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Precision Switching! Upgrading Our Turnouts
21-mar Precision Switching! Upgrading Our Turnouts
21-mar Precision Switching! Upgrading Our Turnouts
Great mail day at BNS-Thailand! Today, two brand-new turnout motors arrived and were immediately installed on two of our most critical switches. We’re putting these to the test to see if they outperform our old Roco drives, which occasionally jammed or failed to trigger.
These new beauties from Decoderwerk (Germany) use a precision mini-motor—take a look at the photo to see the compact tech inside! Even with shipping to Thailand, they arrived in just 10 days. A fantastic purchase for a more reliable layout!
8-mar Reverse Loops and First Runs
8-mar Reverse Loops and First Runs
We have reached a significant milestone today as the first trains began continuous running on the new trackage. Managing the reverse loops proved to be an interesting technical challenge. While I initially developed a custom solution using an ESP32, I discovered three Lenz LK100 reverse loop modules in my inventory today.
These units were integrated into the system and are functioning flawlessly. To celebrate, we’ve uploaded our first footage: the ÖBB 1018-007 leading a freight consist through the Reichenbach TH section. The electrical stability and track alignment are looking excellent.
25-feb Repairs and Run-Throughs
25-feb Repairs and Run-Throughs
We have two exciting updates from the workshop today! First up, the DB 118 049 is officially back in service. After replacing the buffers and the coupling holder, she’s running as smooth as ever—it’s like she just came off the assembly line!
In other news, we have officially kicked off the test-running phase for the left side of the layout. Seeing the first trains navigate that new section is a huge thrill. More track is already on order and heading our way, so the momentum isn't slowing down!
03-March Testing the left side
03-March Testing the left side
Progress continues at a steady pace. Today, we successfully installed the first length of track onto the newly painted module surface.
To maintain high standards for running quality, we’ve opted for a Roco R10 radius (888mm). This wide curve not only looks realistic but will also accommodate our longer rolling stock perfectly. The foundation is looking solid!
22-feb The Final Modules are Ready
22-feb The Final Modules are Ready
The BNS team pushed hard this weekend to reach our goal of completing all modules. Nature even lent a hand on Saturday; the overcast, rainy conditions provided the perfect lighting for high-precision laser leveling.
By Sunday, we successfully assembled the final two sections. The very last module was the largest and most intricate of the series, but we managed to get it perfectly aligned as the sun went down. With the dusk light making our lasers easy to track, everything is now leveled to perfection.
21-feb First 11 meter ready
21-feb First 11 meter ready
Last week, the BNS-Thailand branch hit another incredible milestone! We’ve officially completed the first 11 meters of modules—and even the corner pieces are up and standing!
The precision is real, though; because we rely on lasers for perfect leveling, we’re in a race against the sun. We have to wrap up by 8:30 AM before the Thailand sunlight gets too bright to see the beams. It’s early starts and high stakes, but seeing it all come together is totally worth it!
09-feb First module is ready!
09-feb First module is ready!
Exactly nine years ago today, on 9-Feb-2017, I said 'I do.' What better way to celebrate this special day than by completing the first module (90x200cm) of my latest project?
My first time working with teak, and definitely a labor of love.
04-feb The train area is ready for action!
04-feb The train area is ready for action!
After almost three weeks of hard work, the 130-square-meter area is finally finished. The dedicated space for the trains measures 6.7 x 11 meters (approximately 74 sq m or 794 sq ft) and is situated right between the roof pillars.
In the coming days, we need to gather more tools to start the build! BNS has calculated that we are going to need more rails.
31-january
31-january
The tiling is progressing steadily! Even though we can’t run any trains yet, it's a great way to celebrate the BNS anniversary.
anotherview
anotherview
In a few weeks, we will have a train running! Not quite in time for the BNS anniversary, but stay tuned for updates. There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes.
Overview under the roof
Overview under the roof
Total area to make the railroad is 7 times 11 meters
anotherview
anotherview
Ready to put nice tiles on the floor for easy walking.
Work on the roof in progress 04/01
Work on the roof in progress 04/01
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