Hello,
In OO gauge, we are going to see a 94xx, a new version of the J72, the class 450 (Desiro), the 70/8, a very nice LNWR coal tank, a retooled V2 and DCC ready Royal Scot and J39. There is also a 45ton crane, tons of buildings and new versions of existing models.
In N gauge, the J72 will also appear, as well as a new class 40 and, as probably the most talked about item, a class 108 with sound. Other notable include a Queen Mary brake van and the inspection saloon that was released last year in OO gauge. Once again, you also have tons of buildings and new versions of existing models.
Both Bachmann and Graham Farish catalogues are expected this week. Let us know if you want a copy put aside for you.
Wiring a layout can be a daunting experience. We have all seen pictures showing miles of multicoloured cables running under a baseboard to a control panel with tens of switches and hundreds of lights.
Well, it is not that complex and you should not be scared. There are a few rules that can help you a lot:
1- Start small. Do one step at a time. Start with one controller and one oval of track. This is easy to wire and is likely to work first time. Once done, start thinking about the next step: adding a second feed wire to remote parts of the layout or to another loop. This is simply a matter of duplicating the first step. Once done, what about adding a switch so you can decide whether you want to power the second loop or not? By taking it one step at a time, you will avoid confusion and will make progress.
2- Get advice. There are numerous ways to get advice: read books, consult forums, watch videos... My two favourite are:
- get the set of 3 booklets "Wiring the Layout". They are small, easy to ready read and in full colour books from the Shows You How series from Peco. Each volume costs only £1 (making the set £3) and they cover from the most basic to the extremely advanced (wiring points and crossings for instance).
- ask for advice from your friendly model shop. We are always happy to help.
3- Learn about switches. Switches are likely to be at the heart of your layout. They will control point motors, sections and lights. Lots of things can easily be done with switches, includings automating things.
For instance, if you want a signal to change colour (or a semaphore arm to be raised) when a locomotive reaches a certain point of the layout, a Reed switch will allow you to do it. This is basically a tube which you lay on the track and this is going to be activated when a magnet (affixed to a locomotive for instance) is on top.
Even more "standard" switches can have unsuspected features. A rotary switch will have several positions, allowing you to power sections in turn. Or a DPDT switch will allow you to power two different circuits from two different power sources while flicking only one switch.
You can get lots of information on switches from the books mentioned earlier or, once again, from your us.
Finally, just a quick reminder gift vouchers are available all year round. If you are looking for a present for someone or a beloved does not know what to give you for your birthday, gift vouchers may be the answer.
Send us an email or give us a call to check availability or to reserve anything, whatever scale you model in. As usual, if we do not have in stock what you are looking for, we will order it for you and you will get it fast (usually within a week if the manufacturer has it in stock). We place weekly orders with most suppliers.
Remember, you can park for free for one hour on the High Street. So no excuse not to come and visit us!
Upstairs Downstairs is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4.30pm, Sunday from 1pm till 4pm. We are closed only on Monday.
Carole & Max
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Upstairs Downstairs
3 Pier Street
Sandown, PO36 8JR
Isle of Wight
Tel: 01983 406 616
http://www.udiow.com or find us on Facebook
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