nharding99

Ok so to answer my own question... putting some insulating tape between the pcb connectors and the speaker resolves the directional lighting issue. Just for info, F0 controls forward marker lights, F1 controls the rear lights and F2 controls the cab lighting. There are 2 undocumented switches on the PCB that completely switch off all lighting at either end. I'm curious to know, what happens for a sound decoder? Are these lighting channels retained?

Picked up my Mauritania today. It's a very handsome beast. I do have a question and would like to compare with other DCC users... I find that directional lighting works in one direction (F0) and the cab lighting comes on in that same one direction (F2). This is with a Bachmann Next 18 decoder fitted. The service sheet states the following... This locomotive comes with a DCC sound speaker fitted. If you wish to make use of the AUX 5 and 6 decoder outputs on a non sound decoder we advise you to remove the speaker first. This is because on a non sound decoder AUX 5 and 6 outputs use contact pins 7 and 16 but on a sound decoder pins 7 and 16 are the speaker contact pins. So does that mean that I need to remove the speaker to get directional lighting working? I'm reluctant to do that because eventually I want to use sound. Has anyone else seen similar behaviour? Thanks Nigel H

You're welcome. As someone who was born just over the border (in South Cheshire) from the area you have modelled I can really appreciate the North Staffs feel. The station is a bit like a simplified and non-electrified version of Etruria. Cheers Nigel

As others have said, this is an excellent layout. I found some video footage of it here from the Shenfield show: https://youtu.be/TxW2a0_0KqA?t=8m28s

I suppose that when you have been a few times (which I have) then you know what to expect. There were some decent layouts there. I'm sure others will have their favourites but one that caught my eye was Cottingvale Harbour. It was quite a compact layout with a straightforward track plan but the sweeping curve for the station really gave it a realistic appearance and it was nicely built. See http://www.amodeowebdesign.co.uk/images/cottingvale.jpg The good news for you is that I saw some Redutex red brick so I'm hopeful that you will find your roof tiles :-)

It's all looking very good, excellent work! Reminds me of a CJ Freezer plan for a high level terminus and lower level circuit with return loop (Plan of the Month - "Small and Simple", Railway Modeller, March 1964 if you want chapter and verse!)

Very good work indeed. I saw the layout at Wycrail on Saturday. The Jones goods loco was really looking the part. I love Cambrian layouts :-)