Hi all, long time railwayman, first time modeller.
So, I am far more interested in signalling trains than driving them, and to that end I have been trying to work out how to build a layout that will let me and the kids control signals and points with a mini-lever frame, but with train movements responding to signal aspects directly without my input (a bit like ATO really). I have had a bit of a google and I have not really found much in how to create this kind of set up... or whether it is even possible!
I realise that may aims are largely achievable with DCC, train detection, and some of the movement control programs out there, however being a purist, I don't want a faximily of the responsibility of providing protection to trains, I am looking for trains to be protected exclusively by the lever movements, their interlocking, and my compiteance (or lack thereof)... no clever software saving the day when I muck up!
Designing the signalling diagram, physical interlocking and frame should be OK if I have learned anything from the dayjob. What will however be an issue however is getting the train movements to work right. I have been playing with some ideas and I would really appreciate some input from people in the know about the best way to proceed.
My current thoughts are to bulid a DC layout and to split each signalling block into at least two electrical blocks. One which would take up most of the block up to the stoppoing point, and a second block in the overlap (from nearabout stopping distance to just in rear of the each potecting signal). Blocks with a green signal ahead would be set to a "full speed " voltage, Blocks with a yellow ahead to a "caution" voltage, and blocks with a red ahead to a "caution" in the main electrical block, and no power in the overlap. The mechanics and method for linking track voltage to the signal aspect are currently beyond me but it feels like it should be possible with clever combinational logic and the right kit. Open to suggestions.
My concerns with this kind of setup would be the wear on the train motors from sudden voltage changes, jerky train movements between blocks (although I can get over this as long as nothing derails), setting voltage levels that work for all models in a vaguely consistant way, and of course the mechanics of directing the power to the routes which have been set without getting a separate power source for each block.
Curious to get the comunity's feedback on this, see if anyone has done anything similar and if you have any suggestions on infinitely more practical ways to do this!
I believe Lion has experience in this. Maybe he will chime in.
Simon
if there is only one train operating, is the only condition resulting in a stop condition where a trailing switch is thrown blocking the route?
is a yellow approach signal only due to a turnout set to a diverging route, besides the next block occupied?
so is the resulting operation due to turnout settings?
as a EE/firmware guy, i would create the blocks as described, add block detection and turnout position connections and tie everything together with software and using software to control the train with PWM. Otherwise, probably some TTL logic and wiring which will be tedious to debug and correct.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading