Moving along with... Well more programming of blocks!

So after a little break from the layout due to family, work and other commitments it's back into programming the blocks into the JMRI - Panel.

The process is repetitive but once you get rolling and have a pattern going it goes rather quickly.  Along with adding the various sensors to the panel I am also recording them on a table for future reference and troubleshooting if required.

One of the great things about JMRI is the WebServer function that allows you to display the panel, and other JMRI features from PanelPro on either your iPhone, iPad or Laptop using a WiFi enabled router.

I use the LocoNet Monitor & WebServer on my iPhone through the WiThrottle App to look at the detection blocks on the JMRI Sensor Table as a locomotive runs across them to check the sensing of each block.  You can then switch to the panel display and check that the sensor block corresponds to the panel block too.

Below is screen capture of my iPhone showing the LocoNet Monitor and one of the Digitrax SE8C's as I was testing the Tortoise Switch machines.

Next stage is to get the last BDL in and connected to the LocoNet and trackwork and begin loading the signal logic onto the panel.

Jas...

The LK&O Railroad...

My very good friend, sounding board, freight relocation engineer and astonishing layout builder Alan Bailey has just reached a major milestone on his LK&O layout build.

Alan has completed his number 13 module which sees the top portion of his LK&O layout build complete.  For those that have followed his progress or for those that haven't seen it, if you want to see what detailed planning, engineer level design and master level build execution looks like take a visit and look through Alan's website.

http://www.lkorailroad.com/module-13/

His wiring is astonishing and his electrical engineering is amazing.  Alan is also one of those true gentleman that would literally give the shirt of his back to help someone out, even when they live 16800 km away!

If you are looking at building a layout this is a complete reference level website that will put you on track for an excellent start, and provide a rock solid foundation for a great layout.

Jas...

Layout Update...

Hi All,

Just a quick update to let you know what we are up to, seeing there has been a lull in my posts over the last month.  The layout and I are on a small break at the moment with being busy with family, work and other commitments.

The next stage is completion of the remaining detection & signalling wire, and then onto working out our operations plan & scheme too.

I have been watching our "popular blog posts" feed and its been interesting watching posts move around and end up near the top.  Of late some of my old posts from as far back as 2013 have been popping up into the feed which is great to see.

Even though the layout build progress has been slow, there is always time to switch a boxcars around the Reading Branch...

Jas...