signalnorth

Stunning

This is my new project. It's 5' 3" x 15.5 " There ill be a separate non scenic cassette system too. Construction is Foam-board grid mounted with Hardboard (RESULT = very light but strong ! ) i''ve used this in the past with great success) It has two 2x1 on the sides for bracing. Its an urban freight yard in the sixties set down below the level of the nearby roads. The exit from the yard will take the line under a road . Imagine the stonework and cuttings around Kirkdale tunnels and the busy-bustle of Huskisson and that's the feel I'm aiming for . Stone sets in the yard, weeds starting to appear and the yard staff with one eye on a new job considering the amount of traffic they've lost to road these last few years . That's the general idea anyway! Points will be wire in the tube and the layout will be wired for possible future conversion to DCC. Might need some advice on this! Anyway that's it for now.

To be honest 'sound' is the main reason I would make a move to digital. Great replied from everybody by the way. So much to consider.

Route setting and dcc signaling would not be something I personally would be using it for.

I'm planing a new micro layout that will be operated for analogue but I want to wire it up so that I can later convert to DCC. Diagram shows how I think it should be wired for future DCC use. The question is, am I right? ! I've not shown the polarity feeds to the frogs , other than that I think its fairly self-explanatory. I'd really appreciate some feedback . Thanks! Len

Very helpful replies!!!! Thank you all. I will digest and come back tomorrow with a question or two if that's ok

Ah right, now I didn't know that. When you say 'other benefits' what might these be? Thanks for the reply

So thinking of jumping into digital control for the first time with a new micro layout 4x1 foot. I'm attracted by sound (Diesels sound much better from what I've heard then steam so far) and so I'm thinking a small diesel shunter or perhaps a class 25 and maybe getting my existing JInty 'chipped up .' (Is that even a term!! ? And this stay alive feature that's available seems great in digital ! But what do I go out and buy in terms of control? Money is a factor as I wouldn't really want to pay out more than £200 for a controller. Can anyone guide me down the right path please? Cheers! enL

On my present layout I have very successfully controlled points with brass wire running through tube.Incredibly reliable system all in all. The tube in question is telephone wire with the wires removed (of course!) I bought it from Wilkos and I struggled at times to remove the wire from the sleeveing. What 'tube' do others use please that I could pass the brass wire through when I build my new layout? Thanks in advance! Len

Thanks for the reply Dave

Hi I'm looking to source 4 of these (see pic below the motor itself) they are the carbon brushes and the'holders' (?) (don't know the correct name) for them in order to get my Panniers running again. I've contacted Bachmann - they no longer have them as spares. I wondered if anyone had some they don't want? cheers Len

What size diameter (and depth) of magnets do members of the forum use for placing between the sleepers? Also, of course, where do you buy them for best value.? Thanks in advance! Len

Very kind of you see my PM.

I need what I call brushes or carbons for two split chassis Panniers of mine . I contacted spares and servicing at Bachamnn but they said they don't provide them as they are part of the sealed motor. They're not though are they? They have a spring to keep them in place against the motor but so they can be replaced. Am I asking for the wrong thing here? !!!! Are they saying that when they go that's basically it with your loco? Surely not?!

Thank link not working for me sadly

Thank you for this post too

That is a rather superb post! Thank you so much ! I wasn’t really concerned with a specific region to be honest so that’s great!

Could anyone direct me to a scale drawing of a French Crossing Keepers Cottage? Thanks! Len

I have a question about Gelflex for anyone who might have used it . Given that its poured in at a high temperature,what materials can you make your 'original' out of without the Gelfex damaging it? I' m assuming wood is ok but what about styerene sheet?

Hot glue gun . Can’t beat it

Thanks for all your great replies. Gonna try that tip of repairing using baby powder and C/A

Hi all I've cast some parts for a building from my own moulds that I've made and I'm wondering now... a) What's the best type of paint to use on the parts? b) Do I need to prepare the surface before painting? c) What's the best glue to use to fix the parts together with? Hope you can help! Cheers Len

Thank you all for your considered and helpful replies.

Simple question from an absolute beginner when it comes to Digital - Can a layout be operated as both a digital and analogue layout?

Thanks all