Route setting points to switch in sequence

Hi Peter

I'm where you are, I only have 4 points - a 3 way, double slip and two turnouts, 6 point motors in all, and found setting routes to make life so much easier, and using the wifi throttle facility within JMRI, allowing the routing table to be displayed on my mobile phone or tablet taking this flexibility even further.

And block detection is next for me as well, but as I'm using the NCE powercab, I am limited on the number of Input units I can attach to the command station. To overcome the limitation of the PowerCab (remember this is an entry level system), I am going to use the MERG CBUS DCC system, utilising the CANUSB4 the usb interface, and CANACE8 input devices, these will have the block detection devices connected, and feed the status via the usb interface to JMRI, which in turn will carry out the processing, display etc and communicate with the powercab to issue any required commands.

Paul

 

Sounds simple enough..???????....



http://www.clickGormo

 

Just for the sake of interest and nothing else.

I was changing two points and also two double slips today just to ensure I wasn`t seizing them up with ballast and glue.

The two points allow a train to change from the UP main to the DOWN main. The levers are next to each other on the frame. I can pull the two levers with one finger simultaneously to select the route.

The double slips are set up in a similar way, however there are two levers per slip. It`s the same thing again. The two levers pulled by one finger set the slip to diamond crossing configuration. Push both back and we have a straight through main line. Other routes require one or the other lever moved individually.

For me.....it is quite satisfying throwing those levers.....firstly because I made them and they work and secondly because this type of operation was in play during the time period my railway is set in.

I love technology but I think I like mechanical apparatus even more.!!!

Ed and I will discuss it over a pint down the pub.......everyone else welcome too..

http://www.clickGormo

 

Well, it all sounds like it's a case of train drivers wanting to be signalmen... Easy answer, have two operators, one driving, one signalling...

I too like to throw the points manually, whether it's push button to solenoids or wire in tube, I am changing the route, and the dcc throttle is moving the train through at a very slow pace. I chose the DCC route as I wanted sound more so than functionality, ie setting routes etc.

In the real world, the track route is set before the train leaves the platform and if its not, well, the train is held behind a signal until the road ahead is clear for passage...

Last thing I want to do is think to myself, 'Have I set the route for this train hurtling into the scene...??' Crunch, too late...!

But as Toto said, horses for courses...

As a matter of interest, down at the Australian Model Railway Association (Sydney) clubroom, if your train is stabled in the yard and you wish to enter the main line, you have to pick up the phone and request a right of passage onto the main line through the signalman, sitting in the control room..., (yes, a real full blown control room with monitors, and the complete track plan, showing all signals and blocks, train movements etc). Once the lights come on, on the route indicator board, you are free to enter. Mind you they have a lot of technology under the layout running the whole show, including block detection, signalling and so on.

Cheers, Gary.