NTS&B 2011 Piedmont Pilgrimage Open House

This was my second Piedmont Pilgrimage open house. Everything went well, with only minor problems. I had one or 2 accessories and 1 passenger car that decided to give problems, but that was about all. We only had 47 people total this year (including 5 'workers'), as opposed to 52 last year, and had a few repeats from last year. It was loads of fun watching the expressions on the kids faces (even the big ones). Note for next year-Put goody tables in garage instead of on back patio.

This year I also had three visiting trains. John R brought his Illinois Central GP-9 which had not been run in something like 25 years (I had a lot going on, so my facts may be a little off). He also brought a kit car that he built and some scratch built loads that he had never seen run. Unfortunately, I just realized I didn't get any pictures of this very nice train.

Wayne C. brought a Williams E8 Bright Red Texas Special AA set with 4 - 18 inch passenger cars. Boy was she pretty. This one was my personal favorite, since I really like colorful passenger trains.

The star of the show was Wayne's Lionel Spirit of 1776 set produced in pieces from 1974 to 1976, that had never even been taken out of the boxes (yes folks, a brand new still in the box 37 year old train). The set included the U36B Seaboard Coast Line Engine, Caboose, and 13 cars (one for each of the original 13 colonies). Since the engine only has a single motor, it didn't have enough traction to pull all of the cars up the helix, so we double headed my engine to go with it. Here is what it looked like, and a short movie going down the helix.

NTS&B Jamaica Station Update

Most of the time when I ask someone if they noticed the Jamaica Station, they say no and immediately start looking at the top of the layout (I kid you not, even X New Yorkers). I decided to add a platform at the front edge of the station, to try to get people to notice it easier.

NTS&B Bigville Underground Station

The second underground passenger station (Bigville) is now open for buisness. It looks kind of empty, but has 40 passengers in it so far. Still have to add the station signs, posters, and other decorations, but that will have to wait for another day.

NTS&B Tunnel Signal

Another thing thats a lot of work, with very little progress indication was the tunnel signal. These LEDs use the same circuit as the Subway signals, but are wired differently to limit the number of wires to the power and track points. The LEDs are put in sockets robbed from an old Christmas Light set.

NTS&B Starting Year 5

Its hard to believe that I started the first (non helix) module of the actual layout 4 years ago. Last year didn't see a lot of progress. I mainly worked with adding buttons for lighting, and trying to finish up the Helix end of the layout when you first come in the door.

The old layout down was torn down, and parts are now in use in Tennessee. I also worked on the TMCC signal some and it is working fairly well on the Helix loop, but not so well else where. The Lego subway was installed, and the walls and lights were put in on the Helix end. Also, the subway track signals were completed. I am getting ready to work on the Bigville subway station.

We also participated in our first Piedmont Pilgrimage last Oct. Every one had a good time, and I am getting ready for the second one next month.

During the year we had a couple 'play days', in which a couple club members brought over some very nice trains to run.

This year I'd like to finish up ALL of the subway loop and lighting, and get the some more bench work done. Before I can do that, I still need to get that other side of the basement finished.

NTS&B Accessory Buttons

Some things take up a lot of time to do, but don't really show up as progress on the layout. Switches to operate accessories are in this catagory. This month I added 8 new buttons, for a grand total of 18 buttons. In most cases, the buttons are overridden by slide switches at the control panels, for my viewing pleasure when no one is around to push the buttons.

NTS&B Subway Signals

Quite a while ago, I came up with a simple LED circuit to use as block signals in my underground loops. The first one worked perfectly, then remaining kept blowing LEDs. I finally figured out that I had to add a resistore on the track side for that problem, but then one LED stayed lit. This turned out to be caused by the operating voltage being much higher than the track voltage. Once I set them about the same, everything started working, and I fixed the other 3 to match. Here is pictures of two of them. The boxes are made from extra battery holders from $1 Tree Accessories.

NTS&B Mainline progress and another problem solved

The layer between the mainline and winter level is now adjusted, attached and painted. For now, the replacement plaster wall is on hold. A little over 1/2 was ground off the winter table using a belt sander, and now the long car finally has a little clearance (see picture below). A column was added to upport the hanging trestle member and some moss was added by the wall. A panel was finally added to the subway, to give it more of a sense of 2 stations.

NTS&B New Old UP 2x6x6x4 Class A

A UP 2x6x6x4 Class A spent the night in town, and caused quite a stir with the morning passengers.

Jennifer and Bruce bought me some used engines for Fathers Day. One is a Class A, which was made from 2 2018 engines. After a bit of tuning it runs on 0-72 track. When I get time, I will try to make it run on a smaller track.

NTS&B Some more visitors

I am finding out that one of the things I like most about having a layout is having friends bring their toys over to play. Here are some pictures of the latest "play day".

Wyatt's #4501 Southern 2x8x2 Mikado from 1991

Les's 2368 B&O Dual Motor F3 A/B from 1956

Les's 2383 Santa Fe Dual Motor F3 A/A from 1958

Les thinking 'Boy I sure hope that bridge stays up there with my F Units'

Wyatt & Roger having similar thoughts about the other bridge.