Poindexter

I think so. It allows your point motors to get a good wallop of energy AND it protects your point motors from burning out if you leave the switch pushed on to long (it gives a pulse of electrical power then switches off till you release the switch before recharging). Here are 2 links. I have not used either they are just examples. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Capacitor-Discharge-Unit-Points-Motors-CDU-/370453410874?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item5640be743a http://www.ehattons.com/stockdetail.aspx?SID=7157 I would just use that for your building leds and get a better, dedicated, power supply for your point motors some people use a laptop power supply rated at 18v or more. Common return is normally the -ve . Basically you can join all your -ve wires together off your point motors and just feed one wire back to your CDU -ve. Conversely the one wire that would come off your +ve CDU supply is feed to each of your switches in turn (see Daves first mimic panel wiring post on his thread. The first wire he puts in that links his switches is the +ve wire, the other wires added later are the point switching feeds). Examples here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/10-x-3mm-Bi-colour-Diffused-LED-Bi-red-yellow-green-/260736448784?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item3cb51a7910 Examples here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/10-X-ON-OFF-ON-MINIATURE-TOGGLE-SWITCH-POINTS-CONTROL-/270468714421?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item3ef9310fb5 I use an Antex soldering iron like this one http://www.rapidonline.com/sku/Tools-Fasteners-Production-Equipment/Soldering-Equipment/Soldering-Irons/Lead-free-soldering-irons/73126/85-5090 I bought this one because I didn't know what else to buy and this was recommended. It has worked well for me and I am a complete novice like yourself (25+ years away from the hobby). I bought all my stuff from a local electronics shop the links I have provided are just examples. Hope this helps Guy

Cracking pics Leon, have you got a new camera or changed the lighting? Guy

I would defo use the point motors Dave (Rammy) recommended (I used old peco ones that didnt have the aux switch... I'll use PM1's next time!!) I built my control panel out of thin ply with a Mimic type diagram produced in Microsoft paint then laminated over and stuck to the box. For the electronics side I have followed the advice on here and, for easy reference, on brian lamberts web site http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical.htm and his excellent book "The Newcomer's Guide to Model Railways" which is just over a tenner on Amazon now (you could maybe buy it through RMwebs Amazon book store???) Have a look at the panel on my layout its really simple (but no LEDs). I have used buttons for my 3 way points but for normal points I just used On-Off-On switches that always return to the off setting (see my video). I would recommend a CDU to fire the points and to stop the point motors burning out by being left in the on position. I built my own CDU (about £4), again off the pages of Brian Lambert, but this was just so I could practice my soldering skills. I believe you can get a good new one for about £10. Why not try a small mimic panel on say 4 points, thats only 4 switches, a strip of wood( no need to build a box) and a few lengths of wire that way you will get a feel for whats needed, practice your soldering and only have spent the price of a couple of pints!! It really is satisfying when you flick a switch and your points change using nothing more than bunch of wires and switches that you have soldered together. Guy

Good to see your cracking on. I would really consider wiring some points up to a panel (even the ones close at hand), its great fun and really adds to the play factor err I mean operating potential of the layout. Nice work on the LEDS and the station area. Guy

Just had a quick flick through RM, been waiting for this. Photos look good, gonna read at work tomorrow. guy

Excellent work on the depot detailing shelfs and clutter. Guy

Wow.... A very well observed piece of modelling. Guy

Nice twin lights Leon. Where are they from? Guy

Not that bit.......This bit, it looks cast. Cheers Guy

I like the 4th pic with the 09 at a distance. As has been said already, it really gives a feeling of space, Who make the concrete reinforcement embankment panels that are visible in this shot please? Also I was reading your posts about rolling roads. Is there any way you can make a temporary loop at the end of your layout (bypassing the water tank of course!). Maybe something you could assemble now and again to make loop for running in and allowing freight trains to stretch their legs on the layout? just a thought. Guy

Phenomenal. I think that sums it up! Really starting to take shape now. 501 and 502 look well just sat there, almost swallowed up in the shed. I don't know what I would be most worried about......The bill for the plasticard and pits or the bill for the locos needed to fit. Inspirational stuff. Guy

That jigsaw is evil!!! Kinda sucks you in so you HAVE to finish it. Merry Christmas flood and co Guy

That would be semi understandable (and standard practice as you say) except the same trader only wants £4 postage for a complete OO loco!!! http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item53e538200b Guy

Hmmm.... because of you and your pics and how you've sorted out your VI Trains 37's I've just ordered 37201 and I dont even think it visited the North East of England!! Stll at £39 you cant go wrong. Nice coal line up. Ive got 2 Scottish coal 37's and the 2 Hornby coal 56's. I dont think your abundance of 3TG looks too samilar Leon. The sector decals see to that. Think about it, even a yard full of blue looks fantastic and they ARE all the same. Guy

Now that is what I call a line up!! The second from last pic with 201 at the head is superb. Keep up the good work Leon and keep on buying those Sector locos!! Guy

Cheers for that. People from Darlington club frequent this site and Blyth club. Both big venues, Darlington always has quality diesel layouts at the show so it would fit right in. Guy

Its about time this layout was in print. When I first viewed this thread it I thought the layout would be a mammoth undetailed showroom to show of your stock. How wrong can you get!! The detail is sublime and the execution faultless. When are you coming to the North East?? I have read your description of painting the walkways, but who are they made by? The (Kytes) fluorescent lights and wire hoses on the fuel points are excellent and the wheel lathe shows what you can do if you have modelling talent and too much time available!! I just hope these details don't go unnoticed when exhibiting. Cheers Guy

Very Very nice John. Would look good with a couple of Thornaby depot kingfishers on it to complement the Railfrieght Grey ;-)

pie related incidents

Hi Jon I saw 60054 'Charles Babbage' Crossing the A19 at the same place you took your pick (South end of the Tyne Tunnel). Got quite a suprise to see a 60 in petroleum livery. I didnt know they still existed in that full livery!! I saw it on Feb 17th I think. Guy

Hi Mr Grimley. Been a follower of you layout(s) for awhile and loved the work you did on your Bachmann TMD shed. Boxenby looks like it is going to be a monster!! I thought you might like to view this YouTube clip of Knottingley TMD and MGR coal workings. No connection etc etc, just a good professional Video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0SkapMBB94 Guy

The buildings look great Leon. But for me the star of the show is those spoil heaps!! Love the the way they blend into the rest of the scenery and surrounding track area. Well Done. Guy

Thank you for the room shots, they've answered a few questions. I've been following Waverly for a while and find it inspirational. Good article in Model Rail as well. Guy