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Introduction

This layout is designed to allow me to 'play' with various control methods, at the moment 2 computer based and a DC based are the only ones although other methods could easily be added.

Currently I am working purely on the computer control method.

The Track

The track consists of an oval with a passing loop along one of the straight sides, there are two sidings coming off the passing loop. The longest siding has a length of track at the end which can be switched between being a 'normal' piece of track and a programming track (for use with DCC). When this is in programming mode the rest of the siding is not connected to anything, to prevent accidentally programming all trains on the railway.

The track is split into 14 sections for train detection, a little over the top but it allows for overlaps to be modelled (along with SPAD detection).

The track is (well will be when the signals are added) signalled for bi-directional running. The entrance to the passing loop on the left (as you look at the track plan) has feathers (strings of white lights) to indicate which way the points are set, the other has a theatre indicator (shows a letter or number).

Current Activity

Getting the RPC stack working and talking to the computer. I will soon build some testing plugs for the stack and plug them in.

Building the remaining 12 TOTIs.

Designing a PCB to allow TOTIs from MERG to be plugged into the input of an RPC stack.

Working out the power connections and building the box of transformers etc.

Getting the point motors and their switches fixed.

Recent Activity

The track is laid.

20 out of 32 TOTIs built.