Hi All.

Modelling focus since the last entry has focused on the small collection of huts/sheds/cabins that reside on top of the embankment at Ropley. The first two of these are complete bar a few minor details, and can be seen in the photo above. The rather battered appearance of the portacabin type was created using weathering powders & dry brushing after first being sprayed the light yellowish brown colour seen where paint has fallen away. Humbrol Maskol was used to recreated these areas before the cabin was sprayed in it's base, dark brown colour. There will be more updates on this area in another entry.

Meanwhile.........

Whilst browsing the reviews section in the latest issue of BRM, a small item caught my attention. Since I made the first signal for Ropley some time ago, I have been searching for the best method of operation. One of the preferences I had was that it should ideally be able to be controlled from the Powercab handset that the layout uses, but should also be able to offer movement as realistic as possible.

So, what caught my eye? This:

Produced by GFB Designs, this neat little box offers control of a servo by either DCC or DC power. When using DCC, it can simply be connected to the main bus and be operated from your command station and the speed and travel of the servo can be adjusted, which provided exactly the features I was looking for. In fact the only thing it doesn't do is replicate the 'bounce' sometimes seen as signals are returned to their 'Danger' position, but in N Gauge I doubt you would be able to notice this anyway.

So what do you get for your £12.10? Included in the packaging is the Digital Servo Driver, Power connector & fixing screws. I also ordered a servo from GFB so I could test it out. A good set of instructions is provided which gives you the basics on adjusting the servo travel and speed by means of a bridging jumper & adjustment dial. It took me about 5 minutes to get it temporarily rigged up and running, so it really couldn't be any simpler.

The video below shows the servo in action after I made a couple of adjustments to get a slow movement to 'off', and a fast return to 'danger'.

Having read up on some of the other similar units available on the market (this thread here on RMweb is particularly useful) the ease of setup and the relatively low cost of this unit mean it will now be used for all of the remaining signals on Ropley. The next step will be to connect up one of the signals, although I suspect that stage will take considerably longer than programming the IMP!

All in all, a very neat little box of tricks!

Tom.

(No connection to GFB other than being a satisfied customer!)