New Member in South London

QUOTE (shdyer @ 11 Aug 2008, 13:24) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Just wanted to say "Hello"!

Just returning to the hobby after a false start (or two). I had started setting up a layout, but then moved house 3 years ago and have only just got around to doing something about it in the newly insulated and boarded loft! The plan is for a late 1950s era layout somewhere in the North East of England - but that could change as things develop! I have just decided it will be an end to end layout rather than round and round (much to the disgust of my nephew) due to the shape of the area available to me.

I think this will be a long term project and at the moment I am trying to get my head around wiring points!

Hi shyder,
Welcome to the forum good you have started to settle on a layout, as to the points i am no expert but consideration should be given if they are to be insulafrog or electrofrog also if you are using DC or DCC ......... there are several posts on point usage on the forum or ask in the track layout scenery part of the forum we are all here to help each other.

QUOTE (Expat @ 11 Aug 2008, 15:51) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi there and welcome to the MRF.

I'm sure you'll find it a veritable mine of information with members who are always very friendly and helpful.

As regards your point wiring, as upnick says, the methods vary considerably depending on whether you are using DC or DCC. Although my layout is DCC I have opted for conventional point control from a mimic panel. One thing I would strongly recommend though is that you use Electrofrog points as these help to minimise the old problem of slow moving locos stalling on points.

Depending on whether you are going for the traditional solenoid type of motors or slow action (tortoise type) the types of switches will also be different. I opted for the Seep PM1 motors which have a built-in frog polarity change. Once you have decided which method you are using post any queries in the either trackwork or DCC forums and you will, I'm sure, get all the help you need.

Cheers,

Expat.
Thanks all for the welcome.

I have decided on DCC, hoping I can understand it all! I discovered I had bought a whole load of Peco solenoid points (but packed them for the move and forgot I had them), after I had bought some Tortoise point motors. So, one part of the layout will have the solenoid point motors and another part will have te tortoises, unless I use them for the signals.

I will be looking on here for lots of tips, as I have found a few different opinions on how to wire the points! They are all electrofrog, and I have some slips (single and double) and a three way Y.

Simon

Hi Simon,

Don't know if it's any help but am attaching a point wiring diagram for use with Seep PM1 motors and stud & probe control which was my original plan.

I have, however, now decided to go the whole hog and am using the Masterswitches made by Richard Johnson at DCC Concepts controlled by DPDT switches and with LED indicators which is a whole new ball game. I'm attaching a wiring diagram for this set up in case you want to consider it.

Happy Modelling,

Expat.