Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- public:3counties [2024/02/10 09:50] – [Would like to join today?] jim_douglas
+++ public:3counties [2024/02/11 10:42] (current) – [Some Examples of our Projects] jim_douglas
@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 === Details of upcoming meetings ===
-<ORG34>ALL|40|18|NO</ORG34>
+<ORG34>ALL|70|18|NO</ORG34>
 We welcome new members.\\
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-===== How do I contact the Area Group =====
+===== How do I contact the Area Group? =====
-<WRAP help round button>
+<WRAP help button>
 \\
 Please indicate Three Counties Area Group in your message **[[https://www.merg.org.uk/contactus.php?t=1&n=18|Contact MERG ]]**
@@ Line 74: / Line 74: @@
-===== Would like to join today? =====
+===== Are you thinking of joining us? =====
-<WRAP tip round>
+<WRAP tip>
-if you are not alraedy a MERG a member then
+if you are not already a MERG a member then
 <WRAP button>[[https://www.merg.org.uk/membership.php|Join MERG Here]]</WRAP>
 If you are already a member then you can sign up here:
@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 </WRAP>
-===== Where Have I Seen Ealing Road? =====
+===== Some Examples of our Projects =====
+(Click on the thumbnails for a larger picture)
+<WRAP group>
+<WRAP column third box>
+==== Arc Welding Effect ====
+{{ :public:3cag-welding.mp4 |}}\\
+This was produced by one of our members. Here's his description:\\
+\\
+"The welder is based on the circuit in MERG Pocket Money Projects Kit No 8 (PMP 8 - 'Multi-purpose flasher') using the first option to simulate a welding machine. Instead of using stripboard and a DIL plugin PIC 12F675 processor, I used an SMD PIC with all components soldered onto a tiny conversion board and covered in heat-shrink tubing giving a compact unit about 15 x 10 x 5 mm which was easily hidden within the garage. The two LEDs (bright white and red) are SMD 1208 LEDs glued back-to-back, attached to long thin wires and fitted to a model of a 1:76 welder figure from Shedring Hobbies"
+</WRAP>
-<WRAP info round>
+<WRAP column third box>
+==== Van Rides Demonstration N Gauge Layout ====
+{{:public:3cag-vanrides.jpg?direct|}}\\
+\\
+This compact demonstration layout is another of our members personal projects. It was inspired by the operation of the Severn Valley Railway at Highley Station during the 2018 Spring Gala.\\
+\\
+The operation is fully automatic and is controlled by a variety of kits from the MERG Pocket Money Project range.\\
+\\
+The layout was originally built in response to the 2mm Fine Scale Association's Diamond Jubilee Challenge: to
+build a working layout with at least one turnout to the Association’s fine scale track and wheel standards within a
+scenic area 60cm long by 9.42 inches wide – a combination of standards to justify 60 for the number of years of
+existence and 9.42, for the number of mm of the standard track gauge.
+</WRAP>
-<WRAP centeralign>{{:public:ealing_road_by_knickerbocker.jpg?nolink&600|}} </WRAP>
+<WRAP column third box>
+==== The Great Model Railway Challenge TV Series ====
+{{:public:ealing_road_by_knickerbocker.jpg?direct|}}
+The group supplied expertise and manpower to mount an entry to the 'Great Model Railway Challenge' TV series under the identity of The Missenden Modellers.\\
+\\
+Their 'Ealing Road' layout featured MERG components and has subsequently been exhibited on a number of occasions and featured in the Model Railway press (an edition of British Railway Modeller). A description of this (and other MERG related entries to the challenge) appeared in the MERG journal Vol 52 December 2018.
+</WRAP>
+</WRAP>
-The group supplied expertise and manpower to mount an entry to the 'Great Model Railway Challenge' and Missenden Modellers as its identity (the Bucks County adult education centre at Great Missenden offers railway modelling courses). Their 'Ealing Road' layout featured MERG components and has subsequently been exhibited on a number of occasions and featured in the Model Railway press (an edition of British Railway Modeller). A description of this (and other MERG related entries to the challenge) appeared in the MERG journal Vol 52 December 2018.
+<WRAP group>
+==== MERG Kit Demonstrator Layout for Exhibitions ====
+<WRAP column third box>
+{{:public:3cag-demo2.jpg?direct|}}
 </WRAP>
+<WRAP column third box>
+Last year, a local model railway club asked us to provide a MERG presence at their annual exhibition. It wasn’t a great success as we did not have much to show. After that we decided to make simple demonstration layout to showcase MERG kits. We all contributed time and equipment, and put together a double decker layout with all the electronics mounted on top of the baseboards.\\
+\\
+The upper track is made from code 75 rail and is fully ballasted. It operates as an automatic shuttle.\\
+\\
+{{:public:3cag-merglayout.jpg?direct|}}
+</WRAP>
+<WRAP column third box>
+The lower track is made from Peco Setrack, code 100 mounted directly onto a cork underlay. There are two handset controllers, colour light signals, and motorised points. This is connected to a PC that is running the JMRI layout control program. JMRI provides a mimic display, control of the points, and the logic for the signals. We encourage visitors to get “hands on” with the equipment!\\
+\\
+We also have kits to show, leaflets and copies of the MERG journal to show visitors.
+The whole display is 2.4 m long. If you are an exhibition organiser and you would like it at your next show, please get in touch.\\
+\\
+Download the electronics block diagram here: ]{{ :public:3cag-demolayoutblkdiag.pdf |}}
+</WRAP>
+</WRAP>
 <WRAP box round>
 <WRAP group>