Here is a You Tube video showing a test of a Tomar semaphore on my layout. The semaphore is animated by a hobby servo connected to a DCC accessory decoder based on an Arduino Pro Mini board. JMRI is used to control the signal based on block occupancy. I'm utilizing RR-CirKits for block detection. All… Continue reading Signal Working
Turnout Control – Update
The turnout control I described in my last post was working great... That is until I subsequently added block detection to the mixture. I am using RR-CirKits equipment to access the Loconet buss of my Digitrax system. I am using BOD-8 block detectors, connected in this case, to a TowerMan input-output unit. I had originally… Continue reading Turnout Control – Update
Turnout Control
It appears that the plan is coming together! I have successfully set up the RR-CirKits TC Mark II to output the switch message on Loconet to drive my turnout accessory decoder. This allows me to operate turnouts via a panel switch, my throttle, and a JMRI panel.
Laying Track
It's about time! That's my Mikado under power crossing the 200 foot truss bridge (sans truss) with the pink bones of a waterfall in the background. I am into my second box of Peco code 83 track so there is over 75 feet of track now in place plus 3 turnouts. Trackwork for my "not"… Continue reading Laying Track
Getting Organized
Organization has always been an issue for me. My wife on the other hand is very good at it, however when it comes to my workshop, I seldom ask her for help. This is due to her tendency to throw things away. Workshop clutter is not junk, just stuff I have not used but am… Continue reading Getting Organized
Backdrop Delima
I've started on some of the backdrop for the Wildcat Valley. I really think I should start at the back and work toward the front so I don't have to reach over finished scenery. As I began researching photographic backdrops on line, I found that I could have some really nice scenery using this method.… Continue reading Backdrop Delima
Some Inspiration
I took a little time to visit one of the layouts on the CID April layout tour yesterday. I needed some inspiration to keep me trudging ahead on my own layout. I talked my wife, Chris , into going. I think she enjoyed it, but she made me go to the "At Home Store" with… Continue reading Some Inspiration
Valance Work and LEDs
I took a pause in laying sub-roadbed for the WVR to begin work on the valance for the mountain "helix" this week. I wanted to get the upper portion of this area under way while I can easily get to it. I used white finish hardboard paneling for the top surface, it has a nice… Continue reading Valance Work and LEDs
A Mountain of Work 2
After much cutting of wood, leveling, screwing, and a few choice words, the sub-roadbed for the mountain helix is nearly finished. I still need to add a few more supports in there. I plan to add a trestle on this side for the upper track where it passes over the middle track along with a… Continue reading A Mountain of Work 2
A Mountain of Work
I started building the second generation Wildcat Valley Railway a few weeks ago. I had been thinking I'd work on it in my spare time and would get it done sometime in the not too distant future, but I had forgotten how much thought and work it takes to get something of this scale done.… Continue reading A Mountain of Work
Wildcat Valley Railway Co. 