Fancy critiquing a proposed new loft layout - all feedback appreciated!

[Arianne]

wiring it up for this in the future is pretty simple say you have a tunnel with some points at the ends - make the bit between the points its own block, insulated joiners both ends, initially its power feed gets joined to the rest, later can rewire without moving the track, or not as required.

its one of those things thats easier to do right at the off, and really the only change is the insulated joiners as you really want the extra feeds anyway - note if its just block detection you can just isolate one rail - leaving metal joiners on the other which hold the alignment better

That makes sense and confirms what I suspected would be the wiring and sequence of eventually moving from the main power bus for the circuit to one which is exclusively for the isolated block. Thank you!

[Arianne]

one thing that may be worth noting, since it all gets build in stages anyway..

build the board and lay maybe two loops or one with a few sidings, basically have that as a test track to experiment with the point motors, wiring etc, fiddle with that for a bit and use it as a learning exercise which will make building the rest a lot easier

Yes, this was suggested earlier in the thread and I thought it was a good idea. The inner circuit and associated points etc. The only issue with this approach, attractive as it most definitely is, relates to my desire to try and execute most of the work located beneath the board at the stage where each board segment can be flipped - so I won’t be doing too much soldering from underneath with all the complications that brings - uncomfortable, limited lighting and hot solder above one’s head!

Thoughts? You guys must have been there, done that etc. What sequence did you follow to make life as easy and pleasant as is possible?

Regards.

[aleopardstail]

one thing that may be worth noting, since it all gets build in stages anyway..

build the board and lay maybe two loops or one with a few sidings, basically have that as a test track to experiment with the point motors, wiring etc, fiddle with that for a bit and use it as a learning exercise which will make building the rest a lot easier

Yes, this was suggested earlier in the thread and I thought it was a good idea. The inner circuit and associated points etc. The only issue with this approach, attractive as it most definitely is, relates to my desire to try and execute most of the work located beneath the board at the stage where each board segment can be flipped - so I won’t be doing too much soldering from underneath with all the complications that brings - uncomfortable, limited lighting and hot solder above one’s head!

Thoughts? You guys must have been there, done that etc. What sequence did you follow to make life as easy and pleasant as is possible?

Regards.

well I did it badly, impatiently, started laying track and made a mess.

doing it again and I'd have got all the boards finished properly first and nail where every single wire was going and in place so as track went in I could power it.

for learning though, pick a crossover, lay that, have four lengths of track, you can roll back and forth but the purpose is to test the points, then the next crossover, do the same, then link them

[centenary]

one thing that may be worth noting, since it all gets build in stages anyway..

build the board and lay maybe two loops or one with a few sidings, basically have that as a test track to experiment with the point motors, wiring etc, fiddle with that for a bit and use it as a learning exercise which will make building the rest a lot easier

Yes, this was suggested earlier in the thread and I thought it was a good idea. The inner circuit and associated points etc. The only issue with this approach, attractive as it most definitely is, relates to my desire to try and execute most of the work located beneath the board at the stage where each board segment can be flipped - so I won’t be doing too much soldering from underneath with all the complications that brings - uncomfortable, limited lighting and hot solder above one’s head!

Thoughts? You guys must have been there, done that etc. What sequence did you follow to make life as easy and pleasant as is possible?

Regards.

I get the desire to be able to solder safely, easily and by flipping the board to an upright position. However, even though I soldered a number of wires under my boards, there are other options for connecting wires.

I used a number of lever arm connectors such as these examples from Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09YCLT6N5/ ... _lig_pi_dp

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09WKNXLHW/ ... _lig_pi_dp

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09PMBSMZ5/ ... _lig_pi_dp

[Bigmet]

... What sequence did you follow to make life as easy and pleasant as is possible.

Based on what was taught at an MRC with experience of layout exhibition.
Select a layout subject that is feasible.
Plan, until the track arrangement is right.
Design the layout support structure with particular attention to point locations so that control (motors, mechanical connection) is not impeded by structure, and also routing of wiring (a major consideration for a DC layout with many switched sections required, easier now with DCC).
Build all point networks on track support off the layout for the reasons you have already determined, wire up, motorise etc. test thoroughly.
Assemble layout structure, paying attention to any alterations from original plan of point networks.
Attach point neworks, then infill with track support for plain track.
Lay plain track and wire, identifying all wiring on a logical scheme, create reference wiring diagram.

I have left out aspects relating to design and construction for mobility, such as maximum dimensions of sections and overall layout, packing scheme for safe transport, and fit in regular venues, and compensation for less than level floors, etc.

For a personal layout at home, I have long adopted the open frame construction with the track support only as large as the width and length required to support the track and directly related structure such as platforms.

[Arianne]

@centenary - thank for your advice and the links. I am keen to complete the wiring using solder joints, these being generally described as the best for various reasons. However, you make a good point and realistically there will be situations where an alternative is needed. I will factor this into my pre-build trials and choose a suitable non-solder brand of products as a result. Being flexible in the approach is a good reminder, so much appreciated.

[Arianne]

@leopardstail and @Bigmet - useful, thank you. I’ve remembered the earlier advice about labelling all wiring properly but had forgotten the importance of creating a wiring plan. Got it! There’s lots here to practice before the proper build. My thinking has evolved such that I think I may choose to create a trial, short end2end track layout temporarily in my garage on just one single board. I can use this to test all kinds of things and gaining confidence before heading up to the attic for the full project.

I also think that I may create a project plan / modest Gantt chart. Planning is key here, as is sequencing. When something becomes sufficiently complex, expensive or time consuming then the planning needs to increase accordingly. This thread has helped me come to this conclusion. Like most of us I suspect, I would prefer to press on with real building rather than planning and prep. But I have learned through experience that the elegance of the finished product is often strongly correlated with the amount of planning and prep expended first.

Thank you for helping me realise this, particularly Bigmet’s latest post which is, in effect, a series of stages in the project plan.

Best wishes.

PS. I won’t be employing the services of any Project Managers though. I absolutely hated those guys in business. Totally understood the need but it seemed that they simply became the Chief Whips for the Exec Team in constantly prodding the rest of us and our teams to do the real work. Apologies to all Project Management professionals out there!