More videos

Here are two more videos which show the yard and curves which I was writing about in my previous entry. As always, let me know what you think by commenting below.

Thanks

B60 Down Goods - Video

Here is a video of a Through Goods on the down end of "Myrtle West"

Time for another Layout / Track Plan Change

Just when I thought that my previous layout plan was the final one which met all my model railway needs, there was still something bugging me. After completing and laying out the track, I spent alot of time running trains to a timetable which I mocked up. Being a terminus, with four industries to shunt, I thought I had it all covered, however, there were two serious mistakes.

1. The direction of the branch line was the same direction as 'Melbourne', which, in most cases this is not how it is in the prototype.
2. The loco depot was again at the 'Melbourne' end. Again, usually a loco depot is at the other end of Melbourne so that an uncouple and a quick ride to the depot is achieved, rather than back tracking - again usually this is not in the VR prototype.

Given these two errors, I set out to lay out a plan which met these two concepts.

However, there was a third issue. The terminus idea was not working for me. I realised that I wanted to see trains in 'full flight' travel by as well as the idea of Shunting. The Terminus concept didn't allow me to see trains pass by non stop because of the smallish main line that I had.

To overcome all these three shortcomings, my thoughts were drawn to out visit to Darrens place last month and to his layout. His Terminus is located on a shelf whose width is about the same as my west wall - this shelf being the narrowest at 450mm, with a 4.5m length. I have always based my yards and 'main' town on the north and south walls, which have 600mm shelves and a length of about 6 metres. If Darren could achieve so much on his 450mm shelf I should also be able too, albiet track spacing being a little more cramped.

This enables me to overcome all three shortcomings mentioned as well and give me what I think is another wonderful bonus, that of extra mainline running!. With this in mind, I began on the latest track plan.

After spending the last two weeks laying out all my track, this afternoon (at 14:23!) I completed the task. I realised that now my layout looked so much more appealing because of beautiful broad curves for the yard, the main line hugging the walls so that the main line curves are the broadest and the space is used to the maximum. Yard tracks are curved as well, looking at wagons on those curves are a delight, and to top it all, there is a smallish incline, fortunately too small to have runaway wagons. I also feel that the space is being used much more efficiently and effectively now. I could still have four industries to shunt, even though the shelf space is reduced.

Since the farthest yard curves are broad, coupling my 40 foot wagons is not an issue and with four wheel stock, no problem at all. However I do not intend to shunt anything larger than 50 foot due to the possibility of coupling issues.

I still see this layout primary as one for shunting, however having this station as a 'Through' one, opens up those possibilities as I mentioed.

Let's see how long this layout last, before it becomes dust. Or I may suprise myself and finally achieve what I wanted in a HO scale layout in a room 4.6m by 6m.

Better to change the track plan now, than to live with a layout that i'm not completely satisifed.

Visit to Darren's Place

On Saturday I had the pleasure to visit Darren's layout. I was looking forward to seeing his layout all week because it was very similar to mine conceptually. Craig was kind enough to take me with him and in 30 mins we had arrived.

The layout is very well planned out. There is just enough track where you really scream for more which kind of keeps you tuned in and focused. The aisle are very wide enough so there is no bumping into any obstacles. Up to seven industries can be shunted which can keep anyone busy for hours making and breaking up trains, just like what I am trying to achieve on my layout

Really had a very thoughtful experience and came away with some wonderful ideas that Darren kindly shared with us, such as cutting the sleepers from the peco track and spacing it to NSW or Vic prototype, methods to change points with 99c switches, using code 75 points which now I am tempted to do myself.

I am really looking forward to a (pseudo) operating session which I think will be alot of fun.

Here are some photos:

Aisle width:


Below - Track Spacing:


Geoff concentrates:


Lovely weathered loco:


Crew Area (with TV!)

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.