After considerable time, my layout is actually taking shape. Here are a couple of shots:
Thanks to Thor for recommending some bracing on the legs. The table is now a lot more sturdy.
I have decided to try Vinylbed and have placed my order. I cannot wait to get the roadbed down so that I can begin my wiring. I just need to figure out how to be able to switch between DCS/TMCC and conventional control...
Regards,
John O
John,
Very nice. I am wondering if there couldn't be an even larger layout in the big picture? Because when I look at some of the pictures... well, the space available seems big! I mean you haven't filled the room wall to wall yet! But a nice layout right now. Good way to experiment with different techniques too.
Jim
johnandjulie13 wrote: I have decided to try Vinylbed and have placed my order. I cannot wait to get the roadbed down so that I can begin my wiring. I just need to figure out how to be able to switch between DCS/TMCC and conventional control... Regards, John O
John, The wiring is actually pretty simple. If you are using a transformer with variable control like the one in the picture to feed through the TIU. If you put a TMCC loco on the track it will be controlled via TMCC. If you put a DCS loco on the track, it will be controlled via DCS & if you put a conventional loco on the track, it will ignore both systems and you can run it with the transformer. Don't need to throw any switches or change any wiring.
Have you thought about going with an AIU from MTH for the switches and accessories?
Don't know for sure if you can control two differant tracks with one DCS unit, maybe jefelectric may know.
If putting a conventional engine on the track make sure that you have all power turned off to the track!!Conventional engines take off because DCS & TMCC provide full power to the track and a signal to the DCS or TMCC engine to respond to.
Lee F.
But you cant run trains on PINK terrain. Get a coat of green on that foamboard PRONTO!
Just foolin. Looks good. Looking forward to future pictures(with less pink in them).
Very nice layout! Quick question...is that Gargraves Phantom track? I like the hidden center rail.
Dep
Virginian Railroad
phillyreading wrote: Have you thought about going with an AIU from MTH for the switches and accessories? Don't know for sure if you can control two differant tracks with one DCS unit, maybe jefelectric may know. If putting a conventional engine on the track make sure that you have all power turned off to the track!!Conventional engines take off because DCS & TMCC provide full power to the track and a signal to the DCS or TMCC engine to respond to. Lee F.
Yes, you can control multiple tracks fed from multiple transformers. I have four feed sections fed from a prewar ZW (2 sections) and an MTH Z4000 (2 sections). All feed through one TIU as they have four channels. As they come from MTH two are labeled variable and two are labeled fixed voltage, but you can reprogram them all to variable, which is what I have done. One hand held controller will handle a Proto 2 engine on any of the feed sections. I usually use the DCS hand held to control the TMCC locos as well.
Thanks John! I did not realize the full capabilities of a DCS unit. Just got an AIU today from Miami, plan to hook it up this week.
Thanks for the feedback! I will post more pictures as progress gets made. I am excited becuase I can start contributing to the Sunday Photo Fun threads!
John (jefelectric)- Thank you for your input. However, what I would like to do is be able to run the trains using DCS. However, occassionally I will let my son (who is only 3) run the trains, but he likes to use the throttle on the transformer. As a result, I need to have some sort of dpdt switch that will direct the power either directly from the transformer to the track or through the TIU. Can this work? I was thinking of using either a Z4000 or a ZW and have and independent block for each loop.
Lee- In my layout design, I made sure that I maxed out at 10 switches so I would only need one AIU. However, as with the power issue I just highlighted, I am going to also parallel wire the switches to a control panel so that my son will also be able to control the turnouts without him fumbling with the DCS remote.
Paul- When finished I hope that my layout will look more like this:
Deputy- The track is Atlas 0. My poor photography skills may have resulted in you not being able to see the track clearly.
If you are wiring the switches in parallel make sure that the switches are momentary contact with center off, if not Lionel or MTH switch controls.
Looks great! Maybe you don't need to paint it. Depending on the 'look' you would like, you can use fabric, fake fur, or even a swath of indoor/outdoor carpet (my personal fave.)
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Thanks John O. I really like the way that track looks!!
johnandjulie13 wrote: John (jefelectric)- Thank you for your input. However, what I would like to do is be able to run the trains using DCS. However, occassionally I will let my son (who is only 3) run the trains, but he likes to use the throttle on the transformer. As a result, I need to have some sort of dpdt switch that will direct the power either directly from the transformer to the track or through the TIU. Can this work? I was thinking of using either a Z4000 or a ZW and have and independent block for each loop. Regards, John O
John O, You only need to use the switches if you are going to be running PS2 engines in conventional mode. If you have conventional engines to run the TIU can be left in the circuit and the transformer throttle used to control them.
I think the switches will work, although I have never seen it done. A possible problem would be the extra wiring connected between the TIU output and the track, when the switches are in the TIU position. Since your layout is fairly small I don't think it will be a concern. Can't hurt anything to try.
Lionel collector, stuck in an N scaler's modelling space.
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