Dispatcher Area & Work Bench Nook - Update...

More progress today on the Dispatcher Desk & Work Bench Nook.  I installed all the bench frames for both sides, the dispatcher desk is 1400mm (4' - 7 1/8") x 400mm (1' - 3 3/4") and is on the left hand side.  This will have the two screens for the JMRI - PanelPro CTC Panel, keyboard & mouse, and whatever communication system I install for the layout.

The Work Bench wraps around in an L shape from the right hand side and back across the middle.  The right section will be for everything to do with building, assembly, maintenance, soldering, etc.  It's 1400mm (4' - 7 1/8") x 500mm (1' - 7 11/16") and will also have a MDF top.  The middle section will be for painting, weathering & detailing (I'm purchasing a mobile spray booth at a later date) this section will have a further 3mm sheet of MDF or Cork over the bench top so that when it is completely shot, and covered with  paint it can be replaced.

The bench height is set so that the roller chair can be spun to either side without hitting knees or legs on any of the frame, there is enough room to have two chairs in the space (although tight) or one person on the dispatch deck and one operating the Diesel Service Facility above.  The chair can also be rolled out into the crew lounge area so that operators can get straight out of the chair clear of the nook.

I can see myself spending quite a lot of time in here, it's quite cosy and will be a good place to work on locomotives & rolling stock when I begin weathering.

This wall will be for all of my storage bins, parts pins, tool racks, etc.  I've amassed a fair amount of cheap storage units that will no doubt be filled in the years to come.  I will be installing two quad power points (receptacles) along the wall for tools like Dremels, Soldering Stations, iPhone Chargers (music), and will also have some form of adjustable lighting as well.

In all I'm really happy with the way the "nook" has turned out, it's amazing what you can think of that needs to go into a well functioning work space, and then to throw in a dispatch area as well takes a bit of thought and planning to pull it off.

Next stage is to finish off the dispatch & work area bench tops.  These will be coated with a water based clear sealer to protect the MDF, more soon.

Jas...

Signalling Plan...

Here is the work in progress signal plan for the layout, it incorporates the new extension and is roughly blocked.  This is by no means the final version as myself and Brendan have some work to do fine tuning it.

The main is fully signalled, and the passing sidings will be to, but mostly with dwarfs.  It needs to be noted that I'm not following a prototype system, I'm not overly concerned if it also doesn't follow the RR's signalling systems that I'm modelling too.

We have decided to base the system around operationally what will work for the layout and its operations sessions.  So if you pick up that there are signals missing from places that normally would have signals, thats fine we have countered it in our plan to have plant protected in groups in places.  This significantly cuts down on blocks,  signals and the hardware required for detection & signalling.

The next stage is to install all of the Tortoise Switch machines on the mainline, then connect these to the SE8C's via push button, momentary switches and get these working through JMRI.  After this we will be looking at the wiring for the entire layout and reconfiguring this to work in with the common rail power for detection.

Jas...

Dispatcher Area & Work Bench Nook...

As part of the expansion of the layout into the new area I have decided to move the current workbench area into the new extension.  Along with this, the future dispatcher desk will also be incorporated into it.

The current location in behind the centre peninsula, and with the operating area of the L&T Branch is just a little tight.  The new area although small is serving a dual purpose and will work a lot better than the previous one, the ability to have separate dispatcher desk, work bench & spraying/building area will be a great little addition.

I've decided to add a small computer alcove to the dispatch area, behind the wall is a void underneath the return blob/paper mill area.  This will provided really good access to all the electrical components & hardware for the layout.

I will install a hinged panel and attach the main layout power distribution system to it, and also have the DCC Command Station within the computer alcove too.

The first stage of the nook is to add the back board which is 12mm MDF, and is for the dispatcher wall.  This will have the twin screens for the JMRI Panel on it as well as other information for the layout for the dispatcher to control.  Directly underneath the back board will be the dispatcher desk.

The next stage is to install some electrical points and then continue on with the back boards.

Jas...

Trackwork Benchwork Finished...

Yesterday I had another full productive day of finishing off the benchwork for the new extension trackwork (staging yard & diesel serving facility) the plywood base is down and secured all that remains is to add the final sub roadbeds of drywall/plaster & cork.

Staging/Classification Yard on the left & Diesel Service Facility on the right...






























The benchwork for the Classification Yard sits above our storage shelves, these will eventually have drop curtains fitted to the underside of the timber frames that overhang the shelves by about 90mm.

The penetration through to the existing L&T Branch area has been completed, and I have installed side guards to the crossover bridge to protect any locos or rolling stock that if derailed in the void would take a long drop to the concrete below.

The Diesel Service Facility area is also finished and the benchwork complete, again there is another penetration through the existing layout this time to the interchange connection that will eventually lead down to staging under the layout on the northern side.

Again this penetration through the new extension framed wall & existing shed wall has a void around 1' (300mm) in width that has been bridged, I also added a side guard incase of derailment stopping that drop down to the concrete floor below.

And looking back from the existing layout to the new Service Facility...

More soon...

Jas.

Layout Expansion - New Track Update...

Well today was a very productive day, seeing the new staging area benchwork almost finished, all that is left is a small section of plywood and the drywall/plaster & cork to be laid and its ready for track.

The above section still to have the plywood installed with have the yard lead to the new staging, from the centre peninsula turnout just before the bridge.  It will also hold a couple of storage tracks & caboose tracks.

Below are the penetrations between the existing L&T area (old staging area) and the new staging area housed in the new extension.  This will connect to the new industrial siding on the south wall and will also help produce the new "wye" for the layout.

Looking from the old staging back into the new staging area...

I also managed to install the bench framework for the new Diesel Service Facility that will be  above the dispatcher/work bench nook.

Diesel Service Facility benchwork installed...

Breakthrough into the existing layout, this will have the lead to the service facility which will connect to the "interchange" track.

More to follow.

Jas...

New Track Expansion for the JL&T...

Yesterday I began part of the expansion of the trackwork for the JL&T.  With the near completion of the extra 4m (13') of layout room I began the new Staging Area for the layout.

This will be run as a Classification Yard for the major portion of train movements for the layout, it directly connects with the existing staging area located on the south wall of the layout in the L&T area (which will become another narrow industrial area) and forms a Wye with the northbound track leading over the lift our bridge.

The benchwork is 4m x 400mm (13' x 16") and runs on top of the storage shelving in the new extension.  It will hold five storage tracks with two drill leads for locos to escape as the yard is all stub ended.  There maybe a future extension along the east wall the may lead to the yard expanding in length and/or another large industrial switching area.

The benchwork is being made in two modules, the method is the same as employed for the rest of the layout to date.  Pine framing topped with plywood and the Drywall/plaster and cork sheet.

To connect to the existing trackwork I had to make a penetration through the existing shed metal skiing cladding, this will have an insert place inside to stop any wayward locos or rolling stock from falling into the void inbetween the two walls.

The penetrations will be hidden by some form of scenic element like I have used before, either a building, billboard, or bridge.

More soon as we progress.

Jas...

Signalling Adventure Begins...

Over the last week I have started our venture into signalling the JL&T.

The start is only small and involves the installation of a couple of Tortoise Motors to control a series of turnouts that are hidden behind the Cement Plant on the L&T Branch, but none the less it is the start.

There has been a significant amount of research, running ideas through our resident signalling & electronics guru Brendan, the ordering of several pieces of electronic hardware to control it all, and of course the signal masts & dwarf heads.

I'll go into the details later on as we progress, because even though we have a game plan of sorts, it is still fairly fluid as to the final setup.  Needless to say it is based on a Simple Serial Buss (SSB) design and will be working in conjunction with my existing NCE Power Pro - 5amp DCC System.

But back to the newly installed Tortoise motors...

For a temporary fix to a throwing of a series of turnouts while operating the layout, I've installed a few of the Tortoise's and wired them to some DPDT switches.  These will be replaced at a later date with push button switches wired direct to a SE8C and controlled by JMRI.

These are the terminal blocks I have installed to power up the series of Tortoise's in the area, they run off a 12V (adjustable from 9V to 12V) and running 2.5A. gain these are temporary and will be replaced with smaller more reliable terminal blocks and either Cat5 or Cat6 wiring as the standard for the signalling wiring.

This will be run as a 12V buss around the layout to control the Tortoise's.  Again these are temporary and will be replaced with smaller more reliable terminal blocks and either Cat5 or Cat6 wiring as the standard for the signalling wiring.

As part of the installation I also made and installed a small fascia panel for the area too.  This was a draft version, but has turned out quite reasonable and will end up being the standard for all of my panels.  These were done on Pixelmator and laminated then stuck onto 3mm MDF with double sided tape.

The panels and switches will be recessed into the fascia at a later date...

The DPDT switches wired directly to the Tortoise Motors for manual control...

More to come soon as we progress on the signalling...

Jas.

Installing the Extension Storage...

I've been progressing with the installation of the storage shelves for the new section over the last week.  These are the existing shelves from our garage, once installed I will begin installing the additional layout bench work over the top of these.

This section will be the main layout staging area, that will be built and operated as a classification yard.  The framework also hide the storage shelves and everything under them, I'll be installing drop curtains that will go down the carpet square mats.

This section is the original entrance to the layout, I had to frame it out to support the mezzanine level.  In order to help seal out the dust & dirt, and further reduce any climate changes throughout the year I've installed the wall paper and filled in the gaps with insulation.

This area will also have new sections of layout installed and will be set up like the photo above, but will also get drywall/plaster.  The left section of new layout will house the yard lead from the yard to the centre peninsula and the lead to the new south section of the L&T Branch, these two areas from a "Y" for the layout.

The right section above the workbench and dispatcher nook will house the new Diesel Service & Maintenance Facility.  Then it will be time to move onto the workbench & dispatch nook area.

Jas...

Extension Framework Finished...

Well today I managed to finish installing the mezzanine flooring, the insulation and the last of the framework.

Insulation in and ready for the staging yard framework to go in...

Workbench area, Dispatch Area ready for benchwork and MDF walls...

Mezzanine storage area in and completed...

Looking into the existing JL&T Layout from the new workbench area and dispatch nook...

Wall cladding to go in, power points, and benchwork and all finished...

Layout Expansion almost Complete...

Today I got into the home stretch by completing most of the timber framing.  There are a few noggins to place in around the frame but the bulk is finished.

Nib wall installed...

Remainder of beams installed for mezzanine floor...

New home for the workshop nook, dispatch area & JMRI operations/PC, and Diesel House & Maintenance Facility (Layout Space).

Jas...

Progress Update: Layout Expansion 2014...

Well the last few days I have been flat out (but in my happy place) doing all the internal framing for the layout expansion.

The shed extension (13' - 4m) was finished on Saturday morning and I had the timber delivered the day before ready to go.  

The internal frame with the portal shed frame supports the mezzanine floor within the area that is used for storage.

It gone relatively quickly with only one more nib wall to be put up and then the mezzanine floor gets put in.  

As this is going to be mainly storage for a garage stuff I will insulate walls and place plaster over this.  This will hopefully have enough room to be used as a crew lounge area for the main layout.

Had a lot of fun to date, sometimes there is nothing more relaxing and calming than throwing on the Nail Bag, making a few measurement, cutting some timber with compound/mitre saw and building something from the ground up...

Latest RDG SW1500 Switcher...

Well the latest RDG SW1500 switcher #2763 has arrived safe and well and is now working on the L&T Branch.  I have installed a spare TCS T1 decoder in it to get it working and test it out.

 Next step will be to add Soundtraxx Tsunami Sound & LED lights.

Jas...

Lift Out Bridge - Wiring & Photos...

Here is the wiring diagram for how I have set up the Lift Out Bridge (LOB) on the JL&T.  This is now the second version of the LOB, and it has been realigned and widened to make the track work in this section flow better and allow the installation of THE #8 LH Turnout that will eventually go to the Staging Yard.

Wiring Diagram:

The wiring above allows for a safety buffer zone incorporated into the last section of track before the edge of the fascia.  So when the LOB is removed it deadens the last 2' - 3' (600 - 900mm) of track work, this way even if a locomotive is running at full speed there is no way they can be launched off the layout onto the floor below.

The small micro switch is the key to the whole idea, it basically takes the positive DCC power for from the main bus and routes it through the micro switch and into the two "safety sections" of track work.  When the bridge is removed the switch deactivates and kills the positive power to these two sections.

You can see that when the bridge is in place the lever on the switch is pushed down activating the switch and allowing power to travel through to the positive rails on the safety sections.

Here is the positive wire from the DCC Main Bus running to and from the micro switch...

The positive power from the micro switch feeds into a power block that feeds roughly 3' of mainline feeders to the east and also the power to the feeders along the Paper Mill Siding for about a 1'.  This ensures that all the northern approaches are dead if the LOB is removed.

The wiring from here (red & black in the above picture) then runs through a small conduit up and over the main entrance into the layout to the other side were it feeds the opposite side of the bridge 

(the safety section only).  

The bridge section itself is independently powered straight from the main track bus, it terminates into a quick release plug so that the bridge can be removed for better access.

In the above shot you can also see the cleat that supports the bridge (piece of dressed pine against the rough saw) there are two either side and the LOB is screwed down either end.  I prefer screws because they don't really move at all and ensure pretty much perfect alignment of the rail on the track, I will hide these with some small clumps of bushes with a removable piece to access the screw.

So hopefully this helps explain it all, its really quite easy and a very effective method of ensuring that your valuable locomotives and rolling stock don' take that nasty dive off the layout onto the nasty concrete ravine below...

Jas...