More rain means more modelling!!!!

With all this rain there has been a need to go out to the train room and let the "Good Wife" and daughter deal with there own cabin fever!!!!!!!!!

After the last post I thought it was time to see if the turnout idea works in practice and not just theory.
With my 5 amp radio system in for repair I hooked up the Powercab and did a run by.

My sound equipped 32 and a small spring run back and forth.

With all having performed well I thought it best that when my 5 amp system returns I have things ready for the installation.

I have commenced RJ12 cable construction and have made a few testing panels to ensure everything is wired correctly.

Newly pruchased crimping tool and associated testing board

I then researched various sites and people concerning the finer side of the electrics. I felt I needed an Amp meter for checking the layouts load and also a volt meter for just in case.

I then wanted to break up the comms bus and the track bus, so with all that in mind I constructed a box to house it all.

I am of a firm beleaver that why all the wiring I do now is clear in my mind, that will not be the case in 10 years time if I have to trouble shoot. Everything has been labled and colour coded.

Now I just hope the layout will make it to 10!!

My black box sits on the top of the Power cab. Hmmm must put that filter on the power leads.

All has been set up, tested and working as it should. I now need to lay some more track so as to get a better run.

Happy modelling.

Darren

On a curve with a Bonus

Well I guess it is no news to anyone on the east coast of Australia that it has been raining. The bonus has been that it is also raining on the weekends and this means more modelling time in the shed.

With the first phase of the benchwork complete it was time to move on to the roadbed. I like to cut the plywood out for the trackwork area only so as to allow low level scenery. The more the better.

When cutting the curves, I like to use large sheets of cardboard as templates and then trace it directly on to the plywood.
When you cut out the full curve it makes for a stronger roadbed and a smoother surface. All the better for laying track!!!!!! I can't wait.

This shot shows the cardboard template, and the plywood roadbed sitting in place ready to add the risers.

An overhead view with the risers all cut and screwed and glued in place, ready to lay track!!!

After each major project I like to clean up and then set about marking everything out for a test fit and general feel. I then leave it for a day for two and then revisit it.

From previous posts you will have noticed that "Wattle Flat" has been done for some time, but over the months no track was layed!!. This was mainly due to making sure I could get the largest curve possible without losing much needed yard space.

Having worked with my cardboard templates I finally got the largest curve possible and as seen from the shots above, all installed.

Curve point installed with activation mech and wired

Under roadbed shot

As seen in earlier reports, I took the time to prewire all the turnouts and make under roadbed wiring harnesses. This took a lot of time during the installation of the turnout as all holes for the wiring and the activation have to be drilled prior to turnout installation. Hiding all the wiring is something I consider important.

Hmmm, I guess after I have installed a few there might be some time savings, when it is time for the wiring. I can't run a train through, until it is installed properly as the frogs have been isolated and require the activation mech to align the power!! There is always a negative to a positive.

Well enough of my ramblings!

I wish all bloggers and followers alike a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2011.

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.

Is the Line Clear.........

With all the discussions about blocks, staff and sections it got me to thinking as to how I was going to control or prevent head on meets between crossing loops on my layout.

Now that there is actually something to see on the home layout, I can let you know that the backdrops are 600m high and there is no way you can see over them or around them when you are following your train so I felt this was pretty important.

Now I am not the sharpest tool in the shed so I wanted something either of the shelf or pretty easy to wire and use. After our last Tuesday nighters and Blog reading I thought the simple two way switch idea (like in your house) with a meter at either end of the block would do the trick.


In the examples shown the train is heading to your right as you look at the screen.

This shot shows my "block instrument" indicating the next section is clear. The train can depart knowing the line is clear.

As the driver departs the station he flicks the switch to show the line is "closed".

At the other end of the section the "block intrument" indicates line closed.

When the train arrives "complete" in the station or loop the driver then flicks the switch on the "block instrument" to show the previous station or loop the line is clear.

The train heading right will have to wait in the loop as a train is approaching (heading left on screen).

Having said all that, simply put when you enter or leave a section you just flick a switch. As there is a meter and switch at either end of the section this could also be controlled by the ASM if your operating session has enough people.

This circuit is powered by any power supply you like and is totally independant of the track power. I have used 240volt light switches because they are easy and cheap to get second hand but more importantly are very robust.

This mock up panel is powered by a 9 volt battery however when installed on the layout I will use 12 volts. The meters are simple Micronta ones with a resistor in series to the positive. Depending on the power supply you use will depend on the resistor.

I have then made up stickers to cover the meters with the wording from the "General Appendix".

Anyway enough of my ramblings and thanks again to all who started the discussions.

I look forward to catching up at the New England Convention.

Holidays in the way!!!!!!

G'day to all, I have been very quiet on the updates of late because I have been busy in the shedmaking and repairing all those things that have to be done when you live on property.

Since my last posting, I have finished the corner return module and have installed it ready for the peninsular modules to be constructed.

The divider is actually the backdrop for the centre peninsular.

The back module is also completed and installed. There just needs some minor adjustment in the legs (screw feet) to make the back drops line up.Module completed

My holidays were fast approaching and not wanting to have anything half finished on the workshop floor I opted for some fun and cut out the ply and the risers for the terminis station area. I had already mapped out the track plan so it was just a matter of cutting an 8 by 4 sheet in half, then cut out the scenery areas.

Plywood just sitting there awaiting fixing.

Well after spending 2 weeks on Fraser Island, fishing, relaxing, 4WDing, fishing and did I say relaxing, we came home.

It has been raining here since I have been away so I will need to get into cutting the grass before the lions take over.

Anyway enough from me. Bring on the Tuesday nighters.

The Show Scene

Evening all,
Last weekend Geoff and I took the Friday off and headed for the Murwillumbah High School Hobby Exhibition with my layout 'More'.

Geoff and I have atended this exhibition prior as exhibitors and were looking forward to another great weekend.

We arrived in Murwillumbah early on Friday and headed over to the railway yards for another poke around and get some measurements and detail shots we didn't get last time.

Turntable still intact and free, looking towards the station.

The idea was to obtain measurements of the spacing between frame, rodding and cabling. The first job though was to remove some of the regrowth obscuring our photos.

This shot could have made front page of the local paper "Two start clearing for the trains" Geoff clears the grass.

There was some great examples of interlocking and rodding.

Great shot of the frame and rodding, no frame letter on it and will have to look it up.

Nice close up, my home layout is over 1300 high and it is detail like this that suddenly become noticable.

Closer look!!!!!!!

We spent a few hours wandering around taking many shots and measurements, then finally headed for lunch. A great hamburger can be had at the shop opposite the railway station.

It was 2 o'clock, 14.00hrs and time to set up for the show, we headed over, met Phil the organiser and commenced the job of setting up. It takes about an hour and a half now due to the fact that 'More' is 10 yrs old with some of the rail joins taking a bit to get them spot on.

Cleaning the track, oh and hitting your head on the pelmet. Geoff wasn't the only one.

The finished product with the trains running.

The show was well attended by the various scales with N scale the most. The highlight for me was to see Trevor Hodges 'Queens Wharf' O scale layout. The level of detail was fantastic, there is so much more to this layout than was covered in the magazine.

Members from New England Model Railway Club were in attendance with there layout and it was great to see some old faces. Their HO scale NSW layout always attracts great attention.

On the shop front Gwydir Valley Models and Horizon Hobbies were in attendance and this alway sees me splurging. If you haven't see their shops go online, just great!!

It was also great to catch up with Dave and the crew from 'Ecton', their O scale english narrow gauge layout is great with the emphasis on operation. The fellas are always in for a laugh!!!

Phil and the ladies of the P and F deserve a huge credit in organising a great weekend and looking after the exhibitors.

I look forward to the next show in 2012 around the same time.

Until next time. Darren