model-trains

Hi How did you plan the sensor positions, I appreciate every layout is different and some large and some small. In general larger layouts have longer rakes and smaller layouts have smaller rakes so the difference is proportional. Did you set out working blocks based on train and carriage size? What problems did you encounter? Position, speed, slowing down, sequence, or other problem? I am looking at the Hornby Loco Detection due out later this year. We don't know how it will work yet but believe it is a sensor in a sleeper reading a tag below the loco. Thanks for any help or suggestions ypu may have. PJ

Only if you dab a bit of colour here and there JC It might cost ya a few squid What sort of noise does a bass make You Cod ask Jaz is she knows

Hi Guys (and Gal's) HAS ANYONE USED LOCO DETECTION? I am seriously considering the Hornby Loco Detection system out later this year There are a lot of commands in RailMaster for Loco Detection already but obviously not all, the system excites me but, I also have concerns. Will the system tell RM where a loco is, or will it just say a train passed over a sensor? Hornby RailMaster, Loco Detection commends currently include (ready for new version to be released RailMaster Pro) On signal green On signal red For Locos; For train type(s) For forward direction For reverse direction For any direction Stop loco Stop loco on signal Resume loco on signal Reduce loco speed to Increase loco speed to Set to cruise speed Switch right point Switch left point Set clear signal Set danger signal Activate loco function Play sound file Run program file Above instruction then followed by a command The Hornby manual for RailMaster says... Loco Detection will allow RailMaster to know where each loco is on your track and to take action accordingly. This allows locos to stop at the correct position each time at stations and to set signals automatically when a loco passes a point. So we assume it will know which loco has passed over which sensor and each sensor can be individually programmed to say, train 012 do this and that, train 034 do that, this and the other, so to speak. Has anyone used Loco Detection by another manufacturer? With JMRI or other system? How did you find the system? What did you consider before starting to install the system? What did you find hardest? What other frustration did you have? I am assuming the best way will be, first consider the maximum length of a train and carriages and allocate a block to this size plus a bit more. Divide each loop or track length into blocks. Position sensors according to the blocks, not to close to points, probably set back a little near signals, or may be just before them. The problem I am foreseeing, is speed of loco and position of sensors. When I say speed I am referring more to slowing down, steam trains take longer to stop than DMU's etc. For longer block lengths would it be advisable to add another sensor between the two block marker sensors, to slow speed and make a sound if necessary? For shorter block length I am thinking speed control would have to start at least another signal/sensor/block position back. Did you find this or any other problem? How did you get round the problems? Comments welcome please from members who have Loco Detection, for those installing it now or for those thinking about Loco Detection.

Hi Anthony You are doing a fantastic jod, a massive project. You mentioned previously it is all inside 4 garages with no dividing walls. May I ask, how well is it insulated and ventilated, will there be the usual extremes of temperature, winter/summer, I was thinking about expansion and contraction with the temperture variations. In the garages not on the north west coast ;-) PJ

They say they are an intelligent animal. I have never seen a blonde one ;-)

Looks like Chewbacca off Star Wars ;-)

Ouch Do you think it will CATch on?

LOCO DETECTION UPDATE Hornby magazine May 2014 DCC Handbook - page5 Hornby loco detection system is made up of 3 components, a loco detection module, track sensors and locomotive detection tags. Each LDM is designed to plug into a USB port on a PC and can read up to 48 track sensors. Additional LDM's can be connected to read more sensors. The track sensors require a 1mm hole to be drilled through a sleeper for installation. The detector tags can be fitted to the underside of the locomotives, and the system will work with up to 106 encoded tags at any one time. As a tag passes a sensor it passes data to RM about which locomotive. If you have more than 106 locos you can duplicate the detection tags on other models not in use at that time. Loco detection is expected to be available later this year. Prices are yet too be confirmed, but it is anticipated track sensors 10 GBP, detection tags 30 GBP (for all 106), loco detection module 80 GBP Loco detection will be able to switch signals as a train passes the sensor, stop or alter train speed according to signal state etc. This is the latest information, source as above. I wonder if the Eureka moment was the 1mm hole through the sleeper, sounds neat though, it would not have been aesthetically pleasing to see tags all over the place. It sounds pretty good, no isolated blocks to set up just work out blocks/zones to match longest rake and plan from there.

Hi Anthony The project is incredible, what you have done so far fantastic, all that space and all them sidings a dream ;-) Keep up the good work, it is a pleasure to watch. PJ

Hi Jaz I would be cautious if you want 00. I got the Noch fishermen supposed to be 00 and measuring them the adults were about 3' 6" high in real money. PJ

Hi Jaz Really good, well done. I like the E Type Jag PJ

Very realistic. Good shot with the lippy. PJ

Hello Anthony It is a beautiful place to live, open to the cold north westerly winds (and rain) but still very nice. Your work is a credit to you, it is looking good. PJ

Hi Anthony The back scenes look good, it looks like they are more than a dab hand with a brush Do you need a night watchman PJ

Fantastic Anthony It must be wonderful to have so much space. I will watch this with great interest. Thank you for sharing it with us PJ

You should have no problem Batman, I mean Kal ;-) Mick's images are excellent.

A gaffer and 4 workers...... No! A gaffer, 2 watchers, a train robber and a 'Oh my back' Well done

Hi Jaz I saw it was off the ground Well done PJ

Ermmm, I have not come up against squirrell poo Thanks for the info., your suggestions and help. Busy day on the layout today, station and platform top of the image, finishing walls and working on the river. I think the cross stitch threads will work for the weeds (too late now they are in). Images will be shared next week ;-)

Good job you are not 00 then ;-) Or a teenager LOL

Excellent work, well done Hours and hours of fun and a little frustration at times I am sure but, a credit to you. Thanks for sharing

I should have added image rmweb243weir1 shows what I am referring to better

I agree David My concern with salt was not just the reaction with it but unsightly effervescence later. My grass hasn't arrived yet (frustrating) cannot wait to play. Hopefully have it tomorrow or Friday

Hi Mike Sorry I don't have a scientific background, I have seen the messages on the forum referring to salt, I wasn't sure about it so by-passed it. Guess you could say I took the message with a pinch of salt! We wait the scientific answers.