Newbie Layout for Review

Hello all! I'm new to this board and new to model railroading in general. So I've decided to do something remarkably stupid and start right in with a completely automated computer controlled layout!:tb-biggrin:

I've just created my layout using XTrackCad... It only took me about 2.5 hours to do this! Anyway, I'll attach both the file and the BMP if possible to this post. I have limited space, so I'm doing an out and back layout. Essentially it is 3 tracks all parallel. Also, I've chosen N scale. The main idea is that there will be 5 stations, including a terminus on each end, and 3 stations in between. It is a commuter rail layout, with at first just 2 trains running. One will be a "local" that travels first west and then east, stopping at all stations. Down the center tracks will be an Acela Express (Coveting the Bachmann Acela set). The express will stop only at the center station and the 2 terminals at each end. It will have to move onto the local tracks to reach the center station, in each direction. To simplify the explanation, imagine 3 tracks, Track 1, 2 and 3, numbered from top to bottom. So basically the Express rides Track 2 most of the time. Westbound, it moves onto the local Track 1 to access the center station. Eastbound, it moves on the local Track 3 to access the center station.

Also to simplify the automation, at the end of the westward run of the local, it will move from Track 1 to Track 2 and to Track 3 before reaching the west terminal. This sets it up to move straight out of the west terminal on it's eastward run on Track 3. It does the same thing at the end of the eastward run, only moving from Track 3 to Track 2 and to Track 1 for the east end terminus.

Automation is pretty straightforward - there are collision points at the center station, and at the two terminals when the local moves from Track 1 to Track 3 or vice versa. I've researched detection schemes thoroughly, and have (wisely or not) decided to rule out block detection. There are a number of reasons for this, but chief among them are that I want VERY precise control for stopping at stations. The local will be an engine and say 3 commuter cars, and there initially won't be another engine on the end (I'm sure this violates all kinds of train "rules" but for now I'm looking to get the automation down). This complicates block detection because I'd either need to install resistor wheel sets, or plan ahead by detecting when the engine gets into the block. Also, I don't have to set up multiple isolated sections (I know that this is desirable, but in an out and back seems redundant) By placing IR detectors at the proper places, I can trigger events onto LocoNet (planning on doing Digitrax, but may consider the RR-Cirkits before I'm done)

In all there will be 16 turnouts. I'm planning on using Code 80 Atlas track, and am planning on using the #4 solenoid type switches (again, not looking for ultimate realism here - no tortoises, or Code 55). I'm planning on controlling the turnouts via 4 Digitrax DS64 modules right now. Each controls 4 turnouts, and I'm not planning on getting state information back from them - Ultimately the computer will keep track of the state of these turnouts, as I'm planning on ONLY throwing them from the Throttle or the computer itself. Thus, the computer should be able to "remember" their state. This allows me to use the 8 inputs on the DS64's as sensor inputs for my IR sensors. The ones I'm planning on using are from Boulder Creek Engineering - called NightScope - they come pre-aligned and look fairly simple to install. Some may think I'm being thick headed here, but I'm fairly well wedded to the IR sensors.

The other part of this setup will be the computer control. I selected XTrackCAD because it seems to integrate with JMRI which I'm planning on using for computer control and automation. I'm a computer programmer, have been itching to learn Python, and this seems like a really nice fit. I've read good things about it. Anyway, interfacing the computer is as simple as getting the LocoBuffer USB - plan on buying that at the right stage.

For now, I've set up my throttle (the entry level Digitrax one) and power supply. My thinking is that this may be all I need for two trains. Maybe not, but we'll see. Anyway, I have some flex track hooked up to it and bought my first locomotive today, so have been moving it back and forth on 8 feet of track. Very cool to switch the control to another locomotive and see the one on the track just keep doing its thing! I was DC on HO when I was a kid, so this REALLY COOL!

Next step is the detailed project plan. I intend to create phases for the project. First phase is complete. Test throttle and engine. Next step is to start getting some turnouts installed. Future phases will include the computer interface, then the DS64 and turnout control. Then I'll probably get the sensor part tested out. Some simple automation comes next. Once these testing phases are complete, and I'm relatively certain my overall vision will work, then begins the real layout design - substrates, track and turnout layout, wiring, systems integration and programming, scenery, etc.

I expect this will take several years with some starts and stops along the way, and probably $1000-$2000 in investment. Some of that will be birthday and Christmas presents... I can collect these parts and pieces over time, get the testing done, and ask for more parts as I build the real deal. Anyway, I'll try and attach the files.

Any feedback is more than welcome. Like I said... Newbie here - ambitious... but committed.

Thanks in advance.
CoolMoose