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Mansfield - the beginnings...

Discussion in 'Members Personal Layouts' started by Andy_C, Jan 27, 2022.

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  1. Feb 6, 2022 #21
    Walkingthedog

    Walkingthedog Full Member

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    Because some people use them. It was just my view. I think you may be lucky. :thumbs:
     
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  2. Feb 6, 2022 #22
    Andrew Laing

    Andrew Laing Full Member

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    I have soldered to the bottom of every individual rail section, as Toto said a quick file helps the solder take easily.
    I assumed the pre-wired fishplates were for people who aren't confident with a soldering iron.
     
  3. Feb 7, 2022 #23
    Andy_C

    Andy_C Full Member

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    Hi all,

    I won’t be using the joints method. I’ll be soldering, and also tacking the track down unit I’ve sorted which point motors to use. I’ll then glue down.

    On that topic, which point motors has generated a fair amount of reading. The slow turn motors look appealing, and they don’t ‘clunk’, but they aren’t cheap. Also what to control them with, which links to what power/DCC I’m going to use for the tracks. Any thoughts on any of these conundrums appreciated.

    Andy.
     
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  4. Feb 7, 2022 #24
    paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Have a look at servos SG 90's ebay link depending on how many you buy you can get them from approx £1.50. MERG do several kits to mount and control the servos for resonable price. These are slow movers (actually to can change the speed) and control of the end points so you are not distorting the stock rails.

    Paul
     
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  5. Feb 7, 2022 #25
    Andy_C

    Andy_C Full Member

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    I quite like the look of the MP1 point motors Digitrains at Lincoln sell - with theDR4018.
     
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  6. Feb 7, 2022 #26
    Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    I’ll have a look at the one I have..
    the joy is, most can be interchangeable.. ie, I have a ZTC controller but two of the modules are Lenz and the third is the one I’ve forgot!! (It only does 4 points instead of 6 like the Lenz unit) so you can mix and match like decoders.. you just program the interface to which the first point number may be, say 7 as your working the other 6 on another interface at the other end of a layout…

    Have you considered controllers yet Andy?
    One option (which can be cheaper?) is Decoder Pro, a free download program that allows you to program the decoders and also drive the layout from a computer… or by using the WiFi, use your phone as a controller! (So much less outlay!) which connects via a UK made interface called Sprog DCC. Sprog 2 are around £55 and sprog 3 for a bigger power umph is about £65… it will do all that the main stream controllers can do and also has the joy of being able to label function buttons.. (instead of you trying to remember what Function 382 does!!) ok so we’re really only looking up to around 25 with a sound fitted loco, but you get the idea…

    I’ve been using this for 22 years!

    Andy
     
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  7. Feb 7, 2022 #27
    Andy_C

    Andy_C Full Member

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    I’ll come have a look at yours with your dad, once he clears things a bit this month
     
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  8. Feb 7, 2022 #28
    Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

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    IMO to make life easier for those unable to safely use a soldering iron :scratchchin:

    A Plug & Play approach which is good for short term only, and another product to market, I doubt they would have produced it without a demand.

    Jim
     
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  9. Mar 15, 2022 #29
    Andy_C

    Andy_C Full Member

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    A question to assist with a railway modelling era 5 project, please;


    tanker wagons - would they all still be the same supplier eg Esso, or would a rake run mixed named?

    Does anyone have a reference I can use? I’m well briefed on mixed freight and braked/unbraked etc, but tanker configurations have me flummoxed? I also know about later eras, and also era 5 use of a box van between the loco and tankers etc?
     
  10. Mar 15, 2022 #30
    Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

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    Hi, it would depend on where they were, near a particular refinery you could expect to see block trains, nearer to customer in smaller groups even mixed where the train was dropping off wagons (or picking up the empties to return).

    Barrier wagons in steam days were between loco and volatile tanks carrying petrol etc, but I do not think they were required for heavy fuels like diesel and fuel oil, a couple of minerals, or wooden 5 planks I believe would be used, probably piped or fitted where the tank wagons were vacuum braked. Jim
     
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