NTS&B A few Oct 2008 pictures

Scott and Maria were down this weekend, and we got a little camera happy with the upper level. This picture is of Maria standing on her tippy toes looking at the Polar Express from the inside of the Helix.
Here's a good picture of me working on the second (cable stayed) bridge. Talk about having your head in the clouds :)

Here's a picture Maria took of the helix from the inside, looking from the bottom up. I asked her to take one looking down from the top, but for some reason she wouldn't do it :)

NTS & B First 3 of 5 power stations complete

The first 3 power station shelves are completed. Instead of having 1 huge central control panel, I decided to have a distributed power design. Each power station will house all of the transformers to control 1 or 2 levels, and will be positioned close to the tracks and accessories they will control.

The station on the left will control the Subway level. The only additional switches required so far control the station stop, and are fastened to the power distribution box directly above the transformer.

The center station will control the Winter and Helix levels. Switches for the overhead level power and switch tracks will be located on the underside of the bridge directly above this station. The location of the controls for the winter level switches and accessories is yet to be determined, but will be probably on the front of the subway bench work directly over the station.

The station on the right will control the mainline tracks, yard, and switches. The yard power switches are located on the mainline layer directly over the power station. Also housed in the mainline station is the Train Master Command Control (TMCC) module, and the Train Power Control (TPC) module. The TMCC module sends digital commands for remote control to engines that are equipped with the TMCC receives. The TPC controls the track power for 1 track, and can be used to remotely control older 'conventional' locomotives. The output of this TPC will go to a power distribution module in each power station. The module will have switches to select the TPC or local transformer control. This will allow the remote controlled voltage to be switched to any track, to make troubleshooting problems easier at remote locations.

There will eventually be 2 more stations located at the other end of the layout, one on each side of the isle. These will be located close to the operating accessories in these areas.

NTS & B Second attempt on cable stayed bridge

Am trying a different type of nylon cord. Cord I first used was clear. I was trying to use LEDs to change the color on demand, but the cords would not show up. The cord on the side closest to the camera is light blue weed-eater string. Shows up a little better in they daylight, but no help with the LEDs. So much for that idea. I plan on restringing the other side with the blue cord when time permits.

NTS & B Second power station started

Second (of 5) transformer shelf is built, waiting for paint. Shelf is in approximate position. Leg brace will have to be trimmed before if will fit where it is supposed to. Unit is app 18 inch wide, 30 inch tall, and made out of 1x12 with a plywood backing.

NTS & B last winter level table finished

The last of the winter level tables is now complete and installed. Need to paint some supports. Gaps between the 2 layers will eventually be filled in with foam 'stone' walls, or a steep rock wall. Module is approximately 3 ft x 6 ft, and made out of 1x4 and 1x2 frame covered with 1/2 inch 4 ply plywood.