Welcome
to the 2011 edition of the model railroad web site
of
A warm
afternoon in late fall sees a few hardy folk getting in some last minute
recreation
while a potash train rumbles overhead on the high arch bridge over Stoney
Creek.
The potash train and others can now be operated from the new Automated
Operations Control Centre.
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This project involved surveying the entire layout and naming locations which previously had no name associated with them. This resulted in the implementation of a new time table which was required for automation purposes and is useful for traditional operating methods as well. The project necessitated that a train detection system be implemented and two choices were presented: either re-wire the entire layout into blocks or devise an effective alternative. After much investigation, it was determined that re-wiring would be expensive, time consuming and likely decrease reliability, particularly due to the number of gaps which would have to be cut on curved track. An alternative system was designed to simulate a typical DCC block detection system by the use of sensors instead of actual track blocks. This was implemented without interrupting operations and the new control centre was brought on-line smoothly. The control centre is computer-based and uses JMRI software to run trains and control an expanded range of special effects including lighting, sound and animation. Details about how this was accomplished are available on request. Manual operation is still possible and operating sessions are held from time-to-time. Other versions of this web site: A recent clinic was presented to the Calgary Model Railway Society on the subject of LAYOUT
AUTOMATION
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