yes it is summer, and by that it's usually when I start preparing for big projects like these:
Last year's layout in HO:
(http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs118.snc3/16545_1223324058239_1083090179_30568050_4967752_n.jpg)
(http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs118.snc3/16545_1223324098240_1083090179_30568051_4742289_n.jpg)
^you'll notice the kitbashed Athearn mike with a hudson boiler(to be brought up in another topic in the future as I do have construction photos)
(http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs118.snc3/16545_1223324138241_1083090179_30568052_7785530_n.jpg)
(http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs118.snc3/16545_1223324178242_1083090179_30568053_3604395_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs098.snc3/16545_1223324218243_1083090179_30568054_8227119_n.jpg)
(http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs098.snc3/16545_1223324258244_1083090179_30568055_8000147_n.jpg)
Youtube vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl-aZrcNUGw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl-aZrcNUGw)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_QdRs4DZ90 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_QdRs4DZ90)
Well considering the extent of how delicate HO is and the amount of maintenance as well as upkeep i have to do during the show at the local park(not to mention kids prying hands and the like) I have come to conclusions that this year I'm attempting a different approach where I will be using my unused excess of Lionel Post-war trains and track to some good use(not to mention I've been a bit of an Ebay addict lately buying alot of parts and locomotives and sets) and I've wanted to do the American flyer Rochester Department Store Layout ever since I saw it in person in a New Haven S gaugers Train Show(for a show that small I came home with huge ideas) Heres the actual layout on video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KJVCUnuoE4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KJVCUnuoE4)
A photo Album featuring the layout:
http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/DepartmentStore (http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/DepartmentStore)
The American flyer Track plan:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/Track_Plan1.jpg)
Now looking at curves and how tight they are with lionel, I've discovered that I can do the same layout in less space!!! In a 8' X 12' track plan.
My rough draft:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/lionelplan.jpg)
(the funny thing in high school was I always drew up track plans instead of doing my work :) but I aced my geometry class and my shop classes way ahead of my peers, so it has it's benefits)
That's my rough draft, I'm debating on what to put in those empty spaces alotted as well as the nice 2'X 8' emptiness on the bottom(turntable and yard possibly?) The controls will be in the lower left corner.
Tell me guys what your opinions are, and what I should/might add to this :)
Love the Christmas layout.
Dear RGIM,
Looks nice.
How will you reach tracks further than an arm's length (~2 ft.) from the edge?
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Dear RGIM,
How will you avoid overhang crashes?
Your track centers (center-line to center-line distances between adjacent tracks) appear to be 3" on the left side.
That is much less than recommended by the NMRA:
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-8.html
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Thank you,
well technically speaking those are really tight curves for O guage but considering I'm not necessarily shooting for realism and these things can take a 12" radius, I'm trying to broaden the curves where people will see most of the action. And as far as "arms distance" we have a fence that can keep them back a ways, and even so I doubt a 4 yr old is going to make it past the fence and be able to derail a 5 pound locomotive when the operator(me) is going to e right there.
But thank you for your concerns
RGIM,
Perhaps I should re-phrase:
How will you reach (trains derailed on) tracks further than your arm's length (~2 ft.) from the edge?
If you want a nice demonstration of overhang crashes, set up a circle of Marx track, which is O-27 profile O-34.
Set up a circle of O-27 inside it. Put some of your longer locos and cars on each of the tracks and try to run them past each other.
The distance between track centers is (34"-27")/2 = 3-1/2", which is 1/2" more generous than the curves on the left side of your layout.
I have some old Marx O-34 that I would send to you for postage costs.
I'm not sure that I have a full circle, but a few will be sufficient to demonstrate overhang crashes.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Nice Looking Layout.
Joe
I use a long grabber (the kind they sell in drug stores to reach trains that are more than two feet away My layout is also modular in case i need to do more than that.
RGIM,
I do have a full circle of Marx O-34 (8 curve sections).
Yours for postage. Use Personal Message.
Joe Satnik
I'm actually going to be bending the rail by hand since I have such an extensive stock of lionel track on me, but thank you for the offer :)
In case I have to adjust measurements due to clearance issues and the like, I always leave a little lee-way of sorts for anything I do, that way if any changes are needed I can adjust as see fit.
I doubt there will be any derailments but the way the portable bench-work is designed I can literally walk on it if need be.
And again thank you, I've be on my toes then just plain enthusiastic, it helps in case I become impractical but my skill level has developed due to trial and error as well as this new idea cooking.
I am thinking about adding a fourth upper loop and a yard and engine facility for kicks in the back
Howdy, Rye;
Been a bit busy on a couple of other threads lately, but I've still been watching out to see how the 34 was coming. . .
Are you familiar with this product line? It's tubular or hollow track like Lionel and I think it's compatable with it, it's available as flex track, and it's old school (the company has been around since 1940)--maybe it's something you can use:
http://www.gargraves.com/home.html
Glad to see you're keeping busy.
I've rather just take the existing track I have and modify it so I don't have to do any needless spending(not that I have lately anyways ::) hahaha)
and as far as #34 is concerned I will resume at a later date when I've worked up enough drive to give it another go but thanks for your concern :)
Came across this, and thought it mighty provide a bit of seasonal inspiration; enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngw-jrNAQec&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NevypI24dic&feature=related
Quote from: J3a-614 on May 05, 2010, 08:20:27 AM
Came across this, and thought it mighty provide a bit of seasonal inspiration; enjoy:
Nice videos and that's a handsome Mike! Nothing like steam in the snow :D Thanks!
Robert
PS what happened to that reefer full of cheese? ???
Thank you J3a, I've seen those videos they're bone chilling due to the high quality, I have my tendencies to watch these vids occasionally
Robert, much thanks, my only problem with that locomotive is the jumpy front pilot ???
I will post modified Lionel engines that I've built from carcasses and other parts that I continue to acquire, like a 2055, 2018, 1664, (I have 2 1666's on the way in the mail some of the parts have already arrived), an MPC-era Lionel 0-4-0 modified, and 2 modern lionel 4-4-2's, one I'm searching for an MPC-era boiler for from an 8142 because I prefer the look of that boiler. I was hoping to grab a berk chassis to make a mike but darn, those engines are well sought after :-[
Hey guys,
just an update from my previous post
with an updated layout concept:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/lionelplanconcept2.jpg)
An update on the engines currently on hand(have two more coming from ebay auctions):
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0002.jpg)
^No. 2046 and 2056 Hudsons being the pride of the fleet
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0003.jpg)
^Some prewar/postwar/modern engines
And I just bought an MPC Hudson:
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/9/0/9/8/5/webimg/386247623_o.jpg)
and awaiting another Adriatic in the mail:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/adriatic.jpg)
So as far as engines are concerned I'm all set, along with some williams and lionel polar express heavyweight coaches and a bunch of freight cars.
With about 4 months remaining, the next step is to buy 4 X 8 plywood, I figure 3 sheets of 3/4 inch and one sheet of 1/4 inch for the elevated parts.
I'm going to get some cork or foam roadbed so the noise level is kept to a minimal, don't wanna here the roar of lionel trains over santa's voice now do we? ;)
Quote from: ryeguyisme on April 28, 2010, 05:18:01 PM
yes it is summer, and by that it's usually when I start preparing for big projects like these:
Hey nice fleet! :D Seriously, I've found that summer is the perfect time to start Christmas projects. Next thing you know, it's here.
Robert
Quote from: pipefitter on July 07, 2010, 10:11:46 AM
Quote from: ryeguyisme on April 28, 2010, 05:18:01 PM
yes it is summer, and by that it's usually when I start preparing for big projects like these:
Hey nice fleet! :D Seriously, I've found that summer is the perfect time to start Christmas projects. Next thing you know, it's here.
Robert
You can say that twice and mean it! I bought my first Christmas gift two weeks ago! :o
Welcome back, hadn't heard from you for while!
While on the subject of Christmas, I came across this site a while back, and I think it has some things on it to make us smile. . .
General link:
http://www.thortrains.net/
Christmas section link:
http://www.thortrains.net/yuledx1a.html
http://www.thortrains.net/yulerr1.html
Doggone it! This Thor fellow had some humor pages that don't show up now for some reason, including his adventures as a young railfan ca. 1960 in the Hudson Tubes and a Christmas shopping trip he made in a slightly earlier time on the B&O to Philadelphia. The latter included a visit to Wanamaker's department store with its enormous pipe organ (he thought the organist was Dracula, due to being in a tuxedo). Both stories leave me with the definite impression his mother was a saint; she did not kill her most precotious son, who make both Dennis Mitchel ("Dennis the Menace")and Curtis Wilkins ("Curtis") look like amateurs in the trouble department. . .
Have fun.
I've gotten lots of ideas from Thor's site. Nice idea to post a link to it. :)
Dear RGIM,
I researched Lionel post-war steamers, finally figuring out that the 2046 was the loco I wanted.
Found one at a train show.
Cleaned it, lubed it, and tuned up the whistle mechanism in the tender. It's a great loco.
I have a challenge for you.
Put a 4 foot long train on the bottom rung of your new yard.
Next, get it out on to your main-line.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Here's a vid showing the results of my custom rail-bending I was referring to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kaJowcCUf0
It takes quite a bit of time to do but the results are so worth it, beats having to buy track when I have an epic ton of tubular that my parents bought me but I had never used until now
if you're wondering about roadbed, I'm looking around for a cheap price or an alternative to cork or foam roadbed, any ideas? I thought of using the scraps of foam board I collect from the schools.
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0050.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0051.jpg)
^drawing out the curves I need for that corner which all 4 of the are larger than O27, which this picture also answers how to access the middle of the layout, the benchwork is so heavy duty I sit on it to work sometimes not to mention i was standing up to take this picture
Joe: that last plan is still in concept phase, the switch yard is designed to handle a lionel 0-8-0 and 1 or 2 cars to come out of the yard and create a consist on the track near the mainline.
J3a: I have checked out thor's stuff, it's proven helpful for other ideas but some of the track plans become too limited for my ideas
And thanks, my fleet is growing, a little too constantly for my own liking if I don't get organized i may have more engines than cars D:
ryeguyisyou-
Why not have yourself bronzed? Then you could stand in the middle of your layout and be a statue. And when no one is looking, do a little building or maintenance. It could work.
-- D
Quote from: ryeguyisme on July 08, 2010, 06:48:31 PM
If I don't get organized i may have more engines than cars D:
This is a problem why? ;D
Quote from: Johnson Bar Jeff on July 09, 2010, 10:53:27 AM
Quote from: ryeguyisme on July 08, 2010, 06:48:31 PM
If I don't get organized i may have more engines than cars D:
This is a problem why? ;D
xD typical me :P
Quote from: Doneldon on July 09, 2010, 03:20:28 AM
ryeguyisyou-
Why not have yourself bronzed? Then you could stand in the middle of your layout and be a statue. And when no one is looking, do a little building or maintenance. It could work.
-- D
Well but thy statue of liberty is a lady D:
Rye,
I don't know if it's a good idea or not, but what about carpet remnants for your roadbed/ballast, possibly the indoor-outdoor version? It's softer than any wood or even foam you would find, which means it would absorb sound. Shooting it with paint and perhaps even ballasting it would cure any color problems and perhaps keep fuzz out of your loco mechanisms (an important consideration here). And for you, an important consideration is that it would be cheap!
Principle disadvantages would include the fuzz and the stuff might be a bit thin for representing a high-profile ballast line, and you would also have to doctor the edges somehow for appearance.
Any comments?
I can't talk much right now but heres a quick update:
I have completed all the railbending for the lower 2 levels, here check it out in ACTION:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3vwawFM1l4
ryeguy-
That first triple meet is scary. I don't think children should view such violence! (Looks cool, too.)
-- D
haha wait til I get it all on roadbed and with white paint for snow not to mention ties for the rails to make them a bit more realistic ;)
RGIM,
Beautiful job on your concentric curves and rail bending as shown in the video. Geometry class helped, didn't it?
May I ask the radius (or diameter) of the loop on the right?
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Joe,
Indeed Geometry class I aced, that loop on the right is in fact O27 , BUT I'm planning on broadening that curve to O32-ish possibly and the minimum radius on the layout at that point would be O31
also, anyone have any ideas for a substitution for cork roadbed that may be cheap/an every-day house hold product?
The vast majority of my layout has cork roadbed. However, on some raised portions, I have used 1/4" presswood, a cheap plywood it you will. A 4' X 8' sheet is about $5 US. That makes allot of roadbed. You will have to cut it to size and shape. It accepts track nails very well and is sturdy enough to support the track and trains that pass over it. Disadvantage is the lack of 45 degree angle that cork roadbed gives you. I covered that up with heavy scenery (a mountainside). I also scratchbuilt an elevated viaduct/bridge using paintsticks as the support for the track (free). This type of roadbed must be very secure before you lay track. When you ballast, be aware of the dampness that will be caused temporarily while the ballast dries.
That being said, cork roadbed still seems to be the better choice for ease of use, attractiveness and economy. Just an opinion.
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan, I think I found what I thought I might use is my endless supply of cut up foam board scraps i got from the high schools around here, its 1/4" thick and I tested it as far as noise reduction and it was superb
more photos:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0198.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0197.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0196.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0195.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0199.jpg)
:)More updates:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0200.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0204.jpg)
^using scraps of foamboard for roadbed
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0203.jpg)
^putting in wooden ties to add some novelty
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0202.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0201.jpg)
I figure I start working on the over-and-under inner loop because it proves to be more difficult to do the final installation when the other loops are done
Hello, Rye,
Glad the foam material worked out for your roadbed.
Finally got around to looking at your video clip, and I noticed it looks like your are running three trains on one track circuit, with some sort of automatic stopping system to keep them apart. What are you using, and by any chance is it adaptable to 2-rail HO?
Quote from: J3a-614 on July 31, 2010, 11:15:39 AM
Hello, Rye,
Glad the foam material worked out for your roadbed.
Finally got around to looking at your video clip, and I noticed it looks like your are running three trains on one track circuit, with some sort of automatic stopping system to keep them apart. What are you using, and by any chance is it adaptable to 2-rail HO?
It's an outer loop, and an inner second loop with two trains on the same circuit, now I came across this track clip, that goes to lionel 151 (accessory) and I have wired it so the first train hit an insulated gap in the track and stops, until the second train reaches the activating track clip and activates power using its 'weight' that provides power to the insulted gap, and the first train starts up and goes about while the second train approaches the gap and stops until the first train activates it.
its traffic control but it makes the layout look alot busier than it really seems and it provides more activity for the viewer watching instead of the trains always going around and around in a circle, and my father came up with a point that what if I had one of the other loops doing the same thing, and I am thinking about it, and will consider it but I need to get going on relaying with roadbed/ties before i do anything else.
And I was originally going to do this in HO as a matter of fact but it has little prototypical operation and the layout design is strictly for mostly running than operation but I believe you might squeeze something in there haha, I just happen to have wayyyy to much lionel and no use for it, so I decided why not build a christmas layout instead, at least that way the Lionel locomotives are built to run on forever and the HO engines are far too delicate and require a lot more maintenance and care. At least with the Lionel/Williams rolling stock I have I have a lot less to worry about prying hands than I would for the HO
more to come keep posted everyone!! :D
Enjoying your progress...
For those of you that are using the white foam on your layout: be aware that the stuff is flammable! The pink/blue foam will also burn as long as you hold a flame to it, but the white foam will continue to burn after you remove the ignition source.
If you don't believe me, take a sample piece of each type outside (near the garden hose) and hold your lighter or a match under it. DON'T breathe the fumes!
m
Quote from: fieromike on August 01, 2010, 08:31:27 AM
For those of you that are using the white foam on your layout: be aware that the stuff is flammable! The pink/blue foam will also burn as long as you hold a flame to it, but the white foam will continue to burn after you remove the ignition source.
If you don't believe me, take a sample piece of each type outside (near the garden hose) and hold your lighter or a match under it. DON'T breathe the fumes!
m
I remember hearing something about the ingredients in styrofoam being the same components used for napalm, but then again I'm using foam'board' which is more plastic-like than the foam but I doubt I'll be burning it haha
now for another update, I did some landscaping of sorts:
before:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0202.jpg)
AFTER:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0205.jpg)
BEFORE:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0199.jpg)
AFTER:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0210.jpg)
I also just started working on the other half of the inner loop just barely making it into a O31 radius going down:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0208.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0209.jpg)
A Closer shot at the gradient with the final slope look to it:
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG0207.jpg)
heres another update for you guys ;D :D ;) ::) :o ;D :) ;)
A nice youtube video of the now completed middle line along with how its suppose to operate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib8KHWMWPOw
Nice.
I can see it in a Macy's Display window, bringing joy to everyone who passes.
So....
Where does the tree go? ;D
R,
J
Quote from: jonathan on August 06, 2010, 04:10:40 PM
I can see it in a Macy's Display window, bringing joy to everyone who passes ...
Yes it takes me back to when Dad would take me downtown (Washington DC) to see the trains and displays in the Woodward & Lothrop department store windows. Then on to Superior Lock & Key Co. which transformed itself into a Lionel wonderland each Christmas. Not very fancy but I remember bins full of used track and switches and other parts. Used rolling stock and accessories, each year we would get a "new" car and perhaps some other goodies :D
Robert
Zowie! With all that action, you'll have a hit with the kids, and you're not done yet! Watch out for the parents, though, they'll want to kill you when the kids ask for one just like it for Christmas!
Then again, maybe the dads will want one too, "for the kids."
Quote from: J3a-614 on August 06, 2010, 11:26:44 PM
Zowie! With all that action, you'll have a hit with the kids, and you're not done yet! Watch out for the parents, though, they'll want to kill you when the kids ask for one just like it for Christmas!
Then again, maybe the dads will want one too, "for the kids."
haha that sounds exactly like what might happen haha, I'm always prepared to steer people to our local hobby shop in New Britain CT which just happens to be right in the old American Flyer factory, so it's pretty neat, plus I know the owner and his prices are very good
I tend to show my dad occasionally hoping to have him get the 'bug' again as well as the christmas present(s) I've bought/buying him this year
Well guys, that time of year has come:) and for those of you who anticipated this year's results I have some pictures and Video for you guys to look at, I will be adding more when we open up to the public here at Rockwell Park in Bristol, CT ;D
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG1498.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG1496.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG1495.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG1494.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/ryeguyisme/CIMG1492.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsnTUTvCmqU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsnTUTvCmqU)
^and a video on youtube
More to come :)
Way to go. Great job! :)
Thanks terry! :)
Dear Rye Guy,
Fantastic.
You put so much work into it.
Congrats on a job well done.
You video sure puts me in the Christmas spirit.
Question; was the stop-and-go action somehow automated, or was someone just working the throttles?
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Thanks Joe,
actually no one is at the throttle the stop and go feature uses a lionel gadget that went along with the 151 Semaphore set i believe, it's a track switch that activates via gravity of rolling stock rolling over it. So basically the track before the bridge is isolated in the center rail for about 2 feet(momentum would keep my hudson rolling on) One train would stop while the other one comes from the exit loop and goes around and hits the gravity switch on the other side of the track loop therefore starting the other train.
This concept was in the original American Flyer Layout which was a real eye catcher for most people simply because the trains weren't continuously looping and stopped on occasion. With all the action, it'lll sure bring up an incredible imagination for the thousands of youngster that are going to see it during show which the first day starts tonight :) I'm excited