Custom test bench - part 1: Woodworking

As I need to digitize a significant number of engines, it became clear that I need a test bench that can host the DC and DCC stations. I also purchased a decoder tester and a decoder programmer from ESU; those will also be placed on the test bench.

The first step is the woodworking part. I didn't do any precise plans, just going off by the size of the plywood I got and hoping wood glue will do magic.

• 6mm 1/4 x 12 x 24 Inch Premium Baltic Birch Plywood - here

I didn't take pictures of every step, unfortunately.

Digitization of a Z 24500 Jouef - intro

This is going to be a multi-part post on the digitization of a Z 24500 from Jouef and more specifically the Nord-Pas de Calais version HJ 2001:

Parts

In this section, I'm listing all the components for this work:

• ESU 54614 LokPilot v4.0 for the side without a motor to control headlights and interior lighting; purchased from Train Modelisme
• ESU 54671 PowerPack Mini for LokPilot V4.0 to prevent flickering of the interior lighting; from eBay
• ESU 58419 LokSound v5.0 for the DCC Sound control; purchased from Train Modelisme
• LED strip, warm white 4000K, 600 SMD on 5 meters, 12V:
• 3 colors: yellow 3000K, warm white 4000K, daylight 6000K - the warm white is obtained by turning on both the yellow and the daylight LEDs; purchased from Amazon
•  1 color; purchased from Amazon
• Miniatronics 3-Pin Micro Mini Connectors MNT5000301; from eBay
• Passenger models purchased from Amazon

Resources

• Notice from Jouef

Several links to articles and posts about digitization and interior lighting:

• Article in RMF 563 from June 2012
• Biscatrain
• Blog

And links for the real unit:

• Europe train
• Blog
• Maligne-ter

And some videos to see the interior colors:

• Video from Simply Railway
• Video from SteveTC59
• Video from Productionstudio 92

The next post will be about the installation of ESU 54614 in the side without a motor.