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Posted - April 08 2018 : 9:19:30 PM
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 **Disclaimer: Please ignore the terrible track plan seen above - it was merely a conceptualization of my ideas for the RETRO TYCO layout, and will be altered in the course of track laying.
I have continued to glean inspiration from all fellow Tyco forum members' layouts (in particular, Chops, Wiley, Walt, and bnsfIA) - and now, I am pleased to announce my latest model railroading initiative: The RETRO TYCO layout! This "new" layout will be nothing more than a "plywood central" - meaning that it will not been filled with scenery, but rather railroad track will be laid on bare wood.
The layout will most likely be only 4' x 5' - using an already family-owned 4' x 8' sheet of plywood, and will be mounted onto a folding table (what was previously the site of my first model railroad in N-Scale.) Track wise, the layout will serve to put my overflowing supply of used HO-scale brass-rail track to good use, and also will provide me with the opportunity to operate a layout based on "switching" -- giving a home to several spare switch-tracks that I have. Please keep in mind that I only plan to make "RETRO TYCO" a "1 line railway" with several switching points and creative "train set-like" industries. Of course, I do plan on using one of my Tyco "golden" power packs to supply the electricity, although I'm also torn with my black Tyco powerpack with blue knob. I'm not sure whether I will or even can "go completely retro" with brass track connectors, but that is my goal.
Furthermore, the RETRO TYCO layout will give me the chance to utilize spare rolling stock, locomotives, and accessories which will not fit into or onto the Ephrata Valley Railroad (in particular, the "Silver Streak" Alco C430 & caboose, Log dump car set, operating crossing gate, and the Clementine Gold Mine - the product of a recent awesome trade with Chops.)
Frankly, I'm pleased to state that I already possess all of the supplies to start the layout, with plenty to spare!! However, I do plan to invest in a Tyco Piggyback Loader/Unloader crane, a "Gravel Elevator," and Pipe Loader - and maybe the "Giant Operating Crane." To make a long story short, I'm desiring a small layout, 1 line, with more physical interaction - and one that memorializes the Tyco train sets of yesteryear.
I do appreciate your consideration, and please refer to this topic for all future posts that will give updates on construction, operations, etc. 
By the way, I would be interested in "trading" items that I do not need (tired of over-storage) for some vintage Tyco operating accessories, structures, and kits that no one desires. Please PM me if you have anything Tyco that you would like to see go to a good home, or would like to trade.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 08 2018 : 9:29:53 PM
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Can't wait to see your progress RP Here are a few things I would recommend: >Go for a 4'x6' or a 4' by 8' layout if possible, 8' would be the best was you will also have room to grow >Download SCARM. It is a free track modeling program and the most useful resource I've used when designing a layout. Good luck!
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Posted - April 08 2018 : 9:57:34 PM
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It would be nice if you could combine this with the existing layout to form an empire.
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Posted - April 09 2018 : 12:45:06 AM
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 Your layout plan is better than mine! Looks like you'd be taking the EVRR and adding an extension to it.
The EVRR is a remarkable gem as it stands. The use of foliage and the retro look has a totally unique look not found in other model railroads. The question becomes how much remains and how much is remodeled? A challenging proposition by itself.
The coal mine and logging operation look to take up a lot of real estate right smack in the middle of downtown. What if a simple L were placed, using a 2 x 4 foot extension? A third track, or a fourth would fit into a two foot width, as well, or a low relief mountain...
 I should hasten to add that however you re-fashion your Retro Project, it will be fabulous.
Or, just 'er rip:

And finally, one of my favorite small layout designs by the TF's own Dan Mack:
Edited by - Chops124 on April 09 2018 01:24:14 AM
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Posted - April 09 2018 : 11:12:13 AM
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Or if you have the room:
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Posted - April 09 2018 : 6:04:29 PM
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You guys are awesome!! Everyone keeps encouraging me to expand the Ephrata Valley Railroad... I will consider it, but for now, the RETRO TYCO layout and EVRR will remain seperate entities.
UPDATE: RETRO now has a foundation.
 Later this afternoon, my Dad assisted me by cutting the 4'x8' sheet of plywood down to 4'x5' and then after using 2x4s as brace pieces, the plywood sheet was affixed to the folding table. More to come later, after I began laying track.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 09 2018 : 6:35:42 PM
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Two layouts! Daring! Different missions, indeed. How I ended up with a British OO layout, a Tycofusion layout, and a trolley layout. I am already thinking about two other small layouts: an Old West theme (I've done two others in years past). The other is a small Old Florida layout with mangrove swamps, rickety old bridges and serviced by a Doodle Bug and an 0-6-0.

This is Dutch.
Dig this: 4x4 using Atlas track:

As to using 2x4's for bracing, that might work, but bear in mind that plywood has a somewhat "liquid", as opposed to rigid, characteristic. It can actually sag in between the 2x4 braces, just enough to create derailment zones as the track sags with it. This is particularly surprising at the outer margins of the four corners, which can actually droop imperceptibly enough to really cause havoc.
On the other hand, as EVRR works rather splendidly, this may not be an issue. You probably have seen this standard diagram, first developed by the late, great Lynn Wescott. Just a thought. I really enjoy seeing small layouts, more so than giant Rod Stewart creations. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Edited by - Chops124 on April 09 2018 7:43:39 PM
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Posted - April 09 2018 : 10:39:43 PM
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Thanks Chops! Also, good luck on the construction of future layouts! Also, thank you for the useful information. 
UPDATE #2: ALL TRACK HAS BEEN LAID!

This evening, I spent an honest hour and a half in laying all railroad track as desired, on the RETRO TYCO layout!! It's looking great already. I have the log dump site in place (however, I need to see if it is even functional) and have installed the railroad crossing (that needs to be tweaked a bit too.) As you can see, I was able to acheive the basics of my drafted idea....with actually an additional turn-out point. What do you guys think?
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 09 2018 : 11:11:55 PM
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I think it's great! I like the way you have a passing siding and a route to shunt in cars to make up a train. Very nice.
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Posted - April 10 2018 : 09:34:46 AM
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Excellent! Have you thought about installing cork roadbed under your track? It really quiets locomotives.
Edited by - RealBnsfIA on April 10 2018 09:40:34 AM
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Posted - April 10 2018 : 12:49:16 PM
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Questions- is this going to be a pure Tyco layout, or will you be using other retro trains and accessories? There is a bit of nice boxed Cox logging stuff on eBay, one at an auction with a starting bid of $5 for a NOS logging set. Curiously, says "no shipping." I don't know how that's going to work- some little place in Indiana I never heard of.
Are you going with a particular season? Have you considered winter? Woodland Scenics makes a nice snow. Never use flour or any other edible- it attracts insects.
That open spot in the middle, a mountain?
Any thoughts on doing a river and bridges?
I did this diorama a few years ago, then the cat got to it. Complete and utter destruction after being used as a scratching post. The WS snow was very easy to work with. https://youtu.be/MCTotVdXUg4
Edited by - Chops124 on April 10 2018 12:50:51 PM
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Posted - April 10 2018 : 6:03:55 PM
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bnsfIA: I haven't considered cork bed, although it might quiet the locomotives, I think I actually like the sound!
Chops: my plan is to keep all accessories and locomotives purely Tyco....although the track itself (while all brass-railed) is not entirely Tyco. In regards to a particular season, I do not have any plans at this point to use scenic materials on RETRO TYCO, although that could change in the future. For now, I want the layout to be as "train set-like" as possible.
UPDATE: RETRO TYCO IS FUNCTIONAL!
 I powered the track on RETRO TYCO this afternoon by installing a Tyco black power pack with blue knob. I believe it was fitting for the first locomotive to run on the new layout to be none other than one of my Midnight Special Sharks! I do have a track problem to diagnose, and still I need to get the log dump site working properly.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 10 2018 : 10:08:51 PM
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Chops, to answer your second point, I probably won't add a mountain to the center of the layout, however, I do plan to add a Tyco locomotive storage area (either a roundhouse or track assembled in the formation of a roundhouse) - since Tyco didn't make a roundhouse to my knowledge.
UPDATE - TRACK ALTERATIONS

This evening, I made a few adjustments to the trackage on RETRO TYCO, so now the Midnight Special Shark is running smoothly. I also tested my log dump set, and it didn't work at all. I guess that's what I get for washing it in the sink when I first got it....
I will cease from working on this layout until I obtain further supplies.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 10 2018 : 10:11:51 PM
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I will send you out a wooden (plastic) trestle to prop up the conveyer belt with the MN shell tomorrow.
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Posted - April 11 2018 : 07:40:02 AM
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Okay, awesome! Thanks so much, Chops!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 11 2018 : 3:41:44 PM
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 Track Plan #2, illustrating my plans for RETRO TYCO, including each accessory -- all of the accessories with check-marks next to them are those which I either already have or will receive soon in the mail!
I'm so excited about this project. Yes, I have reached about mid-way down the slippery slope, except, at least I have a 4' x 5' layout to control my obsession. The Ephrata Valley Railroad will still remain a "Small Town USA in the fall" layout, with all present Tyco accessories remaining.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Edited by - RP model railroads on April 11 2018 3:43:30 PM
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Posted - April 11 2018 : 5:58:19 PM
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Don't be so sure RP, I started back in 2009 with a 4'x4', that became a 4'x8', that became a 4'x12', which is now a 9'x12' U Shape!
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Posted - April 11 2018 : 6:35:42 PM
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LOL Your layout is awesome!
Arlee Station obtained.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Edited by - RP model railroads on April 11 2018 6:36:27 PM
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Posted - April 11 2018 : 7:54:04 PM
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quote:LOL Your layout is awesome!
Arlee Station obtained.
Originally posted by RP model railroads - April 11 2018 : 6:35:42 PM
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Well thanks! That Arlee Station is really a scene maker!
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Posted - April 13 2018 : 3:46:27 PM
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UPDATE: PIGGYBACK LOADER & UNLOADER INSTALLED!

I just received the ordered Tyco Piggyback Loader & Unloader today in the mail, and I couldn't wait to add it to RETRO TYCO! Here it is, installed and fully operational on the layout. The loader & unloader I obtained included 1 piggyback flat car with only 1 UP piggyback trailer (pictured), so even though I'm missing the truck and other trailer, the loader & unloader was worth it for $18.00 shipped. This is my first time ever even having, much less operating a Tyco piggyback loader & unloader, and "I'm Lovin' It." I did pull 1 of my yellow Kenworth cabovers from the EVRR to sit on the ramp, however, I will need more trucks.


ALSO, I added the blue enemy tanks and Jeeps to the region of the layout I had labeled as "A-Team Shoot-out." Now, I just need the A-team helicopter, van, and B.A. Mr. T to complete this scene - does anyone have these!?!?!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 14 2018 : 01:15:13 AM
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Very, very neat!
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Posted - April 14 2018 : 09:35:27 AM
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those actually go with the A-Team train set that Tyco put out & the turrets on the tanks are on backwards fyi
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Posted - April 14 2018 : 3:33:52 PM
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Ha! Good eye, MB! You know your stuff!
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Posted - April 14 2018 : 10:59:50 PM
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Yep, that's where I got them from, microbusss. Thanks for the FYI, I completely did not notice that.
MORE UPDATES:

I made some more changes to RETRO TYCO this evening. For starters, I utilized one of my former log dump "holding areas" as a coal collection area. The coal is Lionel, while the Tyco Keystone tipping hopper is the product of a recent trade with Chops!

Next, I received the Tyco Mid-Atlantic Pipe Company today in the mail, and couldn't wait to operate it on the layout. Below is a shot of it now on RETRO TYCO, in the exact spot as planned, however, I have experienced a rude awakening: the pipes fall off too fast from the loader and roll-off of flat cars. Luckily, the pipe loader does work for gondolas.

Lastly, I also received a lot of 3 Rock Island Sharks in the mail today as well, thanks to an auction won by my Mom at a great price ($18.00, shipped for all 3 RI Sharknoses) last Sunday. Out of all 3, I have successfully maintenanced 2 into service. Although both Rock Island RR Shark shells are not in "mint condition," I certainly will put them to good use on RETRO TYCO.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 15 2018 : 02:41:13 AM
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Posted - April 15 2018 : 10:16:50 AM
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Nice!
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Posted - April 15 2018 : 11:15:59 PM
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Thanks guys!!
I ran the 2 Rock Island Sharks on the layout this evening for a little bit, and the one with the shell that has experienced more "wear and tear" runs a bit louder and rougher than the other (which is obvious due to it apparently being older in age.) However, some Liberty oil, slightly cleaning of both RI PT motors, and Stewart Traction Tires have caused both locomotives to work well. 
Rock Island Shark 222-2 (the older one) operated on RETRO TYCO tonight, and here's a shot of it.

Piggyback Loader & Unloader in action this evening as well.

I should be receiving the Arlee Station & Ore Dump Car Kit (NIB) on Monday or Tuesday, so stay tuned!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 16 2018 : 12:12:19 AM
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Looking good, Shark Master. Have you decided on a season for this layout?
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Posted - April 16 2018 : 07:36:46 AM
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Thanks, Chops! In regards to a season, I'll probably "go retro" and as it is meant to imitate a Tyco Train Set, spring/summer.
I know that other model railroad companies such as "Life-Like" and "Bachmann" have released their own scenery products of the past.....did Tyco ever do so? Like did they make trees? (I know they made telephone poles, signs, place-mats for train sets, and other accessories......)
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Edited by - RP model railroads on April 16 2018 07:38:47 AM
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Posted - April 16 2018 : 09:47:40 AM
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about that Tyco gate one I took off the signals of 2 & am gonna someday let a friend remove the pointy lights, LED them & make them flash sans gates
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Posted - April 16 2018 : 11:20:03 AM
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I tried making my own Life Like "grass" using a recipe of saw dust and cloth dye from an old Kalmbach publication. The result, after drying in the oven, was a pale green substance, not the vivid green I was seeking.
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Posted - April 16 2018 : 7:18:13 PM
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UPDATE:

Today, I received further supplies for RETRO TYCO, and this evening, I installed them on the layout.
For starters, here is the Arlee Station -- looks awesome!! I even received the light package with the train station, so I could "light it up" in the future....

Because I could not sell or trade the Standard Electric company HO-scale structure, I retained it, forgot about it, and then just remembered today. Sure enough, it is a Tyco building as I figured, so I have installed it on RETRO TYCO.

I also received the Ore Dump Car set today, which was supposed to be NIB, however, both the power track w. "Prestomatic" button is missing, along with the trackside bin. :( :(
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 16 2018 : 7:20:55 PM
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Very cool! Does you have the clementine set?
Edited by - RealBnsfIA on April 17 2018 7:39:29 PM
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Posted - April 17 2018 : 02:06:11 AM
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TYCOMANIA!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THE SHARK MASTER IS PSYCHO FOR TYYYYYYYCO!
Edited by - Chops124 on April 17 2018 02:07:50 AM
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Posted - April 17 2018 : 12:34:11 PM
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Ahem, (cough), excuse me. Late night.
Check this out, RP:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/TYCO-US-1-ELECTRIC-trucking-Pine-Hill-Elevated-log-loader-ho-slot-accessory/332613551848?hash=item4d715006e8:g:ErAAAOSw~xlaySCb
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Posted - April 17 2018 : 7:38:08 PM
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bnsfIA, actually, I do not have the Clementine train set... 
Chops, LOLOLOLOL, Indeed! Interesting auction....
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 19 2018 : 11:23:13 PM
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UPDATE:
This evening, I won a NIB "Moorestown Gravel Co." Operating Gravel Dump Conveyor for a bit over $20.00 (no other bids surprisingly....) and secured a lot of 3 all NIB kits (1 was the manual Operating Log Dump Set #952, and another was #953 Operating Pipe Dump Car) through a buy-it-now listing!!! I truly cannot wait for these Tyco items to arrive.
Did I do good?


"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Edited by - RP model railroads on April 19 2018 11:26:30 PM
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Posted - April 20 2018 : 10:03:37 AM
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Nice finds RP, great price on the conveyor.
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Posted - April 20 2018 : 11:56:46 AM
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Hammer down, Shark Master- this is going to be one amazing Retro layout. I do hope you get a chance to take it to some MR shows. People really enjoy seeing the Retro stuff.
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Posted - April 20 2018 : 12:57:04 PM
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Thanks bnsfIA and Chops!! I will consider Train Shows.....
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - April 21 2018 : 11:05:09 PM
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UPDATE #1:

Yesterday, I completed further work on RETRO TYCO. To begin, I started lining up the current roster of Tyco locomotives to operate solely on this layout -- the Rock Island C430 has been nicknamed "The Microbusss" due to the locomotive being obtained in a trade with him, and then restored/outfitted by me. The Chessie "Super" C630 next to it has been nicknamed "The Chops," due to the fact that the shell was obtained in a trade with Chops.
Chops and Micro, whaddya guys think of that?

Perhaps one of the most iconic pieces that Tyco ever produced - the red Santa Fe wreck crane & maintenance car - has been placed onto a siding on RETRO TYCO.

UPDATE #2:

This evening after work, I installed more items on the layout. For starters, the Moorestown Gravel Co. conveyor arrived in the mail today after being in transit for only 2 days! It was completely sealed, since 1979.

Opening the box - revealing the RETRO-EE goodness.....

Now built and operates well - however, I do need to test it loading gravel into a hopper.

NEXT, also received these Tyco items in the mail today thanks to another trade/purchase with thesiding (thanks man!!) The ore dump car has been placed behind my other one at the moment, while the truck terminal has been installed on "siding #1."


The 2 cars are seen at the crossing gate.

MORE TO COME TOMORROW, SO STAY TUNED!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/rpmodelrailroads
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rp_model_railroads/
Edited by - RP model railroads on April 21 2018 11:09:16 PM
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Posted - April 22 2018 : 01:16:23 AM
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Won't touch that dial! I remember getting the Tyco ATSF wrecker when I was maybe 11. It was the like the greatest day of my life.
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Posted - April 22 2018 : 9:34:58 PM
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Neat, Chops!!
ANOTHER UPDATE:

Yesterday evening, my Dad confirmed that my formerly log dump track had perfect contact through'n'through, and upon testing it with one of my ore dump cars, the operating accessory worked like a charm! So, this evening, I installed the operating ore dump track & bin on RETRO TYCO by first drilling a hole through the plywood & 2'x4' support pieces beneath, fishing the wires down through the hole to underneath the layout, and connecting the wires to the AC side of a Tyco "Golden" powerpack. The open-area created by the original surface of the table not concealed by the 2'x4' support pieces, was great to act as a shelf for the powerpack controlling the ore dump car.

Now, I have a vintage operating Tyco accessory on the layout, and can't wait to get more ore and several more ore dump cars....


"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/rpmodelrailroads
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rp_model_railroads/
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Posted - April 22 2018 : 10:17:46 PM
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Pretty neat
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Posted - April 25 2018 : 10:14:25 PM
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Thanks!!
UPDATE:
 I finally received the manual "Operating Pipe Dump Set" & "Operating Log Dump Set" kits today -- BOTH were new/sealed since 1982.
The operating log dump site I placed on the outer track, near the Piggyback Loader and Unloader.

The operating pipe dump sit I placed on "siding #1" before the Ore Dump site.

All that's left is to secure the track in these areas with hot glue (yes, I have already secured all the rest of the track on RETRO TYCO with hot glue,) and I'm done with accessories!! The only thing I will continue seeking is the rare "Operating Giant Crane" accessory......
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/rpmodelrailroads
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rp_model_railroads/
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Posted - April 25 2018 : 10:58:15 PM
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Never seen a Timber Line Sawmill car before. Another new find. You managed to get the thing onto a curved radius, as well.
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Posted - April 25 2018 : 11:15:42 PM
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Yes, I had to break about 4 railroad ties to do so...however, the accessory was worth it.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/rpmodelrailroads
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Posted - April 26 2018 : 11:53:17 AM
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You may have considered this, but is it possible to put in a short, say 3 inch, straight? Still, it looks fine. I am forever trying to figure out how to haft in accessories on the Tycomania VII layout. I had one building, from you, hanging over the edge of the layout.
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Posted - April 26 2018 : 6:18:57 PM
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Yeah, I did consider it, however, I would have to remove the secured track of the Ore Dump site....so....
In regards to your Tycomania layout....you need expansion.
THE SLIPPERY SLOPE CONTINUES: I have secured a 2nd Burlington Northern Shark....for RETRO TYCO. Anybody got a spare Tyco BN caboose that you'd like to get rid of?
 ^^ Image credit to Ebay seller.
My first video of Rock Island RF-16A 222-2 action on RETRO TYCO -- Enjoy!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/rpmodelrailroads
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rp_model_railroads/
Edited by - RP model railroads on April 26 2018 10:25:59 PM
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Posted - April 27 2018 : 05:19:18 AM
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Your economical use of space is brilliant. It is so tempting to go bigger, and bigger and bigger and ... Takes a sharp vision and self discipline to not grab ever cool piece in sight. Well done, Shark Master, well done!
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Posted - April 27 2018 : 07:30:35 AM
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Thank you very much, Chops! I truly appreciate that!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/rpmodelrailroads
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