Charlie b's layout

[Tyson Rayles]

[Charlie B]

I did some more work on the Q@ that was started many months ago. I installed a Tsunami 2200 sound decoder for articulated heavy steam. I got the speakers from electronic gold mine at a very reasonable price and the sound is very good. The tender needs some weight and there is a receptacle for a keep alive which I have builts but I did not have the proper plug. I also think the tender trucks need some adjustment but it is to the point where I can breath easy. Worrying about the install was more work than doing it. Sorry, it was too easy to need photos. Here it is on it's first test run.     
Charlie

[Charlie B]

Here is a short video clip. It might not show up, I don't know how to work the new Youtube 
PRR Q2
Charlie

[cn nutbar]

Wow---Pennsy certainly had some impressive motive power---the video works great Charlie---looking forward to seeing this locomotive on the head end of a heavy consist on the Wilderson Division.

[jim currie]

wow seeing your T-1 brings back memories of one i owned in the past one of the bowser/penn line die cast duel motor ones weighed a good 5 or 6 lbs. but would pull evert car i owned at that time. traded it off for a ammo can of 30 06 in M1 opp clips wish i had that loco back now.
Jim

[Charlie B]

I took a break from the Q2 and have started working on a ALCo C630 to add to the "modern" fleet.          .
Conrail worked these brutes and they did what they were designed to do. I knew a mechanic that worked on these at 
conway and he said they were really easy compared to the other brands. He said they could have a head off before the water was completely drained. I loved the sounds of these 3000 horsepower beasts 
Charlie

[Charlie B]

Tonight I got the flat black paint on the Q2 tender trucks and the locomotive cylinders and frame. I applied a little weatering to Conrail 6753 but I didn't take photos. I want to apply the decals to the Q2 tomorrow and apply dull coat to everything then I will post some photos.
Charlie

[Charlie B]

Well the Q2 has been a problem with intermittent stopping, I put my voltmeter on the track and the drivers on the oppisite side and there was no voltage. I had cleaned the wheels so I knew that wasn't the problem so after many hours of head scratching I finally dawned on me that the trailing truck and pilot were lifting the drivers just enough so they randomly lost contact. There are no electrical pickups on them, both wheels are insulated to stop other shorting problems I am guessing. I can adjust them so the weight is on the drivers and that should solve the problem. It runs great without the trailing truck so I have made a start on fixing the problem. 
Charlie

[Kitty]

I don't have enough irons in the fire so I have decided I need a massive yard to display all of my rolling stock. I just don't like having it in boxes and drawers under the layout so I am taking a foot off the east side and 16 feet of the north side to build a yard. I made a VERY rough drawing of what I hope to accomplish. I will be adding another 300 feet of track for the yard/s. 
I had ordered shelf braces and they came today so I have installed them on the east wall. The braces are rated for 250 pounds so I should be ok for the weight. The rough drawing is really rough. I draw best with the real track.  I can also get 6 tracks in a 12 inch shelf layout. When I am done the remaining track will go to the grandkids along with any rolling stock that wont fit the shelves.   
Charlie

Are you building any scenery in the yard, or is it just a display for rolling stock?
I only just started and am already glancing at those fancy new cars, I can only imagine...
Liking the idea though, in boxes it is just getting dusty without doing anything.

[Charlie B]

Kitty, There won't be much room for scenery but I may have a yard office and a car repair track. 
Charlie

[Charlie B]

Finished a decoder install in a Bachmann Spectrum F40PH now it needs some couplers installed    
Charlie

[TMo]

I took a break from the Q2 and have started working on a ALCo C630 to add to the "modern" fleet. .
Conrail worked these brutes and they did what they were designed to do. I knew a mechanic that worked on these at 
conway and he said they were really easy compared to the other brands. He said they could have a head off before the water was completely drained. I loved the sounds of these 3000 horsepower beasts 
Charlie

The "CR" decals were variable during the rainbow years, but I've had good luck mimicing the look in that prototype photo by taking a set of Penn Central decals, and chopping the "C" and the "R" out of that decal set.  Gives you that "slanted" look to the letters.