Controlled Progress

I've been able to use some lunch breaks to progress the control panel a little further. All the LEDs on the main circuit are now wired up - red or green on the main section to indicate whether the red or green controller is in use.

Inside the box the circuit board has been mounted that will contain the CDU (for powering the point motors). I've also fitted a relay (yet to be wired up) which I've finally decided I need to get the platform lines working how I want them.

The reverse of the control panel is slowly turning into a nest of wires. Only about 1/4 of the wires have been fitted so far!

Motive Power Update

Having fixed the old H&M controller, we were able to run trains! I've also retrieved by locos that have been 'in storage' at my parents house - click here. So here's the latest information from Essington Shed:

5972 Hogwarts Castle

Running well. Needs its wheels cleaned to aid electrical pickup, but otherwise no issues.

7752

First of the locos that has been in storage for (I think) 13 or 14 years. Runs OK but will benefit from a service. Biggest issue is that it has no couplings (except for the cosmetic screw link ones) meaning it can't pull anything!! Looks like i'll have to buy some!

Robert Nelson No. 4

Built from a kit some 15 years ago, this loco is really struggling! The wheels barely move. Hopefully a good service will sort it!

Robert Peel

Cracking little engine that ran well straight away. Again I'm sure it will benefit from having a service.

5080 Defiant

The motor 'squeals' - in need or some lubrication! Rested up until it's been serviced. Also need to alter the tender connection - I closed coupled it many years ago and it won't go round the corners on Essington!

Freelance Diesel Shunter

Purchased as part of a circus train, this loco is very smooth and quite nippy! Wheels need cleaning, but otherwise no problems.

Movement - of sorts

Saturday 6th March - First train departs Essington Station!

With some track finally pinned down, a new locomotive (Hogwarts Castle) and an old H&M controller we were all set for the first departure from Essington Station. Sadly, however, the 'old H&M controller' had packed up before even a wheel moved!

Always keen to bodge, I discovered that a 9V PP3 battery could be used as a temporary source of power! And so the Hogwarts Express left Essington Station!

Next job will be to lay some track in the other direction out of the station - this will give access to the engine shed and give us somewhere to store the growing collection of locomotives (now numbering 5!).

Time for a bit of control

Control Panel construction had commenced! The markings have been made using a self adhesive laser printable label. It's a fantastic invention! Just few holes to drill out and some switches and LEDs to fit! Oh - and then wiring it all up!

More than 200 feet of track laid in 1 day!!!

200 scale feet that is!

We've put up the next baseboard enabling the track to be extended eastwards out of the station. With this board in place, the point work at the entrance to the station could be laid. Nothing has been pinned down yet though.

Looking in the other direction, 3 coaches can be seen on the new section of track.

Next time we manage to get up in the loft we can pin some track down and get some wires attached to the ancient H&M controller. Then we can start running trains!