NKP-ish

[garethashenden]

I have two toggle switches, both DPDT. DCC power feeds into the middle of one. One output goes to the layout, the other goes to one side to the second switch. Leads to the programming track come from the middle of the second switch and the output from the LokProgrammer go to the other side of the second switch.

This gives me the options of either powering the layout or programming, and then a choice of LokProgrammer or JMRI.

Its worked pretty well overall. I did spend about an hour fighting with it last night, to eventually trace the fault to the switch no longer making internal contact. I'll replace the switch and all will be well. My programming track in on the workbench beneath the layout, rather than being a disguised siding.

[nickelplate759]

I have two toggle switches, both DPDT. DCC power feeds into the middle of one. One output goes to the layout, the other goes to one side to the second switch. Leads to the programming track come from the middle of the second switch and the output from the LokProgrammer go to the other side of the second switch.

This gives me the options of either powering the layout or programming, and then a choice of LokProgrammer or JMRI.

Its worked pretty well overall. I did spend about an hour fighting with it last night, to eventually trace the fault to the switch no longer making internal contact. I'll replace the switch and all will be well. My programming track in on the workbench beneath the layout, rather than being a disguised siding.

That's a good idea!  I may do the same - and move the programming track to my workbench just as you did.

[nickelplate759]

I'm starting to install Tortoises to power my turnouts.  Circuitron provides a drilling template, but it's just paper (although they sell a plastic version) and hard to get aligned correctly, so I made my own, out of 1/4" plywood and 1/4" dowel.  This is it:


After drilling the 1/4" hole that is used for the Tortoise actuating wire,  the template is inserted in that hole from below the layout.
Here it is in position as seen from under the layout:


Here's what it looks like from the top of the layout:


The idea is that the registration lines on the top are used to get the template properly aligned, then I can drill pilot holes for the Tortoise from below.

[garethashenden]

I feel like that jig would benefit from some sort of clip on the post to hold it in position while you drill. Something as simple as a binder clip would probably suffice, just something to stop it from dropping down.

[nickelplate759]

I feel like that jig would benefit from some sort of clip on the post to hold it in position while you drill. Something as simple as a binder clip would probably suffice, just something to stop it from dropping down.

The layout has an inch of foam, so there's enough friction that it doesn't drop down. However, it does tend to want to twist a bit right and left when I'm trying to drill the holes so maybe a clamp isn't a bad idea.

[nickelplate759]

Actually, after a little thought, I've settled on using a little making tape once in position under the layout to hold the plate in position.  Controls rotation better.

[nickelplate759]

Very first track is in place, with feeders and 2 Tortoises to operate the crossover just West of the East Wayne yard.



This will be the West end throat of the East Wayne yard (to the left), and the entrance to the visible staging tracks (to the right) but nothing here is fastened in place yet.

[peteski]

Looks good George. I'm also glad to see you're using old-school cork roadbed. I'm not a fan of the plastic foam roadbed.

[x600]

Great to see track getting laid. Can't wait to see trains running through the
Lackawanna interchange.   OK, I know it's going to be on the extension after
you Knock a wall down.

Greg O.

[robert3985]

Looks good George. I'm also glad to see you're using old-school cork roadbed. I'm not a fan of the plastic foam roadbed.

I'm not either.  Cork is the way to go, and, I always sand it before gluing down my track.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[nickelplate759]

Cork has indeed been sanded.

I need some DCC advice.  From my old layout, I salvaged two PSX-AR auto-reversers and one PSX-2 two-district short protector.   They're all quite old (at least 7 years) but worked when removed from the old layout 5+ years ago.  Wondering if I should upgrade to the newer PSXX boards

Query moved here:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=61600.msg848662