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Discussion Boards => Layouts => Topic started by: starfire700 on May 10, 2020, 05:23:37 AM

Title: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 10, 2020, 05:23:37 AM: This is Jim,
I have removed all the "stuff" from my layout that was there as staging for YouTube videos and am back to finishing construction. I had to remove part of the upper level structure so the perimeter could be painted green. I mix sawdust in with the latex paint to simulate landscape/grass. My Dad taught me this trick in the 1950's.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 10, 2020, 06:07:46 AM: Having problems getting photos to acceptable size, will try again later.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on May 10, 2020, 11:49:06 AM: Jim, I moved your layout post into it's own thread. This way in six months your progess will be easily seen.

I'm trying model this board after a VW board that works well.

You mention grass is sawdust in paint. I have questions. . .

I was looking at your gray ballast. Is that just sand in paint?

I tried some playground sand and white paint. I painted the area where the track goes and then poured sand on. Then after it dried, I vacuumed up the extra sand and painted over it again. I tried it with and without masking tape, and the tape is better.

Is that what you're doing?

Terry
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 10, 2020, 03:17:41 PM: I have been away since this morning, but now will get back to trying to get photos uploaded.
To answer your question, the gray paint under the T-rail is just dark gray paint, no sawdust. I am making ballast by screening driveway fill. A lot of work but good results.
I have not been masking any areas, just hand-painting to keep it natural. My benchwork is 30" high, basic 1x4 frame with 1/2" plywood. I covered the plywood with 1/16" cork to hide seams and to help control noise.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 10, 2020, 03:24:07 PM: Photo of layout with staging for videos removed, ready for painting and upper level construction.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 10, 2020, 03:40:41 PM: 2nd photo of layout from opposite corner
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 10, 2020, 03:46:02 PM: Accessory pile
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 10, 2020, 04:07:06 PM: Note that I have only been able to upload pictures in thumbnail form, but they can be enlarged with a left click.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on May 10, 2020, 05:12:11 PM: You're a bit farther along than me Jim. I like the packed in toy look.

I'm going to see if I can find add ins that will make the pictures easier to use. On the VW board users upload pictures in one area and then call them into posts. That seems like too much work.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 11, 2020, 05:37:18 AM: As I noted I have only been able to upload pictures as thumbnails, which can be enlarged a bit with a click when posted. I was wondering how you uploaded such large pictures of your 150 and 700 series electrics. I have some that I want to post, but am saving them until I can resolve this issue and present them in the same format / size as you do.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on May 11, 2020, 05:55:50 AM: Everyone has their own ideas and parameters of what a layout should be. Good reason why we like seeing others' layouts.
Mine has always been a degree of scale / natural scenery, but trees are all bottle-brush and pine cones that I paint, plus a bit of lichen and real rocks. I can get ballast out of our drive and rocks by the lake. I like to have a mountain / tunnel feature somewhere in a corner, using plaster over chicken-wire. Lately I have used spray foam / great stuff, spray it on, easy to carve when dry, can add thin layer of plaster over it.
99% of my accessories must be vintage Lionel, AF, Ives or German, same with signals. Figures are mostly lead, but a few plastic.
My Lake Shore Railway and Hole in the Wall Railway videos on you tube show how I combine these elements.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 02, 2020, 05:30:10 AM: Progress is being made on my layout, The Lake Shore Railway.
I had done some quick "staging" for YouTube videos that I produced, but have removed all the trains and accessories and returned to construction mode.
As construction progresses, I will begin adding more construction photos to Forum. Operation and construction on the LSRR can also be viewed by using the link to my channel posted below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUfhIqTj6nbDLmY3rXzvn7g
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 02, 2020, 05:37:34 AM: The Lake Shore Railway has 2 T-rail main lines, tubular short-line and upper level plus a Standard Gauge oval under the UL. An 8 track yard including loco storage and maintenance plus operating accessories, 164, 97, 165, 342 etc is currently under construction. The yard will be all T-rail. I operate mostly Lionel Prewar and postwar, but also some modern and some Marx, hope to include some AF O also.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on June 02, 2020, 05:09:41 PM: I looked at some of the videos you posted on youtube of your layouts. I don't see them as being cluttered, but you have lots of stuff on them. Seems balanced.

Maybe it's because the trains are cool? If you had MTH locos talking at me, it might seem different than watching a string of 814R reefers go past.

I finished all my outdoor chores today and will start working on my layouts again this weekend.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 03, 2020, 08:41:05 AM: Progress is being made on the recently annexed property for a locomotive storage and maintenance facility, storage tracks and industrial area.
The benchwork is complete, surfaced with cork, then painted with dark gray paint, mixed with woodland scenics ballast. Note the "ash pit" that the 2 loco tracks will span.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 03, 2020, 08:45:08 AM: A closer at the work train, track crew and foreman, who are "social distancing", shows that 2 workers are related to one that Terry posted under another topic.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on June 03, 2020, 07:10:18 PM: On the layout my dad and I built when I was in High school there was a British man in an overcoat. We called him the spy and the game was if I found the spy and he wasn't where I put him, I'd move him. After I moved him it was my dad's turn to find and move him.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 04, 2020, 05:08:34 AM: Funny you should mention that. I thought of placing a Louis Marx or Marxie figure in all the progress photos I take........sort of like a "where's Waldo" thing.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 30, 2020, 05:36:30 AM: I have been making progress on small details on the layout. Attached are photos of a transition track I made to mate T-rail with a UCS operating track. No such track was made for T-rail. Also shows a T-rail/UCS section that I made many years ago, to look like what Lionel "should have made". This is too time consuming, as I need several UCS operating tracks in the yard area.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 30, 2020, 05:41:52 AM: Also here are 2 photos of my finished ash pit on the loco storage sidings. I have even figured out how to power the conveyor with the original 397 loader motor, but must put that project on the side. I have major items to complete, so I can get back to operating and video production. Most of my layout is tinplate type accessories and details, however I do like a degree of scale/highrail details and landscaping. On certain items, such as the ash pit, my "scale-self" gets carried away. It will be great for photo and video opportunities, and works well with Hudsons and other scale/semi-scale equipment.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on June 30, 2020, 01:34:07 PM: Jim - I think the UCS on the rails looks best.

Why use the 027 adapter section? Can't you just connect the T-rail plates and joiner directly to the end of the UCS section?

There's probably a simple answer for that, but I once spent hours opening up 260 bumpers and soldiering extensions on the bulb wires so I could make the lights work on constant power rather than track power. Then someone asked me why I didn't just soldier onto the pickup strip and put cardboard between the strip and the track.

If all you need are actuating rails, can you do super 0 parts on masonite or plexiglas cut to fit between the ties? I wrote that thinking about the super O parts like in the picture below, but maybe you could use the running rails from super O track?

The ashpit looks neat. That's the fun stuff. That's what makes your layout YOUR LAYOUT.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 01, 2020, 03:32:47 PM: Thanks for the comment on the ash pit.
The merged UCS/T-rail piece was time-consuming to make, but does look good. It was tricky getting the operating rails at the right level so they contacted the truck shoes.
I am making the transition pieces, as an 027 rail is easier to drill for the bolts than the rail on a UCS / RCS, also some pounding is necessary to get the railhead to mate with the T railhead, difficult when mounted to a bakelite base. The transition pieces were the most efficient alternative. I will paint them black and sand the railhead so they do not stand-out against the T rail.
The Super-O operating rails might work, but again precise alignment to engage the shoe could be difficult. It just seemed that a method that allowed un-modified UCS /RCS tracks to be used, was the best.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on July 01, 2020, 08:19:48 PM: For just the rails wouldn't the easiest way be to glue a right angle of brass stock to a strip of insulation (fiber or styrene strip stock) , and then glue the insulation to the ties. Just cut a wood strip as a spacer off the center rail to locate it in the right place.

Or again for just the rails - how about the track clips that come with the barrel car? OTC?

I'm thinking about this because it's a way to put off taking the axle off my toy car so I can replace the oil seal behind the CV joint.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 02, 2020, 08:31:47 AM: I have tried an OTC. It works only on sections with a tie removed and would require 2 for most cars that require bot shoes to contact the operating rail.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 16, 2020, 10:36:35 AM: Some recent progress on my layout, the Lake Shore Railway
I found a spot to construct a mountain, actually a small hill, over the reverse loop
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 16, 2020, 10:43:31 AM: Completion of the 072 upper level loop over the standard gauge loop.
Also overall view from the entrance to the yard
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on July 16, 2020, 04:37:56 PM: Looks good Jim.

Is that a Marklin roundhouse? My dad had a lot of European trains, but they went to settle his estate.

I picked up paint yesterday at the city recycling place. They had carts of glues and stains and dyes that were free for the picking. I grabbed some india ink and some cartridges of construction adhesive. If you have a place near you, you should see what they have. I know I saved at least $100 on paint by going there and it was a close as the Home Depot.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 17, 2020, 04:52:23 AM: I believe the roundhouse is Marklin for 1 gauge, but I removed the track and will have a standard loco poking its nose out. I have some euro accessories, none in the condition of my Lionel and AF accessories, but will still look good for a Euro area on the standard gauge side. I have a couple of long/narrow Kibri stations with clocks and glass windows, will look good with lights in them.
I have just about finished my painting, except for the mountain/plateau under construction. I was going to top it with Lionel houses, but Deb suggested some ceramic Halloween Lemax buildings that we have. One is Frankenstein's laboratory, will look cool on top of the hill.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on July 17, 2020, 12:23:04 PM: Others would think you're in an enviable position of having so much to play with.

Being there myself I understand how hard it is to figure what to use, and where.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 20, 2020, 03:32:10 PM: It wasn't always so. There were a lot of lean years when it came to funds for addition to the collection. I am finally able to enjoy it. This is the last layout I will ever make, so I am incorporating everything that I can and like to show it off.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 22, 2020, 04:59:35 AM: Recent progress on the Lake Shore Railway shows use of spray foam on the edges and carving into rock-formations with a sharp knife. The foam always expands much larger than expected, so I have to be careful when applying it. However, it is very easy to carve with a sharp knife to remove unwanted parts, after the foam dries. The wet foam is extremely sticky and difficult to remove from things you don't want it on, such as your fingers or clothes.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 22, 2020, 05:04:41 AM: The above photos also show the curved knife that I use, and keep very sharp with my grinding wheel. Also shown are wiring rough-ins for accessories that will be placed on the formation.
I use the longest car that I expect to operate to check clearances, in this case a Lionel 2500 series aluminum passenger car.
A piece of PVC pipe and some left-over rock from construction of a fireplace are used to add some realism.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 22, 2020, 05:09:44 AM: Meanwhile on the other side of the layout, the upper level and standard gauge loop and sidings are complete enough to add accessories and trees. Lighting is added to many of the stations and other structures. "night-photos" show the effect best.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on July 22, 2020, 12:30:53 PM: I like the night time lights. You have so much stuff jammed in there that everywhere I look I see something neat.

In the area with the roundhouse what's the base? Is it just painted homasote?

I wanted to do my standard gauge on green carpet, but all I can find has "traction" rows in it. Now I'm thinking about using thick paint or even a tennis court coating.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 23, 2020, 04:23:09 AM: I covered all benchwork, which is 3/4" plywood on 1x4 framing, with 1/8" cork. I purchased the cork through Amazon. I used carpet adhesive to lay the cork. This smooths-over the gaps between boards, provides some sound deadening and is a nice textured surface for painting. I even cut strips of cork for the upper level roadbed. I mixed fine ballast with a gallon of dark gray flat latex paint for all roadbed. Other areas are painted dark green or dark brown. I mixed saw-dust in the green paint to look like grass. Some green areas have Lionel grass that I painted over. The area around the roundhouse is mostly brown-painted cork. I have used different types of carpet before and do not like the way it looks when painted and my drill bits get seriously clogged when drilling holes for wiring. The cork is the best choice, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on July 28, 2020, 04:17:00 PM: I'll have to play with the cork I have. I have months before I need to make a decision on the standard layout.

Here's a link to my college layout.
https://www.train99.com/layouts/layouta.shtml (https://www.train99.com/layouts/layouta.shtml)

That shows the carpet I had.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 28, 2020, 06:48:40 PM: That green carpet looks similar to the indoor/outdoor type I used on my Layout when we lived in the Chicago area.
It was smooth, very easy to cut and work with.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 31, 2020, 05:04:44 AM: The mountain area on the Lake Shore Railway is near completion. It has been painted, grassed, populated with trees/shrubs, houses/stations/power station and a few cast iron vehicles. Lamp posts and lights in the houses have been wired. One end features the menacing ceramic house of a mad scientist complete with flashing lights inside. Most landscaping around the Franken-house is noticeably dead, and who knows what flows from the waste culvert at the base of the mountain.
Daylight photos shown first.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 31, 2020, 05:08:37 AM: Night time photos of the mountain community.
Note the cave photo with jeweled wall that resembles the wall James Mason could not resist in Journey to the Center of the Earth
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on August 09, 2020, 06:13:00 AM: Scale Hudson set 707W out for a spin on the Lake Shore Railway
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on September 15, 2020, 02:20:44 PM: I have several videos taken of operation on the layout that can be seen at the link below.

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCUfhIqTj6nbDLmY3rXzvn7g
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on September 15, 2020, 02:27:15 PM: Note that the videos DO NOT WORK IN CHROME BROWSER.
They should work in any other browser, Edge, Firefox, Explorer, but not in Chrome.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on September 17, 2020, 04:05:13 PM: That's a lot of working making those videos. Good job. Thanks for sharing them.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on September 20, 2020, 04:49:48 AM: Thanks for the endorsement. As we live in such a rural area and I no longer get to train shows, the videos are a way that I can share Trains with other collectors. It is a LOT of work, but pays-off when I get favorable comments. I was just a collector with trains on shelves, maybe a loop of track on a 4x8 for most of my life.......now it is more enjoyable to try to make everything run and tell a story while doing it. I am planning a video of early O gauge, but it is a challenge to get some of the 100-year-old locos to run! I did include a 152 with 800 boxcars in the recent Halloween video.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on September 20, 2020, 05:40:59 AM: I am currently shooting a Marx video. Here are some shots of the set-up. This scene will be panned by the Gopro camera mounted to a car.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on September 20, 2020, 05:43:54 AM: Here is the camera car that I made from a diecast postwar log-dump. It is weighted and has multiple mounts for the Gopro camera. I use my Thomas loco to pull the car as it is quiet, smooth, starts-up slow, unlike the noisy Lionel GM switcher that I used in previous videos.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on September 20, 2020, 05:47:08 AM: In the thread of Terry's layout I mentioned problems with modern Lionel switches. Here is a shot of the moving frog rail that leaves a gap and allows cars to pick-open the switch and cause derailment. Second shot is the location, 12" in the air, where the switch is being replaced. A derailment here would be a costly disaster, but good entertainment if you are an Addams Family fan.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on September 20, 2020, 02:23:02 PM: Since you're doing Marx some requests. . .

I like the Marx gateman, and I've never seen a coal dumper in operation. I think it came with black licorice rather than coal?
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on September 20, 2020, 02:45:17 PM: About the switches. . . Those are garbage. With a eighty-year-old 072 switch you can expect some problems, but the new ones were junk right out of the box.

I built a layout with the LTI switches when they were new. With over a 100 switches, few worked consistently. One even shorted out and caught on fire. Some were warped right out of the box. After a few years of problems, none of them are used. They just sit there as part of the display.

What you're showing Jim could be flash that wasn't cleaned off the points or debris under the point assembly.

My loudest gripe about the LTI switches is that some have different diameter fixed voltage pins. I put the fixed voltage pins into a coffee can when I unpacked them. Then when I wired them the switches in the hardest to reach areas where I am leaning on one knee and a hand on the wall or ceiling to stabilize myself the pin wouldn't go in.

The worst switches Lionel made were the 031 ones with the short section of removable curve.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on September 22, 2020, 05:26:40 AM: Luckily I have only 3 of the LTI 072 switches, so they won't take up too much room in my trash can. They are lightweight junk. I guess that is why so many used ones are for sale on ebay.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on October 15, 2020, 06:54:48 AM: Posting some progress photos. They show some areas "finished" and wired, but some will stay in flux, as staging areas for different videos that I am working on.
The Marx area is about to be wiped-clean to prep for the Christmas video.
The first photo is a quick mini-diorama at the end of the engine storage/maintenance tracks.
For more, see my Youtube videos of "the Lake Shore railway". I have recently published videos on Marx, Hafner wind-ups (all running!), Disaster Recovery-work trains and a Halloween special.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on October 15, 2020, 12:46:55 PM: I like the clutter. It shows dedication.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on October 16, 2020, 04:49:19 AM: But it is organized, carefully-placed clutter.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on October 21, 2020, 06:19:44 AM: I am in the process of revamping a flex area on the layout to prep for a Christmas Holiday Special video
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on October 21, 2020, 01:12:28 PM: Are you going to do a video on how to spray snow on your trains?
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on November 08, 2020, 05:20:45 AM: I am guessing that is a joke, as spray snow would not be recommended on anything but a broken 6017 caboose.
It was hard enough keeping the flake snow off of the rails and out of the gears. I do what I do for the benefit of the best possible production.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on November 08, 2020, 12:55:31 PM: Yes that was a joke. That day I had a dirty postwar station and when I went to wash it realized it was spray snow.

I have a front patio and I'm thinking about putting a Christmas tree with a train on it. I could use a really beat up train and use the spray snow to cover the damage. We'll see.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: CNJRR on January 13, 2021, 01:50:13 PM: Quote from: starfire700 on October 21, 2020, 06:19:44 AM
I am in the process of revamping a flex area on the layout to prep for a Christmas Holiday Special video

WOW !
Just looking at your thread from the start.
I wish I had room like you do.
I love all the shelves you have for the trains.
I see that you have a nice collection sitting on them.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: CNJRR on January 13, 2021, 01:55:36 PM: Is that an old 617 Diner, you have sitting there?
You ought to add that to the Prewar Diner thread?
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on January 16, 2021, 11:38:07 AM: I have 3 diners made by Madison Hardware on the layout. 2 are 637 yellow/brown City of Denver coaches, one is a Lionel Ives 1691 observation. They can be seen in my videos and I think were also posted when we had the topic of Madison hardware going.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: CNJRR on January 18, 2021, 11:39:34 AM: Quote from: starfire700 on January 16, 2021, 11:38:07 AM
I have 3 diners made by Madison Hardware on the layout. 2 are 637 yellow/brown City of Denver coaches, one is a Lionel Ives 1691 observation. They can be seen in my videos and I think were also posted when we had the topic of Madison hardware going.

Cool, too bad you couldn't post them in the Prewar Diner thread.
I have never seen any but on eBay, which is rare.
You discussed it? Where?
Toss me a clue.........or link?
Thanks
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on January 18, 2021, 12:26:29 PM: Here's link to Madison Hardware Trains Page (https://www.train99.com/forum/index.php?topic=32.0)
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on January 20, 2021, 04:53:07 AM: Thanks, Terry, I forgot where we discussed the Madison items.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: CNJRR on January 20, 2021, 06:59:14 AM: Quote from: Terry on January 18, 2021, 12:26:29 PM
Here's link to Madison Hardware Trains Page (https://www.train99.com/forum/index.php?topic=32.0)

Thanks
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: pjdog350 on January 21, 2021, 04:36:40 AM: Jim. In looking at some of your layout pictures while you where in the construction, I saw Lionel 022 switches. Are they O gauge tube track or are they that T rail? I thought I also saw some Gargraves track. Can you make other type track match into you T rail?

SORRY - after viewing you thread n the layout I saw how you make the connections to the T-rail
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on January 23, 2021, 02:07:13 PM: I do have a couple of T-Rail to Tube adapter tracks, mainly in the accessory yard as there are no T-Rail operating tracks, like RCS or UCS. I did make 1, but too time-consuming.
The upper level loop, over the standard gauge loop is 072 tube track, also the ramp leading to it and the bench-level return loop. To make the return loop fit, I had to go with some 031 curves and regular 022 switches. Also a couple of 022's in the accessory yard (see Santa's Naughty/Nice Coal Co video). The unit train and doubleheader video was published last night.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: pjdog350 on January 23, 2021, 02:53:20 PM: Saw it. Another great job.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on January 26, 2021, 04:30:17 AM: The lack of UCS / RCS type operating tracks and insulated outside rail tracks, are my disappointment with the T-Rail system. I have tried to conform Marx copper track over-lay trips to outside rails for accessories. It works to some degree, but the overlay moves around and has to keep being adjusted. I have made trips for 154 flashers and 069 ringers with a small brass strip, conformed to the rail over a small piece of black tape. This actually works fairly good.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on January 26, 2021, 12:41:04 PM: I've been going nuts trying to figure out how to make my 154 flasher work off my insulated rails. I'm think going to put 155 bell mechanisms under the layout to run them.

Anyway with the trips. . . I have tubs of HO scale trips and actuators. Some of them have 3-second delays from when they are tripped to when they turn on. Some are directional and have on and off actuators meaning you need a whole unit for each direction. Most run on weird low voltage DC -- like 3 or 4.5 volts. Most will only cover one track so you need one for each track at the crossing. None of them will allow any current.

And to top it off they are $30-50 EACH.

MTH made a thing called an ITAD. Infra Red Train Detector. It's like a 153C but uses a timer and a beam of bounced light. I think it covers multiple tracks, but only does one direction. They are $25-35 each on eBay.

If I didn't have the insulated outside rails, I'd use the ITADs. I don't like the looks of them, but I think they'd be OK with a bit of cosmetic alteration.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on January 27, 2021, 04:46:55 AM: To make the 154 work the "old school" way, but not using a 154C, put a piece of black tape about 1-1/2" long on a regular outside rail, cut 2 thin strips of brass about 1/4" wide, 2" long. Bend the brass strips over the tape-covered rail, so the long part extends outward. (solder wires to the strips first, so the tape is not melted). Connect the 2 wires plus one from the center rail to appropriate 1,2,3 terminals on the 154. I usually attach the strips to the inside rail on a curve, so inertia of the train prevents the bump of going over the strips. I do the same but with a single strip for a 069 / 69 prewar ringer. This gives a more-pleasant Ding-ding, than a constant ring like a doorbell.
If anyone is interested, I will post pictures.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on March 15, 2021, 05:51:38 AM: I have not posted any layout pix lately, as I have been concentrating on videos.
I have just spent some time wiring lights in a few other locations that have been "dark".
Here are some "night shots" of my progress.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on March 15, 2021, 05:55:17 AM: I just noticed an interesting, but not intentional effect that resulted.
Some of the brighter lights, such as floodlight towers appear to be "broadcasting". The light has created a wave pattern.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: pjdog350 on March 15, 2021, 11:09:19 AM: Yep. I see what you are saying Jim. Broadcasting?
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on March 15, 2021, 04:36:20 PM: The "broadcasting" is a neat effect. Can you see it with a naked eye? Maybe if you blink realy realy fast?
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: pjdog350 on March 15, 2021, 06:39:08 PM: Jim you have an awesome layout with the best stuff. I had one of those red and white stations. I sure wish I had kept it. I’ve let some nice stuff go. I have trouble staying focused on what I like. I’m always changing directions?? It’s like I’m a postwar train person but got side lined when the CV-19 came. Now I like prewar. The little 259 & the 1673,74,75 car are great. Runs so good!

Even all your boxes are so cool. When you make a video with the camera riding around and we see all your boxes and knowing most those boxes have trains in them!! Yesterday the USPS guy delivered another 6456 2 bay hopper. It came in a really nice box. I thought of you and all your boxes.

In the late 1980’s I was at a train show near the New Orleans airport. I bought a single dome metal tank car. It was in the box. Paid $ 35.00 for it. A guy ask me what I had and he ask to see it. Then he offered me $ 50.00 for the box. I sold it to him. Had the tank car for free with enough money for lunch!
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on March 16, 2021, 04:59:58 AM: Most of the individual boxes you see are empty, the trains are on the shelves. About half of the set boxes have trains in them, others are on the shelves. I never seem to have enough shelf space.
One of the 116 double City Stations I had put away, because a previous owner had painted the roof black. It was otherwise very nice, but it did not display well. I recently got another 116 that just needed cleaning, got the idea to "double-stack" them to cover the black roof. I may try to justify the upper station by running an elevated CTA train past it, if I can find room for the trestle supports.
Your reference to selling the tank car box.......some boxes are worth more than the train inside.
Years ago I went to a Stout auction that was all a west-coast collector's EMPTY boxes. I remember that the prices were going so high that Greg kept reminding us that the boxes were EMPTY, no trains. After the auction I talked to the collector who's boxes these were and he figured that the trains that he still had were almost free, now that he sold the boxes.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on March 16, 2021, 05:04:54 AM: Regarding the broadcasting lights.........
I can not see the effect just with the eye, and this is the first time I have noticed the effect on pictures.
The pictures were shot with my Samsung phone and I had LED can lights overhead that were slightly dimmed.
I will have to experiment to see if the dimming or the LED cans, or combination of the 2 caused this.
No matter, I am pleased with the effect.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on April 03, 2021, 05:23:13 AM: I am attaching some pictures taken recently of the Lake Shore Railway Layout.
I have the majority of buildings and lights wired, and the layout is in a "degree of completion".
Some areas may look cluttered, but not as cluttered as reality and the scenes work for close-up video.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: pjdog350 on April 03, 2021, 05:35:39 AM: WOW - You have a great train collection. Beautiful!!! So much! It’s all very impressive!

I sure love your movies. I’m going back for a third look at you last movie. You have to watch them More than once to really see it all. Maybe that’s one of the things that make your movie so great. There’s so much to see. While your looking here something goes by that you miss.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on April 03, 2021, 01:42:01 PM: That is cool Jim.

I bought an HO layout and trains a few weeks ago, the guy had a Bottom Creeper which is a rolling platform for under the layout and instructions for a topside creeper which I didn't get.

Neither would work for me, but the Topsider might be useful for you.

Only $269 plus shipping.

https://www.micromark.com/Topside-Creeper-Step-Ladder-Support-System (https://www.micromark.com/Topside-Creeper-Step-Ladder-Support-System)
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on April 04, 2021, 11:56:12 AM: That topsider is a good idea.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: cndctr111 on April 04, 2021, 03:36:48 PM: Love the Louis Marx figure, never knew they existed, are they hard to fin?
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on April 05, 2021, 04:53:01 AM: The original LM cigar-pose figures and small Magic Marxies from the 1960's are quite hard to find. I have some 1990's production, made by Marx in Miami about 1990, made from original molds. We usually have some up on ebay (JDPLTD). We worked with Marx Toys Inc, when we licensed and produced Marx Trains from 1992 to 2004. Let me know if you don't see them, and are interested. Jim
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on April 09, 2021, 04:57:07 AM: My most recent video tours all of the right-of-ways on the Lake Shore Railway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vqDr41rBKI&t=8s
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: pjdog350 on April 09, 2021, 05:33:51 AM: I watched this one several times. I noticed you have some little dog house on your layout. So cool.
Thanks for all your movies. Sometimes I get up and just watch movies rather than run my trains. I love them all!
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on April 09, 2021, 11:44:49 AM: I believe the dog houses are Brittans, also have quite a few figures of dogs. I know that you are very attached to dogs, have you seen the video I did on "Dogtown" ?
Here is a link if you have not seen it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwhVAievOcs&t=54s
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 29, 2021, 05:07:32 AM: I have not posted anything lately to my layout thread, as the main changes have been just the addition of clutter in the form of more buildings, figures and vehicles, probably some different trains too.
I did recently add a small platform at a junction on my upper level to hold a new station (new to me, about 100 years old actually). It is a cute little station that I researched and found-out it was Bing HO or 00, but works for O-gauge if I raised the front edge slightly. I was attracted to it because of its distinctive roof trim that looks like dragon's tails. I featured this station in a video, see what you think. Thanks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdXgxarIZl0
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: pjdog350 on June 29, 2021, 05:16:43 AM: It's a great video Jim just like all your videos. I would not call your stuff clutter. It all flows very nicely. I love your layout. I watch them all the time. Even to old 'Hole in the wall' videos. Wish there ways more of those available?
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on June 30, 2021, 05:10:12 AM: Clutter is just a word, implies how close items are to each other and how many. It works for some close-up video scenes, but usually items get moved around for the next production. When I step back and look at the overall layout, some areas do look relatively cluttered. It is just a matter of taste and perspective.

I was glad that I did get my first Gopro in time to preserve the Hole in the Wall layout, before it had to be demo'd so we could sell the house. It had its good points, but like most layouts was never finished. The current layout, the Lake Shore Railway, is by far my largest and also the closest to completion, however I am sure to keep changing things around.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: pjdog350 on June 30, 2021, 06:22:20 AM: I love your layout. I’m jealous!!
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on July 01, 2021, 05:03:53 AM: It only took me near 50 years to get to this point.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on December 01, 2021, 04:58:11 AM: I haven't posted and layout pictures recently.
Here are some updates
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: CNJRR on December 01, 2021, 01:59:15 PM: WOW, great layout, a lot of things to look at and more that you can't see. :) thumbsup.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on December 01, 2021, 04:25:15 PM: That's a great transition station behind the City of Portland. I've not seen that variation. 115 or 113 in mixed colors? I have a 116 in early colors with a red base and green roof with the stop mechanism.

That's the beauty of Jim's cluttered layout. Picking out the really neat stuff among the just cool stuff.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on December 02, 2021, 10:16:21 AM: The transition station is a 113 or 117, I would have to look at the number underside, wiring between stations would make that difficult at this point.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on December 25, 2021, 04:29:26 AM: I haven't posted for a while. Here are a few pix of my layout "snowed-up" for the holidays.
Merry Christmas to all!
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on December 25, 2021, 04:31:18 AM: One more
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: Terry on January 02, 2022, 09:59:11 PM: That looks great Jim. I have an old mirror ball nestled in the plants in my kitchen. I'll try it on the layout when I get the section I'm wiring done.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on January 03, 2022, 04:15:33 AM: The ones that I use are Mercury Glass, battery illuminated, some are globes, some columns. They catch some interesting reflections when the trains pass them, just something different.
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: cndctr111 on January 10, 2022, 03:30:56 PM: Awesome photos, love it!
Title: Re: Jim's Layout
Post by: starfire700 on January 11, 2022, 04:21:32 AM: Thanks! You can see much more on my youtube channel, here is the link.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUfhIqTj6nbDLmY3rXzvn7g/videos