About

Hello and welcome to my Blog.

My name is Andy and this is my story. 

This is a Blog in which I display my basic layout scenic detail skills - modelling Era 1972. 

The Blog is also about basic custom built control circuits and controlling DC Model trains in general. 

It is the meeting place for Railway Modellers and others interested in Model Railways and Model Trains in general.

Living out my childhood dream - “When I was young, we did not know we lacked anything, because we did not have anything to compare it to, and there is a freedom in that....” Sir Sean Connery (1930 - 2020)

Since October 17, 2012:

I have developed Robust Simplified Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and DC Model Train Controllers for own consumption and for the Model Train Enthusiast operating DC Layouts. DC layouts opposed to pricey DCC layouts can also be a lot of fun! 

There is a lot to be said about us DC railroad operators…never fried a board…

My Printed Circuit Board Designs:

Design 1:

The first South African developed and marketed PME "Point Motor Energiser™" board, internationally known as a CDU (capacitor discharge unit). Part numbers are AND-01 [revision 1] and AND-02 [revision 2]. For protecting the valuable Hornby and PECO Point Motors. ONLY one AND-01 [revision 1] or one AND-02 [revision 2] is needed for an entire layout. 

Design 2:

The RLTS "Return Loop Toggle Switch™" PCB to control my automatic double reverse  / return loops. Part number is RLTS-1. The sensing signals to this board are achieved by simple Reed Switches and Static Magnets.

Design 3:

The Dual DC Train Controller - called "Smilodon 3000 DTC™". This is a "beefed up" model train controller with overload protection, making use of the latest PolySwitch® technology (Automatic re-settable fuse technology) 

Features of this Controller: 
2 x controlled 42 watt 1,2 Volt to 14 Volt DC Bi-directional outputs for train control, 
1 x uncontrolled 3 amp 15 Volt AC output for switching Point Motors via AND-01 Point Motor Energizer Board (or AND-02 revision 2 Point Motor Energizer Board) and 
1 x controlled DC output for layout accessory circuits that can be preset between 1,2 Volt and 14 Volt. 

My Layout is currently powered by this Controller.

Months of planning went into these designs, building it and eventually putting it into service. 

I hope I have enticed you to view and follow my blog posts.

Happy viewing,

Andy Gillespie.