My latest updates may be read from the top of this page ....
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This is an Ongoing Project - More Updates Soon.
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04 - 10 - 09
The package I had been awaiting from RAILS of SHEFFIELD has finally arrived.
Contained within, I found the Gaugemaster transformer plus two DMUs, a Peak and a Class 60 ... more of them later.
The transformer is now insitu and has been wired up and everything works!!
I have removed completely all of the 12v accessories from the "D" controller. I have separated the signals from everything else, and being rather a lot (23), I have put them all onto one circuit of the transformer. I have at present, a further two circuits of lighting accessories attached to two switches positioned alongside the controller. One of which comtrols the thirteen buffer stop (red) lights; the other contains the five recycled tall yard lights along with the lights I have built into the TMD and fuelling points.
Everything now works perfectly without voltage drops including both circuits of the twin controller.
I still have plenty of voltage left for more 12v accessories.
The first photo below shows two Yard Lamps plus the lights (white LEDs)
I had previously built into the TMD.
Below is a closer look at one Yard Lamp plus the TMD.
Purchased from EXPRESS MODELS
here are the yellow LEDs I've fitted into the tops of the two Fuelling Points (below)
The photo below features three Yard Lights and the yellow lights of the Fuelling Points.
Also in this view are some of the KNIGHTWING white metal accessories that are available from their excellent range. This area is not finished by any means, as there are still many pipe runs to fit. These will be from the unloading pumps to the tanks and also from the tanks to the Fuelling Points.
The DMU servicing / stabling area is continuing to take shape.
The fourth Yard Light has been fitted and wired in. The office block and paved portacabin "hard standing"along with the "duck board" crossings make this area come alive. The yellow fencing and grass / weeds all add to the atmosphere.
LATEST ACQUISITIONS
From BACHMANN:-
Two x Class 150 DMUs. One in Centro plus the other in Regional Railways liveries.
One x Peak D95 in green with split headcode boxes.
From HORNBY:-
One x Class 60 60040 Territorial Army Centenary.
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23 - 09 - 09
The continuation of the scenics around the station throat has kept me busy during the last couple of weeks. I have also been interspersing the action on the layout with visits to the Great Central Railway and the Battlefield Line for their Diesel Galas.
Both events were excellent and collections from these events
can be found on my FOTOPIC SITE.
Above are the basic materials I am using to create the scenery in this area. Grassmat, lichen and packets in a wide variety of coloured scatter materials are all available from your local model shop. Gaugemaster supply a good grassmat, (available in three different shades, mine here is "summer" shade). The lichen and scatter are available quite cheaply from Hornby or Woodland Scenics (through Bachmann).
Photos of the continuing scenic work follow.
06 - 09 - 09
Recycled scenics beginning to take shape.
The refuelling depot area is beginning to come alive. There is still plenty to do as these photos suggest.
The Stroley Signalling Centre, although completed some time ago, has finally been "planted" securely. The staff's parking facilities are also coming along; it won't be long before they can park in their allotted spaces.
These areas above have not been completed - further photos in due course.
22 - 08 - 09
The colour light signals have now been fitted and wired up and when switched on caused a problem. This action has caused one of the two controllers on my GAUGEMASTER controller to overload. According to the Gaugemaster Techies, it would appear that I have too many items connected to the 12v supply. The right hand controller of my Gaugemaster "D" works perfectly, which the "techies" acknowledged, as the 12v supply would only come from one (left) winding.
For the time being my "play time" is restricted to one train at a time.
Photographic evidence of the signals' completion can be seen to good effect below.
Above:- The "north" end of the station - 2 aspect signals guard these exits.
The reason for the 3 aspects at this end is simplification for my modelling purposes over the prototype
If trains follow the "UP RELIEF" line, the station starters show a "yellow"; if the "UP MAIN" is used, this is signalled by a "green" aspect.
Below left:- The "UP RELIEF" and "UP MAIN" are guarded by the twin-head signal, aiding the drivers departing from the southern end after the "station starters".
Above Right:- The UP / DOWN YARD LINE looking through the arched bridge. The "Up" and "Down" signals can be seen through the single arch.
Above:- three other shots of the completed signalling.
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Latest Acquisitions:-
Hornby HST Grand Central Power and Trailer Car Train Pack.
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Heathcote Electronics' < MAS-SEQUENCER-4 > Electronic Unit.
I have purchased and fitted 2 x Mas-Sequencer-4 units to electronically give the illusion of block section signalling after the end of the scenic section at the "country" end of the layout.
This description below is copied from HEATHCOTE-ELECTRONICS website:-
The MAS-SEQUENCER-4 operates a signal as follows. The signal is normally at green. As a train passes the signal it will be detected by the MAS-SEQUENCER-4, this causes the signal to change to red. Once the train is clear of the MAS-SEQUENCER-4's detector a timing sequence begins.
After the first timing interval the signal changes from red to yellow, after the next timing interval to double yellow then after the last timing interval it changes back to green.
The length of the timing is easily adjusted with a "pot" on the board.
After the first timing interval the signal changes from red to yellow, after the next timing interval to double yellow then after the last timing interval it changes back to green.
The length of the timing is easily adjusted with a "pot" on the board.
The reasonably straight forward wiring up of these units will be covered
in my "H.I.D.I." pages in due course.
One of these units is wired to each of the four aspect signals covering both
the "UP MAIN" and "UP RELIEF" lines. The sequence is described below.
Above:- Trains on each of the "UP RELIEF" and "UP MAIN" have just disappeared into the distance after passing these four aspect signals; hence the red aspect on both..
Above Left:- The aforementioned trains have just passed the first signals on their respective tracks causing these signals to show a "single yellow"
Above Middle:- The train on the "UP RELIEF" has passed its second signal causing this signal here to show a "double yellow" aspect whilst the "UP MAIN" hasn't reached his second signal yet.
Above Right:- The "UP MAIN" train has now passed his second signal causing this signal here to now show a "double yellow".
Above:- Both trains have now passed their third signals causing both of these signals here to show the "all clear" aspect. The signals will now stay at "all clear" until the next trains that are due pass these and the SEQUENCER-4 units which are positioned about 6 to 9 inches after the signals. The units are placed under the baseboard with their infrared train detectors placed up through pre-drilled holes in the baseboard, between the sleepers and between their respective running lines.
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CONTINUED FROM W - i - P:- PAGE 4
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