steve W

cried Tam o'Shanter

I have just looked at the picture of the proposed power supply and have some concerns regarding the unit itself. The specification shows an input voltage (AC or DC) 12 - 24V. The input circuitry appears (but needs to be confirmed) to be a full wave bridge rectifier (black rectangle at top right) followed by a 4700 uf smoothing capacitor. A standard wire wound transformer used as a supply will have a no load voltage several volts higher than 24V, making the the peak DC voltage on the capacitor of 32V or higher. The 25V capacitor at this supply voltage is woefully underated and should be a 50V rated component for the 24V supply. The effect of point motor operation on other circuits is minimised by using a CDU, but does depend to some extent on the overall scheme including the type of regulators fitted on the power board.

A great little railway - used to take happy beachgoers to the naturist end of the beach.

That's a great one, we could probably have a whole thread devoted to that canal!

It's been niggling me. The one I saw wasn't a Flettner, but had more of an aerofoil curved sail. A quick look on Youtube found this one which best matches my recollection. Steve W

Either, Truro's finest

Yes, I saw it once when out there. Much the same period as when tanker companies started experimenting with 'Sails'. In reality the ones we had were more like huge wind deflectors, rigged just in front of the accommodation. Add to that slow steaming and various experiments with applications of mostly 'quack medicine' to reduce fuel consumption. Fun times with an informal competition between London and Hamburg offices to see who was saving the most fuel. After six months the chaps across the water were supposedly reducing their consumption so much that we reckoned they were making rather than burning the stuff.

I prefer 'Betty Stoggs'

of ginger hair

in each hand

Pusser's rum? Lovely

Genetically modified crops

Food fashion follower!

of nowhere special

late at night

list of mistresses

I am reminded of this comment on P3 Seeing the results above, I wish I had paid more attention at the time! Splendid modelling.

My experience also. Had three TCS50's in three years with nothing more than light bench soldering duties. Guarantees were OK though. When the third failed I switched to an Atten 50W temp controlled iron and havn't looked back. Hot in a few seconds and great to use. I do use Atten's own bits, the cheaper and compatible Chinese series 900 bits don't last as long.

Yes - as long as you use 3/16" (4.8mm) ones. The more usual Halfords ones in the store I use are bigger and either cannot be housed on the spade or are loose. Much cheaper to look for the right size from an electrical supplier or even eBay. The connections can also be soldered to the spades. I have used Neutrik style connectors like those on Pauls layout extensively and they are resilient and reliable. The Chinese clones are a lot cheaper, but still seem to be OK for our purposes.

Crimping not as neat as usual, but she's been 'multitasking and they were a bit rushed. Tasted fine though!

Iv'e just been looking at some of the ptototype info on line and there is no doubt you have absolutely nailed this one.

What, like these? Ready for baking. Although this topic is getting so far off topic, perhaps it's time to start a new one on a different subject! Steve W ps: Let's not start calculating the calorific value of that lot pictured, it will make me feel very unwell.

Whatever you've got most of for the layout? if it doesn't work add another strand until it does reliably.

You don't say if you are using a capacitor dicharge unit, but 7m is a fair old run even with. Personally, at that distance I would be starting with 24/02 (0.75mm2), you can allways add another one in parallel with a very short 7/02 to the point motor itself. Ultimately it depends on the mechanical load to get the point across allowing for the over centre springs etc.

4 Bells Navy is still around, but seems to be very scarce and expensive. One source I found does not ship to UK. Lambs Navy is available in several UK supermarkets at reasonable price. Whether it matches the old real McCoy I can't advise.