Years ago on Clyde Fazenbaker's (rest in peace) "Lake Erie Road" layout I was the operator of the "Bi-State Local" which meant I was the local train switching about fifty businesses on both sides of the MIssissippi in St. Louis. I would pick up 20 or so cars from the yard, switch the customers, then bring the out-going/empties back.
I liked that operation and want to build it now. Part of what was challenging about that operation was that I had a double-track mainline running right through the middle of everything. I had to, of course, keep the main free.
Now, I know there’s a way to automate this with DCC. My question is, which automation software/hardware do you like best?
Well, are you any good at, or do you have any interest, in learning a scripting language for programming? If so, JMRI is free. If the automation involved is goign to be fairly simple, like keeping a couple of trains orbiting a loop that simulates the double track main, then you can get away with some of the automation built in and not have to worry about scripts or programming. There is plenty of user to user support available if you run into problems.
If you want or prefer a company behind what you are trying to do, then RR&Co is the way to go. Not cheap, but it is rather complete
Those are really the only software choices, besides compelte DIY. The past few years has left a huge sour taste in my mouth for KAM products so I don't even bother mentioning them.
As for hardware, it depends on what DCC system you use. If you use MRC, all bets are off, neither JMRI nor RR&Co can talk to it, and MRC's proprietary software currently does nto have any options for automation. Nor do they have any sort of detection system that would integrate anyway.
With Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, or CVP there are many options. Both applications support all these systems and more. Digitrax has the most hardware options when it comes to train detection and signalling, NCE also has modules that interface to the system bus.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Yep, that's about it. There also is CTI-Electronics. It was developed as a DC system but now will interface with DCC. You would have to do the programming yourself, but it is similar to BASIC.
You DO need to make sure that your DCC system can interface with a computer for more than just locomotive programming.
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.
Check out rnrdigital.com
Thanks to all.
JMRI... yea... I think I know someone who uses that now that you mention it.
Programming is not a problem. I've been a computer programmer since I got my Atari 400 when I was 10.