Weston Interchange - Computer Automated 00 Gauge Modern Image

[toolongtoremember]

Hi everybody, 

 

Recently I have decided to take the plunge back in to 00 gauge. My effort this time is with Weston Interchange. This layout will be fully computer controlled, where it can be used at home or exhibition. 

 

I have purchased a DR5000 command station, two DR5088RC block detection units and two DR4018 accessory decoder units, to go with my partially functioning unit (this one will be used to control two signals). 

 

I already have iTrain Pro 5 to run it on and the layout uploaded to the software as a diagram. 

 

Weston Parkway is to feature a branchline terminus, with two track station and island platoform, a bus station and shopping centre, car park, block of flats, road bridge and a diesel refueling point also with two tracks. The fiddle yard has two tracks (for now) and has two decks, bottom for trains and top for the laptop to operate and DR5000.  

 

Size total is 11ft by 2ft; of which it is in two boards, one 5ft6 in length and the other 4ft6 in length, fits in my car like a glove! 

 

All wiring is to be done for reliability and completely enclosed in cable trunking for maximum resilience. 

 

  

Edited March 22, 2021 by toolongtoremember

[toolongtoremember]

More pictures

[toolongtoremember]

One month later... we're up and running!!!

 

we've been very busy here, all the automation with iTrain is working now, I can switch it on at 9am and turn it off at 10pm and have no errors, short circuits or any type of failures. 

 

Here's a selection of pictures taken over the past month; 

[toolongtoremember]

Vehicles have arrived for the car park, some issues with Hattons lately, three bad orders of three... 

 

This time we have this, its like somebody decided to play baseball with the models. 

 

Last time we got the wrong track as it was put in the wrong box in their warehouse.

 

Time before last I got a class 143 with missing details, no radio equipment on the roof, no exhaust and a smashed up interior from their used department with no mention of this.

 

Is this just isolated to me or is this common? 

[muddy water]

Noticed you have put the fancy grey car over two parking spaces! So real life!

A quick tour of any car park will show you that the average motorist can not park dead centre in the parking bays. This is either by design (Having more room for getting out of the car) or lack of driving skills! You decide!

 

[toolongtoremember]

On 02/05/2021 at 11:26, muddy water said:

Noticed you have put the fancy grey car over two parking spaces! So real life!

A quick tour of any car park will show you that the average motorist can not park dead centre in the parking bays. This is either by design (Having more room for getting out of the car) or lack of driving skills! You decide!

 

That is the Bentley! I'm glad you picked up on that! 

 

Lots more done to the layout since, I will get some shots uploaded ASAP. 

[toolongtoremember]

[toolongtoremember]

 

Here is a time-lapse of iTrain doing its thing. The branch to the lower right of the screen is the line to the fiddle yard (and supposedly the rest of the UK network), the branch to the lower left is to the servicing point. 

[toolongtoremember]

I am pleased to announce Weston Interchange has its first show at the Wexford MRC open day with the East London MRG in support. This will be on October 24th and held at the St Josephs Community Centre, Wexford, Ireland. 

 

Also a quick update; we have got more cars for the layout, and more location appropriate buses. 

 

 

[toolongtoremember]

I have now finished Weston Interchange, I have weathered the track and put in all the missing roads and buildings. Here's a video of operations under automation;