Continue installing new cassette road switch unit.
Continue to build new point actuators.
Back to full strength, although Laurence still bore evidence of his fight with the patio doors. At first he took on a monitoring role as he watched Geoff continue to assemble the new point actuators, but he was soon pressed into assisting Stephen wiring-up the fiddleyard cassette power switch unit.
First, the three track feeds were identified and wired into the appropriate switch. Tails with loops on the end were then run-out to the appropriate track connector and bolted in place.
As we adjourned for lunch, Geoff reported that apart from fitting some microswitches, his morning had achieved very little. Unfortunately, every one of his spare servo units had failed as he attempted to convert them to non-radio-control operation, but each in a different way. Motors and/or gearboxes simply didn't work or worked intermittently and all had to be consigned to the bin. It was noted that they were all 'variants' of the original SG90 servos bought for the layout. More of those originals will have to be sourced in due course.
After lunch, the common return tails were connected up on the track switch unit and the assembly was tested. The loose wires will be tidied up once a fully operational test has been completed.
The Bridge board was then joined up to ensure that the switches worked satisfactorily. This is the standard exhibition format, which is essential for the forthcoming exhibition. The new connection for the stonemasons yard can be seen in the centre of the fiddleyard board. In the long workshop format, adaptor boards will be connected against the bridge board, running around to the two new exhibition boards, with the fiddleyard on the end of them. In the future, in extended exhibition format, the new engine shed board will abut the bridge. Yes, we get a bit confused as well!
We noted that the semi-recessed LED is quite visible through the bridge portal from up the line, so a small baffle will be fitted or some black paint applied. The end of the connectors could also do with some paint.
