Seaboard Central 2.0

[davefoxx]

Foxey - Remember the old Atlas straight track ahead book showed reverse loop wiring and I thought, this
could be the electric chair for model railroaders.

I do remember those plan books.  I used to be absolutely fascinated by them when I was little.  I could stare at those plans and dream for hours.  I also recall the sheer terror of even considering wiring up a reverse loop.  In my defense, I was a pre-teen.  However, I was 44 years old before I finally included one on a layout.   

DFF

[davefoxx]

I wired and installed this UP5 Panel tonight.



Anyone paying close attention knows that I also have a UR92 panel and a DT402D throttle (which can operate by radio and unplugged), so you may be asking why I would waste money on a UP5 panel.  Truthfully, when I moved the command station to a spot under Raeford that left the UR92 panel on the opposite end of the layout in Aberdeen.  Sometimes, I do just leave the throttle plugged in (which also saves batteries) while running trains, because I don't necessarily like to hold the throttle 100% of the time.  But, where to put it?  The easiest is to just plug it into the closest jack.  But, it wasn't always convenient to have the only spot on the layout to plug in all the way around in Aberdeen.

So, I installed a UP5 panel in Southern Pines.  This only required running a RJ12 (Loconet) cable and a 20 gauge wire (for power) from the UR92 which was only three feet away on the opposite side of the original HCD layout.  The UP5 now allows me to plug in closer to the command station, which is often more convenient when powering up or shutting down.  And, if friends are over to run the layout, there's more places to plug in now, especially if they don't have a duplex (radio) throttle.

DFF

[chuck geiger]

I do remember those plan books.  I used to be absolutely fascinated by them when I was little.  I could stare at those plans and dream for hours.  I also recall the sheer terror of even considering wiring up a reverse loop.  In my defense, I was a pre-teen.  However, I was 44 years old before I finally included one on a layout.   

DFF

We had MODEL RAILROADER in my junior high school library and I could check them out. 1968-70 and I was
MA and PA and lichen tree'ed up as well.

[C855B]

We had MODEL RAILROADER in my junior high school library and I could check them out. 1968-70 and I was
MA and PA and lichen tree'ed up as well.

Those were the days. In my case it was the public library that had MR and Trains, and we could check-out back issues. Current issue had to remain in the reading area. I miss that library, it was a nice place to hang.

[reinhardtjh]

Anyone paying close attention knows that I also have a UR92 panel and a DT402D throttle (which can operate by radio and unplugged), so you may be asking why I would waste money on a UP5 panel.

Having a few UP5's around with radio control is never a bad idea.  Especially with the Digitrax DT402D.  If your battery voltage drops below somewhere around 8.4V, things get flakey and being able to stop the runaway train is good.

And, if friends are over to run the layout, there's more places to plug in now, especially if they don't have a duplex (radio) throttle.

Exactly.

[Rich_S]

I wired and installed this UP5 Panel tonight.



because I don't necessarily like to hold the throttle 100% of the time.  But, where to put it?  The easiest is to just plug it into the closest jack. 

DFF

Dave, Letting throttles hang from the plug is not advisable, even though they are light you are still putting stress on the cord and plug. May I suggest a good Universal Throttle Pocket.

This is an old layout that because of a move was never completed, but notice the Throttle Pocket bottom right in the photo.


Walthers list them for $11.95, but I'm sure I picked them up mail order for a few dollars less. Here is the link to the Walthers web site:

https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/501-40020

On my old layout, I put one of these beside every DCC plug in panel.

[Bsklarski]

$18 for a 3 pack for $48 for a 10 pack 

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

Or you can go to the Dollar store and get velcro. This is what i use and has worked great for years. It will stick great to the throttle great but will need CA to stick to the wood.

[Bsklarski]

I Like the velcro idea better. May not slip out of your hand either as fast.

[davefoxx]

Dave, Letting throttles hang from the plug is not advisable, even though they are light you are still putting stress on the cord and plug. May I suggest a good Universal Throttle Pocket.

Yeah, I've looked into those before but just never pulled the trigger.  I know you're right about the cord, though.

Thanks,
DFF

[Bendtracker1]

I've used the Velcro on my throttles.
Cheap, easy and effective.  Need more places to hold a throttle, cut another piece and stick it, done.
The best part, there is nothing on the fascia to bump into or knock off while you walk by.

[davefoxx]

I might consider Velcro, except that:

(1) I haven't painted the final coat of paint on the fascia yet;
(2) I don't even have a fascia installed on the new extensions yet; and
(3) I have found that often the Velcro is stronger than the double-stick adhesive. 

I had a hook on my DT400 throttle when I used it on the Virginia Central.  I'm not sure that is an option anymore, because since I had Digitrax upgrade the throttle to a DT402D, I use a 9V battery to operate the radio in the throttle.  I'm not sure that the nut that secured the hook will fit with the battery installed.  I'll take a look at that, if I can find the old hook.

DFF

[davefoxx]

Next section of street is in the paint shop (so to speak):



Hopefully, I can get a coat of concrete painted after the primer dries and maybe even get some highway stripes down today.

DFF

[davefoxx]

Step two (ignore the buildings, especially the foam block stand-in until I build the station).  Boy, what a difference a coat of paint or two makes.  Up next, highway stripes and weathering once the paint cures.



DFF

[seusscaboose]

so nice.