Re: TCA Show summary

["Ira Schneider" <ira_schneider@iname.com>]

Hi,

I was very surprised to read about the setup problems which were encountered at the
TCA show, since most of the problems have been seen and documented previously.

We previously connected the inside corners incorrectly, and Rick or Ricky realized
the problem and redid the connections.  I thought by now everyone would know
that on the inside curve we always have an offset from the attached modules and
that only tracks A,B,C, and D are used.  We never use the smallest diameter track
(track E) on the inside corner.

We also previously had to change the 45 degree modules so the pair with the
Plexiglass holders on both the inside and outside edges were used as the
inside corners.  (I seem to remember doing this when we set up for the
dowtown layout last November.)  This is one reason we should label the
45 degree corners so we can distinguish between the modules which can be
used as the inside corners.  It is even more important now, since the buss
wiring is different for the inside corners.

The third problem Scott documented is new.  As he noted, only the 45 degree
modules which have the Plexiglas on both sides also have the buss connectors
on both sides.  I thought the pigtails were short enough that you couldn't attach
the wrong one (i.e. grab the pigtail from the far edge to attach to the buss cable).
As Scott pointed out, the correct pigtail to use is the one closest to the inside
edge of the layout.

I haven't seen the fourth problem Scott documented (i.e. the lights flashing on the
sidings).  If the control box is unplugged, you obviously have no remote control over
the turnouts.  However, I don't understand how there is any power on the sidings
with the box unplugged, since all power, including main track power, is routed to
the sidings via the control box.

I am glad to hear that all of the problems were either corrected or bypassed and that
the layout was useable.  In spite of the setup problems, it sounds like people had
fun running trains, which is most important.


Ira