dasatcopthorne

Apart from gearing up for the layout's appearance at the Faversham show in a couple of weeks, there been some new stock arrivals. Firstly, a Revolution Trains Caroline and a new Heljan 33117 in Faded Blue and weathered. Had a Kernow 33117 so the chip was taken out of this and fitted in the new one. Only change was to have to fit a converter for the old 8 pin chip to fit the new loco's 21 socket. (from Strathpether Jct) No problem with space the fit. Lastly and my favourite is MLV 68007. I built/converted this in around late70s/early80s. Some details missing in those days. Long before you could get a Bachmann one. It used an old Triang motor bogie and has had to be hard wired through an 8 pin breakout board. Dave.

I think a few Q's need to be asked first. How many Servos will you need to control. Are you using DC or DCC If DCC do you intend to use decoders on the servos or have a small panel with switches? Dave.

Over many years of building and running Club exhibition layouts I have taken a slightly differing direction. This allows a sheet or more for each board, allowing a file to be made up and kept with the layouts paperwork. It records 25 pin D plug connectors where they go to and from. Mid board drop offs or wires ending on a board can be shown however you choose. Each wire is named with its purpose and any other info needed. The date allows updates to be made and recorded. On some occasions, I draw a rough track diagram at the bottom and annotate with point and section numbers/labels. Dave.

I've laid a lot of third rail in my time so here is what I have learnt. Raise it no more that 1mm above any running rail, less if you can. If you are working in 00, then fit the 3rd rail very slightly closer then the prototype. I made myself a gauge that included a raised area to set the rail and a dropped area to mark/drill holes. Most modellers make their ramps too short and too steep. They never reach the ballast. Fix down (solder) on tiny round head brass screws (often found in the ship or Dolls House modelling trade). Clean the rail all round with a fibreglass brush then weather with Birchwood Casey 'Super Blue' No need to paint as the rails is very often a black.grey oily colour. Paint the exposed sides of the screws a mid grey, not white. Oh, and ballast first then paint/weather track. Hope this helps a little. Dave.

Make sure you say Hello! Dave.

Sheepcroft inspired me to build Elbow Lane. Dave.

Brian. Will there be any early food for those setting up please? Dave.

Cheers. Lovely work. Dave

Your link for information just brings you back to the place!

Hard to describe without a pic. On top of a gear tower is a flat area. This stretches down each side by about 10mm. Down each side are two clips that need gently prising outward until they release from the tower's body. Good luck. Dave

Could you enlighten us where the signal gantry is from please? Dave

Sorry. Only just come to this thread. I'm guessing that pre orders have sold out so could you say what versions retailers are likely to receive soon please? Might it be possible to obtain one for Elbow Lane for a Show in 3 weeks time? Dave

Well my apologies but my two Class 31s still short at 14.5 BtB which is why I made the post, unless you missed that point. So you answer didn't help me. Dave.

I'm not quite sure of the purpose of you post. It starts 'its not news'. I know and never said it was and it's about my Class 31. It was shorting and now I've adjusted the BtB it's not shorting. Dave.

I've been making these for a good few years now. Some time back I produced a sheet showing my method. Dave.

I've started a new thread about this problem as the last mention was deep in an old thread. Yes my two Hornby Class 31s (super detail) both short on the large radius bullhead turnouts. I had given up on them but recently decided that I really wanted them on the layout. After some fiddling with the wheels I have found a BtB of 15mm cures the problem. Don't worry about the running. They still work just fine. Remove the wheelsets, hold the gear while you gently twisting one wheel and carefully pulling outwards slightly. The lack of coning on the tyres is almost certainly the problem. And also the reason why 15mm BtB works. Dave.

Dear Accurascale. As someone who has pre ordered 37001 with sound, please could you give an update on delivery please. Dave.

Thanks hayfield. Martin has re-posted his method of curving British Finescale turnouts in repose to my request. I shall be taking his advice. Cheers Dave.

Never thought of that. Got one in the loft.

A package has arrived today. Can you guess what it might be? Dave.

We've used those as well. The advantage I find is that the 'socket' can be mounted in 3mm MDF or similar ans the plug screws in preventing any drop outs. Dave

Thanks Nigel. When I first read your reply it was all foreign to me but looking at the V4 manual and your info and the fact that the original value for my CV124 was 20, I now understand what is going on. So it looks like with a value of 20 in CV124 SUSI is off and the start delay in on. I had already changed to other values beforehand. Many thanks Dave.

My Power Bus runs from end to end with joints using 3.5mm stereo jack plugs and sockets but the Empower idea is also good IMHO. The Power Bus can be formed into a loop but NOT the control bus Dave.

Nigel.

And swap the blue to the other side/blade? Dave.