D&RGW • C&S • CB&Q • UP • AT&SF • CRI&P + SP • MP • WP
Daily Progress & Error Blog
Recording the progress of building the Denver’s RailRoads N Scale layout
All genuine posts are welcomed and will be acknowledged. Please submit your first post by email to: dennis@denversrailroads.com
Daily Progress & Error Blog
Actioned since 10th May 2023:
- Extended BUS wiring to second PD4 (Gore Canyon) module and control panel.
- Laid cork roadbed to Edna Mine, etc on the Craig Line.
- Began to install PD4 feeder wires.
- Laid NO-OX grease on PD6 & PD7 loop trackage.
- D&RGW F7ABA runs very well on this track
- Cleaned with a Peco block rubber all of the problem spots on PD2 & PD5 trackage in preparation for laying NO-OX on this track
- Note that all testing has been conducted at NCE speed notch 10 (16 scale mph)
- Relocated BD-20s and Accessory point motor controls on South Denver PD11 loop.
Immediate Action:
- Lay NO-OX on PD2 & PD5 track and test the loop.
- Lay CRC Di-electric grease on PD3 & PD4 trackage and test with ATSF locos to be used at the AMRA show during June holiday weekend.
- Investigate and maybe fix the “short” problem running lighted passenger cars on PD2.
- Continue installing feeder wires on PD4 (Gore Canyon) module and test.
- Lay Craig Branch trackage and wiring.
Ongoing Action:
- Fix or replace sticky point motors: P313;315;317;318.
- Design PD4 control panel diagrams with Visio and install switches and LEDs.
- Build PD3 & PD4 kits and install scenery.
- Rewire South Denver PD11 trackage and control panel.
- Finish building South Denver kits.
- Test run trains from South Denver to Grand Jct. and return.
- Lay all of the Grand Junction return loop tracks.
- Lay DUSTY tracks and build livestock kits.
- Build kits for the layout trackage laid.
Daily Progress & Error Blog
Actioned tonight:
- Finished fixing the BUS wiring for PD4 tracks T315-T317 inclusive.
- After cutting new gaps in the White side I Installed plastic insulators in the gaps.
- Filed down and tested ok.
Notes:
- Loco moves very hesitantly over the Winter Park tracks.
- Needs a more thorough clean.
Immediate Action:
- Finish the BUS wiring for PD4.
- Fix or replace sticky point motors: P313;315;317;318.
- Checkout the actions request to fix the South Denver PD.
Ongoing Action:
- Need to investigate stalling problems with Big Loop turnouts.
- Solve “short” problem running lighted passenger cars.
- Complete laying track from Bond to Craig and temporarily wire.
- Design PD4 control panel diagrams with Visio and install switches and LEDs.
- Lay all of the Grand Junction return loop tracks.
Daily Progress & Error Blog
Tonight’s Cockup:
- Wired T415;416;417 white side. Red already wired and attached to Red BUS.
- Wired the white wires of T416;417 to their BD-20s.
- Wondered why up to 3 LED lights on the BD-20s lighted up at the same time.
- After a while I realised that the gaps had been cut in the RED rails – but not in the white.
Solution:
- Cut gaps in the white rails as well.
- That should fix the problem and will be a lot easier than re-wiring the Red wires through the BD-20s.
Then carry on with the schedule . . .
Daily Progress & Error Blog
Actioned tonight:
- Finished installing all of the PD4a point motors:
- P319;320;314;316;319;320 work ok.
- P313;315;317;318 have issues and may need to be replaced.
- Started using new DCC Concepts soldering iron with temp control and auto turn off. Pretty good results so far.
Immediate Action:
- Finish the BUS wiring for PD4.
- Fix or replace sticky point motors: P313;315;317;318.
Ongoing Action:
- Need to investigate stalling problems with Big Loop turnouts.
- Solve “short” problem running lighted passenger cars.
- Complete laying track from Bond to Craig and temporarily wire.
- Design PD4 control panel diagrams with Visio and install switches and LEDs.
- Lay all of the Grand Junction return loop tracks.
Daily Progress & Error Blog
Actioned since 29 April 2023:
- Installed wiring from the Command Station to the two PD4 control panels.
- Installed the PD4 BUS from Winter Park to Grandby.
- Wired Turnouts P313, P314, P319 & P320.
- Stuck on P318 — point motor seems to be stuck.
- Tested the Big Loop from DUSTY (Denver Union Stock Yard) to Grand Jct loop. Runs ok sometimes. Locos seem to stall on a number of the turnouts when ran at low speeds. Speeds over NCE 20-30 do not stall. Significant problem.
- The “short” problem running with lighted passenger cars occurred when two locos passed each other on the Kato crossover section. They both stalled.
Immediate Action:
- Fix sticky P318 point motor.
- Need to finish wiring P315;316;317
- Need to finish the BUS wiring for PD4.
- Need to investigate stalling problems with Big Loop turnouts.
- Solve “short” problem running lighted passenger cars.
Ongoing Action:
- Complete laying track from Bond to Craig and temporarily wire.
- Design PD4 control panel diagrams with Visio and install switches and LEDs.
- Lay all of the Grand Junction return loop tracks.
