PM42 Issues
Well since the last post I have not been able to solve the problem despite advice given through the Model Railroad Hobbyist Discussion Forum in fact is has gotten worse! I can now replicate the problem in another power section not only with Athearn loco but with BLI locos.
They will just have to go and PSX's will replace them. Perhaps I can sell them on ebay!
Point Motor Accessory Switches
At Stanvac junction on of the cross over points was proving less that reliable. It turns out that when the switch was Super glued to the frame the alignment was not quite centered causing it to bind. A previous attempt to improve operation of the switch has spelled the accessory switches death! A new one has been affixed and everything now appears to be working properly.
Staging
Following listening to a number of previous issues of The Model Railcast Show I have decided to increase the number of staging tracks to hold an additional six trains. This will provide more operating flexibility and enable my yards to be less cluttered to allow for more prototypical operations.
This has meant that some base board and some track work has had to be remodeled at Lewiston Loop just past Picard Junction.
Scenery
BJ has continued to work steadily away on details for many areas and some final decisions on Daveyston have been made.
Jimtown
The rural area adjacent to Jimtown has progressed well following the earlier decision to not proceed with a township scene. The area now has grass, cows and a milking shed. Trees have been planted and the whole area including a paddock with horses towards the back drop is substantially complete.
The retaining walls for the road bridge have been installed.
Plans for a small cattle loading ramp to be added to the siding to complement the freight station and silos now exist.
Adamsville
The buildings that were proposed for the Jimtown "town scene" have been relocated as the available space at Adamsville allows for a much improved scene that will look more realistic. Some additional structures are being built by BJ for the town scene.
The siding will have a freight station and two grain silos.
Daveyston
Much time has been spent deciding on getting the best location of land-form and backdrop to blend into the lower level tracks at Picard Junction/Fleets Loop and the new Staging approach main.
The township initially proposed to be above the passenger station will now be at the same level and with the realignment of Fleets Loop to incorporate the Staging approach the township area can be extended slightly.
The new design has the advantage that the LeMaistre Loco arrival and departure tracks will be more visible during operations.
Structures
Conveyor for Iron Hill
Barry continued making the conveyor sections and six of the required nine sections have been completed.
Northern Light & Power
You may remember a workmate of mine 'Ross' (as opposed to Ross or Rossco from the Monday night crew) previously built some kits for me - well he has been at it again! This time he has built another Cornerstone Kit - Northern Light and Power.
He was not happy with the bare insides so he added some scratch built "Gensets".
This structure is destined for Flintston.
Hornertown City Structures
Ross has finished cutting the 12mm MDF standoff's (One was only 4mm wide) to provide depth to the facade and allow BJ to paint scenes to be seen through the building windows. It is proposed that I install some SMT LED's to highlight the room contents.
Wiring
Points behind Flinston on approach to Hornertown
Bob and Chris finished terminating the wires from the control panel completing the wiring of the mainline points on the bottom section in Section B.
Power District B - Bottom Level Power Distribution
Bill2 started connecting up the block wires after installing the panel.
