Bachmann Online Forum

Well, this weekend I got to see the new house my family and I will be moving into! The basement is pretty big and roomy, and I found in the area I'll be working in, there will be enough space for the 12x8' U-shape layout I am planning to build...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20171202161334_new%20house%20layout%20bigger%20copy.jpg)

The entire layout will reuse my two existing plywood pieces and a new 4x8', with a few inches of extruded insulation foam on top of it, and will mostly be using nickel-silver Bachmann E-Z Track.
I'm already planning on where several action accessories will go, as indicated by some of the "regular" sectional track pieces. The "spaghetti bowl" yard on the top left will include stuff like the TYCO Operating Boxcar and Log Dump Car sets and the Life-Like Coal Tipple, and the TYCO manual piggyback loader/unloader will go on the spur on the bottom of the top inner loop. Near the center section next to a crossing there will be the TYCO Freight Unloading Depot (this time I'm placing it near a straight track line), and opposite of that the track will go over a ravine using Bachmann's E-Z Track Blinking Bridge (I saw one in action at a train show a couple weekends ago, and it appears to now use an LED instead of the old incandescent version.) On the bottom is where I will be setting up the Life-Like Logging Mill and AHM Thunder Mountain Logging Company (yep, I'm going to combine both of them!) The spur next to that using sectional snap-track will be TYCO's Operating Hopper Car unloading area. As for railroad crossings, I will be using a few operating ones, including Bachmann's E-Z Track Crossing Gate, along with TYCO's Crossing Gate and Lighted Signal Crossing. I will feature many different types of structures, including Bachmann Plasticville (of course), along with some others from Walthers, AHM, TYCO, IHC, Life-Like, etc. I'm also going to set up a drive-in theater on the bottom extension of the layout (the Walthers Skyview drive-in kit, which is named after the drive-in theater my hometown of Brockton MA used to have!)

I'm already moving my train stuff into the area where the new layout will be set up in the new house!
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20171202164212_newlayoutspace.jpg)
So there will be quite an interesting mix of old and new on this layout. I may not start the actual construction until after Christmas though, but at least I've got the exciting planning stages to go through! And it also helps I found a great little hobby shop in Hanson MA, near the bowling alley my brother's bowling team meets at every other Sunday, for me to buy stuff from for this new layout.

Wow, that picture brings back memories....lol.

I haven't seen an old heating oil tank in a basement in about 45 years. Didn't even know anyone still used oil to heat with. I can recall as a kid, the smell that would invade the house every time we got topped up.

Sid

I was in the same situation a few years ago. I had a 4X8 layout with 18" radius. I moved to house with abasement and kept expanding the layout in the basement using 18" and 22" radius. I have gotten larger steam engines and passenger cars that either won't negotiate or look terrible going through the curves.
I am finally biting the bullet and am going to tear every thing down and start completely over with larger curves. I wish I had did this before investing a lot of time and money trying to stay with what was existing.
Don't take offence and this is just a suggestion, but you might want to think about completely redoing your track work now rather than latter since you have the space.

Quote from: West Bound on December 03, 2017, 11:04:51 AM
I was in the same situation a few years ago. I had a 4X8 layout with 18" radius. I moved to house with abasement and kept expanding the layout in the basement using 18" and 22" radius. I have gotten larger steam engines and passenger cars that either won't negotiate or look terrible going through the curves.
I am finally biting the bullet and am going to tear every thing down and start completely over with larger curves. I wish I had did this before investing a lot of time and money trying to stay with what was existing.
Don't take offence and this is just a suggestion, but you might want to think about completely redoing your track work now rather than latter since you have the space.

I could, but I mostly have eight-wheel diesel locomotives, along with steamers that run on 18-radius curves just fine, and rolling stock less than 72 scale feet that handle them really well (the longest are my Silver Series Amfleet cars, and they actually run on the curves just fine, even if they look more like Lionel trains when on the curves, but I don't mind that.)

Bought some more track for the impending layout and dropped it off at the new house, and took a picture of the track I will be using for the layout so far. I'm going to need a lot more though...
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20171203151923_EZtracklot01.jpg)

To be fair, I have compiled a list that tallies how many track sections I need and what I already have, along with structures and action accessories. (I already have a bunch, only new ones I plan to get are the E-Z Track Blinking Bridge and the Walthers Cornerstone Skyview Drive-In Theater.)

The trouble with layouts and houses is that they keep each other from getting done.😱😂

Looking at your layout plan, I hope you're leaving space around the back side to get at any derailments or problem areas.

Len

Quote from: Len on December 04, 2017, 09:15:15 AM
Looking at your layout plan, I hope you're leaving space around the back side to get at any derailments or problem areas.

Len

I plan to put the layout in the center of the area so we can walk around all sides of it.

I really like walk around layouts.  I wish I had space for one.  They are especially great if a scenic backdrop divider can be done so that you don't see the whole layout at once.  That way the trains seem to come and then go.

Been moving more train stuff to the new house, and I also bought some more E-Z Track as well, including Bachmann's E-Z Track Expander set (nickel-silver version.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20171207193027_ez%20track%20layout%20expander%2001.jpg)
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20171207193053_ez%20track%20layout%20expander%2002.jpg)
I bought a new-old-stock set from the late 90s or early 2000s (judging by the E-Z Track logo on the top), but it's virtually identical to the version available on the market today, complete with those older-style bumpers (I don't care if they're not that realistic-looking, as long as they do their job.)

The actual move to the new house is going to be later next week, but I probably won't begin construction on the layout until after Christmas. For this layout, I'm going to follow a lot of the steps Robert Schleicher published in "The HO Model Railroading Handbook" (1998 edition) and those Bachmann Model Railroad Club online magazines.

Ahh, building a new layout is so much fun! 

I like your track plan, as long as your rolling stock is short as you mentioned.  Have fun and keep us posted.  Thanks!

Regards,

Jonathan

I know, Jonathon.  My layout is about 10 years old, 85 percent complete, and I am tired of it and the mistakes I made building it.  It may be time for me to start over too.

I've got a decent pile of boxes and containers in the corner of the basement section of my new house where my model train layout will be going. It does make for a neat sight: the beginnings of a brand-new model railroading experience!
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20171208185159_newhousetrainboxes.jpg)

As for benchwork, the existing 4x8 and 4x4 plywood sections will be handled by the movers we are hiring. I am not going to be reusing the ancient ratty dining table I have set the 4x8 on all these years; I am going to build a new, simple but sturdy frame and legs for the plywood sections (including the new 4x8 I plan to get to complete the "U" shape), somewhat following the steps described in stuff like the Bachmann Model Railroad Club magazine or the old TYCO Layout Expander System manual, but adapting it for a 12x8 "U" shape and for DCC and E-Z Track.
The layout will be semi-permanent, as the scenery will still consist of green and brown ground foam landscaping material on the painted platform, like my previous layout (I still find it looking more realistic than a grass mat or green felt), and I may attach the E-Z Track with some sections of double-sided tape instead of nailing or gluing it firmly to the plywood, should I need to make any adjustments. It'll be the best of both worlds!

Well, today we got most (if not all) of the materials I need for building the benchwork for the new layout! My carpenter cousin who stopped by to install a railing on our basement stairs also helped transport the material for me.
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180120182425_newhouselayoutbenchwork.jpg)
As I said, I'm going to use extruded insulation foam on the plywood. But Lowe's 2-inch-thickness sections are just two 1-inch sections stuck together, and it looks kind of uneven, but it appears that is so it's easier to put two 2x8 sections together. Also, because the old 4x8 I originally started out with didn't match the thickness of the 4x4 and the new 4x8 (which are 3/4-inches thick, the old one is a half-inch thick) we got a 1/4-inch 4x8 to put over the original 4x8 to even out the height.
In building the train table, I will be combining methods from the World's Greatest Hobby video (as uploaded on YouTube), the Bachmann Model Railroad Club Magazine, and a few other sources (such as Robert Schleicher's "The HO Model Railroading Handbook: Third Edition" and the TYCO Layout Expander System manual). The supports for the 4x4 from the old layout will be reused, but the height will be increased on the legs.

I've also now got around 3/4 of the track I need to build the layout. When the benchwork is finished, I will probably assemble track first before doing any landscaping to see how it looks, then decide where my roads will go. (For that, I will be using 1/8-inch thick Foamcore strips, same with several building sites.) I'm even going to carve and cut a ravine into the foam in which my Bachmann E-Z Track blinking bridge will go over!
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180109161223_bachmannnewblinkingbridge.jpg)
Testing it out for this photo. I discovered that compared to the old version Bachmann made from the 70s to the 90s, this one uses an LED light and nickel-silver rails, and doesn't draw as much power from the track thanks to the LED, so it doesn't interfere with the operation of the train as it rolls over the bridge!

I don't know if you have a Menard's around where you are, but they have a big variety of extruded pieces. I was getting  my stuff at Lowe's until they built the Menard's. I found that some of the stuff at Lowe's was off in thickness. too. If I remember, the blue board was kind of off in size. The Lowe's down here didn't carry the 2" pink board but Menard's does and I can get it in half sheets and quarter sheets.

Trying some test-fitting and laying of the E-Z Track I have so far for one of the 4x8 sections. Once I've assembled the benchwork and attached the insulation foam to the tabletops, I will assemble the track first and run the trains on it for a while, deciding where I'll put different things, before I'm ready to do landscaping. I got this plan from Robert Schleicher's "The HO Model Railroading Handbook: 3rd Edition" and the "Bachmann Model Railroad Club Magazine" issues.
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180122180242_newlayouttracktesting01.jpg)

Still need to get some more track; I need some more left-hand turnouts and a Connector Assortment and a couple of 18"-radius curved rerailers (for the road I am planning that will cross at a couple of curves.)
I was also able to remove the connection clips from one end of two of the E-Z track sections so I could connect my TYCO crossing gate!
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180122180615_bachmanntycocrossinggates.jpg)
It does look cool seeing the Bachmann and TYCO crossing gates together like that, especially when you know that Bachmann's dual crossing gates draws some inspiration from the TYCO version.

I've already come up with a plan on where my roads for the vehicles running through the layout will be, along with a couple of industrial areas and the drive-in movie theater.
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180122180751_layoutplanroadsetc.jpg)

I got a frame built under the first 4x8 sheet of plywood!
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180124195112_newlayoutbenchwork01.jpg)
Starting work on it before cutting additional 2x4s...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180124195308_newlayoutbenchwork02.jpg)
The finished frame. It will be a lot better than just resting the 4x8 on that old dining table for sure.

I just saw your post and it's almost the same layout as I'm building. A couple of differences is the long wall on mine is against the wall, and the middle section is only 30' wide. What height are you building at?

It looks like your top is particle board with thin plywood on top. If that's the case you might want to add another stringer down the center of the length of your top. Otherwise, over time, the particle board will sag between the cross pieces, leaving waves in your top. Notch the cross pieces and the stringers so they fit together like 'Lincoln Logs' and run some screws down from the top.

I learned the hard way about particle board sagging. If I'm building a 4' x 8' these days, I use 1/2" plywood on 1" x 4" framing with a cross piece every 24".

Len

Well, whatever I use, it's for the most part pretty sturdy. I attached the thin plywood to the top because the existing particle plywood was at a lower height than the other sections I was using. Keep in mind I'll also be putting 2 inches of extruded insulation foam on each platform.

I've also now built the second platform...
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180125233337_newlayoutbenchwork03.jpg)

And have started attaching legs to them!
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180129230710_newlayoutbenchwork04.jpg)

I'm really getting close now. And for track, all I need now are three more left-hand turnouts and four more 18"-radius curves, and I'll have all the tracks I need!

Big update today!
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180131171347_newhouselayoutstage1-01.jpg)
We got the first table standing up! Boy is it taller than the old one, but I like how I can now see the trains at eye-level when I will be sitting at the console, and I can store some containers underneath the layout during the construction period! As you can kind of see, space is a little awkward at the moment, but keep in mind, we just moved into the house over a month ago, and still have a bit of unpacking and organizing to do in the basement. I even took the opportunity to do some more track test-fitting and such.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180131171545_newhouselayoutstage1-02.jpg)
Here is where two of my TYCO Prestomatic accessories are going. After the photo was taken, I extended the siding with the operating boxcar bin a bit. That blank E-Z Track siding is where the Life-Like Operating Coal Tipple will go (it will be the post-1996 version designed to also work with Power-Loc or other similar roadbed track.) For the TYCO accessories I will place cork roadbed underneath them.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180131171803_newhouselayoutstage1-03.jpg)
TYCO operating crossing gate and piggyback loader/unloader terminal. Again, I'll place cork roadbed underneath the terminal, and make a slightly longer incline for the ramp to go to the small road I'll be making once I do scenery (that won't be until the second and third extensions are built.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180131172454_newhouselayoutstage1-04.jpg)
And for the heck of it, here are the Bachmann and TYCO crossing gates together. It really lets you see how similar both are. (Again, the TYCO gate is the early version with a more detailed base, a separate track section (I used a nickel-silver Atlas Code-100 track section on it for better electrical consistency) and better operation than the TYCO crossing gates from the mid-70s onward.) On the other side of the track across the TYCO crossing gate, I will place another crossing signal there (maybe an operating one.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180131173129_newhouselayoutstage1-05.jpg)
Nope, this isn't Bachmann. It's actually a Model Power Lock-It nickel-silver lighted bumper track section. I mentioned how Lock-It was Model Power's answer to Bachmann E-Z Track and could even connect to it (Bachmann wasn't pleased by that and filed a lawsuit!)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180131173249_newhouselayoutstage1-06.jpg)
From the other side.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180131173318_newhouselayoutstage1-07.jpg)
Unpacking my boxed locomotives and rolling stock, along with my E-Z Command setup...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180131174635_newhouselayoutstage1-08.jpg)
Already able to run a train on this! I am substituting a couple of sections right now that will be replaced when the table is added onto. I am using the Bachmann DCC GP40 locomotive that came with the E-Z Command unit when I bought it nearly four years ago. Among running at first it seemed to struggle, but after a few laps it ran more smoothly (I guess it needed to be broken in after being in storage for some time; I may also give the track a quick wipe-over with my track-cleaning boxcar to be safe.

OK, not only am I doing some track test-fitting on the initial 4x8 section of my train table, I'm also organizing where structures and operating accessories will be located, for the most part.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180201153049_newhouselayoutstage1-10.jpg)
The complete TYCO Center Street 1982 building set! A friend of mine custom-painted the school for the former downtown museum HO train layout. I only have one building from the 1981 set: the Loew's movie theater, but that is all I need.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180201153624_newhouselayoutstage1-11.jpg)
Another shot of some of the structures. I unpacked a few more after this photo was taken.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180201153713_newhouselayoutstage1-12.jpg)
The fast food district. Again, I placed the Life-Like KFC and TYCO Burger King structures near a railroad crossing to mirror the real fast-food district in the neighboring town of Bridgewater MA (their Burger King was originally a train station, which would explain its' location right next to the tracks.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180201153849_newhouselayoutstage1-13.jpg)
Getting in some freight and passenger train action. I find that my five-car Amtrak train would be better for running through the entire length of the layout once the additional platforms are built and attached (otherwise I'll just have the locomotive pull three cars.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180201154018_newhouselayoutstage1-14.jpg)
Near here there will be a train station with a Bachmann Plasticville platform in-between the two tracks.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180201154116_newhouselayoutstage1-15.jpg)
For my trial run I am using none other than my first DCC locomotive: the Bachmann BNSF GP40 that came with my E-Z Command control unit and wiring, which I bought almost three years ago when I was building the previous layout!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180201154216_newhouselayoutstage1-17.jpg)
Where a left-hand turnout will be going that will direct the trains to the second platform I am currently substituting with my Bachmann E-Z Track blinking bridge. On the final setup, it will be going on the second platform over a ravine carved into the insulation foam.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180201154330_newhouselayoutstage1-18.jpg)
Look, I can now set up the plastic electric windmills I've had for a couple years now! It seems these windmills and the railroad both seem to go together.

It looks like you're moving right along. It always helps with the enthusiasm level when you are able to get the first trains running.

Hi Wiley:

First great layout progress enjoying this thread!

Second do you have any experience with the TYCO Piggyback unloader I am wondering if it can be adapted for use with more modern containers and what it's footprint is?

The piggyback loader/unloader only works with trailers/containers that have ridges on the top edges. The early TYCO truck trailers made prior to 1978 did not have the ridges, and such using them with this device is nearly impossible. The TYCO truck trailers were fairly short, but I imagine it could be used with one of those longer single-trailer flatcars provided the trailer has the ridges on the top. Here's a YouTube video  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOBYOG62HiI)showing how it works.
You know, given the Bachmann/TYCO rivalry of the 70s to the mid 80s, I'm surprised Bachmann didn't come out with their own equivalent! (After all, Bachmann's crossing gate does show quite a bit of similarity to TYCO's own crossing gate, which came first.)

BIG update: I've got the second part of the platform built now!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180204181320_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%203.jpg)
We had to lop ten inches off of the 4x8 so we could get to the oil tank more easily near the layout, but I was able to adjust my track plan to accomodate that..
So after assembly, I cut the extruded insulation foam there to fit:
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180204181422_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%204.jpg)
I can also use some of the excess foam layers for hills and such!

I had also gotten this for the new layout:
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180204181449_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%202.jpg)
Bachmann's Plasticville HO station platform. It has a lot more detail and painted parts than some other Plasticville kits, and it even came with the labels already applied! The two included figures were fully painted as well. It reminds me a lot of the train station platforms in my hometown of Brockton for the MBTA commuter railroad line running through here.

This layout looks like fun. 

I've been working on placing where roads and buildings will be going on the next stage of the layout...
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180205171816_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%205.jpg)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180205171908_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%206.jpg)
Here is where the water bodies will later be carved into the foam surface.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180205172905_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%208.jpg)
Working on the residential section of the town as well.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180205173005_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%209.jpg)
One of the railroad crossings on the layout, with nonoperating Bachmann signals placed there for now. Once I'm ready to do landscaping, I will glue that edge of the foam sheet to the other one so they will be at an even height.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180205173054_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2010.jpg)
An overview of three of the crossings. One of them is going to be the TYCO Lighted Signal Crossing from the early 80s. (It's a lot better than Bachmann's similar product from 1979-1996, the "Dual Crossing Gates with Flashing Lights and Bell.")

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180205173054_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2010.jpg)
Two more schools have been placed on the layout: the Atlas Jefferson High building (I might add on to it to make it a bit bigger, maybe attach the Plasticville school house to it or something) and the Life-Like Union Avenue School. Also, at where Aunt Millie's House is, the farm will be going there.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180205173308_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2011.jpg)
Life-Like Operating Coal Tipple. This is the version made from 1996 until recently that will accommodate roadbed track.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180205174238_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2013.jpg)
Overview of the progress so far. I ordered a few more E-Z track sections, which should hopefully come in this week. Other plans include the drive-in theater (of course), a coal yard and a logging mill, and a ledge on one or two of the corners (done using scrap pieces of insulation foam.)

An update on how I'll be controlling the layout...
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180206180739_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2014.jpg)
I got a typical modern Bachmann power pack and hooked it up to my E-Z Command unit, as this way you can operate ten digital addresses and one analog locomotive (I will still make an isolated siding to park any analog locomotives on when not in use, like on the previous layout.) I am still hoping to at least either get a decoder-equipped steam locomotive, or find out how to upgrade my IHC/Mehano Consolidation steam loco (which uses the same tooling as TYCO's old Consolidation!) I'll also use the Bachmann pack here to power the turnouts and any close-by electrically-operated "action accessories", but for any other lights or accessories requiring an AC connection I will be mounting older train set power packs under the benchwork for that (I've got quite a bit of those blue Life-Like power packs, and a few older Bachmann and TYCO packs as well.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180206183541_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2015.jpg)
My Life-Like operating logging mill! This is a pretty cool manually-operated action accessory Life-Like made for a long time. A shame they didn't make a Power-Loc -compatible version or similar. In the 70s, Life-Like did come out with some rather unique action accessories that were different from what Bachmann, Cox and TYCO were making at the time.


(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180206190535_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2016.jpg)
The Amtrak train stopped at the Life-Like Snap-Loc commuter station.

Some info on doing the IHC Connie converstion can be found here: http://www.wiringfordcc.com/horivconsolidation.htm

I used a small N scale decoder on mine and stuck it to the inside of the cab roof with a double side foam 'sticky' thing.

Len

LOTS of updates to mention!
Well, my mother and I both agreed that we should probably keep the layout as a 12x8 L-shape instead of a C-shape, due to the way the basement is designed, and I found I can still fit what I want on the layout anyways, thanks to moving some stuff around (that's another benefit of not jumping into doing landscaping and with using E-Z Track, according to "The HO Model Railroading Handbook - 3rd Edition."

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210095847_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2020.jpg)
An overview of the layout; it's easier to do such photos at different angles with this new location.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210100515_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2021.jpg)
My Amtrak "Genesis" diesel pulling the Amfleet cars.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210100615_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2022.jpg)
Working on setting up the TYCO unloading hopper car.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210100831_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2023.jpg)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210101111_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2024.jpg)
Running the track-cleaning boxcar just to give the rails a quick once-over.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210101004_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2025.jpg)
I've finally got both ends of the track on both platforms connected!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210101320_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2026.jpg)
My freight train running on the second platform.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210101403_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2027.jpg)
This is why you have to be careful with double-track railroad crossings.

Here's a video I shot, too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJTp3SqtJNI

Since all this, I removed the small passing siding on the second platform as I found it unnecessary with the revisions.

Time for some more updates, yet again!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210145403_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2028.jpg)
The longer Amtrak consist looks better when running on the outer loop and onto the second platform. It's worth noting that regarding the Amtrak dome car (currently the only piece of Amtrak rolling stock Bachmann makes!), Amtrak really does have a dome car (http://amtrakdowneaster.com/dome-car) that looks very much like that (complete with Phase III paint scheme) that they use on the Downeaster train in August and September. And since Budd made the car way back when, it doesn't look too out of place with the Amfleet cars (up here in New England, we just use the Amfleet I cars, which is what Bachmann's Amfleet models were of.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210145912_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2029.jpg)
Testing out the TYCO Freight Unloading Depot. I set it on a 1/4-inch piece of Woodland Scenics styrofoam cut to fit, and the clearance and height is just about perfect! I got a few nice big sheets pf 1/4-inch styrofoam to use as "building sites" for some railroad structures that will be right alongside the tracks (such as stations.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210150116_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2030.jpg)
The TYCO Lighted Signal Crossing in action. Even if the lights get their power from the track, it doesn't affect train operation very much, including compared to on the previous layout (I did give the rails a good cleaning with a Walthers Bright Boy track cleaner before setting uo the crossing.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210150241_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2031.jpg)
The TYCO hopper car unloading set all set up on the layout. I recently replaced the horn/hook couplers on the hopper with E-Z Mate Mark II couplers using Kadee talgo truck adapters. The doors on the bottom seem keen on staying open a crack, so I will probably use a thicker "coal" material than what came with the set.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210150607_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2033.jpg)
I just carved the stream to go under the bridge!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210150806_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2034.jpg)
A slope along side one of the curves. The bottom of it separated from the rest of the foam by accident, but I'll just glue it all together once I actually glue the foam base to the plywood when I am ready for landscaping.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180210151058_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2035.jpg)
The Amtrak train stopped at the train station near the stream.

I've been looking at this thread, and am glad you--and the rest of us!--are enjoying it as much as we all are.

One of the interesting things is recognizing some of the structure kits.  Among the ones you have is a one-story industrial building visible behind a silver or grey Virginian hopper in one photo.  I don't know who currently offers it, but it's original offering, based on ads in a bunch of old Model Railroaders I have, was by Ulrich back in the 1950s. 

It's amazing how many old structure models like that are still around, reissued or still in production by other firms who bought the tooling.

A lot are still useful, too, either as kitbashing fodder, or even just dressed up with something as simple as a good paint job and window glazing.  I did that with my own version of the "Ulrich" factory, and I'm pleased with the result--red bricks and antique white or aged concrete mortar lines and "stonework."

Occasionally you'll even come across something like your corner diner--I think yours is Tyco, while one I have is, I think, AHM--which has interior detail!  Oh my, the fun you can have with paint on that one--including figuring out what colors you want to use!!

(Darn, I STILL miss Floquil paints and Champion and Walthers decals!)

Quote from: J3a-614 on February 10, 2018, 07:44:07 PM
One of the interesting things is recognizing some of the structure kits.  Among the ones you have is a one-story industrial building visible behind a silver or grey Virginian hopper in one photo.  I don't know who currently offers it, but it's original offering, based on ads in a bunch of old Model Railroaders I have, was by Ulrich back in the 1950s. 

It's amazing how many old structure models like that are still around, reissued or still in production by other firms who bought the tooling.

That industrial building was later sold by Life-Like from the 80s until this decade. Mine is the Life-Like version; it came new-old-stock in the 80s-style packaging, and I applied some weathering as I built it.
Yeah, it's amazing how several are those old structures are still around. Many of the old Pola building kits that AHM and TYCO sold in the 70s and 80s are currently being sold by Walthers under their Trainline series. And of course many of the Plasticville kits date back to the 40s and 50s! (One thing I really like about Bachmann is how they are making products that they've been making for decades, with several of them in new and improved versions (like the locomotives and rolling stock.)

I found many of my more vintage buildings on ebay.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180211220715_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2036.jpg)
Trying out some realistic railroad switching operations... (I will soon install uncoupling magnets under the track once the landscaping is done.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180211220911_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2037.jpg)
I've got the control panel built on my train table! (The reason for the TYCO pack is because with the Bachmann power speed controller I got, the AC terminals don't work.) I will have a lot of drilling into the panel to do in order to hook up the remote switches for the turnouts (along with a lot of those 10" switch extension wires)...

To Wiley209 & J3a-314 : that  building is  Mt Vernon Mfg Co,  and was available as a Life-Like product  .   I own 3 units  myself and they are definitely suitable for kit-basing .  John2.

I have the same building, but as part of the Grusome Casket Company.  LifeLike (and I'm assuming other companies, but I have the most experience with LL) tended to reuse the shapes of their models (Fire House, Police Station, and Equitable /bank are three examples that I own).

I won't be starting the landscaping process until March, but I have been gathering up the materials to use...
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180218234809_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2038.jpg)
It probably won't be enough for the entire layout, but it's a start. I'll probably get a couple of cans of earth and dark green latex paints to use as well, instead of just relying on the Woodland Scenics undercoatings. I am also considering trying some Bachmann SceneScapes products (I already have some of their trees, left from the previous layout.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180218235147_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2040.jpg)
I bought some cheap HO-scale plastic stairs from an eBay seller from China to use with these train station platforms elevated on the Woodland Scenics 1/4-inch foam. When I do landscaping, these styrofoam pieces will be painted gray.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180218235851_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2041.jpg)
Another styrofoam base under one of the train stations.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180218235955_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2042.jpg)
Just a shot of my Amtrak train passing on the ledge. Again, all rolling stock is Bachmann, while the locomotive is from Athearn. Yeah, it does look more like a stereotypical model passenger train in this show, but so what? This is supposed to be fun!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180219000035_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2043.jpg)
Both of my current train consists in action. My Bachmann BNSF GP40 (the first DCC locomotive I ever bought, which came with my E-Z Command control unit) is still going strong.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180219000120_newhouselayoutstage2%20-%2044.jpg)
A nice close-up shot of the Amtrak train parked on the bridge next to the station.

At Home Depot you can get 8oz 'sample' jars of paint for around $4.00 each. They are nice for working small areas at a time, and varying colors in different areas without having a lot of paint left over. They are a white base, with tint of the appropriate colors added to it.

I use exterior paints to avoid problems with wet plaster, plaster cloth, and water based glues. I've tried a couple of brands, and find the Behr flat exterior Gardener's Soil (MQ2-54), Potting Soil (N360-7), and Native Soil (PPU7-24) work well as an under coating before applying grass and weeds. Some flat black for roads, two or three shades of gray for concrete and cinderblock, and a few shades of blue for water are handy too.

Len

Will that be a stream or a canal under that bridge?

Quote from: bbmiroku on February 19, 2018, 08:10:30 PM
Will that be a stream or a canal under that bridge?

Something like a stream. With the finished result, the "water" won't be very shallow, and I may put a couple fishers in a rowboat at the "end". I'm thinking to use dark blue glossy paints on the bottom, maybe with a few bits of seaweed sticking up from them, and then a couple layers of blue shrink-wrap above it. This is to be my first layout where I've done something like this.

I have that same train station that you have the Amtrak train running Through Obviously the platform is not long enough do you intend to expand it?

You might consider an Atlas #706 passenger station for your Amtrak train. They're still available, and the tooling's been around long enough it would fit right in with your Tyco & Life-Like buildings:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61hqeJtfKxL._SL1000_.jpg)

Len

Since it'll be a stream, you might want to 'lean' the edges of the embankment away from the 'water'.  But your layout looks great so far!

Water isn't blue.  When you see "blue" water it is a sky reflection.  Water "color"  can vary with time of day and sky conditions, but the best water I've rver seen in model form was a murky green bordering on blackish toward the middle of the stream.  There are many how to videos, check them out.

I agree with Trainman on the water color. I've looked into it quite a bit and watched a lot of the videos.

Thanks; I think I'll try that. I seem to remember they did it that way in the "Building Your First Model Railroad" video.
And I will try to make some diagonal edges for the water bed as well, probably once I begin the actual landscaping process but before I apply ground cover.
I also recently set up a couple of those Bachmann uncoupling magnets near a couple of sidings, and so far I haven't had much trouble with them. Though I found to get cars to uncouple efficiently, once I've stopped the train with the couplers I want to disengage over the magnet (marked by the brakeman figure), I need to back up the train a very short amount at a relatively slow speed, but it works. Doing it that way kind of reminds me of how in the past that would be done with those springy uncoupling ramps for the old horn-hook couplers. (Bachmann made a snap-in uncoupling ramp for that purpose, as did their rival TYCO; AHM and Atlas made uncoupling track sections with the springy ramp built in.) But of course the big difference is that a magnet is used, and the knuckle couplers look far more realistic than those old horn-hooks. (As I've often said, I'll often replace the horn-hook couplers with knuckles on any older rolling stock I get, so I can run them on my layout easily and improve the realism.)

The 'backing up to uncouple' is part and parcel of how magnetic couplers work. An explanation of how it works, and what it lets you do in the way of 'spotting' cars past the magnets, can be found on the Kadee web site here:

https://kadee.com/animation/c1.htm

Len

A couple of comments here:

First regarding the water colour. Model Railroader likes to paint the centers pf their bodies of water black. To me this is unrealistic. I live within spitting distance of several large rivers, and most of the time these are either a murky green as Len has described, or a muddy brown. I would experiment with the colour starting with an olive green shade and add various combinations of greens and lighter browns until you find something that looks right.

With regards to the backing to uncouple, this is entirely prototypical. Having worked in both the railroad and trucking industries, i can tell you that you can't release the couplings if they are under tension. With railroad couplers, you need to put some slack in the couplings, but not too much or theknuckles won't swing open when you pull the cut lever.

Kadee really hit on something all those years ago when they first made the magnetic knuckle coupler. Not only do they look like the real thing, they operate the same. They became the modeller's choice, and when the patents expired others were quick to offer their own versions as well. Better yet, manufacturers started using thses designs as their defaault coupler. To me, that, and the upgrading of the drives in the locomotives, are the two biggest advances in model railroading in recent times.

Down here in Bayou Country, the water in streams and lakes is mostly brown from churned up mud.  Or green in very sluggish bayous.  We do have "white water" down here sometimes though!  When they open the river spillways during spring high water!  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ITZZBsv2x18

This is my first attempt at doing water on the dinosaur diorama. The diorama is still in progress. I still have more work to do on the water fall. At first, I painted the lake and the river blue and it didn't look good. Then, I went back and redid it with browns and greens and black in the very center. It looks better now than it did at first.
This pic is with the blue.
(https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22519065_10155778239275522_2400939611165304180_n.jpg?oh=c38ec73e631a543217abad58371b848e&oe=5B1AD7D4)
The next two are after I redid it. It got kind of cloudy on me. I tried. I did about 6 different pours at about 1/4 inch at a time and let it sit for three or four days between pours. I have more strips of "water" to add to the fall so it will be water all the way across. I'm just doing it in steps. I'll be adding rapids to the rest of the river below.
(https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26231804_10155999409860522_1554428507001871537_n.jpg?oh=5cf95e27751ba6e90f4cbf44bcfc7132&oe=5B1556C8)
When I got the river poured to the level I wanted, part of the bridge was in the water so I had to raise one end of it. Once I add the rapids, the cloudiness won't be so visible.
(https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26232886_10155999410070522_881630957636625219_o.jpg?oh=1063491ca470e7c7dae573d24d11bf6b&oe=5B1A6E7A)
I'm making this for my great grand daughter. I already have the little Flintstone houses and people that came in McDonald's Happy Meals quite a few years ago.

A video of tangential interest , but the main reason I put it in is the multiple great overhead views of water, much like you'd see looking down on a layout .  Notice the variations in color and reflectivity as sun angle and water depth change.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wqp8R-xv8jE

Just wanted to say have been enjoying the progress on this layout.  Seems like a lot of fun.  Thanks for sharing with us.  Can't wait to see what happens next!

BTW, my old Tyco power pack burnt out years ago.  Don't know what I did to it.  The other old power packs seem to last forever.

Regards,

Jonathan

Well, it's almost time for me to begin the landscaping part of building my train layout!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180305162354_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2010.jpg)
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180305162413_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2011.jpg)

I've been removing the track and buildings and such from the foam base so I can get ready to glue them to the plywood, and then I can start using the paint and ground cover. I will probably end up saving the roads for last, as I am waiting for Walthers to come out with their new SceneMaster flexible adhesive paved roads.

Lookin' good!

Man. I wish I'd been allowed all that space when I was still living at home with the family.  I had to negotiate very hard for a 2x8.  Still in all, though, never had more fun, even in those days of limited everything.

Did some more carving of foam for the scenery!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180306173014_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2012.jpg)
Trying to improve the water body a bit.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180306173209_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2013.jpg)
On this corner, this ledge is going to be a "lover's lane" that overlooks the downtown area.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180306173301_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2014.jpg)
Testing clearance of another ledge that will be placed alongside the tracks.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180306173345_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2015.jpg)
Then I decided to add a second layer like this to make it more visually interesting.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180306173439_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2016.jpg)
Preparing a small stream that will go to the logging mill.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180306173533_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2017.jpg)
I have now glued the extruded insulation foam to the plywood, along with the ledges and such. The stuff on the table is to help push the foam down until the glue dries, to allow a firmer bond.

I've been working on landscaping the layout since last week!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180306221021_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2018.jpg)
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180306221049_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2019.jpg)
There's a feeling of satisfaction I get when I do model railroad layout landscaping like this, watching the bare platform being covered bit-by-bit.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308203817_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2020.jpg)
Getting started on the ballast gravel ground for the industrial yard section of the layout.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308205736_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2021.jpg)
I applied more grass on another end of the layout, using Life-Like SceneMaster light green ground cover.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308210102_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2023.jpg)
I have now painted and added ground cover to the hill on one corner of my layout, where my "Lovers' Lane" will be going.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308210233_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2024.jpg)
For this area on the layout, I am using older Life-Like "grass" ground cover, which was basically sawdust dyed green. It seems to look as good as the ground foam stuff. Several other model railroad companies that made scenic products also used to have grass that was made this way, including Bachmann.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308210352_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2025.jpg)
Another angle of the grass "growing."

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308211101_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2026.jpg)
I'm also decorating the styrofoam "building sites" that certain structures that have to be raised to the height of the track are to be placed on.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308211335_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2027.jpg)
Here I am trying out the Woodland Scenics Smooth-It Road System, which involves a plaster-like material. Kind of messy to work with and hard to make it exactly smooth, but the paving tape helps!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308212138_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2028.jpg)
I've got the dirt patch for the farm ready here. I used a mix of Woodland Scenics earth-colored fine turf and some Life-Like SceneMaster light-brown ground cover.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308215231_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2029.jpg)
More grass has been added, and I also painted and applied ground cover to the other ledge.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308213318_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2030.jpg)
Just after painting my attempt at using the Smooth-It road system. The light-colored parts are supposed to look like concrete (Woodland Scenics's "concrete' top coat), but it's a rather odd color. I just use that for areas where rows of city buildings are to be set up.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180308213509_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2031.jpg)
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311121238_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2032.jpg)
A lot more gravel has been added to the industrial yard area.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311121334_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2033.jpg)
I have also "planted" more grass here (for this area I used the Woodland Scenics green blend fine turf; I'm varying the grass in different parts of the layout to allow for a bit of variety and more realism.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311121454_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2034.jpg)
The area where the coal yard will be going.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311122453_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2036.jpg)
More grass "planting," still using the older-style Life-Like grass. Once I get more earth-colored paint, I'll do that ledge in the foreground. (I've discovered when I paint the cut foam looking like that, the finished result looks a lot like actual dirt! But I still enhance it with ground cover anyways.) The paved area is where the drive-in theater will be going.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311122644_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2037.jpg)
Still working on putting the coal yard together...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311122733_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2039.jpg)
More painting of the surface and placement of structures and track. Note the Pola Truck Terminal; that's new. I bought the Walthers Trainline version, but it's otherwise the exact same kit that TYCO, IHC and Model Power used to sell. (I don't think AHM sold it though...)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311123026_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2040.jpg)
This side is practically almost finished with the landscaping and scenery. Once I get more asphalt-colored paint, I will paint that piece of foam between the two track rerailers near the station. Then I may eventually replace that AHM dummy crossing signal down the line with an operating flashing crossing signal (even though I'm only going to be using one.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311153143_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2042.jpg)
The coal yard is practically finished! The reason for the boxes there is to show how I'll often combine different companies' products on a train layout for greater realism and variety.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311153846_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2043.jpg)
This farm provides another instance of me doing so: the farmhouse is Pola's "Aunt Millie's House" (TYCO version), and the barn and other farm buildings are Bachmann Plasticville kits. I added some white trim paint to the barn to make it look more realistic. Then I just need to apply the fences, crops, trackside stock pen and figures.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311155454_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2044.jpg)
The TYCO Freight Unloading Depot and Lighted Signal Crossing now positioned on the layout. I will reinforce the track joints at the crossing with duct tape on the bottom.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311154240_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2045.jpg)
The TYCO manual piggyback loader/unloader setup. I just need to get some gray paint for the styrofoam base under the loader/unloader and a few other similar building sites I've made as well...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180311154450_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2046.jpg)
For the downtown area, I am trying out the Walthers Cornerstone Street System. They haven't been completely painted yet (I had a small paint accident on one section), but I will do that before I glue them together and down. Then for the residental area I will use the Walthers SceneMaster adhesive roads once it comes out.

I find mixing the 'Smooth-It' road plaster a bit thinner than the directions call for helps. Also using a plastic putty knife, that's been dipped in water, slightly wider than the roadway to smooth it.

Len

I am guessing that at some point you will have the grade crossing on the bottom?

Which one? Next to the station platforms? Sort of; I'm going to make a foam road incline that goes to the rerailer track.

I was looking at the one near the Burger King.

Ah; I will work on that one when I get the chance.

But anyways, I was finally able to restock on some landscaping materials (paint and ground cover) and make a lot more progress with the layout!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180316214814_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2047.jpg)
More painting and ground cover planting has been done now!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180316215235_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2048.jpg)
I've finally been able to paint and sprinkle ground cover on this ledge as well! Makes a big difference.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180316215613_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2049.jpg)
Just after more landscaping...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180316215644_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2050.jpg)
The same area with structures placed on hours later.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180316215757_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2051.jpg)
In the downtown area I am still using the Walthers Cornerstone street system for the roads. In other areas once they come out I will use the new Walthers SceneMaster adhesive roads.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180316215937_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2052.jpg)
The residential area from another angle, now with more detailing applied to the farm! I still need to get the stuff ready to make the water body under the bridge.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180316220308_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2053.jpg)
An overview with two trains set up on the layout!

Coming along nicely thanks for the update.

I didn't know that Walthers was coming out with adhesive roadway.

It will be part of their 'SceneMaster' (Mfg#: 949) line. There will be 'vintage' (white center and edge markings) and 'modern' (yellow center and white edge markings) versions.
https://www.walthers.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=SceneMaster+Roadway

Len

Yet more pictures...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317154253_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2054.jpg)
The Life-Like SceneMaster operating semaphore in action. I will either disguise the wire with lychen, or once I finally get an extended-length drill bit so I can drill through the insulation foam and plywood tabletop I can run the wires underneath.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317154458_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2055.jpg)
Showing some more installations of the Walthers Cornerstone Street System sections. I will soon get around to striping them.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317154552_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2056.jpg)
I now have the Life-Like operating logging mill set up, along with having applied ground cover to the roadway behind it. Soon I will get some kind of material for the creek to simulate the water (either Artist's Gloss or the Woodland Scenics Realistic Water system.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317155424_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2057.jpg)
The TYCO billboard (need to get a new bulb for it) and some animal figures are placed on this ledge.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317160003_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2058.jpg)
The farm now set up with fencing and figures.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317162020_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2059.jpg)
I have now posed a couple of hoboes (Woodland Scenics figures) in one of my boxcars!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317160234_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2060.jpg)
More hoboes found in the rail yard with a small bonfire. The Bachmann brakeman figure is to mark where an undertrack magnet is located.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317160343_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2061.jpg)
The Amtrak train stopped at the downtown train station. The stairs I bought from a Chinese manufacturer on eBay.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317160715_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2062.jpg)
Another shot of the downtown area showing some more of the Street System in place.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317160933_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2063.jpg)
Yet another shot of downtown showing the 1982 TYCO Center St. Series building kits in place, with figures on them too.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317162044_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2064.jpg)
The industrial rail yard section of my layout with landscaping, structures and such in place.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317161900_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2065.jpg)
An overview from a different angle of the layout.

It's looking real good so far. So much going on there with all the different scenes is cool.

Thanks! And there's more where that came from...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317190527_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2066.jpg)
I've added a vegetable garden to the farm! It's from a Bachmann "Scenic Classics" kit from cira 1979. It was kind of tricky applying the "vegetables" to the garden, but I am pleased with how it came out. The kit was missing the little wooden poles to apply tomatoes to, but I suppose I can make them myself. It also came with a couple of unpainted figures, wheelbarrow and a PINK tree. (What was Bachmann thinking back in 1979?) Maybe I'll get around to painting the figures at some point; I have the paints I would need already...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317190705_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2067.jpg)
Some action at the commuter train station platform next to the coal yard and gas station.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317190907_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2068.jpg)
Since the switches and trains were currently configured not to run on that outer curve in the photo, I placed my TYCO crane car and boom tender there for now. (Again, I went with the Santa Fe versions from the 70s to fit with my BNSF freight trains.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317192449_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2069.jpg)
Camping underneath the railroad line here! The brakeman figure you see is, again, to mark an undertrack magnet for any freight operations with the nearby logging mill.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317191254_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2070.jpg)
An overview of the residential area, along with the gas station, some of the coal yard, two of the schools, the library and church, and the TYCO Freight Unloading Depot and Lighted Signal Crossing.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180317192259_newhouselayoutstage3%20%20-%2071.jpg)
I thought seeing the Amtrak train going around the curve through the woods looked pretty cool, so I figured I'd get a shot of it. As for the trees, I may get pins to drill into the bottom of the trunks after clipping the bases to "plant" them into the ground firmly.

I picked up some 3/8" x 5" and 3/8" x 12" drill bits at Home Depot for running wires through the top structure of the layout I maintain for a local shopping center. I needed the 12" long bit for installing a ski lift on a pretty tall hill.

Len

Just a suggestion though, but instead of drilling up from beneath after you've put up scenery, why not just take a small file to the insulation to make a wire-sized ditch?  Then you can cover it with green tape or something.

On the other hand, I always enjoy seeing models that I have on someone else's railroad. :D

Well, I got me a couple of extended-length drill bits, allowing me to now run wiring underneath my layout to power lights and accessories!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180318231928_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%201.jpg)
The TYCO Lighted Freight Station and the Life-Like KFC are the first to come on, wired up to the TYCO Pak on the control panel.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180318232055_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%202.jpg)
The TYCO Freight Unloading Depot is wired up now, too. I disguised the wire going from the back into the hole with lychen.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180318232333_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%203.jpg)
The control panel is neater-looking on this end, now that I re-routed the wiring to underneath the panel. I'll still need a way to drill slits to fit each of the Bachmann remote switch connectors though, due to their shape.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180318233410_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%204.jpg)
I also got the TYCO operating boxcar working on this layout as well! (Too bad Bachmann didn't make anything like this back in the 70s or 80s.) I plan to soon wire up the log dump car bin as well.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180318233522_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%205.jpg)
And here's the manual TYCO piggyback loader/unloader at work.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180318233948_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%206.jpg)
More lights on at this end! The TYCO Lighted Factory and Life-Like Lighted Yard Tower, and lights inside the TYCO Center. St drug store, furniture store and school.

Looking good.

For the switch controls, mark where they're going to go on the plywood, then make a couple of marks about 1/2" in front of where the connector plugs will attach. Draw a line connecting the marks that runs the length of you control 'gang'. Drill a 1/4" holes along the length of the line, then use a keyhole saw, or a hacksaw blade wrapped with tape on one end, to connect the holes. Bring your switch wires up through the slot and connect to the controllers. Fasten the controllers down.

Len

Good idea. I will definitely try that.
But in the meantime, here are more updates!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321130613_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%207.jpg)
I also now have illuminated the Life-Like Ace Super Market!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321130652_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%208.jpg)
And I got the TYCO log dump bin working as well!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321131027_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%209.jpg)
Another shot of my hoboes together.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321131937_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2010.jpg)
I found my Bachmann Plasticville swimming pool accessory and set it up behind the Plasticville split-level house.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321131222_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2011.jpg)
The Bachmann LED blinking oil tank all wired up and in use now.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321131601_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2012.jpg)
It's a bit hard to tell but I also have a light in the TYCO Arlee Station as well; one of those newer Bachmann LED ones. It has a yellowish color, most likely to emulate an incandescent light.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321131704_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2013.jpg)
And of course, a shot of the layout in the dark showing most of the illuminated action!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321195106_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2016.jpg)
Here's a workspace I've set up for building structures and such.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321195155_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2017.jpg)
Just another shot of my current BNSF freight consist. I was able to stick a piece of plastic sprue from a building kit into the windmill seen there to keep it attached to the platform.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321195342_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2018.jpg)
I have been able to stick my NJ International Griswold crossing signal on the layout. Once I get a crossing signal controller for there I will wire it up and such.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321195635_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2020.jpg)
I've also been working on putting together the drive-in movie theater, even though I don't have the right-sized tablet to fit in the screen yet. Also note the Life-Like Al's General Store; the older version that had labels of actual products instead of the fictional counterparts Life-Like came up with later on so they wouldn't get sued.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180321195739_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2021.jpg)
Now for some Bachmann trivia! Did you know that back when Bachmann introduced the E-Z Track line in 1994, it was initially called the "Right Track" System? Then they shortly changed the name to "E-Z Track," which has stuck since. Maybe it was due to Atlas using the phrase "You're on the right track with Atlas!" or something. Back in 1994, all they had in E-Z Track was 18"-radius curves, 9" straights, left and right remote turnouts and a 9" straight terminal rerailer. It makes sense, since they were just starting out. That was all they also had for sectional steel track in 1994 as well, before finally phasing that out in 1997. Today, the steel E-Z Track lineup has some more options than that, but is still small compared to the wide variety of lengths, radii and turnout configurations in the nickel-silver E-Z Track line! (Which is why I used the nickel-silver E-Z Track on my current layout.)

Wiley. You are better off with Nickle Silver track on the long run.  Itvis more conductive and requires less cleaning.

I also have a drive in on my layout but it is just the screen.  Since its against the wall in a corner I placed a speaker behind the screen now I am thinking of putting a flickering light behind the screen to simulate a movie playing.  I also have some of the same structures such as the swimming pool and the KFC.

So I am really enjoying watching your layout come to life.

Lights are looking good. Were you able to get your switch control wires rerouted?

I just discovered the buildings on the display layout I maintain have lights, but for some reason they were never hooked up. So I'm going to see what I can do with them, and if they work I'll post some pics next week.

Len

Have you considered painting and ballasting your track? Looks like it's not fastened down.  Pick up sections and spray it with "camouflage brown" from a can.  Clean off the railheads, put it back down, and ballast it as per dozens of on line videos.  I myself like earthier ballast colors more than gray, blends in with the rest of the scenery better.

Which is why I like the steel track.  The base is black and a simple hard roller in grey paint gently rolled over the roadbed produces highlights and 'shadows'.

Painting the rails and ties greatly  enhances realism.  If you don't want to paint the roadbed, there are tie and rail painting markers which are good , but painstaking for over a lot of track.  I know, I've done it.  😬😡🤬. Next layout, I'm spraying the track brown first. 

If you decide to spray the road bed, rub the rails with a thin film of something. I use Bachmann's conductive lube. After you've painted, just take a rag to the rails and the paint comes right off. Pin striping tape works, too, but you have to go back over and make sure you get any sticky residue off.

I am thinking of painting the track to make it more real-looking. I saw some tips on how to do so in one of the Bachmann Model Railroad Club online magazines without having to apply additional ballast (but maybe I'll try that for the in the rail yard to match the rest of the gray ballast ground cover.) It even mentions how to clean the tops of the rails after painting. As for fastening it down, I plan to use some double-sided tape underneath the track in a few corners to keep it firm for normal operation.

And yes, I chose the nickel-silver track due to its' better conductivity and being easier to keep clean. On my TYCO crossing gate, it had a removable straight track section when I got it so I replaced the original straight brass track section with an Atlas Code-100 nickel-silver track section to allow for better conductivity and electrical consistency when I last installed it on the previous layout.

Real ballast looks really good, Wiley.  Let it go down over your grass like in reality.  You'll wonder why you waited so long to do track painting and ballasting, I did.  The videos are good, follow their lead.

Use N scale ballast which is more gravel sized in HO.  Good ballast work takes practice.  Just do a foot or two at a time at first, do it on a out of the way spur , and don't rush it.

I agree about the N scale ballast.  I wish I had used that on my layout as the HO stuff does look a bit coarse. Consider using real rock ballast like Arizona Rock and mineral or Scenery Express sell it tends to stay put better than the walnut shells Woodland Scenics sells.

Ballasting and painting rails are of course for us a coosmetic operation unlike a 1:1 Railroad so its your choice. I just painted my rails with cheap brown acrylic paint fron Walmart and wiped all the tops with a rag. It need not be neat on real tracks the rust goes everywhere. They I applied the ballast:

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180322213845_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2022.jpg)
Here's the Amtrak train stopped at the Arlee Station.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180322213935_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2023.jpg)
Doing some more realistic railroad switching/right-of-way operations here so I can move the trains from one loop to the other.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180322214109_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2024.jpg)
I am now placing the speakers into the drive-in theater layout (remember drive-in speakers?)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180322214537_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2025.jpg)
The BNSF freight stopped at the Plasticville freight station as a hobo sits in one of the boxcars.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180322215203_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2026.jpg)
People can board the Amtrak train from both platforms at the downtown station when it's on the inner loop!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180322215429_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2027.jpg)
The TYCO freight-unloading depot in action!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180322215520_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2028.jpg)
Here's the BNSF freight rounding through the woods.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180322221803_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2029.jpg)
The semaphore signal is adjusted to red so the BNSF freight can pass by here.

That's a nice big layout Wiley.  It reminds me of when I still lived back home so many long years ago.  On the Gulf Coast no one has a basement, we had a really large extra bedroom over a big shed out back.  For one wonderful summer I built a big L shaped layout on two 4x8's.  It never got finished. The first of several successive family members to live in the room needed it and that was that.  Your layout recalls for me those long ago  beautiful days when trains were fueled by dreams.

The drive in speakers are long gone

At the drive inn I go to sometimes in Vineland NJ they use FM radio but the poles are still there.  I set up a loop that plays lets all go to the lobby... and other drive in intermission stuff. In your case Wiley I am guessing you might be able to do that on a tablet video and all

Yep; I plan to do that once I can find my old Android 7.9" tablet that was misplaced during our move to the current house. If not, I'll just buy a used/refurbished iPad Mini 4 (probably with 32 or 64 GB; I don't really need 128 GB) and use that in the screen. I found some nice ten-minute drive-in intermission montages on YouTube; I'm thinking of running this one...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRXC8Nvyqgg

But anyways, here are some more new pics!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180324194934_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2030.jpg)
I thought this looked like a cool sight, seeing the freight cars on the Bachmann blinking bridge like that.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180324195226_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2031.jpg)
I now have a third train placed on the layout as well; an auto-carrier train! I took my Bachmann BNSF GP40 and matching caboose and hooked them up to my Athearn, TYCO and Life-Like auto-carrier cars. I know from the 70s to the 90s Bachmann made a tri-level auto carrier car, and I do have one, but it's much too big to run alongside the other auto carriers, and I need to find the appropriate knuckle couplers for it (it's not as easy as replacing the couplers on the rest of my older rolling stock.) I am not surprised Bachmann hasn't updated the tri-level auto carrier with knuckle couplers and such and is still selling it with the rest of their product line! Either that, or make a new auto carrier in HO scale.
As you can see in the background, I got out my Walthers Trainline BNSF "Fakebonnet" Dash 8-40BW locomotive to pull the main freight, along with a matching Trainline Santa Fe caboose.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180324195838_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2032.jpg)
Here I have the main freight train in the foreground. There's just something neat about seeing a much more modern diesel locomotive like the Dash 8-40BW pulling a freight train that includes older TYCO cars.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180324200037_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2033.jpg)
Here's a creative use for TYCO's old blinking traffic lights. They make great fire station traffic signals! (I haven't wired it up yet, but I plan to soon.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180324200239_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2034.jpg)
Placed some cars on where the drive-in theater is going and put in another row of those old speaker posts. After Anime Boston and my next payment comes in, I'll buy a few more paints so I can build the ticket booth and the snack bar/projection booth structures (I hope I can find color photos of Brockton's old Skyview Drive-In for inspiration on how to paint it!)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180324200849_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2035.jpg)
I finally got around to replacing the burnt-out bulb in my Life-Like flashing light storage tank. I used a red Model Power blinking LED. It looks a lot more realistic now, too. When I first got it, the whole tank seemed to illuminate, so I painted the interior black except the red translucent dome on the top, and that helped a bit. But thanks to the new Model Power blinking LED, it looks more like the real thing!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180324201807_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2036.jpg)
I learned how I can drill slots to fit the Bachmann E-Z Track Simplimatic remote switch plugs through my control panel. It looks less cluttered now for sure. (But I am still having trouble trying to get it through the main platform with its' extruded foam. Any turnouts near the edge I will just run the wire to the edge of the platform and down, and then hide it with landscaping ground cover.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180324202207_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2037.jpg)
It's hard to get a clear shot of my model trains in motion on my phone, as they look a bit blurry, even when running at a slow speed! But it does seem to create a neat motion effect.

It's been a while but here are some more new pics!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406172321_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2038.jpg)
I found that those holes I make when drilling to run the Bachmann E-Z track switch wires under the platform can be easily filled with leftover bits of insulation foam. (I have to make the holes be elongated and rectangular-shaped due to the rectangular plugs Bachmann uses for their remote switches.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406172457_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2039.jpg)
Here is one of those filled holes after the wire is run through it, with the ballast ground cover sprinkled over it.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406172625_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2040.jpg)
The two holes from the first image with ground cover applied.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406172720_newhouselayoutstage4%20%20%20-%2041.jpg)
For my most recent demonstration of this train layout for some relatives, I had my auto-carrier train be hauled by my Bachmann Bluetooth-equipped BNSF GP35 diesel! They got a kick out of that.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406172947_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%202.jpg)
In the residential area and near the drive-in theater I've applied the Walthers SceneMaster adhesive roadway. It's actually made by Busch, but the paint job is modified to look more like an American roadway. Now they just need to make intersection roadway sections as well...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406173120_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%204.jpg)
Here I've placed the Woodland Scenics "Cop'n a Kiss" AutoScene on the "Lovers' Lane" ledge.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406173309_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%205.jpg)
A bit of leftover Woodland Scenics roadway placed in front of the TYCO Lighted Signal Crossing.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406173446_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%206.jpg)
The main freight unloading crates from the TYCO operating boxcar as the Amtrak train passes by on the other track.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406173555_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%207.jpg)
Another shot of the freight train having one of the piggyback truck trailers unloaded. As I said, one fun thing about these operating freight car accessories is how even though they were clearly aimed at kids, they do allow for being able to actually load and unload cargo on freight trains and make for a more realistic operation! Too bad Bachmann doesn't make anything like that anymore (I know prior to 1994 they had their own log-dump car and an electrically-operated "action depot.")

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406183356_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%208.jpg)
Both trains passing each other at the railroad crossing near the Lovers' Lane.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406173953_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%209.jpg)
The BNSF freight is flagged down due to a switch problem. (I fixed it after taking this photo.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180406174044_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2010.jpg)
I have my Model Power 3-light signal wired up now, currently set on red to prevent any other trains from crashing into the back of the BNSF freight.

Will the Tyco autoracks handle 18" curves

Quote from: Joe323 on April 09, 2018, 07:42:53 PM
Will the Tyco autoracks handle 18" curves

Yes they can; same with the Athearn and Life-Like auto-carrier cars.
With that said, here's some more pics, which also include the auto-carrier train in action.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180409215020_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2011.jpg)
Recent picture of the control panel for my train layout. I now have six remote switches hooked up; I plan to hook up two more soon. Now if only I could find some kind of labels for the remote switches...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180409215156_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2012.jpg)
I reconfigured the track for the coal tipple siding so that the bumper isn't sticking up above the ground now.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180409215717_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2013.jpg)
Another shot of the woods on my layout, with a couple more trees "planted."

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180409215826_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2014.jpg)
Another shot of the main BNSF freight unloading logs into the TYCO dumping bin. Now that I've got all the turnouts in that rail yard area wired up to the control panel, it's easier to do all the action just from the controls!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180409220035_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2015.jpg)
Trying out switching operations with the three trains on my layout. It did take a little planning, but I was able to get it done without much hassle. Maybe I'll shoot a video of it some day.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180409221405_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2016.jpg)
The auto-carrier train at the downtown station alongside the Amtrak train.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180409221816_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2017.jpg)
Another picture of both the TYCO freight unloading depot and the lighted signal crossing in action, now that the main freight is on the outer track line that passes through the residential area. Too bad Bachmann never made an action accessory similar to that freight unloading depot, and that their past attempt at a light-and-sound crossing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GGY4yHWBys) was pretty lousy.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180409221935_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2018.jpg)
The auto-carrier train on the Amtrak's tail, now waiting for the Amtrak to clear the turnout and the switch to be thrown so it can move onto the outer loop and park there.

I have one of those old Bachmann crossing with lights and bell and lowering gates.  But since mine was second-hand (came with a yardsale set), I just thought it was broken somehow.  Turns out, it isn't! Lol

I have one more question for you (Not trying to be a pain but I really like the layout you are building) You said you but knuckle couplers on all your cars.  I see that many of them are older Tyco, Life-Like, etc.  Are you just popping out the horn hooks and putting knuckles or are you converting to body mounted couplers?  If the former What couplers are you using and how is it working out?  Can you backup without problems?

I think I can answer this one.  I recently swapped out my X2F's (horn-hooks) for Kadee couplers.  The Kadee website actually has instructions for most engines and cars from many manufacturers.

https://kadee.com/conv/hocc.htm
Just look up the brand, then the type of engine.  A pdf will give you the parts needed and instructions.

On some cars you can just pop-and-swap, but not many.  But for most of them, you have the choice between body-mounted or keeping the coupler in the bogie (Talgo).  So far, I've been able to back up (sometimes at speed) with no more problems than with the X2Fs, and thy are much easier to uncouple.

Quote from: Joe323 on April 10, 2018, 01:51:44 PM
I have one more question for you (Not trying to be a pain but I really like the layout you are building) You said you but knuckle couplers on all your cars.  I see that many of them are older Tyco, Life-Like, etc.  Are you just popping out the horn hooks and putting knuckles or are you converting to body mounted couplers?  If the former What couplers are you using and how is it working out?  Can you backup without problems?

I generally just either install E-Z Mate knuckle couplers (preferably Mark II) with Kadee talgo truck adapters into the talgo coupler pockets, or I would use Life-Like's SceneMaster knuckle couplers, which Walthers unfortunately discontinued a while back (too bad; they were pretty good for a quick-and-easy way to upgrade old AHM, Life-Like and TYCO rolling stock.) On this layout I don't have very many problems backing up the trains with these couplers either, and for the most part they work pretty well with the Bachmann under-track uncoupling magnets.

I was at a train expo in Bridgewater MA today so I bought some more stuff...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180414170508_bridgewatertranexp2018%20%20-%209.jpg)
Not all of it I'm using right away though. (The TYCO Pak I am keeping handy for if I need more power for lights and accessories, of course.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180414171333_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2019.jpg)
I'm glad I can now label my Bachmann remote switches (using a supply of old Atlas remote switch labels); at the actual turnouts I will mark them either on the side of the platform, or find another inconspicuous way (like a small signpost.)

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180414171444_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2020.jpg)
Yeah, I know it's kind of gross, but I thought a dog about to mark its' territory on a fire hydrant would be yet another funny sight on my train layout. (Plus, I figured it'd work since my dog is obsessed with hydrants.) And yes, these are Bachmann SceneScapes figures.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180414171833_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2021.jpg)
Some of the wildlife seen on my train layout, with deer and wolves. The buck and wolves are from Woodland Scenics, while the doe and fawn are Model Power.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180414171932_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2025.jpg)
(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180414171958_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2027.jpg)
Just a couple of railroad crossing action shots.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180414172507_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2028.jpg)
The obligatory overview shot. I've moved the main freight and the Amtrak train back to their original track loops with virtually no fuss.

New photos again...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180416222006_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2029.jpg)
Just a couple of blissful family moments can be seen here.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180416222550_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2030.jpg)
A funny sight, courtesy of Woodland Scenics's "Accident Waiting to Happen" HO figure set.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180416222625_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2031.jpg)
The TYCO hopper car unloading set getting some use.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180416222715_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2032.jpg)
Both the BNSF freight and Amtrak passenger train pass each other.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180416222840_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2033.jpg)
Another shot of the BNSF freight in the railroad yard.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180416223013_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2034.jpg)
Testing the drive-in theater screen with a tablet that fits into it!

The Skyview Drive In Theater is up and running!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180424223719_newhouselayoutdrivein%20%20%20-%201.jpg)
Yep, I got the ticket booth and the snack bar built!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180424223825_newhouselayoutdrivein%20%20%20-%202.jpg)
A train passes by the drive-in as a cheesy horror movie plays at the drive-in! It may not be "Hot Shot Eastbound" (as the train is too modern), but it still looks cool!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180424232802_newhouselayoutdrivein%20%20%20-%203.jpg)
An attempt at taking a photo without the flash as the Amtrak train speeds by the drive-in as a snack-bar advertisement plays during the pre-movie intermission.

Just curious.  What was the movie?

Quote from: bbmiroku on April 29, 2018, 07:48:45 PM
Just curious.  What was the movie?

The first and third pictures are just drive-in intermission trailers/advertisements. The second is a clip from "Dracula, the Dirty Old Man," which is a really cheesy adult horror film from 1969. Definitely feels like drive-in movie fare, even if it has nudity (the clip I showed doesn't have any), and even has a scene taking place at a drive-in theater!

Love your layout and what you're doing, it's somewhat nostalgia to me.
It's good stuff.
Regarding the fourth picture posted from your post on 4/16, in "what if" the second to last car (dome) derailed?
The Amtrak pic near the edge of the layout.
Have a look, maybe I see something others don't.
That's a long way down,
To me.
Just sayin'.

Thanks for the great photos Wiley. I like what I see of your layout and can only guess at the dimensions and track layout. Would you please provide a layout sketch or photo from above with some basic dimensions?  Thanks, Paul

I can tell you right now that the dimensions of the L shape are 11x8 feet. It was originally going to be a 12x8 C shape, until we compromised on the size. I will see if I have to modify my old C shape diagram of the layout to show the current L-shape. Once I find it, I'll upload it.

I have the talgo adapters but I am not sure how to use them?

Quote from: Joe323 on May 03, 2018, 07:34:17 AM
I have the talgo adapters but I am not sure how to use them?

Fig. 8 shows how to use the #212 talgo adapters: https://kadee.com/html/20&30-serins.pdf

You don't really need the "Insertion Pic" unless you're doing a bunch at once and want to save wear on your fingers. Basically you put the knuckle coupler in the truck, then use the adaptor to fill the gap between the coupler and mounting pin. Rotate the adaptor until it fills the 'H' shaped slot in the talgo mount, then press down.

Len

Well after spending a half hour or so I figured out how the adapter works (only to discover that the Kadee 148 I installed was missing its spring) I got the 2 cars I wanted to convert out of the shop and back on the road.  The insertion tool might make it a little easier but I agree with Len it's not needed for just a few cars.

Hey these ar really great pictures!

I like the Amtrak train and I like the crossings! Nice way of mixing crossing signals, including Tyco flashing signals with Life-like non-operating signals and a Tyco crossing gate with a Life Like crossing signal and a Bachmann crossing gate!

I might have an Amtrak P40 similar to yours, or almost. Mine is an Athern and I have five Walthers Superliners

You're welcome!
Also, here are a few more updates, especially since I gave a demonstration of my layout to my dad's friends last weekend...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180506180727_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2035.jpg)
I got more adhesive roads from Walthers/Busch, and laid them out on the remaining blank spots of my layout.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180506181006_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2037.jpg)
Another shot of the coal yard.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180507001357_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2038.jpg)
Just another shot of the railyard at an interesting angle.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180506185449_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2039.jpg)
The Amtrak train rolls through the residential section of my town.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180507001433_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2040.jpg)
Busy evening at the drive-in theater!

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180506185738_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2041.jpg)
The Amtrak train speeds past a small campsite in the woods...

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180507001140_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2042.jpg)
Another shot of the Amtrak train stopped at the Life-Like Snap-Loc commuter station.

(http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20180507001303_newhouselayoutstage5%20%20%20-%2036.jpg)
Another overview, from a different angle I don't think I tried before.

Wiley, I am curious if you've ever done a count of the number of structures on your layout.

Wiley:

Long time no hears. Hope all is good

If your last post was supposed to have pics I can't see them

Joe

Quote from: Joe323 on July 09, 2018, 08:51:56 AM
Wiley:

Long time no hears. Hope all is good

If your last post was supposed to have pics I can't see them

Joe

The Tyco Forums have been down for some time now; they host my images. That's why they've disappeared.

Christmas is coming to the layout!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=474948&stc=1&d=1544231117)
A photo I took almost a month ago before prepping it for the holidays, showing my auto-carrier train passing the regular freight train. It consists of the Bachmann BNSF GP40 (again, this was my first DCC locomotive), an Athearn auto-carrier car, a TYCO auto-carrier car and a Life-Like auto-carrier car, followed by the Bachmann BNSF caboose.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=474950&stc=1&d=1544231117)
My current Christmas train consist. An IHC Santa Fe Consolidation 2-8-0 steam locomotive and tender (analog) pulling an AHM Holiday 1979 boxcar, a Bachmann Merry Christmas boxcar, a Mantua/TYCO Season's Greetings boxcar, a TYCO 50th anniversary boxcar, a Bachmann animated reindeer stock car, a Life-Like Christmas gondola, and IHC Santa Fe streamlined cupola caboose.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=474952&stc=1&d=1544231117)
The downtown train station has been decorated with a "Santa's Landing" roof!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=474954&stc=1&d=1544231117)
Christmas at the town church!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=474958&stc=1&d=1544231117)
An apple orchard at the farm!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=474960&stc=1&d=1544231117)
There's also a farmstand out front now, too!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=474962&stc=1&d=1544231117)
The freight train loads coal into the hopper as the Christmas train chugs past.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=474964&stc=1&d=1544231117)
Both trains passing each other.

Well, I'm not sure if your 'picture hosting site' us up or not.  I can't see any pictures if there were supposed
to be any in your Dec 7th post. 

Ken

Photobucket is allowing linking to 'free' accounts again. You might want to consider using it until the Tyco site comes back, if it doesn.

Len

That's not a bad idea. From my latest post, the images come from here...
https://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?p=2346656#post2346656

Very busy layout. So many neat little scenes to take in. I just checked your pics. It keeps your mind busy instead just sitting and watching the trains go around.

Your pictures aren't showing up here, and there is no way I am signing up at another website just to be able to see them.

Sid

The pictures are appearing for me

Got me a new Bachmann engine...

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20182%20%20-%201.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20182%20%20-%201.jpg.html)
A Bachmann Spectrum Baldwin Consolidation steam locomotive, in the ATSF roadname of course! This is the mid-2000s DCC-ready version. Aside from missing a couple details, when I first got it I was told it had a short in the tender, but it turns out it was because the wheels in the tender trucks were positioned incorrectly. So I re-installed them as shown on the diagram, plugged a TCS DPX2-UK decoder into the board, and now it runs very well. (Though after plugging in the decoder, I had to remove the original yellow capacitor as instructed on the TCS website, as the decoder has its' own capacitor built in.)
Very nicely detailed, and the shell even feels metallic. (Was it die-cast or something?)
Bachmann still makes this locomotive today, but it's no longer branded as a Spectrum model, but still has the same high quality.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20182%20%20-%202.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20182%20%20-%202.jpg.html)
Hey look! Santa Claus is in town! But wait, is it REALLY Santa? The neighbors say it's just the father of the kids living in that house, and every year on Christmas Eve he dresses up as Santa and goes down their chimney to lay the presents under the tree.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20182%20%20-%203.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20182%20%20-%203.jpg.html)
The Consolidation pulling my Christmas train through the town as the BNSF local freight passes on the other track.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20182%20%20-%204.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20182%20%20-%204.jpg.html)
Another nice shot of the Christmas train with its' new DCC motive power. It's so real-looking!

Yay !  I can now see the pictures !  Only the last four though.  But, I can see 'em.
Keep them coming...

Ken

Quote from: Ken Huck on December 14, 2018, 09:16:06 AM
Yay !  I can now see the pictures !  Only the last four though.  But, I can see 'em.
Keep them coming...

Ken

Yep, I'm back to Photobucket! I don't mind the watermark either.

I also shot a video this morning for my YouTube channel...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIt7vAx9SzY

Looks good Wiley.  Just wondering have you considered using a relatively new line of Menards buildings on your layout?

Quote from: Joe323 on December 17, 2018, 07:52:47 AM
Looks good Wiley.  Just wondering have you considered using a relatively new line of Menards buildings on your layout?

I'll have to consider that... maybe the Starbucks.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20183%20%20-%203.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20183%20%20-%203.jpg.html)
The Christmas train passing through one of the town railroad crossings. Imagine the drivers' surprise to see a train with a steam engine roll through the crossing instead one of the usual diesels!

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%201.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%201.jpg.html)
The stream coming from the logging mill.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%203.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%203.jpg.html)
I got my Walthers Cornerstone/Scenemaster traffic light up and running as well.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%204.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%204.jpg.html)
Rail travel gets pretty busy during the holidays!

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%205.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%205.jpg.html)
Another railroad crossing action shot.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%206.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%206.jpg.html)
The freight train now pulled by my Walthers BNSF "Fakebonnet" Dash 8-40BW, with the TYCO ATSF wide-vision caboose at the end.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%207.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20184%20%20-%207.jpg.html)
An overview of my three trains currently on the layout.

Some more updates...

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20185%20-%201.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20185%20-%201.jpg.html)
Since Christmas ended, I've got my Baldwin 2-8-0 steam locomotive in revenue freight service now! Smaller freights, and it may be anachronistic with the rest of my layout, but so what? It looks cool!

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20185%20-%202.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20185%20-%202.jpg.html)
Said freight train stopping at the logging mill...

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20185%20-%203.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20185%20-%203.jpg.html)
Loading logs...

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20185%20-%204.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20185%20-%204.jpg.html)
The steam-powered freight passing a more modern (and longer) BNSF freight train.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%202.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%202.jpg.html)
I'm going to get a Logic Rail Tech Grade Crossing Pro controller and detection system for this railroad crossing, and will soon wire up the signals to it!

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%203.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%203.jpg.html)
This part of the road still isn't finished yet, so I thought I'd close it off until I do! At least the train station can still be accessed by passing through the Pizza Hut parking lot.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%204.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%204.jpg.html)
The Amtrak train passing through the downtown station.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%205.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%205.jpg.html)
The BNSF freight dropping off crates at a TYCO Prestomatic bin...

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%206.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%206.jpg.html)
It's pretty busy at this train station right now...

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%207.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayoutdec20186%20-%207.jpg.html)
An overview of the residential area with the Amtrak train stopped at the nearby station.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%201.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%201.jpg.html)
Giving my tracks a once-over in an anachronistic but cool manner!

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%203.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%203.jpg.html)
A nighttime action shot at the residential area and the Skyview drive-in theater!

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%205.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%205.jpg.html)
Another action shot in the dark. Looks a lot more like a real city or town this way!

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%206.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%206.jpg.html)
The Skyview Drive-In is still doing well on my layout! Sorry for the crossbuck on the road; I was still positioning things.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%207.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%207.jpg.html)
For this run, I put my Walthers Trainline BNSF bay-window caboose at the end! It does look neat, but I find I like the look of a caboose with the cupola on top better.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%208.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%208.jpg.html)
I've tried applying a couple of the included decals to this Walthers Cornerstone water tower. Working with decals is actually pretty tricky, and I need a bit more practice and experience before I begin to get ambitious with them...

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%209.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%209.jpg.html)
Double Dash-8s! For pulling an HO-scale freight train with more than ten cars, I find consisting to help quite a bit, just like the real thing.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%2010.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%2010.jpg.html)
Trying some repositioning. I removed the TYCO lighted colonial house, as the interior lighting was broken anyways, and made a bit more space for the high school. I even put it right across from one of the elementary schools, like I've seen in some towns (the neighboring town of West Bridgewater, MA has both its' elementary schools and the middle/high school in one general area so they are close to each other.)

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%2011.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%2011.jpg.html)
But I DID get a neat new structure: the Walthers Cornerstone Hole-In-One Donut Shop! Since it's molded in three colors and they recommend some painting for it, I thought I'd paint the decorative prop donut up like a Simpsons donut! I moved the Cornerstone newsstand over to a different, next door to the post office now.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%2012.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%2012.jpg.html)
The Exxon gas station now has an illuminated sign, made by Life-Like Trains.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%2013.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-1%20-%2013.jpg.html)
An overview of this part of the layout, with new positioning of the high school with an added garage. This looks a bit more realistic now, especially with the TYCO freight unloading depot being so close to the high school originally. Maybe I'll put up a fence between that and the school parking lot.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%201.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%201.jpg.html)
The current setup on this side of the Main St. area of downtown, with the new donut shop and relocating the newsstand.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%202.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%202.jpg.html)
Disaster strikes! One of the turnouts apparently malfunctioned and opened by itself, leading to this head-on collision! At least the locomotives didn't blow up in the wreck, like in the movies or TV.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%203.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%203.jpg.html)
Some time after the train wreck. I disguised this leftover unused turnout wire with some lychen, as I often see shrubs growing next to railroad tracks in real life. (Because the turnout is right next to my control platform, there is no need for me to operate it via remote.)

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%205.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%205.jpg.html)
I've provided a booster terminal connection to the inner loop, replacing the regular rerailer next to the downtown train station with a terminal rerailer. I've read in a few books that it's wise to provide a booster connection opposite or away from the main terminal connection on a large layout, especially if using DCC with multiple locomotives.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%206.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%206.jpg.html)
An overview showing my current freight train consists. After that head-on train wreck, when cleaning and repairing them I decided to switch around the rolling stock. I also unhooked the TYCO ATSF wide-vision caboose from my main BNSF freight as I decided it looked a little too toylike, and put my Walthers Trainline BNSF bay-window caboose at the end of the train for the time being.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp316/wiley207/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%207.jpg) (http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/new%20house%20model%20train%20layout/newhouselayout012019-2%20-%207.jpg.html)
Plus, having my hoboes ride in a freight train pulled by a steam locomotive looked a bit more appropriate.

Wiley, this is getting to look like quite an empire !  I always look forward to more photos.
Thanks for sharing.

Ken

Wiley - If anyone asks, tell them the steam locomotive is part of your roads off layout "Heritage Museum" program. And like UP's #844 is still maintained for Class I service.

Len

Hey Wiley, you still working on your railroad ?  I know you got a lot of stuff crammed in there, but it was
you that got me started on my long trestle and water features.  We'd sure like to see what your you're
up to.  How about checking in ?   ???

Quote from: Ken Huck on September 04, 2020, 10:40:41 PM
Hey Wiley, you still working on your railroad ?  I know you got a lot of stuff crammed in there, but it was
you that got me started on my long trestle and water features.  We'd sure like to see what your you're
up to.  How about checking in ?   ???

Well, here's a video I shot early in the spring. Not much has changed with the layout, except I do have "water" under my blinking bridge now...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvWexsXOO7M

Well that was a nice trip down memory lane! I had some of those Tyco motorized structures when I was a kid. Thanks!

Regards,

Jonathan

WOW ! ! !  I just scrolled through the entire thread and was able to see "ALL" the pictures that I
wasn't able to see when they were first put up.  I even commented a few times that I wasn't able
to see them.  And the video you just posted is pretty much the "icing on the cake".

Getting back to that 'blinking' bridge...that's what motivated me to get into a water feature on my
layout.  Nice to see you got your water.  Looks good !

Thanks Wiley, keep those picture coming.

Ken

I'm gonna try and see if this works for images.

The following photos were taken in March:
(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-1-jpg.546954/)
Spring comes to my town, with the snow melting! (In reality, the decorated styrofoam snow pieces were removed and placed in storage until next Christmas.)

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-2-jpg.546955/)
There was still leftover bits of foam and "snow" material from the removal, but I left it there for a month to create the realistic illusion of the winter-spring transition, combined with the barren trees.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-3-jpg.546956/)
The freight train rolls over a small pond and river underneath the Bachmann E-Z Track blinking bridge.

The following photos were taken in June...
(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-3-jpg.546956/)
Now the transition from spring to summer is happening on my layout! All the snow is melted away, and I swapped out the barren trees for spring trees!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-6-jpg.546959/)
That couple is back up at the Lover's Lane, even with the new billboard for the Skyview Drive-In being there!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-7-jpg.546960/)
The swimming pool behind the Plasticville Suburban Split Level has been reopened, and the family next door are having barbecues again!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-8-jpg.546961/)
My town is NOT being affected by the current coronavirus crisis, and everyone is well and businesses and schools are thriving. But many of the residents here that work as doctors and nurses have to frequently commute to the big city via Amtrak to treat and test patients during the crisis!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-9-jpg.546962/)
Even the Skyview Drive-In Theater is reopened and doing pretty well!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-11-jpg.546963/)
Another family gets ready to go on a picnic, like in the olden days!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadspring2020-12-jpg.546964/)
The freight trains are still busy here, like this one unloading logs at the TYCO Prestomatic bin. One of the boxcars is also loaded with toilet paper to ship during this crisis

Here are some more recent photos. This batch is from August...

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-1-jpg.546965/)
(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-2-jpg.546966/)
Recently I took a couple of spare Life-Like diamond road signs and customized them to warn motorists that a side road they are approaching has a railroad crossing shortly after the turn, just like the ones in real life. I assume this modification could also be done with Bachmann's "SLOW" diamond sign.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-4-jpg.546967/)
Drive-in movie theaters are enjoying a healthy business thanks to the pandemic, and the Walthers Skyview Drive-In is no exception! The Android tablet's Wi-Fi connection is getting flakey, so I downloaded some drive-in theater intermission videos as MP4s onto a micro-SD card and loaded that into the tablet.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-5-jpg.546968/)
Just a nice shot of the farm on the layout.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-6-jpg.546969/)
An overview.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-7-jpg.546970/)
The main BNSF freight passes my Walthers DCC-equipped BNSF GP9M pulling the TYCO crane car and boom tender.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-8-jpg.546971/)
Another railroad crossing accident on the layout! Luckily the driver got out of the car in time.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-9-jpg.546972/)
The main BNSF freight unloading crates from the TYCO operating boxcar.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-12-jpg.546973/)
The Amtrak train stopped at the TYCO Arlee Station. It does make for an interesting sight seeing the Bachmann Amfleet cars next to the building like that.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummer2020-13-jpg.546974/)
The main freight having passed through the railroad crossing protected by Bachmann's non-operating Plasticville railroad crossing they've been making since the early 1970s, posed in this picture with the gates rising.

Here are some pics I took last week, with September starting...

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-3-jpg.546976/)
Summer has ended on my train layout and the kids are actually going back to school! Like I said, my town is safe from the pandemic.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-4-jpg.546977/)
Another view of the schools. I might soon add an expansion to the high school.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-5-jpg.546978/)
The hobos still hanging out in the railroad yard.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-6-jpg.546979/)
The Center Street School (a TYCO kit) back in session.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-7-jpg.546980/)
I find a railroad yard like this a perfect place to put older operating accessories like the TYCO Prestomatic bins for my operating boxcar and log dump car, the Life-Like coal tipple and lighted yard tower, the TYCO lighted factory and the AHM freight carrier. The Pola trucking terminal (Walthers Trainline version) also looks good there too.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-8-jpg.546981/)
For now I've switched to GE power for my main freight, with a pair of BNSF "Fakebonnets" (Walthers Trainline Dash 8-40BW with TCS decoders hardwired into them) hauling the freight cars.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-9-jpg.546982/)
During this operating session, when I was running the Amtrak train, something went wrong and the second Amfleet car ended up uncoupling from the first car and the F40PH locomotive (a Walthers Mainline model). Luckily I noticed what happened before a wreck could happen, and set up so that my little BNSF work train would push the uncoupled Amfleet cars back to the rest of the train, similar to real-life railroad operation.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-10-jpg.546983/)
Another shot of my BNSF work train pushing the Amtrak cars, consisting of my Bachmann DCC-equipped GP40 that came with my E-Z Command unit pulling the TYCO crane car and boom tender, the Santa Fe versions of course!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-11-jpg.546984/)
The Amtrak train all together again pulling into the downtown station, only a little late.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modelrailroadsummerend2020-12-jpg.546985/)
The GE Fakebonnet-led BNSF freight rolling past the Skyview Drive-In Theater, now with a playground! (The Bachmann playground set, of course!)

Some more new pics, especially since I now have another locomotive I installed a DCC decoder into!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-1-jpg.547171/)
My Walthers Trainline BNSF "Heritage II" Dash 8-40BW heads up the main freight, with a slightly patched Santa Fe Warbonnet behind it.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-2-jpg.547172/)
To go with the two Walthers Trainline Dash-8 engines, I pulled out my Walthers Trainline BNSF bay window caboose.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-3-jpg.547173/)
The freight train passing by my farm again.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-4-jpg.547174/)
The freight passing my short BNSF work train consisting of the Bachmann "Heritage IV" GP40 locomotive and TYCO Santa Fe crane car and boom tender.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-5-jpg.547175/)
After the last set of pics were taken, I rearranged my main freight a bit and had my Walthers Trainline BNSF "Fakebonnet" Dash 8-40BW locomotive be up front with the "Heritage II" behind it, based off how I've seen some real-life configurations, even done to this day (though real-life "Fakebonnet" locomotives are rare nowadays, with many having been repainted in the orange BNSF colors.)

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-6-jpg.547176/)
I also added a driveway to my TYCO Lighted Ranch House with a diagonally-cut styrofoam piece painted black. Now the car can get in and out of the garage easily!

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-7-jpg.547177/)
A nice shot of the main freight stopped so a pipe section can be unloaded from the TYCO Freight Unloading Depot.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-8-jpg.547178/)
A shot of the Unloading Depot itself in action.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-9-jpg.547179/)
An overview of the layout.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-11-jpg.547180/)
The main freight switching onto the inner track loop, passing the work train.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-12-jpg.547181/)
The freight train unloading crates from the Operating Boxcar.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-13-jpg.547182/)
A neat shot of the Amtrak passenger train approaching the Arlee Station with the Skyview Drive-In theater in the background.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-15-jpg.547183/)
The BNSF freight train passing through the TYCO Operating Crossing Gate.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-16-jpg.547184/)
A nice shot of the TYCO Drug Store, with a little newsstand (a Scenic Accents pack from Woodland Scenics) in front of the store.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-17-jpg.547185/)
The BNSF freight train rolling past the Skyview Drive-In on a busy evening.

(https://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachments/modeltrainlayoutearlysept2020-18-jpg.547186/)
I installed a second light inside the concession/projection building to create the illusion of a movie projector coming out of the openings!

oh wow! what an exciting project and incomparable final result. Thanks for taking us along with you!
It makes you want to start your own project.