Rectify electrical issue
Review Chris Holmes' latest comments
As the layout had been packed away the previous week, just the board with the problem was retrieved and clamped upright on two trestles. It was immediately clear that what we thought was a single section on the release road of the platform was, in fact, two sections that had been created some time ago. One was fed from the point frog and the other from a duplicated section feed to the other end. The problem only occurred when a loco straddled the track break, but it was worth addressing. We could either bond the frog feed through, or create a separately switched section for the yard end of the platform, which was the preferred option. The second feed was separated on the board and control panel, and a new switch inserted on the panel. This also required repositioning of the electromagnet push switch and a point switch. As Stephen couldn't remember how he'd wired-up the illuminated push-switches, the exercise took a little longer than it should have, but we got there in the end - albeit well after our lunch break.
Following on from the 'log-jams' encountered during the previous meeting, Chris had sent an email raising another issue regarding control of trains arriving at Worton Court from the mainline (Cottesmore) and the quarry. How should approaching trains be admitted to the station area to avoid congestion?
"I suspect there ought to be “Stop – until called forward” boards displayed on both approaches – one on each – within sight of the Blockman / Controller, who then shows the relevant flag to hold the train or accept it into a clear road."
Stephen had immediately seen the potential issue as an opportunity to increase the 'operating features' on the layout. Stop signs and an animated figure waving a flag? All sounded exciting! Furthermore, the solution of this issue seemed to overlap with another issue that Geoff had also been considering.
Issue 1 - Ideally, the four passenger-critical points at the entrance to the station should have a locking mechanism. We could get away with a small, manual lock on each point or we could add a lever ground frame at the end of the platform that included locking mechanisms? Geoff was leaning towards the lever frame, which, although creating a lot more work in a 'completed' area, would create an interesting and realistic feature.
Issue 2 - If Chris's concerns were to be accepted, the signs could easily be added and the prospect of having a man at the lever frame waving a flag sounded wonderful (to Stephen, at least).
After setting-up the layout, Geoff was asked to explain the consequences and solutions of the issue raised by Chris. However, an unforeseen problem was immediately found - the quarry line stopping position was not in sight of the lever frame, so a waved flag was not feasible. Geoff then described an alternative solution where the incoming train stops at the sign and either whistles or sounds a horn waiting to be advanced using a flashing light. A 'modern upgrade' was suggested whereby the train wheels would depress a treadle ringing a bell in a box on the lever frame. The controller would then set the points and give clearance to enter the station by activating a flashing light on the sign. Stephen was delighted - bells, flashing lights = sound modules, micro-LED's, and buttons!!!
Consideration was then given to the original point operation issue. Eight levers would be required for the four points - one for each tie-bar and one each for the locking mechanisms. Geoff advised that a sprung-loaded wire could be employed for the locking mechanisms, which might simplify the rodding installation. A route for the rodding/wires was provisionally worked out. This was guided by the positions of the existing point actuators and minimisation of the disruption to the existing trackwork.
The affected area and key features:
 |
| View from ground frame |
The signalman could probably walk across the timber-plank path to check the quarry train position, but the bell system obviates the need.
An 'artists impression' of a possible sign with a white micro-led on top.
Post meeting, a further enhancement was discussed. With the addition of the lever frame, it would be prudent to add rodding operation only to the point adjacent to the fuel tower (fourth point in cross-over) so that all regular point operations could be handled from the frame. The adjacent quarry siding would remain hand-operated.
