The fiddle yard area of my layout is compact and busy, containing not only the controller and stock but also a mimc diagram set up of power switches and a further diagram for the points. Also included is the timetable for the layout , the stock set up list for the traverser and information on the "world beyond", the Blackbow Line, which of course the fiddle yard represents. Part 1 of Stage left will explain the set up of the electrical requirements of the layout and the traverser, part 2 will look at the timetable.

Electrics

The layout contains 4 separate circuits all powered by the Gaugemaster Combi controller:

The Power circuit links directly into the main track on the board before the join to the traverser. This is a permanent connection that is always live when the layout is in use. Had insulfrog points been used this would have completed the entire power requirements for the main body of the layout however, I wished to include the smoother running of electrofrog points. Hence the main body of track is split into 3 sections to allow for correct isolation. The first section is the permanently connected entrance to the layout which powers the entry track, engine shed road and reversing loop. Sections 2 &3 are controlled by a DPDT switch and can be shut off or activated 1 at a time. These control the headshunt in platform 1 and the platform 2 road and coal siding allowing motive power to be stored in these locations and then isolated. There is also isolation within the engine shed allowing a movement of loco coal into this road whilst an engine is on shed.

As previously mentioned in The Blackbow Line Blog the points are also wired via SPDT switches to bypass relying on the rail to rail connection on the points for electrical current. I have found this greatly improves the smooth running through the points. In the future I will look to change from SPDT switches to micro switches linked directly to the point motors, however this may not occur on this layout.

The point motors are Peco PL-10s and run on the accessory loop. They are activated by the stud and probe method, however I have found this to be a little intermittent in performance and the studs need a regular clean as they become quite dirty. I may look to change to “Push to make†switches in the future.

The uncouplers are Peco PL-25 Electromagnets and are also linked to the accessory loop. I am yet to link the frets to any stock hence currently these are unused, however they are fully wired in and activated using “Push to make†switches.

There is also a main power loop going to the Traverser.

Traverser

The Traverser (or “Treverser†as its also known in this house!) is made of 4mm mdf like the rest of the layout and using 1 x1 runs on 2 doweling rods. 5 lanes of track have been added capable of holding the 3 coach + loco requirement which is the governing length for the whole layout. The electrical link was originally created with a fixed input for the –ve and a contact between 2 brass screws for the +ve. A screw was soldered in place for each row. Unfortunately this system proved highly unreliable as the restricted room meant that the link was formed by a pair of insulated tweezers. Hence I have upgraded the link to 5 “push to make†switches on the +ve loop, the required switch being pressed for the line to be run. A small box has been added at the far end of the tracks which contains the switches and connections to the track. As this was an upgrade I used the recent trick I have learned of soldering the wires to a fishplate and then connecting onto the end of the track. This was far easier than soldering to the track itself and I plan to use this in the future. Thus far this has worked very well and I am pleased with the ease of use that has come from this change.