Home / Albums Panel Reconstruction
+ November 2016
755
Creation date
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Swindon panel 3 small
Swindon panel 2 perspective corrected small
Swindon panel 2 crop small
Swindon panel 1 small
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With Jamie's completed sanding and re-varnishing (needing several coats, of course!), Steve Gwinnett re-attaches the train describer plates to the front of the panel.
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The end result - wonderfully clean and tidy framework, ready for re-varnishing.
Jamie Brooker removes the vertical train describer plates and edging from the panel frontage, and begins the task of carefully sanding the timber framework.
With kind permission from Network Rail, 50 base units and associated fitments are recovered from the old Stoke Gifford panel at Bristol PSB by Tom Yardley; note the 'Out Of Use' lights illuminated.
Another key moment, as Laurence Stant completes the wiring-in of the final Printed Circuit Board (PCB) - a lasting testament to all those SPS members who gave up their time to solder all 350 of them!
Another key moment, as Laurence Stant completes the wiring-in of the final Printed Circuit Board (PCB) - a lasting testament to all those SPS members who gave up their time to solder all 350 of them!
The odd surprise while cleaning: behind one of the rear covers, just discernible in the dust, is the downbeat message 'We're not going anywhere'; the same certainly can't be said of SPS!
As more space becomes available at the front of the panel, Peter Woodbridge continues with the unenviable task of cleaning the panel's front and rear metal covers.
Not content with the panel covers, Peter starts cleaning away the years of dirt from the back desk, a longer-term restoration project.
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Before long, the front girder of the framework is dragged outside, ready for its next use.
...which is quickly achieved, thanks to the number of GWS and SPS volunteers in attendance. I wonder what's behind the panel that they're all captivated by?
With rodding in position, the trickier task comes of removing the rear girder through the double doors at a tight angle...
As part of the lowering process, some rodding is now fed under the front of the panel by John Hill.
9th May: the day comes for moving the panel into its final postion - wheel the panel backwards, then remove the wheels, channelling and framework, and lower to the floor...sounds simple, doesn't it?
The panel is shown having been wheeled back towards the rear wall, ensuring we've enough space in the future for easy maintenance, tooling, etc.
The wheels being removed, as the dismantling of the framework begins.
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With more space cleared behind the panel, access to the racks becomes somewhat easier as more simulator works continue apace.
A view from the front this time; the cables running from the panel belie the works unfolding at the back desk...
...where Kevin Marsh toils with the technological side of the panel's operation, in readiness for anyone to 'have a go'. Enough screens there, Kev?!
Meanwhile, Jamie Brooker installs and tests further inter-PCB wiring on the rear racks.
Kevin Marsh supervises the works, enjoying a well-deserved sandwich while he does so!
Success! This shot shows (just about!) all five VDUs working - another great step forward.
More testing is done, seen here being carried out by James Nelhams and Tom Lane.
After the all-too-brief respite of Christmas over, the team reassemble to reactivate more VDUs.
Paul adds in new power jumper cables between the circuit boards, having crimped the ends
Meanwhile, Peter continues the seemingly-unending task of soldering the 8-core cables to the tag blocks...yet the final tag block is coming into view!
To prove it's not all soldering, cleaning, etc., Tom Lane diligently programmes each TC64 unit (communication unit between each circuit board & the simulator)
...and are quickly put to good use, with several more input & output boards assembled, cleaned & tested
More parts arrive, allowing the telephone concentrator keyboards to have complete button sets again - can you spot the new ones?
Meanwhile, Peter continues to terminate the cables at the PCB end, in readiness for more testing
Testing reaches Uffington loop...worthy of such a cake-based celebration! The look westwards shows just how far we've come
With more PCBs made, a quick view shows that we're 50% of the way to filling the final two racks
More tag block soldering is called for; Jamie does the honours while Tom helps test around the front
...and swiftly moves further eastwards, with suitably-enscribed magnet to chart progress!
Contrary to popular belief, yes, we're still making PCBs! Reinforcements of components arrive...
Jamie turns his hand to fault-finding, including crimping & reconnecting power jumper leads
Testing continues at the front of the panel, with many illuminated lamps in evidence...
...whilst Jack continues wiring in PCBs that have had their cables soldered to the tag blocks & tested
Peter gets to grips with tidying the various power distribution cables...
Tiles now carefully sorted & stored on polystyrene sheets for potential future use.
Another working day: John begins by stripping down our spare dominos stock into their respective pieces.
Meanwhile, Peter continues the terminating & soldering of 8-core cables at the tag blocks...plenty of practice still available for those that want it!
David, with cutters to the fore, trims back cable ties from tidied cable runs & works on the labelling system.
The finished article: an easy to identify, very neat end result - a great improvement!
...whilst other completed PCBs proudly state their country of origin!
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PCBs continue to be received & tested before being installed in the panel - certainly a railway theme accompanying the parcel here...
...whilst to the front of the panel, SPS members make great progress with inserting the microchips into the PCBs & testing the finished product.
Behind the panel, the all-important earthing wire is installed...
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