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rip it up and start again....

bcnPete

Entry posted by bcnPete

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Afternoon all,

 

Those peeps familiar with my blogs will note that I seem to follow a similiar pattern...at some point, normally to do with my track building, I decide to scrap it and start over.

 

This layout is no exception :O

 

Following the one day show at BHMRC, I began to further the wiring and take each siding road by road. However my test trains would just not run smoothly through the turnouts. Despite packing away and a couple of fresh starts the layout nearly took flight across the Living Room from the DRT :angry:

 

I have now come to the conclusion that unfortunately I just cannot get on with the Easitrac turnouts. Some can, as it’s a wonderful product but I just can’t seem to build them to the standard I would like and I am not keen on the lack of adjustment. It really is no point in me building a layout that will give problems later on so it’s time to bite the bullet - the track has all gotta go ;)

 

I made this decision, not lightly, after much thought and I have now decided to return to PCB methods. Rather than solder rail to sleepers (again, some peeps make this look fantastic) I have decided to try the 2mmFS Versaline system.

 

I now have the jig, some chair etches and hope to make some progress this week testing whilst I am off for 1/2 term.

 

The plan is as follows: I shall build the track for the Meeth layout which forms my competition entry for the 2mm Diamond Jubilee Challenge as it consists of one turnout and one siding. Once I have this to a level I feel acceptable, I will put that back on hold and recommence the trackwork for Thurso. In terms of timescales this looks to be ok and I hope to be able to post something again on this thread this side of Christmas.

 

I feel a lot happier now I have a new plan of action...

 

Pete

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7 Comments

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  • RMweb Gold
Donw
  • RMweb Gold

I wonder if the pinned chair turnouts might suit you better although if soldered condtruction suits you why bother with other methods.

 

Don 

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Rammstein2609

Hi Pete

 

I had exactly the same issue with EasiTrac and just couldn't get anything to run properly.  Not a bad thing to say about the product it's just that I don't have the fine touch that it requires, that's why I went down the turnout route I did.  Also I think PCB construction gives you that adjustability even once it's on the layout.

 

I look forward to seeing you progress with this.

 

Cheers

 

Martin

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  • RMweb Gold
46444
  • RMweb Gold

Sounds like a plan Pete.

 

Concentrating on the Meeth project should get your eye in nicely for Thurso with the trackwork.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark ;)

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  • RMweb Gold
bcnPete
  • RMweb Gold

we have all done it, better to do it now than later

Thanks Nick...yep...I seem to do it regularly ;)

 

I wonder if the pinned chair turnouts might suit you better although if soldered condtruction suits you why bother with other methods.

If you mean the pegged turnouts Don, that is what these were...but am pretty set on the PCB now...

 

Hi Pete I had exactly the same issue with EasiTrac and just couldn't get anything to run properly. Not a bad thing to say about the product it's just that I don't have the fine touch that it requires, that's why I went down the turnout route I did. Also I think PCB construction gives you that adjustability even once it's on the layout. I look forward to seeing you progress with this.

Thanks Martin - yes agreed...great product, it works for some...just not all of us!

 

Sounds like a plan Pete. Concentrating on the Meeth project should get your eye in nicely for Thurso with the trackwork.

Thanks also Mark - yes am hoping that the track building confidence will get a reboost before I get back on this project...there’s still 18 months or so until the deadline so a little time in hand...

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IanLister

HI Pete

Just think how good it'll feel when it all works perfectly........

I've just made my third start on a set of signalbox windows; one day they'll look right, I hope.

Ian

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  • RMweb Gold
bcnPete
  • RMweb Gold
HI Pete

Just think how good it'll feel when it all works perfectly........

I've just made my third start on a set of signalbox windows; one day they'll look right, I hope.

 

Thanks Ian - yes I will lose interest quickly if it doesn’t run well...good luck with the SB!

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