I am recently in a conservation on the Digitrak forum about an full automated system that can eliminate the need for or improve the block signal system for any decent size layout. This system will only need a loconet type setup and laptop/base computer for readout and control of the trains on the layout. Mainly it will prevent other trains from colliding with one another. Example if clubs were joined together at a Ntrak convention. The operator was preoccupied with entertaining a guest. Their train had a breakaway. Next thing someone else train hits the stopped cars on the track. We all know what this looks like. Just imaging adding a decoder to the EOT/caboose and whenever this car stops abruptly this will signal the computer to stop all trains to prevent a bigger mess.
