Week 590

Sun, Nov 16, 2025 thru Sat, Nov 22, 2025

Sun, Nov 16, 2025

I found my UP SD40-2 2056!
As you can see I need to add some details to finish
this off. Maybe, someday, add a decoder as well.

Same with this one...
...add a decoder to this fine running machine.

Setting up the Sequence Train #1 Mixed Freight 5C
with mainline power B3 UP SD40-2 2056 & 3571

Mon, Nov 17, 2025

Train Day!

w/Rob Fair 6-8pm 2 hrs.

Marcus Thorsen 6:15-7:15pm 1 hr.

Using Dremel tool to make more room for the headlight

We had some initial problems with power tonight.
Not sure what caused the problem, but we were
back in action shortly after this photo.

Getting ready for our final test when...

...Marcus arrived after an hiatus of about 2 months.

Marcus checking progress on the RR.

Rob had several questions for "the professor" after
some time away with his grandson and Boy Scouts

Making the first lap for Sequence Train #1 the
Mixed Freight 5C train heading EB

Preparing to drop off the last 7 cars of Mixed Freight
5C Train at the Industrial Park Transfer Track (IP TT)

Backing the train into the drop off location.
See the Weekly Layout Update Video for more action
from tonight's session.

Rob Fair proudly shows off his newly installed
decoder and power extender locomotive...
CNW C40-8 8526

Tue, Nov 18, 2025

I finished running Sequence Train #1

Mixed Freight 5C Train EB with 

B3 Power UP SD40-2 2056 3571 DC

Power B3 UP SD40-2 2056 3571 back in
UP Engine Facility storage track 3

Also brought in two cabooses

The end of Mixed Freight 5C

The front of Mixed Freight 5C

One more look at the Industrial Park Transfer Track
IP TT

Wed, Nov 19, 2025

Sequence Train #2
Metra Commuter Train 1A Power A1 F40PH 132
UP Northwest Line to Harvard IL

Oops! We have a problem. A lone locomotive...

...and the first car off the tracks and on the floor...

...& the remaining two cars of the commuter consist.

I gathered the parts and will plan on putting this
model back together to finish the run to Harvard.

Thu, Nov 20, 2025

Bringing light to the secondary workbench

This could take more than I
expected. Some of the parts
needed were broken off.
May need to order new trucks.

Fri, Nov 21, 2025

Finishing our trip to Harvard with only 2 cars.
Once the new truck arrives for the other commuter
car I will add it to this consist.

Metra Commuter Train 1A arriving Harvard on the
Northwest line.

Arrived - Harvard IL

My new location for commuter car repairs.
Not enough tools at the other location.

It is a nice location for secondary projects on hold.
But once the project starts the main workbench is
the place to be. We can keep the main workbench
clear by using this space for other projects. Good idea?

Sat, Nov 22, 2025

Getting the two workbenches properly filled with upcoming projects...

There are two projects ready to go at the secondary
workbench. 1.) CNW C40-8 #8501 need to install 
a power Xtender. 2.) CNW SD40-2 #6935 need to 
install a new decoder and power-Xtender.

To work at the bench you need to sit at the stool.
It may be too low for some. If that is the case,
we'll move that project over to the primary workbench.

And here's the primary workbench.
This is for high priority projects. I ordered a new truck
from the Kato Online Store. Should be here next week.
I will work with Rob Fair to get this project completed
asap! 

Click here

to view the Weekly Layout YouTube Update

Duration: 12:56 mins.

Description:

*Found missing UP SD40-2 #2056 running Mixed Freight 5C EB

*Still on Sequence Train #1

*Dropping off 7 cars at Industrial Park Transfer Track

*Signal changes on EB mainline track 2

*Watching on monitors

*Entering Proviso Yard WB Union Pacific yard

*Oops! I left the road crossing lights running

*Sequence Train #2 - Metra WB Northwest Line Commuter Train 1A to Harvard IL

*CRASH to the floor! 😬

*Finished running Sequence Train #2 Metra Commuter Train 1A Northwest Line to Harvard IL

*Thanks a lot for watching!

Especially this far into the video 😁