Thank you, everyone, for the input. It seems as thought the CTI system is going to be the best solution for what I'm trying to accomplish. I'll be sure to post again as I get deeper into this, or if I run across anything else...
Thanks again!
Two more options are: CTI Electronics, and RR&Co.
CTI is a hardware set with a program that you write to do what you want. It can run DC or DCC. I have used it on a DC layout. I think it is rather easy to set up and use for DC. It will interface to a DCC system, but I have not used it that way. A computer running the program controls the layout.
RR&Co is a program that can perform automatic control and uses a GUI programming interface. Hardware is from different vendors. (Digitrax boards can be used as well as a couple of others) A computer running the program controls the layout by interfacing with the hardware. I think RR&Co is for DCC only.
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.
Take a look at Lenz DCC. They have several detection-and-automation modules which do the sort of thing you're looking for. The BM-2 and BM-3 modules will slow and stop an engine and then allow it to reverse away from the block.
I haven't used these myself. They require decoders with special functionality, and the modules themselves are a bit pricey, but I think they will do what you want.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
This is blue sky! Automation is spendy - either in time and money or both. I don't believe that you can buy anything off the shelve that will drop in and work. It probably is going to be up to you to program various microprocessors to handle different things. Just to start a project like this will probably drive you nuts - don't ask me how I know.
Years ago there was a layout in one of the Oakland train stores that ran two trains in opposite directions; single main with passing sidings. This was relay controlled. When facing a passing move, one train would take the siding and skid to a halt before the end of that siding waiting for the other movement. Then it would take off again full blast and get back on the main. It was fun to watch and the train lengths were pretty short.
How about a simple sceniero? One train going one direction and stopping at a station. Now you need to make some decisions - do I want the train to slow to a stop; do I have a specific car that needs to be blocked in front of the station? Lets say both. Now you need enough track detectors to tell where the train is so that you can slow it until that car is positioned. I guess that you could do this using analog components, but the low cost of microprocessors kinda throws that out the window.
Less simple - two trains that meet; one takes the siding, other stays on the main; either the same direction, or facing each other. Including the simple sceniero above; go out and buy/build more detectors. Now you also need a 'look ahead' capability so that the train headed for the station gets on the correct track to stop in the proper place. You don't want the stopping train one track away from the station as the passengers will have to cross the track; possibly in front of that other movement. Big lawsuit!
Not simple - multiple trains in multiple locations on the layout making multiple stops at multiple stations. Do you have stock in that detector company yet? You probably have a couple hundred thousand lines of code to deal with since you are writing it. Communication between microprocessors needs to be worked out. Some 'master' controller needs to know everything that is going on and then makes decisions on what to do next.
What I am doing. I have been working on something akin to this for a couple of years. I have determined that I would take things a step at a time and make stuff work small parts at a time. I have decided that the CTC system that is employeed by BNSF was a good place to start. Keep in mind that there still is a human involved ( Dispatcher ) and not completely computer controlled; although the new PTC system brings that all closer to 'hands off'. I have broken my layout into multiple pieces - almost like BNSF. I have control points ( one end of a siding, diamonds and bridges ) that will talk to another controller, intermediate controllers for stuff not in a control point, turnout controllers not in a control point and detectors for the lot. I also wish a CTC signaling system to go with it all. I am only doing this with the main line(s) as stuff in the yards are the Yard Masters responsibility; other house tracks and/or spurs are monitored by the train crews or spur owner on an as-needed basis. So far, only the remote turnouts on the main will have switch machines; probably Tortise; all other turnouts will be handled by the crew. Given that this all will work together someday, I then can figure out how Ima going to control multiple trains in different directions using a computer. When that is done, then I will work on getting a specific car to stop at a specific station in a specific location. Good thing that I am retired and can spend time on this isn't it?
If you decide to go this route, I suggest that you keep it simple which will also keep the frustration level down to a roar; and do one thing at a time.
ctclibby
Todd Hackett
Libby, Montana 59923
I take only pictures then leave footprints on railroad property that I know is not mine, although I treat it as such...
I am building a point-to-point N-scale layout based upon a double track Light Rail transit line (see the attached diagram), and need some advice about the best control system to use. The layout will run two trains/Light Rail Vehicles (LRV) at a time that will follow two routes. The first will originate at Station 1 on the north end of the line, cross over to the southbound track and travel along Route 1, stopping at Stations 2 and 3. It will then proceed to the southern end of the line where it will stop, then reverse northward along Route 2 back to its origin, crossing over to the second track and stopping at the intermediate stations. The second LRV will originate at the southern end of the layout and do the opposite, moving forward along Route 2 and reversing back to its origin along Route 1.
I would like to automate this process so that the layout can run continuously, and be essentially unattended when it is on display so that I am free to converse with other people. Aside from the two LRV's, there will be one grade crossing that I would like to have operating signals and barricades. I do not anticipate having sound, either mobile or stationary, and the layout is only 32 feet long, so it should not require a substantial amount of power (I assume).
I am interested in any advice you could offer as to the best way to automate and control the layout. I have no preference toward a DC or DCC system, so long as it is reliable and relatively simple to install. As always, cost is a factor, so the least expensive solution would be preferable.
Since this is a relatively simple track plan and operating scheme, I hope the automation process will be relatively painless. Either way, I would greatly appreciate any input.
Thanks!