Point to Point Operation

LCS and sensor tracks?

Although I personally have never done it, you accomplish this using MTH's DCS system. That is the option I'm most familiar with, although I know more exist.

cjack posted:

LCS and sensor tracks?

What is LCS ?  I would like to accomplish my goal without the use of high tech electronics.  I know LGB has products for the purpose.  The trains run on DC however.  

I set up a MTH subway layout with that sequence using the basic PS-2 system.  Just run what ever route and series of stops and PS-2  will repeat it.  It times and counts wheel rotations.  Will do the same thing point to point.

The subway system runs below the deck and has 3 exposed stations in the fascia and two exposed valleys.  It stops at the three stations then runs express several laps then stops at the three stations again.

For non MTH DCS check with Dallee Electronics in Leola Pa or at York.  Dallas will set you up with all kinds of neat controls.

After and before photos of subway system:

The "simplest" solutions are those already suggested; use DCS or Legacy to record a sequence of events, then play them back.  Of course this requires one of those systems and an engine or trolly that is supported by the system.  

For conventional running you'll need some sort of system of several power blocks and insulated rails (or other sensors to detect the train), as well as a shoe box full of relays and other components, or a pile of the prebuilt relay modules that are often talked about on the forum here.  

If I were trying to do this I would get even a little more complex and add a little micro-controller so that track power would lower and raise to slow and start the trolly smoothly, and so that various routes of stops could be activated with the press of a button or dial.  

All in all, cost is not very high, but there is some soldering and figuring out a circuit that suits your needs.  If this is something you're interested in pursuing, I can put more thought into it.  

JGL

I should have thought of Dallee.  Thanks for reminding me.

Here's a solution that we used to sequence the remote startup of equipment.  Do a search on time delay switches or relays.  We used solid state ones.  I've attached a datasheet of one that might meet your needs. 

I figure that you could use an isolated outside rail to trigger the delay sequence.  As it would be controlling power to the center rail you would not have lights or sound unless on a battery.

Jan

Forum member Dale H has a lot of info on this type of operation. He has a very large conventional layout that he has automated. Maybe he will see your post ad offer some suggestions. I am command control only, no conventional, so I would probably use DCS.

Here is a link to his blog at J&C Studios Website

I think this can be done for conventional operation with a single stop station/signal(for unlimited stops), motive power/traction with a DC or double wound universal motor,  a Lionel 2 position 101 type reversing unit, a whistle/horn relay, and a few full wave bridge rectifiers(or a small handful of diodes).

The reversing unit is wired in Magic-Electrol fashion to be triggered by the whistle relay at each endpoint by a DC powered stop section. Intermediate stops are done conventionally with the bi-metallic/heater type stop station(132, eg.) mechanism providing those blocks with AC. The station also provides AC to the rectifier(s) powering the endpoint/reversing blocks.

After reading Dallee's information, it seems like the simplest way for a non-electronic minded person, like myself, to pursue.  Since the commuter cars i plan to use have can motors, it would be a simple task to rewire them for straight DC operation.  Now I am on familair ground.    

Jan posted:

Here's a solution that we used to sequence the remote startup of equipment.  Do a search on time delay switches or relays.  We used solid state ones.  I've attached a datasheet of one that might meet your needs. 

I figure that you could use an isolated outside rail to trigger the delay sequence.  As it would be controlling power to the center rail you would not have lights or sound unless on a battery.

Jan

From what I can tell the VCM-03 time-delay relay modules you're suggesting cost $50 each?  It appears to require 12V DC to operate and its output is also 12V DC.  So as I see it yet another 12V DC relay would be required to switch AC track power at the controlled points.  Was your application for O-gauge trains?

Or you could use the train control switch from one of the old pre-war or post-war train stations such as the #132.

Andy

Train_Geek posted:

Or you could use the train control switch from one of the old pre-war or post-war train stations such as the #132.

I've heard that can work.

Stan,

The relays come in many versions and costs.  I just picked that one as an example. 

Jan

I believe P&D Hobby in Michigan sells an appropriate device that allows for a station stop.  I'm not sure if the option is there to not to go in reverse (e.g. trolley usage).  It is designed for use on several scales.

Z stuff has one for their trolleys. maybe you could use that device.

http://www.z-stuff.net/instruc...s/DZ1200_2-19-02.pdf

http://www.z-stuff.net/dz1220.html