Garden Works 2022 - 01
Since my last article on the garden railway in November 2021 there have been quite a few changes, so much so I didn't really know whether to publish small articles in different sections of FGO. The only problem with doing this is that the work overlaps the various sections and it would have meant multiple cross overs in the articles
My solution was to create another menu item 'In The Garden’ This will take in, the garden, the pond and general garden railway items during these works.
This first picture was the last one posted in November last year, 2021. Nothing has visibly changed to the railway up to January.
January 2022
The first job in this update was for Chris to wire RGB strip lights into the top of spoke bridge. This an image of one of the 5 units used.
Here you can see how Chris has fitted the units inside the top of the cross bars on the bridge. More work on the bridge in February.
Enter more of Robert's handy work, a piece of flexible conduit tunnelled under the railway base.
A better picture showing the conduit.
Just a kitchen cupboard, yes but a very important one.
It houses top left the LGB MTS Central Control Station and to the right the transformer that delivers the power direct to the track. Below the shelf are the on/off switches for the external sockets marked P and the track marked T.
In the picture the flap has been dropped down to show on the left the RCD and a jumble of cables. In part 2 there will be significant changes in the cupboard.
From one bridge to another, this time the pond bridge.
I decide to re stain the bridge and got more than I had bargained for, rotted main supports. This next set of pictures shows how I have completely restored it.
Repaired and back where it belongs.
Back to the spoke bridge with Chris. Fixed under the bridge, the transformer and RGB control unit.
Close up.
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Finished and sealed, the power lead is left loose at the moment.
As mentioned in an earlier article I need to be able to lift the bridge off completely so the power lead needs to be detachable, as you can see the power lead has a plug and socket equipped for this,
Now fixed permanently to the underside of the bridge.
Showing the box in position under the bridge,
The pond, this is my domain.
I have mentioned previously that I was giving all my pond fish away and today is the today. In preparation as you can see I have drained some of the water off and taken the pump out of the pond and the plants, making it easier to catch the fish.
The fish have now gone so no need for the nets, pump and plants back in.
Night time across the garden, a couple of picture showing the spot lights and 1 of the strings around the track, Still plenty more work for Robert to do on the electrics though.
Robert at it again sorting out more new wiring for me, The inset shows the box on the wall that house the Massoth DiMac Radio Control receiver, this is completely independent to the work that Robert is doing.
Having fun trying to thread all the cables through the plastic conduit.
Mounting two external boxes to house the transformers etc, needed for the various lights.
Boxes mounted and some external cable fitted.
Another junction box fitted, oh sorry Robert a Wiska Box. This is for the track string lights, the two canal/locks spot lights and also the track power.
Most of the mains wiring completed, he is now wiring the power supplies etc for the various light effects. Rather him than me.
The pond pump and UV clarifier connections this is an independent mains circuit.
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I will leave you with Robert doing what is happy doing 'messing' (I used the word lightly ) wiring in some of the components.
A good place to finish. Part two is on its way soon
Published 18/07/2022
Updated 19/08/2022