Taffy_Jones

Thanks for sorting the title out Chris, One quick question do you have any more info on the signal box that got damaged? I would be nice to replace like for like if you know a supplier Will keep this thread up to date with Progress Barnaby, it will be a good few weeks before the next update Thanks 37114 for your tips, Chris has been very helpful and suggested my MERG purchases. I am trying to use similar electrics that are used on the club 00 gauge fiddle yard. What you are saying about the 80’s rolling stock makes perfect sense Taff

Here we go an an update on the electrics/electronics side of things A bit about me - My working background is Computers / Electronics so hopefully this will give me a bit of a head start on this part. More so computing for the last 20 years. I miss the electronics side of my job so decided to join BMRG so I can tinker After helping out operating layouts at a few shows Pixash being one of them. I have gained a fondness for DCC Being a bit of a skin flint and shown articles about build your own DCC++ controller. I followed instructions on the internet and set about building a controller with an Arduino and Motor shield. Also followed internet instructions for the Raspberry Pie as the throttle controller. All built and tested after a few hiccups (see pictures in previous post) I might well have a play with XtrckCAD to have a go at re designing the fiddle yards (time permitting). Due to Covid-19 and lock-down this might well happen Also been shopping on the MERG website and have bought a solenoid controller, Cbus interface and a mimic panel to play with (another learning curve) With any luck the MERG solenoid controller will be driving the PL10 solenoids already fitted to the layout. Will be removing the PL13 electrofrogs as they are giving bad readings on my AVO 8 meter. I have purchased some Guagemaster Autofrogs to try in their place (they look foolproof). Currently looking at controlling the layout via JMRI and semi automating the front part. More to follow I do not want to tackle to many things at once as nothing will ever get done. Please feel free to comment as I am new(ish) to the hobby and happy to take on new ideas Thanks Taff

Thought I would post another update as it has been a while The Pixash side of the layout has now been rewired. Next we will be rewiring the Twigg St section as well as planning to change the track layout on the fiddle yard section. Will also be extending the track on the front right to run onto a fiddle yard yet to be designed (I am looking at semi automating the layout, more to follow) Have also purchased Class 08 Class 03 Class 25 Class 35 Single car DMU Cadbury closed box wagons, These are currently being weathered by one of the club members. The loco’s need chipping, still deciding on chips to use. I might look into ACB (Automatic Brake Control) to help me out with automating parts of the layout. Have built and tested a DCC++ controller and wireless throttles also tested Will post an update on the electrics/electronic side of things soon

Hello to all who posted in this thread, I have been involved in model railways for just over two years at the Bentley Model Railway Group. Have operated this layout at Train West(2018) and Calne(2019) with other members of the club. Members who have operated the layout have all taken a shine to it. A few weeks after the Calne show I volunteered to become the clubs co-ordination for the layout hence why I am introducing myself to the thread At the moment the layout is being rewired and we are looking at increasing the size of the fiddle yards. Have also bought a Raspberry Pie, Arduino Uno and Motor shield to have a go at making a DCC controller (by following instruction on the internet). The idea being to try and embed a controller in the layout Progress will be slow as I only attend the club house once a week for a few hours. Due to me liking a good chinwag and a hot drink I do not always get to work on the layout. If people want me to keep the thread updated with progress reports please say? Also I hope people do not mind if I want to ask for advice as well? Thanks Taff