RailroadModeler.com
http://railroadmodeler.com/RR-forum/

Z scale coffee table layout.
http://railroadmodeler.com/RR-forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=11711
Page 2 of 2

Author:  Cadman [ Sat Jan 14, 2017 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.


Author:  Cadman [ Tue Jan 28, 2020 2:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.

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.

Author:  Cadman [ Wed Feb 19, 2020 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.

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.

Attachments:
File comment: old terminal blocks
20200223_193020.jpg
20200223_193020.jpg [ 116.47 KiB | Viewed 17318 times ]

Author:  Cadman [ Mon Feb 24, 2020 11:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.

Here are views of the two Rokuhan Double Crossovers. They perform well in testing.
Attachment:
File comment: Had to tear out my road crossing to fit this one in.
20200223_193049.jpg
20200223_193049.jpg [ 204.25 KiB | Viewed 17501 times ]


Now to blend them back into the scenery.
Attachment:
File comment: This one gives me more flexibility in operations on the main.
20200223_193103.jpg
20200223_193103.jpg [ 201.39 KiB | Viewed 17501 times ]


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.

Author:  Cadman [ Tue Mar 03, 2020 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.

I found the new terminal blocks were much easier to access. Switch machine wiring is connected via RJ45 Ethernet connectors to allow drawer removal.
Attachment:
File comment: New terminal blocks
20200302_211519.jpg
20200302_211519.jpg [ 171.49 KiB | Viewed 17318 times ]


The revised trackplan:
Attachment:
coffee-1.jpg
coffee-1.jpg [ 112 KiB | Viewed 17318 times ]


Rokuhan turnouts and crossovers.
Attachment:
20200224_215836.jpg
20200224_215836.jpg [ 244.3 KiB | Viewed 17318 times ]

Yard entrance and loading spur. Might have to put in a double crossover here.
Attachment:
20200223_193114.jpg
20200223_193114.jpg [ 236.25 KiB | Viewed 17318 times ]


New double crossover (Crawford West on upper level).
Attachment:
20200223_193103.jpg
20200223_193103.jpg [ 239.17 KiB | Viewed 17318 times ]


Crawford East and double crossover
Attachment:
20200223_193049.jpg
20200223_193049.jpg [ 220.5 KiB | Viewed 17318 times ]

Author:  Cadman [ Tue Mar 17, 2020 1:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.

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.
Attachment:
File comment: temp panel in place
20200317_073115.jpg
20200317_073115.jpg [ 113.97 KiB | Viewed 16794 times ]


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.
Attachment:
File comment: DPDT CO Mom
20170114_143508.jpg
20170114_143508.jpg [ 225.09 KiB | Viewed 16140 times ]

Author:  Cadman [ Fri Apr 03, 2020 11:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.

Almost ready for prime time:
Attachment:
File comment: New Plan
Final option 3.jpg
Final option 3.jpg [ 227.05 KiB | Viewed 16483 times ]

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

One side of the bottom drawer houses the controls:
Attachment:
File comment: Added temp overlay to panel
20200329_222841.jpg
20200329_222841.jpg [ 523.58 KiB | Viewed 16483 times ]

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.
Attachment:
File comment: Added padded storage for engines and rolling stock
20200402_141708.jpg
20200402_141708.jpg [ 764.76 KiB | Viewed 16483 times ]

Author:  Cadman [ Thu Apr 23, 2020 7:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.

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.
Attachment:
File comment: bottom drawer
20200416_141931.jpg
20200416_141931.jpg [ 130.32 KiB | Viewed 16139 times ]

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.
Attachment:
File comment: plug
20200410_211228.jpg
20200410_211228.jpg [ 87.72 KiB | Viewed 16139 times ]

Author:  Cadman [ Sat Dec 19, 2020 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Z scale coffee table layout.

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


Page 2 of 2 All times are UTC - 6 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
https://www.phpbb.com/