Geoff - overall co-ordination, materials sourcing, design development, on-board assembly/testing.
Stephen - design development, 'devils advocate', washer fixing holes and fettling. Control box assembly & fitting. Din plug fitting.
Laurence - stud turning-up.
What were we doing?
Back a few weeks..... Laurence proposed that we introduce location studs into the board meeting-faces, to overcome the problem of aligning track joints - something not employed on Cottesmore, which contributed to 'some' issues during exhibition setting-up. 'Sceptical of Ewell' (I know it doesn't rhyme) dismissed the proposed solution on the grounds that the proposed fixings did not appear strong enough for the job. However, Geoff agreed with the principle, something which he'd successfully employed on his school layout. However, his fittings comprised face-fixed plates, which SoE deemed acceptable(!).
The studs were made from M6 bolts with 2 nuts wound tightly up to the head. This was then turned into a bullet shape stud (Laurence), to suit holes drilled in larger washers, (Geoff), with fixing holes drilled in the faces (Stephen).
There was an added frisson, when Geoff explained that the washers we were using originally came from John himself. There was a great atmosphere as the workshop hummed, turning out 3 pairs of studs and washers.
Then, Geoff tried to align the two main boards, but ran into a problem - not all of the rails would line up. And when in their best position, the scenery wouldn't play ball. We always knew that working on a 40 year old layout (20 years in a cold loft) would not be easy, and that some fettling (that word again) would be needed. So, undaunted, he fitted a pair of washers - recessed into one board face, and a pair of studs into the other.
Everything looked good, so the ultimate test was .......... put to the test ......... the boards were separated and reassembled ........ On grounds of personal safety, the results cannot be shown here, but remedial work will be undertaken before the next meeting.
Footnote:
The assembled and painted control panel frame was fitted to the front of the layout using pan-head screws and keyhole slots cut into the box frame. Stephen also presented a very old, but unused AMR hand-held controller. Geoff found a very posh 5-pin din plug and socket, which was soldered on. The socket can be fitted to the control panel next week, for a test run (if the boards are ready......
