This blog is mostly about seeking input into the design of a new layout in a 12’ 5” x 9’ room.

Being something of a masochist, I take perverse pleasure in making life hard for myself.  Rather than buy new DCC fitted Locos, I figured I should get 2nd hand DC Locos and fit decoders myself.  I started out installing basic 2 function decoders into various 2nd hand DC Locos.  Yep no real problems and even managed some with headlights.

After eight months on my newbie layout a feeling of achievement in finally completing one small section.  The pictures below show my sawmill on a spur track. The building has lights, the water wheel turns and the saw blade in the mill operates.  The ridge on the left needs a few more trees but the mill and siding are complete.  Yeeha

I need a level crossing on my layout and wanted to install a working crossing using either gates or barrier arms.  Having searched the net I couldn't find anything that met my needs so I figured I might have to design my own.

I have spent the last week wiring and installing three Quad Pic decoders together with the 12 servos plus designing a switch panel to take the Tam bi-colour controllers (see picture below).  Will detail the experience in my next post.

Cheers

Peter Randerson