Layout Lights Above Acacia Ridge Yard

Last week I forgot to include my activities for Saturday afternoon and Sunday in that blog update.  I eventually got around to installing an auto-reverser that will handle the two narrow gauge/standard gauge crossings in the Dutton Park area.  I only tested a narrow gauge train travelling across one of the crossings.  But I replaced a working DPDT switch with the auto reverser, so I assume they all work.

On Sunday I started cutting up some wood to be used for a test rig for some train detection and an interface with JMRI.  That will take me most of this year to complete and test.  This will be the introduction to CTC between Grafton Yard and Cassino.  This test section was made so that it folds up.  It is basically 3 lengths of 1.2mm ply, that telescope out and will allow me to connect everything up to a Powercab and laptop and test track detection.

On Monday I received a delivery of wood organised by Darren.  By the end of the day, two of the lengths or 42mm x 19mm (5.4m) had been cut up and most of it had been attached to the previously installed lighting frame uprights and was over the area near the entry door around to the end of the narrow gauge yard at Acacia Ridge.  I was not initially sure of the final design of the frame above the main area of Acacia Ridge narrow gauge yard towards the Glenapp Loop end.  It just developed.

Tuesday was Tuesday Nighters and they came to my place as Geoff (down the road) hurt his back.  We had 10 people rock up.  Bit by bit visitors were walking around the layout checking things out.  A few laughed at Shelton the Photographer.  We eventually re-convened in the pergola and had a long talk about a lot of subjects.

The lighting frame is supported from behind.

More support comes from the supports attached to the shed wall.

This is taken before the painting of the lighting frame started.

Wednesday I went to the shed and started ticking off my To-Do List tasks.  I made the trigger section for “Shelton” larger.  I took down the lighting frame from the posts above the northern end of Acacia Ridge Yard.  I painted a couple of lengths of plasterer’s angle that I had.  I needed to get another two lengths.  Once the plasterer's angle was dry I added this to the frame.  However, being a bit of a dork, I added it to the top of the frame, not the bottom.  Bugger!  So I then had to remove it, and re-add it to the bottom side of the frame.  Some people are just ‘Dumb!’  This frame was then re-attached to the posts.  I extended the lighting frame by adding the next 2.2m length of lightening support frame.  I then cut the last 2.8m length so that it joins up with the lighting support frame above Clapham Yard.  With the help of my son, so I could mark the spot on the wall to drill into, I attached the first lighting frame support bracket to the wall.  This was attached to the lighting frame.  I’m getting there.

My delivery of 12mm motor bogies from Germany rocked up on Wednesday.  I had been waiting since about 2 weeks before Christmas.  I only got notification in the afternoon.  I had been waiting for a notification that the items had been sent to the courier since last Thursday.  But nothing was coming.  But on Wednesday in my Junk mail, 4 items appeared.  But I could have sworn that I had nothing in my junk on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning.  Anyway – the delivery is here.  More things to keep me distracted.

On Thursday I went to the shed and installed the last length of lighting frame, and then installed the second frame support bracket from the shed wall.  I also painted up a short bit of plasterer’s angle. Friday included a trip to Bunnings to pick up a single length of plasterer’s angle and box of sheet metal screws to attach the plasterer’s angle to the lighting frame.  The plasterer’s angle was painted.  While it was drying the third wall support bracket was completed.  It was also attached to the lighting support.

Saturday was the day when it all came together.  I attached the piece that I painted on Friday to the lighting frame.  The next job was to paint the outside of the lighting frame and the posts all black to remove them from our vision when operating.  They all got 2 coats.  I then started to install the length of LED lights starting at the far end near Clapham Yard.  While these strings have an adhesive backing, I also use aquadhere on the back of the strings and hold it with small clamps while it sets.

Starting at the doorway on the left, the lighting support frame has been painted.

As we work our way around Acacia Ridge Yard, towards Clapham Yard, you can see most of the painting is complete.

This photo shows the LED strip being added to the lighting frame.

Today I completed the installation of the first string.  I connected it to power and tested it.  It works well. 

The first string illuminated with no lights on the shed, just the layout lights in this area and the back wall.

I then started adding the second string of lights from where the first sting ran out and heading towards the shed door.  So that is now installed.  I cut the string in half.  The rest of the string is to go behind the current string above Rocklea Siding.  I had to get another length of Plasterer's angle and it too was painted.  It was attached to a wooden frame and painted black.  I have also added the rest of the LED light string, but this lighting frame has not yet been added to the three support brackets - Tomorrow's job.  Then I can test this full string of LED lights as well.   

On Friday I went into town by bus and train and as I was crossing Melbourne Street at South Brisbane across the SE Busway, you could see the old tram tracks in the roadway.  I bet that caused someone a problem.

Also it appears that the recent work on the Cross River Rail southern portal at Dutton Park has allowed electrical overhead to be run all the way into the tunnel now.