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Power and Control Control of the layout is by DCC. The handset is an NCE Powercab. This plugs into the black socket above. The spare socket is for a second handset, but this will not be needed. To the right of this is a switch to divert power to either the main layout (left position) or to the programming track (right position). To the left of the DCC panel is a switch to change the input to either the DCC control (right position) or from a DC controller (left position) for testing new locos before fitting decoders. Above right is the home made DC controller. Above left is the method of point operation. I wanted to keep it simple so use slide switches, the contacts are wired to stockrails and the frog, this ensures power through the point without relying on blade contact. The operating rods and switches will be disguised by scenery as much as possible. On the right is one of the points in the lower staging sidings. These use microswitches to power the frogs.

The decoder for the series 36 2-10-0 was fitted in the tender. The photos below show the method. The chip was fixed to the motor with the sticky pad supplied. The only wires connected were the ones to the pickups and the motor contacts. The other wires were coiled up and taped. As this loco will probably be converted to sound I did not bother to connect up the wires for lighting, etc. A hole was cut out of the top part of the tender to clear the decoder, then when fitted the coal was plugged back in position