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Because I have been completing the scenery side of the layout with plaster, I haven't worried about trying to clean the track as yet. As sch, I haven't run the CMX; however, now the "messy side" of the layout is completed, my next step is to clean the track and get it back up and running.
As soon as I have done that, I'll let you know what I think of it and how good a job it does. At the moment, I can only go on what the reviews of the car say, that it is the "best" track cleaning available at present.
http://www.barstowrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Common-Wire-Cab-A-Cab-B.jpg
This guys illustration shows how you would use a common wire to wire track but the principal is the same. The black wire can be wired to a terminal strip to split up to wire multiple structures in the area. Only the positive wire needs to be switched. And one positive wire can feed multiple switches. The only wire that can't be simplified is the one from the switch to the light. The black to the terminal strip and the red or white wire feeding the switches might need up sized to handle the load (if your installing many lights in that spot).
That's what I thought your meant, and I probably should have realised that from the outset. Have only got the two houses on the hill wired, so the remaining buildings will have a common ground, not necessarily to save on wire (as I have a stack of it) but for neatness and organisation of it.
Thank you Tony, I'll hold off until I see what you think of it. Besides that is a good excuse to use the money I would have spent on the track cleaning car for some other train item I really don't need, but they are so much fun to buy!
Looking great Tony. Thought I was going to need a defribulator. There is a right side of the layout. The layout is really taking shape with all of the buildings in place. Like it.
Thank you Tony, I'll hold off until I see what you think of it. Besides that is a good excuse to use the money I would have spent on the track cleaning car for some other train item I really don't need, but they are so much fun to buy!
Looking great Tony. Thought I was going to need a defribulator. There is a right side of the layout. The layout is really taking shape with all of the buildings in place. Like it.
Had to smile when I read what you wrote - there IS a Right Side, always has been but didn't want it to get over exposed
Need to repair the lake though, I'm not all that thrilled with the color of it and yeah there is a color under all that gunk on it, and want to get some ripples etc over the small drop offs near the mini island.
Have spent most of the afternoon burning my fingers making the fence for the left side. The Wire Mesh Fence that will separate the track from the rear of the buildings. Darn that is time consuming though. After an hour and a half, I only had about 18" of fence soldered together and still have another 20 or so inches to do
Thanks for looking and your continued following of this layout, appreciate it greatly.
Thanks lasm, tried to get a lot in without making it look overly crowded. Not sure if I succeeded doing that but, have tried to optimize my space as best I can.
Haven't been feeling all that great the past few days so not much has been happening on the layout. I did manage to get a little more wiring done for the structure lighting this evening, albeit not much. At least the three houses on the hill are lit, now I have to do the lighting for the remaining buildings and that could take a little while to complete.
Tony I hope you are feeling better, nothing is more important then you health. I know you always try to do everything for everyone, but sometimes you have to do for yourself first. In the long run you will be more help to your family and others when you are feeling well. You can't help anybody with 6' of dirt holding you down!
Take good care of yourself! Let us know when you are feeling better, we will still be here and your layout won't walk away!
Hey Tony, many wishes for feeling better soon! The progress on the layout looks great. I really enjoyed the latest (25 Jan) video! Thank you for posting.
Thank you everyone, appreciate your thoughts and well wishes. I guess, even after 8 years, I still haven't gotten used to NY winters.
Anyway, in between coughs and sneezes I got the "Main Street" lights in and working. The photo was taken using Helicon 6 and on a manual setting to try to bring out the "proper look". Not sure if it has worked, however here it is:
I have to straighten one or two of the lights up but other than that, this street is done lighting wise.
The buildings in the picture are also only there as a prop and will be changed out for others.