grass lands

Here another progress shot of the grass area I'm working on.
This is purely to demonstrate how a few different shades and textures mixed create a more realistic appearance.
More has since been added, but as it is still wet of glue, I'll wait with taking a picture of it.

Sound at Wolter Springs

Here's a quick video, of the first run of my Atlas GP38-2 on my Wolter Springs module, after it was equipped with an ESU Loksound Select decoder. It was originally intended for an SW1500, but I couldn't quite get it to fit properly so I used it for this loco instead. Therefore the engine you hear is an 8 cylinder 645E non turbo charged, not quite enough cylinders for a GP38-2, but I will load up a different sound set in the future. For now this will do.
Also visible is some of the new grass scenery I'm currently applying.

Pastures green

The next step in scenery construction on my module, is to add some grass areas. I've started by adding various sizes of grass tufts, by Heki, the colour is Savannah (no 1574) wild grass.
These are small mats that you can tear or cut in various shapes and sizes.
I will be mixing these with other colours, sizes and textures to create a realistic wild (non manicured) grass area along the right of way.  They've only just been put down, and the white glue I am using is still visible in places.

Modules aerial view

Here's an overview of the module boards together.

An update

Last week I shared some videos of the Conrad turnout motors.
Since then, I've been able to finalise all the wiring of my 'Wolter Springs' module boards.
It is very well possible that I will need more wiring in the future for things like lights of various types etc (think street lights, buildings ) or animations such as grade crossings etc.
The basics are done however, all trackwiring , turnout control, DCC bus (plus an auxilary bus), Throttle bus, as well as 16VAC bus wiring is in place.
I've also painted the fascia of the boards , which improves their appearance and protects the wood.

This means I can now continue with another aspect which is scenery.

The other thing I've ordered and received is an ESU loksound select decoder, pre-loaded with an 8cylinder EMD 645 non turbo engine. This decoder is going to be used in my SW1500 on the main layout. I have reported that I've struggled to get decent low speed performance out of that engine, and ESU reportedly has some of the best motor control electronics in the business, so hopefully that will cure the problem. (I've already done all the mechanical checks etc), and at the same time it will get sound, and LED lights.

Another project I will soon continue with is the Southern Pacific GP9 commuter engine. I've got most detail parts in stock now, and the Proto 2000 shell I have for this has been stripped.
First on this project is to modify the side sill so that the tank filler cap is moved backwards instead of its current forward position.

So as you can see, plenty to do, and not enough time to do it all in, but we'll get there slowly.

Stay tuned.

An under-floor turnout motor in action

Hi all,

I've recently installed a couple of turnout motors, made and supplied by Conrad electronics.
The link to this motor is here: http://www.conrad-uk.com/ce/en/product/ ... -Mechanism
It costs only £3,99 , and has a micro switch to use for switching of the frog polarity or other uses. It might not be a Tortoise, or a Fulgurex motor, but it might prove sufficient for your use/budget, small project or other uses. I've decided to use them on my NMRA-BR spec module, and see how they withstand the test of time.
Here are two Youtube videos I made, one from above, and one from below, seeing it in action. It is not a 'slow motion' motor, but it's a bit more gentle than a Peco motor or similar design. The videos were uploaded directly to Youtube using the free app 'Youtube Capture' for iPhone.

Part one, from above.


Part two, from below.

Athearn Genesis GP38-2 Southern Pacific

Finally, after a long time, I've got something to share with you again.
I've received my two Athearn Genesis GP38-2 locomotives, Southern Pacific of course. It was a long wait, but worth it. These locos look the part.
They don't yet sound the part, as I have ordered the non sound DCC ready versions, so I can put my decoder of choice inside, rather than getting a limited version of a Tsunami decoder, which they would come with from factory. In the process, I can also spread the cost, and take my time.

I'm very happy with the level of detail, but of course, being SP locomotives, just like my other SP power, they're crying out for some weathering. I really should try and make a start with that soon. SP and clean is a contradiction in terms :-)

Here's a picture.