Update

It's been a while...and there's a few things to share.

Firstly, my circumstances are changing, namely that after 5+ great years here in Barcelona we have decided to relocate back to the UK next year...at the end of the boys School year. It's proving too difficult for us to work in Spain and it hasn't been helped by us arriving 3 months before the economic crisis hit...which as you are aware is hitting Spain very hard.

Following a trip to London 10 days ago, I had an interview and start working in a new job tomorrow It will be strange to become an employee again after more than 5 years of being my own boss...but I will sure look forward to a regular salary again. I am going to be commuting in this transition year so last plane back to BCN on Friday after work and then last plane back to LGW on Sunday evening...to spend as much time with my family.

How will this affect my modeling? Hmmm...not sure at present, as having opted to come to Spain to try and find a better work/family balance I was also able to restart my modelling again after a 20 year break...that said, I have packed a cutting mat and a few tools in my hold luggage. The thinking is maybe I can sneak in some modelling on the weekday evenings at my digs in London...I am thinking of flying back and forth some rolling stock on a weekly basis in my hand luggage...let's see how that maps out.

Also has some thoughts on my new avatar...rather than change my name for simplicity and continuity I thought I would opt for a stripped down version...as BCN will always be a part of me...

So...back to modelling...the dreaded electrics which I so wanted to complete before starting my new chapter. Having wrestled with it for a couple of weeks, I can thankfully say it is all now working. Who would have thought a layout with one turnout could give me so much grief...especially in DC

As most of the work was being done upside down, it became apparent that the buffer stops (at present they protrude higher than the platform) were in danger of getting damaged. So I came up with a simple solution of 4 card strips which bolt through the pre made holes for the fascia(s) and once upturned this allows work to continue unhindered...after they are removed and kept for future electrical work. Once the platform canopy and colour light signals are added, they will be remade to reflect the increased height as required.

The layout has two separate control panels which 'fold under' for storage in the boxfile...all has mapped out as planned except for the rotary switch for the 4 aspect signal which is larger than I expected...so either that needs to be detached during dismantling...or a smaller switch sought.

The short circuit that was baffling me for two days is so embarrassing simple that I can't describe it...but having walked away from it, it suddenly became apparent what the problem was...testament to the fact that sometimes its good to walk away and clear your head when things are not going well...and I promise no alcohol was involved either

The wiring still needs tidying up with cable ties but here is a quick shot of it from below...anyone who is not keen on spaghetti avert your eyes now...

The only remaining wiring to be done is to install the two colour light signals which are currently being produced by absolute aspects...hopefully there will be no traumas with that wiring. The layout will be controlled using a PIC hand held controller as used by Jerry...so far in tests it gives very nice smooth running.

The left hand control panel is basically controller input/output and two isolating sections for the sidings using Gaugemaster simple slide switches.

The right hand side control panel is the turnout control using wire in tube and two switches which will operate the two signals. You can see the problem with the rotary switch but everything else tucks in when folded to fit in the boxfile.

Lastly, I will replace a few of the lost wax brass sleepers with pcb as my idea to cut them in two is foiled at baseboard joints as all rigidity is lost and I need to realign a few of the joints again.

That's about it really. Not sure how much more I will get done on the layout between now and crimble but I have committed to the BHMRC 2013 exhibition next May so I will find a way to honour that...possibly flying the layout back and forth in the new year to develop it. But I guess my updates on here may not be as frequent as they used to be whilst I undergo the transformation period.

Better go...need to get a good night's shuteye before tomorrow...