Kirkby Luneside (Original): End of the line....

[Physicsman]

With the amount of coach discussion on here it might well be a good idea to set up your own thread, Andy.

 

I don't mind if it's S&C related, but if it's specifically coachbuilding it's best kept in a specialised area. Two reasons: first, it won't be referenced in my index, so a lot of useful info will be potentially inaccessible, second: this thread is long enough as it is.

 

If anyone is wondering where Andy P is, go and look at his Trebudoc thread and see what he's been upto.

 

I've just stripped wire, at 30cm intervals, off the first 8m of the black bus wire. Only took an hour. More tonight.

 

Btw, I'm not "having a go". But, for the reasons I've mentioned, and we've discussed previously, coachbuilding would be better served in a specialist area.

 

Hope that's ok?

 

Jeff

[uax6]

Interesting! A Google Image search of "S&C viaducts Grainger (my surname)" comes up with 8 pictures of the viaduct under construction on page 1, along with a photo of your 2 cats (as in your avatar), Andy!!

 

Jeff

Well I'll let the cats know, will they be purrfectly happy about it though?

 

Andy G

[67A]

Hi Jeff & all,

 

Sorry, another lengthy day followed by club night in the snow, so I'm just in and catching up...

 

re: my question, well 'JohnE' was the closest and 'ChrisN' got it;

We all understood 'The lightest thing on the railway to be --- the wage packet'.

 

When you were carrying a box of 'King-Dick' spanners around you understood the meaning well. I never had a female spanner Chris, it was an all male toolbox!!!

 

Cheers

Mike

[Physicsman]

Hi Mike,

 

I didn't think I'd win but was interested to learn Chris's name for a female spanner.... a wRench.... did you know that?

 

Hope you manage to get some modelling done this weekend. It's been snowing here (about 5cm) but I think you've had more in the Wirral. At least the snow makes it feel warmer than plain ice (to me, anyway) - so it'll be early morning in the bunker for me.

 

Andy - WHY should your cats (I assume your avatar shows your cats) be on an S&C viaducts page? Weird.

 

Jeff

Edited January 19, 2013 by Physicsman

[jukebox]

*snip*

 

I've just stripped wire, at 30cm intervals, off the first 8m of the black bus wire. Only took an hour. More tonight.

 

*snip*

 

Jeff

 

 

Jeff - what tool were you using to do that (it just sounds like a long time to strip ~30 segments)?  

 

I've bought myself one of these and can thoroughly recommend it - not only does it strip wire mid-length, but will do the ends too.  Mind you, I've always found wire stripping the most vexxing of tasks - having tried both side cutters, and those tools with coloured dots indicating the holes to use to pull the insulation off, and never been able to get a consistent result one day to the next with either, the double action on those jaw-type tools is a godsend to me.

 

Depending on how much more you need to do, it may be worth investing in one....

 

Regards

 

Scott

[Physicsman]

Thanks Scott. I was actually using a scalpel! I've since done another 20 sections in about 20 minutes, so I've speeded up! Black wire now complete. Just the red one to do...

 

Quite a brain-numbing pastime, soothed with some driving rock music!

 

Maybe tomorrow I can actually get part of the bus fitted - the segment under the fiddle yard.

 

Jeff

[Andrew P]

Hi Jeff, I do just keep popping in for a quick look between being on Film Location in Stockport with Movie Mogul George T. his work is really good and he has just finnish a very lavish production of The Little House on the Praire Tank using wood and DAS that should be apearing on his Abbots Mead site soon.

 

I have to go as he is sharing his curry with the world,  don't strike a light,just,                  run like he**

 

Will catch you all again later.

 

Old Lune.

[southern42]

So my viaducts are in Images for the S&C are they? Wow! I'll go onto Google and check this out. Always knew they put rubbish on there! Cheers Andy.

 

Jeff

 

Hi Jeff.

Yes, it amazes and amuses me that our modelling (RMweb) images turn up on a Google search for the prototype. 

Of course, it happens the other way round as well - real live steam when you're looking for 00 or something.

When I google GWR and Southall Shed / Station things, the b/w photo of my 1466 is sure to pop up.

 

I'm most impressed by these Luny modellers who brave the freezing weather to go to their bunkers, heated or not.  I'm afraid I can only boast of crawling around one end of the track plan, which is laid out on the sitting room floor, and measuring to make sure my passing loops are going to be long enough - they will be!  Hmmmm????  Allowing for a steam railmotor (underframe = 280mm)....

 

Also, giving a 'helping hand' to Ray in the dining room with his track laying / ballasting, which is progressing nicely.  'Helping hand' usually means some form of verbal communication, though today I brought out some RTP buildings to give some idea of how the signal box and lamp hut fit in with the end of the passenger / goods bay platform.  He also got some scenic ideas out of me for disguising the fiddle yard - ooohhh, I do like this bit - you know, when the imagination just takes off....just don't get me started....

 

Apprentice Lune

[Physicsman]

Morning Polly.

 

Yes, some of the Lunesters are TRULY Loony - well, myself and Andy P. The rest can admit it for themselves!

 

Bunker heaters on - not as cold outside today and very pretty with all the snow. hopefully I can get something useful done today.

 

Please thank Ray for his input re. stone-walling. I didn't immediately recognise "tender" as your other half, but AVAGO rang a bell!

 

Jeff

[Physicsman]

Hi Jeff, I do just keep popping in for a quick look between being on Film Location in Stockport with Movie Mogul George T. his work is really good and he has just finnish a very lavish production of The Little House on the Praire Tank using wood and DAS that should be apearing on his Abbots Mead site soon.

 

I have to go as he is sharing his curry with the world,  don't strike a light,just,                  run like he**

 

Will catch you all again later.

 

Old Lune.

 

From what I've seen on T, you two have done a tremendous job. The layout looks fantastic.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing how your Alfred Hitchcock-Quentin Tarantino - like skills were put to good use. Mind you, after that curry you may be producing a musical - "The Sound of Music". Or was it a take on Rheb Butler..."Gone With the Wind"? 

 

Jeff

[billyb_imp]

Morning Polly.

 

Yes, some of the Lunesters are TRULY Loony - well, myself and Andy P. The rest can admit it for themselves!

 

Bunker heaters on - not as cold outside today and very pretty with all the snow. hopefully I can get something useful done today.

 

Please thank Ray for his input re. stone-walling. I didn't immediately recognise "tender" as your other half, but AVAGO rang a bell!

 

Jeff

 

Jeff

 

Your a real trooper loon (in chief) out again in the cold early morning

 

Well I am as loony as the next man (or woman)

[Physicsman]

Jeff

 

Your a real trooper loon (in chief) out again in the cold early morning

 

Well I am as loony as the next man (or woman)

 

It's not a problem Billy, when I've got going on a project. Jason expressed concern for my "mojo" - and I think a lot of us have been having a spell of "mid-winter blues". But even an hour here and there soon adds up!

 

Must admit that after 5 hours in the bunker yesterday, I didn't want to stop. That's a feeling I've not had in a while. I'm currently stripping insulation off the red bus wire, so that, along with the black, can head out there in an hour or so when it's warmed up. Bit more woodwork to do first in a very awkward place, but that should only take an hour.

 

I hope you're planning something down Lincoln way. A city I've never visited.

 

Cheers,

 

Jeff

Edited January 19, 2013 by Physicsman

[billyb_imp]

It's not a problem Billy, when I've got going on a project. Jason expressed concern for my "mojo" - and I think a lot of us have been having a spell of "mid-winter blues". But even an hour here and there soon adds up!

 

Must admit that after 5 hours in the bunker yesterday, I didn't want to stop. That's a feeling I've not had in a while. I'm currently stripping insulation off the red bus wire, so that, along with the black, can head out there in an hour or so when it's warmed up. Bit more woodwork to do first in a very awkward place, but that should only take an hour.

 

I hope you're planning something down Lincoln way. A city I've never visited.

 

Cheers,

 

Jeff

 

Jeff

 

I know where your coming from there, once your going & things are moving in the right direction, you just don't want to stop

 

As for my plans (not based on a prototype & first attempt in 40 odd years) my latest review can be seen at http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/66015-well-its-a-starting-point-layout/page-2 I got my first points & tracks wired & fixed to the baseboard yesterday, so It last I have something to show, I can actually see progress after several months of planning, although like most people on here it will always be a work in progress.

 

As for Lincoln a great place to live lots of history castle, cathedral and good engineering history (but sadly fast disappearing). Its easy to get complacent and take a place for granted but I still love it today as much as I did when I moved here 25 years ago, where as that time gone

 

For a model based on a prototype of Lincoln Central Station see http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/4887-lincoln-central-station/page-8    by  arff999 (John) which looks great & hope to see it in action soon

[ianwales]

Now this sounds VERY promising! I hope you'll start a thread in the S&C section. The more active layouts on here, the better.

 

Jeff

 

Hi Jeff & all Lunesters

 

Not sure yet about starting a thread, 2 reasons

 

1. Dent Head jc/Arten Gill Jc is one of 2 plans I am considering, the other is ex LNWR(Coventry) which wouldn't fit isn the S&C section

 

2. Having started a couple of other layout threads, only to discover my ambition was bigger than my ability I am reluctant to commit it to the web as I don't want to be percieved on RMweb as someone who "keeps changing his mind about his layout"

 

Ian

[Physicsman]

Hi Jeff & all Lunesters

 

Not sure yet about starting a thread, 2 reasons

 

1. Dent Head jc/Arten Gill Jc is one of 2 plans I am considering, the other is ex LNWR(Coventry) which wouldn't fit isn the S&C section

 

2. Having started a couple of other layout threads, only to discover my ambition was bigger than my ability I am reluctant to commit it to the web as I don't want to be percieved on RMweb as someone who "keeps changing his mind about his layout"

 

Ian

 

It really doesn't matter if you change your mind. People just have to respect that. If you want a good example of this, look no further than Larry (Coachmann)'s "Greenfield". In the space of about a month, Larry must have changed his mind AND laid and ripped track up about half-a-dozen times.

 

However, not everyone wants a thread.... I wasn't sure before I committed to it. Now I just need to be committed!!

 

We all respect your work and judgement. So by all means keep discussing your potential S&C layout on here.

 

Jeff

[Physicsman]

I've just come in after 3 hours. Need to do my daily exercise and get some coffee.

 

I fitted the awkwardly placed riser system. Very pleased with that. I've also part-fitted the black track bus wire. For those who prefer details - I know it's sometimes helpful - this is what I've done.

 

I use 50/0.25 "high current" (30A) multistrand copper wire for the bus. Bought it from Maplins.

Insulation is removed from the wire at 25-30cm intervals. The droppers will be soldered directly onto this.

The (grotty) photos show a short section of the wire with the copper conductor clearly visible.

The black wire is fed through holes drilled into the subframe (wire diameter of about 4mm). The wire fits snugly and needs no further support.

The wire will eventually be tensioned when I've got it fitted all the way round.

The red bus wire will run parallel to the black one, about 30cm apart.

The control console will be connected approximately central to the wire run. The bus is a radial arrangement (I used a complete ring on the old layout - with no problems).

 

 

 

Apologies that the pics are so "sensational"!!

 

Jeff

 

[67A]

Hi Jeff & all Lunesters

 

Not sure yet about starting a thread, 2 reasons

 

1. Dent Head jc/Arten Gill Jc is one of 2 plans I am considering, the other is ex LNWR(Coventry) which wouldn't fit isn the S&C section

 

2. Having started a couple of other layout threads, only to discover my ambition was bigger than my ability I am reluctant to commit it to the web as I don't want to be percieved on RMweb as someone who "keeps changing his mind about his layout"

 

Ian

Hi Ian,

 

Changing your mind! - If RMWeb was going as long as I have I would have had about 30 different layouts by now, so if you want to change your mind I am sure the vast majority of people on here have just done the same over and over again. My last home bond layout as based on LNWR which means that I have no suitable railway buildings to transfer to 'Dent', I could however use most on my 'Bermuda Road MPD' layout so it pays to think ahead a little when decision making.

Cheers

Mike

[uax6]

Well done Jeff, it's nice to see a picture of progress on here!

Being completely unaware of DCC (Except that it would cost me a fortune in chips!) is there any reason that the bus wires are going a foot apart?

It seems a good idea to have the bus in the main frame, but aren't the droppers going to be a bit exposed to damage if they just drop striaght down from the track? Personally I would lace a group of them together and run them down to the bus as a group, which would get rid of the fishing net of wires, and would give a better mechanical strength.

 

Had a bit of a day here. Was sanding down a bashed (read cut into small pieces and then glued back together in a different order!) MR 54' Clayton Clerestory and ended up taking bits apart and re-gluing them. One end has been off and on twice in the last three hours! Now I think its better, so I'm letting it harden off before putting it away.

 

I might start cutting another ratio kit for the next one, although tomorrow I have 8 hours of no trains, so might start the MR diner.

 

The snow has also started to fall again, but its so small I can hardly see it.

 

Andy G

(No idea way google thinks my cats are S&C related!)

[Physicsman]

Well done Jeff, it's nice to see a picture of progress on here!

Being completely unaware of DCC (Except that it would cost me a fortune in chips!) is there any reason that the bus wires are going a foot apart?

It seems a good idea to have the bus in the main frame, but aren't the droppers going to be a bit exposed to damage if they just drop striaght down from the track? Personally I would lace a group of them together and run them down to the bus as a group, which would get rid of the fishing net of wires, and would give a better mechanical strength.

 

 

Andy G

(No idea way google thinks my cats are S&C related!)

 

That's exactly what I do, Andy.... the "loose" droppers in the picture are from the recently fitted branch line and branch fiddle yard. They haven't been "grouped" yet. The pic below shows the idea...

 

 

The groupings will be soldered to the track bus using 32/0.2 multistrand copper wire (the droppers themselves are solid copper).

 

Hope that clears things up.

 

Jeff

Edited January 19, 2013 by Physicsman

[Physicsman]

Sorry, I didn't answer your other question...

 

With a couple of amps flowing in the bus wires there is a chance that the magnetic fields around each wire can interfere with one another. This inductance effect can produce spurious signals in the bus wires - which can corrupt the DCC signal (which sits on top of the AC carrier).

 

To reduce this it's a good idea to keep the bus wires a reasonable distance apart. I found 15cm was adequate on my old layout - I've more space here, so it actually turns out to be about 25cm.

 

I've never had any inductance problems, but it's best to "design them out" while you're at the build stage.

 

Jeff

[Andrew P]

More speggittee then Jeff, I am back home for a rest, re charge the Flip Flop and then sit down tonight and catch up on the last 4 pages since I have been UP NORTH LAD, a lot of reading and no doubt laughing to get through before I can comment again.

 

Cheers mate.

 

Old Lune

Edited January 19, 2013 by Andrew P

[uax6]

Jeff,

 

Will you be keeping the choc-blocks as part of the feed arrangement? They seem like a good idea to kep as it will allow extras to be added with little pain...

 

Andy

[peach james]

The site Wiring for dcc (www.wiringfordcc.com) has some more about inductive effects.  It's not too likely to affect Jeff, as the layout in question is something like 30x40...

 

On my layout, I have seen some strange effects, and attribute some of them to originally running 14 gauge house wire for the bus, on a single DCC section.  It's now divided into 4 sections, and the wiring is quite a bit different.  (some of the issues are due to having basically, 2 reversing loops back to back...)

 

 

(14 gauge wire=2 mm^2 cross section)

 

James

[billyb_imp]

Jeff,

 

Will you be keeping the choc-blocks as part of the feed arrangement? They seem like a good idea to kep as it will allow extras to be added with little pain...

 

Andy

Jeff / Andy

 

Good idea with the choc-blocks, I will incorporate that idea into my layout, thanks

[Physicsman]

More speggittee then Jeff, I am back home for a rest, re charge the Flip Flop and then sit down tonight and catch up on the last 4 pages since I have been UP NORTH LAD, a lot of reading and no doubt laughing to get through before I can comment again.

 

Cheers mate.

 

Old Lune

 

So - you're back "down south" then, are you...in deepest Derbyshire. You need to get up here - Stockton is almost in the Arctic tundra to some people!!

 

Laughs? Well, I may have mentioned you a few times! But it's all been "in the best possible taste"! Like the current "spaghetti" I'm messing around with.

 

Cheers Andy.

 

Jeff