The Final Push

I have this control panel to finish installing.  There is some more work to do on the 15 amp dedicated household circuit.  This circuit is running under the train tables and will plug in to a GFIC outlet with the power leads going directly back to the main electrical panel.  That should provide adequate protection if the worse happens.  After this control panel is energized, I have the rest of the blocks to install.  Then I'll have to debug the track system.

01/22/2011:

Dead short!  Dead short!  Dead short!  As I tested the new circuit I ran, I came up with a DEAD SHORT!!!!!!!!!!  I'm used to wiring up household circuits "hot", so I didn't get shocked.  But I am an IDIOT!  That dead short was a no-brainer and I have no brain.  Duh!  Anywho, I found it and corrected it.  Maybe I should stop wiring up circuits hot.  I'm an idiot.

01/24/2009:  

I finished wiring the circuit under the train table.  I have active outlets at all three control panels now.  Each control panel can be turned on or off independently with the use of an on/off switch.  I also finished wiring the GFIC outlet that the circuit plugs into.  It is under the train tables on a wall and is not noticeable.  I'm glad I am done putting that GFCI circuit into my panel.  I hate taking the cover off the panel to insert another circuit breaker.  I just don't enjoy sticking my hands in there.  But it is done and it tests safely.  So now I am wiring the track, one block at a time and working my way around the layout in the process.  No pics to show on this part.

01/25/2011:

I'm still working my way around the RR wiring in the blocks.  I have two left to wire in and section of track to repair already!  It must have expanded some after I laid it and a section buckled!  So that is what I'll be doing tomorrow.  Snore...  

01/26/2011:

Here's a pic of the track that buckled.  I'm in the process of repairing it.  I think I'll shave the back cut back a little as well.

Okay; so much for the speed bump.  I hope there is enough lateral clearance.

01/28/2011:

I'm still working on getting my first clean run with one train.  I have all the blocks wired up and they all work.  I'll need additional feeder wires for places where the track voltage is a little low.  That's to be expected, but first I have some track issues where there are break-a-ways of my linker couplers.  I'm solving them one-at-a-time.  I also discovered that one transformer was bad.  Bummer.  I usually don't try to repair a transformer, unless it's a faulty circuit-break, or on/off switch, or light bulb, or handle, or primary coil, or secondary coil.  AHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  GOTCHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Otherwise, it becomes a brand-new boat anchor.

01/29/2011:

I'm still working on getting a clean run as far as the front pilot wheels on my K5 is concerned.  There are still a couple places where they like to jump the rails.  But I have a clean run on a consist with linker couplers!  Linkers are nice couplers, but they are also finicky.  I have developed a technique to help them stay coupled together.  Of course, cleanliness is paramount and they have to rotate up and down absolutely perfectly.  They also have to be adjusted to the correct height and the link bar has to be level as well.  If anyone is interested what other step I take to help them stay coupled please let me know and I'll post a "how-to".

I made a small set of shelves to store my little roster.  It is on one side of the entrance door.  I want to make a similar set of shelves for on the other side.