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 Posted - February 28 2013 : 7:48:46 PM
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quote: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.
Originally posted by blaneo - February 28 2013 : 7:18:34 PM
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Nope; it's made by Life-Like. It came with my Freight Runner train set:
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Posted - March 01 2013 : 1:25:44 PM
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| Looks cool! I still have to get one of those Piggyback loaders myself. It looks like your layout is a lot of fun to run with all the operating accesories. Here's a tip for the scenery, you can make the grass mat look more realistic by sprinkling different colors of scenic foam in spots, like burnt color grass near the city and darker green grass in the countryside areas.
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Posted - March 01 2013 : 8:11:54 PM
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in case you have or get multiple Tyco Piggyback Loader/Unloaders Do this:
Also get a piece of plastic to go on the space where ramp went
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Posted - March 01 2013 : 9:06:55 PM
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Finally connected that other spur and electrically separated it from the rest of the track!
I also plan to get a Tyco Freight Unloading Depot, Crane Car and Boom Tender, and probably a Proto 1000 Santa Fe F3A locomotive...
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Posted - March 10 2013 : 10:08:30 PM
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Update time again...
I decided that it would be easier on my equipment if I kept the track on the right side more consistent.
For now I also temporarily put a Life-Like station platform next to the crossing. If I can, I will eventually replace it with a Tyco lighted freight depot.
The three-track railroad crossing in its current state.
I may eventually wire this switch so it can be remotely operated.
Here's something suspicious I noticed...
Note the crossbuck on the left side of the Life-Like crossing gate. (It's also included with the Life-Like Power-Loc Switchman.) It looks suspiciously like the Tyco version:
However, Walthers also currently offers the old Tyco signs and utility poles under their TrainLine product line...
I am still planning on replacing the Code-83/True Track switches with Atlas Code-100 snap switches (particularly the ones near the double spur setup.) I read that it turns out Tyco locomotives often would operate fine on Atlas Code-83 track straight and curve sections, but have trouble with the switches and crossing sections.
I'm also planning on re-walling the layout area of the basement with my mom, to prevent more dust and icky stuff getting on the layout. I may even put up small barriers on the 8-foot ends to prevent any "Under Seige 2"-esque wrecks if a derailment should occur, and maybe a backdrop on the end.
I am also planning to get a Tyco Freight Unloading Depot, the Tyco crane/boom tender (Santa Fe version), the horse car and depot set (I may set it up near the stock pen), maybe a couple of Walthers traffic lights and crossing signals, and a few new locomotives like the Tyco Diesel Switcher, maybe a GP-20, along with a new Walthers Trainline locomotive (maybe either a Santa Fe or BNSF GP9M or a BNSF Dash 8-40BW) and a Proto 1000 F3A (Santa Fe, of course!)
Yeah, I seem to use a lot of Burlington Northern and Santa Fe on my layout. Maybe it's because my first train set was Santa Fe?
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Posted - March 12 2013 : 6:07:24 PM
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Finally replaced that troublesome switch!
Another locomotive I'm trying to hunt down for my layout is one of those 8-wheel-drive Alco 6682 Santa Fe diesel locomotives made in Yugoslavia that several companies rebranded in the USA (like AHM, Life-Like, etc.)
In my 7th edition of "Basics for Beginners," these eight-wheel-drive locomotives were advertised as a premium, sort of like the pre-Proto X000 days! (Though I'm also planning on getting a Santa Fe Proto-1000 locomotive as well, and maybe a couple of Tyco models...)
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Posted - March 14 2013 : 3:22:07 PM
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OK, now I am getting a Life-Like Proto 1000 F3A Santa Fe diesel locomotive for my layout...
Now to look for a Tyco 241 Santa Fe diesel switcher...
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Posted - March 15 2013 : 9:29:17 PM
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Fixed up something on my layout, being the track ramp for one of the coal tipples being on the dirt road in the residential section of my layout...
Overview of the three-track grade crossing.
The trains parked in their respective blocking sections.
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Posted - March 16 2013 : 9:07:38 PM
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My attempt at modifying the base on this Life-Like trackside shanty. I also painted the interior walls black so that the outer walls don't glow from the interior lighting.
I was mistaken; I'm not getting that Proto 1000 engine, but I AM getting the Tyco diesel switcher:
I'm also getting the Woodland Scenics Tidy Track cleaning kit, because I think it may provide better maintenance than my Life-Like maintenance kit, and I'm also thinking of getting their tie-weathering/painting marker to use on my track ties to make it look more realistic.
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Posted - March 20 2013 : 6:52:26 PM
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Did a thorough track cleaning on my layout with my new Woodland Scenics track cleaning kit; it did improve performance more than the Life-Like stuff, and I think now it will just need a monthly cleaning using said kit, provided I get more pads (maybe I can convince my city's hobby dealer to start stocking them?)
I also managed to get some new pics...
Life-Like ATSF boxcar I picked up at a local thrift/auction store that has several model railroad stuff on sale (mostly Manuta and Bachmann rolling stock and a bit of vintage Life-Like as well.) I may keep the horn-hook couplers for now; I do have a few "conversion" cars with one side using horn-hooks and the other using knuckle couplers.
Here is how I now set up my Tyco container loader/unloader. It still won't work with my Santa Fe trailers; I'm thinking of getting some UP or BN truck trailers to use with it. The marker lines are indicating where I will be painting more "asphalt."
An abandoned caboose next to the supply house. (I got this on the house from the hobby shop I am doing volunteer work at, setting up for a train museum.)
The new school bus lane added to the recently-named Hampden Elementary School :P
My current "Block A" train setup. Still need some more pipe sections for the Tyco pipe loader...
My "Block B" train as it is now.
I accidentally damaged a gate on one of my older Life-Like crossings, so I took the signal and installed it on the Life-Like Power-Loc switchman without the gate (as the crossing gate and switchman use the same base, but the switchman version also comes with a small black platform that would fit over the signal/gate hole.)
The backs of Tyco accessory boxes; one from the early 1970s (top left), one from the mid-to-late 1970s (bottom left) and one from 1980 (bottom right.) I am still looking to get the Tyco freight unloading depot, lighted freight station, BN floodlight car, and the ATSF version of the crane car/boom tender set.
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Posted - March 21 2013 : 12:37:33 AM
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How many pipe sections do you need? I think I have three I'm willing to part with.
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
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Posted - March 21 2013 : 08:17:36 AM
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quote:How many pipe sections do you need? I think I have three I'm willing to part with.
Originally posted by gmoney - March 21 2013 : 12:37:33 AM
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I need three actually, but I'm going to wait a bit as I might be getting a Tyco freight-unloading depot.
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blaneo
Switcher
.JPG)
Status:
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Posted - March 21 2013 : 09:34:23 AM
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It's looking really good wiley, keep at it.
Blane is the name,
Trains are the game.
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Posted - March 23 2013 : 6:11:52 PM
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Well, I got my Tyco diesel switcher in today! So I took some more photos of the layout. I also installed a few new Bachmann Scenescapes walnut trees...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-1944.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-2030.jpg
The diesel switcher being broken in on my layout.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-2284.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-2111.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-1407.jpg
One of the new trees near that grade crossing. Where the "Danger" signs are located, I will be placing a Life-Like fire station building kit.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-451.jpg
I also moved the tree-crushed car over to near the stock pen.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-775.jpg
I'm also getting a Mantua Burlington Northern GP-20 diesel locomotive!
At least I can use a regular ATSF caboose with it, due to the whole Burlington Northern Santa Fe thing (after all, BNSF is my main freight railroad of choice on my layout!)
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Posted - March 25 2013 : 4:38:55 PM
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I got my Mantua BN GP-20 in today!
I am keeping the horn/hook couplers on it for now...
Another layout overview...
I "paved" the small roadway to the piggyback loader/unloader and also added a driveway and fence to the house next to it.
From another angle.
I also plan to "pave" a small roadway to the truck terminal. The fire station will be going next to it.
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Posted - March 27 2013 : 7:56:24 PM
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The town's new fire station has been built!
It comes complete with a watch tower and a civil defense siren (which is to be used in the event of tornadoes, hurricanes, or whenever a bird or bat is flying around loose in the basement :P )
Another angle of the fire station. I parked one of my Life-Like fire chief cruisers there. You will see I also "paved" the roadway to the Tyco truck terminal near the supply house.
I plan to put up more fencework dividing this house from the railroad spurs.
Here is a nice overview of the town in its current state. It is a rather busy place! I am thinking of putting a Tyco hardware store or drug store in the empty lot next to the Life-Like railroad crossing, and replacing the train station platform next to that with a Tyco lighted freight station.
And of course, an overview of the residential area of the layout. I don't plan to build more houses for the layout, but I could use some more fencework near the house on the top right...
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Posted - April 13 2013 : 8:50:12 PM
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Got my Tyco lighted freight station in today!
Later Tyco Union Pacific gondola car being loaded at the Tyco 1981 pipe loader.
Two Life-Like action accessories together. Note that I painted the ties on the Power-Loc adapter tracks brown. I used a Woodland Scenics track-weathering marker for that.
Overview of the town portion of the layout.
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Posted - May 28 2013 : 2:17:38 PM
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It's been a while, but I have some updates to my rail layout!
Another new locomotive! This time it's an ATSF Alco 628 8-wheel-drive diesel locomotive! This was a common locomotive from the 1970s to the 1990s; it was made by some Yugoslavian company, and was rebranded by AHM, Life-Like, Model Power and IHC (Tyco also offered a version of this with their "Railroad Empire II" train set in the early 1990s, but in the red/silver Warbonnet color scheme.) This particular model came in a box branded by Life-Like as a "premium quality locomotive," as this and the FP-45 is what Life-Like has for "premium" locomotives back in the 1980s prior to the Proto lines. It still runs really well, but the headlight needs to be fixed...
Tyco freight-unloading depot!
Walthers Cornerstone cantilever crossing signal. Right now it's sort of a decoration, but I plan to hook it up to a crossing controller and detection unit soon...
I am also in the process of putting license plates on my autos. I got the idea from my copy of the Life-Like Basics for Beginners 7th Edition.
Current layout overview.
The control panel in its current state. Note the two Prestomatic switches to the right of the MRC Tech-4 280; the one on the left is for the unloading box car, and the one on the right is for the freight unloading depot.
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Posted - May 28 2013 : 7:28:16 PM
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quote:| Life-Like Basics for Beginners 7th Edition |
ooooo I think in one of those theres a article "This O scale sign is fine in HO" hehe
I needs to find those mags!
& btw Great layout Hope IF I move mine will look like that or similat 
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Posted - May 28 2013 : 10:45:15 PM
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quote:
ooooo I think in one of those theres a article "This O scale sign is fine in HO" hehe
I needs to find those mags!
& btw Great layout Hope IF I move mine will look like that or similat
Originally posted by microbusss - May 28 2013 : 7:28:16 PM
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Yep, those Basics for Beginners booklets were pretty good for beginners, novices AND more advanced model railroaders! It's a shame they aren't offered with Life-Like's train sets anymore since the Walthers buyout (I remember being surprised to see there wasn't one included with my Freight Runner train set!)
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Posted - May 29 2013 : 01:19:47 AM
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& I did get that sign btw hehe 
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Posted - May 29 2013 : 07:49:39 AM
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** It is a joy to look through your photos and see how you did it. It is like you went to the Tyco-Life Like-Bachmann school of model railroading. Keep up the good work.
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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Posted - June 10 2013 : 9:54:32 PM
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A few more updates...
I now have a Tyco operating floodlight car! The light doesn't work though... I may need to replace the bulb, if I can. It's the BN version (No. 346) offered from 1980 to 1992 (I went with it due to my mostly using BNSF on my layout, plus it looks more realistic than the one Life-Like offered!) It's a bit smaller than I thought it would be. I may install SceneMaster knuckle couplers in it once I get more.
For now I also have the Mantua BN GP-20 pulling the main freight train on my layout. I recently replaced the original horn-hook couplers with new SceneMaster knuckle couplers (as those were the kind that would fit into the coupler pockets.)
My new Tyco operating crossing flasher (No. 960)! The lights do not actually blink and alternate like they did on the other crossing signal Tyco offered. Right now there isn't really any place to install it on my layout, until I eventually expand the plywood beyond 4x8...
The underside. Note that the rail joiners are attached, like on Bachmann and Life-Like's track. I imagine Tyco switched to attached joiners some time in the 1980s, or they only did this for track-related accessories at the time (as we know Tyco track used removable joiners in the 1970s and early 1980s!)
Comparing it with the other Tyco crossing signal accessory. I still need to try and get the lights to work on that one (the bulbs do work, but they will not flash when powered from the rails...)
And speaking of which, here is the Tyco crossing gate next to the Life-Like Power-Loc crossing gate. They do both seem very similar (the conventional-track single-gate version is even more similar to Tyco's version of the mid-1970s to the early-1990s!) I guess Tyco and Life-Like had their crossing gates made by the same Hong Kong factory back then...
The steam freight parked on the siding near the fruit stand...
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Posted - August 16 2013 : 11:50:45 PM
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Been a while, but some more updates should be coming soon! I got some Union Pacific truck trailers so I can actually use my Tyco piggyback loader/unloader, and I am also getting a Tyco Santa Fe GP-20 locomotive as well!
Also trying to hunt down a Tyco Chattanooga steam locomotive (any recommendations on what version I should get?), as well as the Tyco drug store building kit and probably the Tyco steam whistle billboard, so I can have that "classic toy train" sound on my layout as well. (I think it uses the same kind of workings as some of Lionel's whistle tenders did.)
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Posted - August 17 2013 : 8:55:41 PM
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Got the Santa Fe GP-20 in today!
Unfortunately, it wouldn't run when I was testing it, but the headlight did glow. It also came without couplers, so I installed my own. I mostly bought it so I could tinker around with it, though. Maybe it just needs a bit of lubing and cleaning...
The new Union Pacific trailers on my Tyco flatbed car.
This is how I now set up my Life-Like lighted yard tower and Tyco billboard. The latter I am using Tyco's old "Simplex" wiring system, and is not really plugged in at the moment, as I need to find out a bit more about its blinking light (is it a good thing or a bad thing? i.e. if it will shorten the life of the bulb.)
Overview of the rest of the layout.
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Posted - August 18 2013 : 4:31:28 PM
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nice work! Looking great.
If you are not having fun, you are not doing it right.
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Posted - September 11 2013 : 8:44:04 PM
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Got another nifty Tyco accessory in today...
The Tyco Crane Car and Boom Tender! (No. 932) I obviously got the Santa Fe version that was made from 1972 to 1980, to keep with the BNSF theme on my layout. And of course, I replaced the X2Fs with SceneMaster knuckle couplers.
Tyco steam whistle billboard. For now in the picture it is in a temporary setup of sorts. I will soon drill a hole for the wiring to go underneath it, and set up the button on my control panel.
A decent shot of the two branch sidings on my layout. The Tyco diesel switcher now has a knuckle coupler on the rear (Bachmann E-Z Mate), but the front coupler is pretty hard to replace...
Finally installed a fence around this house. Don't want any kids escaping and getting into trouble on the railroad tracks!
The school is back in session. I plan to still get the Bachmann playground accessories to set up behind the schoolhouse.
For those curious, here's a view from my control panel!
My Tyco Union Pacific hopper car (No. 344-E), with knuckle couplers installed and part of my current main freight train lineup.
Unfortunately there are still some stupid people on my layout...
(I am sure you can tell seeing THIS in real life scares me.)
And last but not least, another overview.
Edited by - wiley209 on September 11 2013 8:53:24 PM
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 Posted - September 11 2013 : 8:53:42 PM
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real cool I likes
IF I ever get Tyco operating crossing flasher (No. 960) I'm going to try to drill a hole on the crossing flasher with bell on the opposite side & hook it up to the flasher unit
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Posted - September 14 2013 : 8:59:57 PM
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I now have a Bachmann "action caboose" on my layout as well!
Only problem is, the little message triangles are kinda hard to fit on the stand, and the other cars can knock them a little loose. Plus, for now I have to stick with its X2F couplers, as Bachmann made them with an unusual-size hole that would need to be screwed in. This means you can't install a standard Tyco or Life-Like -style horn-hook coupler onto the talgo truck, or the larger-hole ones.
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Posted - September 18 2013 : 7:03:54 PM
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Tyco auto carrier car! Right now it's kind of set up as a conversion car, going between knuckle and X2F couplers. It does look nice, but not as realistic as the Life-Like one...
I also finally installed a playground for the school house!
And I also set up the Tyco steam whistle billboard here.
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Posted - October 08 2013 : 7:55:37 PM
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Here's some more updates!
[URL=http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/railway/file-2003.jpg.html]  [/URL]
I outfitted a few of my locomotives and cars with IHC "Magic Mate" couplers. They were a bit cumbersome to work with at first, but after a while they turned out to be pretty good! They are designed so they can connect with knuckle and horn/hook couplers, and sometimes makes a handy alternative to "conversion cars."
[URL=http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/railway/file-2310.jpg.html]  [/URL]
I got this in yesterday; it's a vintage Bachmann 0-6-0 Santa Fe steam locomotive with slope tender! I think this particular model was made some time in the 1970s or 1980s. It was a bit damaged when it arrived, but I did some repairs, and now it runs pretty well.
[URL=http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/railway/file-2044.jpg.html]  [/URL]
Here's another vintage HO steam engine I got a while back haven't shown yet: Tyco's Chattanooga 0-8-0! I did some cleaning and lubrication (there were some hairs on the bearing, as if the previous owner ran it on a rug, but I managed to remove most (if not all) of the hairs), installed traction tires, and broke it in on my break-in Power-Loc track oval for a bit. For the most part it runs fine, though it does struggle at times, probably due to how the motor is in the tender. But it is still nicely detailed!
I now need to pick up some smoke fluid for my two new steam locomotives. The Tyco smoke fluid is no good anymore, I believe.
[URL=http://s423.photobucket.com/user/wiley207/media/railway/file-329.jpg.html]  [/URL]
Atlas water tower. As long as I'm using some steam power, this is a nice addition to the layout.
Edited by - wiley209 on October 08 2013 7:57:54 PM
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Posted - October 09 2013 : 7:48:42 PM
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quote:
Unfortunately there are still some stupid people on my layout...
(I am sure you can tell seeing THIS in real life scares me.)
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Wiley, I have seen that in real life. I was on the roof of a train coming into Quito Ecuador and watched a pickup truck pull onto the tracks and stay there. I kept thinking that any moment, the driver would move. The engineer got the train slowed down quite a bit before impact, then I could hear the sound of the pickup truck's tires sliding sideways down the ballast.
Oddly, when the wreck ended, the truck was still running and the driver was unhurt. The right side door was puckered in where the coupler hit it. A bunch of guys helped push the truck off of the tracks and onto a parallel street. Then, the truck drove off and we got back on the train and left. That incident could have ended much worse!
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - November 23 2013 : 11:34:27 PM
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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on my layout!
I'm getting some separate parts from the Life-Like "Holiday Rails" train set so I can decorate my train layout, and I'm hoping maybe I can find one of their "Norman Rockwell"-themed Christmas train sets, like this one...
I would run this on my layout too, sans the Power-Loc track of course. Then when Christmas is over I can pack up the holiday stuff, then set them up on my layout again the next year! That makes it more realistic...
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Posted - November 24 2013 : 11:57:17 AM
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quote:
Tyco auto carrier car! Right now it's kind of set up as a conversion car, going between knuckle and X2F couplers. It does look nice, but not as realistic as the Life-Like one...
Originally posted by wiley209Â -Â September 18 2013Â :Â 7:03:54 PM
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wiley - really like your layout. Something interesting to look at everywhere  Looking forward for more updates.
The Tyco Auto Loader IS realistic (except for the day-glo orange that is). They pre-date the Life-Like auto loader though. I have a bunch of those Tyco Auto Loaders, I repainted and decaled them to look more realistic though.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - December 02 2013 : 11:28:40 PM
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Christmas version of Life-Like's Snap-Loc train station building kit; another addition to making my train layout appear more festive for the holidays!
The church Christmas tree again. Lots of trees like these are popping up in towns I go to now :)
Layout overview as of December 2, 2013. I'm also getting a Proto 1000 Santa Fe F3A locomotive (for REAL this time), to add more to the Christmas feel (i.e. "classic" model railraoding.)
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Posted - December 03 2013 : 07:39:13 AM
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Hey wiley; do you know I cant open any of you links except the one that is moving for the layout. Can't see what I can't open.
frank
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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Posted - December 03 2013 : 8:52:56 PM
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Wiley, you will love the proto 1000 F3. Not only can you find them at a great price, they are amazingly good runners.
If you are not having fun, you are not doing it right.
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Posted - December 06 2013 : 11:04:32 PM
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quote:Wiley, you will love the proto 1000 F3. Not only can you find them at a great price, they are amazingly good runners.
Originally posted by raysouthernpac - December 03 2013 : 8:52:56 PM
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That's for sure!
Just got her in! Very nice smooth operation, AND it's DCC-ready for when I eventually make that upgrade to the layout. I do need to install a front coupler on it though...
A collection of locomotives! There are a few missing from the photo (like my Tyco Santa Fe switcher and my Life-Like Amtrak F40PH), but otherwise it's not so bad. The last five on the right are the ones I frequently use nowadays, since they are more powerful than the lower-end Bachmann, Life-Like and Tyco stuff (though Life-Like's PRR 0-4-0 steam locomotive and tender runs very nicely.)
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Posted - December 07 2013 : 12:25:23 AM
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I tried the trailer loader/unloader with smooth sided Tyco trailers & it will pick them up sometimes
I likes the loco collections too
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Posted - December 07 2013 : 09:11:20 AM
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quote: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:
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-57.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-58.jpg
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?
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/DSCN0470_zpsd429981f.jpg
Life-Like Snap-Loc commuter station on the main line, with the supply house and some freight cars on the siding.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-25.jpg
Billboard mounted on a Walthers Cornerstone building kit. I like it because it kinda reminds me of some of the shops in my hometown...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-30.jpg
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...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/197168_1000.jpg
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...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-43.jpg
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.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-44.jpg
Bachmann action depot that needs repairing (I think a wire needs to be re-soldered...) Note the Tyco RailBox boxcar :)
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-47.jpg
Life-Like general store building kit.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-50.jpg
Check out the custom marquee I added to the Lowe's movie theater...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-59.jpg
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/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-60.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-62.jpg
Tyco piggyback flat car!
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-63.jpg
Model Power crossing signals. I plan to wire them up once I get a Walthers crossing signal controller...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-64.jpg
Truck terminal that came with the piggyback flat car.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-65.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-67.jpg
Life-Like operating log dump car and station.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-68.jpg
This is eventually going to be replaced with an operating crossing gate of some sort...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-69.jpg
The PRR steam locomotive parks at the main station...
Any comments/answers would be appreciated :D
Originally posted by wiley209Â -Â January 13 2013Â :Â 9:08:07 PM
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Wiley:
I don't know if you've restricted yourself to tru-Track, but you can take a piece of Atlas Snap-Trak and cut it to length and use that when you need an unavailable track length, then use a piece of paint stirer stick or other 1/4" thick piece of wood to shim it to match the adjoining trackage.
I built my control system with Single Pole Double throw toggle switches on a common rail ground. I currently have 5 handheld throttles, powered by old AF 50Watt transformers. I'm not familiar with the block controller systems from Tyco or Atlas, but they should work on the same premise, and be a lot easier to use. The only problem you might have is visitors in the self-anointed "expert" category who might criticize your efforts, but all they can do is brag about what they want to do "some day"
Keep the photos coming; they are an inspiration to the rest of us (at least me, anyway)
"S"tring boB
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Posted - December 07 2013 : 09:20:14 AM
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quote: quote: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:
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-57.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-58.jpg
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?
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/DSCN0470_zpsd429981f.jpg
Life-Like Snap-Loc commuter station on the main line, with the supply house and some freight cars on the siding.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-25.jpg
Billboard mounted on a Walthers Cornerstone building kit. I like it because it kinda reminds me of some of the shops in my hometown...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-30.jpg
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...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/197168_1000.jpg
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...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-43.jpg
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.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-44.jpg
Bachmann action depot that needs repairing (I think a wire needs to be re-soldered...) Note the Tyco RailBox boxcar :)
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-47.jpg
Life-Like general store building kit.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-50.jpg
Check out the custom marquee I added to the Lowe's movie theater...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-59.jpg
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/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-60.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-62.jpg
Tyco piggyback flat car!
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-63.jpg
Model Power crossing signals. I plan to wire them up once I get a Walthers crossing signal controller...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-64.jpg
Truck terminal that came with the piggyback flat car.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-65.jpg
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-67.jpg
Life-Like operating log dump car and station.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-68.jpg
This is eventually going to be replaced with an operating crossing gate of some sort...
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/file-69.jpg
The PRR steam locomotive parks at the main station...
Any comments/answers would be appreciated :D
Originally posted by wiley209Â -Â January 13 2013Â :Â 9:08:07 PM
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Wiley:
I don't know if you've restricted yourself to tru-Track, but you can take a piece of Atlas Snap-Trak and cut it to length and use that when you need an unavailable track length, then use a piece of paint stirer stick or other 1/4" thick piece of wood to shim it to match the adjoining trackage.
I built my control system with Single Pole Double throw toggle switches on a common rail ground. I currently have 5 handheld throttles, powered by old AF 50Watt transformers. I'm not familiar with the block controller systems from Tyco or Atlas, but they should work on the same premise, and be a lot easier to use. The only problem you might have is visitors in the self-anointed "expert" category who might criticize your efforts, but all they can do is brag about what they want to do "some day"
Keep the photos coming; they are an inspiration to the rest of us (at least me, anyway)
Originally posted by "S"tring boBÂ -Â December 07 2013Â :Â 09:11:20 AM
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An addendum: I forgot to add, don't be afraid to compromise to reach your goals, such as using sectional track if it will aid your efforts. You can use short wide radius curve sections in diminishing radius to blend your curves (I can't currently remember the prototypical term). I would do it myself, but no one makes such track in S.
"S"tring boB
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Posted - December 08 2013 : 12:47:39 AM
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| Uh "S"tringBob, I actually mostly use Atlas nickel-silver Code-100 and Code-83 (the latter also includes True-Track), though I do have a bit of Power-Loc track for using a few of my Life-Like accessories. Besides, the post you were replying to is OLD and no longer relevant. You may want to see how my layout has progressed in one of my more recent posts here.
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Posted - December 28 2013 : 9:08:09 PM
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One of my Christmas presents this year:
Bachmann Plasticville pedestrian bridge!
I also got a working Bachmann "action depot" and a Life-Like elevated commuter passenger station kit! Only problem, I don't really have any room on where to put them on my layout! Could another overhaul be in the future?
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Posted - January 16 2014 : 5:28:44 PM
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Got another locomotive to add to my roster:
Walthers TrainLine Santa Fe "Bluebonnet" GP9M diesel engine! Again, it has a nice flywheel motor and all-wheel drive.
For the heck of it, here's a double-header setup I thought I'd try out.
A recent overview.
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Posted - January 17 2014 : 5:57:30 PM
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| That's pretty cool Wiley. And I dig the rock wall. Layout must be in your basement, hey?
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Posted - January 17 2014 : 10:23:20 PM
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quote:That's pretty cool Wiley. And I dig the rock wall. Layout must be in your basement, hey?
Originally posted by Barry - January 17 2014 : 5:57:30 PM
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Yes it is; the only disadvantage is the dust in the basement. But using nickel-silver track and cleaning it monthly helps! I recently cleaned the tracks and it helped a lot. (This is one reason why I prefer nickel silver tracks over steel or brass.)
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Posted - January 23 2014 : 11:05:55 PM
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Here's another video I shot of the layout:
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Posted - January 24 2014 : 10:34:52 AM
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Wow! There's a whole lot happening in that layout. Looks like a fun one to operate.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - January 24 2014 : 10:58:40 PM
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hey, when you get a chance, any chance of getting a photo of the top of that Santa Fe tower in the right upper corner by the mountains? I have that exact one, but it's missing the top piece, want to see what it looks like. The gray tower with red upper structure. Thanks!
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - January 26 2014 : 9:21:30 PM
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quote:hey, when you get a chance, any chance of getting a photo of the top of that Santa Fe tower in the right upper corner by the mountains? I have that exact one, but it's missing the top piece, want to see what it looks like. The gray tower with red upper structure. Thanks!
Jerry
Originally posted by AMC_Gremlin_GTÂ -Â January 24 2014Â :Â 10:58:40 PM
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Here you go:
My "B block" train is using diesel power for now.
I am also considering installing a lighted bumper on the conventional-track spur, especially since Life-Like is now making conventional Code-100 track in nickel silver! (Too bad Atlas doesn't make lighted bumpers anymore...)
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