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standardblue

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  1. standardblue
    It's been far too long since I posted an update, and equally, it's been far too long since any serious progress has been made!
     
    So, I thought I'd briefly describe the electrics (which are now complete):
     
    The layout is DC controlled, using one track of a twin-track Gaugemaster controller. This plugs in to a small switch in the fiddleyard box, which has 3 switches. Between these switches and the points, any one part of the layout can be isolated, allowing 2 shunters to be used - the intention being one for each fiddleyard track. The connection between the boxes is an old 25-way computer connector, with the fiddleyard box having a 'tail' in the form of the trailing connector. Not too convenient but easy to build!
     
    To handle the frog polarity switching necessary for the 3-way point, there are two trip switches underneath, actuated by brass rod through the tiebars. Operation of the points themselves uses the 'hand of God' method as I haven't worked out a way to configure any push-rod control yet!
     
    That's it!
  2. standardblue

    A first post...

    By standardblue,

    My first foray into blogging on RMWeb, mainly as a way to track the progress of my as-yet unnamed boxfile layout. Progress is likely to be slow, so don't hold your breath!
     
    As a teaser, I've added a few photos of progress to date.
  3. standardblue
    I thought I'd put a few words in about how I've attached the boxes in a little more detail than my reply to comments on the last post...
     
    The layout is made up of three boxfiles - the larger (more expensive) type which are made of a chipboard like material rather than cardboard. Two are permanently attached, forming the scenic section, the third attaches and is the fiddle yard.
     
    The two scenic boxes are held together by two strips of wood underneath. These also provide a space for electrics, etc underneath to be protected a little. Once the two were fixed together, using an improvised* jig saw, I cut the front out to form the viewing area, then attached the off-cuts to the lid, so the box still closes completely (although doesn't latch shut). This viewing area doesn't quite reach the base - this was done to preserve the rigidity of the boxes. I also made a cut-out for the track to disappear into the fiddleyard.
     
    The fiddle-box has a cut-out to match up to this (obviously). It's got a similar wood base, to bring it to the same level as the scenic boxes. Where the two boxes meet, there are two more strips of wood to strengthen them, and provide a mounting for the magnetic bag clasps which hold the two sections together. These hold the alignment perfectly, but the sections are easy to pull apart - not a problem as I intend the layout to be placed and supported on a tabletop or similar.
     
    Finally, the scenic section was papered across the back and down the centreline to cover the holes and joint between the boxes, before the interior sides were painted in light blue emulsion, while the base was painted a slate grey, using tester pots.
     
    Well done if you've made it this far. Hopefully the photos will clarify my muddled words!
     
    * a hacksaw blade clamped in molegrips
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