Next on the `to do` list was to connect up the new DCC Power Cab to the main board. This was a simple process as DCC is just a single positive and negative connection and just required removing the old connector and re-routing the power leads to the new location on the board. Fitting the DCC connector points was relatively straight forward. After checking there was no critical wiring behind where I wanted the board to go, I drew a pencil line around the cover plate and in the connector holes, to give the size of the required hole. I then chose a small wood drill and starting at the corners and working inwards drilled as many holes as I could until they started to join together. The final trimming out was then with a narrow chisel and course file. Aim for a hole slightly smaller than you need, as you can always take more out, which is easier than putting it back. As you can see from the picture ( to follow) these sit nice and flush on the side of the board. Three were installed, one for the main controller and two for the second but in practice I don't think the third will be needed. The big question that remained was regarding the power of the basic system, was it enough to run the entire layout or did I need the booster? Well, the system not only worked once it was connected but happly powered two fast trains and a third shunting in the goods yard.
I had also been given some black curtains formerly used on mixing desks by a friend at the club. Not only were these quite thick but they have been fire proofed and have velcro attached at the top. I bought several strips of fluffy self adhesive velco from Wilkinsons, which my mother subsequently informed me could have been obtained much cheaper from a fabric wholesailer and both stuck and stapled these to the edge of the board. I thought the weight of the curtains or a hot hall on as summers day may see them peeling off if I just them stuck on. I,m pleased to say that not ony did these reach to within a couple of inches of the ground but ran around the three scenic sides of the layout almost to the inch.
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