MODEL BUURT SPOOR
The changes on the lay-out in 2021
2021 starts with overhaul work on the equipment in the workshop.
This includes all standard L.G.B. couplers replaced by S-KupliX couplers
from MDS-modell, which are narrower and therefore less noticeable.
The workshop delivers R.T.M. PD 299 box car, M.B.S. 401 flat car
with raised edges and grinding carriage M.B.S. 702.
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The changes are clearly visible in the new above rail plan version 13.8 of 13-02-2021
(click on the rail plan to enlarge).
The depot will be located on the other side of the garden path on the Handelsterrein, the bend that was previously on the depot site has been removed and straightened, with the exchange street being moved to the depot site.
Because the diesel trams, due to the short radius, cannot use the small turning loops of the electric tram
a junction was made between track 20 and track 10.
Furthermore, all routes are divided into electric (blue) and diesel tracks (red/orange),
all tracks now have their own number (see legend at the top left of the rail plan).
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In the period from February 7 to 16, the tram company had to contend with a complete disruption of all tram traffic due to heavy snowfall.
The photo was taken on February 7 and only shows the overhead lines and the buildings.
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The old type L.G.B. switch drive with the switch lantern.
The signaling department has started to replace all L.G.B. analogue switch drives to prepare and replace with digital ones from ML-Train.
This new drive runs faithfully and can still be operated analogue.
By the time the entire garden railway is digitized, the connecting cables for the switches from the signal box and the switching station can be cleaned up because remote operation will then be possible.
With this digital conversion, all switches are also provided with a switch position signal in the shape
of a white and a blue LED, which are placed one above the other (seen in the approach direction of the switch).
If the switch is straight, a white LED shows and when it deflects a blue LED.
This solution was deliberately chosen, the old L.G.B. switch lanterns gave too much friction when turning the points, whereby they regularly remained in a 'half position' and therefore did not completely turn.
In the new situation it's no longer possible to drive the switch open, it inevitably leads to a derailment...
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For a level crossing yet to be built, where the tram crosses a walking path, the signals have already been manufactured in the workshop.
Until 1966, similar signals were located at a level crossing where the R.T.M. trams the N.S. crossed correspondence tracks.
The top light showed red, the bottom green, so in terms of model this white light is incorrect.
The level crossing barriers for this model crossing are not used further.
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The situation where R.T.M. crossed N. S. tracks in 2e Rosestraat.
On the left, largely out of view, the level crossing in the 2nd Rosestraat for car traffic, on the right the tram level crossing.
The level crossing was operated from the then switchbox,K on Rotterdam South, not far from this level crossing.
On the right (inset) motorcar 'Fuut' crosses the level crossing, the signal then shows a green lamp.
When the level crossing is closed, the signal shows a red lamp.
The tram crossing was open by default and was closed when needed, at the same time as the road crossing.
(photo collection B. Groeneweg)
After the winter period of February / March, quite a few changes has been made to the outdoor track.
For example, all turning loops have been removed and the rail plan has been converted to the 'dog bone' principle.
The old rail plan has been definitively abandoned and the electric tram service has been discontinued.
The level crossing in the middle of the garden path has been removed, all overhead lines have been removed and the level crossing near the shed has been converted to double track.
The English switch, which is part of the switch street, has also been removed because the inner track is polarized opposite and therefore the track connection between the inner and outer track would result in an electrical closure.
Furthermore, the level crossings next to the shed have (finally) been provided with concrete paving, so that you can pass the level crossings without obstacles with a bicycle or the like.
Appropriate safeguards are still being made in the workshop for these level crossings.
In addition to the 'big loop' via the double track, it is still possible to drive 'under' the old electric route, although it is shorter.
The level crossing for 'model' traffic, next to the signal box, will also be further equipped with the necessary traffic attributes, as well as the construction of a real street, where traffic will be controlled with traffic lights.
More about this later....
The photo above clearly shows the three level crossings near the shed.
The irregularities are filled up with concrete, the space between the tracks has been filled with rubber cork.
This rubber cork is insulating and flexible.
Furthermore, major maintenance has been carried out on both the inner track and underneath.
All old ballast (too coarse and too light) was removed and the correct type of ballast was poured.
This new ballast has a finer structure and better color.
The railway verges have also been cleared of weeds and cleaned up.
On the left 'underpassage' and on the right the 'inner lane' with new ballast.
The bridge ramp in the 'inner lane' with new ballast.
Just visible on the right is the ramp to switch 2 with old ballast and lots of weeds.
On the left the 'inner lane', above in the middle the bridge ramp and on the right 'underpassage​'.
For the large level crossing, two masts with a double warning cross and light were manufactured in the workshop.
These warning lights flash permanently and do not specifically announce tram traffic for this level crossing.
The signal lights were installed in front of the level crossing in the garden path on Saturday, June 19, 2021, to be able to stop tram traffic, if there is reason to do so.
These still provide a permanent white signal aspect, which will soon be operational in relation to tram traffic.
The 'traffic' via the walkway will have mini traffic lights, which were obtained second-hand via the internet.
These normal 3-color traffic lights are both placed on a 1.2 meter high mast, which is strategically placed.
Vialis trafficights, there will be 2 of this type at the level crossing
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Also his M.B.S. 332, 337 and 341 added to the fleet as open box trucks, as well as
closed wagons R.T.M. 713 and B.S.M. 42 and weed killer tanker M.B.S. 702.
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For the M.B.S. 702, the former SHELL tanker was converted, with the wagon floor of the ESSO tanker.
The ESSO tank will be permanently installed next to the depot for storing diesel for the diesel pump.
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The M.B.S. sand trucks are out of service and removed. 281 and M.B.S. 282 and the ESSO tanker.
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Furthermore, the kiosk that was located on the station square has been given a new location.
The kiosk is now opposite the signal box at the major level crossing.
At the level of switch 6 there is a small wooden building for housing electrical connections for the switch drives of switches 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and the disconnection of track 5 (the red section on plan 14.4).
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Changes have also been made to the track layout, an overview of which is below.
It is track plan version 14.4 of July 4, 2021.
The dead end section of track that was previously the start of the large loop is now track 5 (red as section)
attached, which has also become the stopping track for the station.
For this purpose, switch 8 was added and the numbering of switches 9 to 13 was adjusted.
The switch numbering now counts from the switch street (1a to 1d) from left to right via the large loop to switch 11.
Switch 11 joins the large loop and the bottom.
Switches 12 and 13 are located under the canopy in the sidings.
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For some time now, the 2-axle freight wagons that visit the workshop for overhaul have been fitted with a coupling rod between both axles.
This for a smoother run on the track.
The necessary parts are manufactured in-house in the workshop.
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Explanation of how it works is possiblehere can be found and the necessary parts orderedhere,
But of course you can also make it yourself....
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As of July 3, 2021, all point drives are prepared for digital power.
The points are currently still operated with toggle switches.
Switch nr. 3, which leads from track 10 to track 11 or 12L, is the only one that still has an old EPL control.
For the control of the junction and the switching of tracks is at the height of
Switch nr 6 has a distribution box installed.
This switchbox called "Boompjes" is connected to signal box "Remise" with a 12-core cable.
These 12 wires are connected 1 to 1 from the control box.
In principle, these 6 connections are semi-permanent and are not changed unless necessary.
Point nr 6 has now been given a digital drive, but here it is still designed as a point with manual control...
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photo left: work in progress.
August 21, 2021:
The large level crossing now has safety barriers of the old NS type.
The protection for road traffic consists of an St. Andrew's cross (old type) with a permanently flashing yellow warning light.
Only the road markings still need to be applied, as well as the traffic signs.
August 24, 2021:
Below is the latest rail plan version 14.7 from August 24, 2021.
All points have new numbers and are prepared for digitization.
Click on the rail plan to enlarge.
