Hannerton Road Works

I've built the road along the back of the station at Hannerton.  First task was to construct a supporting frame and then add a hardboard surface.

The bridge girder work has been spray painted blue and an attempt has been made to weather them.  They're a bit glossy at the moment - so they might need a bit more work yet!

Going Over The Top

I've now built the road overbridge at the right hand of the station - a few quick snaps to show what it looks like.

Colour Light Signal Control

I've completed the prototype circuit for controlling the colour light signals at Hannerton.  The first attempt using transistors was abandoned as too complex for what is, essentially, a straightforward task.  After a rethink I've gone down the route of using 4000 series logic and ULN2803 power drivers.  My scrawl of a diagram shows the circuit.

The circuit has been prototyped on some spare stripboard for 2 signals.  The next step will be to build the 'real' circuit which will reside in the control panel.  In fact, there will be two circuit, a four signal circuit for eastbound departures and a five signal circuit for westbound departures.

'Fag packet' circuit diagram

Prototype circuit with two signals attached

Getting Dirty

Finally managed to find an evening to make some progress on the railway!  First task was to 'weather' the trackwork at Hannerton station.  This was done using spray paints (Railmatch 'track grime' and 'roof dirt').  Since I was using spray paints this really needed to be done prior to any of the other scenic work.  

Painting completed - just waiting for it all to dry before cleaning the tops of the rails so that trains can run again.

With the rails now cleaned, the first trains venture back into the station.  Painting the track has made a  big difference, toning everything down and making it look more realistic.

Almost back to a full population of trains.

Another completed job was the tunnel side wall.  This has been fitted with 2mm  LEDs - these are 'warm white' rather than the usual harsh blue/white LEDs.  The wall has been made using Scalescenes products.  These are a new 'invention' since my early days with model railways - you simply download the sheets and print them as often as you want.  Eventually, all the retaining walls around the station will be treated similarly.

The town scene area now has a backscene fitted at the scenic break.