Work through the 'design' of the new wiring scheme for selection of controller for the two sections approaching the signals and carry out the conversion.
This will allow a 'remote' operator to drive trains from the storage area/yard/quarry right through to the signals. (If the main station operator is busy, trains were often left on adjacent sections for the main controller to drive when free, but they can get forgotten!).
Geoff had produced a schematic layout of the proposed rewiring:
The two boards were clamped together vertically on trestles. The red section that had already been converted, was tackled first and existing wires were traced under the boards and through the looms. The first problem was that the existing wiring did not follow the normal system for a track feed i.e. one common feed and one section feed from the control panel. The end section feed was looped from the adjacent track which meant a change-over could not be created. The wiring was corrected and tested.
Green section: Due to the way the point frog for the siding was constructed (John's standard method) a new section had to be created from it, to the tunnel, to prevent a short circuit. An extra toggle switch was required on the mini panel, which was fitted. The new wiring was installed and tested.
Finally, the boards were laid flat and trains successfully run through all scenarios. The exercise has corrected many issues (known and unknown) and will enable us to run more authentic trains into the station, from both destinations. The small panel isn't very attractive, but space is restricted, so it will have to remain for the time being.
