Thought it would be switching but turned out to be a layout update

I thought this would be a switching video with a short layout update but because I couldn't stop talking it is mostly a layout update. Instead of adding the switching I decided to make it a separate video, coming soon!
Please note that the barge picture from Mr. Goldstein's website is used with permission. Check out his website (link below) for more good stuff.
My model railroad is a 10' x 13' HO scale shelf layout set on Long Island in the mid 1960s (give or take). Why I model the LIRR is a long story... It's pretty much done, but there's always room for improvement.
Track plan postimg.cc/yD5...
LIRR History: www.trainsarefu...
New York waterfront railroading: members.trainwe...

[@phillipwerner3476]

Hey, how are you. I just watched your copper refinery video and thought that you might like to know that in the not to distant future, I plan to add a copper mine to my HO layout.

[@bhuddaloyd]

Would you be interested in doing a tour/overview video of your layout? I would love to see track plan and get a feel for the space it occupies.

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

Sure, but I should probably wait for the redesign to be finished. There's a link to the track plan (somewhat out of date) in the description to the video that should give you an idea of the room size. The room itself is a windowless bedroom in my basement. The previous owner converted the basement into a "mother-in-law" apartment-like area, thus the bedroom.

[@JosephMusgrove]

Always enjoy seeing the layout! Like how you placed the bridge in the corner. Used the same proto-freelance approach for my Fort Smith, Arkansas layout. My layout is a good representation of the area but still allow myself to take modeler’s license based on what I like.

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

It really seems to be the most satisfying approach. Freelancing requires a certain foundation of knowledge and skills, though, so I'm glad I started like I did. Always improving, I hope.

[@jeansoukiassian7580]

Lot of work to come, seems very interesting, and will follow progress. Thank's for the informations about the copper furnace.

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

Thanks. Researching industries and implementing them is actually quite enjoyable, for me at least. Where else am I going to share my new-found knowledge of copper refining?

[@jeffbranch8072]

Just thinking unfiltered right off the top of my head, how close to the 21" gauge would you get using Z gauge instead of N gauge? Running number real quick and rough, I get about 22". Maybe HOn equipment with Z trucks? Probably not worth pursuing, but maybe something to noodle on?

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

Hmmm, I'll look into it. Thanks!

[@derekalexander4030]

You have been very busy, quite a lot of changes coming. Thanks for the history of copper in the city, it was very interesting.

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

Thank you. I find it fascinating even though I've never been there. NYC just has a certain allure, but I still hate the Yankees.

[@bobainsworth5057]

I lived in Queens until I was 25 , Worked in Brooklyn last 2 yrs. and never knew that there was a cooper refinery in NYC. Great idea . I like changing things around . I doubt anyone will know you didn't model it exactly. Looking forward to seeing your work. What you have done looks great already.

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

Thanks! It was fully torn down around 2000. Lots of Superfund issues as you might expect. It's currently the site of "Restaurant Depot" and a big ole parking lot. Interestingly there are still remnants of the narrow gauge railway in the concrete!

[@toddshryock1634]

What do you use for those vacuum hoses at various industries? Is it wire with the tips painted silver? They look pretty good and it's a detail I'm missing on my layout. I also found the copper refining information very interesting.

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

It's rubber tubing I got at Hobby Lobby in the "beading" section. I stick in the wire (which is probably 14 awg but I'm not sure) and then put short lengths of 1/8" dia styrene tubing at the ends for the fittings.

[@thebritishrailroader]

Really demonstrates how a model railway is a dynamic thing and that even when you think you have finished it, you can always change things and remodel whole sections but keeping the original layout fairly intact

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

Absolutely. It took me a while to fully realize I could do whatever I wanted (but still keep it authentic).

[@thebritishrailroader]

@@longislandrailroadmontaukb982 you are doing a sterling job

[@wethepeople7961]

Foolishness is Fun...

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

Too much can get you in trouble, though!

[@EmpireBeltRR]

Looking really good!!! And just when you thought it was done!!!😊

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

I know! But if it were "done" what would I do? Take up golf or something?

[@EmpireBeltRR]

@@longislandrailroadmontaukb982 can't have that!! Model RRing is way more fun!!!

[@andrewpalm2103]

Wow, a lot of changes going on there! I found the info on copper refining very interesting. Ditto for the crane project. And I look forward to following your progress in executing your plan. I finally finished filling out my insulated boxcar fleet to transport fruit to my food company. I'll soon be adding more boxcars, so I wondered if you could give a brief description of the freight car weathering methods you use. Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@longislandrailroadmontaukb982]

Yeah change is good, except when it's not! Sure I'll describe my weathering process, but I won't do a "how to" since everything I do I stole from someone else. I've also done it about half a dozen different ways! I think I've settled on a basic technique that I'm happy to share, so stay tuned!

[@andrewpalm2103]

@@longislandrailroadmontaukb982 Thanks. I've settled into my weathering stuff, too (and they are all "stolen"). But I like to compare notes and try new approaches.