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 Posted - September 23 2020 : 11:24:18 PM
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JMOP, but I love the whte house and its wreath of yellow leaves. The scene
compression, always a hat trick, is pulled off to perfection. Still, it is
understandable that we want to create something new. My wife said that
“if we are created in His image, then it follows we are mini-creators.â€
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Posted - September 24 2020 : 08:24:27 AM
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quote:JMOP, but I love the whte house and its wreath of yellow leaves. The scene
compression, always a hat trick, is pulled off to perfection. Still, it is
understandable that we want to create something new. My wife said that
“if we are created in His image, then it follows we are mini-creators.â€
Originally posted by Chops124-September 23 2020: 11:24:18 PM
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Well, the trees will definitely stay, as well as Town Hall, but the white house is a bit odd looking on that corner of town. Plus, being a Plasticville house, it is missing a few small details as well, such as the lights which should be around the front door, etc. If I do replace it, it will most likely be with another house, but a different colored one.
For now, however, I plan on focusing on completing the quarry scene, installing a new signal bridge, and getting some "new" freight cars to run on the layout. I haven't added any new freight cars to the roster for the EVRR in a long time.
"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 - October 04 2020 : 6:28:07 PM
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Finally installed the yellow siren which was custom built in the Aaron Anderson Shop, on the Ephrata Valley Railroad. The siren is serving the Ephrata Fire Department by alerting volunteer firemen in town to rush to the station, whenever there is a call. Looks like they are about to get in the ladder truck and fire engine as we speak. 
I do plan on, one day, rehabbing the fire house, and painting the Plasticville building to be more realistic, perhaps brown with red roofing & bay doors. And, of course, adding a sign above the doors to cover the "Plasticville Fire Department" with "Ephrata Fire Department."
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Posted - October 11 2020 : 7:19:53 PM
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As chief engineer and property inspector of the Ephrata Valley Railroad, I am beginning to brainstorm how else I can renovate the layout, particularly the rear-left corner where the "Hanover" watertower sits lifeless.
I do not run any steam locomotives on the EVRR at all, so the water-tower isn't really necessary. I'm thinking about replacing it with 1 or 2 oil derricks, creating a mini oil mining scene, in imitation of the oil industry in western PA.
Let me know your thoughts.
"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 - October 11 2020 : 8:53:59 PM
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| And why arent there any steam lokies on the EVRR?
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Posted - October 11 2020 : 10:22:21 PM
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quote:And why arent there any steam lokies on the EVRR?
Originally posted by BlaxlandAlex3-October 11 2020: 8:53:59 PM
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Don't know exactly, except for that I prefer diesel power over steam power, and the layout models the late 1950's to 1970's, when steam power in the US was pretty much extinguished on major railroads.
"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 - October 12 2020 : 12:33:58 AM
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Truth be told, I've been thinking about the white house with the
yellow leaves on the roof. In fact, I've gone back and watched
your videos, most recently that nifty GG1 rake, just to gaze
at that house. It reminds me of a house my parents had in
Massachusetts, a very, very old (1774) colonial. It was in the
"salt box" style, and looked so much like that house, that to
my eye, looks to be cleverly compressed into the available space.
Still, you should proceed as you wish, of course. This is sort of
an art form that never really gets finished. AND we have a digital
record of it in video!
I do like the oil derrick idea- harkening back to Pennsylvania's
heritage of oil production.
Edited by - Chops124 on October 12 2020 12:35:22 AM
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Posted - October 12 2020 : 09:30:47 AM
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quote:Truth be told, I've been thinking about the white house with the
yellow leaves on the roof. In fact, I've gone back and watched
your videos, most recently that nifty GG1 rake, just to gaze
at that house. It reminds me of a house my parents had in
Massachusetts, a very, very old (1774) colonial. It was in the
"salt box" style, and looked so much like that house, that to
my eye, looks to be cleverly compressed into the available space.
Still, you should proceed as you wish, of course. This is sort of
an art form that never really gets finished. AND we have a digital
record of it in video!
I do like the oil derrick idea- harkening back to Pennsylvania's
heritage of oil production.
Originally posted by Chops124-October 12 2020: 12:33:58 AM
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Yeah, I might leave the white house alone for now....and everyone will soon see where I got the oil derrick idea from....let's just say, N-Scale.
"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 - October 18 2020 : 10:16:55 PM
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Yes, I did order HO-Scale laser-cut wooden oil derrick kits for the EVRR, and they are currently on the way.
But, I need help now. I have now fallen down the slippery slope of foreign vintage HO-Scale trains, as soon a Marklin Class 103 electric as well as 16 Marklin wagons will be arriving on the layout, all obtained at a great price.
Image credit to Ebay seller
With this purchase, the Ephrata Valley Railroad no longer has borders, and will soon see old HO trains of any manufacturer ride its rails.
"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 October 18 2020 10:19:06 PM
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Posted - October 19 2020 : 08:35:02 AM
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| Sweet!
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Posted - October 19 2020 : 09:43:23 AM
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UPDATE:
Upon further research, it turns out that Marklin trains can only run on Marklin track, as they pick up power from a "third" rail or bumps along the middle of the track. In essence, the locomotive will not be compatible with classic brass track on the EVRR. :(
That's okay, though. I have a surplus of old brass track that I need to sell, which will sponsor the purchase of Marklin track, for perhaps a future mini layout, but for now, I'm glad that I at least got a good deal on some old HO Marklin wagons and a DB Class 103 electric. Besides, I have plenty of other pressing projects coming up.
"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 October 19 2020 09:44:13 AM
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Posted - October 19 2020 : 9:37:24 PM
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| why not convert to conventional 2 rail?
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Posted - October 19 2020 : 9:47:55 PM
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quote:why not convert to conventional 2 rail?
Originally posted by tater1337-October 19 2020: 9:37:24 PM
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I don't believe it is easy to convert a Marklin locomotive to pick up power from a typical 2 rail setup, plus, I've also found out that Marklin runs on AC and not DC power. :(
I'll keep digging on this, but for now, I have some oil derricks to build.
"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 - October 19 2020 : 11:54:58 PM
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Marklin is the gold standard of German model rail. As you know, the
shoe picking up on the center rail studs makes for an exceptionally
reliable system. Hard to derail, and dirty track really isn't an issue.
As far as remotoring it to 2 rail, that's gotta be crazy, and would
most likely require an entire chassis swap out, good luck with that!
Probably would sell easily enough on German eBay, even with the
shipping, because they find American prices cheap, or so I have
heard.
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Posted - October 20 2020 : 06:14:10 AM
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Just return the locomotive and buy a new two rail one. There are plenty of manufacturers that make German two rail. Albeit more expensive and elusive, but it's better than buying track to make another whole new layout because of one loco. Unless you want too.....
Edited by - BlaxlandAlex3 on October 20 2020 11:55:20 AM
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Posted - October 20 2020 : 10:20:51 PM
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Yeah, I really don't have time or space for another layout, so most likely the Marklin locomotive and cars will be sold in the future, or traded, for locomotives and trains I can actually run.
While on the subject, does anyone know of a European HO model train manufacturer that made DC locomotives which can run on standard 2-rail track? I know of all the N-Scale manufacturers, and that some made HO-Scale as well, but I figured I'd ask first before delving too deep. I would really like to see foreign power on the EVRR though.
"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 - October 21 2020 : 12:40:26 AM
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I’ve actually had a bit of experience with this, as I tried to save money by using old Atlas code 100 track for my British adventure, Henley. You are wise to start slowly!
The OO wheel flange, particularly on the older Triang and Hornby tend to barely flick the plastic rail spikes. They tend to bounce over diamond flangeways, and the same with switch frogs. Bachmann was impossible, Hornby a better bet.
Frank, ak Top Train, runs a lot of European excursions, what say you, Frank?
Edited by - Chops124 on October 21 2020 12:41:17 AM
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Posted - October 21 2020 : 06:11:33 AM
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I'm sure RP is running code 100, shouldn't be a problem.
Lima, fleischmann, piko, roco, and trix are some I can think of off the top of my head. Trix makes mostly N scale but they make some DC HO too. Trix is like the 2 rail division of marklin, I think marklin has trix produce 2 rail variations of some of their popular sellers.
Edited by - BlaxlandAlex3 on October 21 2020 09:09:45 AM
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Posted - October 21 2020 : 08:44:26 AM
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Useful info. I got a Trix and am favorably impressed by its
over design.
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Posted - October 21 2020 : 09:10:07 AM
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| Nice!
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Posted - October 21 2020 : 10:03:46 PM
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Thanks for the help guys, and I found my answer....in a Roco German DB Class 290 center-cab diesel! According to an answer I found on a different forum thru a Google search, some Roco couplers are compatible with old Marklin couplers, so once the Roco diesel comes in, my only hope is that the coupler on it will work with the Marklin HO train cars I already purchased along with that Marklin Class 103 electric earlier. If not, oh well.
I'll be sure to keep everyone updated with my progress on this.
However, I am happy to report that the oil derricks for the Ephrata Valley Railroad have been assembled and await paint, while the derricks for N-Scale Santa Fe Paradise have yet to be assembled. Will post pics tomorrow. 
"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 - October 23 2020 : 9:49:11 PM
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The 3 oil derricks for the EVRR have been assembled - 2 with SuperGlue and the 3rd with hot glue. They look awesome in their laser-cut wooden state, however, they will be spray-painted.....RED
And, it turns out that one of the tallest oil derricks in North America is painted red, so no, it is not unprototypical. However, my main motive behind doing so is that the derricks match this old LifeLike "Southern Oil Company" building which I already purchased pre-built, for the scene. And, yes, the oil company will be named "Southern Oil Company" after the LifeLike idea.
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Posted - October 23 2020 : 9:51:17 PM
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| Awesome! Red goes great on anything.
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Posted - October 23 2020 : 9:57:38 PM
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| Is that where that NH shell went to!! I’ve been turning the garage upside down looking for it!!! Great you got all those pieces back to working order. That is a major roster. Nice construction scene, BTW, the bucket looks incredibly real.
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Posted - October 23 2020 : 10:01:02 PM
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Thanks Chops and Alex!
Yes, probably Chops.
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Posted - October 23 2020 : 11:29:34 PM
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quote:The 3 oil derricks for the EVRR have been assembled - 2 with SuperGlue and the 3rd with hot glue. They look awesome in their laser-cut wooden state, however, they will be spray-painted.....RED
Originally posted by RP model railroads - October 23 2020 : 9:49:11 PM
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there is a guy in texas that repairs horse drawn wagons on youtube, and he had a really nifty way of replicating aged painted wood
back in the day they used iron oxide red for everything(you know this)
anyway, a mix of vinegar, iron filings and a hint of red recreated the aged look of wood wagon parts painted with red oxide paint
I've been tempted to try it myself on other wood projects
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Posted - October 23 2020 : 11:42:44 PM
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| I had no idea! Sounds interesting.
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Posted - October 24 2020 : 08:25:02 AM
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That does sound interesting!
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Posted - October 24 2020 : 11:03:44 AM
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fast forward to 17:49 to get to the part where he uses vinegar and iron filings to "age" the wood
I thought he had a video with description of the process, he probably does, but I cant find it
https://youtu.be/dujFmCVTg5Y
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Posted - October 24 2020 : 10:04:36 PM
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That is incredible! Seems so simple, and yet the results are stunning.
Today, I spray-painted the 3 oil derricks a rust-oleum red, and after I allowed them to dry for a few hours, I proceeded to prepare the scene by first removing all scenery in the rear-left corner of the layout. I did decide to keep the Hanover Water Tower - because even though it is just a Bachmann snap-together kit, it has been on the layout for like ever, and I may re-locate it to another portion of the layout in the future. So stay tuned.
 
I also received the built LifeLike Southern Oil Company in the mail, so the scene came together exactly as I imagined!
I then re-landscaped the scene by adding some Woodland Scenics Yellow Grass, as well as some of the original mixed autumn-colored clump foliage I saved prior, to achieve the following results. The Southern Oil Company is now open and fully-functional on the Ephrata Valley Railroad - adding oil as a staple of local freight traffic, along with lumber and coal. I do plan on adding an old-fashioned tanker truck or 2, as well as a pickup and some workers around the oil company in the future, to round out the scene. I am just impressed at how cohesive the scene is, and how the red oil derricks totally contrast with the rest of the layout, drawing your eye towards that corner of the layout which was formerly boring. Overall, I think it turned out awesome!
   
"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 - November 02 2020 : 09:02:57 AM
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Just a quick update regarding my growing interest in HO-Scale German model trains:
So, I bought yet another German HO-Scale diesel, a Lima DB V160, and also found a lot of 5 DC Roco DB German wagons, giving me at least a small start. They have yet to arrive in the mail.
I also have been chatting with fellow members of the Railways of Germany forum, and have decided to buy this lot of DC wheelsets to "try" to convert my old Marklin wagons to be DC compatible. From what I've found out, these wheelsets weren't necessarily made for Marklin's old metal frame cars, but I'll see if I can't make them work.
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Posted - November 02 2020 : 11:58:30 AM
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quote:I also have been chatting with fellow members of the Railways of Germany forum, and have decided to buy this lot of DC wheelsets to "try" to convert my old Marklin wagons to be DC compatible.
Originally posted by RP model railroads - November 02 2020 : 09:02:57 AM
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Those wheels are interesting. Most metal wheelsets in the aftermarket have RP25 flanges. These are the deep piza cutter flanges, which might be handy in some applications. What was your source for these?
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - November 03 2020 : 10:12:49 AM
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quote: quote:I also have been chatting with fellow members of the Railways of Germany forum, and have decided to buy this lot of DC wheelsets to "try" to convert my old Marklin wagons to be DC compatible.
Originally posted by RP model railroads - November 02 2020 : 09:02:57 AM
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Those wheels are interesting. Most metal wheelsets in the aftermarket have RP25 flanges. These are the deep piza cutter flanges, which might be handy in some applications. What was your source for these?
Originally posted by scsshaggy-November 02 2020: 11:58:30 AM
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I got these off of Ebay, and as they are larger diameter wheelsets, they "should" replace the ones on my old Marklin cars perfectly, with some modifications to the metal underframe holders, I've heard. I will find out.
That particular listing I purchased from is no longer available, which is funny because I only bought 1 lot of 8, and there were at least 2 to 4 others available, so I'm assuming others have bought them. Here's a similar listing, of the larger diameter wheels.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EE-70058-NEW-Marklin-HO-DC-Wheel-Sets-aka-700580-HAMO-7586-Pk-of-2/233160320792?hash=item3649702718:g:iCcAAOSwkNZUazQy
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Posted - November 03 2020 : 4:22:08 PM
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quote:I got these off of Ebay, and as they are larger diameter wheelsets, they "should" replace the ones on my old Marklin cars perfectly, with some modifications to the metal underframe holders, I've heard. I will find out.
Originally posted by RP model railroads - November 03 2020 : 10:12:49 AM
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Thanks. I think there's enough info there that, even without your supplier, I should be able to hunt some down.
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Posted - November 05 2020 : 08:35:28 AM
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Enjoy as Playart Railroad Fire Department F9A leads the AHM FireFox Train Set on fire patrol around the Ephrata Valley Railroad. Watch to the end to see the AHM plane get launched off of the launching car!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNkGe7tze8U
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Posted - November 08 2020 : 4:47:06 PM
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The dream is happening......German trains have been spotted on the Ephrata Valley Railroad today, in particular a V160 diesel and mixed freight wagons.
**And I was able, thru the Ebay DC wheelset purchase, to convert 3 of my Marklin AC wagons to be compatible with DC track, however the rest just wouldn't work with the particular wheelsets I ordered, due to either metal underframes or just that the axles were too short. No big deal, the rest will probably either be converted in time with other wheels or sold.
"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 November 08 2020 4:48:56 PM
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Posted - November 08 2020 : 9:30:34 PM
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| Yay!
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Posted - November 17 2020 : 9:26:58 PM
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And more German diesels are on the way, even though I only have about 8 wagons.....soon I'll have 1 loco per car.
Anyway, quick update. I finally got my LifeLike Burlington Northern F7 running again, after using the working chassis from one of my Santa Fe F7's, and swapping out the truck cover plates. Lookin' good.
Also, a new locomotive has recently been added to the collection - this LifeLike high-nose Conrail GP38-2! Runs super well, obviously. I just love the look of a high-hood geep, which is why I eventually would like to own each scheme of LifeLike's high-hood GP38-2's, and I'm almost there.
"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 November 17 2020 9:27:46 PM
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Posted - November 18 2020 : 03:20:27 AM
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Fabulous updates. I did not know Playart made an F, or
any North American unit. Looks and runs beautifully,
most unique. The fire train is terrific, and what is that
missile thingy? Nice construction scene, BTW. Also,
I really like Life Like’s stuff, looks a bit like Marx 2.0.
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Posted - November 18 2020 : 2:45:36 PM
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quote:Fabulous updates. I did not know Playart made an F, or
any North American unit. Looks and runs beautifully,
most unique. The fire train is terrific, and what is that
missile thingy? Nice construction scene, BTW. Also,
I really like Life Like’s stuff, looks a bit like Marx 2.0.
Originally posted by Chops124-November 18 2020: 03:20:27 AM
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Thanks Chops! The missile-looking car is the plane launcher, from the Fire Fox set. I did have a quick blip at the end of the fire train video, showing how the plane flicks off the launching car.
As far as reliability is concerned, I think LifeLike is by far the best HO train manufacturer, as all LifeLike locos (at least diesels in my experience) run well at almost any speed and they have a tremendous hauling power.
"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 - November 22 2020 : 4:58:35 PM
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Today I was sorting thru my scenic supplies, and discovered 2 Woodland Scenics HO plastic trees still unused. So, I decided to turn them into autumn trees, by using spray-glue and then some fall colored clump foliage. The final result turned out pretty good, and they enshroud the Southern Oil Co.
 
Also got a chance to run all of my German HO-Scale diesels around the layout, each hauling the only 8 DB cars I've gotten so far.
"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 - November 26 2020 : 5:14:20 PM
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Got the Athearn Conrail GP9 fixed up with a set of rear handrails and front coupler, and it is running awesome!
Also, I will be adding a little scene from a galaxy far, far away....to the layout. 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 November 26 2020 5:15:29 PM
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Posted - November 30 2020 : 9:44:41 PM
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Breaking news: Stormtroopers spotted on the outskirts of the town of Ephrata
Alas, my love of model trains and Star Wars has combined, thanks to this nearly HO-Scale AT-ST walker and Stormtroopers produced by Micro Machines! So cool to have an "out of this world" scene on the Ephrata Valley Railroad - and of all things, HO Imperial Stormtroopers hiding in the "outer rim" of the layout. I do plan on briefly showing this scene in future videos, to see if viewers really do pay attention. Perhaps these Stormtroopers will get a video of their own sometime in the future......
  
"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 - December 01 2020 : 10:11:18 AM
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| LOL, the Storm Troopers are invading!!! Also, the BN F really pops.
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Posted - December 01 2020 : 10:13:23 PM
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quote:LOL, the Storm Troopers are invading!!! Also, the BN F really pops.
Originally posted by Chops124-December 01 2020: 10:11:18 AM
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LOL, yep. And, as far as that BN F7, it is a LifeLike. Good ole' LifeLike.
"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 - December 04 2020 : 10:53:58 PM
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Enjoy as 2 classic HO-Scale diesel locomotives, an Athearn "Blue Box" Conrail GP9 and LifeLike Burlington Northern F7A, lead 2 separate freight trains at once on the Ephrata Valley Railroad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6-8cAHOSa4&t=27s
"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 - December 15 2020 : 08:08:05 AM
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A big change has arrived on my Ephrata Valley Railroad layout - I removed the bridge & trestle set on the outer line, replacing it with "flat" track. Enjoy this video including both commentary and time lapse documenting my work in removing and replacing track, re-ballasting, and landscaping.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq6mBJ0fMaQ
"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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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rp_model_railroads/
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Posted - December 15 2020 : 1:04:14 PM
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TRAIN IN A TREE
Or, is that a tree in a train? Seriously, for the last five years (has it been that long?) I never realized that the
elevated section was a continuous siding. I always made it out to be an elevated stub siding. Quite surprised
to see the UP coal unit train popping over it.
The new arrangement, however, is quite pleasing to the eye, tying in the various components fluidly. Well done!
I understand the intrinsic fascination of the obsequious bridge. We take them for granted, but might cross a score of them without noticing their existence. Yet without bridges, mankind was severely hampered in his desire to go from A to B. And when he couldn't fashion a long enough bridge, he'd make a raft, for trains even. The arrival of rail technology blew bridge design from lazy wooden spans to the an unprecedented level. Bridges are cool. But it had to go.
So much do I love the humble bridge, I even shoehorned on into Armadilloville. Got to have a bridge. Straight track on a layout is prime real estate, just because it is straight. Nine inches is a platform, a depot, an accessory. The manner in which you fitted in the coal mine- very nicely done.
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Posted - December 15 2020 : 10:19:54 PM
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LOL, yeah the pantograph got caught in a tree, really.
Thank you, Chops. Yes, the EVRR is already 5 years old, and due to turn 6 years old next summer, and I've had many issues with that bridge, off and on. Some locomotives would derail, others didn't. Some cars could handle the bridge, others couldn't. I just finally got sick of the touch-and-go performance, and removed it. Even with the latest improvement, I'm still facing some derailment issues, but luckily they are due to using old track (which can be fixed) and not due to a bridge.
Bridges are cool, though, especially when they are on flat track, with a creek or whatnot underneath. Like the Alpine Railroad.
Today, after going to 2 of my favorite train stores, I came home with this little LifeLike oldtimer tanker truck, which fits perfectly in the Southern Oil Company scene.
 
Also, I got this........more details to come in the next LOTW.
"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 - December 16 2020 : 09:18:03 AM
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| can't wait!
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