The layout features working Victorian-style street lighting, and illuminated buildings using a combination of LEDS and bulbs obtained from Express Models and DCC Supplies, including a variable supply unit providing a DC output of between 1.2-15V from the 16V AC volt accessory terminals on a standard analogue controller. A separate mains transformer, with suitable outputs, such as supplied by Gaugemaster, can also be used instead.
The Victorian-style lamp columns and wall lamp, which is mounted on the engine shed, come supplied with 12V bulbs. However, they will work at 6V without having to connect the supplied resistors. The 12V LEDS used for the building interiors are supplied pre-wired, in threes, with a resistor on a self-adhesive backing strip which will also work on 6V.
The base fulfils the same purpose as a regular baseboard, in providing a firm foundation on which to mount the track and buildings. Moreover, a separate base only requires a single hole drilled through the case plinth for wiring an external controller and power supply.
The chosen display case is typical of the various sizes available from model shops or online. This unit, from Inperspextive, measures 330mm long, 200mm deep and 200mm tall and features a clear Perspex lid that clips into a black plastic base.
Helpfully, Metcalfe provide each building kits’ ‘footprint’ dimensions on its website so, having drawn out the outline of the case’s base on graph paper, templates could be created and positioned, before purchasing the kits.
To avoid the need for soldering, the track feed wires and those for the automated shuttle unit were crimped securely to miniature spade connectors, after stripping away a few millimetres of insulation and twisting the wire strands together.
The spade connectors were modified slightly with pliers, so that they could be push-fitted in between the plastic sleeper webbing and the rails of flexible track. The wires are fed through holes in the baseboard and screwed to connecting blocks.
The base, together with the sub-structure on which the terraced houses are mounted, is constructed from 2mm (0.080in) plywood and 12 by 6mm (½ by ¼in) stripwood. The base is cut just shy of the internal measurements of the case plinth to allow the clear lid to fit.
The various control circuits (see panel) were housed beneath the substructure supporting the terraced houses, which is easily removed via a pair of screws. The LED light strips were added to the houses once they were secured to the substructure.
A sheet of stiff blue card was cut to form the backscene and give extra support to the terraced houses. Because of the large panels cut into the rear walls, coloured paper was fixed to the card to add different lighting effects.
A section of the roof was also cut out to allow light to appear through the dormer windows. Packs of Ratio’s plastic guttering and down pipes were then installed and painted, which enhanced the appearance of the card buildings.
The Black Cat Technology shuttle unit, is housed behind the Metcalfe Models retaining wall, which was reduced in height to allow everything to fit within the case. A stripwood batten gives the wall sections extra rigidity.
Metcalfe’s low-relief terraced house kits were constructed, as per the kit’s instructions, although large sections of the rear panels had to be cut out to allow the LED lighting strips to be installed.
The stripwood batten will also act as a locating point for the base of the terraced houses, so it had to be straight and level. More holes were drilled in the baseboard for the layout’s wiring and for the lighting elements.
After cutting the side walls and roof in half, the engine shed was assembled, following the kit’s instructions. A fresh, sharp blade and steel ruler are essential for cutting the card elements cleanly and squarely.
The wires from the track feeds, shuttle system and lighting units were all passed through the holes in the baseboard and connected with screw terminals. A small switch was installed, again using crimped spade connectors.