HELP & ADVICE - New to
Railway Modelling or just need some EXTRA help and advice. The hobby has advanced over the past 10 years and those returning to
the hobby, will also need to get up to date.
Model Railway Accessories –
Modeltrainsuk at Cravenmodels of Shropshire 
We constantly update our webpages -
Please press CTRL and F5 keys together to refresh this page.
MODEL RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION
HELP - ADVICE -
GUIDANCE - TERMINOLOGY
Over
30 help and advice pages for new comers and those returning to modelling
READ - LEARN & INWARDLY DIGEST FOR THE BEST RESULS
A WAST RANGE OF HELP
ADVICE WITH TECNICAL INFORMATION &
TERMINOTOGIES
Presented by James S Lyon FIIM who has been
modelling for the past 70 years
and who has operated a number of Model Shops in
the Shropshire area.
plus
established an International Mail-order Accessories supplies company with
products to build your own exciting Model Railway layout.
James Lyon became a Signal Structural Designer
working on many British Railways Electrification Schemes across the UK for
Westinghouse Brake & Signal Co Ltd
Our aim is to help many different modellers make
the right choices for their own layout - No lime are the same
The industry is very fast moving these days and
we attempt to keep our guides up todate as possible.
HELP PAGES INDEX
HELP - ADVICE - ASSISTANCE
The
hobby of Model Railways has advanced over the past 10 years and those returning
to the hobby, need to get up to date.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you
have the necessary skills and knowledge required to install electrical and
electronics components before you proceed.
Please read the following help guides and
manuals before your make your purchase.
Incorrect handling and or installation will cause a SHORT CIRCUIT
and COMPONENT FAILURE, which will not be covered by the manufacturers warranty.
You must use the correct polarity
"-" or "+" If you do not, it will not work correctly and
will cause component failure and permanent damage.
MODELTRAINSUK at Cravenmodels of
Shropshire - Welcome to our help quides:
New to Model Railways
JUST BOUGHT OR BEEN GIVEN A NEW TRAIN SET ! ? ! ?
or JUST RETURNING or BEEN MODELLING FOR YEARS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW BEGINERS WITH A GIFT SET
ARE YOU NEW TO MODEL RAILWAY LAYOUT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
OR JUST RETURNING AFTER A SPELL AWAY FROM MODELLING
THEN
- TO BE SUCCESSFUL YOU WILL NEED TO LEARN THE FACTS ABOUT HOW TO PROCEED AND TO
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE NEW DCC PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET.
REMEMBER
- YOU HAVE A LOT TO LEARN - OTHERWISE
IT COULD BE EXPENSIVE IF YOU GET IT WRONG
!!!!
BEGINNERS - IF YOU HAVE JUST PURCHASED A NEW SHINY TRAIN SET
IN A BOX OR BEEN GIVEN ONE AS A PRESENT FOR YOURSELF OR A GRANDCHILD - A STEEP
LEARNING CURCE AWAITS YOU ESPECIALLY IF IT IS DCC!!!
http://www.cravenmodels.com/TRAINSETS.htm << Click to get started !!
First of all you need to build a base board for your new model
Railway !!
Basic carpentry skills required. !!
http://www.cravenmodels.com/TRACKMAT.htm 
Then learn about basic electrics !!
Carpentry skills will also be required for mounting and
fitting accessories !!
Cut a clean accurate rectangle in your baseboard !!
So lets GET STARTED with your new layout !!
TURN YOUR TRAIN SET INTO A MODEL RAILWAY - DO'S & DONT'S http://www.cravenmodels.com/TRAINSETS.htm
MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIRED TO BUILD
YOUR FIRST MODEL LAYOUT www.cravenmodels.com/SKILLS.htm
POINT MOTOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEWCOMERS http://www.cravenmodels.com/POINTMOTORINS.htm
HORNBY POINT MOTOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION http://www.cravenmodels.com/HORNBYPOINTMOTORINS.htm
SEEP POINT MOTOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS http://www.cravenmodels.com/SEEP.htm
HORNBY TRACK CLIP ON DCC
ACCESSORIES http://www.cravenmodels.com/HORNBYSIGNALS.htm
BACHMANN TRACK CLIP ON DCC ACCESSORIES http://www.cravenmodels.com/BACHMANNSIGNALS.htm
MODELLING
www.cravenmodels.com/MODELRAILWAYHELP.htm
PLASTIC KITS - BUILDING & PAINTING http://www.cravenmodels.com/BUILDINGPLASTICKITS.htm
WARNING
MIXING COMPONENTS FROM DIFFENENT MANUFACTURERS http://www.cravenmodels.com/MIXINGCOMPONENTS.htm
Just click on any link above
CUSTOMERISING YOUR LAYOUT
Get product Help with the following:-
CARD KIT BUILDING HELP www.cravenmodels.com/CARDKITBUILDINGHELP.htm
DCC PRODUCT INDEX www.cravenmodels.com/DCCINDEX.htm
DCC CONCEPTS www.cravenmodels.com/DCCCONCEPTS.htm
ELECTRICS HELP & ADVICE www.cravenmodels.com/ELECTRICSHELP.htm
BUILDING SCENICS INTO YOUR MODEL RAILWAY www.cravenmodels.com/SCENICS
ADHESIVES.htm
FULL PRODUCT SEARCH http://www.cravenmodels.com/SEARCH.htm
SIGNAL LAYOUT HELP www.cravenmodels.com/SIGNALSHELP.htm
SWITCH TYPES AND USAGES www.cravenmodels.com/SWITCHES.htm
Just click on any link above
GENERAL
KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED
The hobby of
Model Railways has advanced over the past 10 years and those returning to the
hobby, need to get up to date.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary skills and
knowledge required to install electrical and electronics components before you
proceed.
Please read the following
help guides and manuals before your make your purchase.
Incorrect handling and or installation will cause a SHORT CIRCUIT
and COMPONENT FAILURE, which will not be covered by the manufacturers warranty.
You must use the correct polarity "-" or "+" If you do
not, it will not work correctly and will cause component failure and permanent
damage.
PRODUCT & MANUFACTURER SEARCH
http://www.cravenmodels.com/SEARCH.htm
MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIRED www.cravenmodels.com/SKILLS.htm
HELP & ADVICE - ESSENTIAL READING www.cravenmodels.com/HELP.htm
ELECTRICS TERMINOLOGY www.cravenmodels.com/TERMINOLOGY.htm
GENERAL ELECTRICS HELP www.cravenmodels.com/ELECTRICS.htm
ECKON BERKO SIGNALS www.cravenmodels.com/ECKONBERKOINS.htm
DAPOL SEMAPHORE SIGNALS http://www.cravenmodels.com/DAPOLSIGNALS.htm
CARE OF LED’S www.cravenmodels.com/LEDSHELP.htm
OO/HO OVERHEAD
CATENERY
http://www.cravenmodels.com/CATENARYHELP.htm
N
OVERHEAD CATENARY
http://www.cravenmodels.com/CATENARYHELPN.htm
OO/HO
LIGHTING SYSTEMS http://www.cravenmodels.com/LIGHTINGHELP.htm
N GAUGE LIGHTING
SYSTEMS http://www.cravenmodels.com/LIGHTINGHELPN.htm
MODEL BUILDING
www.cravenmodels.com/MODELBUILDING.htm
Just click on any link above
THE NEW AGE OF DCC
– A MINE FIELD FOR NEWCOMERS
INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE
PROCEEDING !!!
TOOL HANDLING & MAGNETIC WARNING www.cravenmodels.com/WARNING.htm
HANDLING DELICATE WIRING www.cravenmodels.com/WIREHANDLING.htm
TRACK CARE AND TESTING for
DCC INSTALLATION http://www.cravenmodels.com/TRACKCARE.htm
DCC INSTALLATATION CARE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED www.cravenmodels.com/DCCCARE.htm
DCC TRAINTRONICS INSTALLATION MANUAL
www.cravenmodels.com/TRAINTRONICSDCCINS.htm
DCC CONCEPTS INSTALLATION MANUAL
http://www.cravenmodels.com/DCCCONCEPTSMANUALINS.htm
ROCO Z21 DCC SYSTEM http://www.cravenmodels.com/Z21ROCO.htm
ECKON BERKO INSTALLATION
WIRING http://www.cravenmodels.com/ECKON.htm
FAULT FINDING http://www.cravenmodels.com/FAULTS.htm
MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY www.cravenmodels.com/WARRANTY.htm
MODEL WIRES http://www.cravenmodels.com/MODELWIRES.htm
MIXING COMPONENTS FROM
DIFFENENT MANUFACTURERS http://www.cravenmodels.com/MIXINGCOMPONENTS.htm
MANUFACTURERS
WARRENRT http://www.cravenmodels.com/WARRANTY.htm
RETURNS -
PLEASE READ BEFORE RETURNING ANY ITEMS
http://www.cravenmodels.com/RETURNS.htm
Just click on any link above
DC OR DCC
The main thing to remember is that DCC Systems,
Locomotives and Accessories can be a lot, lot more expensive than DC, so check
out the comparable prices before deciding which way to go. DC point motors start around £5 each when
DCC point motors can cost up to £30 and more with decoders.
You can do a lot more with DCC Systems but the cost can be
prohibitive for some, plus the fact that you need to be computer
orientated. Think before you jump in
the DCC deep end. !!!!
Our aim is to help
customers make the right choices !!!
MODELTRAINSUK
MODEL RAILWAY
There are many different
power supplies available within the Model Industry.
Please read all the manufacturers
instructions before attempting to connect any power supply to an electrical
device.
Using an incorrect power
supply may damage the product – It may work initially but may burn out due to
incorrect voltage or amperage being used.
There are supplies that
are DC or AC. The correct one must
be used.
Some products call for
the use of Diodes and or Resistors and or
Regulators and or Controllers.
THE CORRECT SUPPLY MUST
BE USED AT
For further information please email or
telephone 01588 660580 or go to
www.modeltrainsuk.com
A WARNING LEAFLET IS ENCLOSED WITH
ELECTRICAL
PLEASE READ THIS LEAFLET BEFORE OPENING ANY COMPONENT PACKAGING
PLEASE GO TO THE RELEVANT WEBSITE FOR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
CHECK COMPATIBILITY OF COMPONENTS WITH YOUR CONTROL SYSTEM
BEFORE OPENING ANY COMPONENT PACKAGING
http://www.cravenmodels.com/WARRANTY.htm
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Facilities & Services
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Every
endeavour has been made to ensure that the information and details contained in
this file, were accurate at the time of publication. I have a policy of
constantly updating the websites due to changing technologies and the
introduction of new products etc. The aim is to ensure that customers are kept
up to date and to ensure that Model Railway Help Guides and
Technical/Educational Manuals are kept up to date and that they are as
informative as possible. It is the responsibility of every customer/READER to
ensure that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to install any
component before making a purchase and before commencing any installation. I sell a range of books on the subject of
Model Railways. If in doubt ask “first”
and seek advice. Health & Safety
rules must be observed at all times and children must be supervised at all
times. I make every effort to ensure
that the information on the website is accurate and up to date. I will promptly
correct any errors brought to my attention. I can accept no responsibility for
information or opinions from third parties contained within this site, or for
the content of links from this site. Manufacturers product photographs are for
illustration, products may differ from those shown. If in doubt please
telephone or email me, I will be pleased to advise. Manufacturers
specifications and product descriptions are for guidance. Errors and Omissions
accepted. I reserve the right to withdraw any item from sale, at any point
prior to dispatch, for whatever reason.
Manufacturers
Warranty Terms and Conditions apply. Goods damaged by the Customer in any way,
including incorrect installation and or product/component mishandling, are NOT
covered by warranty. 2013
James.S.Lyon T/A
Modeltrainsuk at Cravenmodels International Mail Order
Bungalow Railway Workshops, Purslow Estate, Craven Arms,
Tel: 01588 660
580 10 am to 7 pm email
modeltrainsuk@btconnect.com
INTERNET TRADING FOR OVER 17 YEARS
SKILLS REQUIRED -
BASIC CARPENTRY - ELECTRICAL WIRING - FAULT FINDING
1.
The ability to measure and mark out the correct position of the rectangular
hole at the correct angle.
2.
To have the ability to use power tools to cut out the rectangular hole to the
exact size required.
3.
The sides of the hole should be VERTICAL and smooth so that the point motor can
be fitted firmly in the hole.
4.
Have the ability to read and understand the electrical wiring diagrams
provided.
5.
Wire up the electrical circuit using the correct wire gauge using the correct
colour scheme.
6.
Ensure that you have purchased the correct electrical switches and connected then
correctly.
7.
To provide and install the correct power supply to the component or motor as
instructed.
AC
or DC, at the correct voltage and amps.
8.
Get it wrong and it might explode and cause a fire as well as ruin any
components within the circuit.
This
will not be covered by warranty if caused by your errors.
9.
Check that every thing is correct including point springs/Clips etc and that the point motor has been install in
the correct position so that the point motor will travel fully in each direction.
If
the point is old or has been damaged in any way - Replace it immediately. If
you have points that have broken or ineffective springs or no inbuilt
springs, we suggest that you replace your point motors with a SEEP PM-4 point
motor (shown below) which has inbuilt springs to hold the points in place in
either direction of movement.
10.
Ensure that there are no obstruction under the point motor to hinder its
movement - Underlay, dirt. grit, dust and any oil contamination.
10.
Apply the correct power to operate, with switches correctly wired as
instructed.
11.
FAILURE to operate correctly - Switch off all power supplies and check for
faults.
12.
If you find that you have NOT cut the hole correctly so that it does NOT fit
centrally with the motor drive pin and point drive hole.
You
then have a major problem to solve.
Don't try to bodge it !!!
Dismantle and start again !!!
13.
Check that the point blades are firmly touching on each side and that there is
no obstruction or oil/grease.
14.
Use a TRAIN TECH - LINE TESTER or
MULTIMETRE to test that power is available on every inch of the layout.
Please
follow all the above instructions and ensure that this type of point motor is
firmly attached to the base board in the correct position.
If
NOT you will find that the point will not operate correctly and that any
accessories attached might also fail. (DCC Controls etc)