Alan Kettlewell

I too follow the suggested practice of grouping the modules around the layout where the wiring can be kept to a minimum. I've attached some of my 'planning diagrammes' for my latest 0 gauge layout I'm building. You might make out I'm setting up five small 'boards' each consisting of a turnout module, a feedback module and a switch module for electro-magnets. Each board is positioned to be close to the components they operate. I should add that, as these boards do not need any interaction once they are set up, they are positioned just under the front edge of the layout - out of sight but easily accessible should I need to work on them later. Notes: These are for planning purposes, the actual wires don't run dead straight as shown. (Sorry, had to say that in case some smarty-pants picked up on it ...lol). The blue arrows are just there to indicate where the support legs and cross members are - used to ensure turnout motor positions don't clash with the supports. This is not a portable layout. Good luck with your project. Cheers ... Alan

Hello Keith, That's quite a bit of reading, It is a shame I lost my way with it. Glad you enjoyed the thread though and thank you for the compliments. The layout is half dismantled now and a new 0 gauge terminus to fiddle yard layout is underway along one side of the shed - although at a much slower pace as in this case the trackwork is mostly hand-built. Eventually I'll dismantle the rest and I'll set about selling off all the H0 stock - funds from which are needed to fund the 0 gauge project. It's intended that the 0 gauge layout will eventually be extended round to the other side of the shed making it a U shape. Thanks for your interest. Cheers ... Alan

Yep, I can agree with that. On my big H0 layout I'd run the whole thing automatically with TC so hardly had cause for hand operating. However my new 0 gauge layout currently under development is a terminus to fiddle yard layout so there'll very likely be some hand shunting. I have a Roco wireless multi-maus but hardly use it, soon then it may be time to dust it off... Cheers... Alan

Another ardent supporter and user of TC and the Z21 here (and former Lenz DCC user). I took a slightly different approach when running my big H0 layout. I split it into 3 power districts using Digikeijs boosters - each have a 3A rating. Train tracking is with reed switches through several Digikeijs feedback units via the Z21 R-Bus - these are great because you can connect 16 sensors to them. For turnouts and lights I fitted an accessory bus separately powered by a Lenz TR100 transformer. I had a number of redundant Lenz Turnout units (LR-150s) so I used these to drive the Tortoise turnouts. (The outputs on the Lenz 150s had to be fitted with a pair of directional diodes to convert the current but that was simple enough). For operating, when I'm not sitting back and watching Train Controller handle everything - and I actually want to drive something myself or change any turnouts - I use the Z21 App either on my Samsung Tablet or with my phone. In a large shed I wanted wireless operation, so it all works great. Great to see the various setups folk use. Enjoy. Cheers ... Alan

Ditto - also notable is the big hike in price for UK customers compared to other countries. I also note there have been no new updates or innovations for quite a long time now. If it was to meet its demise I'd be unhappy to move to something else now after years of investment in it - not to mention losing all the time and effort spent getting everything operational using the advanced techniques available. Cheers ... Alan

I can get accuracy of stopping distance to within 5mm - even with a long brake and stopping distance from the point of detection. I use Train Controller software and ensure that I do really accurate speed profiling of all locos. Cleanliness of track, wheels and pickups and mechanical condition of locos are a factor. Cheers .. Alan

You also may consider different options if you have bi-directional loops in your storage yard. The attached doodle shows a couple of options - one for bi-directional running and one for single direction. For the single direction option you can of course just isolate say the last 3 ft or so where the head of train should stop, but for di-directional running then it would make sense, and use fewer sensors, to isolate the whole loop as shown. Also with 13ft available you may want to consider storing two or more shorter trains in a loop, as per my doodle. These ideas are based on 'occupancy detection', different arrangements would be required for 'passing contact' detection where reed switches mounted in the track are used and no isolation is required. Happy to elaborate further on that if required. Cheers ... Alan

Hi Tommy, Here's a couple of pics of snubbers I made up for my previous layout - very basic components and fitted across the end of the twin DCC bus wires: The components: Assembling: Fitted across the end of the DCC bus: I hope this helps. Cheers ... Alan

Some feedback - Job done. I found the method that worked for me was to soak the transfer in the meths/water solution for about 5-10 minutes to loosen the tissue - then slid it into approximate position like a water transfer, gently pulling the tissue away. Once in position a very light dab or two with a small piece of kitchen towel finalised the job. Tomorrow I'll get the spray kit out and give the coach sides a waft with varnish to seal the job. Many thanks again for the tips - much appreciated. Cheers .. Alan

Great, thanks - I'll try that too. Appreciated. Cheers ... Alan

Excellent - I'll certainly try these methods. It's almost a full sheet and I have four coaches to do so it would be a shame to waste it. Many thanks - appreciated. Cheers ... Alan

I've fixed a fair few HMRS Methfix Transfers over the years successfully but today I can't get them to release from the thin tissue and stick to the job, or anything. I also tried them on a piece of plasticard painted with a with a nice glossy finish. I've had this sheet a while and it's been stored without its protective cover so I'm wondering if these transfers time expire, dry out over time or some such issue. Mainly though, can they be re-vitalised? Any advice appreciated (yes I followed the instructions accurately). Cheers ... Alan

HI, I'm wondering if the Z21 Maintenance Tool may be useful here as it displays the status of connected hardware, addresses and so on. You might be able to see what's going on with those addresses during powering off and on. Also the old '+4' turnout addressing issue comes to mind. You can detect if this is the issue if those turnout addresses that change are all incremented by 4, so 10 would become 14 and so on. If so the Maintenance Tool can help resolve this. Just ideas off the top of my head to try out. Good luck with it. Cheers ... Alan

For interest here's a screenshot of a plan I made a while ago showing a Templot track plan overlaid onto an OS map of the layout at Lakeside. This was a plan I fancied doing in 0 gauge but it was just too big for my shed so the plan didn't come to anything. If you progress your idea I'd be happy to let you have photos of Lakeside (and Haverthwaite) I collated for the project. To give you an idea of the dimensions, the grid lines are at 1ft for 0 gauge so would be 6" for 00. I thought the narrow gauge coaling line (right hand end) for servicing the Lake Windermere steamers was interesting. Good luck with your project - you'll get lots of help on here. Cheers ... Alan

A glimpse backstage at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg ..