WVR Blog

Turnout Control – Update

The turnout control I described in my last post was working great... That is until I subsequently added block detection to the mixture. I am using RR-CirKits equipment to access the Loconet buss of my Digitrax system. I am using BOD-8 block detectors, connected in this case, to a TowerMan…
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Turnout Control

It appears that the plan is coming together! I have successfully set up the RR-CirKits TC Mark II to output the switch message on Loconet to drive my turnout accessory decoder. This allows me to operate turnouts via a panel switch, my throttle, and a JMRI panel.
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Laying Track

It's about time! That's my Mikado under power crossing the 200 foot truss bridge (sans truss) with the pink bones of a waterfall in the background. I am into my second box of Peco code 83 track so there is over 75 feet of track now in place plus 3…
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Getting Organized

Organization has always been an issue for me. My wife on the other hand is very good at it, however when it comes to my workshop, I seldom ask her for help. This is due to her tendency to throw things away. Workshop clutter is not junk, just stuff I…
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Backdrop Delima

I've started on some of the backdrop for the Wildcat Valley. I really think I should start at the back and work toward the front so I don't have to reach over finished scenery. As I began researching photographic backdrops on line, I found that I could have some really…
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Some Inspiration

I took a little time to visit one of the layouts on the CID April layout tour yesterday. I needed some inspiration to keep me trudging ahead on my own layout. I talked my wife, Chris , into going. I think she enjoyed it, but she made me go to…
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Valance Work and LEDs

I took a pause in laying sub-roadbed for the WVR to begin work on the valance for the mountain "helix" this week. I wanted to get the upper portion of this area under way while I can easily get to it. I used white finish hardboard paneling for the top…
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A Mountain of Work 2

After much cutting of wood, leveling, screwing, and a few choice words, the sub-roadbed for the mountain helix is nearly finished. I still need to add a few more supports in there. I plan to add a trestle on this side for the upper track where it passes over the…
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A Mountain of Work

I started building the second generation Wildcat Valley Railway a few weeks ago. I had been thinking I'd work on it in my spare time and would get it done sometime in the not too distant future, but I had forgotten how much thought and work it takes to get…
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Benchwork Continues

In designing the new Wildcat Valley Railway, I wanted to have a two level track plan, but I really don't like the idea of a helix. I do really like mountainous terrain with tunnels and bridges though, so I plan to use a couple of areas with looping track that…
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