Wiring for D-27

Sure, I would be interested in seeing it. I am sure there are others here that would be too. Please post!

I'd like to see it just to find out what a D27 is.  

Dan Padova posted:

I'd like to see it just to find out what a D27 is.  

Here's one;

I deciphered the written instructions and am making a reproduction of the paper work plus an expanded wiring diagram and discussion. Hopefully start on the hidden loop this week as time permits. COnstruction will use all original techniques, down to felt and hide glue for tunnel and casein based paints for the coloring of the mountain and original 919 grass. I am also reproducing the gondola consist with silver, yellow, red 1002 gondolas for the full effect!

This display seems to have some of the best joinery work I had seen on Lionel Displays, may be because was in 1949/1950 and likely had skilled labor making these (one display I have from same time period actually has a marking stating made by union labor. Later construction was simplified and sheets of plywood simply nailed to top of box made of 1x4's.  But the D-27 is a challenge as there are some colse tolerances to be maintained.

Jagrick posted:

COnstruction will use all original techniques, down to felt and hide glue for tunnel and casein based paints for the coloring of the mountain...

That (casein paints) is a new one on me. Just did some googling. Interesting and must be responsible for that distinctive look one sees on many of the mountains/tunnels on the display layouts.

This sounds like an exciting project!

Definitely a more organic and subdued palate of colors. The hide glue is a mess but dries hard to give body to the felt. I used it on my reproduction of the Lazy Susan Display

Now need to finish mountain with proper colors--I am happy with the look.

Can you imagine what a D-27 would have to be in order for it to run an O scale passenger train like the Atlas O California Zephyr! 

@Jagrick posted:

I deciphered the written instructions and am making a reproduction of the paper work plus an expanded wiring diagram and discussion. Hopefully start on the hidden loop this week as time permits. COnstruction will use all original techniques, down to felt and hide glue for tunnel and casein based paints for the coloring of the mountain and original 919 grass. I am also reproducing the gondola consist with silver, yellow, red 1002 gondolas for the full effect!

I'm about put the Lionel disappearing track on my new layout extension. Looks easy and very straightforward except the one fiber pin I circled with highlighter... I understand the other pins are used for creating different speeds for an ascending and descending train, and that the block section in the lower right corner is to be used as a starting block, but what is (what I would consider) an extra fiber pin in the middle of the block for???

The D 27 actually uses all four circuits of the ZW transformer. One to run the accessories and lights and three for the different areas of the track. There’s also a SPST switch to stop the train just prior to entering the tunnel so that you don’t have to adjust the throttles each time you power up. There’s one circuit we’re going down, Another circuit coming back up with more power, and then a third circuit between the two that brings a train around to re-enter the tunnel.

Very cool to see the layout in operation. It would be great to take to train shows to see the looks on children's faces.

Jagrick, would it be possible for you to post a high resolution version of the installation and operation sheet? It would be most appreciated.  BC

Time to bring this thread back to life! I am also in the process of building this layout and would love to see the deciphered written instructions and reproduction of the paper work plus the expanded wiring diagram. Jagrick or BCianci any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

I've got the original build sheets/wiring diagrams from Lionel if anyone wants them. Email is in my profile.

There were a couple of versions of this layout documented primarily construction. Wiring is not bad but fine tuning the track is the challenge in the original space

@johnstrains posted:

I've got the original build sheets/wiring diagrams from Lionel if anyone wants them. Email is in my profile.

Request sent via email.

Thanks!

@Mike Espy posted:

Request sent via email.

Thanks!

Sent.

Thanks so much John! And for taking the time to reply to me and send me the information!