The T3 has sound!

Well ive nearly finish off the t3 project. After alot of mod work done to the chassis and the shell ive been able to install a loksound micro v4 decorder with a 13mm round speaker. The decorder has had sound from dccsound.com flashed onto the decorder.  The sound has been recorded from the real thing.  Have a look at the growing range of sounds they have on offer.

The chassis needed more work done to it than i first thought with more cutting out and filing away.  The shell also need to be cut out a little bit to make room for the decoder.  The 13mm speaker sits in the cab with the windows left open for the sound to came out.  The speaker is than glued to ONE HALF of the chassis. I nearly fell into the trap of gluing it to both sides of the chassis.  I than solded the wires to the motor and the pick up wires to the chassis.  I have not yet done the headlight or maker lights. Im still working out the best way to mount them. 

The picture above show the mods done to the chassis (the one the right has been modified) After i took that photo i had to fill it down a bit more.  The next photo show the speaker siting in the cab just below the window level. The next photo shows the speaker and decoder installed on the loco.

There are a few problems to fix. The sound volume isn't that loud. I think this is due to the size of the 13mm speaker and the kato mech is very noisie at high speed which i need to look into. Overall im happy with it, ive learnt some new skills and it has been good fun. Now just to do those marker and headlights.

Feel free to email me at bendigonscale@live.com.au with and thought, idea or photos of bendigo yard.  

The first VR turnout is made!

600ft Radius Turnout 7.52

Happy new year to everyone! Its taken some time, but ive finally done the first turnout. This is just a simple test to check my design for correct gauging and also to help with the design work for the sleeper plates.  It also should be noted that the turnout is not DCC or DC friendly. The Turnout ive made is a right hand 600ft radius with a 7.52  frog.  It was made by following a printed paper template that i design. The rails are than cut to length and joined by the same type of joint bars used for the main line straight track.  The rails are than solded to the cut length of pc boards that are stuck down on the paper template with blu-tack.

Once everything was made the timber sleepers were than cut to length and slide under the rails and than glued to the rail. Once the glue was dry the turnout was lifted up off the template.

Using the paper template was a bit slow but when i cnc mill out the turnout jigs the process of construction will speed up.  I found that the gauge worked out really well. With only the frog area needing some work but i this will better with a jig and also the correct tooling to fill down the rails to get the angle right.  The turnout blades are hinge and work well.  I had four wheel bogies running through the turnout with no problems.

The overall turnout will look better once the sleeper plates are done and some super detailing as well.  In the photos the turnout looks dirty due to the glue that hasn't been cleaned off yet going black and also my soldering skills need more work. Im happy the way it has turned out.

So whats next? Im now working on single and double compounds once this is done and a test run i will be able to finish off some etching work and than it will be time for Bendigo A box area to get some track laid.  In the mean time i plan to construct the module, landscape some blue foam and glued down the track plan i have done ready for the track to be laid on. I will post on these areas soon.

Feel free to give your thoughts, idea,s or photos of bendigo to bendigonscale@live.com.au