The Extension Begins
Erik’s been incredibly patient, his test track not being particularly testing. However, work has now begun on the centre board, on which the points and sidings will sit. Some of the sidings will cross the joins onto the outer boards but, in test track mode, this will just provide track on which to sit rolling stock.
The centre board was made at the same time as the others, and there’s a spare as well for even more expansion at a later date. The sad thing is that these boards were made over a year ago! As I said, Erik has been patient.
Electrics for these boards will similar and the 1″ slug tape for the power bus can clearly be seen here. In truth, one of these will likely be redundant, at least initially. You can also see the Tamiya connector, with the sleeves stripped back ready for the strain relief.
This is nothing more scientific that threading those bare wires through both screws of a chocolate block connector and then soldering them to the power bus. The chocolate block is screwed down and the terminals tightened, meaning that any tugs on the wire aren’t transmitted to the soldered joints.