Thanks Dave and the new 48s shunt the warehouse area to a tee even though a couple of 41s are shown in the pics. Did you catch up with my separate post on the 48s in product reviews? Cheers and happy modelling Richard
Hi Folks In update # 13, I finally got around to remodeling the old control panel to suit the new DCC arrangements. Hartley Grange had been completed but I was waiting on more graphic tape to come from China to finish the detail. Available from Amazon in the USA of course but at $34.70 compared to $1.78 from China it was decided to wait. In the interim I turned my attention to the second control panel at Glen Davis. All the turnouts in the Gen Davis area had been fitted with the appropriate switches but needed to be connected. Many hours later (again under the layout!) and with much hookup cable/heat shrink/etc in place, Glen Davis has also been completed. Here is the control panel for Hartley Grange: And the panel for Glen Davis: The control panels are some four metres apart and with each able to control some fairly intricate sidings and refuges, as well as the need to take care of the main line operations, it really has become a two or three man operation to do it justice. I guess I will just have to get a few volunteers around to run some trains? Cheers for now and happy modelling Richard
Good stuff Gormo and I hope you do not mind running my Australian outline as I do not have any UK models DCC equipped. But Perhaps Gary does? At this stage could you pencil in Saturday 10th November which coincides with the Epping Model Rail Clubs open day so we could combine both. Will keep you postd. Cheers for now and happy modelling Richard
Your point layout to me looks very complicated Richard, I'm sure it's not so much for you. I'd love to come across for an operating session on a much bigger layout than any of mine. Hopefully it won't make me want a big one of my own, rather than multiple exhibition layouts. I do have a BR class 15 (cousin to the NSW 41), that is chipable, and I do have the chip here somewhere. Also one end has tension lock, the other 3 link, not sure how compatible it would be with Gormo's ones though Control panels look good Cheers Tony
Thanks Tony. It was a bit easier on DC as the setting of turnouts and associated electricals tended to overcome running errors. With DCC of course there is a need to be more precise when setting schedules and the occasional crash occured. Points were switched with press buttons so just looking at the panel did not indicate how things were set. LED indication was too complicated so I opted for the PECO switches. Started with black levers but then went to yellow as they were easier to see. Now a quick scan of the panels shows me just how things are set. Will keep you in the loop as we head for the November running session. Regards and happy modelling Richard
No worries Richard.......I`ve put it on the calendar. I don`t mind running Australian stuff...........I don`t have any DCC trains so I will just have to help you run yours..... Cheers Gormo
The time draws near and we may be able to move Tony to a bigger layout? At least this is a good reason to get any minor layout problems solved no matter how tedious. Cheers and happy modellind Richard
Hi Folks PROGRESS UPDATE # 15 Well a good bit of fun has been had playing trains with the new controls but now for some more serious work. While Dargan has some infrastructure (Station, rail freight and livestock facilities, hotel and restaurant, we are are yet to see the construction of any residences. Early dwellings in the Blue Mountains and similar coal mining areas all the way up to the Hunter Valley were usually quite small and with a lack of regular local public transport, located close to amenities. The first row of such typical country cottages has now been installed: Weatherboards were used in most dwellings because of low cost and local supply. Note the usual inclusions in the "back yard" of water storage, wash house with wood fired copper and external toilet or "dunny" Local Council has also come to the party and planted some trees to the footpath areas. A major improvement in local facilities has been the construction of the new fire station as well as two new shops. I have improved the lighting system by extending the number of circuits from four to eight which gives a lot more realism as parts of buildings and individual buildings can be illuminated randomly. The Station Master became jealous when he spied the climbing rose on one of the new houses and quickly planted his own. He is very annoyed at last night's storm which leveled his front fence: Well folks, that's about it for now. Still a long way to go but with the hotter months approaching. there should be ample time to retreat to my air conditioned cave and cobble a few more structures together. We don't even have a post office or bank in town yet! Cheers and happy modelling Richard
The town scene is coming on a treat and looking good. Now I don't know if I could trust the local fencer as he has left the scene without completing his job ! I trust the folk that live in the grey house doesn't have a dog ?? if they do, they need to rep[air the back fence behind the wash house ! Cheers, Gary.
They did have a dog but he got out and was last seen assisting with the loading of sheep at the railway siding. He was lucky not to have been turned into mice dog meat by the passing down service to Bathurst. These roaming dogs are becoming a nuisance and local Council has made representations for the establishment of a local police station. Yet another building to be constructed! Cheers and happy modelling Richard
That's a very unusual view (for a Brit) of a colourful wooden town to see on a layout. Full of great detail . Are the buildings scratch or kits?
Always a mixture of what is available and what I want. Fire station is a kit. I just saw it at Rosehill show and liked it. Shops and houses are mine but detail parts like the trellises, windows and chimney breasts are just detail parts. Had great fun rolling the roofing around various shapes to get the right angle for the front awning. Finally used a black Texta and it was just right. Cheers Richard
Thanks Pete I like to have some sort of story with each phase as it keeps me honest to the era. It also can save money...I can look in the mirror and say "No Richard you are not allowed to have that new 81 class as it was not around then." Cheers and happy modelling Richard
But that can be just an excuse. When it comes to the crunch, you can just remove the steamies and voila...it is 1995 and the 81 is ok?. Cheers Richard
Nice detail on the houses, just like the real thing, same but each with their differences. I especially like the back gardens with their garden paths. I note there are no clothes lines, I imagine this would be due to the proximity of them to the rail lines, resulting in a fair coating of dust and soot onto the good linen of the townsfolk. I also really like the lattice work on the ends of the front verandahs, very nice touch. I guess with a lot of Australian towns, you could just change the cars to more modern ones, then the 81, or even an NR would not look out of place. Might have to change the signs on the pub too, to reflect modern tastes, maybe paint some beards on the people to make them look hipster, now I'm getting off track... Cheers Tony