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In this final episode of MRVP’s Olympia Logging Co. On30 display-style layout construction series, David Popp and Kent Johnson highlight the efforts, successes, and shortcomings over the last several months. Enjoy the quick tour, glean helpful insights from the candid conversation, and then download a PDF of the Olympia track plan, featuring the completed first phase and a clever scheme for layout expansion!
hi I just finish watching Olympia logging Series love it cant what to start my 11′ by 30″ H O layout I only been waiting four month I first need four renovation area first.
Loved this series!
David,
I thought I heard you mention in the video something about a magazine article for this layout. I certainly hope so. If so, any idea when we might see it?
Thanks!
Dear David Pop
I was wondering if you, Cody, Drew, and the rest of the MRVP team would come to Sioux Falls, SD, for the 1st annual Greater Sioux Falls Model Railroad Swap Meet and Vendor Show, and bring the Olympia Logging Railroad too? If you do, it will take place on April 18th and 19th, located in the Expo Building at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls, SD. It is right beside the Elis and Eastern RR. For more information contact Sioux Falls Model Engineers Society, http://www.svmes.net, svmes@sio.midco.net.
Thank You!
I am ready to start construction over a cold winter weekend! Where do I find a bill of materials for the benchwork?
Thanks, guys!
I am a continuous Model Railroader Magazine subscriber since 1949 and a subscriber to your MR Video Plus series.
I watched with interest your Olympia Logging Series Episode 19 on a LED lighting installation. I have a narrow N Scale layout about 20’ long with return loops at each end. The lighting strips you installed on your diorama seemed to be just what I needed.
I watched the video pretty carefully and noted (2) comments that you made. The first remark was to buy all of the light sets at the same time as the manufacturer had made some changes to the product over a period of time. You also remarked that the cost was considerably more than comparable fluorescent lighting.
The light valance that I intended to install the strips on was quite narrow so I got past the cost factor and visited my local Home Depot. I purchased (4) CABLED Starter Sets whose bullet proof plastic packaging was a bit dusty but otherwise appeared to be all the same.
After cutting through the heavy clear plastic packages with a utility knife, I discovered that I had (2) different styled LED light strips and (3) different AC adaptors.
One light strip had square shaped design LEDS and the other had tiny round designed LEDS. Additionally, one each of the shaped LED design light strips had a factory attached power connector and one of each design was a light strip with a separate power connector for me to attach (as in your presentation). Actually, I wound up with (4) different LED light strip versions out of the (4) packages.
I assembled the (2) different LED design light strips with attached power strip connectors to the dimmers and power supplies and they lit up. Great!
I then attempted to power press (with a pliers ) the other (2) power connectors to the plain LED strips facing up, and, following the manufactures’ instructions, and your video demonstration… NO LIGHTS. No matter how hard I pressed, no connection could be made.
Meanwhile, I decided to temporarily layout the (2) functioning but different LED design light strips on the valance over the train display to see what the effect would be. I placed the strips end to end. While the illumination was fine, the square LED design light strip gave off a warm glow and the round LED strip gave off a definite cool light effect.
Now, after spending a couple of hundred dollars, I had (2) different light effect strips that would not light and (2) different working light effect strips.
After watching the Model Railroader video again, you did state that if one is going to use these sets, be sure to purchase them all at the same time. The only problem with that recommendation is Home Depot restocks merchandise on a rotating basis so, since the outside packaging is identical there is no way to tell what is inside them or when each package arrived at the store.
I wanted (4) light strips that give off the SAME light effect, preferably the small round LEDS with the cool glow.
I contacted the CABLED technical support folks and they were very helpful. I proposed they send me (4) LED design operating light strips with factory attached power connectors that work, and all give off the same cool glow.
I stated that I could take the whole kit and caboodle back to Home Depot for a full refund but would rather not.
They sent me, at no charge, the (4) strips (all the same cool glow) with power connectors attached. Like you, I hooked up all (4) strips with each of their power supplies to a 110 AC power strip and operate them with a single switch. The dimmers, for me were not necessary and retail for $19.95 each on the HE internet site, so I have $80.00 worth of stuff I don’t need.
The manufacturer is apparently aware of the issues with the product, as sold, but my persistence paid off. I have returned all of the unacceptable and unnecessary items to them.
A 25 and 50ft. LED light strip is available along with power supplies up to 96 watts on the HD internet site. If I were to try LED light strips again, I would not buy “Starter Sets” but look further into the available product before making a purchase.
I understand that the MR presentation was limited to the project diorama shown in the series, but if you are going to use such a product, I feel you should have done more research. This would have included letting the manufacturer know about your endorsement of their product and finding out what other items they have available for different and longer lighting projects. They had no knowledge of MR’s video.
All in all, the project was costly but the results are very nice. See attachment of completed installation and partially completed layout.
Joe Bux
Hello Joe,
Thank you for posting your story, as it could be helpful to others. When we do projects for the magazine or video, like most all of our readers and viewers, we are cost conscious – meaning we usually can buy only enough material to complete the job, so there is little room for experimentation.
That being said, when we bought two kits, we had no idea that such a variety of differences from one package to the next existed. We made our purchasing decision based upon what appeared to be an easy-to use kit with expansion possibilities, and from the outside of the boxes, they looked identical.
I am thankful that the company made good on their product and was committed to getting you the correct parts to finish your layout. After perhaps more fiddling than I expected, like you, we did get ours to work, and we are very happy with the finished results.
The bottom line for those looking to add LED lighting, you may want to look around for another supplier of materials.
Enjoy your lights, it sound like you've earned them!
David
I will likely be forced to move to an assisted living facilityin the next few years. I could build this layout to take with me. I already have On30 and could salvage a lot from current layout. WHEN WILL THE SERIES BE AVAILABLE ON DOWNLOAD OR DVD FOR PURCHASE?
Hud in FL
Hey guys great series. Can you tell us which manufacturer the log bunk cars are from?
So, where are you hiding the extended track plan. Always looking for ideas!
Wouldn't it be hard to make the expansion? I liked the small steam switcher releasing steam. It was a great video.
good work MRVP Staff
Since I model PRR in HO I was at first just casually interested in the project. But as things began to take shape and with the use of new materials and techniques, back drop painting, the sector plate concept, snowshed idea, LED lighting etc you gentlemen had me hooked! Every week I could not wait for the new progress reports. Kent, David and all who took part in the project….my well worn engineer's hat is off to you! Well done, gentlemen! I look forward to the addition.
Great series. Suggestion: how about making DVDs of each project layout series; one project layout, start to finish, per DVD (or set if too large for a single disc).
I like this episode and you continue you this for upcoming project
I was really skeptical of how interesting this series would be when it started, but it turned out to be great. I really enjoyed it. I especially like this "wrap up" episode. It brought the series to a solid and enjoyable close. Great job!
What an enjoyable series of videos you guys produced that show what can be done in a small space. I found myself constantly checking to see if the next episode had been posted. You are making the hobby that much more enjoyable as we follow your progress. Can hardly wait to see what you do next. Bravo
When you started this series I was not as interested in this layout as the last one, but with the ideas on how to operate it, it really got me interested, so much so that I want to build one of my own with the extended edition. I also hope the extended edition will be the 4th MRVP layout. I hope this will be in the magazine like the last one.
This is one of the best MRVideo Plus episodes. It really conveys that "Model Railroading is Fun". This follow-up presentation is inspirational and makes me want to tackle an involved track project I have on my HOn3 D&RG layout. By the way, I love assembling wood structures. There is something satisfying about putting together a wood kit. It is the process that I enjoy – not just the end result – although wooden models generally look better.
One last overlooked detail. Either paint the bare wood legs or add skirting.
Mark
The Olympia RR videos were entertaining and educational and introduced many new modelers to a wide variety of new modeling materials and techniques. Great job guys and probably should be given a nomination for best series at the annual Soap Opera awards…….just great videos guys, thanks.
Ken and David, I do have a question. I would be very curious to know, how much it cost (assuming someone were to buy all the components) to build the Olympia Logging layout as it is? including benchwork, track, scenery materials, DCC, locomotives, rolling stock, etc. I know that at various times you said you used things you had on hand, so you may not have exact numbers, but an estimate would be very interesting. I seldom see cost discussed in how-to articles or videos, but it is certainly a concern to myself and many modelers who wish they had a more sizable budget. Great job again on the series. It was terrific!
What a great end to a fantastic video series. You have a convert and I am excited about the prospect of starting my own version of this great On30 scale layout. And thanks for the PDF of the layout and it's expansion. I plan to add the extension or a version of it when I build my own. Since my modeling budget is small it will take me a while (much longer than 7 months) so I'm hopeful that you will get a chance to build the extension before I get to far along. Congratulations on a fantastic job by everyone involved!
OK, you guys have way too much fun at work! Great wrap up to a great series. Thanks.