Model Railway Forum

Thanks Brian Thinking further about the power supply idea, it occurred to me that I could 'pinch' a supply from the 16V AC feed to the layout which is powering the Gaugemaster controllers. Connecting it to a bridge rectifier gives around 21 V DC, which I can put a big capacitor across to smooth it, ...

Thanks Brian, I didn't think it was 'novel' as such, just that it's a method I've seen very little written about as most people seem to go with the 'conventional' method with stud-and-probe or passing contact switches and a CDU. So I was interested in any practical comments people may have. I can't ...

I'm currently looking at the electrical arrangements for the small OO layout which I'm currently building, specifically in relation to point control. Due to space constraints I'm using Setrack points (so insulfrog) and I'm using Peco PL-11 solenoid point motors of (surface mount type - because I hav...

Thanks for the pointers to that pickup on Ebay - I had tried searching (though evidently not used the right search term) and all I'd come up with were people selling full underframe assemblies for these types of locos, for prices exceeding what I believe the entire model to be worth... however for a...

I've been doing a bit of maintenance on a few locos which I have acquired recently. One is a Triang 0-4-0 tank loco, which is missing the pickup contact from its underside. It's basically just a piece of springy wire so I'm wondering about trying to make one - is this likely to be possible and if so...

Carnforth also has a lot of modelling potential in its more modern guise. As the main operating base for West Coast Railways, the former MPD (occupying the site of the goods sidings as shown) gives potential for modelling of pretty much anything from a 1940s steam shed (including examples of just ab...

Thanks and yes, that's exactly what I had in mind. It' shown as an SR220 on the plan but I can very easily cut a bit off as required. When I ha it set up I could comfortably fit an 0-6-0 (I tried an 08 shunter, and a Hunslet Austerity) plus three wagons, with a buffer stop at the end and two or thre...

Thanks for the suggestion of 7mm narrow gauge, it's interesting and possibly something I may look at in future. I won't on this occasion though, as I do have a fair bit of OO stock already, including all the small coaches and wagons I will need, and several suitable locos. I set up the track on a te...

Really interesting replies so far thank you! It's interesting that of you guys with experience in this area, some advocate the feedback route while some don't. I do have a bit of underpinning knowledge in terms of how the devices work (a degree in electrical engineering) so my query was really just ...

Fairly straightforward query really: I'm looking at options for a new DC controller for a shunting layout. The critical requirement is for smooth slow speed running, resistance to stalling, and most reliable moving-off from stationary to slow speed. I know that achievement of these things is largely...