Train detection

I would use an insulated rail and an LED. Start the insulated rail at the distance you want to be warned. the light can be disguised as a lamp post, put near the switch controller, or anywhere you prefer.

I like John's idea, but I'd scale it up:

Put the aircraft warning beacon on top of the mountain.  As the train backs into the spur the beacon will activate when the incoming end of the train (caboose?) reaches the last track section.

I've pictured a Lionel 1053 to use as the power source for the beacon but you could use one of many other kinds of transformers or power supplies as an alternative.  Use the throttle to dial in the speed and brightness of the beacon's rotating head.

Mike

IR detectors would work nicely here. The Sharp proximity detector at the end of the line would also tell you where the last car was on the spur.

Bob, what is a Sharp proximity detector?

Chris

LVHR

@lehighline posted:

Bob, what is a Sharp proximity detector?

Chris

LVHR

Its one that could easily slice your fingers so handel it carefully!

Sharp, the Japanese electronics manufacturer, has a components operation including a line of optical proximity sensors.

AFAIK, no one has actually integrated one of their sensors into a plug-and-play occupancy detector for O-gauge.  So you'd have to buy a module (about $10 in small hobbyist quantity) and surround it with electronics to convert O-gauge AC power to the low-level DC power it needs, plus auxiliary electronics to adjust sensitivity and the like, and package it all in a suitable enclosure.

As others are suggesting, if comfortable/familiar with the insulated-rail method I think that's your best bet.

I'm with the insulated rail method. Simple, cheap and reliable. Put a block signal or dwarf signal where the engineer can see it, as he backs the train into the tunnel. A relay will change the signal from slow to stop at the appropriate position of the last car.

The Sharp proximity detector was the basis of three animated accessory projects all published in various train magazines. With it, you could indicate with a series of LED's where the final car is on the spur. Overall, it's more work and more expensive than an insulated rail, but more interesting. 

Thanks, guys. I think I will go with the insulated rail technique.

Chris

LVHR

I have a hidden track behind the layout background.  I installed three insulated track sections and have a signal that shows where the train is on that track.  Works great.

Three sections of the hidden track, located at each end and in the middle of hidden track, have isolated outside rails to trigger a track occupation signal to indicate if a train is present on the track since the track cannot be seen.  The signal power is controlled by the round house light switch.  The signal is mounted on the left end of the industrial building, in full view of the engineer.  12 volt mini Radio Shack bulbs of red, yellow and green are used for the signal.  Each bulb represents a section of hidden track that is occupied, and all three “on” mean the track has a long train hidden.  The lights also indicate the progress of a train moving on the hidden track.

Charlie

Charlie,

I like that idea! I may very well steal it!

Chris

LVHR

Chris

Great.  Go for it and happy to share. I really love those mini Christmas tree 12v lights.  I also have two insulated outside track rails, one on each loop, to trigger the relays on the 2 trains per 1 track loop system, letting me operate 5 trains at a time on my 11ft per L layout.

My OGR post on the detailed, how I built my layout, with $10 homemade turntable, has many neat features.  Post 1, on link below has a table of contents at the end of post 1 to let one preview what is there.  You can see the 2 trains per loop operate at the end of post 8 on Page 1.

https://ogrforum.com/...ra-027-layout?page=1

Charlie