RMweb Gold Steve Hewitt Posted January 22, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 22, 2012 Some recent posts have mentioned the "wiring" underneath Lime Street's boards, and Mike's recent pictures of some of the trackwork made by Chris Hewitt have prompted me to try to describe how the layout is actually controlled, and the the technology that has been used to create the control system. The principles are basic DC control. There are three controllers, two for the Station area and one for the Sector Plate/Storage Sidings. Traction current is applied to the track only in the sections necessary for the selected routes. Blah, Blah, Blah................. I'll take a breather here, and post some details of the two main processers etc. later. Steve. My previous post raised a few questions which I hope I've answered. One point I forgot to make at the time was that the relay array shown is dedicated to that one baseboard. Each baseboard has its own relay array, of a size determined by the number of active elements needing control. Logically above all these boards are the two main control cabinets. One is used for Station control and links the Station Control Panel to the layout. The other cabinet sits under the Sector Plate and links that Control Panel to the layout. At the heart of these cabinets are the industrial process control computers which create the "Routers". There are other computer control systems dedicated to such things as Video Switching. This ensures that the video displays on the operators' panels show the appropriate view for the task in hand. e.g. When a Station operator sets up an Arrival route, his display will automatically show the "handover" section of the sector plate, so he can drive his train properly. As the train approaches the station his view changes to show the correct platform. Conversly, when a Departure is routed, the Sector Plate display will show the correct platform view as soon as the operator accepts the train. He can then drive it smoothly away. As it progresses past the Signal Box, his view automatically changes to follow the trains progress until it arrives in front of him on the Sector Plate. Because these control systems have to "talk" to each other, they share a Local Area Network which links all such elements on the layout. Now what do they look like: This is the front of the Station Control cabinet. This rear view shows the two layers of connecting cables. Each cable ends in a twenty-five way plug. There are fifteen cables. This is how the cables connect to the local baseboard for onward distribution along the layout. Looking inside: "A" and "B" are the two DC Controlers. "A" is the laft hand operator, and "B" is the right hand seat. When an operator sets a route, the system links his controller automatically. (The hand held device with the speed control and direction switch is actually just a remote control for the actual controller which is built in here). A closer view of the opto-isolators which connect the power to track sections. The one illuminated is the supply to Platform 1. This view of the left hand side shows the main process control chips, bottom left. Closer view of the connections to the external cables. Under the Sector Plate is the control cabinet for that end of the layout: This is it - known as the "X" box. As you can see, it is a four layer assembly of Geoff's wizardry. The top layer is the main "Power" area, with the main transformers, fuses etc. etc. Second layer down is the controller for the Sector Plate itself. You might just be able to read the instructions for calibrating it.... This layer is the Fiddle Yard router.... Finally a shot of the Stepper Motor and mechanics which position the Sector Plate so accurately for us. In addition to the "Railway" proper there's the road and tram system, but that's another story for another day! Steve. 15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
devondynosoar118 Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Just when you thought you had seen it all from this thread another amazing bit of work pops up! Having been astonished by the quality I must confess that the only bit I understood was quite how much effort and planning has gone into the creation of every aspect of this layout! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artizen Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Right then - this is so totally above my head and comfort level that I am in awe that anyone would go to this level of trouble - under the board! Beautiful work and if I ever win the lottery, this is definitely one of the layouts I would fly over to see. Looking forward to the road and tram systems now! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY NORWOOD Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Hi Well I don't know what to say. my joor hit the floor gob smacked. RAY70B Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post Steve Hewitt Posted January 25, 2012 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted January 25, 2012 (edited) John has just emailed with todays progress.............. He wrote: "Thought you might like to see how the roof looks now it's been painted. Also you can see on the close up of the slated rooves, Rob's work wethering. Note the detail in the chimney stacks. Rob has just taken home the outer ends of the south roof to paint the end screens." That's Rob's hand in the background - weathering one individual brick or another! I believe all the layout is now in place - road and tramway populated, lights erected etc., ready for the running sessions. I for one can't wait........... Steve. Edited January 26, 2012 by SteveAtBax 42 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artizen Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I thought the sign on the wall in the fourth photo was part of the scenery! Finally worked out why it looked out of scale and why it didn't appear to be part of a hotel wall or something. Please post videos of the running sessions! Please, please, please.... pretty please! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren01 Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 (edited) HI " " words fail me! ...... just stuning ,i would not know where to start doing somthing to such a grand scale as this!. Can not wait to see this at the Alley palley later this year!. Well done to you all!!!. Darren Edited January 26, 2012 by darren01 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinW Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Those photos look absolutely stunning. I can see a big crowd round this layout at Ally Pally . Colin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY NORWOOD Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Words can not say how fanastic this looks RAY70B Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold roundhouse Posted January 26, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 26, 2012 Those train shed structures are so nice its almost a shame to put the coverings on them!! Looking forward to seeing it at Ally Pally but reckon I will have ot have a good look before the show opens as I am sure there will be a lot of interest in this layout!! Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby (John) Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I shared a pizza and a few beers with Spike on Tuesday night and we were discussing this unbelieveable layout. Spike is honoured to be part of the team and i cannot wait until i will be able to see this remarkable piece of modelling in the "flesh" Well done to you all 10/10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iak Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 WOW!!! :clapping: That is simply amazing stuff. Bravo gents... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold John B Posted January 26, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 26, 2012 Clicking "like this" on this thread doesn't seem sufficient, somehow. This is truly stunning work, chaps. I think we need a " 'kinell" button for this... 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heruss Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 What's the ally pally? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Sheep Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Alexandra Palace (asin, the London exhibition centre venue) specifically, the alexandra palace model railway show Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Delamar Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 (edited) Lime street features in the 1950 film the clouded yellow Also has shots of the overhead railway Edited January 26, 2012 by michael delamar 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold JCL Posted February 8, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 8, 2012 The quality of the work is amazing. If you're ever exhibiting in Calgary, Alberta I'll make sure I'm at the front of the line to see it! I get to Liverpool from time to time because my wife is from the Wirral. Next time I'm there I'll have a good look around and see if the station area is as good as your model. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Green Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 The quality of the work is amazing. If you're ever exhibiting in Calgary, Alberta I'll make sure I'm at the front of the line to see it! I get to Liverpool from time to time because my wife is from the Wirral. Next time I'm there I'll have a good look around and see if the station area is as good as your model. You could always invite us to Calgary, though I expect the expenses might deter you!! If you do come to Liverpool I am sure we could arrange a visit to the model for you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bri.s Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 going to add my two pennith and say absolutely stunning Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmsforever Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 This is absolutely fantastic modeling the view up the station is fantastic almost lifelike,your electrics are mind blowing are you working for NASA the control packs could control the shuttle!!!!!! When are we going to see the trams please? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Andy Y Posted February 9, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted February 9, 2012 A huge thank you to John Holden and the Lime Street crew for their time, courtesy and most excellent hospitality yesterday. I've been very fortunate in being able to grab a series of snaps for a forthcoming issue of MI. I can highly recommend that you make the effort to go to Ally Pally and see the layout with Les's recently completed roof; it is a truly stunning piece of modelling which befits such large-project modelling. 39 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Fisher Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 (edited) I have just come across some images from a few yeasr ago now...forgot I had them..taken April 2009 Edited February 9, 2012 by Ian Fisher 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Les Green Posted February 9, 2012 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 9, 2012 We had a full day of photography yesterday with BRM magazine and Andy York of RMWeb. I expect we will see some impressive photos in the near future. Here are three photos I managed to take yesterday. The station roof is now finished for now. As mentioned previously we will attend a few exhibitions and your comments will be considered when we decide whether or not to do more work on the roof. The Merseyside Express arrives at Lime Street. and a couple of locos await their duties 25 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jim s-w Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Top stuff Gents When are you fitting the overhead? Cheers Jim 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold mudmagnet Posted February 9, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 9, 2012 A huge thank you to John Holden and the Lime Street crew for their time, courtesy and most excellent hospitality yesterday. I've been very fortunate in being able to grab a series of snaps for a forthcoming issue of MI. I can highly recommend that you make the effort to go to Ally Pally and see the layout with Les's recently completed roof; it is a truly stunning piece of modelling which befits such large-project modelling. Have you been using your time-machine again Andy? Absolutely stunning work ... There will be a large crowd around this fantastic model at Ally Pally (I will be one of the throng). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now