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josh993

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  1. Good Evening All, I'm currently in the process of building an extension on my house, unfortunately modelling in 0 gauge means no room is going to present enough space for a decent sized 0 gauge layout or workshop! With that in mind, and on the basis I'm fortunate enough to have a 30 x 15m garden at the back of my new property which at the moment needs a complete remodel once the house is finished, I've been spending my Friday evening mulling over how I might incorporate a shed into this without taking over the garden completely! I'd like to build something in the region of 30ft x 14/16ft and thought I'd use this opportunity to ask others if they would share details and or a picture or 2 of how you have the incorporated a shed/workshop into your garden to give me some inspiration/food for thought for when the time comes! Best Regards Josh
  2. Good Afternoon All, I was just wondering if anyone here has previously experienced interference problems whilst using Arduino products before? I'm currently using a DCC Interface TMC2208 and Arduino Nano to drive a stepper motor which is connected to CNC Slide which drives a sector plate to three positions. The sector plate can either be driven by a DCC Command or a Push Button for each position. I'm not an Arduino wiz but understand the basics and am able to up/download software/code. The code I'm using was mainly wrote by Tender, who I unfortunately haven't heard from for some time and hence this post. Having operated the layout more recently, I've noticed I've got a problem with the sector plate sporadically changing position without pressing a button/driving a DCC Command. I've rewired the stepper motor power supply and control circuits completely separately from the rest of the layout wiring to rule out interference and I've even fed them all from seperate power supplies but I still occasionally get a random uncommanded movement. The movement happens sometimes (Not every time or in anyway repeatable) when I either drive a tortoise point motor (most common) or turn on an additional plug/unplug something on the nearby extension lead - Something else external has to operate to cause the movement, I.e. it is always in time with the point motor's moving or a plug being unplugged but not everytime or in anyway repeatable. I assume it is some sort of interference or power drop (Even though the stepper and drive board have seperate supplies), and was just wondering if anyone had whitnessed/experienced any similar problems? I've read somewhere that it could be to do with pull up and pull down resistor values? Or additionally I could perhaps utilise ferrite caps to reduce interference? I'm looking for some guidance on how I could rectify this problem, so if anyone can help or may be able to share any thoughts I'd be most appreciative? Thanks & Regards Josh
  3. Good Afternoon All, With several models on the go/getting close to the painting stage, some of which will need lining I thought I'd start a thread for some comments/thoughts for currently available tools for the job - I'm particularly interested in peoples views/reccomendations on air brushes and Lining Pens/Sets. I appreciate it's a bit on an open ended question, and everyone will have their own opinions but figured it would be a good topic for discussion. I have a basic setup at the moment with a small air compressor and PremiAir G35 Airbrush which I have successfully used on many models, mainly using a mix of Humbrol/Pheonix paints but I feel this is something that would now benefit from being upgraded. I've read through Warrens fantastic thread and Ian Rathbones book both of which point to a Badger and/or Iwatta airbrushes and both strongly reccomend the Haff 135 pen which currently has been discontinued, so I'd be interested to hear what other people have used as an alternative. I mainly plan to model BR Mixed Traffic an 0 gauge. Thanks in Advance Regards Josh
  4. Good Afternoon, Im currently in the process of finishing a 7mm kit for a J79 and looking at the livery I might finish the model in. On the basis that I normally model the Eastern Region Early BR period, it would make sense for me to finish the J79 in an industrial Livery as finishing it in LNER would put it out of place with the rest of my collection. It would also perhaps give an excuse for an industrial line on any future layout. Having done some research during the build, it was evident 1 of the 3 J79s was sold off to British Sugar at Cantley, however I haven't been able to find any pictures of it or little information about it while it was in their ownership. Jim McGeown finished his model in this livery of which there are photos on his website and in the instructions. After a recent chat with him, he advised at the time of finishing the model he didn't have any pictures to hand, but had since seen some and advised that the Logo/Numbering/Naming was somewhat different to how he had finished his model but couldn't recall where he had seen/came accross them. Does anyone have any pictures of know of any books that perhaps contain any information and/or photos of this particular engine? Thanks in Advance Kind Regards Josh
  5. Good Afternoon, I'm after some advice in regards to parting with a layout. Due to space, time, commitment and larger scale interests the time has come for me to part with my exhibition Layout Potterbourne. This post is not meant to be an "Ad" by any means or ways, and if it comes across in such a way I am happy for the post to be taken down/removed. Having not been in this situation before, I am solely after some advice from fellow modellers on: a. The best place to list/advertise a layout. b. How you value a layout in respects to selling it. For those of you who don't know anything about PotterBourne, to give you a basic overview it is a small GWR Branchline Terminus approx 10ft x 2ft, it's fully collapsible and I would look to advertise it complete with the lighting unit and all required power supplies and basic controller to allow the new owner to operate the layout. The sale could also include 3 adjustable trestles which support the layout and allow it to be mounted at any height, I would also be happy to hold on to them for future projects if the new owner did not want them. I am happy to sell it complete with the stock, but I have a fair idea of what I would like for this I am just struggling with how to value the layout itself. Any thoughts or guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks in Advance Regards Josh
  6. Good Morning All. Sorry to bump this one back up, but my friend is now looking to get the main platform starting signal constructed along with the main home signal. Unfortunately I have lost the most recent drawing for what we think is correct arrangement for these signals but in short. Starter Signal. As previously drawn above, 4 main arms, 2 for each platform indicating either the branch or main has been set for the train along with two shunting signals. One to facilitate shunting on the branch and the other to facilitate shunting onto the main. Home Signal. A little different from what was initially suggested above. Still with two main arms one indicating the main platform and the other to indicate the branch platform. In addition to this it was suggested that there should be 2 shunting signals, one to indicate shunting into the main platform (if occupied) or into the loop and another to indicate shunting into the bay platform (if occupied) or into the yard. Although we are confident in the arrangement of the main arms, the concern is more to do with the shunting signals mounted on the same post. Would one shunting signal be enough? He would there be a separate one for the branch and main as described above. Any thoughts on the above would be greatly appreciated before construction begins on the signalling.
  7. Good Afternoon All, I'm currently in the process of moving, and during this time I've took some time out to reflect on my layout PotterBourne and its future. ​For those of you who remember and for the benefit of those that don't, Potterbourne was started a mere 9 years ago on the old forum shown in the link below. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=27913 Over the following years, I went on to exhibit the layout at various shows around the country with a group of local modellers where I discovered the various delights of exhibiting, something which I do miss from time to time and hope to get back to in the future. The last few years have been quiet on the exhibition front and on modelling in general. I've taken some time out to develop my career and voluntary footplate work, and in doing this have only managed to pick up bits and pieces in 2mm Finescale, 00 and 7mm but haven't exactly stuck to any of them but have learnt many things along the way, oh and also have various shelves full of half started and finished items of stock, track work, buildings, etc! Going forward, I hope to stick to 7mm and develop my small Cameo Layout "Easton Mill" along with my locomotive and rolling stock building skills, and also help with a larger 7mm layout with a local friend. Anyway - Back to PotterBourne! With all of this in mind and with moving, I feel that PotterBourne has come to the end of its time with me. As much as I have enjoyed creating, developing and the time away with the layout; it has always been a bit of a hindrance to set up at home due to its foot print and lack of available space to set it up. With the new 7mm project, I can't envisage the space or time to keep PotterBourne and I think inevitably in the not to distant future it will be offered for sale for somebody else to hopefully enjoy and possibly continue to exhibit if they so wish. With all this said, I've created this topic to hopefully collate and showcase pictures and information about the layout which I can reflect back on once it has moved on and also answer any questions anyone has about it. So without further ado, here is a snippet of some of the pictures taken by Paul Bason when the Layout featured in BRM in May 2013.
  8. Hi Pete, Thanks for your bump! Things are still progressing at there usual rate of all or nothing! I haven't really done a great deal in 2mm recently but the layout has progressed a little bit since the last update so I'll try and dig out some pictures. The layout was built inside a cameo style box and some more ballasting and weathering was completed. Unfortunately, as I was testing things further, it appeared where I have thinned the ply to suit the depth of the bridge the ply has some what warped a little, and I fear enough to cause somewhat problems with the tolerances in 2mm. Since then, I have sort of came to a dead stop as I couldn't really fathom a way to rectify the problem without causing some form of destruction! As it was then placed onto the shelf which it so nicely fits on in the workshop, I have since been somewhat distracted by some 7mm temptations, and I am now on my 6th or 7th Parkside kit I think..... and I have also in the true spirit of starting something else without finishing my previous project started on a 7mm Cameo Layout Easton Mills, which along with firing on a preserved line and a new job has somewhat taken over what time I have for modelling, let alone 2mm! I would like to get back to it at some point, and maybe need to do some rethinking on the "hump" and find a solution.
  9. Thanks for the reply again Chris So do you think the home signal the correct arrangement?
  10. Thanks 28xx - I am only planning on using one Analogue DC Controller or one DCC Controller. It is just to allow flexibility for other people to run their stock on the layout. I had planned to fuse them individually inside the box as I appreciated I could not rely on the fuse in the plug. Would I need to use say a 5A for the Plug and 3A for the individual channels to avoid the weakest fuse blowing first as if I used 3A inside and 3A in the plug I presume this would be the outcome? I presume there is no reason these could not be done with panel mounted holders either? Perhaps on the a different side of the box and clearly labelled though so they were easily identifiable from the output channels. Thanks for the calculation Cliff, do you think I could get away with 1A fuses for the individual inputs then and then a 3A in the mains plug? Indeed, I am just worried about interference for using one channel for two or three outputs, as I have had lamps flicker before when using electromagnets and likewise when using a controller....
  11. Good Evening, I am currently designing how I am going to wire up a new 7mm layout - As part of this I would like to build a floor standing power supply unit with one 230V plug with various power rating outputs, which then has a single multicore lead that connects to the layout. This keeps the mains power separate from the layout, reduces the overall layout weight and also allowing it to be used with other layouts in the future. In doing so, I am looking at building a self enclosed metal box which which will contain panel mounted transformers to give these various outputs. I appreciate this is always a weary subject and am fully aware of the risks with mains voltage, but the equipment will be tested by competent electricians before use. For the layout I think I need the following supplies: Tortoise Point Motors - 15v AC DC Controller - 16 to 18v AC (1 to 1.5 Amps) DCC Controller - 10 to 15v DC (2 to 3 Amps) Stepper Motor - 12v DC (2 to 3 Amps) Electromagnets - 12v DC Possibly a 12v DC for Buildings Lights? I don't mind supplying the fascia lights with it's own 230v Plug. I am just wondering how many of these panel mount transformers can be fed safel from one 230v supply - I presume if wired in parallel to the supply, (which I plan to protect with a 3A fuse the input voltage side) there would be no limit? I also plan to fuse the output channels aswell. If I can get twin wound transformers, these is no reason why I should not need anymore than 3. 1 with 15V output for the DC Controller and Point Motors 1 with 12v for the Stepper motor and Electromagnets 1 with 12v Output for NCE DCC Controller I would like to use individual outputs to ensure each accessory has its own supply, to avoid and minimise interference especially as the Controllers, lights and stepper motor may be in continuous use and a dip in power would be evident. I look forward to any thoughts. Thanks in Advance
  12. Taking everyone's comments into consideration and to perhaps give something for others to work or comment on, I have had a go at adding signalling to the original plan. This is only a first, rough attempt, and appreciate it doesn't include an outer home or Outer Starter/Section Signal on the main branch. I have designed the Starting Signal on those based at Exmouth, but have also seen a different arrangement at Halwill Junction, where both platforms have there own bracket signal with two arms - Essentially the same as Exmouth but split into two. My biggest concern is the Home signal and also the shunting signals or subsidiary signal arms required on this and the starter signal. Thanks again in Advance
  13. Thanks for all your replies - I've tried to reply to everyone's comments Thanks for your feedback for the starting arms, out of interest do you know any other locations other than Exmouth that had similar signalling or would show these style signals? The branch will disappear not to far past the point work, hence the thought process of not needing or trying to cram in a home. The branch will mainly be worked on the basis of Push Pull rolling stock, with perhaps the odd small freight or normal passenger working. Whether this would then be shunt released from the bay or whether it would work straight into the main platform I am unsure, I had not given to much thought on this. The two upper sidings are just general goods sidings, the siding above the bay will probably have a small goods shed and the most upper road will probably have a few coal staithes and various other unloading facilities. We did hum and har baout trap points when designing, but again, were slightly unsure where these would be needed much like the signalling requirements! The siding next to the station loco release will probably form a cattle dock or somewhere to leave wagons during shunting. The siding to the most bottom right is planned to be a small engine should with a turntable big enough to turn something up the size of a 4-4-0 T3 or T9, and the long siding above it is to store carriages or a part assembled freight train. I hope this perhaps helps and could shed some more light on the signalling required and which sidings could just be operated by ground levers. I like your idea with the advanced started and outer home, this could slim line the operation of the layout and something that we have talked about in the past. And thank you for your comments regarding the curves and design of the layout - Again, carriage sidings is something that was talked about but with the addition of the long head shunt and turntable feared it would make the layout feel cramped and perhaps little is less? Thank you for them pictures, I've saved a copy for personal use and sure they will come in very useful when finalising the signalling. 1. I should of mentioned that, the pre-grouping will be based on the LSWR. 2. Thank you for that piece of information. Again, thanks for all your comments and look forward to any additional pointers.
  14. Good Evening All, I have recently been working on a new 7mm Southern Branch Line Terminus with a junction off to another branch. Having completed most of the track work and fitted all the point motors, the next task is wire the layout up and test it functionally. However, after this we'd like to turn out attention to signalling so we can get a rough idea of where they need to be mounted, where point rodding will be required and running cables to operate them before progressing with any scenic work. Unfortunately, signalling isn't really mine or my friends strong point so we could do with some advice, opinions and suggestions to progress things so I have turned to RMweb! I have drawn up a plan of the layout in Templot Sketchboard, I have copied this into paint and added some lines to indicate the diamond crossing that is a double slip, the platform and a proposed location of the signal box. the Branch comes in from the top of the layout and the main line comes in from the right. From what knowledge I have, I presume that there would be a bracket signal at the end of the platform. I presume this would have two main starter arms, one for each platform but would these give a route indication or would this be determined by the road that the signaler pulls off? In addition to this would each road require a subsidiary signal for shunting or would the main arm just be given? Moving down the line, on the main line there could be a section signal towards the end of the scenic section? As for arriving at the terminus, I presume there would be a home bracket signal outside the main point. I am unsure what arms and indication this would require as you can effectively access the loop, platform 1, bay platform and yard from the main line. Again, I presume there would need to be a subsidiary arm or ground signal for shunting or when the platforms are occupied? I don't think the branch at the top requires any signalling as it is not on the scenic part of the layout for long enough to model any. However, I presume the yard and loop are going to need some ground signals, etc. The layout is going to be set in Southern steam around the 1930s to 1940s. We would be most appreciative if anyone could comment on the above or perhaps give some advice on the how the layout might of been signaled. If anyone needs any further information to add comments for the signalling requirements, please fire away! Thanks in Advance Josh
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