Traverser
Constructed and test ran a new traverser today.
The parts I used were the top and base section of a bookcase (the main baseboard is made from the side panels.)
The traverser base is wall mounted with reinforced brackets, the deck is fitted with heavy duty drawer runners.
*EDIT - 8/2/21: Magnetic connector snapped at weld, see posts for 8/2/21 and 9/2/1 for details on repair and improvements!
Power is supplied from a connection block wired from the main controller, the cable is fitted to two magnetic terminals via the metal inserts from a connection block.
The terminal wires are fed through small holes in the base of the traverser - supported with semi-rigid plastic sleeves (cotton bud sticks!)
The track receives power from 20mm bolts that go through the traverser deck and protrude by a few millimetres, making contact with the underside of the rails (the plastic webbing is cut away to make this possible.)
Today, I have only laid the front and rear sections of track - mainly because these were the slightly more complex pieces to do, and their position governs that of the other lines. Other lines will be added in the future.
The rearmost track receives power from a direct connection to the front track, as well as (when drawn forward) from the magnetic connecters. It also has a siding that works in the traditional way, leaving one track unpowered and one line live - depending on the position of the points.
Connecting the rear track to the front was the simplest method I came up with to allow traffic to use the rear of the layout without more complex and separate wiring, switches and terminals.
The height of the deck is adjustable by two brackets on the underside that are fitted with rubber washers for added support.
I've built and used a traverser like this before and was very pleased with it. Looking forward to adding the middle lines and getting on with some less restricted operating!
Cheers for looking in.
Edited by Ray Von
- 2
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