Triang Railways

I have just laid the outer loop 8x4ft plain track, continuous, no points, and connected power.

I have cleaned to rails with a very fine rubbing block, and that all the track joints are connected correctly.

The problem is that the test loco (Hornby) is running very erratically. On some parts of the track it goes like the clappers, and on other parts it struggles to keep going, and sometimes stops, and with a gentle nudge it's off again.

I have to keep it to a fairly high speed, to keep it going on a complete loop.

It won't run round at low speed.

Any idea where I should look for the problem. Could it be the track joints not clean enough, or a little rusty making resistance to the power flow on certain parts of the loop?

Any help appreciated.

QUOTE (sarah @ 13 Feb 2013, 19:42) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>The Tri-ang controllers used to be screwed together. Before H&S...

As Brian says, the parts do wear out, and they are no longer made new...

I did have two Tri-ang controllers, and took them both to bits, and made a good one from the best bits (NOT for the faint hearted, and I made sure to test for any escaping currents with a meter.)

One had been overheated so much that the encapsulating resin had boiled off and collected on the base plate!

The H & M Duette is pretty "bomb proof".

I see that you are using "Standard" track. Well done you. This is not a common decision these days, as the supply of useable track is getting smaller.

I trust that you are aware that the earlier Cellulose Acetate track bases can distort, so losing the true gauge and alignment of the rails?

The post 1956 Standard track was made from Polystyrene Plastic, and is a far better bet.

It is also possible to replace the rails in Standard track with those from Series 3 track (the legths are the same), or even use the longer Super 4 straight rails on multiple Standard track bases, to cut down on rail joints. Super 4 curves are a different radius, but the rails can be modified to fit to Standard bases.

Are you aware of the Tri-ang Society, and the Train Collectors Society?

A "Standard Track" Layout Idea?

Thanks for the info.

We found the fault on the P5 controller. The speed control windings had broken, and for some reason would not take solder to rejoin.

My Triang project seems to be going one step forwards, and two steps backwards at this present moment.

My Princess Victoria loco, which was running perfectly has now ceased to function.

When removing it from the track for inspection, one of the electrical brushes fell out, which must have been the cause of it's will to function.

Please can anybody give me a step by step guide on how to replace the brush, and a reason why it should have fallen out in the first place?

Below is my planned layout to date. Loads more to add.

Many thanks.



Two thirds of the base construction using bullet dowels, and bolts to keep it together, with 9mm ply on top.

There are 3 steel fold away trestles underneath.





From now on I will be using this topic site to report on my project progress, and and help I may need when problems arise.

I am now ready to cover the base board with a 8'x4' roll of of American made "Woodland Scenics" Ready Grass vinyl mat which I purchased from my local Model Railway Shop.

I am thinking about using Ever Build 501 Universal PVA Bond Multi Purpose Adhesive to stick it down on the 9mm plywood top of my baseboard.

Could anyone advise if this is the best type of glue to use, giving me time to make adjustments etc when laying the mat?

If yes, can I water the PVA down slightly, to make it go further, or should it be used at full strength applying to both surfaces as it say's on the container.

I am hoping that I can apply the PVA to the baseboard "only" giving it a good covering, allowing for soaking in to the plywood, and then slowly rolling out the mat getting rid of any air bubbles as I go.

Thanks.

Thanks for the advice Richard.

I gave the baseboard 2 watered down coats of PVA, and then 1 full strength.

Because as you say an 8'x4' sheet would be difficult to cover, so rather than risk starting from the middle and working outwards, I lined the roll up at the end with 2" overhang, and slowly unrolled it, smoothing it out as I went, adding more PVA where needed.

It went on perfectly, looks just like a snooker table!!

I just hope that when I check it in the morning, that it has stuck good.

Next tricky job will be to cut through the mat in 2 places where the 3 section baseboard is joined.

I have to be very careful here, making sure the knife blade follows the join, so I get a perfect straight edge. This will take a little bit of skill with a straight edge and possibly another pair of hands.

I can't afford to mess up here.

Prototype Layout

Anyone for a game of snooker??

QUOTE (Richard Johnson @ 27 Mar 2013, 02:26) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>*** Did you use the alcohol in the mix as I recommended?

It aids flow and penetration of the glue.. which is why I suggested it. Even a misting with windex (which contains alcohol) will make a big difference.

A big sheet loke that also needs rolling into place - The rolling is important even if it looks flat as its laid... its not enough just to lay it...

Richard

Hi Richard,

No, I had already laid the mat by the time I read your advice.

I did water down the first coat to cover the base so it soaked in to the ply as it said on the bottle, and then a second full strength, before rolling our the mat slowly, pushing out any air bubbles and pressing down as I went.

I have a problem getting Windex where I live.

Is there another product made in the UK found on supermarket/shop shelves, that contains alcohol I could use?

I have several window cleaners in the house, but they don't list what is in it on the label.

QUOTE (David Todd @ 27 Mar 2013, 06:33) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Moorings.....D.S.

Nice, takes me back a bit............

Is your track,nailed down yet ? if not, your long straights,can be helped, by purchasing a metre length steel rule for £1 @ Poundland.
(Rumours of a Sale,@ Easter), also a straight track-setter,for use between the rails, does help with set track.

.. ...LF&T's, layout, doubles as a table tennis...........table............

Hi David,
I have a 4ft long straight edge to line up the track before screwing down with stainless steel screws through the holes in the track.

Once the layout is screwed down, I have to cut through the track at the 2 baseboard joins with a junior hacksaw.

This will take a little bit of skill on my part to line the cut up with the join. My eye sight is not what it used to be.

Thanks for your interest.

QUOTE (Richard Johnson @ 28 Mar 2013, 02:33) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>*** Any water-clear (or slightly blue tinted) window cleaner will largely be alcohol and water with a tiny bit of non foaming detergent - brand isn't important.

regards

Richard

Hi Richard,
You have certainly set me a task of finding a window cleaner to conform with your recommendations.

All I can find in the shops and supermarkets are products stating the ingredients of containing Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. Perfume. Less than 5%Surfactants. Most have added vinegar.

I have purchased Asda's brand "Window & Glass Cleaner", with added vinegar, which is a greeny/blue colour, and contains the above ingredients.

http://groceries.asda.com/asda-estore/cata...amp;startValue=

Would this be suitable, because I do not want to mess up again with the glueing of my base mat to the baseboard.

If not, surely their must be other adhesive products on the market that would do the job.

I did think about a contact adhesive, but having read the instructions it was not recommended to use it on vinyl, and that their was no time to re-set once it comes into contact with the other surface. Once stuck it's stuck.

What about a good quality high strength wall paper paste?

My layout has come to a grinding halt due to problems with my 3 section 8 x 4 baseboard not being completely flat.

I have used a substantial 1.5 x 2.5 inch wood frame with 9mm ply top. The 3 sections are held together with proper dowels and coach bolts.

The first and middle sections line up ok. but the third section slopes away. I may have to take it to a carpenter to sort out, or scrap it all together, having spent a small fortune on it.

See pictures on page one of this thread.

I have surfed the net to no avail for a builder and supplier of baseboards who could supply a 3 section 8x4 baseboard, because I have to transport it the car to exhibitions when completed.

The sections measure 2'9"x 4' . 2'6"x 4'. 2'x9"x 4'.

The laying of the vinyl mat on the 3 sections has now been completed using Unibond PVA, and pressing them face to face with even pressure using concrete blocks and building bricks.

The side edging panels and back board have been made, which I am going to paint in Triang Red and Yellow.

Does anyone know what off the shelf paint, make and colour name I can buy to match the Triang Red and Yellow, the same as the Triang Railways logo below?




The 3 completed sections. The locating dowels on the centre section can be clearly seen.

Sorry if the pics are a little dark, due to the weakness of the flash.