Review new wagon and crane.
Point motors.
People.
Loom cables.
After the usual cuppa and chat, Stephen produced a 2-plank wagon he'd made using his underframe units that Geoff had 3D printed the previous week. The use of these wagons in connection with stone block transportation had come to light during earlier investigations. Instead of laser-cut bodywork, 2mm plywood had been used, together with self-adhesive detailing left over from the main wagon exercise a few years earlier. Although initially just a trial, a few more are likely to be produced, although the axle box details will be refined a little.
Stephen had also been busy with a Mikes Models jib crane which was now almost complete, including a circular stone plinth. The cast-in wires were a bit of a problem with the other jib crane in the quarry siding, as they were easily bent and difficult to straighten. However, during research, Stephen had discovered that in real life, the two ties (cast-in wires in the model) were in fact circular steel components. After experimentation, it was decided that pieces of rigid 1/16" brass tube will be slipped over the wire before final assembly, to both increase the girth and form a straight, rigid member.
The three then went in different directions for the rest of the day. Stephen's first job was to correct his wiring mistake discovered the previous week (fiddleyard section switch feeds reversed). He then moved on to progressing the electrical connections to the new boards from the future switching box - 4 off, 3-core leads with 5-pin DIN plugs. Geoff then found some small diameter spiral wrap that finished them nicely.
Laurence and Geoff went through a box of figures, separating suitable items, which Laurence then worked on cleaning up.
Geoff went back to the point motors, testing a selection of 'SG90' servos he had left over from various projects. Since our first batch of point motors were purchased, there now seems to be a wide range of clones on the market of varied specification and performance. The task of finding the three required for the new boards proved exasperating. Geoff eventually had to resort to using some reserved for his own 4mm railway project.
A more serious topic of discussion was the Eastleigh exhibition. Geoff confirmed he had booked the hotel accommodation, but with the number of events being cancelled due to the Corona virus, the viability of the show was surely in doubt? We can only wait and see.
