Hi friends, it has been quite a while since I posted an update. Being unwell for some time really takes it out of you but whenever I got the feeling I have worked on the Layout plan and it is coming together nicely. Including all the elements I wanted in a logical and justifiable fashion. I can confirm that all design decisions I have taken fit within the Rule #1 Protocol.
This is a very big Layout diagram so you might need to Zoom in several times to see the details.?
* All Branch Lines are functionally and electronically separate from the T-TRAK Main lines. I might wire in stops at the stations to activate randomly like a resort Halt might operate.
* T-TRAK Mains are all PECO Concrete tie track with the last ~20mm at the Interfaces being KATO. I have all of these that I need (I think).
* Branch lines are either PECO Timber tie tracks, Fleischmann cog-rail tracks, Tomix tracks and all turnouts are Tomix. I have almost all of these other than the big Tomix X-over 12147 and the mini-Y turnout 1240. Coming soon.
* There are no plastic structures, all are card structures from Scalescenes.com. I have all of the online-sourced files to make all of the items I need. The only plastic (so far) will be a whole collection of KATO and TGW plastic gantries for the catenary system which will only be poles and imagination. (Well, this timber Bascule Bridge structure might be there unless I build a copy -?https://www.dm-toys.de/en/product-details/MU_N-L00166.html
* Branch line control is (hoped to be automatic PWM) through Arduino Nano boards, Hall effect switches, individual sound players and micro speakers embedded in tunnels and structures. There will be Arduino-controlled switch machines under the boards for all turnout operations as well as the Uncoupling tracks in the shunt areas.
* There will be LED and LCD instructional screens on module edges to invite the punters to activate touch screen buttons so the train movements can begin. I have almost all of the hardware, none of the programming.
* The baseboard for the super module is built as is one of the side module bases. I have a big strip (2.4m x 600mm) of 50mm XPS foam and styrene sheets to make my canals and mountains with the goal of secure transportation and simple safe transportation to shows.
* Perspex sheets will keep all fingers out of the reach of the fragile trains and components. I plan on carrying a mini controller of some sort so I can change operation on the fly.
Lastly, this has all been developed in XTrkCAD Layout Planner. This program is OpenSource and entirely free. I would be happy to work one-on-one over Zoom or Teams etc to help anybody get started or who needs help along the way. Download and install info:
Beginner Tutorial:???
The layout files can be readily downloaded and used for personal use. No Commercial use or Storage without my written permission.?
Large PNG of the Layout plans:?
Latest XTrkCAD file of the layout. You will need to have installed XTrkCAD to be able to see this layout:?
If there are problems Downloading these files please PM me and I can send them to you direct. This Forum has reached the Limits of Storage so I can't just upload them here. Sigh.
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Ian