Search results

Judy and i have some small display railroads, the most reliable one is made for unattended public running. click here to see Has a dust cover (read 'little-finger guard'), mechanical limits on the throttle knobs to discourage would-be train racers, and the few turnouts are placed so the...

Right, it's not quite as complicated. But thought it would be fun to see if there was a way to have the trains alternate their direction on the loops each time around given lots of available switching poles sync'd to the turnouts. Someday i might actually build it...

Quite a ways out of the way. This looks like a mighty fine railroad and a good idea. Many tourists passing by would make a rest stop side trip, especially if they have children - free entertainment for cranky kids! (and when travelling with kids those entertainment bills sure do add up fast)...

Re: As warped as this may... Did you see that TV clip a year or so back where a woman who was waiting for a train at a crossing got rear ended and pushed in front of the locomotive? She was lucky enough to survive, and called 911 on her cellphone, but couldn't tell the emergency people...

Think i get you now on how you throw your turnouts - each sensor throws BOTH, not just one. Couldn't figure out at first how you returned each diverging turnout back to straight after each pass, but when done in conjunction with the turnout throw of the opposite loop makes perfect sense. ie...

Looks good, should work no problem. Do you plan to throw the turnouts manually or will the sensors throw them? If manual, you should be able to split the mainline into 2 separate blocks, each one direction controlled by it's turnout position and throwbar- linked relays or microswitches. Then...

give up with this attempted file conversion! Here's the text in a readable format to match the diagram. Remember, I have not built this and there could be a bug lurking in there somewhere. If you plan on trying this, first analyze the operation carefully, if you find a problem let me know...

I like that idea of using the spring return solenoids. You can still add the synchronized microswitch(s) as well with this method and not have to worry about power routing on the control panel. Adding more switching poles can give you reverse power routing in areas where it could be useful...

Charlie - nice looking bridge. Really like your fall foliage too.

Thanks for all these fantastic photos - a real step-by-step course in scratchbuilding! Amazing what you can do with a little cardboard and a lot of creativity. Maybe a magazine would be interested in publishing an article on this. Have you thought of sending some of these photos to the...

Hi Clark, I like puns, have been know to make a few terrible ones. Solenoids work very well for switch machines. I gather you intend to keep them powered at 12V to hold them in position? If so, a lot of them will put a fair drain on your power supply. Here's something to consider for...

Hi David, Yes, brand new miniature relay with 3 amp contact rating, moving contact is lightweight for fast response. Telephone type relays have massive moving pieces in comparison and will be much slower. The automobile bulb will help because of it's additional resistance even when cold...