DC Control

DC might be considered the old way of controlling a railway although it does have some advantages it can also bring some quite unique challenges. DC control comes from the fact that the trains are controlled by DC (Direct Current), electricity flows one way through the train's motor and makes it turn in one direction, reversing this direction reverses the train. By convention the train will move in such a direction that it's right hand rail is more positive then it's left.

The points will be controlled by a selection of buttons on the control panel and LEDs will light to show which way they are pointing. The signals will either be controlled by a selection of chips at the control panel or I will make modules to put around the layout, either way LEDs will light on the control panel to show their display. The track will be split into sections and TOTIs will be used to light an LED for each occupied section.

The trains will be controlled by two controllers which are connected to an array of switches which allow either Controller A, Controller B or neither to be connected to each section of track. Both controllers will be connected to the switches via an ammeter and voltmeter.