***As promised, an update. Sorry its taken so long but its hard to find time for getting this project done as we have more than we can handle install wise at the moment... In fact if it wasn't that I really needed to be able to work on several sound files at once, I'd not have been able to justify the time spent so far!
The concept is to allow me to use several sound/loco programmers at the same time if needed (ESU, QSI and SPROG in this case), plus still be able to switch any part of the track to DC or DCC... this complex need is because sound programming can't be interrupted "mid project", and I wanted to still be able to help drop-in customers instantly. Previously, I'd have to cole a sound programme effot to do it, losing several hours work on occasion!
This is the reason why the control panel looks so complex... the rotary switches are for seelction of source, with the switch below them totally isolating that section and truning on connection to a DC controller via an overriding relay.
OK... progress: All the 16.5mm track is laid. The EM track which will be at high level will enter on an bridge over the 16.5mm at the extreme LHS, and run about 60% of the length before terminating at a multi-story warehouse....
The lower level will be primarily UK in feel at the LHS, but gradually become somewhat indeterminate as to prototype towards the right as my clients model many international prototypes.. so I don't want them to feel too isolated!
Where are we now: The biggest smile was plugging in the panel - several spaghetti bowls of wire, but everything worked first time... It has many input sources, NINE separate power supplies (3 = 1 for each computer interface, one for DC, one for DCC, one for tortoise, one for relays and one for leds... with a final one for accessory lighting! Most apart from the computer interface supplies which are all regulated 12v, and the powercab which had its own,
were just lying around - two from old wireless phones, and a couple from an old modem or something similar.
I thought I had a mysterious problem with one point, as the black 5 jumped each time it crossed it, but typically after fretting about the point for 20 minutes I checked the back to back of the tender wheels and they were nearly a full Milimetre too close - fixed that and things were smooth as silk!
All panel LEDs are our own products in a chromed brass bezel, with 300mm of wire and resistor already attached.
The points are modified from peco, with many mods as per earlier in the thread. Point motors are tortoise. Ballasting is with a mix of 75% N and 25% OO scale ballast. Ballast application was with my meths and water method, which worked superbly once again.
The loco's on the track are: One of my own - a black 5 with very nice ESU sound + working lights (The NRM limited edition model I think). The two US locos are both brass client locos, both with a soundtrax tsunami fitted for him. (I have no idea why he wanted sound in an unpainted brass loco... but who am I to question him).
You can't see them but sitting on the top of the track are a BR50, an NSW class 46, an A4 and a Brit, all having just been programmed and test run... The test track is truly working hard already.
Next step... install the EM tracks (you can see the wires ready for it) and get on with some scenery as time allows.... I will update you again as things progress
Kind regards
Richard
