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Jon Fitness' average 7mm signals workbench.


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17 hours ago, kitpw said:

Jon - nice work!  I didn't know about the Borg Rail fold up posts:  I can see a lot of merit in using them as the fittings can be soldered and thus well secured where pins and cyano is a bit trickier on a wood post.  And, of course, you only need one wire up the middle for the lighting.  I've one more bracket signal (with 4 semaphores on it) for my layout Swan Hill and I may stick with wood posts for that so it will match the others but after that, on "phase 2" (if I ever get there!) I'll look at the etched option. 

 

I've looked in on Bolton's Bits from time to time - the etches look really good and the range gets wider every time I look!

 

Kit PW

A 1920s 7mm terminus layout: Swan Hill - https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blogs/blog/2502-swan-hill

Those etched posts are a great help, as you say, everything can be soldered to them for absolute strength. I maybe need to refine my construction methods as they seem a little wide at the top but otherwise OK..

Cheers

JF

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  • 2 weeks later...

Final round up for 2021!

A couple of tubular post GWR signals, one of them being for platform mounting. The weight bar is hidden under the planking at the base of this one. Well, on the real thing it would be!

For a change, the LEDs are powered from the constant 5V DC supply to the servos which is available as soon as the servos are powered up. This means no external power is needed for illumination. I'm not sure how many I could power on one servos supply though so I'll restrict this method to single arm signals for now!

Merry Xmas to all my followers!

IMG_20211216_115737067.jpg.0ace887dabc9923f9b44b62452a5aaf8.jpgIMG_20211216_115746985.jpg.bc7836e01659c03d53bb8820302654b1.jpgIMG_20211216_115751756.jpg.bf285fa8acf464b45552e4195407f9d8.jpgIMG_20211216_115824602.jpg.68d600c1791f97b4eec5d67d739989cb.jpgIMG_20211216_115828537.jpg.ac4e5029ccd57708b6781137fc1c420a.jpgIMG_20211216_120611508.jpg.0ebc29f0291efa88e8a6ba2dd34ed5c7.jpgIMG_20211216_120642690.jpg.decf23212a53389c8f15243f3345c4d6.jpgIMG_20211216_120801797.jpg.5e09845e52af713c2309e4f485611394.jpgIMG_20211216_120836433.jpg.38b190ed7d7fb39fe9b34f466f0aecab.jpg

Edited by Jon Fitness
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I know Dave Fenton suggested it to me and I have used it sometimes but there are limitations. Mainly the fact that some servo controllers switch off when not in use, not many I know but there are one or two. The other thing is prototype accuracy, in days of yore I think that some were not lit when it was daylight, just depends on the prototype. One other thing, signal post four is on it's way to you as I have just received my PPD order.

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On 17/12/2021 at 12:59, Stephen Freeman said:

I know Dave Fenton suggested it to me and I have used it sometimes but there are limitations. Mainly the fact that some servo controllers switch off when not in use, not many I know but there are one or two. The other thing is prototype accuracy, in days of yore I think that some were not lit when it was daylight, just depends on the prototype. One other thing, signal post four is on it's way to you as I have just received my PPD order.

Received today Thanks Stephen!

Yes I was concerned about that but I'm assured by my customer that he's using a Megapoints board. I think the more recent versions of these boards do switch off between uses but it's the signal to the servo rather than the power that gets switched off. I think it's also possible to toggle that function on or off too.

I could never calculate how much power each LED will draw but I'm sure it shouldn't be so much as to upset the operation of the board or servos. Obviously on large bracket signals or gantries with multiple lamps, it may make a difference so I wouldn't risk it without knowing the details of it! I know that Dave specifies a 2 amp regulated supply to his boards as potentially, all twelve servos could move simultaneously during complex route setting.

The era of lamps being turned off during the day was very early on before long burning paraffin lamps were invented. A well trimmed and maintained lamp should burn continuously for 7 days between fillings.

Anyway, Happy Christmas to all, I'm off to build a signalbox kit!

Cheers

JF

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Pretty sure that most of the boards that we are likely to use, just turn off the signal, i.e. Megapoints, GF Controls and MERG. I have a feeling that Uhlenbrocks DCC turns off the power too but could be wrong.

For those who might be interested from memory, the MERG system send a continuous stream of ascii characters (in numeric format) whilst programming and whilst moving the servo, you do have the option to switch off the stream, once the limits are reached.

Number of leds powered - they take so little - main problem is likely to be the resistor, you can normally power  a couple or so to a resistor but there is a limit. I have seen an explanation of it but from experience it doesn't seem consistent, just easier to add a resistor to each, the smd ones are so cheap anyway.

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LEDs will take something in the 5 - 15mA range, your little SMDs will be at the lower end, I’d guess.  
 

The servo supply is nominally 6V and I assume the points controllers work to that voltage, so you’re looking at 30mW or maybe a little more.

 

hth

Simon

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 20/12/2021 at 21:56, Simond said:

LEDs will take something in the 5 - 15mA range, your little SMDs will be at the lower end, I’d guess.  
 

The servo supply is nominally 6V and I assume the points controllers work to that voltage, so you’re looking at 30mW or maybe a little more.

 

hth

Simon

Ooh, I could get away with quite a few then:good:

Cheers

JF

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  • 1 month later...
  • RMweb Gold

Hi Jon,

I was thinking you’ve been quiet recently then realised that rmWeb hadn’t been notifying me of your updates since around May!! Hope your keeping well. The signalling projects look as superb as ever!

 

Rich

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On 13/02/2022 at 10:39, MarshLane said:

Hi Jon,

I was thinking you’ve been quiet recently then realised that rmWeb hadn’t been notifying me of your updates since around May!! Hope your keeping well. The signalling projects look as superb as ever!

 

Rich

I'm guilty of not keeping up to date here. The dreaded Farcebook seems to have taken me over....:rolleyes:

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Recently received a nice shiny selection of etches back from PPD for some assorted signal bits. Some will join my Boltons Bits range and some are just bits for upcoming jobs..or a bit of self indulgence!

The first 3 are various versions of the LMS brackets for tubular post construction.

Offset single doll bracket

 

IMG_20220212_202915216.jpg.a2b34a192ca1aebca575e87d8d91cf2d.jpg

 

Balanced 2 doll bracket

 

IMG_20220212_202855229.jpg.70d694c8710465ef0217440477993407.jpg

 

Balanced 3 doll bracket (similar to the 2 doll but unable to upload any more pix to this entry😒)

Next up is a 40ft LMS lattice post and some built up type ladders

 

IMG_20220212_194343036.jpg.ece8afa3abb1bbe53866786d0656cd66.jpg

 

LNWR fold up dolls and trimmers and two sizes of bracket spandrel..

 

 

IMG_20220212_201130788.jpg.41f25026b029ee93c23185a158c18d64.jpgIMG_20220212_201203582.jpg.ce2926388b210a83725b4de773b90511.jpgIMG_20220212_201640020.jpg.3785a1e651bcdce73a98c2b8b870a6ee.jpgIMG_20220216_142950060.jpg.3f83d721220276e03d983a0e3f055a86.jpg

 

 

Some odd useful LMS bits; lampmans staging for lower down the post where a distant or calling on signal is fitted and a standard LMS sightboard/brackets..

IMG_20220212_201046187.jpg.ddaea55f212a5276e7b6dbeb6d76dcf9.jpgIMG_20220212_201116730.jpg.975de48f31521b4abde4abf480606f86.jpg

 

 

Here's a 40 ft lattice post folded up and assembled...

IMG_20220213_201939191.jpg.36a28417afc5c0a3168e18d446f52196.jpgIMG_20220213_201833518.jpg.e6afe91758c1e905a195d8bafbb1b708.jpg

 

 

Finally, a complete indulgence, a 36 lever L&YR lever frame designed to have poseable levers to go in my Intentio L&YR signalbox...

 

 

IMG_20220212_120248363.jpg.30fe324fa691ed055915941462ca7e3e.jpg

More soon

JF

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Jon Fitness
Trying to replace missing pix
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  • RMweb Gold

Superb work as ever Jon - just confirmation I am getting the updates now!  Dont get drawn in to that awful thing called FB! We can't lose you from here ... I have an account on there if I look at it once every two or three months I am doing well!  Just too messy to use, at least here I can scroll back and see what I have missed or find something I want to look at!

 

Can't wait to see what the lever frame looks like when its in the box ... I presume it will be fully working not just 'posable' :) 

Rich

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23 hours ago, kitpw said:

That's a lot of artwork and some really nice etched parts. That 40' lattice post is quite something!

 

Can I ask which drawing program you use and is the etched output all in NS?

 

Kit PW

Thank you! I use Draftsight, just the basic version. It costs me about £90 per year. I tried free versions of one or two programs but eventually they either fail or they end up charging you anyway. I used to do all brass but NS allows me to go with thinner material for the same strength and is nicer to work with. Most of the etches are for my own use in the long run but selling them is a bit of a bonus if I can!

JF

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22 hours ago, MarshLane said:

Superb work as ever Jon - just confirmation I am getting the updates now!  Dont get drawn in to that awful thing called FB! We can't lose you from here ... I have an account on there if I look at it once every two or three months I am doing well!  Just too messy to use, at least here I can scroll back and see what I have missed or find something I want to look at!

 

Can't wait to see what the lever frame looks like when its in the box ... I presume it will be fully working not just 'posable' :) 

Rich

Thank you! FB has its uses and I've picked up work from there. I need to remember my roots on here though. I've had a lot of much appreciated help from peeps on here. The L&Y frame will only be poseable as it's only 0.3mm N/S so has no real strength. I'll be putting it together this weekend if the house doesn't blow down tomorrow!

JF

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19 minutes ago, Jon Fitness said:

Thank you! FB has its uses and I've picked up work from there. I need to remember my roots on here though. I've had a lot of much appreciated help from peeps on here. The L&Y frame will only be poseable as it's only 0.3mm N/S so has no real strength. I'll be putting it together this weekend if the house doesn't blow down tomorrow!

JF

 

Hi Jon,

I was being tongue-in-cheek sarcastic hehe (me? never!) but I know the quality of your work, it will look superb. Hope you (and everyone else on here) weathers the storm ok tomorrow, I look forward to seeing the outcome :)

Rich

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  • 4 weeks later...

I know I've been a little quiet this year so far but here's a couple of GWR signals ready for some serious weathering. I'll be going upper quadrant next for a good number of signals thankfully!

The signals are Borg rail posts with my etched dolls, SSS arms, staging decking cut from some nice laser cut planks by Nikki Wilkes, Modelu lamps and finials and some very butchered brackets from me and SSS.

The finials are only positioned with a bit of blu-tac as they will be packaged separately  for the customer to fit. They rarely arrive intact if attached to the signals..:huh:

They are servo operated but unlit.

 

200056308_IMG_20220312_123658070_HDR(960x1280).jpg.7d135680b5645feab43737de2b73650e.jpg432481613_IMG_20220312_123710049_HDR(960x1280).jpg.5f9052a61b3fcceb52ac81c940236a46.jpg718302951_IMG_20220312_123720267_HDR(960x1280).jpg.eaff02e5bf3dbf0aa36a41e9c282a48c.jpg1612157442_IMG_20220312_123730651_HDR(960x1280).jpg.bff9a4e07bc2f1dc235bfe4ffd0235b3.jpg1087796713_IMG_20220312_123747076_HDR(960x1280).jpg.61b07721d3f43e76ee7d8bdf097effd7.jpg380589309_IMG_20220312_123802624_HDR(960x1280).jpg.20ddd3248865910a292f0f6c3a663934.jpg1840861479_IMG_20220312_123811621_HDR(960x1280).jpg.ede41aa3e45ffa22f1ccaf39a025c0df.jpg814667068_IMG_20220312_123826232_HDR(960x1280).jpg.b268afae665fe2530d1eafa24e5e52bb.jpg

 

More soon...

JF

 

 

Edited by Jon Fitness
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Now I've mastered the etched built up ladders thing (which is a relief as I now have them in my range of etches😁) here is how I go about building them..

 

 

I've designed a home made jig for these. I've found that if the stiles are kept under tension, they tend not to distort when soldered.  The stiles are held in the jig using 0.6mm steel lace pins. Wire isn't up to the job. The rungs are 0.45 nickel silver wire.

 

IMG_20220216_151550801.jpg.fa52bd24d21ef5326990233a51ec1718.jpgIMG_20220216_152355950.jpg.eb24b9558ada7770f5d576a80c1935a8.jpg

 

 

 

First rungs soldered in are one at each end and a couple towards the middle...

 

 

IMG_20220216_155422774.jpg.dfef93b4c77f3656194d3ab7d28d066d.jpgIMG_20220216_155431092.jpg.ee7c197e6c3d07228a0574d6f67375bb.jpgIMG_20220216_160153840.jpg.afae5ebd25eee39c9f0507a44457f4b6.jpg

 

Then fill in the gaps until the ladder is complete. The spring keeps the stiles tight and absorbs any expansion and contraction as it happens...

 

 

IMG_20220216_161514625.jpg.dc2b942f618d4daefd67db2b43b588a6.jpgIMG_20220216_165242844.jpg.ed6ebfb67e9e7aa9e2e2430d4ed26168.jpgIMG_20220216_165530008.jpg.24394ed4ece22fd3d8e772b7fbea30be.jpg

 

Trim off the excess and check for any joints that haven't soldered correctly...

IMG_20220216_170227655.jpg.9d1116bc088a8632127309862f2d4e4a.jpg

 

 

Final clean up and done....

 

 

IMG_20220216_202842249.jpg.7da4053f94f2fa6b5e158984dc81c237.jpg

More soon

 

JF

Edited by Jon Fitness
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  • 2 months later...

Starting to replace some of the missing pictures on this thread. Hopefully me and RMWeb will meet somewhere in the middle!

 

Meanwhile, here's a few ground signals I've made recently...

 

IMG_20220530_172414608.jpg

IMG_20220530_172512780.jpg

IMG_20220530_172545158_HDR.jpg

IMG_20220530_172556169_HDR.jpg

IMG_20220530_172614899_HDR.jpg

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Very nice they are.....and timely - I have several on my 'to do' list.  Question - whose servos? they're tiny!  Second, non-signal, question - the lattice girder bridge in the background:  is it generic or based on a particular example? 

Kit PW

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