RailroadModeler.com

Back to work:


I installed Teflone glides to allow the drawer to slide easy without creating a Z scale earthquake.

New Rokuhan double crossovers will replace two single ones already in place.

I'm using RJ45 connectors between the drawer and table to control my turnouts and allow for easy removal of layout drawer for maintenance. Then retouch the scenery and finish up.

Time to finish this wiring once and for all. I hate the little terminal blocks.

I will be running the switch machine wires thru the 4 socket wall plate in the middle. The plate is just under flush with the bottom so the drawer can be removed by unplugging the network cables. Dont worry, i will tidy up the cables. I'm going to make some panels to cover and protect the loose wires.

Here are views of the two Rokuhan Double Crossovers. They perform well in testing.


Now to blend them back into the scenery.


I've found a few more turnouts that need cleaning due to scenery glue leaching into the mechanisms. Time to fix is now before putting the drawer back in the table.

I found the new terminal blocks were much easier to access. Switch machine wiring is connected via RJ45 Ethernet connectors to allow drawer removal.


The revised trackplan:


Rokuhan turnouts and crossovers.

Yard entrance and loading spur. Might have to put in a double crossover here.


New double crossover (Crawford West on upper level).


Crawford East and double crossover

The throttle(s) will be accessible by sliding out the bottom drawer. Wiring and switches are on one side and car storage on the other.


Still not happy with turnout consistency. More work to do before finishing up.

These are the switches I am using for turnout control. DPDT Center off momentary. Make sure they are momentary as the turnouts will fry if you keep power on on them beyond a sec.

Almost ready for prime time:

I modified the plan to include a third double crossover at the yard entrance.

One side of the bottom drawer houses the controls:

Don't worry; we will dress it up later. I still need to sync the turnouts with the switches. Some have polarity reversed.


The other is for rolling stock storage. I need to order some felt, but these hand towels will work for now.

I've learned a few lessons in the construction of this thing. One is it is not safe to have live power floating around in the bottom drawer. The drawers in this table are full length and can slide out from either side. I cut the bottom one in two and ran a center beam in the middle between them. My power strip is mounted on it. Now you can leave the control side out to access them and still go to the other side to change rolling stock or engines.

Another benefit is easier access to plug in the cables to the upper table sockets.

I added a power socket and use a PC style cable to power everything.

A more recent look at the layout. Note the compressed Aristocraft REA warehouse in the background.