My thoughts & ramblings about the World's Greatest Hobby

Loco Servicing Workstation

This is an idea I got from Model Railroader Magazine which I thought would be a great idea for me especially as I was looking for somewhere I could work on locomotives away from the layout room.  My version includes test tracks for N Gauge (9mm), 2mm (9.42mm) and Nn3 (6.5mm).  I have wired the test tracks so they can be powered using either conventional DC or an NCE DCC system.  I have also added a NCE test module so that I can connect a computer for programming the locomotives.  I have ended up using this work station for soldering and building kits of all sorts.  To assist with the soldering I have put a small shelf at one end of the test tracks and also have put another shelf at the front to assist with bringing the work surface closer.  Hopefully the pictures will show how it all goes together.

This shot shows the entire workstation.  The work area is approximately 600mm x 350mm.  The test tracks stand approximately 120mm higher then the work surface.  This provides a vertical surface to mount some of the electronics.

This shot shows the panel where I can switch between the various test tracks, testing module and, DC and DCC control systems.  The module located behind the panel allows me to test and, when required, program a DCC chip.  If required I am able to attach a separate test track to the two bolts protruding from the panel just behind the switches.  They are live when the test tracks are selected.   

This shot shows the three test tracks. 

This shot shows where I have put the soldering station and the raised work area which is particularly useful for soldering and working on small parts.

Last updated 20th September 2016