gusrus

This is something I feel fits into multiple boards on this forum so it’s in a general type bit. Just starting on what will become a demonstrator and learning layout for myself to get to geips with DCC++EX. I need a couple more points and some flexi track before I can start track laying as I’m finding Peco and Hornby track although similar isn’t talking to each other how I’d like. so what’s the plan? To build a layout based on DCC++EX controls. The points will be servo controlled with micro switches to change polarity. Signals will be added and servo controlled. All wiring will be above board so that how sensors and servos are connected can be visible as will be the base station and all supporting electronics, a mimic panel will also be made to control the layout. Track will be layed down on polystyrene floor underlay foam as I have it to hand and it’s cheap and easy to work with. Engine control will initially be with an iPhone however I intend to build a hand throttle later on. im doing this as it’s my return to a hobby after being away for 20 years. DCC is new to me and I would like to enhance my electronics skills so a demonstrator type layout is an ideal first project. This will lead into a scale layout as time goes on. I also hope to video my efforts and upload them to YouTube.

I'm trying to build some scenery items for my layout in CAD and then 3D print them. The biggest of which will be a footbridge and maybe a signal box however I'm thinking about the more mundane items that may be found around the layout such as electrical cabinets and everyday type items that may exist in a workshop such as tool boxes and lockers and stuff. I'm wondering if anyone has amassed a collection of drawings that are of such items. Some items I maybe wouldn't have access to day to day and trying to find dimensioned drawings on the internet for somethings is difficult. Any and all help appreciated.

Hi All. I'm a returning railway modeller after a break of 20 years when myself and my father moved on to radio control aircraft. I went to an exhibition at the Bluebell railway with the other halves father and now I'm here asking questions and trying to gain the knowledge for what I want to achieve.... it's a slippery slope and watching some of the peeps on YouTube have only helped me slide further down it. 20 years ago when I lost interest in the hobby all the things I thought were cool and interesting such as motorised points, motorised signals and digital control were all insanely expensive and complex. 20 years on things are still insanely expensive (if you want them to be) and complex (if you want them to be). The advent of arduino and 3d printing (and the fact I use these technologies for aspects of my day job) have helped me realise that I can DIY my way to the model railway 8 year old me wanted back in 2000. I'm certainly at the start of the Dunning Kruger graph and this is where you lovely lot send me well and truly into the dip. I want to build a modular layout that could maybe be exhibited (maybe even as a work in progress and actually work on it at exhibitions). I want it to be DCC with Arduino based hardware and the use of iPad/iPhone throttles (I have old ones kicking around that will do the job). I want the points and signals to be "smart" with sensors and arduinos controlling these and them talk to a control panel that can monitor when sections are occupied and and when others are free. I also then want to bring automation to the layout as I enjoy the challenge of doing this. This is what I want to achieve so how do I go about doing this? My initial plan is to build the first two modules which will be a station/engine yard and a very simple fiddle yard. these modules will act as a proof of concept which will have all the functions I want to achieve (points, turntable, signals, lights, DCC control and other functions). Baseboards will be 5 or 6 mm plywood to provide the base and then braced with CLS. Before I go head first into this is there anyone on here who has experience of controlling an entire layout and programming automation using arduino based hardware who can give advice on how to go about this. I'm based in Wiltshire so if anyone or a club nearby has a layout that is similar to what I want to do then I'm more than happy to come and see it and take notes. Thanks in advance for all your help on this and I hope to share what I'm doing as time goes on.