Hey i am building my railroad and i am wondering if i can wire it so that when i switch the signal controlling the station to red the train will keep going until it hits a certain section and then stops, this will allow me to simply turn the signal red and then lets teh train stop at the desired track giving ti the effect of stopping at the station, all i want to know is how this is possible and is it possible with the one switch?? please help me webwiz
Webwiz, Welcome to Trainboard, it is always great seeing new members and especially fellow aussies like me. As for your question the answer is yes, my layout is wired exactly this way. When I place a signal at stop the train stops at the signal, this is achieved by having an insulated section of track in front of the signal. The power to one rail is run through a switch and when off cuts power to the approach track, To operate the approach track and signal together you need to use a relay to operate both or a double pole double pole switch. If you require more information let me know, I can assist you
Sure, it can be done. But why? Real trains don't run this way. This sounds just like a friend of mine, who models S scale. When the trains hit a signal section, they stop until the train in front clears the section. The only problem I see is the inertia/momentum effect. if your train is going a scale 40-MPH, then suddenly stops, then when the signal changes, it roars off at 40-MPH again. I bet others have set up some circuitry that automatically fades down power, stops, then slowly fades-in power. MOPAC 1
Alright great help so far i currently have my track wired so that when the signal is red it stops at the station! a good effect so thanx but it does stop straight dead so if anyone has any ideas for improvment well teelll me thanx
Yes that sudden stop can be a big draw back, as after a while the crews of your railroad will get tired of having to pry them selves off the bulkhead and or wind shield. I have seen this dune before but at a great expense, that is to automatically slow down the train and stop it. But if your good at electrical work, or can use a soldering iron / gun, then you may find an article on building a throttle with a momentum switch in it. Use the momentum part of the circuit. Yet one more way that comes to mind would be to divide your stop track into several sections, each with a different valued resistor. You'll need to use a realy to bypass the resistors for normal operation. Radio Shack Shopping list : 2 12 V+ Relays 1 DPDT Switch 4 150 Ohm resistor
I'm not sure if it's still available, but Marklin in Germany used to have such a device, now this is going back 20yrs or so. They were big into automatic train control. Some detective work may be necessary.
