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CONTROLLERS FOR
SINGLE TRACK OPERATION |
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Budget'
priced single track controller
(by
Hornby) |
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controlled
outputs
- 1
x 12v DC
un-controlled
outputs
- 1
x 16v AC
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Model R965
£16.95 |
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This controller requires a power unit which is part
code R990 @£13.00
Place mouse over controller to
see the power unit
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'Budget' priced single track controller
(by Gaugemaster) |
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controlled
outputs
- 1 x 12v DC
un-controlled
outputs
- 1 x 16v AC
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Model 'Combi'
£32.95
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This controller comes
complete with a mains transformer which will plug straight into a 13amp
wall socket
Place mouse
over controller to see the power unit
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CONTROLLERS FOR
TWIN TRACK OPERATION
Twin Track
controller
(by Hornby) |
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controlled
outputs
- 2 x 12v DC
un-controlled
outputs
- 1 x 16v AC
- 1 x 12v DC
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Model
8012
£67.00 |
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This controller comes complete
with mains lead and two pairs of leads to connect the controller to the
two operating tracks.
These two circuits must be
electrically isolated from each other
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Twin Track
controller
(by Gaugemaster) |
controlled
output
-
2 x 12v DC
un-controlled
outputs
- 1 x 16v AC
- 1 x 12v DC
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Model 'D'
£74.95
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This
controller comes complete with mains lead and two pairs of leads to
connect the controller to the two operating tracks.
These two
circuits must be electrically isolated from each other
There
are many other train controllers in the Gaugemaster range and details
(and in most cases samples) are available in our shop in Wellingborough |
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REMOTE
CONTROL OF POINTS
In many situations it is almost
impossible to reach points that are beyond arms length so a system is
required to operate they. That system can be either mechanical or
electrical; or perhaps a combination of both. At this stage we will only
cover the electrical as this is often the preferred method.
To achieve this there are two
areas; the point components and the means of switching which is usually
alongside the train controls. These two areas are connected together by
three lengths of wire.
We will first concentrate on the
point end. Both Hornby and Peco manufacture point motors to suit their
points so we recommend that if using Hornby points use Hornby point
motors; likewise if using Peco points use Peco point motors. For the
purpose of this article we will use Peco parts.
Although the point motors below
are basically the same one has a longer pin than the other.
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Fixing
the Point Motor Directly to the point
The short pin (PL10) is for
attaching directly to the base of the point for mounting under the board
where a large hole has to be cut through the board. This hole is
normally rectangular to allow clearance for the point motor.
The advantage of this
method is the complete assembly can be made away from the railway base
on your bench where tools and a soldering iron are readily available.
The whole assembly can be made complete with the wires attached, tested,
and then fitted to the baseboard. See below:
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Fixing the Point
Motor Under but not directly to the point
The long pin (PL10E) is for
attaching under the base board. The motor is first fitted to the
mounting plate (PL9) away from the baseboard at the bench and wires are
attached to the motor connections. A hole is drilled in the baseboard
directly under the locating hole in the point blade tie bar so the long
pin from the motor can reach the point tie bar. Using this method avoids
the need to have a large rectangle hole as only a round hole is needed
for clearance only of the pin. However there is the problem of lining up
the pin through the board whole the mounting plate screws are fitted.
The advantage of this method is
the complete assembly can be made away from the railway base on your
bench where tools and a soldering iron are readily available. The whole
assembly can be made complete with the wires attached, and tested before
fitting to the baseboard. See below:
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Fixing the Point
Motor on top of the board at track level
This has
the advantage of not having to cut any holes in the board and can be an
advantage if there are any supports under the board at that position. It
is also an advantage that all work is carried out on top without the
need to craw under and often laying on you back in the dark trying the
fit it all together. You simply mount the motor (PL10) onto adaptor base
(PL12) and them position and fix along the side of track. Wiring can be
done afterwards if preferred.
The
disadvantage is that all can now be seen so it has to be covered with a
building or scenery. See below:
All three methods are acceptable
and you may find you use all depending on the configuration of your
layout. Now we move on to the switching
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Methods
of controlling the point operation
The first thing to decide is
whether you want to control the points from a row of switches as if you
were in a signal box or have the switches mounted on a much scaled down
control desk panel with the switches positioned on the panel at the
point where the point is on the diagram.
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The lever frame idea has the
advantage of all controls in one place but you have to identify each
switch to each point position. The control desk panel (plan of complete
layout on a panel) involves more work but eliminates the need to
identify each switch. It also give the opportunity to add indicator
lights to show the position of points at any time so it makes the
controls very user friendly.
There is another way of send the
supply to the solenoids and that is by 'stud and probe'. Basically,
instead of switches a studs takes the place of each side of the switch
and the supply comes from a needle on a length of wire and the operator
simply touches the studs to operate each point. Identification is very
important and have a position to rest the probe when not in use. This is
by far the cheapest way but requires care.
The wiring of each point motor
is basically the same in all positions and below is a diagram showing
the connection. It is a good idea to use three wires of different
colours to assist in identification.
One thing to remember is that
more than one point can be operated from one switch so if you have a
crossover or passing loop when both points are required to work to
ensure no derailments this is an advantage.
Point motors require an
electrical supply of 16 volts to 20 volts AC to operate the solenoid
coils. This feed is only required momentarily until the point has
switched after which the supply MUST stop. If not stopped the coils will
burn out and have to be replaced. Gaugemaster have a safety unit
which prevents this called a 'CDU' and is well worth the money. |
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Capacitor Discharge unit
Model
'CDU'
@
£11.50 |
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It firstly gives a release of
energy enough to work up to six points simultaneously as in a cross-over
or passing loop when more than one point are required to operate at one
time, from a single switch movement. Secondly; it will not recharge
until the switch is returned to the rest position thus protecting the
point motors from burning out.
Finally it would be a good idea
to build in the system a fuse or 'trip' for safety.
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