I'm using steel shelf brackets to hold up the layout. The brackets are not level (they are slanted toward the wall, to keep things from sliding or rolling off), and they aren't necessarily at the same height either. I got around these problems by attaching 1/16 x 1-1/2 inch aluminum angles to both sides of the brackets.
The angle is attached with #6 x 1/2 self drilling sheet metal screws. I clamp the angles to the shelf bracket, making sure they are level both along the bracket and from one bracket to another. I then take it down and drive the screws. These are hex head screws, so I don't have worry about the driver slipping.
You can also see some of the 100:1 current transformers in the last picture, which is part of the track detector circuit. More about that later. This part has no turnouts on it, I'm working that section now, and building switches using the Fast Tracks fixtures. I will fasten this section to the brackets after the other piece is attached. Then it will be time to start on the first helix.
Thank you, Allen, for getting me to do this. :)
Good to see you're getting started now :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of cables. I decided to go digital, now I'm almost down to just two wires from the control unit to the power track (or whatever you would call that one track receiving power for the whole set). A bit more expensive, but worth it I think.
Would be nice to see it IRL some day if I ever visit the States again :-)
One can never get enough of trains :-)
Hi Lars. All of those wires are just because I'm using current sensing detectors and don't like relying on Code 55 rail and rail joiners to get the electricity to where it needs to go. I'm also using digital (NCE).
ReplyDeleteDon't make a special trip just yet, let me get a bit more done first. :)