Stafford Central

A modern image DCC controlled "OO" gauge loft layout
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Signals - Signals were supplied by Roger Murray. They are common positive to enable connection to the Lenz DCC system. They come in at a reasonable price for the quality. A selection of 2 and 4 aspect signals are situated on the layout. I have also tried Berko and Ecko however they are no where near as good as Roger's.
 
The 4 aspect signals have been wired into MAS-SEQUENCER-4's supplied by Heathcote Electronics. The MAS-SEQUENCER-4 operates a signal as follows:
 
The signal is normally at green. As a train passes the signal it will be detected by the MAS-SEQUENCER-4, this causes the signal to change to red. Once the train is clear of the MAS-SEQUENCER-4's detector a timing sequence begins. After the first timing interval the signal changes from red to yellow, after the next timing interval to double yellow then after the last timing interval it changes back to green. The length of the timing is easily adjusted with a "pot" on the board.
 
The MAS-SEQUENCER-4 is located under the baseboard with a small hole drilled between the track sleepers allowing the IR to detect the train.
 
Additionally I have placed some 2 aspect signals near to some points and attached (using a glue gun) a micro switch to the bottom of those point motors and connected the micro switch direct to the MAS-SEQUENCER-4 allowing the signal to change as the point is operated.
 
Wiring Common Positive 2 Aspect Signals with Micro switches
 
The micro switches are glued to the base of the relevant Peco point motor and the signal colour changes as the point is activated.
 

 
Trees - The majority of trees and hedges come from the K & M range. They range in price up to about £3 each - which doesn't sound very much until you start planting a forest! That said I am happy with the overall effect. Much more expensive trees can be purchased from 4D Models - they come highly recomended however I decided that they were too expensive for the quantities I have used\ am going to be using.
 
Lenz Gold Decoders & Power 1 USP Storage Modules - The GOLD decoders are equipped with soldering pads to which the cables of the POWER 1 storage module must be soldered however these are very small and my soldering is not very good so Digitrains provide them pre-soldered (only place in UK I have been able to find so far).

POWER 1 is an energy storage module for use with GOLD Series decoders. USP means "uninterruptible signal processing.” This storage unit supplies the decoder and the locomotive with power when there is an interruption of electrical connection to the track (e.g. dirty tracks). Ideal on my track at present!
 
Paint - Paint for the roads, motorways and track bed is Dulux Ebony Mists 2 (Tester pots can be made up in the likes of B & Q or Homebase for £1.49 - £1.99 for a 250ml pot).