Worklist:
Check new extension drapes are OK.
Check faulty electrics on Worton Court.
Test the Land Rover on the stone yard road.
Review the stone blocks and discuss stone transportation generally.
Christine (Stephen's wife) had produced a new set of drapes for the 'extension', and as the full layout was still up, it was the perfect time to see how they fitted and decide where the Velcro strips were needed. A few alterations were required, but we will have a full set of drapes for the show.
The key job for this week was the electrics on the station boards. Some lights lights were working but others, and the two sound units weren't. The boards were dismantled and the two stations boards were clamped vertically onto the trestles. It is a bit of a mess, but some of this wiring is 50 years old!
After thorough testing, one loose wire was found and refitted, but then we found that some of the soldered joints and the attached wires were corroding and had broken. These wires were cut back or replaced, and resoldered. Once completed, everything was tested satisfactorily, to great relief. Whilst the underside was accessible, a survey of the many voltage regulators for the various features was carried out. Labels identifying each use and the output voltage of each were printed and fitted next to the units. This will make replacing a unit much easier in the future.
Stephen's motorised Land Rover was given its first proper run on the stonemasons yard. The gritted surface provided super grip and two loaded wagons were comfortably moved up and down. The two wagons were trial 2 plank versions of our standard wagons, specifically made for transporting large stone blocks. They also incorporated our 3D printed axle boxes. The stone is plaster filler, 'cast' into moulds of clingfilm draped over wood strips. They will need to be coloured to match the stone used generally on the layout.
We won't have time to create more of these wagons, but our 4/5 plank 'empties' will suffice.
The wagons and the way the stone loads were piled on was inspired by the photo below.
