Inspired and Refreshed

Having spent 4 days in close confines with four inspirational people, I returned home with plenty of spark.

Andrew hit the nail on the head when he said in his blog that the convention in Armidale was better than any exhibition because it gave you the opportunity to be surrounded by like minded people with the same enthusiam, but more importantly gave you the time to actually talk with them. Check out his blog "Bowen Creek".

Peter at the wheel

Geoff and Scooter (Cassino) just south of Glen Innes

On a more serious side, on my return I had plenty of fuel for that spark and jumped straight in where I left off.

The bench work was my first priority and getting all of the first stage done.

This shot ties in the last shots with the back wall and centre aisle module

The return for the centre module and the back drop had to built in place, it is still removable.

Centre module bolted up with a cardboard template for the track centres

The overview of the first aisle showing the double sided backdrop on the right

While all the benchwork construction was going on my InFront Models DOT wagon arrived in the post so I commenced the clean up. This is a very good kit and with the aid of the various jigs will make into a great model.

All the items included with the kit

Just to ensure the fire did not go out, my soundtraxx decoder arrived and after many emails to Gerry (a big thankyou) I commenced the install!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With the AT1000 board you need to remove the factory fitted one

Do not forget to add 1k ohm resistors to every LED, 6 in total
Lucky the "Good Wife" didn't see this.

The finished product, test run and programmed

So there you have it, the convention was a great inspiration and the time spent with fellow modellers was and is always worth it.

All the best and happy modelling.

Trackwork is getting closer......

While I have been busy working out safe working ideas, I have been busy constructing more benchwork. The 68mm by 19mm dressed pine sure makes construction easy with the last thing to do is attach the 600mm high back drop and then drop it into place.

This shot is the first module along the back wall. This wall is 6 metres long.

Having finished that off it was time to construct the centre "double sided module". As I wanted the backdrop sandwiched without any reinforcing to show. This required a bit of extra timberwork but the effort will be worth it.

Centre module under construction in the workshop

After completion in the workshop I got the good wife to assist and it was moved in and attached.

Centre module awaiting the bolts

Now that this centre module was in place it allowed me to work out the curve for leaving the terminus station area so I could try my earlier full scale planning diagram.

Here is the track plan sitting in place while I work out the curve. A nice 34 inches.

While all that was happening I had some time at the work bench and started the wiring looms for under each turnout. Nothing flash, just a simple wire activiation from the side of the layout. I think you have all see it before.

PVC edge mold you get from the hardware holds the slide switch in place.

Any way that is what I have been up to since returning from my holidays. Our regular Tuesday nighters is always a big push along.

This weekend I will be heading to the Armidale Convention being put on by the New England Club. Previous conventions have been a blast and this promises to be even better.

Until next time.