New signal gantry, with lights!

After another successful work and running session, we now have lights in the gantry. This follows from the earlier installation of the gantry.

First task was to route fibre optic cable down from the signal masts to underneath the layout.

Running fibre optic

The cable then needed to be routed to the correct light source on the logic board.

Logic board with light sources

Flip everything right-side up again and perform a successful test run. Two green tracks (one main, one siding), one red main track, and one amber for the work track.

Gantry is lit up

If you look carefully, you can see the clear fibre optic cables running through the gantry. One green dwarf lamp is also visible in the distance.

Please drop by the Club on a run night to learn more about fibre optics and track signalling.

New N scale layout, the other end

Boundaries are necessary.

We introduced the N scale layout in this post. The other boundary of the layout is module 7. At 4′ each, the 7 modules combine to create a layout of 28′ in length.

Symmetrically, module 7 includes the right end of the backdrop and staging area. The plan also shows a boundary for what likely will be a hill/mountain with tunnels… but it could just as easily be a waterfront and bridges. Time will tell.

In the area ahead of the backdrop, there is now a 4th track that is not present in module 1. Curious? Check back soon to learn more as modules 2 through 6 are presented.

Our Club and the Community

At the Dundas Modular Railway Club we are proud of the community that we are part of. We are also thrilled to share our excitement for the model railroading hobby with the community.

Recently we received a letter from Christine at Cornerstones Special Needs Services regarding one of our community connections. The full text of Christine’s letter can be found here.

It is heartwarming for us to read this feedback. For example, Christine writes

The train club offers an inclusive, welcoming, and nurturing environment where our participants can interact with others, develop social connections, learn new skills, and participate in an activity that they genuinely enjoy.

and

Opportunities such as this are extremely important to the individuals we support, as they help promote community inclusion, social engagement, and a sense of belonging.

THANK YOU Christine for allowing us to engage with your community members and share our passion for model railroading.

Hello, DCC-EX !!

After success on the Club’s N scale layout, the Club two weeks ago transitioned the control system of the HO scale layout to DCC-EX.

Previously the Club ran 3 HO tracks on the layout, a dedicated DC track and 2 dedicated DCC tracks. The controls and power supplies were housed in a wheeled cabinet tucked below the benchwork.

Discussion about switching to DCC-EX started a few months back and was completed by a few members in one operating session!

A 4-port board was purchased and installed, allowing control of 4 unique “tracks”. Any track can be operated as DC or DCC – the engineer can select whichever they need for their running session and equipment. Our old wheeled cabinet has been replaced with the following:

DCC-EX apps are available for both Android and iOS. The Android Train Controller app is more feature rich currently allowing additional programming features.

If you are considering switching to DCC-EX, drop by the Club on an operating evening (currently Wednesdays 6:30pm+) and speak with our knowledgeable Club members. They are happy to share their experiences and expertise.

And now we have an extra wheeled cabinet to re-purpose!

New signal gantry

Mainline on the Club’s HO scale layout comprises 3 tracks. During some operating evenings all 3 tracks are occupied by through traffic. A few members like to operate local switching jobs. Keeping all of this in proper order requires coordination. And soon it will be aided by the addition of track signalling.

Shown in the photo is the newest layout detail – a signal gantry that spans 5 tracks. (Side note: I thought 5 was a lot but Google tells me that 10+ is not uncommon!) The gantry was 3D printed and includes infrastructure for supporting signal heads (to be added shortly) and their lighting.

In the photo, recently added dwarf signals are also visible. All signals are illuminated over fibre optic cable running from coloured light sources under the bench work.

New N scale layout, the beginning

The current N scale layout has served the Club well for many years. It is also the Club’s travel layout, having been to many shows and events where it has always been well received.

In 2025, the Club decided to undertake the building of a new N scale layout. A committee was formed and met regularly to discuss requirements, objectives, operational goals and learning opportunities.

Several key decisions have been made:

  • The complete layout will be constructed of 7 modules, all modules to fit on 1 dolly.
  • Each module will be 34″ wide x 4′ long.
  • A subset of 4 modules will be available to travel to exhibitions.
  • The location will be inspired by Brockville, ON.
  • Operations will feature a port, 20′ staging area, and fiddle yard.
  • There will be 3 tracks for independent operation.
  • The layout will support DC and DCC (as the current HO layout does).

Presently the modules are being built by member Russ. Russ has chosen to construct the module benchwork from poplar plywood. Poplar is both strong and lightweight, making it an ideal material to move around, while retaining integrity.

This is Module 1, left end of the layout. 3 tracks are visible, as is the start of the staging yard which will be hidden behind a photo/painted backdrop.

Stay tuned for more modules and the overall layout.

Filling in the details, part 1

The club layout contains a scene that will look very familiar to residents or visitors to Dundas. The north side of King Street, east of Dundas’ famous “bank corner” includes many buildings that you will instantly recognize on the layout.

Members are hard at work filling in more and more of the details of the King Street scene. In this photo, the patio area between Kevin Martin Fine Jewellery and Collin’s Brewhouse has been recently added. Member Marcus contributed his 3D printing skills and measurements of real tables, chairs and umbrellas to create this charming patio area. Patrons are clearly enjoying themselves while waiting for their orders to arrive.

Previous 3D printing efforts are also visible in the parking meters and fire hydrants. These details, together with fencing, awnings, lamp posts and tire rubber on the asphalt, add to the realism and overall enjoyment of the layout.

Visit the Club and spot many more 3D printed features.