Independent Light Control

Today I was busy trying to figure out how to independently control the headlights of a locomotive so that one would need to manually toggle a switch in the cab rather than have the headlight automatically come on or switch direction when the Direction Button is pressed. So, just like the prototype, one could inadvertently have the rear light on as well as the forward light on when moving in the forward direction, both lights ON so to speak.

Well after a little while of trying out different CVs and address combinations, I finally worked out what needs to be done. I have TCS decoders and a NCE Powercab, so if you want independent light control follow these simple steps (see video below for a demonstration):

1. Change CV 49 and CV 50 to 40

2. Remap the ON/OFF Switch to a function key - I chose F1 and F2 for Fwd Headlight and Reverse Headlight for my T Class as an example.

To do this - set CV 33 to 4 and CV34 to 8.

3. Set CV61 to 17 which is the sum of BEMF (1) + Dim when Stopped (16) - so whenever the loco comes to a stop, the lights automatically Dim - The intensity of the 'dim' can be set by

4. CV64 - I set it to 6 which is the maximum 'dimness' for LEDs.

Note: The slight flicker on the Headlight is not perceptible. It is somewhat perceptible in the video because the camera is on a low shutter speed.

The only thing I couldn't work out was how to manually control the DIM. If anyone finds out please let me know (for TCS DP2X Decoders).

Tuesday Nighters

Last night the lads came over for the fortnightly Tuesday nighters and it was good to see everyone. The group quickly made their way to the shed where they admired the VR rollingstock and Locomotives. Shortly after, Craig came with his controller as well as a few noisy 44s which provided some back ground 'music'. Also in his box was his proud dunny and associated parts.

It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves. Geoff diligently hooked up the local Y Class shunter and took a branch line goods at a very realistic pace, whilst there was much talk on how best to turn the Guards Van on the local pass that had just arrived. Since no one had VR prototype experience, a few calls for Anthony could be heard to sort out the issue. Unfortunately, our VR expert could not make it.

Eventually the guards can was placed at the rear and the pass departed followed by a Through Goods and the yard was nice and empty.

Darren gave me some interesting tips on the workings of a loco depot which I can model on the layout.

Overall an enjoyable night.

Small Video of S311

Here is a small video of S311 bringing in a freight train into Myrtle, uncouples and then heads back to the depot.

Reconsideration of Track Plan

The previous plan 'Myrtle West' in which the main station area was staging has been dropped. Although it was a good candidate for a layout with alot of scenery I have come to the realisation that, to me personally, nothing comes close to 'operation per sq foot' of layout space as a shunting yard layout.

Back in June 2001, I happen to buy Model Railroader and a layout by American Jonathan Jones always stuck in my mind. I also wondered how this guy living in a New York apartment could derive hours of fun from his 2 x 10 foot layout!

He beautifully writes that "While the mega-layouts are undeniable fun to operate, challenging to build, and inspirational, I feel that small layouts like mine can be just as powerful in those same respects". That really had a profound affect and I began to realise that one doesn't need a huge layout. For anyone who wants further information, Jonathan Jones' layout can be read in Model Railroader - May 2001.

So hence I have reverted to a track plan that is based on a fictional country terminus. I have added a couple of small industries, a Goods Shed, Cattle Yard from the main, a silo or cement works (undecided) and a small engine depot. Here are some pictures of the work in progress.

Cheers







As requested by Rob here is a track plan of "Myrtle" - click on picture to enlarge.

Back from Melbourne

Had a wonderful time at Melbourne - took plenty of video of the general workings at Sunshine and also took a XPT ride to Albury and back - here are some videos:

NR Long End Leading from Somerton:



A70 on an Up Pass:



NR120 on Down Overland:



More to come later. :)

Short Video

Here is a short video of the layout showing the entry into Myrtle West (Staging)

Myrtle West

Hi All

It's been a while since I last posted anything that is relevant to my layout. This is because I have gone away and changed my layout for the umpteen time! Unfortunately I have pretty much thought about and layed out all possible layouts and schematics!
At the end of the day I think less is more. Anyway here is a hand drawn plan of the layout.
The major concept is that the 'main town' is actually staging - with a couple of industries 'just' out of town serviced by the local pilot. These 'just out of town' industries are modeled - so there is some shunting involved, but mainly this is a scenery based layout - sit back and enjoy type - BTW, all trains approach and depart Myrtle West quite slowly, so the actual run time from staging and back into staging (main town) is close to three real minutes.

I learnt that modeling a town, with three yard tracks and a main line, together with a Goods Shed and all the associated points and curves eats up too much space and not doable to my satisfaction with the space I have.

See diagram for further details (click to enlarge diagram).

Any comments much appreciated.

Cheers!