BrightHelmStone

Thank you for your message. Sorry for the late reply I didn't get the email to let me know someone had answered my message. I can let you know DCC30 is a four motor accessory decoder, without building CDUs. Gaugemaster do the DCC32 which does have CDUs. I will be gaining a 16VAC power supply soon so will try again using that to shift the motors instead of track volts. I will look into the DS52, as you suggest.

I wondered if I could have some advice on how to proceed. I see that Gaugemaster DCC30 Accessory Decoders pop up on Ebay regularly, so am thinking about collecting some for my new layout. My intention is to use a 16VAC/2Amp PSU to power the point motors eventually. But, to test a DCC30, I connected it up to use track power to shift Peco PL-10 motors. Am sticking with PL-10s at present - due to cost. Using the DCC track connection the DCC30 is sluggish shifting PL-10s (not unexpectedly). How much better will it be using a 16VAC PSU? As I cannot use a DCC30 with a CDU. How many PL-10s do you think could be reliably shifted at the same time? Would I be best to forget the DCC30 and go for a decoder with built in CDUs?

Can someone pin this loco down for me. If not the specific model then which 'real life' loco it is. I thought it as a Class 37, not not so sure now.

Thank you for all your comments and recommendations. Including the time David has taken to show recommendations in a doodle. I intend to use DCC. The colours were only to split into sections, not to indicate wiring design. Thought it would help you make your comments. Coming back on the comments. ACCESS I have the advantage of space, so will be able to walk around all sides. I have attached a better screenshot of the top board, it will be open, will only have maybe one tunnel port etc. I am thinking that the back edge could fold down to allow access. See photo. So access to the hidden point, rerailers and prodding should be possible. That being said, I do take on board comments about access being difficult. I have not counted out the option of a centre access hole. Either permanent or a scenic'ed 'drain cover'. I aim to build the board supports and wiring with this in mind. LOWER SHUNTING AREA I can see the logic of moving this to allow lengthening. I will redesign to allow this. GRADIENT See Gradient screenshot attached. I aim the top board to be 9mm ply. The upper board track height is 90mm. Which leaves about 80mm 'head height' underneath. Does this makes sense? 80mm seems just OK for access. Bearing in mind I was trying to keep the top board low to allow gradient as shallow as possible. MAIN LINE CROSSOVERS I will remove the right edge crossover, include a crossover at top as in doodle. Swapping crossover position will allow for the gradient to remain at 1:30 (crossover points will be flat, not inclined). As ever, I welcome your thoughts.

Hi there, I have been working on a new layout using Scarm software (got on well with Scarm, works well) for some weeks. The basic design came from the DefiniteC from freetrackplans.com. (http://www.freetrackplans.com/939-DefiniteC.php). Using Peco OO code 100. It has a single level lower board, 3.66 x 2.40 metres. An upper partial board width 1.22metres. It's an ambious project and I fully anticipate it taking a considerable time to complete. I have construction a simpler two loop layout for my son before, now it's Daddy's time! (son is most excited). I have increased the size as the original design had too steep gradients. I have managed to keep the maximum gradient to 1:42 (2.40%), and that on a long straight. All the gradient start and ends are eased at a lower gradient. The tightest radius is R2. Most curves are eased using 1xR4 -> 1xR3 -> multiple R2's. I have tried to make the two goods/shunting areas using ideas posted on this site. Incorporating headshunts, for engine movement and main line safety. I intend to use Gaugemaster Prodigy DCC. There will be reverse loop modules for the upper and lower dumbbells. The upper dumbbell is not very prototypical. I wanted loops for continuous running but tried to avoid the sight of trains chasing their tails. My son then will be able to have a play. There are some facing points which are not prototypical. Forgive me!, if there are any suggestions how some of these can be avoided - that would be helpful. I will make a decision on a centre access hole later, when trains are up and running. I will design the underneath woodwork to accommodate this - if needed. I plan to lay the lower level loop and goods yard first to get things rolling and then add the gradient and upper level later. I would appreciate your input. Any suggestions welcome.

I am presuming as you have insulated yourself that the house belongs to you. But, in the event that you rent the property: Landlord inspections can include the loft. Especially if your landlord is a housing association. They have 'issues' with using a loft for anything other than keeping the weather out. Do all your boards fit through the loft hatch? So when you move . . . Sorry to post negatives, but best to plan for the future. Good Luck.

I am an Ebay business seller. I noticed you had no replies to your message. I sympathise with your predicament but you are correct. Unless your buyer gains a conscience you will have to accept the loss. Put it down to experience.