I would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to all that came and made today happen; our friends from other clubs and exhibitors that came to support us, the unsung heros that aren’t part of the club but wanted to see us succeed with their help in the kitchen and on the door. A […]
Building the DCC Command Station: DCC-Ex
It’s now time to start thinking about the control system behind Rhad Valley, and despite the unexpected cost of the frog juicer, I wanted to get back on track with this and keep things low cost. With this in mind I decided on DCC-Ex because it’s good (I’ve used it before) and it’s b****y cheap! […]
Juicing the frogs
I noticed when I was poking around the layout with the multimeter that the frogs and switchrails weren’t carrying any power. This is usually fixed simply by cleaning the track, mainly between the rails and the switchrails, but for whatever reason I couldn’t get it clean enough to be reliable. I don’t know how old […]
Wiring up the point motors
In the last post, we finished off by wiring up a bus wire for all of the common terminals of the solenoid point motors to connect to, and this is where we pick it up. The layout currently has old fashioned solenoid point motors – think classic Gaugemaster PM10’s and then think older! These motors […]
Rewiring Rhad Valley for DCC
Ordinarily, converting a DC layout to a DCC layout is a fairly straightforward task when going from simple loops; you would unplug the DC controller, plug in the DCC controller and away you go. This one however, got me stumped… I came into the hobby when DCC was already around – my only experience of […]
Introducing – Rhad Valley
Rhad Valley was purchased as a restoration project and gets its name from the fact that it only cost £100 – Rhad literally means “cheap” in Welsh. The layout has a lot of potential, however it also needs a lot of work doing to it. Unfortunately over time, the scenics have become damaged; all but […]
Wiring a Model Railway Layout for DCC Power
Digital Command Control (DCC) revolutionizes the way model railways are powered and controlled. Unlike traditional Direct Current (DC) systems, DCC allows for independent control of multiple locomotives on the same track, providing a more dynamic and realistic operating experience. This guide will take you through the steps to wire up a model railway layout using […]
Wiring a Model Railway Layout for DC Power
Model railways are a delightful hobby that combines engineering, creativity, and a love for trains. One of the fundamental aspects of setting up a model railway is ensuring it is properly wired for power. Direct Current (DC) is a popular choice for powering model railways, especially for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to […]
Understanding the Difference Between DC and DCC for Model Railway Control
Model railroading is a fascinating hobby that blends creativity, engineering, and a love for trains into a captivating pastime. One of the most significant aspects of building and running a model railway is the control system used to operate the trains. There are two primary systems for controlling model trains: Direct Current (DC) and Digital […]
The History of the Cranwell Branch Line: A Forgotten Piece of Railway Heritage
Nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire, the Cranwell Branch Line once served as a crucial artery for both military and civilian transportation. Its story, rich with industrial ambition and wartime necessity, reflects the broader narrative of Britain’s railway history. While the line no longer echoes with the clatter of trains, its legacy endures, reminding us […]