Sixties Snapshots - 00 scale

Ray,

 

It's like reading where my own blog should be in a year or two's time!! I too have chosen Gaugemaster inertia controllers (and some of my own making - a blog entry to come), but for now am also making use of a couple of old Duettes - no comparison.

 

I have also elected cab control - but using signals to change controllers. There are also changeover switches like yours, to switch out a panel for one man operation.

 

I looked at DDC but for the same reasons, opted against it.

 

Your panels and wiring look so good. Neat and tidy.

 

It is good to be able to see what my layout might one day be like, there are so many similarities. It's (hopefully) like a time machine.

 

I look forward to reading about your continuing developments.

 

Regards

 

Rich

........ but using signals to change controllers

Rich

Rich, now there you have me - more details please.

 

Love the comments about Duettes - all good modellers will have owned one - the wire wound rheostats wore out on mine:

 

 

Thanks Ray

Ray,

 

Loving the match sticks in the auxillary output! I've just done that again as a temporary fit up for the CDU!! The plugs are in my work box.

 

My plans for cab control are that all signals and points are operated by servos using MERG Servo 4 boards. They are triggered by simple on off switches, so I have bought DPDT switches for each signal or point. One side of each switch works as a simple on off for the servo and the other side can either be used to "lock" some of the signals to points or to switch power feeds from one controller or another to a track section ahead of the signal. I use common return wiring just like you.

 

The rationale behind this is that whilst the Starting signal remains "on", the local controller has operation of the station. However, when that operator pulls the Starting signal "off", he hands control over to the operator in advance. There will have been an exchange of bell codes prior to that. When the Starting signal is pulled "off" and the route shown as clear, the local operator sends "train on line" to the man ahead who then drives the train towards his own station. When it arrives, he sends "train out of section" to the man in arears and the Starting signal can be restored, putting control back to the local man.

 

I hope that make sense.

 

The similarities between our layouts are uncanny, but you are years ahead of me - and much neater!

 

Rich

 

Loving the match sticks in the auxillary output! I've just done that again as a temporary fit up for the CDU!! The plugs are in my work box.

 

Rich

Rich - thank you for the detailed reply - I think I can feel the need to do some Googling. My layout is essentially 'one man' operation (sequence). You are well ahead of me as regards signals. Your idea of interlocking the switches for points, signals and sections is sounding very like the real world. What make of signals have you in mind or will they be a blend of home made?

 

Yes I wondered about 'posting the picture' of the matchsticks - I think the temporary situation lasted quite a long time.

 

Regards

 

Ray

Ray,

 

That's the way of layouts - once its working, there's always something else to do.

 

I have some Ratio kits for the Christmas break - both the Quick Assembly and the "detailed" ones. I also have more Merg kits to solder - and my first inertia controller to finish.

 

I bought 5 home signals from ebay. A chap called "track and signalman" (ebay name) makes them. I think the Ratio Quick Assembly kits are the best ones. Two bracket signals are stuck somewhere in the post!!!

 

The breakthrough for me was the servos and Merg kits. The servos can be programmed to move quite slowly and you can also get a "bounce" at the end of the pull - and they also need on/off switches, instead of passing contact. I don't know of anyone that makes a double pole switch where one side is passing contact for sollenoids and the other is on/on for section switching.

 

First priority for me though is to get the reverse loops working again. I have a short somewhere. Also to make it all as clean as possible and find a way of keep it clean and working in a fool proof manner. It's too fickle at present and I need to build the Junction station over it. I'm working out in my head how to work under the Junction for wiring and servos and to get to the loops if needs be. Yes I know I should have sprted it more at the planning stage........ It is all sounding like a hinged baseboard and cut rails at each end. Oh well.

 

Do you have a blog or are all your bits on separate sections?

 

Regards

 

Richard

 

Regards

 

Rich

Silly me. I've found your blog points.

 

Talking of running to a sequence, have you thought of going against the clock? I've found a pc progtamme called fast clock. Not only does it put a big digital clock up on the screen, whic can run from 1:1 up to any speed you want - say 3:1, but it can show your timetable moves as they come up on the clock if you want.

 

As you do, I wrote out a fully worked timetable whilst on holiday in the summer. I hadn't even got the loops and continuous run built by then! Oh well.

 

Rich