Where Did the summer Go?

Expo is long gone although my mind is still full of ideas, tips and friendship offered, I also think been between the craftsmanship of John Whitehead and the enthusiasm of Brian Hume certainly helped. Concepts that I could not grasp became clearer together with a simple solution to how to mount a Lawson motor. So what have I dome since expo well Line No 4 although still boxed together is been converted to relay point polarity switching courtesy of a MERG kit, this has been built tested and fitted although remain to be finally wired to the points. The troublesome point has had a replacement built and awaits fitting, although the subject of the tie bar is still up in the air.

In addition I have constructed a small length of Easitrac on a small board (no not another layout) to test that the loci’s are running correctly and the lack of running is the fault of gummed up track on Line No 4, this has sort of grown and I have spent the weekend going cross-eyed trying to build a Easitrac point, it is getting easier I think but time will tell.

I have started a SECR O class and shocked myself at getting the gears to mesh thanks to the meshing tool although the con-rods are defeating me at the moment so that’s to one side while I consider a course of action and the nerve to try.

A major investment has been made in a Proxxon baby milling machine which at first had me doing my finest Mr Toad impression. The VAG has thrown up some hints and offers of assistance and I’m pleased to report that a play yesterday was conducted with out damaged to me or machine although the same can not be said for some brass and PCB. Using this I’m trying to make a Jig as described by Geoff Jones to file turnout pins as my initial tests without a jig looked promising and may finally resolve this knotty issue although there are several other ideas given to me at Expo on how to resolve this.


Finally I have put my toe in the water thanks to a conversation with Martin Allen at Expo to see if a local area group can be set up based on Canterbury, MOK ( Man of Kent) area group anybody?