Pete 75C Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 I've made a start on Lots Road http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/71762-lots-road-sw7-1975-urban-terminus/, my 1970s BR/LT South West London layout. Baseboards are finished and I'm weathering and detailing a section of double track District Line set in a shallow cutting before it becomes inaccessible as the layout progresses. I've got hold of a pair of Metromodels section switch cabinets (the older wooden type) for no other reason than I think they look great. Can anyone tell me the purpose? Would they be found at a break in the conductor rail, for example? Thanks, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stadman Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 Metro Models site says they are for traction current, in pairs. See their description. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted June 5, 2013 Author Share Posted June 5, 2013 Metro Models site says they are for traction current, in pairs. See their description. Thanks, but I have read their description "These distinctive yellow cabinets house traction current section isolation switches". That's slightly ambiguous and is a bit like saying a signal box controls signals. I'm still unsure as to where they should be placed in relation to the track. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidcrabb Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 Hi, check out: www.trainweb.org/tubeprune/tractioncurr.htm I found the information quite interesting, hope it helps Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted June 5, 2013 Author Share Posted June 5, 2013 Thanks David. The link is: http://www.trainweb.org/tubeprune/tractioncurr.htm That's really useful - much appreciated. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stadman Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 Thanks, but I have read their description "These distinctive yellow cabinets house traction current section isolation switches". That's slightly ambiguous and is a bit like saying a signal box controls signals. I'm still unsure as to where they should be placed in relation to the track.Fair enough. I'm sure there are many photos online ( bowroaduk on flickr )and in books which would help. The obvious go see for your self may not work because you might not live in / near or be able to get to London easily. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stadman Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 As an aside been passing Ealing Broadway many times of late, there is a pair of older wooden section switch cabinets there, too far to photograph although maybe from passing train. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsetan Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 As an aside been passing Ealing Broadway many times of late, there is a pair of older wooden section switch cabinets there, too far to photograph although maybe from passing train. I work there. See them all the time! There were some at Golders Green as well, I think. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizontal Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 They are cabinets that are placed where two local electrical sections on the same line meet, and contain manual switches that connect the two sections together - The red labelled cabinets contains the switch for the positive (+420v) outside third rail, and the blue labelled cabinet contains the switch for the negative (-210v) centre fourth rail. The cabinets are placed alongside the lines concerned in pairs - 'Hope this helps! :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR(S) Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 I came across this thread while researching where to put these switches on my layout. Thought this picture might be of interest; four together and of the two different shapes: Hammersmith train No. 227 by Cookiein7, on Flickr Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share Posted October 19, 2014 I came across this thread while researching where to put these switches on my layout. Thought this picture might be of interest; four together and of the two different shapes: Hammersmith train No. 227 by Cookiein7, on Flickr Useful shot, thanks for that. HOW many cable runs...??? Just getting the lineside cabling looking believable on any Underground-themed model is a challenge! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judge Dread Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 The only thing I can really add to this enquiry is when you finally come to run your cabling, have you considered using resin core solder painted black of course. It has the advantage over any other "cable" that it does not try and go back to its wound up state and always look like a spring. Of course you will have to super glue it into place as "You cannot solder solder!" Here's a view of one of my cabinets on my layout "Meopham East Junction". Further photos can be found on the link below. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete 75C Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share Posted October 19, 2014 The only thing I can really add to this enquiry is when you finally come to run your cabling, have you considered using resin core solder painted black of course. Excellent idea, many thanks. I've struggled in the past with various wire thicknesses, both insulated and uninsulated single core but that does sound like a much better idea, particularly as it holds its shape. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bécasse Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Of course you will have to super glue it into place as "You cannot solder solder!" With some practice, and an iron with a temperature-controlled bit, it is perfectly possible to solder solder by using the low melting point stuff as the "glue". If you are soldering it to something other than white metal, you will have to pre-tin the surface of the other metal first, but it can certainly be done. Ah - and you will need to clean the surface of the cored solder first. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judge Dread Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 With some practice, and an iron with a temperature-controlled bit, it is perfectly possible to solder solder by using the low melting point stuff as the "glue". If you are soldering it to something other than white metal, you will have to pre-tin the surface of the other metal first, but it can certainly be done. Ah - and you will need to clean the surface of the cored solder first. When I had several of your wonderful beers when last in Blankenberg for their show at the Casino with my layout, I couldn't find my way back to the hotel, never mind soldering! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bécasse Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 One's system does get used to them eventually, but there are a few of them - Bush de Noel for example - which are as strong, volume for volume, as Aussie wines and I certainly avoid modelling after a glass of those. Delicious, though! It was the Belgian modelling magazine's biennial exhibition at Leuven last weekend and they certainly had some excellent (and popular) beers on draught in the cafeteria there, but, then, even the local primary schools have bars (although not for the kids to imbibe). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judge Dread Posted October 21, 2014 Share Posted October 21, 2014 One's system does get used to them eventually, but there are a few of them - Bush de Noel for example - which are as strong, volume for volume, as Aussie wines and I certainly avoid modelling after a glass of those. Delicious, though! It was the Belgian modelling magazine's biennial exhibition at Leuven last weekend and they certainly had some excellent (and popular) beers on draught in the cafeteria there, but, then, even the local primary schools have bars (although not for the kids to imbibe). That's another reason for me continuing to like Belgium. The organisers of the Blankenberg show gave us "Beer Tokens" and so when asked "What is the time?", the answer was always, "Beer o'clock!". This photo shows my colleagues operating "Hospital Gates" with drinks in hand. But enough of this divergence, let's get back to the subject. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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