What's New on the PRR Panhandle Division?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Don't really know but I have a loco that will make it anywhere on my layout
but with some cars behind it, in this case 3 or more, strange things happen.


I think, it is possessed.

The probability of that being the cause is not zero.

[G3750]

Don't really know but I have a loco that will make it anywhere on my layout
but with some cars behind it, in this case 3 or more, strange things happen.


I think, it is possessed.

The probability of that being the cause is not zero.

It would have to be a PS 2 engine to be possessed.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

It would have to be a PS 2 engine to be possessed.

Demonic possession is not limited to any control system - I just got rid of a microwave oven that was possessed..........

[rogruth]

Rufus,

I think that demon [?] is out to get you.

George,

My possessed loco is a Williams conventional before Bachmann.
There is nothing predictable about it. Cars pulled have been a mixture.

[G3750]

Updated 12/5/2015:

Completed a number of items today:

• Installed a WHITE ground plane wire from below the Hidden Passing Siding to Weirton Steel Yard.
• Replaced my surge protector with a power strip. The combination of the new ground plane and surge protector has eliminated the flickering headlight (symptom of a weak TMCC signal) and rare slow-speed stalling events on the mainline and Hidden Passing Siding. This is great news!
• I tested this with both my M1a Mountain and B6sb switcher. Flawless!
• Verified the list of electrical and control wiring points for Eastern & Western bridge approaches; updated my documentation.

Here are a few photos.

The Green and White wires can be seen under the M1a.

W_Rebuild_13_.JPG (42.61 KiB) Viewed 3304 times

Here are the changes to the transformer cart (new power strip).

W_Rebuild_14_.JPG (43.54 KiB) Viewed 3304 times

Here is the ground plane under the layout near the entrance to the Weirton Steel Yard.

W_Rebuild_15_.JPG (36.49 KiB) Viewed 3301 times

George

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Rufus,

I think that demon [?] is out to get you.

Nah! He's in my service.....

[rogruth]

OH

[G3750]

Forgot to post these photos.

First one is of Backdrop #1. It's still in progress, but taking shape nicely.

W_Rebuild_16_.JPG (33.85 KiB) Viewed 3300 times

Second photo is of the B6sb sitting on the mainline.

W_Rebuild_18_.JPG (41.81 KiB) Viewed 3300 times

George

[healey36]

After the track wiring is complete, the backdrops in place and the bridge placed, what's next? Presuming an intense period of track running, then ballasting?

It's going to be a long winter...I'm trying to keep up...

Healey

[G3750]

After the track wiring is complete, the backdrops in place and the bridge placed, what's next? Presuming an intense period of track running, then ballasting?

It's going to be a long winter...I'm trying to keep up...

Healey

Excellent questions, Healey. My thoughts, today (subject to change) :

I don't think ballasting is in the cards for this incarnation of the PRR Panhandle. I've been helping my friend ballast his layout (that I designed). It's a messy operation that I want to save for the version in the retirement house (God willing).

My next steps are:
1) Intense track running - need to shake out any remaining problem spots.
2) Backdrops 4 & 5
3) Crawford's Crossing - this is the overpass between the 2 mills that leads into downtown North Weirton. It interacts with Backdrop #5.
4) North Weirton - this module has streets, traffic lights, and buildings (named below).
5) Gould No. 5 Tunnel/mountain - this is the large extruded foam mountain in the northwest corner of the layout
6) Downtown Steubenville - this module has streets, traffic lights, and buildings (named below).
7) Other assorted projects (in no particular order):

• Weirton Junction (WC) tower
• Weirton Steel buildings: Strip Steel, Oxygen tank structure, Mill Administration Building, Quality Control Lab, Mill Gate No. 1, mill wall along Main Street, Open Hearth sound simulation
• North Weirton buildings: Triangle Building, A&S Grocery, Green Mill Restaurant
• Steubenville buildings: Richmond Brothers, S.S. Kresge, Imperial Hotel, Steubenville Railroad station, Coal Tipple & minehead

George

[healey36]

Seriously? This is just a stepping stone to the next layout? My hat's off to ya...an incredible amount of planning, care and hard work for the interim...wow...

I agree...run the hell out of it. Make sure you are absolutely pleased with the running before moving on. Not doing so can lead to a lot of disappointment down the road.

Healey

[G3750]

Seriously? This is just a stepping stone to the next layout? My hat's off to ya...an incredible amount of planning, care and hard work for the interim...wow...

I agree...run the hell out of it. Make sure you are absolutely pleased with the running before moving on. Not doing so can lead to a lot of disappointment down the road.

Healey

Yeah, seriously. But this didn't start out as an interim layout. It's actually my first permanent layout, so there's been a ton of learning along the way. I've been working on this layout since we moved to the current house in late 2003. Actual start was in 2004. It was my intention to have the thing done well before now, but family, job and life were always first priority. The kids are going to be out of the house in a few years and we are planning for retirement. I want to keep trying to do things so that I continue to learn.

It's still a ways off, but I expect a large number of scenic items and buildings will make the transition to the new version. We know the bridge is coming to the new layout. I plan to scrap the benchwork and make a decision on the track when I disassemble the layout.

In the interim, when the layout is ready, I want to hold another 1-3 train smokers (open houses) and have friends over to run trains. And there is that matter of a grandson...

George

[G3750]

Updated 12/7/2015:

Didn't get any work done last night, but I did do some thinking about what I need. Saw an advertisement for the Flipout Screwdriver. Given all the cramped spaces I'm working in, this could be very useful.

http://www.lowes.com/Hand-Tools/Screwdr ... b0bd922b5#!

Also need to pick up a piece of wood for the river surface module.

Will try to get to these items tonight.

George

[jlong]

George, the B6 is sweet.

[rogruth]

George,

"The kids are going to be out of the house".
Good luck with that. I'm sure you've seen what is going on with so many "young" people".
Better get the locks changed. Just kidding. Really. Good luck.

I left home in 1952, never had thoughts to return for other than short visits.
Today 20 year olds move back home and actually move back in with their
parents or in the same town just minutes away. They must have had a great
childhood.