Hello everyone, haven't posted for a few months, but the layout is alive and well! So its been 3 months since I last posted on here- just letting you know the layout is alive and well, and now has a complete circuit of track which I have been test running and tweaking as required. Nothing much visually has changed, however there are several projects underway, apart from the completion of the mainline. -The initial CTI order has been placed, which will allow block detection and train routing without signals. I am in the process of building the block detectors, using a schematic off the Marbelup Valley Railway (http://members.iinet.net.au/~judithandrichard/marbelup/). The owner Richard has been able to assist me with this schematic as he also uses CTI on his layout, and has this circuit schematic on his site. -This weekend I have begun building the initial mainline track sensors - there are 31 to complete, and after ordering all of the parts the cost per sensor is $7.00. It is taking longer than I anticipated, however the commissioning of the CTI system will be done in stages to ensure reliability. So far 4 detectors have been installed, and I am using ethernet cable to feed the signals back to the centre of the layout where all CTI modules will be installed. This allows me to send back 4 signals per cable. [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]Two detectors installed at staging. [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] -By May 2012, all non-mainline track except the main yard should be complete. This will hopefully include all other block detection and point motor controllers. I've also been building my loco and rolling stock collection. I have purchased 3 passenger trains for running during operations: 1. Kato Metra Set (Seen here with Strip LED interior lighting, and an extra intermediate coach) 2. Kato Amtrak commuter set, with a Con-Cor baggage car (could not find stock of the Phase IV Kato model anywhere) [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]All Coaches are using Strip LED's with 1k resistors. [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] 3. Kato Budd Car. This car has been fitted with a TCS M4 decoder and interior lighting. I have tried to install the decoder below eye level, which proved to a be a delicate but worthwhile effort. I still have another car to do, as they will run as a two car set along the branch line. I will attach some more install pics in another post. I have also purchased a couple of unit trains, thereby completing the traffic required for the layout except manifest and mixed freights. I am in the process of commissioning the autorack train, and have a spine car and reefer train on order. To haul these trains I have recently taken delivery of 10 Kato BNSF locos, which I am in the process of fitting with decoders and Micro-Trains couplers. So I have quite a few projects that will keep me busy over the next few months, with the hope of starting to terraform some scenery in July. will see how we go.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Another Update, have done a fair bit in the 4 months since the last post..[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I made a minor benchwork change down the centre of the layout which has given me more storage space underneath the layout. I replaced the centre legs with horizontal hardwood ply bracers, which gives me a clean run down the centre:[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Consequently I had to move the detection system above the layout, which has now been fully wired and tested:[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I used ethernet cable to wire the local detector circuits (which are installed adjacent to their blocks on the layout) back to the central detector circuits show above. There are approx 31 sensors on the layout, which has left me around 10 spare. These will be used for local control panels to detect input by the crews (eg. turning a key in a lock to request control to the switches)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I have also mounted the laptop underneath the workbench which gives a lot more space for the network controller to work in. its a fairly simple mount which also allows me to easily remove the laptop if required.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Whilst building this I went and bought a VESA mount on ebay which I have mounted to the brick wall behind the laptop. This allows me to attach the 22" Samsung monitor to the wall which is part of the dual-screen system for the network controller. The panel is designed to fit on a 1920x1080 display, which leaves the lower monitor for a train graph, which can be updated in real time.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]The completed Network Controller's desk, with Wireless KB and Mouse [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Along with these projects I have also completed the track work in all towns, which leaves me with Staging and Mendota (frmr. Steino) Yard to finish:[/FONT] [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]Earlville (Formerly Spencer) again with extended width baseboards [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]
[TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]Plano (Formerly Theta) with new branch line loop and third track that leads to Plano Branch [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]Extended Width Staging with dead auto racks [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The next step is to complete staging, and finish with Mendota Yard. Once these are completed, the next step will be to terraform the scenery and install the facia on each level.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So thats it for now, there are a couple of more things on the list for the future so will try and keep the thread updated...[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Update from http://steinosub.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/still-here-still-building.html Been over a year since the last post, although I've still been working on little parts of the layout, progress has been slow.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-I have been building control panels with interlocking for each of the 3 towns. So far 2 are complete.[/FONT] [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]Panel on startup, CTI is not initialised so lights on the right hand side are dark [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]Panel Locked, note the red lights now lit up indicating panel is locked. (those point buttons won't work, all hooked up together via a common relay back to the tam valley singlets) [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]The key is turned, and the request button is pushed - the light starts flashing orange. [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]Once approved by the dispatcher, the light turns green [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE="class: tr-caption-container, align: center"] [TR] [TD="align: center"] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: tr-caption, align: center"]When the key is returned to the lock position, points move to normal again, and the panel locks itself. [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A couple of notes about the panels... They use tam valley singlets, with push buttons hooked up to a common relay. there are two relays, one for the blue frame, and one for the yellow frame. yellow frame unlocks the points in the loop, whereas shunt mode (blue frame) puts blocks on the line, prohibiting traffic from moving through the area. useful for running around trains (which will be avoided as much as possible)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the key switch actually works, it is hooked up to a sensor used in conditional statements within CTI. Same goes for the push buttons on the RHS.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-I am rebuilding one of the helixes, due to problems with the track and the issues with height between helix modules.Am also motorising two points situated in the middle of the helix. Helix to be code 80 track to hopefully ease track laying.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-The staging yard is built, no photos yet..[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-Have motorised all main line interfacing points, and am retrofitting certain crossovers that weren't using great quality servos. HXT900's from Hobbyking never skip a beat.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-Buying trains is the other pastime, picked up a cab forward, and a new run challenger (am addicted to sound decoders now!)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-I have a plan of sorts to get the layout into a fully functional state by the end of the year, including the following projects..[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finish Plano Control Panel[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Prep work for Mendota Yard (laying cork, finalising design, ordering components, etc.)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]install fascia to areas not requiring terraforming (still haven't decided on scenery designs yet)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Carpeting layout room[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Starting scenery/ballasting/weathering track[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Signal installation[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]misc rolling stock maintenance.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-am also doing a bit of a side project, 'Cubington' - the layout designed to fit into an office cubicle (English themed):[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
