Here's a rescue attempt courtesy of Fleischmann which has donated the drivers, they are slightly larger than the Rivarossi ones - only a bit (1 scale inch). The old drivers are disintegrating, neglected by a previous owner. Do you think the shell is actually a Mikado? Looks a bit long for a Pacific to me.
Ok so my first outing with my club brought about a couple discoveries. One of them was the need for power management. And since my briefcase command center is going to be the main control unit for the club I decided to create a power manager as well. I found a large enough project box, pulled out a PM4(2) out of my spares, a UP5 and a track power indicator from RPC Electronics, and went to work. The UP5 and PM4(2) are powered by a PS14 that plugs into the barrel jack on an adaptor to the red/black power pole on the left hand side. Under the power connector is the connector for the command station, and since my system uses a Red and Yellow line, I have this configured for that as well. Channel 1 and 2 of the PM4(2) are the red line, and 3 and 4 are Yellow. My club only runs a single line so in essence I have the option for up to 4 power districts now. If I go with the standards I will have 2 power districts for each line. No work in progress pics unless you consider these as work in progress… I couldn’t find the right size screws in my personal collection for this project so I have to hit the hardware store tomorrow. Enjoy the pics. Inside the unit. Input side. Output side. Top with the status indicator. And the output harness.
Any need for venting? I don't have a PM42 so I don't know if they generate a lot of or any heat. I know the UP5s are negligible in that department.
Don't know what most of the stuff is. This board needs a dictionary for we older simpletons. I used to make my own circuit boards but in those days they would be the size of a sheet of paper. Now they are the size of a button and all ready made. Massey, I could us some boxes like you show but can't find them here. Can you tell us were you get them? I still build old style controls. This time for electric bikes lights. So train stuff is too dainty. And they need that nice seal on the opening. The only thing on my train bench now are sketches of the possible rooms for a new layout. Richard
The PM42 doesn’t get very warm at all. The open space inside this area should be just fine. And if all else fails there is plenty of room for ventilation if I am wrong.
So the box for the suitcase command center actually came from Michaels. It was just one of their little crafty boxes that I thought would work well for my crafty idea. And wow, did it ever work well for it. The grey box I’m using here for the power manager is a project box from Amazon. I just looked up project box on their search and wondered around till I found one that would fit my needs. They have many different types and sizes. And this one does have a good seal around the opening.
I can’t speak for all devices but as @Shortround suggested a dictionary for the “simpletons”. in Digitrax speak the part numbers of their devices will tell you what the device is. AR as in AR1 is an Auto Reverser DB is a Digitrax Booster. (Most can also operate as a basic command station such as the DB150) DCS is Digitrax Command Station PM is Power manager such as the PM4 and PM42 PS is Power Supply. Usually the following numbers are related to the voltage and amperage such as the PS615 stands for Power Supply, 6 amps at 15v BDL so for Block Detection That’s just a couple I have off the top of my head As for the PM4 And PM42 they are basically the same device with a different software load in the microprocessor chip. I designated my device above as a PM4(2) because it started life as a PM4 but was converted to the PM42. The PM42 has 2 more detection modes and the manual was rewritten to remove the part where it says you can manage a reverse loop within a power district managed by the same PM4 or PM42. In theory it will work, if the trip current for the reverse loop is quicker than the power district, but in reality the microprocessor is not able to multitask so if it is “reading” the part of its code that says trip the power district as it senses the reverse loop, it will simply kill power to the district as designed, and not reverse the polarity. This was a huge problem as it would cause damaged decoders/locomotives and the layout wouldn’t operate correctly. This made people believe that you had to choose a mode for the PM42 to be power manager or auto reverser. Well you can still have it to both jobs as the same time, just that it cannot reverse its own district. For those chores you simply use an AR1 inside a power district, or a second PM42 to control the reversing section. I have used PM42s for years handling both reversing and management duties at the same time with no issue. I just made sure not put a reverse section in a managed section.
Love those. I intend to do all of my structures out of paper and cardstock using small cans and boxes for structural integrity. I do have a few plastic structures which I received as gifts. These 'quickies' were on my workbench for about 30 minutes. They are based on 2.5oz tuna cans. This pic shows the progression of development from right to left. I'm not satified with the result so will continue to try 'weathering' them.
I have to reconsider. I've come up with a design that will allow me to use masonite. What's more is when the 'Director of Budget, Land Management, Time, and Decor' sees the affect I believe she will open the purse strings just a little. Thanks for pointing this method out. ☻
Glaring issues with the 'round homes': Tall one: 'Door to No Where'. Watch that first step. Far left: The fence only exists on 1 side of the paper. I'll be resubmitting the 'plans' after I fix the issues.
Update on my Rail Beast project. Here are some shots that also includes 2 diesel side frames for an SPSF unit. These have dried for 7 days and I will let it cure another 5-6 days before trying to paint black stripes...... Thanks for looking, be well, Carl
@Carl Lawson 'Rail Beast'? Sounds very interesting. Can't wait to see more. Forgot my own workbench content, (waiting for cardstock):
Steve, here is the 1:1 version. I am using a different model of locomotive, so it will not be a "copy'. I am using an SD-90 'cause of its size.
@Carl Sowell That is beautiful! It is the 'cats meow'. (sorry), There, I said it. Should not have shown that to the 'Director of Equipment Maintenance'. Now *she* wants me to do one in leopard spots. Sigh.
@BigJake Hmm, covered hoppers would be great for that. I am soooo glad I don't have the resources to even try. ☻
