Thought I'd start a build thread on the spaghetti N-scale layout. Some more pictures. The good, the bad, the ugly! The front of the control panel Back of the control panel.
Not sure if I'm off base here, but it looks to me to be an analog, pre DDC type control system. Reason I say this is all the toggle switches on the panel. They look to be 'on-off ' SPST block switches for shutting power off if an engine is within a block, and not want it to move. And red bulbs are to show if power is on or off in a particular block or blocks.. if,... IF i am correct so far I assume you don't care about or can't afford digital controlled trains (which do not need blocks)..No value judgement at all. If you prefer this type of ops that's A okay. At any rate, your electrical work looks really well done.
Dan_in_MN, I thought this was your layout ! So, if not yours, I think what it is, is you are creating a thread or category of 'spaghetti layouts' ? Yes ? And, what is an "electrical electioneer" ?
10-4. But why did you wind up with it ? Are you also an analog-only modeler ? If not, and you already have, or plan to have a DCC layout, what was your reason for obtaining this one ?
There was a railroad built in South Texas by an impresario named Count Telferner. He brought Italian laborers and the road came to be known as the MACARONI LINE. Abandoned but rebuilt and now part of Kansas City Southern. This is its yard at Kendleton about 40 miles SW of Houston. You can ignore the sign that says "Wrong Way." Go ahead and build your railroad however you like, spaghetti, macaroni, rigatoni...
I got it free from a guy who got it from the guy who built it. Not sure why the first guy got rid of it. I'm going to get it running the least expensive way I can. That'll probably leave DCC off of the table. I got it to have a layout. I've obtained track engines and rolling stock at garage sales and other places.
OH ! OK.. IF, and that's if you can afford to, converting to DCC is simple. You can get rid of all but one block (used as a programming track for engines to not accidentally re-program other engines on main line). You'd no longer need the control panel. Everything is done via your hand held DCC throttle. So only 2 wires from DCC power panel (which you plug throttle into) to 2 rails and you are DCC with sound and an enormous amount of programming possibilities.. Close all the gaps between rails with solder except where a reverse loop is in trackage (This one section IS controlled with an auto reverser unit, or by hand with a DPDT toggle. In fact, the toggle for the turntable is exactly what a reverse loop track utilises, they're both polarity flippers. A wye track needs same, too ). One major thing which does concern me is the ancient brass rail. Brass oxidises quickly and even mold can start to appear unless cleaned frequently. If not, you're going get lots of stall-outs. This was main reason hobby went to nickel silver rail.. Only other thing you'd need are engines with decoders (with or without speakers ['sound on board' ] ). One digital loco with sound and complete independence from other locos and you'll never go back to analog..Hope I haven't scared you in any way. Just giving you heads up on what I see ahead. All the best with your endeavours, ....Mark
