a amazing unit, with sound and detailing beyond amazing! I have a CNW Heritage unit on order as well. The one bad thing is that the MTH units do not run well with other units. It ripped the coupler of EJ&E 663 right out so now 663 is b/oed until it can get a new coupler. 665 is also b/oed with two bad couplers. The Kato SD38-2s seem to have pretty cheap couplers. Hopefully some couplers from other kinds of units can be put on instead of more of these seemingly bad ones.
Hmm, Robby, I never knew you came around these parts...
Those are some nice things! The MTH SDs look really nice, but I don't have the money (or the need) for one.
Well, I've decided that I'm definately not gonna get the U34. Now it's above the price I would pay for something that I really don't need...
I made a discovery tonight, and now I'm really happy. For the most part, the plywood that my layout sits on now is in nearly perfect condition, and can easily be used for the new layout, when the time comes. Only the part where the lake is is n/g, but that's only a little bit. This will be enough for almost the entire layout, so I'll only need to buy one other sheet, instead of two, and completetly wasting the one I have now!Maybe, in the spring, I can actually start on the layout... I think the only thing I still need to pay for is the Genset, once that comes in (when I preordered it, I put down a $50 deposit, because they didn't know the final price yet. it'll be below MSRP, just not positive on exactly how much...). Other than that, once I get enough money, I should be able to buy benchwork and track. My goal is to have all the benchwork, and at least the main and a few industries, all done by the end of the year (end of 2010, not end of school). I think that's reasonable. And if I can get all the track purchased and laid (that depends completely on funding, not on time), then that's a bonus. Then that leaves a little less two years to finish the track and scenery before I move out to college...
I'm thinking of doing a video soon. I haven't had any in a while. Even though it will be a short train running through the White Desert, it's better than nothing...
I started work on the section between Mascoma and Lebanon today. I moved the mainline and Lebanon yard lead closer together (they had been split to go around the now-removed engine house), added a crossover between them just before the first switch in the yard ladder, and rebuilt the spur to Formanek Granite. The quarry will be my next big scenery project, and the rest of the run between Mascoma and Lebanon will be part of the Mascoma River Valley and have at least one, maybe two, bridges crossing the Mascoma River.
The new crossover actually created another siding, which should really help traffic flow. The siding will be controlled by the Lebanon yard crew (LE-1) but can be used for mainline trains as well as a runaround track for LE-1 while switching Formanek Granite and Lebanon Cold Storage. The siding is long enough for a good 15 car train (not including locomotives): Ogden Siding and the staging yard can hold 10 car trains, and the A/D tracks in Lebanon Yard can hold almost 20.
The new crossover has a wye switch (which I believe is the equivalent of a #8 turnout) and a #4, so it won't be used a whole lot by mainline trains - just as a runaround track and for meets where the train using the siding would be going slowly because it would be backing into the yard anyway. That way a WB freight that would be bypassing the yard could hold in the siding rather than at the top of the Mascoma Lake Grade.
Sweet Tyler, sounds good man.
I bought two bags of green moss and some hairspray from Dollar Tree today, as well as some solder from Radioshack. I'm going to try making homemade trees using wire.
The plan today is replace a switch, glue down track, ballast it, then ground throws on the town side, and maybe get to making a prototype tree.
Over the past two days, there's been some really good news about benchwork, in addition to what I said in my last post (which is item #1 below...): 1) The plywood from the current layout is in perfect condition. Just about everything except the lake can be reused. Now I will only have to buy one sheet of plywood. 2) My dad has a bunch of lumber at work. He bought it last week, and won't be using it, so it'll be going to me. 3) My dad is pushing me to get the layout done. He wants the basement "fixed up," at that will start with the layout relocation/rebuild. This means he may be helping with costs. This way (and between the stuff mentioned above), I should be able to buy roadbed and track soon.And today, I saw on IMW's website that they'll be releasing a full powered frame for the PL42s soon. That'll make things easier, once the time comes to start buying that stuff...
Ok, Tyler, I think I get what you're saying. I didn't get it at first, but it makes sense as I look at the track plan. An extra runaround there should make switching WAY easier...
Wow, Sawyer, seems like your track gang has a busy day!And OT: My friends got kicked out of Dollar Tree for sword fighting last week... It was pretty funny
ns3010Wow, Sawyer, seems like your track gang has a busy day!And OT: My friends got kicked out of Dollar Tree for sword fighting last week... It was pretty funny
lol, they don't have too bad of a day, haha. and there isn't any rush to get it done.
As to being kicked out for sword fighting, lmao, you got some crazy friends man!
Sounds like your layout rebuild is coming along pretty good. got a new plan?
Actually I DO have a new plan. I think I mentioned that I would be relocating to a different part of the room. Because of where the fireplace is, my dad suggested swapping the layout and the couch. This also gives me more room...
I'm still working on the track plan, but it will be WAY different than what I was thinking back in the summer. This hopefully should be enough to have two operators, if need be.I'll post the plan when it's done, which should hopefully be soon...
About my friends, yes they are insane. That same night, they also bought coffee through a McDonalds drive thru-- in a shopping cart!And one of them was taking christmas trees from the side of the road and throwing them at us as we walked...They are sick people...
lol, sounds like the usual crazy stuff people get up to Joe. tis quite fun.
looking forward to seeing that plan Joe!
Well, the ANRR track crew has yet to get started working. however, work is expected to begin soon and the goals have been lowered to just installing the new switch in place of the old one and perhaps starting track painting.
BigBlueConrailNew video, you can see my whole layout in it Video
Neat Layout!
Tyler, you need to get some pictures on here. With all the changes I probably won't even recognize the WRS!
Today I went to the Stevens Point Model Railroad Show. I picked up a nice Inter-Mountain SOO covered hopper there, and a couple "The SOO" back issues.
I also took a couple pictures from the show too.
Old, young, and everyone in between gather to watch an impressive 90-100+ car coal drag go by.
It was neat to see this guy with an OMI SDL39!
I tried some pan shots, what do you guys think of them?
An Overland Western SD40 races across the dairy lands of Wisconsin.
On the same layout as the SDL39, WC 7638 was leading an empty ore train.
My Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/JR7582 My Flickr Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wcfan/
GG, isn't it illegal at an ATM. I think it is, but it's only frowned upon at McDs. (and BTW, they wanted to do it at Dunkin Donuts, too, but didn't)Although once, they pretended to be doing, uh, things, on one of the beds in Macy's... And they also went in a cheerleading store and tried everything on.Like I said, these are sick people...
Sawyer, I finished the plan, but don't have it down here at the moment (it's up in my room at the moment, and I'm lazy), but I'll post it tomorrow, if I remember...
BigBlue, nice layout!
Jordan, I like that first pan shot (with the SD40)!
Hey Jordan, those pan shots are awesome! Locos are completely in focus, looks like they are going fast. How fast were they going?
Is the Overland Western SD40 actually an Overland? Never heard of anyone naming their freelance after a company before.
So I've been busy busy with exams but modeling is starting to pick up a bit. I'm in the planning stages of two layouts, one at home and two modules for my club.
The home layout will be a small switching layout (approx 13ft long by 2ft wide) in my room. I completely rearranged my room earlier this week, and made the space available for the layout. I'll take some photos soon to show you the space, and I'll finish up a quick track plan.
I'm building the club modules with a friend to help keep costs down. There are two 2ftx4ft modules. We are on the 4th different trackplan now, and we've bought a lot of materials already. Will scan the trackplan soon as well.
As for locomotives and cars, I've been assembling a bunch of Walthers kits I bought, mostly grain and tank cars. I've started my CP GP7u project, I've stripped the shell, rechopped the nose, added a few detail parts etc... Now I need to spend some quality time with my dremel, attacking metal the fuel tank and the skirting.
I've also touched up the weathering on my C424, so I should post photos of that too.
Joe, looking forward to that plan!
Alex, sounds like a good space for a switching layout; looking forward to seeing the plan.
In ANRR news, yesterday the track crew accomplished none of its goals and today is doubtful as to if any work will be completed. oh well, it's a marathon, not a sprint, haha
Joe, that was one of my favorite shots!
Alex, thanks! The trains weren't going that fast, they were slowly working their way around the layout. I don't think that SD40 was an Overland. It looks more like a Kato SD40, although the turbo exhaust makes it look more like an RPP shell. I can't wait to see pictures of your progress! Have you put much thought into your idea for the other GP9? Where you chop the long hood off to reveal the engine room.
WCfan Old, young, and everyone in between gather to watch an impressive 90-100+ car coal drag go by.
Impressive indeed,
were those 2 Ge's the only power on that drag, or were there distributed power units farther down the train?
Nice photo's,
Jamie, thanks! No DPUs on that train, just the two GEs up front. Every year they seem to run a monstrous coal train or ore train, and every year they seem to add more cars to it! I didn't bother to count, but I think the guy said they had around 105 cars...I wouldn't doubt it either, the train continued half way around the other side of the layout.
Wow, there's activity here!
Yeah, switching should be a lot easier now that LE-1 doesn't have to run all the way through Lebanon Yard to runaround cars. And scheduling the intermodal train should be a lot easier with the new siding as well.
Jordan, I don't know when you last had a definitive version of the WRS, but not a whole lot has changed since around the time I posted the track plan here and on my website. Just one crossover was added and one track was removed from Formanek Granite. Meanwhile scenery has been slowly progressing - Delery Pulpwood is finished except for the chipper and some sort of sign, the town of West Canaan is pretty much done and I've added working streetlights for night ops, and scenery is progressing on Formanek Granite. Someday I'll get around to updating the track plan on the website.
I've finished a video of night ops in West Canaan, but I'm having some problems with the audio. Some of the audio is missing but YouTube is still processing it...maybe when it's done the audio will come back. I'll post a link when it's working.
And sorry, but I don't have all that many good stories to share about my friends...although my cousin did drop her sister out a 2nd story window while holding her by the feet to get an icicle!
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EDIT: That did the trick..here's the video!
CDWJ through West Canaan in early morning rain
Next Thursday, I will be heading to a local event palace to set up my train club's show! Ive been giving out flyers to everyone I know. Ill get you guys some photos when its done. Until then, keep talking, or I might go into an education coma. Lol
Very nice Tyler. I'm going to be installing spotlights etc. in the yard for night ops, while the town will just have streetlights and building lights.
The ANRR track crew had a good day today. the switch was replaced with minimal problems (did have one though), and also ground throws were installed and the track glued down. track painting has also begun.
I'm also creating a prototype tree today using a technique I thought might work; we'll see how it turns out.
Alex, switching layouts are a lot of fun, although I do like operations as well. What I'm thinking of is one that combines both (run through trains, to keep it interesting, and the local has a lot of switching to do, and needs to stay out of the way of the run-thrus).
Jordan, I just realized that the SD40 spells "OWL"-- Overland Western Lines... I know, I would be the one to notice that...
Tyler, just wondering, is Formanek Granite the industry behind Lebanon Yard, or the one out in Mascoma?And that night operations video is neat! I don't think I would ever use night operations, unless you count late night/early morning NJT trains...
Sawyer, I guess the ANRR track gang is no exception to procrastination... jklol
I, too, have a video. This afternoon saw the last train to run on the current layout. I have already begun taking it apart, and preparing to make the move across the basement. Because I do not currently have track, once the benchwork is built (maybe I can start end of the week, depending on if we can get the room rearranged and the wood brought in from my dad's office?), the track from this layout will temporarilary be set up on the new table, even if it's nothing but a simple loop.Last Run on the Watchinson LineEnjoy! EDIT to add: Forgot to mention, I can only take video from my phone as of now, so I was unable to put it into WMM and edit it, so this is exactly how it came off of my phone. Although I don't know why the end of the train was cut off in the second clip...?
As I said, this is the end of the Watchinson Line. Within a few weeks, construction will begin on the Lackawanna Cutoff ROW, to get service up and running (in real life, the contracts were recently awarded, and construction really WILL begin within a few months, although my version will be completed sooner, and will extend beyond Andover. So I can be somewhat protypical, instead of making future events happen now!
Formanek Granite is in Mascoma - although neither the prototype nor the model have any town to speak of! My quarry could never happen in the real location because it would be flooded by Mascoma Lake and intrude into NH 4, but that's okay by me! Unless I wanted to model a long-ago torn down ice house there's nothing there...
I'm glad to hear you obtained new space for your layout, Joe! I'm sending you a PM...
ns3010Alex, switching layouts are a lot of fun, although I do like operations as well. What I'm thinking of is one that combines both (run through trains, to keep it interesting, and the local has a lot of switching to do, and needs to stay out of the way of the run-thrus). Jordan, I just realized that the SD40 spells "OWL"-- Overland Western Lines... I know, I would be the one to notice that... Tyler, just wondering, is Formanek Granite the industry behind Lebanon Yard, or the one out in Mascoma?And that night operations video is neat! I don't think I would ever use night operations, unless you count late night/early morning NJT trains... Sawyer, I guess the ANRR track gang is no exception to procrastination... jklol I, too, have a video. This afternoon saw the last train to run on the current layout. I have already begun taking it apart, and preparing to make the move across the basement. Because I do not currently have track, once the benchwork is built (maybe I can start end of the week, depending on if we can get the room rearranged and the wood brought in from my dad's office?), the track from this layout will temporarilary be set up on the new table, even if it's nothing but a simple loop.Last Run on the Watchinson LineEnjoy! EDIT to add: Forgot to mention, I can only take video from my phone as of now, so I was unable to put it into WMM and edit it, so this is exactly how it came off of my phone. Although I don't know why the end of the train was cut off in the second clip...? As I said, this is the end of the Watchinson Line. Within a few weeks, construction will begin on the Lackawanna Cutoff ROW, to get service up and running (in real life, the contracts were recently awarded, and construction really WILL begin within a few months, although my version will be completed sooner, and will extend beyond Andover. So I can be somewhat protypical, instead of making future events happen now!
ns3010 Jordan, I just realized that the SD40 spells "OWL"-- Overland Western Lines... I know, I would be the one to notice that...
I never even noticed that! Now that I think about it, the logo on the nose is an Owl...
Kinda like EPIC and WIN!
So Apparently the WRS fleet is expanding again- bringing the count up to 3 GP7s, 2 GP18s, and 2 GP15s.
Also picked up and weathered RBOX boxcar this week, started in on ballasting, and touched up the paint job on the WRS GP18 and GP15s. Still needs decalling but they may be done by the end of the week aside from nose striping.
Tyler-- check your PM's.
BigBlue-- I'm not happy with my current layout (it's too generic, not done the "right" way, very poorly designed for operations, etc.), so I want to start over anyway. My original plan was to build the new one larger in its current location, but the fireplace is too close. So with the move I will be making, I will be able to build it larger. And this layout will be done the RIGHT way (REAL benchwork, roadbed, flextrack, REAL DCC, backdrops [unless my parents were to say no, which wouldn't be the END of the world...], prototypical operating scenario, the list goes on and on)
Jordan-- I didn't notice the owl on the nose before... That does make sense...
Guilford GuyKinda like EPIC and WIN!
Down the shore, there's this town called Brick. The town right next to it is called Wall. (figure it out... it's not that hard...)And the funny part is is that I'm not even kidding... They might as well rename them to Epic and Fail...
Ty, Alex, Is the WRS going for Walthers or Athearn Genesis GP15-1's?
ns3010BigBlue-- I'm not happy with my current layout (it's too generic, not done the "right" way, very poorly designed for operations, etc.), so I want to start over anyway. My original plan was to build the new one larger in its current location, but the fireplace is too close. So with the move I will be making, I will be able to build it larger. And this layout will be done the RIGHT way (REAL benchwork, roadbed, flextrack, REAL DCC, backdrops [unless my parents were to say no, which wouldn't be the END of the world...], prototypical operating scenario, the list goes on and on)
Ive had the same kind of "bigger better layout" ideas that youre having right now, but my parents want me to finish what I have. In the case of everything except track, I have fixed what can be fixed, and done over what cant be. You have the way I would love it, but right now I have a devotion to what I already have.
WCfan Have you put much thought into your idea for the other GP9? Where you chop the long hood off to reveal the engine room.
Have you put much thought into your idea for the other GP9? Where you chop the long hood off to reveal the engine room.
Well I've been thinking about it a little. Seems like a monster project, not quite sure my skills are up to par with all the pipping that would need to be added! I was actually leaning towards getting a few Kaslo CP GP9u shells and dropping them on the Trainline drives. The drives aren't bad, they just need a little weight to make 'em pull and some gear filing to make them as quiet as a Kato!
As promised, here's a little bit of what I have to share.
Here is the C424 as of now, weathering touched up quite a bit. I "unweathered" it in some spots that I thought had too little with powders.
And now behold my awesome photobucket editor skills! The black is where the layout is going in.
Layout is lower than I would have liked, but I have to keep it under the window. There will be a single industry at the far left of the layout, with a steep grade leading up to it starting at the extreme left of the window. In front of the window, there is a switch connecting to the "rest of the world", leading down to the desk where I'll stage small trains, and will also double as my program track. To the right of the switch, I'm thinking of having a rural highway cross the tracks diagonally. To the right of the road, there will be a siding that goes to all the way to the right end of the layout. In the back of that, there will be a fairly large paper mill. That will take up part of the window, and head all the way to the right of the layout. Why paper mill? Because they ship and receive many different cars.
I haven't decided what small industry to add above my desk. Whatever it will be, it won't be big. That'll be the scenic portion of the layout, along with a nice steep grade to tackle, to get high enough above my desk so that I can still use it!
I think I'll have a lot of fun with this layout. Most of it will be an experiment. I want to handlay track, and actually model jointed track. I also want to see if it's possible to actually get the cars to sway back and forth like prototype jointed track that isn't well maintained. Should be interesting, modeling sloppy trackwork that will actually work and not detail everywhere!
Are you using that modular benchwork I designed for you? I think the screenshots of the 3D models I did are still hanging around on my Photobucket page somewhere... That is a SICK C424, by the way! Loads of detail plus awesome weathering...wow!
And not to boast, but I'm good at modeling sloppy trackwork! My whole layout is sloppy trackwork that doesn't derail! I mean, it doesn't derail ANYMORE...
And yes, the WRS is going with Walthers GP15s. For road trains that make one stop en route, they're more than adequate. If they don't perform well at low speeds I can always put them on the non-stop (unless somebody screws up and fouls the main as it's approaching!) intermodal hotshot NAWJ / WJNA. And about the additions to the roster, that's one GP18, #902, that I've had for a while and is just getting painted now, and a pair of GP7s in the form of a new unit, #102, and a repossessed unit that I sold but the buyer never paid me for...#5817 never saw much revenue service but it will be getting a special scheme to advertise the new intermodal service.
It'll say have something about Nashua-Montreal Intermodal Service, but I need a name. I'm going to name it after the B&M's premier passenger service on the line, either the daytime Alouette or the nighttime Red Wing. I'll post a photo of the locomotive once I get it back next Saturday (the 30th) at the Springfield show and have you guys compete to design the scheme.
ns3010Sawyer, I guess the ANRR track gang is no exception to procrastination... jklol
lol, heck no. There's no pressing needs yet.
Alex, great spot for a layout.
Today I finished up the prototype tree and made 3 more. I quit wrapping the trunks after the second one b/c they're interior trees; I'll wrap the trunks of the ones on the perimeter of the forest. They look like deciduous trees though, but that kind of forest will work too.
TrainManTyThat is a SICK C424, by the way! Loads of detail plus awesome weathering...wow!
I'll say it again. Amazing job Alex.
In CVS news, I did get the road system on my layout poured this weekend like I said I would on WPF. However the grade crossing still hasn't hardend/ cured yet...
Also I bought the parts I need to repair my Kato SD40-2 off that acution site today. The story on that unit is I think the previous owner tampered with it and did something to the curcuit board. It has some "funny" looking solders on it, and about 3 months ago it stoped running all together. While I was working on it the board let out a cloud of smoke. Needless to say, it now needs an electronics rebuild before it reenters service. And to make things more difficult it's not the new run SD40-2 so Kato no longer makes the board it needs...
But thanks to that Loved/Hated auction site my SD40-2 has a new board and frame (it was cheap and my dad sugested getting it too) in the mail.
Have a good week everone,
Tyler---> Check your PM's. Also, I believe GG told me they were older Trainline GP15s, not the P1Ks, correct?
John---> I think your layout is coming along EXCELLENT!
Alex---> Tyler basically summed it all up on that C424. Although, I would also add, sweet, nasty, sicknasty, awesome, amazing, the list goes on and on... I LOVE the roof!
Well, the destruction of the layout is about 90% complete. The track is gone, as well as about 80% of the foam. Hopefully, I can get that done tomorrow. Once the room is rearranged, the bad part of the plywood is cut off, and the lumber is brought in, construction of the benchwork can begin. And as soon as I can get roadbed and some track (I'm already working on that), I'll be able to run trains again!
ns3010Alex---> Tyler basically summed it all up on that C424. Although, I would also add, sweet, nasty, sicknasty, awesome, amazing, the list goes on and on... I LOVE the roof!
I'll perhaps fourth tyler's comment, lol!
Yeah, they are the Trainline versions. I have a GP9m (#1701, which is retired) from them and except for the brass wheels, it runs pretty well. Not as slow as my P2K units, but not shabby for a Trainline unit. The (I believe) newer GP15s should run better still. Do they have brass wheels or nickel silver, Alex?
Make sure you get us some photos of the layout when construction has started!
No idea about the GP15s, but um, I might be doing a few paint jobs for an actual railroad company in the coming weeks!
I guess that goes for both me and Joe! Layout building competition! Although I hope mine gets off the ground! I didn't tell my parents the plans yet. They're still trying to figure out why I completely rearranged my room and removed frames and photos from those two walls. They are gone this weekend, maybe I should work like mad to get the benchwork all up by the end of the weekend, then after all my hard work, my parents will feel too bad to say NO! You can't have a layout there!
I'm gonna try and use as much of the wood I already have, don't know what the dimentions are on them but they are perfect for the benchwork. I will try and make it as modular as possible. Basically wooden skeleton with 2-4inch foam in the middle.
Tyler, I have a Trainline GP9m, but it has nickel silver. Actually runs really well. How old is yours (cause maybe that'd explain the brass wheels)? I got mine back in May. And I'll be sure to get photos! Maybe tomorrow, I'll have before and afters of the destruction...
Alex, if you do get yours done this weekend, you'll be ahead of me. I'm not anticipating getting anything built until at least next week. If I can get stuff moved this week, and my dad brings the materials home, then I'll be able to begin next week/weekend.
Well, I have exams tomorrow, so I'll catch ya guys later
John, if you're looking for a hobby shop in Vegas, here's a few: http://www.hobbyretailer.com/SearchResults.aspx?type=qs&keywords=las+vegas
Well, this is the layout before destruction. This is an older shot, from about a year ago, but until last night, not much had changed since then:http://www.flickr.com/photos/ns3010/3155579035/
And what it looks like now:http://www.flickr.com/photos/ns3010/4288701292/
And the foam that is already gone, which is about 80% of it:http://www.flickr.com/photos/ns3010/4288701396/
I'm home early all week (exams...), so I might be able to begin moving everything, even though I don't yet have the wood in my posession to begin construction.
And speaking of exams, Dang, that Algebra exam was so friggen hard! I got most of the entire thing (I think I only skipped one question) and half of the first word problem done. There were three word problems, 12 points each, so I lost 30 points right there! So if I get everything else right, then I probably wouldn't get more than about an 80 (just say I got 180/225, so that's an even 80 right there...) oh well...Spanish, on the other hand, was way easy. ¡Muy facil! ¡El examen fue muy facil, no fue dificil!
Tomorrow's Theology and Chem, both of which should be pretty easy. After 10.5 years of Catholic school, I should have no problem with Theo
My exams are done. My chem and physics were pretty hard. Probably failed chem again. Math was OK. I got results from Math already, got 77%, not bad considering class average was 71%.
My exams were the week before Christmas break. Report cards come out tomorrow, we'll see how I wound up doing.
I'm willing to bet I'll hate both Algebra and Chemistry next year. Hated Algebra 1 (my mind doesn't think like equations!) and from the little bit of chemistry work we've done in physical science, I'm bored outta my mind!
Packers#1Hated Algebra 1 (my mind doesn't think like equations!)
Just wait till Algebra 2 and later Trig and Calculus! I'm working with equations with no constants right now...all variables!
All this talk of exams . Mine are next week, but I don't usually have any trouble, so I'll worry about them later.
Just wanted to share some pictures of my (almost) finished road system. All I have left to do now is paint it. Included in the road system is a parking lot for MOW vehicles, a road/ parking lot around the passenger station, and a grade crossing.
Here's one with my AC4400CW:
As you can see in the photo, I've installed temporary gates to protect the crossing. Once I start work this summer, I plan to install working crossbucks (NJ international #1095), along with an IR triggering system (something like a Logic Rail GCP). I also think I might put in a sound module that is also triggered by the IR system. Here's one with out the GE in the way:
Next is a shot of the station, which is also a loading dock:
Finally, here's one at ground level:
Note the Kadee on the front of that loco. At last my Locomotive fleet is all KD's, now for the rolling stock...
Alex, that's not bad. Better than failing. I got a 64 on my last vocab test (but a 100 on the grammar quiz, and both are for english)...I have no clue what I have yet. But my Algebra teacher said I did pretty well this quarter, so hopefully that's a good sign...I wonder if Powerschool is open yet so I can check my grades... Prob not though... EDIT: It's not. I won't know until report cards come out then.
Sawyer, good luck!IDK, I absolutely LOVE Chem! It's more interesting than Biology (IMO), and my teacher is just awesome... And the exam today was one of the easiest I've ever taken.What math are you taking now? I skipped Algebra 1 (tested out of it), so I took Geometry last year as a freshman, even though it's a sophomore class. This year, I'm taking Algebra 2/Trig Honors, which is Algebra 2 the first semester, and Trig the second (even though I have ABSOLUTELY no clue what Trig is...)
Tyler, like I said, I'm taking Algebra 2 this year, and it's hard (and TWSS... lol)! I think next year is Precalc... again, don't know what that is...And what do you mean only variables? Like: f(x)= x^4+2x^3-4x^2+10xAnd those higher (as in more than a quadratic, basically anthing to the third power or higher) degree polynomials are a real PITA to graph! And the dividing, forget about it! But I do like the synthetic division; that's much easier than long division of polynomials...
Jamie, the roads look EXCELLENT! Very few imperfections in the plaster, as compared to mine...
And now there is offically nothing left of the layout. The plywood is out in the garage, so that it can be cut before being used on the new layout. Hopefully I can spend some time the next few days rearranging the room, so that benchwork can begin ASAP.
And so far for exams, Algebra was hard, Theology was so-so, and Spanish and Chem were REALLY easy.Tomorrow are the last two, English and US History. English will probably be meh, while History will be a breeze.
ns3010Tyler, like I said, I'm taking Algebra 2 this year, and it's hard (and TWSS... lol)! I think next year is Precalc... again, don't know what that is...And what do you mean only variables? Like: f(x)= x^4+2x^3-4x^2+10xAnd those higher (as in more than a quadratic, basically anthing to the third power or higher) degree polynomials are a real PITA to graph! And the dividing, forget about it! But I do like the synthetic division; that's much easier than long division of polynomials...
Nope. That has constants - 4, 2, 3, 4, 2, and 10. You start all variables with quadratic equations. That's ax^2+bx+c=0, or in its solved form (which does include two constants, a 4 and a 2), x=(b+-√[b^2-4{ac}])/2a...
ns3010 Sawyer, good luck!IDK, I absolutely LOVE Chem! It's more interesting than Biology (IMO), and my teacher is just awesome... And the exam today was one of the easiest I've ever taken.What math are you taking now? I skipped Algebra 1 (tested out of it), so I took Geometry last year as a freshman, even though it's a sophomore class. This year, I'm taking Algebra 2/Trig Honors, which is Algebra 2 the first semester, and Trig the second (even though I have ABSOLUTELY no clue what Trig is...)
Geometry as a freshman. my class schedule is as follows:
Spanish2 (CP)
English2 (H)
Biology (H)
Geometry (H)
PE (CP)
Physical Science (H)
World Geo (H)
I took Algebra1, English1, and Spanish1 last year in 8th (the credits transferred), and I'm taking both physical science and biology this year so next year I don't have to take both chemistry and biology. I want to take either AP Bio or AP physics (physics would probably be best as I want to be some kind of engineer). and no study hall. I've had a ton of homework maybe 4 nights so far this year though.
I kind of like pre-calc. Right now we're finishing up trig, and are doing a quick review of mathematical modeling.
Still in progress. The end handrails have only had one coat of white applied which is why it looks the way it does.
Oh, Tyler, you're talking about coefficents. At least that's how I learned them. The coeffecent is the number next to x (like a or b), and the constant is c (no variable)... And the only coefficents (or constants, if you prefer) were 2, -4, and 10 (4, 3, and 2 were exponents). Ok, I get what you mean now... just a confusion of terms...
Oh, ok, Sawyer. The only thing I could take in 8th grade was Algebra 1, and then I had to take a placement test for Geometry (I also could have skipped Spanish 1, but I didn't).So this year I'm taking:Chem HBand (ew, I was forced to...)Theology 2 (required 4 years of Theo)Gym (Driver's Ed 1st quarter, Gym 2nd, Writing 2 3rd, and Gym 4th)English 2HAlgebra 2/Trig HUS History 1Spanish 2
As freshmen, we were required to take Biology, as well as Theo 1, English 1, Gym, Algebra 1 (although I tested out of it), any language, World History, and an elective
Pretty stiff schedule there. Gym is a year-round course for us, and it's either a year of gym or a year of NJROTC to graduate. I chose gym, lol.
Biology is actually my favorite class, and we haven't really gotten into any evolutionary stuff to boot (I think we all know who stands where on that subject, so let's not get the thread locked)
Sorry (yeah, now watch it be a really obvious thing...), but what's NJROTC?
Bio was ok, I guess. I didn't find it all that interesting, since it was nothing but facts. The only part I really liked was the frog dissection... Actually, funny story about that... So one of the tasks for the lab was to take the eyeball out. Ok. So, I grab it with the tweezers (I did all the dirty work, since both of my partners were girls... but I didn't mind), and next thing I know, it's flying across the room... lmao!
I like Chem more, because it's fewer facts. I'm more of a "hands on" kinda guy (like how I like the modeling part of MRRing, not just watching the trains), and there's more labs, so that's pretty cool.
I spy new WRS units! They look good!
Nice John.
Tyler, looking forward to some pics!
In off topic news, I signed up for my classes today. Four honors classes, three CP.
Honors English3
Honors Algebra2
Honors Chem1
Honors World History (i think I could have taken AP European history, but I'll take that in 11th and then in 12th take AP US History)
CP Spanish3 (honors spanish3 is if you're continuing on in it and I'm dropping spanish after next year and taking German my 11th and 12th grade years)
CP Computer Aps
CP Art1-Drawing and Painting.
Thanks for the compliments guys,
Packers#1In off topic news
My schedule is a little different then most of yours:
1/HR- U.S. History
2- P.E. or Study Hall (they rotate daily)
3- English 11
4- Algebra 2 and Trig.
5- Study Hall
6- Lunch
7-10 Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance 1
The last one is probably what you noticed as unusual. Every afternoon I get on a bus and ride to another campus 45 Min. away. This campus is the county technical center. At the tech center I take a program in which students are taught how to operate and maintain heavy equipment (commercial trucks, construction equipment, ect.). I really enjoy it, and it's VERY hands on (ex. I operated a front end loader for 1.5 hours last Friday). Another benefit to this program is that it gives me my required science credit, so I don't have to take Chem.
As for my exams being next week, I don't know if I'd call that "Lucky". I'd rather have just got them over with
Thanks again for the complements,
Alex, the WRS GP15-1s look less "brick-ish" than I was expecting. I'm sure the white lettering and logos will balance the unit out.
Well I'm done with exams, and since we're talking about classes next year...
I haven't officially signed up for classes, but it should be like this.
Alg 2 Extended
World/European History (Not sure what one I will take)
Expo/Brit Lit (Exposition writing first semester, British Literature second semester)
AP Chem
Physics
German 4
Band
Health/PE course (Health is required first semester, and I haven't chosen a PE course yet)
I really should stop in here more often. I read the posts quite a bit, but with not having much time to do any model railroading in the last few months I've never really had anything worth posting about. I just finished up my month long Christmas Break though, and I got quite a bit accomplished on the layout in the way of building construction and starting to rough in some landforms for scenery. Also got backdrops installed (though not painted) on part of the layout.
And in proof that one can in fact do model railroading in a dorm room, I've assembled a depot kit, a number of freight cars, and I'm currently working on a Dominoes restaurant while down here at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. I'm hoping to do more building assembly this semester since I don't think my workload will be quite as bad. I airbrush parts at home on the weekends, and the bring them down here with me for final assembly. There's also a few locomotives and freight cars in the paint shop that need decaling. With the National Train show coming up in Milwaukee this summer, perhaps I'll finally be motivated to get my three MP15DCs through the paint shop.
Those WRS GP15s look slick! Like Jordan said, the white lettering should make them look even better yet.
Going back a couple of pages to a question I never saw answered, the Trainline GP15s (at least the ones I have) do have brass wheels, which is about their only draw back. The units run great until the wheels get dirty, which seems to happen all too quickly, I assume because of the brass wheels. Of course, I often run them quite a few hours in a row at train shows on the club layout, which is also probably why I get them dirty so fast.
Oh how I miss high school classes like those. AP US history is probably my favorite class of all time, though that was partly because I had a great teacher. College is a completely different story though I took a few AP classes in high school, and while we did a lot of work there too, it's nothing like what I've done here as far as workload goes. Last semester I had a chemistry class that darn near killed me. In addition to four hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week, I was doing about 15-20 hours of homework each week, and I'd study about 6-8 hours for tests for just that one class. The class averages for tests were in the 40-50% range on three of our five exams. Thankfully it was one semester, and if I never have to pick up a chemistry book again it will be too soon...
And math only becomes more "fun" when when you get to Calculus and start doing first derivatives, second derivatives, antiderivatives, integration by parts, optimization and more fun stuff that I don't really want to think about right now....
College is nice in so many other factors though!
GG- Somehow, I missed you post (probably cause you posted only a few minutes before mine, so I never noticed it...). They look great!
We sign up for classes in a few weeks. I'm likely taking:Precalc HGym/First Aid/PSAT Prep (Like this year with gym, driver's ed, and writing, you get one per quarter)Spanish 3English 3H (I'm ok in English [definately NOT my strongest class], and I know the regular Eng3 teacher and she's pretty chill, but doesn't do honors, so I'm still not sure. If I sign up for something but then change my mind, I'll still be able to do that for free until like July [after that, you have to pay to change classes])Physics HTheology 3 (required)US History 2 (Again, history is not my greatest subject, and I have like a 99 in non-honors, and I'd rather have that than take Honors and get a 90)Faith and Values In the Media (basically it's a class that discusses the media, and the things about it. I don't really know how to explain it... But it sounds like a REALLY fun class)
And my backup elective would be Web Design, and then probably Art Fundamentals (you need Art Fundamentals before any other art class, so I couldn't just skip to Art I or Art II if I wanted to). We don't even get an option to take study hall, though... Yet, my cousin (he was a senior in a different school last year) had two study periods...?
And then, just thinking way ahead, senior year, I don't want to take spanish or history, but I'm definatley taking some kind of math and science classes, since I want to go into engineering... And I know I need to take the required stuff like Theo 4 and gym, and since 4 years of english are required (meh), I might do AP.
Noah, if Rod Stewart could build HO city skyscrapers in a hotel room, then I'd say MRRing in a dorm room is possible!
Operating session today! I should be able to snap some photos while in the siding for a meet, and maybe I'll have a few more surprises up my sleeve too...
TrainManTyOperating session today! I should be able to snap some photos while in the siding for a meet, and maybe I'll have a few more surprises up my sleeve too...
I didn't break it!
Yes you did.
Sounds like an eventful operating session tyler, lol
When we decided to swap out the decoder in 8569 a half-hour before a session (open shell, unplug old decoder, plug in new decoder, put shell back on), we didn't expect it to start shorting...after Alex tore the entire locomotive down to the frame, he found out the problem was that one of the wheelsets had been pressed too tightly into the truck mechanism and was touching part of the other side. But several hours later the locomotive is reassembled and works fine (with both headlights working great!) although one rail only has pickup from one truck because somehow it has two left-hand trucks and jumper wires haven't been working too well.
I'll have photos up eventually, since I'm having some computer problems.
I did manage to fix it though! Stop having computer problems. You need to email me the pictures I requested!
A post about the operating session as well as photos of the WRS S4 and c.1984 commuter rail photos are up on the new WRS Blog!I also have a new map up on the website.
Sweet Tyler. Love those old pics of the WRS. sounds like a pretty successful ops session.
I have both a web page and blog, which I update sporadically.
I might make a video of switching out the town soon, even though the scenery is, well, absent, haha
Ok i am a teen and i want to built a ho scale layout should i use a certain type metal track? I want to make a small one for now on a 4 foot by 4 footboard. What type of board should i use?
Chris
Tyler, sounds like it went pretty smoothly, except for the mishaps with 8569
cdog! I see you found your way over here pretty easily.
What you do with your layout depends completely on the choices you make.A 4x4 isn't very big, and won't be able to have anything but a small loop. I'd reccomend building a 4x8 (that is, if you have the space), where you'd be able to get in a larger loop with several small sidings.Scale. I can't believe I'm actually going to say this, but... If you can only build a 4x4, then I'd go with N, because you could get far more track in than you would with HO.What track you use is completely up to you. It sounds like you've never built a layout before, so we can't tell you where to start. If you feel confident using flextrack and ballasting roadbed and whatnot, then the more power to ya. If not, then you may want to go with E-Z Track (or a similar brand).Era and location are also important. Not only does this affect the trains themselves, but also the surrounding scenery.Control. DC or DCC? This depends on how many trains you want to run. With DCC, you can operate more trains at one time, although it is more costly, but it is easier to expand.
The list goes on and on and on and on and on and on... And there's so many more things to think about. I'd say start with a few of those, and then you can go from there.
If you have anything in mind, that'll help too.
cdog565 Ok i am a teen and i want to built a ho scale layout should i use a certain type metal track? I want to make a small one for now on a 4 foot by 4 footboard. What type of board should i use?
Welcome Fellow Teen,
I'll keep it simple by just answering the questions you asked (I'm sure they'll be more to come).
Track Material: I think everyone here will agree in that Nickel-Silver track is the best choice as far as type of metal. It's a little more expensive than other types of track but stays cleaner MUCH longer, and dirty track = bad electrical connections = poor locomotive performance.
Track type: everyone's different here. I use sectional track without roadbed on most of my layout but also have some flextrack thrown in to fill some gaps. Both are fine, although flextrack allows you to create any shape curve you can imagine. Keep in mind that your loco's might not be able to navigate some tight or oddly shaped corners though. Like Joe said track with plastic roadbed is also an option for a first time layout builder.
Track Code: You may not be farmilar with this. Track code is the height of the rail in thousandths (1/1000) of an inch. This is important because it affects how locomotives and cars stay on the track. In HO scale two of the most common track codes are 83 and 100. Code 83 track is closer to scale size track, however if you process no tracklaying skills at all code 100 is reliable and good for a first layout. Others may disagree with me on this so be sure to look for other opinions as well.
Benchwork: As for this it can be as simple or complicated as you wish. I've seen small layouts built on a pair of sawhorses with a piece of plywood on top if you want to keep it really simple. You could also build a frame system out of 2x4's or even 2x3's an attach plywood or OSB (fiberboard) to the top. Some of us also put foam insulation sheets on our layouts. This allows us to easily build mountains, carve out water features, and many other types of landscaping.
Good luck, and feel free to ask more questions,
Hmm...seems I've been nominated!
I agree with what Joe said about a 4x4 layout. In N scale it might be possible to do something besides a circle (Sawyer?) but in HO you'd have a hard time even fitting a switch into your plan. I'd go for a 4x8 - almost all modelers start that way and some never build bigger either because of space/money or because they like that size. Check out a book of track plans or look in Model Railroader and find one you like.
For track I'd go with Atlas Code 100 nickel-silver flex or sectional track. While Code 83 is finer, it's a bit more expensive and tougher to work with, and I've been working with Code 100 for ten years now and nobody including me minds it. With ballast and weathering it blends right in and you look at other stuff like the trains.
A plywood table works well for a first layout, but if you're planning on doing some landscaping and undulating terrain, I'd put some 2" extruded foam on top that you can carve to make rivers, ponds, etc. It's used for building insulation and is sold at most hardware stores. While it's not all that cheap, it's a whole heck of a lot easier than cutting into plywood!
Hope this helps you out - feel free to ask more questions and we'll try to answer them the best we can.
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Meanwhile over on the WRS, I put together some old clips from 8mm film I found in the attic. Here's one from a 1984 train chase of the RDC commuter run, including a meet with a WRS freight behind the S4.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFBDOiKCdlI
Enjoy!
TrainManTyI agree with what Joe said about a 4x4 layout. In N scale it might be possible to do something besides a circle (Sawyer?) but in HO you'd have a hard time even fitting a switch into your plan. I'd go for a 4x8 - almost all modelers start that way and some never build bigger either because of space/money or because they like that size. Check out a book of track plans or look in Model Railroader and find one you like.
I'm Sawyer (the one Tyler's talking abt), and welcome to the forums! 4x4 in N scale is essentially having a space of 8x8 in HO scale; n scale is about half the size of HO. A pretty good looking layout can be had in 2x4 feet in n scale, and if you have 4x4 feet you've basically got yourself set up to have a nice layout. I can't speak much to anything right now as I'm a bit tired, but if you're thinking about n scale track, code 80 or code 55 are the most prevalent in n scale. if you go with code 80, painting it tones the size down a bit, and any piece of rolling stock will run on it. code 55 is smaller and older rolling stock won't work because their flanges are too deep. Peco code 55 is popular, but I use Atlas code 55; I really love Atlas products. In fact, i'd recomend picking up an atlas engine as your first n scale engine, or maybe a Kato. HO I can't speak of.
But anyways, back on the subject of n scale, this website has a LOT of good small trackplans; they would at least give you a starting point for your own n scale idea. And remember, you could be Horribly Oversized, or you could be Normal
Packers#1And remember, you could be Horribly Oversized, or you could be Normal
Thats exactly what I get from the N scale division of the OT&W club. So a few basics. First You could have Honerable Obligations to the hobby, or you could play with Nanno trains. . Okay, on the matter of layout planning, have at least 2 spots for expansion, so you are not always constrained to you first creation and can add to it. I personally think you would do very well if you had the book, available from Kalmbach, called "HO Railroad from start to finish." Trust me, buy it. It has everything you need to know to build your first RR. There is also another way to learn all that stuff, and it is also my chosen method: completely geek out on the subject buying every book Kalmbach has to offer, getting a magazine every time you go to a book store until you subscribe, and immerse yourself in the forums so completely that before you even start your first layout, you know more than a Master Model Railroader could ever hope to know.
Here is what I have to offer in scale:
Do you want to run trains? Do you want to simply create a little town? Can you not work too good with your hands? Do you want moderate operational aspects: HO Scale
Do you want plenty of operation? Do you want scenery that dwarfs trains? Do you work good with insanely small things: N scale
Do you want a locomotive so expensive you cant even afford a layout: 1:1 scale
Some simple translations so you don't get confused: HO and N are scales; the size of the trains and everything else in your world. In HO scale everything is 87 times smaller than the real thing, and N scale is about twice as small at 116 times smaller. Fine modeling is possible in both scales even if you're not a genius (or David K. Smith ) but is a bit easier in HO.
N scale gets you more "stuff" for your layout size than HO, but HO is easier to get running smoothly because the equipment weighs so much more and therefore tracks easier. And the momentum of the heavier equipment helps carry it across dead spots in the track.
And 1:1 scale is our way of talking about the real thing. 1:48 is O scale (Lionel trains), 1:87 is HO scale, 1:116 is N scale, and 1:220 is Z scale (now THAT is tough!).
You disappoint me Tyler... N is 1:160...
Guilford GuyYou disappoint me Tyler... N is 1:160...
Whoops! I knew it was 1:160, but somehow I typed 1:116...
TrainManTyGuilford GuyYou disappoint me Tyler... N is 1:160... Whoops! I knew it was 1:160, but somehow I typed 1:116...
So I made an operational breakthrough today! Before this, local LE-2 left at the very beginning of the session with cars the through freights dropped off the day before. If LE-2 had to wait until cars from both Concord and White River Jct. were dropped off to depart, it would still be switching a half-hour after the rest of the trains had finished their runs. Therefore I had the local run with cars from the previous day.
But, If I stage the cars from WRJ headed to Concord in Lebanon Yard before the session starts, as if the Claremont-Concord transfer dropped off the cars before the session, the local can depart as soon as CDWJ arrives in the yard to drop off local cars. CDWJ will still take WRJ-bound cars there, but it will return light engine to Lebanon Yard, pick up the Concord-bound cars from the CCRR transfer job and the previous day's local, and depart for Concord.
The total gain from all this is that I save the entire extra local consist (about 8 cars) that can then go into making the through freights longer, adding cars to the local, and providing more cars to pick up. Right now the through freights jumped from 5 to 7 cars...not a big gain but the visual effect is much better!
Tyler, that sounds like it would be much better. Maybe, you could have the CCRR transfer job run from WRJ staging to Lebanon around the same time that CDWJ leaves Concord staging? The crew from LE-2 could operate the CCRR job, since they wouldn't be running simultaneously.
And what's this about Nsane scale? Maybe for a 4x4 layout. However, Obviously, HO is much better, IMHO...
Tyler, souNds like a good plaN. caN't really follow it right Now as my braiN is about half-dead from rugby though, lol! Those cars will defiNitely help out in operatioN. aNd my way freight oN my layout is about seveN cars or so (if I'm rememberiNg correctly).
Joe, Normal scale works excelleNtly for getting a good operatioNal layout in aNy space
But Nyway, I finally bit a bullet and worked on fixing the scenery. Recently, I had problems with seams showing behind the scenery. Last night I went down stairs and tried to see what I could do. I first tried to smooth everything with several grades of sanding block, but all pulled the little foam balls out and made it look ever worse than before. Then, I broke out my lat remaining supply of plaster cloth, and repaired the damage. Happy with the result, I have now decided to use plaster to cover everything.
Also recently, I have been thinking of taking out a section of track, and I will proceed to do so unless my dad says no. While all of that is going on, I have been trying to troubleshoot electrical problems. On that matter, do any of you know if very dirty track can cause shorts? Also, another question: How do you post the emocons?!? I cant seem to do it! (I feel a little embarrassed Im saying this). Until then, Happy Model Railroading
IVRWAlso recently, I have been thinking of taking out a section of track, and I will proceed to do so unless my dad says no. While all of that is going on, I have been trying to troubleshoot electrical problems. On that matter, do any of you know if very dirty track can cause shorts?
Heheh...I have quite a lot of experience with taking out track to re-lay it...
Dirty track will not cause shorts. It will cause the locomotives to lose power and stop. Trust me: my track used to be extremely dirty before I covered the ceiling with plastic sheeting, and the only shorts I had was when my amazing track derailed the trains or my locomotives picked the point.
Anyway, back in the modern smooth-running WRS, I've been programming my own software to dispatch trains! If it wasn't just a digital magnet board where the track sections changed colors when you clicked on them, I'd put it online so you could all try your hand at dispatching my railroad!
Hmmm, I don't really feel like saying something about N and then having to go back and bold-ify all those N's and HO's, so Imma just gonna say this:HO is superior to all other scales.
John, dirty track will absolutely not short out the track. The only time my track has ever shorted out was if I accidentally dropped something metal across the rails, or if a metal wheel derails and touches the frog of a turnout.
Tyler, that's REALLY cool! I wish I could do something like that. Unfortunately, I don't know a whole lot about computers (I know how to use them, and have a somewhat-above-basic-knowledge, but nothing like that. But senior year, I really want to take Web Design, which should be really neat.
Speaking of track, I'm going to have a lot of track (thanks, Tyler!) that I can't do anything with... I have no layout to put it on, but whatever. Maybe I can get started on benchwork soon (this upcoming week, maybe?)?
I'll post the photos of the freight cars I got at the Springfield train show (I only got 3 because the white elephant tables didn't have many with metal wheels), but the WRS purchased two new business cars! Adding a long-shank coupler to one car helped with most of the problems (the diaphragms were having problems on a few of the tighter turns) but I still have a bit of tuneup to do to my track and the cars' trucks before they're ready for service. And I still need to decal them.
Yeah, and who was the one who funded the business cars
Well, the lumber has been transported from my dad's office to the garage. But my mom said that I can't start on the layout until I finish my spanish paper, but I'm almost done. So once that's taken care of, I can finish cleaning up both areas and rearrange the furniture, then I can start building. This week's REALLY busy (I have hockey M, W, F, and Sat), so who knows how much time I'll actually have.
Dang, 4 papers!
I have:Spanish due a week from tomorrow (3 pages minimum, and I'm at 3, but I'm not done yet)Chem due March 10 (5 pages on the effects of tanning, both real and artificial, which I haven't started...)Algebra due March 10 (I'm using my Chem paper, because I can, and I dont' wanna write an extra paper)History due TBA (don't have any details on this yet).
So I also have 4, but I'm only writing 3. One is almost done, one I haven't even started, and one I don't even know when it's due...
Geez, a billion papers due WEEKLY?!?!?!?
For every class we have a (school required) research paper. And teachers can give us other papers as well.
And I see you mentioned turning papers in at midnight. Just curious, does your school use TurnItIn???
Oh yeah...dirty track makes your train not go...but we all thought you meant a short circuit! Dirty track does not cause short circuits.
Time for a new place... http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/168244/1847989.aspx#1847989
i wish someone was modeling On30 with me.... i need help
I think you meant to go here...
WCfan Time for a new place... http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/168244/1847989.aspx#1847989
r.y.a.ni wish someone was modeling On30 with me.... i need help
i was just wondering where i can find cheap prices track. i am in desperate need of switches and turnouts
i wish i can find someone who would do that with me
Tyler has been dealt with... permanently.
actually, i have no clue, i'm just checking in. Nice work guys, i really gotta get my projects rolling.
Modeling Conrail, Amtrak and NJ DOT under the wires in New Jersey, July 1979.