Worklist:
Continue wiring the boards.
Discuss options for servo-driven points.
Continue wiring the boards.
Discuss options for servo-driven points.
Assemble and fit point motors.
Discuss control panel size and layout.
Discuss control panel size and layout.
Stephen continued and completed the wiring on the Engine Shed board. Both future exhibition boards were complete.
Geoff reiterated that two systems were available for controlling servo driven points. He had used 12-way MERG controllers in the loft, but older 4-way modules were also available. Although slightly more expensive, Geoff recommended the newer 12-way modules as he was more au fait with the system. Only three points/servos were required for the two new scenic boards, but we expect some of the spare capacity can be channelled into moving features on the layout.
Using a simple, manual servo controller/tester, bought on eBay, Geoff went through a stock of servos he had for various projects, but primarily his 00 loft layout. The number of faulty or noisy servos was very disappointing, but 3 were eventually found.
Using a box of Geoff's 3-D printed servo mounting components, the three point motors were made-up, fitted with spring wire connectors and fitted in place. The units have been developed so they can easily be modified to suit different locations. The micro-switch changes the feed to the frog.
The final task was to review the control panel size and component layout. Stephen had produced some preliminary sketches and the switches and knobs were assembled. A final decision was required about whether to have two or three areas of group control via master rotary switches. These are located at one end of the panel and control whether an area of track was powered from the Local or Main control panels. The hidden 'Quarry' line was one zone, but should the 'front of house' tracks be controlled as one area, or be divided into 'Mainline' and engine shed/masons yard? The latter was decided so that a small amount of shunting in both areas would be possible, controlled locally, whilst the mainline is given over to the Main panel. Three switches will be required.
The red push button switches are 8-pin units comprising a DPDT switch and 2 feeds for the integral LED. One side of the DPDT works as a simple on-off switch and the other operates the LED in tandem. These have become quite rare since building the first control panel, so 'sufficient' were purchased when they appeared on eBay at the start of Covid.
The revised layout in 'workshop' and 'exhibition' orientations:
