On its last outing, the ATC control panel had one LED which was far too bright. This has now been modified and Malcolm connected it to Test Board One and started to put a 2-6-2 loco through its paces. He succeeded in getting the loco to stop just before the buffer at each end.
Meanwhile Allan had 3D printed some new parts for Test Board Four. This will be a U shaped track with three sidings at each end and will bne used for further exercise the ATC controller.
The individual bases are joined together with two bars to provide a very rigid structure.
Futher sections are added incuding the base with three servo motors and side mounted controllers which will change the points. The beginning of the curve is also shown which helps that the correct geometry is maintained.
This photo, taken before the bases were joined together, shows the track-bed sections that slide into the bases. There are no connecting rods on the curve. The geometry is maintained by the overlap of the curved base and track-bed.
One base, on triple straight track-bed and three 45 degree curved track-beds to be printed for next week.
When complete, the ATC will be able to control the movements of up to five locomotives.