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NCE Mini Panel custom face plate

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,878 posts
Posted by maxman on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 11:20 PM

Post deleted.

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Maryland
  • 88 posts
Posted by skray775 on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 10:54 PM

Here is a video with the CNC machine cutting bricks and a tunnel portal.

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/203518.aspx

I know I could have bought brick embossed platic sheet but I wanted to see if my home built would engrave all those little lines.  I used a drage engraving bit I ground out of a broken drill bit.  The spindle/motor on the mill did not need to turn so all you hear is the machine moving.

Kelly

www,finescale360.com

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Maryland
  • 88 posts
Posted by skray775 on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 10:46 PM

Thank's guys! 

Nothing wrong with a Dremal and file, still do that sometimes.

I didn't know a thing about CNC machines until I read that other forum and converted my first, smaller machine. That build thread is also on the site.

In my spare time I design and build R/C heli replacement frames out of aluminum.

If you need the DXF file of the panel let me know.

550 heli frame

 

 

Kelly

www,finescale360.com

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,878 posts
Posted by maxman on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 3:05 PM

rrinker

 How can you tell this guy's a machinist? Look at the fasteners used to attach the faceplate to the Mini Panel.

            --Randy

Ahhh.  Good old socket head cap screws.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 1:24 PM

 How can you tell this guy's a machinist? Look at the fasteners used to attach the faceplate to the Mini Panel.

            --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 6 posts
Posted by RBMason on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 11:11 AM

Hi again Kelly. Ron M. here, just to tell you I just saw your face plate for the mini panel and am in the process of doing the same. I was interested in your conversion. This is also another of my hobbies, I built a 3 axis mill from scratch and converted an old mini lathe to CNC they have performed well for the past five years. Also design and build amateur full size aircraft.  Railroading is my winter hobby up here in the cold.  Lots of fun Ron Mason. 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 4:45 AM

Don't you just hate people like Kelly?   Laugh

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 3:27 AM

Kelly:

I'm impressed!

I read through the thread about how you built your CNC milling machine. I was in so far over my head that I though I needed a snorkel!Laugh Seriously, what can be done with the proper equipment boggles my mind, and here I sit with my Dremel, tin snips and files.

Makes me wish that I had pursued a more technical career, but unfortunately at the time I was very determined to not let my classes interfere with my education!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh Thank goodness we persuaded my son to use his brains for a living!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Maryland
  • 88 posts
Posted by skray775 on Monday, January 6, 2014 10:45 PM

Hi Dave,

Yes, I cut the panel on a CNC machine.

I converted a manual milling machine to CNC, the build of that machine is documented here:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/benchtop_machines/141561-kellys_machine_tool_warehouse_-_md001-21.html#post1027942

 

Kelly

www,finescale360.com

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, January 6, 2014 10:38 PM

Kelly:

Very neat!

I'm curious to know how you created the face plate. Do you have your own equipment or did you have it made?

Thanks

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Maryland
  • 88 posts
NCE Mini Panel custom face plate
Posted by skray775 on Monday, January 6, 2014 9:01 PM

Thought I would share a face plate I made for a NCE mini panel.

My railroad has all the wiring hidden behind a facia, out of site, out of reach.  The NCE mini panel has a programming jumper and a setup port that needs to be used for programming.  Instead of burring the panel under the layout I decided to make a face plate and mount it to the front of the layout. It is the same height as the PCP panel face but wider of course.

The panel will be programmed to run an engine back and forth along a pre programmed route.  The black buttons will start the sequence, red button is for a interupt command, toggle switch is for the programming jumper.

 

Kelly

www,finescale360.com

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