I was thinking about putting in some Automatic Signalization. I have two tunnels that I park trains in or run through. The layout is a 10'X16'. I have Manual Signals at the entrance to each Tunnel. I run DCC.
My question is this. If the signals are Automatic, can they be made to stop a train running behind it or comimg to a switch or do they just change the Signal to Red and the operator has to stop the train?
There are ways to make it stop the train - check out DCC Bitswitch. They make a brake generator that you cna connect to the section of track ahead of the signal so that it sends a brake signal to the locos when the signal is red. This is not somethign that is simple plug and play, detection and signaling is rahter complex and a lot of pieces are needed to play together to make it all work properly. Other than those few area where autoamtic train stop is used, on the real thing it's up to the engineer to obey the signals.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy is right.Also, most modelers that have signals use a computer and signal control program. That includes me, and most of us don't have an auto stop function unless using RR&Co signal program.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Another good point - the computer is MOST helpful for doign this. There are signal decoders that claim to not need a computer, they handle the logic internally - well, I've looked at the CV programming for those and setting up the logic in RR&Co or JMRI is MUCH easier than trying to figure out the CVs ont hose things. So while there's the added expense of a computer interface (please do NOT get an MRC DCC system if you plan to do signalling stuff), and possibly a spare computer (doesn't need to be the latest and greatest high horesepower machine), the flexibility in configuring all this stuff via the computer more than makes up for the cost if you are serious about signalling.
Guess what. I run a MRC Prodogy Advance. I operate 4 trains by my self on the 10'x 16' layout pictured below. That is why I was looking for something that would stop a train. So far I have managed to keep them apart. It sound like it would also be a costly affair.
Yes, it can get expensive. The DCC BitSwitch products can do what you want, about $50 per stopping section plus a brake generator (one for the whole layout) and then some sort of sensors and it will also control simple red/green signals.
http://www.dccbitswitch.com/
I assume you only want this for protection from accidents.
I wonder if this can be done with a BD4 and some relays using the LED outputs. If so it might be pretty cheap.
Where on the diagram is your tunnel and what area are you trying to protect from collisions?
After reading the bitswitch stuff it looks like a better and relatively cheap solution
Springfield PA
The bitswitch stuff is pretty neat - but you do need the more expensive $90 brake generator to make sure it will work with all decoders. This also requires a second booster to drive. Luckily you only need one per layout, as it can feed any number of the block switches.
The top two tracks on the top right of the Control Panel. The Red switch track goes on the outside of the tunnel around a mountain. Below is a photo of that area. The plastic Signals have been replaced by manuel lighted ones.They are all elevated about 6" above the bottom inner circles.
What are BD 4's and how would you do it. Diagrahm please?