Wag

Thanks for the responses, I am using single controller gaugemaster but without cdu. I have checked to ensure no earthing only two points connected together for operation. The frustration is that is was working and now not. I will get a cdu, this was meant to be a little project using old track and and bits and bobs hanging around!

Help I am building a small branchline on 6 x 1.5 using DC as a side project, six points with peco and Hornby points mixed with respective point motors. Gaugemaster control with stud and probe. Points wired tested and all working. Just looking forward to doing some modelling but when testing again but the power seems to drain away and there is not enough current to shift the points.. I have disconnected the link to the rails and still the same thing happens. Any thoughts on what has happened and how this can be solved. Many thanks

Many thanks - been away and now taking a quick look. Thanks to everyone for their help.

Ta for responses. The 3-way point is a really graceful solution and can offer more operating potential as well. I am always interested in the goods element and I appreciate the temptation to hide in a shed, usually due to my modelling skills. this was my original thought but after looking at examples, I'll keep it open, its not for an exhibition. Never thought about height of platform having just used the metcalfe ones straight from the packet but will look at this again. DavidC - I was planning on streamline but do not understand your point Peco are better than Hornby but they have no advantage over peco streamline small radius points, I thought the SL 90 and 91 were the streamline ones? Apologies if being a bit thick. I do have an old copy of 60 plans for small railways and Minories was my initial starting point but found it was difficult to make it work as I wanted something a bit larger. Using the same layout structure to add platforms created greater complication and appeared to reduce platform lengths in the space I had available. I do not claim to be an expert - and hope I have not committed heresy!

Ta for the welcome and your post Points are SL-91 and 92 Code 100. You are right regarding curved point, I thought it gave me more space as it seems neat on paper, but I did have a problem once previously and should have learnt. Spot on regarding speedlink, parcels and newspapers. This is just the one side of the room approx 10' x 3' board with throat as shown and terminus. I do need to work on the goods yard and TMD. As regards run rounds - I would appreciate guidance as i do not clearly remember practice from 1970's. I assumed probably incorrectly that any diesel loco haul at a terminus would, other than DMU/EMU, be picked up by another diesel from the loco standing in the station and the diesel in platform would be re-assigned. Thanks again and I will invest in track space gauge.

I would be grateful for thoughts on the draft layout, so not making too many beginner errors. I have recently been given the licence to use the spare room to develop a layout, after years on an 8'x4' oval. I am looking at an end to end running 3 sides of the room. I want to get started therefore the station terminus will be the 1st side completed. I have attached track plan. Period - 1970's, it is very, very loosely based on Essex - Barking station to Dagenham, although Barking will be a terminus will Intercity trains (I know! - if only), The plan will also include a TMD and goods yard with access to an industrial area, although this is still in pipeline. It will be DCC run. Looking at the station the bottom two tracks are for Intercity, top two for goods/parcels and the middle for suburban services. I have planned using PECO track with 11 degree short turnouts for the first time, previously only used Hornby not sure over clearance between tracks. Again thoughts gratefully received - when I have learnt to load the picture! Apologies can't seem to paste directly so have attached. Draft Layout station.docx

Recently been in similar position. You need a continuous loop whilst also having some interest in terms of running and modelling. Dependent on storage can you fit a raised section on the track for a station this can be lifted off for storage if need be, you may need spare fish plates to keep connections tight when reassembling. You can run a double loop, with the inner loop going running through a tunnel entrance underneath the station which could also be expanded with a siding to hold trains out of sight. The outer loop will have tough gradients but using second radius (even 1st radius often - not steam) locos will manage the climb to a station where you can have points and platform for 3' out of 6' side. (don't use curved points or put points on a climb or descent due to derailment). The loops can be linked by points on the opposite side of raised station and can also lead into goods yard or industrial setting with shunting opportunities. AnyRail or Scarm has free apps for limited number of pieces which allows you to experiment. Your layout may not be prototypical but will be fun. The PECO Setrack Planbook Fourth edition is useful lots of smaller plans, plan 7 and 10 fit 6'x4' and would be easy to assemble. Plan 18 and 20 look interesting layouts a few inches larger than 6x4 - Plan 20 6'3'' and 4'1'' for example. The book cost me £2,50 recently worth the investment.