Märklin HO scale model train layout http://layout.fotopic.net/ 9 rows en-gb 60 switch motor modification thread http://layout.fotopic.net/c377590.html I mount my switch motors upside down but in some locations it is not possible to get at the motor from below to manually switch the turnout. So I have had the idea of tying a small length of thread to the manual switch lever. The thread can lie on the layout surface and the ideas is I can pull eithre end to switch the turnout Friday 24 December 2004: I mount my switch motors upside down but in some locations it is not possible to get at the motor from below to manually switch the turnout. So I have had the idea of tying a small length of thread to the manual switch lever. The thread can lie on the layout surface and the ideas is I can pull eithre end to switch the turnout

open the cover and tie the thread around the manual slider. I added a bit of glue to hold the thread in place thread the thread out through the holes at either end. This will be at surface level when the switch motor in mounted upside down in the layout.

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]]> Fri Dec 24 2004 Ensuring center contacts do not touch running rail contacts http://layout.fotopic.net/c371936.html The Märklin turntable has sprung center rail contacts in each spoke rail piece. The center contacts sometimes touch the sprung contact on the running rails of the turntable bridge. My solution was to jam a thin piece of plastic between the contact and the track so that it is held in by friction. I used some plastic cut from the lit of a margarine tub - it is 0.8mm thick. Sunday 19 December 2004: The M_rklin turntable has sprung center rail contacts in each spoke rail piece. The center contacts sometimes touch the sprung contact on the running rails of the turntable bridge. My solution was to jam a thin piece of plastic between the contact and the track so that it is held in by friction. I used some plastic cut from the lit of a margarine tub - it is 0.8mm thick.

contact is extended kept out by a spring insert plastic shim - cut from margarine tub lid after shim is pushed in, push contact all the way in also then cut off excess shim finished, insert spoke piece back into truntable

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]]> Sun Dec 19 2004 Digitising the Märklin turntable 7286 http://layout.fotopic.net/c371511.html I decided not to drive my turntable using the 7287 decoder as that decoder tries to memorize the positions of the connected tracks and this needs to be refreshed periodically. Also, any disturbance to the movement seems to make the 7287 module go to sleep and it needs to be 'rebooted' Since I am using a PC to control my layout I decided that it would be simpler and more reliable to use a simple k84 type module to control the turntable. These pictures show how I did this. Friday 17 December 2004: I decided not to drive my turntable using the 7287 decoder as that decoder tries to memorize the positions of the connected tracks and this needs to be refreshed periodically. Also, any disturbance to the movement seems to make the 7287 module go to sleep and it needs to be 'rebooted' Since I am using a PC to control my layout I decided that it would be simpler and more reliable to use a simple k84 type module to control the turntable. These pictures show how I did this.

The manual controller that comes with the turntable provides the plug interface to the turntable and a rather pathetic direction knob and on / off button to stop and start the turntable I used the bridge rectified out of the manual controller, open up the case... and simply desolder the 4 legs of the rectifier. I positioned a Viessmann 5213, the rectifier and the turntable plug on a wooden base and wired it up as can bee seen in the picture. 2 of the 4 switches are used to reverse the polarity of the DC current produced by the rectifier. A third switch is used to switch the stop/go signal for the turntable to be the same as one of the motor polarities. One rail plug of the turntable plug is left free for a s88 port to detect occupation or it can be grounded also. All the new module needs is one ground, one digital and one power supply to be connected. I suggestthat you run the yellow power supply through a manual override switch. You can also connect an optional s88 line. plug it all in, add some lines of code to the program and it all works !

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]]> Fri Dec 17 2004 Add the Betriebswerk (engine yard) http://layout.fotopic.net/c139705.html Now that the underground S-Bahn is done I can cover it over with the ground level that will become the main engine yard with turntable and engine roundhouses and a bunch of sidings. I have already added the turntable code to the control program. Sunday 21 March 2004: Now that the underground S-Bahn is done I can cover it over with the ground level that will become the main engine yard with turntable and engine roundhouses and a bunch of sidings. I have already added the turntable code to the control program.

support were first place underneath to ensure the plywood wil not warp or sag shis shows the S-bahn station below ground and the new yard level above part of the yard is now screwed in place. Temporary track laid. there will be another sheet of plywood to the right... the last gaping hole ready to be closed over trial mock up to see how things will fit and determine the exact position of the turntable. the last big sheet of plywood has been cut and put in place. I only have 2 screws holding it in place until I know exactlye where to cut the hole for the turntable.

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]]> Sun Mar 21 2004 replacing a CRT monitor with a laptop http://layout.fotopic.net/c135436.html I bought a used IBM thinkpad to replace the CRT monitor that took up a lot of space that could be better used for trains. Problem was that the space I had for the keyboard was narrower than the laptop and the cables at the back of the laptop added another 8cm or so of space needed. These pictures show the stages, trails and final solution. The projected was supervised throught by one of our cats. Saturday 13 March 2004: I bought a used IBM thinkpad to replace the CRT monitor that took up a lot of space that could be better used for trains. Problem was that the space I had for the keyboard was narrower than the laptop and the cables at the back of the laptop added another 8cm or so of space needed. These pictures show the stages, trails and final solution. The projected was supervised throught by one of our cats.

The old setup Monitor gone tryout with laptop above the track new wider shelf try-out view of underside full system test shelf painted running live computer system up and running

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]]> Sat Mar 13 2004 Using a laser to lay tracks! http://layout.fotopic.net/c123298.html Now that I have a strait-line laser level I decided to use it when looking at laying out my new yard. I find it very easy and useful to see exactly where some track will go without having to connect the actual track and still not be certain if there are gaps etc. Monday 23 February 2004: Now that I have a strait-line laser level I decided to use it when looking at laying out my new yard. I find it very easy and useful to see exactly where some track will go without having to connect the actual track and still not be certain if there are gaps etc.

supporting the laser on a short peice of inverted track allws the center to be placed directly over a running rail. supporting the laser on a short peice of inverted track allws the center to be placed directly over a running rail. I can see exactly where that track will end up laser line aids track layout

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]]> Mon Feb 23 2004 Installing a digital decoder into a 3048 steamer http://layout.fotopic.net/c114030.html Sequence of photographs showing how I installed an ESU LokPolotDCC decoder into my Märklin 3048 steamer that has the old motor type with the large flat commutator. Also shown is the relay I added for the smoke unit. Monday 9 February 2004: Sequence of photographs showing how I installed an ESU LokPolotDCC decoder into my M_rklin 3048 steamer that has the old motor type with the large flat commutator. Also shown is the relay I added for the smoke unit.

3048 Loco made in the mid 1960s, ESU LokPilotDCC Decoder and HAMO magnet are ready to be united. HAMO magnet is from ESU part number 51960 Old brushes, wiring and electro magnet still inplace old mechanical reversing mechanism that will be replaced by the decoder. underside of old reverser motor cover is now off and reveals a filthy interior made up of carbon dust, old oil and dirt rotor and motor cover have now been cleaned with rubbing alcohol gears are pretty worn and now they are clean get it really nice and clean ! the 3pole rotor is pretty worn but I do not have a replacement the new permanent magnet fits perfectly The light and smoke unit were electrically coupled and I want to be able to switch the light and smoke unit independently the old parts of the light holder in exploded view show how the base of the smoke unit contact touched the light bulb socket By inserting some insulation (from an old M-Track turnout) between the light socket and the smoke unit contact I can deliver power to each the light fixture with my additional insulation in place the new decoder as it comes. I cut off the plug. after lubricating the gears, the new magnet is put in place, then the clean rotor and then the motor cover holds it all in place. The decoder has now replaced the old reverser and is wired up. The black tape is holding the unused wires out of the way. I have not yet connected the smoke unit to the F1 as I need to buy the relay so that I can use the analog smoke unit. motor wiring is in place housing is back on, loco is tested and runs fine. The relay ready to be installed (12V DC) Relay installed The actual speed curve as measured by my calibration software

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]]> Mon Feb 9 2004 Framework in 2002 http://layout.fotopic.net/c113217.html Benchwork for model train layout Tuesday 12 February 2002: Benchwork for model train layout

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]]> Tue Feb 12 2002 S-Bahn model (Wilsnack station) http://layout.fotopic.net/c109451.html The underground S-Bahn station Märklin HO Saturday 1 January 2000: The underground S-Bahn station M_rklin HO

S-Bahn station S-Bahn station with ICE S-Bahn station ticket machines S-Bahn station S-Bahn station

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]]> Sat Jan 1 2000