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LlandudnoJunction

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    Modelling, Golf , Rugby

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  1. Hi Jimmy, Hopefully this will help in your questions about automation on your layout and what you need to think about. Firstly picking the right DCC controller (Lenz / Roco / Digitrax etc) is paramount and does depend on your budget. You need a DCC controller that allows feedback modules to communicate with automated software (i-train / train controller etc) for total control. Just stay away from gaugemaster and Hornby dcc controllers as they are very limited to connections with automated software. My layout is run on an end to end layout with automated routes and I have set time tables. My set up is as follows 1) Dcc controller is Digikeijs DR5000 2) DCC concepts cobalt Point motors and led signals controlled with 2x Digikeijs DR4018 modules 3) 2 Rail feedback with Digikeijs DR4088cs module for block detection 4) DR5088 module track detection / feedback 5) Software i-train standard subscription I hope it helps with your planning. cheers mark
  2. Looks like a good start so far, however if your after a bit of a challenge and to keep you amused before you glue the track then how about changing your plan a bit. I would change the track to have more of a shunting challenge with maybe 5 or 6 sidings instead of the 3 you currently have. You could look at maybe modeling a clay / cement factory or somthing else. Here is somthing to help with your imagination.
  3. Thank you Alan and Richard for your feedback about train controller. I must admit I do like to look of both software packages, so its not a easy decision for me as I want to make the right choice for me. One thing which Iain showed me in his video about his layout using itrain is how easy it was to set up your blocks and run schedule routes and also give commands to other trains to run manually (cheers Iain). My mind is swaying to itrain, mainly because I found a clip on youtube, which Andy from "calling all stations" gives a great introduction to itrain. The bonus, if I heared him correctly is that after your 2 months evaluation of itrain, you just loose the ability to control no more than 3 trains on a schedule. (Which is great if its true). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGNg5uMI6CY This would really help with my costs as I could spend more money on turnout controls, signals and uncoupling as I also have to change my DCC controller from my gaugemaster prodigy advance to somthing else (Lenz, Z21 or DR5000). My layout is a small one in my study which is an end terminus using cassette loading of trains and a single TMD working shed / refueling point. (see attachment) Cheers Mark
  4. Many thanks Iain and Frederick for your reply pots as it sure is a big help to me but also a great topic to discuss. Cheers Mark
  5. Hi All Would like to start of a conversation about the 2 products on sale at the moment for controlling your model layouts. I am looking at the pros / cons between "Traincontroller" vs "i-Train" as I will be looking to buy one of them. Traincontroller Pros for 1) Great looking application (like windows excel) 2) Lots of features built in (but negative you need gold) 3) Easy to understand and learn 4) Compatiable with most DCC systems (except Gaugemaster to name one) 5) Reliable control of your layout Cons against 1) Cost vs Features (Gold is a small fortune) 2) Only designed for Windows no i-MAC software 3) No free version upgrades 4) Additional software / license required to use a walk around controller (more cost) 5) Problem / Help support is limited i-Train Pros for 1) High level of compatiability with most systems (only a few not compatiable eg Gaugemaster) 2) Software can be used on Windows or Apple systems or Linux 3) Free use of all features for 2 months 4) Cost for standard level license allows full automation of your layout (gold needed with Traincontroller) 5) Nice looking apple / i-MAC application Cons against 1) Hard to understand / learn (manual is not user friendly) 2) Free upgrades to your purchased version but other versions require more payments 3) Designed mainly for European train layout (Signals etc) 4) Technical support is through a forum 5) Dose not have buldings or stations preloaded have to create yourself So question to people who already use these can you suggest more pros / cons about both software and also their limitations would be a great help plus if you was to start over again would you still pick that software or look at something else? Cheers Mark
  6. Hi All Here is a layout I am building in my study, dimensions in cm. For a key the blue circles are the block sectors and the green squares are the magnet positions for uncoupling. Long green patch is a golf course and the blue square is a fiddle yard with cassette loading. This layout will be fully automatic control and have set train schedules.
  7. Hi Steve Now it makes sense on what you have explained. I would look at slightly increasing your selector plate so it gives more versatility ie double shunting etc. I am assuming your using the free version which is pretty good only limited to 50 objects and you can get around using building or platforms with the shape drawing tool as it doesn’t impact on your object quota. To get the coaches I downloaded them using the users library and searching for new / updates. I also deselect all other gauges in the options menu which I wouldn’t use as this keeps your tool bar full of track / objects you will use. Also there are some good manuals you can download / tutorials on the internet but this will help with learning for now. Just remember that some features will be disabled in the trial software. https://www.anyrail.com/downloads/Published/PDF/AnyRail6EN.pdf Hope it helps Cheers Mark
  8. Hi Steve Your layout being on the small side for oo might not be suitable for a station terminus, unless your planning to just have dmu running. You have to remember that your length of coach’s can be 24 nch’s long on their own. So the fiddle yard you have would only allow 1 coach and engine. If your limited for space you could look at modelling a bit of a shutting puzzle instead. You can download some coach sizes for your track planning software which are foc. Hope it helps Cheers Mark
  9. Hi, Well my first bit of advice would be to download some free track planning software as a tool to plan your lay out. I use anyrail 6 which is great and the 50 items can be bit of a hinderence but most small layouts its fine. I have had a look and based on my thoughts I would remove the double slip to a single one. I have tried to do a quick track plan for you below, to show my thoughts on your plan and included a fueling station / sanding area. All this is using peco 100 oo track with your main points at the station being SL-88/89. I have also only accounted for a 4 coach passenger train. Hope it helps Mark
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