For the last 3 weeks I have been wiring up the electrics underneath my new layout.

It certainly shouldn’t take 3 weeks but four things meant it took longer than expected.

Number 1: Future proofing for a control panel

I could have wired the electrics straight to the switches. Instead I decided to include ‘Plug and Socket Terminal Strips’ in both the circuits for the isolating sections and the point (switch) motor electrics.

This will allow me to rapidly swop between the switches installed directly in the baseboard or a separate control panel.

Do I have a separate control panel for the layout? No.

Did including the terminal strips require extra ‘runs’ of wiring? Yes.

Why did I do it? Seemed like a good idea at the time !

Number 2. One of the isolating sections didn’t work.

I spent ages tracing the problem.

I checked all the wiring 3 times.

I even resoldered some of the joints, just in case there was a poor connection.

In the end it was a faulty ‘on – off’ switch.

I have no idea why a brand new switch was stuck in ‘on’ mode.

Replacing the switch solved the problem, but much time was expended finding the solution.

Number 3. I broke a point (switch).

All the poking around on top of, and underneath, the layout combined with my clumsiness meant I got my sleeve caught on a point blade and ripped the blade out of the tie bar.

Deeesaster!

It was solved by removing the point and replacing it with a new one.

I’m never wearing a baggy jumper while I do track or electrics again 🙂

Number 4. Not checking which parts I have in stock before I started the job.

When I had everything wired up all I needed to do was connect the 16V supply for the point motor circuits.

I was sure I had a power plug socket in the cardboard box where I keep my ‘random electrical stuff’.

But I didn’t.

So I had to order a new one from ebay and wait a few days for it to be delivered.

Not having this little part caused further delay.

Thankfully it all works.

I’m pleased to say the wiring is now complete, the isolating sections work and the point (switch) motors are functioning correctly.

Plus, the polarity of the frog switching for all 5 points worked first time.

OK it’s not difficult but I normally get one wrong and end up chasing the short.

Perhaps I am learning after all 🙂