i am a beginner at actually building a train platform although i am over 60 and have been receiving model trains and accessories since i was 7 or 8.
i have my first real layout almost finished and have become facinated with installing a block system.
i have found many articles on installing the system, but only one that actually defined the Radio Shack part numbers to purchase.
The only problem is the part number for the capacitor needed is an incorrect part number - RS272-1152 - that is actually a small light bulb and not a capacitor.
Since Radion Shack has dozens and dozens of capacitors, i am at a loss as to which is the correct one for model rail road use.
Can anyone help with the part number?
Thanks,
Jimbo
Jimbo,
Which article are you referring to? That will let people assess the circuit you're building.
If you have an incorrect part #, check subsequent issues of the same magazine. It may have been caught by someone and a correction published a couple of issues or so down the road.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
By Block System, are you're talking about a signaling system, as opposed to a DC Block Contol System? I think your talking about the former, as Capacitors really aren't needed for DC Block Control.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
Have you got a schematic and a list of the actual value of the capacitor? Usually the are list something like the following:
660 microfarads
50 volts DC
Electrolytic
To be quite honest, if this is an 'old' circuit, it may be hard to find suitable parts. Logic Rail Technologies has some nifty pre-built circuits that do not need any rail gaping. Here is the web page:
http://www.logicrailtech.com/
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin