Silver Sidelines

There was mention on RMweb this week of the Class Forty Preservation Society (CFPS) which in turn reminded me that Bachmann had produced a Digital Sound model of D211 ‘Mauritania’. A Google search returned a model priced at not a lot more than the current price of the non sound fitted Class 40s. I succumbed. D211 ‘Mauritania’ For use with my analogue DC controllers it was my intention to replace the digital sound chip with a blanking plate. However on reading the Bachmann instructions for the Class 40 (almost a first for me) I noted that the default settings showed that sound was enabled for analogue DC. I would investigate. Here is what the ESU data sheet has to say about the Lok 4 decoder fitted to the Class 40: LokSound decoders work on conventional DC layouts. From the factory, load compensation is active. This provides smooth control of your locomotives even at low speeds (in DC mode as well). Since load compensation requires about 3 – 4 Volts as ‘base voltage

I was prompted by a recent question on RMweb to post a picture of the underside of my railway. The underside of the control panel to what started off as the ‘Main Terminus’ I have tried to make an effort with my track laying and ballasting to create a good impression above board. Platform detail at the ‘Main Junction’ However my aspirations for the view below ground never quite match up with the view above ground. A case of ‘All fur coat and no knickers’? Underneath the arches – the view beneath the ‘Main Junction’ My layouts have always been DC controlled, that is where the track is powered with nominally 12 volt Direct Current. My early layouts used H & M controllers of the Duette and Clipper variety where speed control was obtained by varying the track voltage using a variable wire wound rheostat. The present layout uses Gaugemaster Controllers where the DC current is pulsed at a constant voltage of around 14v DC. Speed control is achieved by varying the length