Weekend Update 10/11/26

[up1950s]

https://www.nworrp.org/pumpkin-train.html

https://duluthtrains.com/event/pumpkintrain/

https://www.danburyrail.org/pumpkin

https://wrnjradio.com/great-pumpkin-train-returns-to-phillipsburg-with-corn-maze-gem-mining-and-free-pumpkins/

https://everettrailroad.com/excursions/pumpkin-patch-train-ride/

https://www.tiktok.com/@dean2555/video/7666635523024243982

https://www.blackriverrailroad.com/train-rides/pumpkin-train/

https://www.phoenixwithkids.net/pumpkin-train-williams-with-kids/

https://essex-steam-train-riverboat.myshopify.com/collections/2026-train-riverboat/products/sunday-october-18-2026-steam-train-and-steam-train-riverboat-excursions

[packers#1]

More progress on the fertilizer plant this week, got the road done and painted, grass down and part of the mainline ballasted, the structures are in place and the dirt lot has a first pass (gotta get the grout that splashed up on the building as a powder off too). I’ll likely be adding more grout to the lot to smooth out some of the bumps, weather the building, and I still need a couple more trees around the plant. I’ve also got to figure out how I’m gonna put the scenery between the track and back of the structure in.

[chuck geiger]

More progress on the fertilizer plant this week, got the road done and painted, grass down and part of the mainline ballasted, the structures are in place and the dirt lot has a first pass (gotta get the grout that splashed up on the building as a powder off too). I’ll likely be adding more grout to the lot to smooth out some of the bumps, weather the building, and I still need a couple more trees around the plant. I’ve also got to figure out how I’m gonna put the scenery between the track and back of the structure in.

This is becoming a postage stamp scene

[Dave V]

Been working on the N scale PRR Juniata Division T-TRAK layout in the shadow of the mostly-dormant HOn3 Rio Grande Southern First District:











(Please forgive the clear signal on the right-hand track even as the Broadway just passed!)

[ednadolski]

Been working on the N scale PRR Juniata Division T-TRAK layout

Asking as I don't think I quite grok the T-Track approach: with a setup like this, is there any particular operating plan that you have in mind?   Or is it mostly a matter of 'build stuff and then jfrtm'?   Do you have any sort of master plan in mind?

Pretty impressive work, btw.

Ed

[Maletrain]

Dave, I like the way you have used trees to minimize the intrusiveness of the "slot" between the module backs, instead of relying on a wall of skyboards.

[Dave V]

Dave, I like the way you have used trees to minimize the intrusiveness of the "slot" between the module backs, instead of relying on a wall of skyboards.

Ah, well… Skyboards are actually in the works…    Just ain’t installed them yet!

Asking as I don't think I quite grok the T-Track approach: with a setup like this, is there any particular operating plan that you have in mind?   Or is it mostly a matter of 'build stuff and then jfrtm'?   Do you have any sort of master plan in mind?

Pretty impressive work, btw.

Ed

JFRTM, with the emphasis on the “F.” 

[robert3985]

Okay.  Does "JFRTM" exclude operation??  FRT is open to interpretation I would say, and truthfully, I don't think it has anything to do with grokking the TTRAK approach since a TTRAK module contributor could conceivably build a set of modules that would accommodate operation, even if the rest of those running trains on the setup just want to run trains in circles.

The same goes for most other modular concepts.  I remember well way back in the 90's when our local NTRAK Club decided to include "operation" as part of the schedule at shows, and also at our setup location.  There were those who objected to any operation claiming that it would bore the spectators...especially the kiddies...but, when a bit of actual operation was in progress, it was quite surprising the number of spectators who really enjoyed watching trains picking up and setting out cars or trains at selected locations on our setup, along with trains being broken up and put together at our club yard modules.

Okay, our club didn't allow "fantasy" modules, like Spongebob Squarepants, lunar landscapes, or Jurassic Park...so when at major get-togethers with other clubs involved in the setup, not much operation was done.  However, the will to "operate" our own setups was very strong and quite successful the few times it was done before we ditched NTRAK and went with our own more prototypical-looking modular standards.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Dave V]

I’ve always been a roundy-rounder.

[chuck geiger]

Dave are you going to RPM next weekend?

[Dave V]

Dave are you going to RPM next weekend?

The one in Greeley? Yes. I’ll be there Saturday only, but with the whole layout. I’ve never, ever shown any layout that wasn’t 100% scenicked before so this’ll be a new experience for me.

I’d originally considered bringing the Colorado Midland instead but this will be so much easier to move.

[PiperguyUMD]

 A little more progress. Not as much train time this week, but still trying to keep the ball rolling.

I removed the tender light LED on the factory board in the H9 tenders, and replaced it with a TCS micro 2 pin connector. Once the light is in place on the tender shell, this will allow easy removal should the need arise.



x 3



I needed to resupply my stash of LEDs, so those are on the way, and a batch of tender lights is in the 3d printer. Because of how I make them, and painting etc., these will be one of the last things I add to the model, but I need to make sure that everything will fit together properly before I get to that point.

I had a rare Friday off yesterday, and was able to go to the Autumn Rails train show in Asheville, NC. Pretty good turn out, and a decent selection of N scale. I was pretty surprised to find a book on the Hagerstown and Fredrick interurban! Not normally my thing, but I do want to do it justice when I get around to modeling its interchange with the WM in Thurmont MD. Even had a few pics of the WM I'd never seen before!



Finally, I spent a little time fine tuning I1 #1105. This was the Micro Ace 0-10-0 that I turned into a Russian Decapod. It only has pickup through the tender and successfully passed what I saw someone refer to as "the Kato test" by navigating my T Trak modules for 45 minutes in speed step 1 without stalling! This little loc looks like it will be an excellent choice for local switching!

I really enjoy having the T Trak modules in my office, but I am definitely looking forward to getting back to Freemo when time allows!

[chuck geiger]

The one in Greeley? Yes. I’ll be there Saturday only, but with the whole layout. I’ve never, ever shown any layout that wasn’t 100% scenicked before so this’ll be a new experience for me.

I’d originally considered bringing the Colorado Midland instead but this will be so much easier to move.

DM sent.

[Jesse6669]

I've been working on a crossing signal for East Norwood, this is a test build, the latest version isn't assembled yet. It's mostly 3D printed with a 1mm brass pole and 0201 LEDs;  There's more info in the post in the 3D Printing forum.


I also have been wondering if some of my T-gauge models could be re-scaled and re-worked for Z.  Here's an early test print of the Train Master model with some obvious flaws but it was proof of concept.  I've spent a couple days since this test improving the model and it's looking good, the latest iteration is drying now.  I'm hoping to power it with a couple Showcase Miniatures power trucks with the FM bolsters attached. 


And V2...

[Sumner]

Been designing and printing 3D printed tie strips for hand-laid turnouts....











More info on Railwire here.....   https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=61578.0

Sumner