Layout Upgrades...

Time for another upgrade for the layout tonight, reconditioned desktop PC with triple monitor setup.

Two screens running the JMRI Panel, and the third for dispatcher information - operations paperwork and the layout camera system.

I’ve also upgraded to the latest production release of JMRI too.  Upgraded all the drivers and everything has fired up on first go...

I’ll be able to use my laptop now with TeamViewer to upgrade the blocks that need reinstalling too.  Life just got a little easier.


Jas...

Latest Reading SW1500 to join the roster...

After sometime in storage I decided to break out my Athearn RTR SW1500 - Reading #2673.  This was a rare find some years ago that I just had to have.

Reading #2763 was the only SW1500 to be repainted in the all green scheme before it was absorbed into Conrail in April 1976.  It was repainted after it was wrecked.

This switcher has been updated to DCC with a ESU LokSound - Select Direct V4 decoder, Sugar Cube speaker, ESU - Power Pack Mini, LED lighting upgrade, and Athearn - Power Truck upgrade.  It has also been programmed for running with the ProtoThrottle too.

These are such great runners when converted to DCC, operating them and switching with the ProtoThrottle has taken the enjoyment level of operations to another level of realism.

Jas...

Installing micro 0402 LEDs...

Over the last couple of days I have been working on installing some micro 0402 LED's as part of my upcoming article.

The new style are are fantastic to work with, in fact they have made the process of installing & upgrading a lot easier.  They are pre-wired and just need to be glued to the light pipes I've installed to replace the stock Athearn light bulbs.

I've also managed to add a cabin light to the SW1500 switcher too.

Having such a flexible LED opens many more possibilities to install in various locations on my locomotives and switchers.