Monday, November 3, 2025

No Excuses

Well, the squirrels are still around.

Of last month’s list, I only completed one, maybe two.

  • Build the 5 remaining turnouts for Purcell. COMPLETED!

  • Complete the major track alignment for Purcell. Almost there!

  • Pick a DCC system. I have CVP’s EasyDCC, which I built, including a computer power supply that provides 3.3VDC, 5VDC, 12VDC, DCC, and JMRI. Or I can use the DCC-EX that I have. I will need 12VDC for my lighting and 5VDC for automations.. Decisions, decisions COMPLETED! I’m almost certain.

  • Install DCC, 12vdc, 5vdc buses

  • Install feeder wires

  • Connect the DCC system. Whichever one I pick.

I have pretty much decided on the CVP’s EasyDCC. It will have all the power I need, and it is setup for plug-and-play.

What did I get done.

I have completed building all of the turnouts for the layout. And, I have laid the track between Sugarwood and Purcell.

SugarwoodJunction.png
This short section of elevated roadway shows what I am thinking for a scenic divide.

The next three photos show that PrintPrint.ca has the long spur laid, the turnout to the Transload, and the beginning of the runaround.

Purcell1.png

Purcell2.png

Purcell3.png

And then there were squirrles!

Squirrel One

I got the programming bug and spent a considerable amount of time on my glass throttle, which I call Real Throttle. Real Throttle is similar to the Proto Throttle but runs on an Android tablet and connects to JMRI’s WiThrottle server. I will give more details in a later blog when I get further down that rabbit hole. I am rewriting it from what I had before to be on a development platform I prefer.

Squirrel Two

Work on Real Throttle led me down the hole of “What if someone who comes to one of my Ops Sessions doesn’t want to use Real Throttle?”

So, I started on a knob throttle built using the Arduino platform and will also connect to JMRI’s WiThrottle. Not only code, but 3D CAD drawings for a case. Another for the project section of this Blog when I’m further along.
KnobThrottle.png

Squirrel Three

In the top photo, another rabbit that took some time is the M5 STACK, which I thought would make a good knob throttle. The M5 STACK is similar to Arduinos, but instead of the DIY look, it comes in a ready-to-use case. I’m still considering using it for a knob throttle, but for now it’s just sitting there.

NMRA Business

On October 18 and 19, the Chilliwack Train and Hobby Show came to town. I spent two days talking to the 7th Division membership and recruiting new members. I also wandered around talking to vendors and catching up with friends.

Winding Down

With the completion of turnout construction, I will focus on finishing the major track alignment for Purcell.

The items on my list still exist, plus I missed one item in the list. Installation of the turnout controls that not only throw the turnout but also control the polarity of the frog.

Intending to have trains running by December, it is good that I have a week off for the US Thanksgiving.

Until next month.

Victor