The layout was originally design for operation by DC blocks; however, the DC system was undersized and could not handle the larger current draw of the newer sound equipped locomotives. The initial project was to design a DCC system for the layout that would allow all trains to operate the high current draw sound locomotives without power issues at startup or after a short. The project grew to include the component acquisition wiring and panel assembly. |
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The project also included installation of block occupancy and turnout control in preparation for signaling and animation such as grade crossings. A central control panel for turnout and occupancy display was constructed.
Onsite installation for all components was completed with each phase of work.
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This is an example of a track power design that was completed for a client with an existing DC layout. Because the client's only track plan was out of date, the track plan was redone based solely on pictures of the existing layout. Once the track plan was complete, the occupancy detection blocks, power districts, rail gaps, and feeder wire locations were identified. Also, occupancy blocks and turnout locations were numbered. A table of occupancy detection blocks identifying the power sources and wiring is combined with this type of drawing to create our a design documentation package. More documentation and step-by-step how to guidance can be provided as needed.
This is an example of a central control panel. It is approximately 18 x 24 inches and contains about 50 switches and 150 LEDs. The panel controls the turnouts, displays the turnout setting (green indications direction of turnout, red indicates track which turnout is thrown against). Also, amber lights are used to indication occopancy.The panel is designed so that it requires only a Loco Net connection to the Digitrax command station and power connections. The completed panel was assembled and tested prior to shipping. Once the layout panel arrived it needed only to be plugged into the Loco Net and the wall power to be operational.
Zooming in on one section of the panel, you can see the toggle switches to control the turnouts. Note that the switches are aligned perpendicular to the track, so that one throws the switch towards the desired track. Between the two switches is the amber light which is lit when the block is occuplied. Beyond the two switches are their red and green lights indicating the direction setting of the turnout.
