New N scale member from California

Harry Kane Jan 1, 2019

  1. Harry Kane

    Harry Kane New Member

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    Hello fellow modelers

    I recently got back into N Scale after a nearly 50 year hiatus. I'm a retired aerospace software engineer and now that I have the time and funds, I lack space. Most homes in California have no basements, and mine is no exception. That being the case I'm using a small 8 x 14 foot shed out back to build a layout. N Scale was a no-brainer given the restricted space, and being a techie, DCC was a given as well. I've put together a small layout 32" x 64" to test out new ideas and fiddle with all the new goodies. Being involved in computers for over 40 years I was extremely interested in trinkets like the Arduino and Raspberry Pi and their ilk that were not available back in the day. I'm using the little Arduino Nanos for animation and lighting effects on my layout like open campfire, arc welding, street traffic signals, random building lights etc. and plan on adding automated rail signals and possibly even turnout and train control when everything shakes out. The Arduinos are programmed in C++ which I worked in for many years, and I'm using Raspberry Pi to compile and download the code so I'm having a ball with these remarkable inexpensive computers. I always enjoyed my work as a programmer, but never had this much fun. My little "test" layout is almost complete and it runs smoothly. I'm now looking to design the (somewhat) larger layout, but this little one is a lot of fun to operate and keeps me busy trying out new ideas, and let's face it, is scenery on a model railroad ever finished?
     
  2. Metro Red Line

    Metro Red Line TrainBoard Member

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    Where in California?
    I have a 4x8' in my bedroom, been working on it since 2006. I haven't gotten into Arduinos yet but there's lots of potential!
     
  3. Harry Kane

    Harry Kane New Member

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    Ventura CA
     
  4. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Harry, Welcome. Happy to have you on board.
     
  5. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Welcome to TrainBoard!
     
  6. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome aboard, Harry, from another aerospace refugee/survivor.
     
  7. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Welcome to TrainBoard!!!
     
  8. DCESharkman

    DCESharkman TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome to Trainboard! If you help me with the Arduino programming I can help you the the proper wiring. I am an Electrical Engineer the specializes in high energy plasmas and Electromagnetics, but I am still pretty good with circuit theory and transmission lines.
     

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