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 Posted - January 13 2013 : 9:08:07 PM
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This is the same as I posted in the Introduce Yourself subforum, but I think THIS would be a more appropriate place to discuss my layout.
First, a current overview:
The track layout plan is currently similar going to be like the one here, which has options for expansions...
The one problem is Atlas doesn't offer any 3/4" straight sections of True-Track, so I instead set it up without one, and it looks and works fine anyway.
Plus, I am going to try and find a Tyco block controller so I can run two trains on the layout (one train at a time, at least.) If not, I will use my Atlas Selector. Does anyone have any idea on how to do a Tyco-style blocking setup like that using Atlas True-Track, terminal joiners, an Atlas Selector and MRC Tech-4 280 power pack?
Life-Like Snap-Loc commuter station on the main line, with the supply house and some freight cars on the siding.
Billboard mounted on a Walthers Cornerstone building kit. I like it because it kinda reminds me of some of the shops in my hometown...
Passengers waiting at the Snap-Loc train station building kit that came with my Life-Like Freight Runner set. I do sometimes run an Amtrak train on my layout. There's an operating Tyco crossing signal is in the background...
The wind-up bell works fine, but I need to fix the connection for the flashing lights. The bulbs are fine, but the lights simply won't flash when the train passes over it...
I used some of my old Power-Loc track for one of the under-construction sidings that also uses the Switchman. Note the upgraded knuckle couplers.
Bachmann action depot that needs repairing (I think a wire needs to be re-soldered...) Note the Tyco RailBox boxcar :)
Life-Like general store building kit.
Check out the custom marquee I added to the Lowe's movie theater...
Operation platform, as Gumby and Pokey come from Toyland to watch the railroad (Pokey's telling Gumby, "Naw, that's too small for you!")
Tyco piggyback flat car!
Model Power crossing signals. I plan to wire them up once I get a Walthers crossing signal controller...
http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-64.jpg
Truck terminal that came with the piggyback flat car.
Life-Like operating log dump car and station.
This is eventually going to be replaced with an operating crossing gate of some sort...
The PRR steam locomotive parks at the main station...
Any comments/answers would be appreciated :D
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Posted - January 13 2013 : 9:19:37 PM
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| Looks great!!!love the movie theater with roger rabbit.I plan to redo the layout at sometime and put a lot of little extras in it sometime.I also like how you put the wood pieces in the track for a crossing. My layout is also a 4x8. It is in multiscale with lionel on the outside ,ho next going inside then maybe N scale if i get the room. I also got another 4x8 table to go beside it or to make an L to make it bigger as i got tons of track and boxes and boxes of buildings that need built and put up. On my layout on the outside edge I made a small guard that goes around in case of a tip over if a train looses it to prevent it from going on the floor.Keep up the good work and it looks great!!well done.
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Posted - January 13 2013 : 9:29:41 PM
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Beautiful! I love it, and I'm totally jealous as I am without a layout right now.
How's that True-Track? It's Code 83, isn't it?
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Posted - January 13 2013 : 9:34:14 PM
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quote:Beautiful! I love it, and I'm totally jealous as I am without a layout right now.
How's that True-Track? It's Code 83, isn't it?
Originally posted by burlington77Â -Â January 13 2013Â :Â 9:29:41 PM
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Yup, it is Code-83. I do like it's appearance too, it looks WAY more realistic than any Code-100 track I've seen, and definitely looks and performs better than E-Z Track and Power-Loc track (compared to E-Z Track, the True-Track is also easier to put together!)
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Posted - January 14 2013 : 09:57:51 AM
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| Great layout! The stone walls of the room gives it a "town at the bottom of a cliff" look. Have you thought to add a couple mountain climbers? Thanks for the shots showing the layout in the room. I often wonder how the layout fits in the room. Not photos you see often in the magazines.
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Posted - January 15 2013 : 10:26:34 PM
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quote: quote:Beautiful! I love it, and I'm totally jealous as I am without a layout right now.
How's that True-Track? It's Code 83, isn't it?
Originally posted by burlington77Â -Â January 13 2013Â :Â 9:29:41 PM
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Yup, it is Code-83. I do like it's appearance too, it looks WAY more realistic than any Code-100 track I've seen, and definitely looks and performs better than E-Z Track and Power-Loc track (compared to E-Z Track, the True-Track is also easier to put together!)
Originally posted by wiley209Â -Â January 13 2013Â :Â 9:34:14 PM
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Cool. I seriously considered using it when I built my last layout, but I read that some older equipment didn't like the code 83 rails. Looks like you're having no trouble.
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Posted - January 18 2013 : 9:30:52 PM
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More new pics!
I got around to setting up the Life-Like dual crossing gate that came with my Freight Runner train set, with the help of a couple of additional Power-Loc adapter track sections. The signals themselves look suspiciously like Tyco's own crossing gate, except the gates have yellow stripes instead of white. Then again, it seems there were a LOT of knock-offs of Tyco's operating crossing gate (the Pemco, Bachmann and Life-Like ones seem to resemble Tyco's more, though.)
Another angle of the crossing. I might try and motorize the gates and/or install LEDs in the signals so it looks and acts more realistic.
Life-Like signal bridge.
Life-Like railroad signal.
More overviews.
Train approaching the crossing.
Non-operating Life-Like crossing signals were placed near the switchman. They are turned sideways because the line isn't open yet (I still need to get two more True-Track left-hand switches...)
That Plasticville Suburban Station represents an abandoned train station that had since been replaced with the more modern commuter station seen to the right of it.
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Posted - January 18 2013 : 11:38:05 PM
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good stuff Very nice
But remember on railroad signals the red goes on bottom & green goes on top 
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Posted - January 19 2013 : 12:23:25 AM
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Love the layout! But may i ask why so life-Like strict on this layout? Life like is cheap and not dependable majoriy of the time. Not insulting just wondering why it seems only Life-like. Keep up the great work! 
I buy, repair, and collect
http://scvr.weebly.com/
http://seyboldlocomotiveworks.weebly.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDeputation?feature=watch
Hyde.
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Posted - January 19 2013 : 09:40:26 AM
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quote:Love the layout! But may i ask why so life-Like strict on this layout? Life like is cheap and not dependable majoriy of the time. Not insulting just wondering why it seems only Life-like. Keep up the great work!
Originally posted by SCVR66Â -Â January 19 2013Â :Â 12:23:25 AM
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Maybe because that's what I started my layout with. I'm also not just using Life-Like, but I am also adding more Tyco stuff as I get it, maybe some more Bachmann and Atlas stuff too. I am also mostly steering clear of Life-Like's Power-Loc track in lieu of the more realistic and better-performing Atlas True-Track, except for certain action accessories.
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Posted - January 19 2013 : 12:21:02 PM
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I don't blame you. That's great to hear! Keep up the great work!
I buy, repair, and collect
http://scvr.weebly.com/
http://seyboldlocomotiveworks.weebly.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDeputation?feature=watch
Hyde.
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Posted - January 19 2013 : 12:48:06 PM
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| do you have any Power-Loc track?
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Posted - January 19 2013 : 5:03:39 PM
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quote:do you have any Power-Loc track?
Originally posted by microbusss - January 19 2013 : 12:48:06 PM
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Yes, but as you can see there is only a small amount used on my layout, connected via Power-Loc adapter track sections:
I do also have 14 sections in my room for building a 47x38" oval for testing/breaking in new stuff, along with several other track sections that I originally used on my layout (the Freight Runner set came with a figure-8 track layout using a 90-degree cross track, which I also expanded using a Power-Loc track expander set:
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Posted - January 21 2013 : 2:35:06 PM
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Very nice layout. Nice accessories too.
Alco Fan
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Posted - January 21 2013 : 4:12:16 PM
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darn I wanted some track too 
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Posted - January 24 2013 : 4:42:50 PM
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More new pics!
You may noticed I placed a bit of lichen around the Life-Like crossings to hide the seams. I'm also now considering painting the white parts of the bases green or brown for a somewhat more realistic look.
I decided to relocate the school. I still plan to install a fenced-in playground behind it, like a real elementary school would typically have. (Maybe if I can get the Tyco school house kit, that could be the town's middle school?)
You might notice the new Life-Like contemporary ranch house there. It doesn't look too great because the pieces were kind of warped when I received it...
The switchman doing his job. Like I said, this seems like a knock-off of the Tyco version, which in turn is a knock-off of a Lionel product!
A roadside fruit stand accompanies the apple orchard.
One gate is able to often stay down on the Life-Like crossing, but the other not so much.
The train approaches the residential-area crossing.
I am also planning on getting more track to connect those spurs to the main line, maybe add another siding, a Tyco unloading box car and/or freight unloading depot, Life-Like Hampden fire station, a campground near the back (thinking of getting both the older Build-a-Scene version and the later SceneMaster Essentials version), a lake of some sort and probably a high-quality Tyco locomotive I can use on the layout as well.
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Posted - January 25 2013 : 09:55:41 AM
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Looks like fun! Are you planning to connect those two spurs to the mainline?
Unspoken expectations are premeditated failures.
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Posted - January 25 2013 : 4:48:49 PM
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quote:Looks like fun! Are you planning to connect those two spurs to the mainline?
Originally posted by NC shortlines - January 25 2013 : 09:55:41 AM
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Yup, I just ordered a switch to connect at least one of the spurs to the main line.
I also redid the track plan, as it turns out Atlas Code-83/True Track isn't really designed for those Tyco Layout Expander System track plans. This time, for now it will be like this:
I also re-arranged a few things on the layout as well.
I decided to put the apple orchard and fruit stand near the stock pen.
Bachmann switch tower located next to one of the siding switches.
Sometimes I run a passenger train on the layout.
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Posted - January 28 2013 : 4:34:00 PM
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Well, I just got a new switch so I can connect at least one of those spurs to the main line!
The switch there is remote-operated. I plan to wire it up to my power pack, but I'll need some extra red/black/green wire from Atlas to do so...
The non-operating Scenemaster crossing signals are now facing the road, as the spur has finally been opened.
I installed a small light inside that shanty.
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Posted - January 28 2013 : 5:17:58 PM
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Nice to see the spur connected. More switching operations.
Are you using insulators for different track sections so you can have operating blocks for more than 1 powered locomotive?
By the way, the pink bushes look like pink Azalea's to me. You've got some interesting items on your layout.
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Posted - January 28 2013 : 6:51:12 PM
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quote:Nice to see the spur connected. More switching operations.
Are you using insulators for different track sections so you can have operating blocks for more than 1 powered locomotive?
Originally posted by NC shortlines - January 28 2013 : 5:17:58 PM
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I plan to get a Tyco blocking controller so I can use that siding in a block control setup; I can park one train while rinning another, and vice versa.
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Posted - January 29 2013 : 7:47:40 PM
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OK, so I am getting a Tyco blocking switch and wire. I plan to set it up so the inner siding can be used to park one train or powered locomotive while the other train runs on the main line, or so the train can be parked on that side of the main line while the other train travels on the siding connected to the main line, very much like described in here:
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/tycocatalogtycoccenepg04.jpg
As a recap, this is the track plan, which is a variation of one of Tyco's "other suggested" 2-train-operation track layouts shown at the end of the layout expander instruction manual (also shown in the 1975 Tyco catalog, http://hoseeker.net/tycoinformation/tycocatalog1975pg09.jpg , the top one)...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/125trackplan.jpg
Now, I do know where to place the insulated joiners (I'm going to use Atlas plastic insulated joiners, not those yellow ones Tyco offered in the past!), as my Tyco manual shows it. BUT, because my layout doesn't use terminal track sections as of now (probably not until I upgrade to DCC), I am going to try and substitute with terminal rail joiners. Because the instructions say to connect each split end of the wire from the blocking switch to the left connector on each terminal rerailer, what would the equivalent be for terminal joiners? (i.e. using one terminal joiner, but which rail) I can easily connect the terminal joiner wires to the blocking switch wires, so that shouldn't be a problem...
The "Locomotives with operating headlights" there is for suggestions on a second train. For THAT, I'm getting a Walthers Trainline Santa Fe Dash-840BW diesel locomotive. It'd be good to have some more "modern" power on my line (aside from my Amtrak GP9M switcher.)
Edited by - wiley209 on January 29 2013 10:28:39 PM
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Posted - January 30 2013 : 12:30:30 AM
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The terminal joiner should attach to the same rail as the insulated joiners.
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
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Posted - January 30 2013 : 08:13:24 AM
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quote:The terminal joiner should attach to the same rail as the insulated joiners.
Originally posted by gmoney - January 30 2013 : 12:30:30 AM
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Ah, so one end of the single rail has the insulated joiner, and the other has the terminal joiner? If that's the case, then thanks!
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Posted - January 30 2013 : 7:52:50 PM
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I decided to experiment with ballasting, on the "permanent" track sections on my layout...
Here's another decent use for ballast that will eventually be used...
More "earth" was added up to the used car lot.
Truck preparing to drop off a trailer for when a train with the piggyback flat car pulls in again.
The reason for that extra crossing signal is that it's facing a side road, for people that are about to turn right onto the crossing. I've seen some real-life railroad crossings set up like this.
I also bought this Tyco caboose! Once I get the new Santa Fe Dash-8 locomotive, I will use this caboose with it.
Definitely from the 1970s, or even the very early 1980s.
Santa Fe freight stops at this station so the train crew gets information and coffee!
Edited by - wiley209 on January 30 2013 8:16:48 PM
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Posted - January 30 2013 : 11:55:46 PM
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quote: quote:The terminal joiner should attach to the same rail as the insulated joiners.
Originally posted by gmoney - January 30 2013 : 12:30:30 AM
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Ah, so one end of the single rail has the insulated joiner, and the other has the terminal joiner? If that's the case, then thanks!
Originally posted by wiley209Â -Â January 30 2013Â :Â 08:13:24 AM
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Since your sidings are double-ended, make sure you put an insulated joiner at each end of each siding (just like the directions you posted show), and put the terminal joiner in the rail between the two insulated joiners. I hope this is clear.
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
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Posted - January 31 2013 : 05:25:38 AM
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Nice layout - Keep up the good work
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Posted - January 31 2013 : 9:25:14 PM
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quote:
Since your sidings are double-ended, make sure you put an insulated joiner at each end of each siding (just like the directions you posted show), and put the terminal joiner in the rail between the two insulated joiners. I hope this is clear.
Originally posted by gmoney - January 30 2013 : 11:55:46 PM
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I understand now; however, this also shows what I have in mind for the location of the insulated joiners...
(top track plan; the insulated joiner locations are marked with small gray lines between the track sections):
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Posted - February 03 2013 : 3:20:09 PM
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Update time again! This time I now got a Tyco blocking controller, and so now I now have my layout wired for two-train operation (one train at a time, like the Tyco layout expander set or the Tycoscene board with expansion and blocking control.)
The blocking switch installed next to the power pack.
Once I get another left-hand switch, I'm going to electrically separate the Power-Loc spur (via insulated joiners and new terminal wiring) to run any spare engines on it as if it were a switcher, and hook it up to the second cab control on my MRC Tech 4-280.
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Posted - February 04 2013 : 10:06:44 PM
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OK, I'm deciding that now I should get rid of the roadbed on my layout. Here's an experimental section I did on that...
Something tells me I'll need quite a bit of ballast...
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Posted - February 06 2013 : 7:22:18 PM
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Got me a "new" locomotive for my layout today!
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-127.jpg
It's a Walthers Trainline Dash 8-40BW Santa Fe locomotive. It came with horn-hook couplers, but of course I replaced them. It also helped to break it in on a 45x36" oval of Power-Loc track and clean the wheels first before running it on my layout. It does a pretty good job at hauling my Tyco and Life-Like rolling stock (just because I have a lot of older Tyco, Life-Like and Bachmann stuff on my layout doesn't mean I just have to stick with those sort of locos!) It also has directional lighting as well, which I've always found a cool feature.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-125.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-126.jpg
Overview shots.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-128.jpg
The Tyco caboose is now in action! I love how nice and new it looks, except for the styrofoam mark on the top...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-129.jpg
I learned that I can't really ballast most of the existing track sans the roadbed, so I only did so with the sections of track that aren't likely to be replaced during any track plan changes.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-130.jpg
My attempt at doing a road, using some black paint and a bit of fine black ground cover material. I'm gonna need more black paint...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-131.jpg
This left-hand switch is a bit troublesome. It causes some cars to sometimes derail. Could the switch be loose or defective?
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-132.jpg
My PRR 0-4-0 steam locomotive is currently used for the "B block" train.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-133.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-134.jpg
Overview of the freight spurs. Note the Tyco Union Pacific boxcar.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-135.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-136.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-137.jpg
My attempt at decorating the base on my Life-Like dual crossing gate so far, covering the white spots.
I am also getting a Tyco operating pipe loader (1981 version) for use on the layout as well...
http://www.ho-scaletrains.net/tycoactionaccessories/id80.html
Then I also plan to get a Freight Unloading Depot to use with it as well :D
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Posted - February 07 2013 : 07:31:47 AM
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Congratulations Wiley. You've got some heavy power there. Have fun.
frank
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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Posted - February 07 2013 : 09:59:47 AM
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to do a road cheaplly Use unwanted roofing tiles Instant asphalt road
Good thing they come in different colors
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Posted - February 11 2013 : 8:59:24 PM
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| OK, so now I'm actually thinking of doing a major overhaul of the layout. I will use all of the existing building kits and stuff, but I am going to redo the track and landscaping (I will use most of my existing True-Track.) I think this time I will actually try to recreate the Tyco Layout Expander system.
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Posted - February 11 2013 : 10:01:11 PM
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Make sure you use code 100 track. I think the true track is code 83. I do like the layout. I say keep it that way for a while! Just don't go and install or build anything big or hard to move.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - February 11 2013 : 10:33:32 PM
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| OK; I changed my mind. I am not going to do a massive overhaul, but I am going to fix up the tracks.
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Posted - February 13 2013 : 6:01:32 PM
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I guess my Life-Like track cleaner isn't really doing the job of cleaning the nickel-silver rails. I'm probably going to get a Woodland Scenics track-cleaning kit instead. However, my layout is still getting nicer to look at...
Tyco operating pipe loader (1981 version.) It only came with one plastic pipe though. As for a railcar, I can load them into my Union Pacific gondola. Maybe if I get a Freight Unloading Depot, this can be used to load the pipes, and the depot to unload them on the other side of the layout, or something.
Life-Like Operating Coal Tipple. This is the 1980s/early 1990s version. That Union Pacific hopper in the background was included with it, but my Burlington Route hopper that came with my Freight Runner train set will work fine with it too!
This is now going to be an action/industrial spur of sorts. I am also getting a Tyco unloading box car set that will be set up here.
That background train is on an unpowered spur, as a place to store unused freight cars and stuff.
Eye-level view of the stock pen and farm stand.
The recently-lubricated locomotive parked at the main station.
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Posted - February 13 2013 : 6:34:51 PM
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Pipe Loader! ooo cool Need to find one of them
Looking good 
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Posted - February 15 2013 : 7:59:53 PM
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Tried my hand at laying down the road for the vehicles...
I'm also getting the later Tyco piggyback loader/unloader, and I have also installed more knuckle couplers on freight cars that still had horn-hooks...
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 10:07:30 AM
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| Nice! This is similar to a starter layout that I want to do. What are the dimensions on your layout board?
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 1:26:18 PM
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quote:Nice! This is similar to a starter layout that I want to do. What are the dimensions on your layout board?
Originally posted by Zombievickers - February 16 2013 : 10:07:30 AM
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It's on a 4x8 sheet of plywood.
And since I am posting here right now, I just got the Tyco Operating Box Car, and am going to install it on my layout...
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 5:18:10 PM
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Well, the road is now pretty much finished, so of course I did more pics, including overviews...
The Tyco operating box car receiving platform.
The box car itself. For some reason I can't get it to work. It is either something with the wiring, or the brass contacts may need to be cleaned (would track cleaner be good?)
The control panel with the Prestomatic button for the box car installed.
The layout with the main fluorescent basement lights off, showing the various accessories that are illuminated.
Same angle, with camera flash.
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Posted - February 19 2013 : 6:06:26 PM
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Doing some track-replacement/fix-ups. I decided the True-Track may not be ideal in some areas, and that I have a bunch of Code-100 nickel-silver track sections lying around (boxed up at least), so I thought I'd use some of them...
Something tells me I need to fix up the ballast here. For now the Code-100 track there isn't permanently attached, but once I get more glue and fix/complete the ballast there, I will either nail or glue the track down.
My new Plasticville post office.
When I'm not moving or dis/re-connecting track sections, I am parking my trains here until the project is completed.
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blaneo
Switcher
.JPG)
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Posted - February 19 2013 : 9:45:40 PM
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| Looking good, keep at it.
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Posted - February 19 2013 : 10:03:01 PM
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I like the photo with the lights out. I like the shadows. It looks like moonlight.
You know what works good for the yellow lines in a street? Yellow auto pin striping. Or white.
I like your layout!
Mark
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Posted - February 20 2013 : 07:56:53 AM
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Now that is railroading! Tyco style! With some Bachmann and life like placed in. Very nice !!!
frank
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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Posted - February 21 2013 : 5:19:58 PM
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Well, I now properly nailed and ballasted the non-roadbed track sections...
Unfortunately my Santa Fe Dash-8...
...wound up in an unintentional reenactment of the Scooby-Doo: Mystery Inc. episode "The Wild Brood" (2011.) Now I am still attempting to repair it so I don't have to shell out more money out of my new-laptop fund...
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Posted - February 22 2013 : 6:36:25 PM
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I got the Santa Fe Dash 8 running again, but it needs a few more fix-ups (like new Kadee couplers). But in the meantime, here's more new pics of the layout. This time I added several Tyco signs and telephone poles to it...
Overview with the modified track.
I also got the Tyco operating box car working. Turns out the contacts need to be touching each other in a certain way...
Sorry for the crummy quality, but I couldn't help but notice that the crossbuck sign included on Life-Like's crossing gate and switchman looks pretty much exactly the same as the Tyco railroad crossing signs. Come to think of it, I'm willing to bet these signs were made by another company, then Tyco and Life-Like distributed them, though the Tyco switchman comes with two of those crossbucks, and the Life-Like switchman only comes with one (since the late 1990s, prior to that it only came with the small black crossing signs.)
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Posted - February 27 2013 : 5:35:58 PM
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Gee, this thread isn't getting much attention all of a sudden. Maybe some of these changes I did will grab attention (I needed to make a few more modifications and repairs, and is still somewhat of a work-in-progress; the repair part that is.)
Yes, I modified the trackplan AGAIN. As for the rather wide roadbed in one area as a result, I also based that off in some parts of the track line running through my area they have a rather wide roadbed of gravel/ballast. Also note the "lake" I added.
The later manual version of the Tyco piggyback loader/unloader. I'm thinking of weathering it so it doesn't look so bright and plastic-like...
Vintage Athearn refrigerator car!
The left-hand switch seen here is rather troublesome lately. I might replace it, and just get a regular Code-83 manual switch and replace the existing switch with it on the True-Track roadbed.
View of the downtown shops.
Any comments/questions?
Edited by - wiley209 on February 27 2013 5:44:33 PM
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Posted - February 28 2013 : 09:58:19 AM
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quote:Gee, this thread isn't getting much attention all of a sudden.
Any comments/questions?
Originally posted by wiley209Â -Â February 27 2013Â :Â 5:35:58 PM
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I haven't viewed it recently because it takes so long for my computer to load all the pictures.
I've been noticing a lot of the little things on your layout. Like the city streets are paved and then turns to dirt out in the country. And some of the vehicles.
Also noticed you have another siding not connected,yet. AND more basement space.
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blaneo
Switcher
Status:
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Posted - February 28 2013 : 7:18:34 PM
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I wouldn't worry too much about no one commenting on your progress with the layout. For some of us (myself included), we just may not have the time to post on every thing we look at. Sometimes I start to post something and then delete it, because I feel it really isn't relevant. We are looking at your progress and I know I am liking what I see.
The stock pen that you have on your layout, is that from Bachmann? I was just looking at one ebay, but couldn't really see what it actually looked like.
Here is a picture of my piggyback loader/unloader. I painted this about 25 years ago, still looking pretty good. I think it looks a lot nicer with the color being toned down. Sorry, I had to sit it on a hill of the racetrack to get a good picture.
Blane is the name,
Trains are the game.
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