Day Log 83

Friday April 23, 2010 Lethbridge, Alberta

11:50 am

I am devoting much of the day to model train activities.

Earlier this morning I sent an email to Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC) regarding a problem I was having with my throttle. It was "slipping" when I turned the knob to increase/decrease the speed so it failed to accurately control the locomotives. I received a reply within an hour asking me to return the throttle. I have just returned from the Post Office and the throttle is on its way to New Jersey.

1:00 PM

I have moved the DCC Power Supply and Booster to a higher location. Although I have not experienced any problems with reception between my Cab Controller and the Booster I read in "DCC Projects and Applications, vol 2" that this is recommended. Every little bit helps.

I also verified that I am using 14 AWG for the mainline wiring. This is excellent.

I want to give serious thought to rewiring my overall layout into 4 power districts:

Coaldale & Prairie Rose
Jasper
Black Diamond & Distillery Row
Queenston, Prairie Dog & Lone Pine.

The main task will be to determine what I need to buy in order to accomplish this.

I have read in a number of places that setting up distinct power districts is highly recommended. Under such a system a short circuit in one district does not affect running in the other districts. This also helps trouble-shoot any problems as one immediately knows that the problem is restricted to a particular district.

Another issue, not related to the idea of power districts, is to set up wiring for a working signal system. This involves some form of track detection as well as the appropriate signal lights. Definitely some serious background reading is involved here.

I want to review my layout and see if I can add some roadways (for automobiles) and then have one or two railway crossing lights.

I received a reply from an email I sent to Walthers about the problem I was having with the wheels rubbing the sides of the stairs when the caboose was going around a curve and they suggest that I cut away the offending part of the stairs. Okay. Now I know what to do.