This probably ought to go in the "Phew! That was lucky!" thread, but as we don't have one, this will have to do.

A note on the family calendar reminded me that the house insurance was due tomorrow, but I thought it odd that I hadn't had a renewal notice. I searched through my paperwork and emails and found I didn't get one last year either. That was when I started to worry. I had taken out a 3-year fixed rate deal in 2023, and got a renewal notice in 2024 but stupidly I thought the deal meant it was renewed automatically. Reading it again, more carefully this time, I found I was still expected to actually respond to it. So..., we have been uninsured for the past two years! What a good job the house didn't burn down.     

Thank the Lord for instant cover, even on Easter Sunday.

Cheers,

Chris

Quote from: EtchedPixels on April 05, 2026, 01:11:42 PMUse a voltmeter. One pair is 13-16v AC for accessories, the other is 0-12v DC controlled by the knob for the track power.

Trix conventionally used blue/red for track and black/white for AC.

Given the age of most TRIX vario controllers I'd also consider whether it's best kept as an exhibit as it's unlikely to meet modern safety standards, and given it's age really ought to be properly inspected and tested before use at all.

Thank you for this reply. I agree about the testing. I was just curious. I'm am brand new to the hobby but have a background in electronics as a radio ham. I had tested the outputs with a meter and couldn't determine exact info presumably because of its age etc. thanks for getting back. Really appreciated

There should be symbols for track and points (accessories) on the back, and AC / DC symbols.

Blue and Red for track outputs (DC), black and white for accessories (AC).   ** get it professionally safety tested before using it.

It probably has a loco moulded in the housing near the track output and a turnout near the accessory output.

Use a voltmeter. One pair is 13-16v AC for accessories, the other is 0-12v DC controlled by the knob for the track power.

Trix conventionally used blue/red for track and black/white for AC.

Given the age of most TRIX vario controllers I'd also consider whether it's best kept as an exhibit as it's unlikely to meet modern safety standards, and given it's age really ought to be properly inspected and tested before use at all.

Hi everyone. In an eBay job lot of N gauge track was included a TRIX vario-controller. It seems to be working but I don't know the terminal outputs. There are 4.red black blue and white. Anyone help with which is what?

Quote from: EtchedPixels on April 04, 2026, 06:18:18 PMAn awful lot of even short wagons will not take the tram track 150 radius points as the couplings are not flexible enough so they'll just pull off the rails. Even peco set track is problematic for longer wagons when you get an S bend.

The couplings on modern UK wagons are engineering for about 9" (225mm) curve minimums. The older ones like Minitrix are about 7" (180mm or so)

I have a little circular christmas layout that is just a simple circle of track at about 150mm radius and most wagons will not run on it.

Good tip. I will reconsider the limitations.

Thanks!

Quote from: scottmitchell74 on April 01, 2026, 03:43:54 AM

Quote from: Bealman on April 01, 2026, 03:41:37 AMHow about using the Wanted section, instead of starting up a new topic?

Why can't one start a Lament?

Because it leads to bagpipes...

Quote from: njee20 on April 03, 2026, 08:15:47 PMIt's a classic inglenook shunting puzzle, so the layout is fine.

I wouldn't use the Unitram points, they're very sharp and (IMO) will look daft. Kato's #4 points aren't great, but perhaps try it with #6s.

Revised #4 are fine but if you are trying to be compact then peco set track is much better suited.

An awful lot of even short wagons will not take the tram track 150 radius points as the couplings are not flexible enough so they'll just pull off the rails. Even peco set track is problematic for longer wagons when you get an S bend.

The couplings on modern UK wagons are engineering for about 9" (225mm) curve minimums. The older ones like Minitrix are about 7" (180mm or so)

I have a little circular christmas layout that is just a simple circle of track at about 150mm radius and most wagons will not run on it.