The Atlantic and Southern Build Thread Continued, Part 2

[ACL1504]

Damn Uncle Tommie,
It's amazing how much good modeling you can do in a short period of time.  I need to convince you to come to Boise and help me with my railroad.  How about a case to 2 ltr bottles of Diet Pepsi? 

He He

Cousin Brucie,

Good to see you my friend. These days with the new addition to the house, my time is somewhat needed elsewhere. However, I do try to get in a few hours on the layout each day.

I'd love to visit Boise and the Diet Pepsi offer is accepted. Unfortunately, visiting Boise is down the list of priorities if I want this third level to get finished.


Tom

[ACL1504]

Really great progress Tom.  I'm still amazed (at this point I shouldn't be) at how much wonderful work you get done in such a short time.

Mark,

Thank you as well. I'd get more done if it wasn't for the 1:1 stuff in my life at present. The good news is I see my time getting more free in the coming months.

Tom

[ACL1504]

I appreciate all those following and lurking. I'm way behind in getting the thread up to date but hope to spend a good 8 to 10 hours on the layout and updates tomorrow.

Tom

[ACL1504]

My 1:1 projects are about 75% finished and I've had a few days of getting layout stuff finished.

I've added another 2' x 8' section to the East side third level. Prior to installing the frame boxes, I added the LEDs to the bottom of the box.

I cut the 16 ft. LED strip in half and doubled it on the 1 1/4" wide Masonite. The strips are glued to the Masonite and then screwed to the underside of the frame.



The ends of the LEDs are wired together, - to - and + to +.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

The frame is then placed on the third level brackets and screwed in place.

The LEDs strips are temporarily wired to the LED buss line. I'll either solder or use suitcase clips for permanent attachment.

I use an AC-DC Power Supply for the LED lighting.





I got these off Amazon, four for $60.00.

More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I attached the power supply to a piece of plywood. The green and white wires on the left are the LED buss wires, the other wires are the power supply and ground wires. I've placed it in an area where I have easy access to the wiring.



Back in a few, Diet Pepsi is looking for me.

[ACL1504]

I'll have only five sections of LEDs powered by one Power Supply box. I should be able to power all the LEDs under the third level using only three power supply boxes.

Here is how the second level looks with the LEDs  and ceiling lights on.



Here is how the second level looks with only the LEDs on.



Wiring the LEDs parallel with the buss line instead of in series/daisy chaining sure made the difference.

OneWolf set me straight on the LED wiring. Thank you Doug for the help.

More in a few.

[ACL1504]

Using the word parallel reminded me of a story from my law enforcement days.

I had just been promoted to Probationary Sergeant and temporarily assigned to the DUI Task Force.

Around 3 AM on my first night, I stopped an old gentleman for DUI. He was all over the road. I got him out of his vehicle and after an incoherent conversation on his part, I started asking him to perform certain tasks.

Cutting to the chase, I asked him to stand straight, hold his arms out parallel to the ground with his palms up. He did this with some difficulty.

I then asked him to stay in that position and lift either his left or right leg and stand one legged for 30 seconds.

He put his arms down and said, "Now officer, I can't do that. Can't you see my legs are parallel?"

True story and yes, he was arrested for DUI.

[ACL1504]

Here are a few closer looks at the second level with the LEDs on and the over head lights out.

The brackets won't show after the fascia is attached.

[ACL1504]

[Lynnb]

Looking great, I really need to look into these led's.

[ACL1504]

One final thought on the third level.

I found it necessary to Gregize the third level bench work.

Grig-eyes

Verb -

1.  to secure or make permanent, especially third level bench work.
     "third level is gregized and can't be moved"

2.  to attach to the wall, pertaining to third level bench work.
     "third level is gregized from Greg"

3.  to tap-con to wall (especially for protection from Greg)
     "third level is gregized with tap-cons"

[ACL1504]

Looking great, I really need to look into these led's.

Lynn,

Thank you, much appreciate you checking in. The LEDs do make a difference in the lighting of the second level.

Tom

[GPdemayo]

One final thought on the third level.

I found it necessary to Gregize the third level bench work.

Grig-eyes

Verb -

1.  to secure or make permanent, especially third level bench work.
     "third level is gregized and can't be moved"

2.  to attach to the wall, pertaining to third level bench work.
     "third level is gregized from Greg"

3.  to tap-con to wall (especially for protection from Greg)
     "third level is gregized with tap-cons"

I'm trying to come up with a worthy, pithy retort, but so far "I got nuttin".....stay tuned. 

[ACL1504]

Greg,

I'll be sure to stay tuned as long as you promise to stay off the layout bench work.


So far we have Greg Speed and now Gregize, I wonder whats next?


Tom