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In lugnet.org.us.lucny, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> Crossposted to trains and trains.org for more visibility as I feel this is
> pretty exciting stuff!
>
> In lugnet.org.us.lucny, John Barnes writes:
> > Hi !
> >
> > I like the overall scheme, although my knowledge in the general area of
> > trains and buildings etc is very sketchy yet.
> >
> > But I am very keen to incorporate/infuse Mindstorms "stuff" into layout
> > automatation. I loved the jam-proof motorized point mechanism - it obviously
> > opens the door to automated routing.
Exactly!
> > I have a modest number of RCXs (I think I collect them like people collect
> > train motors ;) so it is quite in order to consider building an experimental
> > automated section of a layout. I am happy to make them available.
> >
> > My suggestion would be that we allocate either an inner loop or outer loop
> > which is mainly seperate from other bits of the layout to try this kind of
> > stuff out. I would suggest an outer loop because I think it may be possible,
> > by use of track section isolation, to have more than one train on the loop
> > at the same time, perhaps a passenger train and a freight train.
I think a trolley loop should be idea for this. Lots of ways to incorporate
a dogbone loop for those, and an RCX would help us take advantage of that
tight design over a regular loop with switched polarity matched with your
sensors.
> >
> > Since I make the sensors, I can make as many as we need ;) So I think we
> > could do a really bang up job as a kind of show case demonstration of what's
> > possible.
> >
> > I assume that someone is familiar enough with trackside buildings to know
> > what the best way is to disguise the train sensors - which are 1 1/3 high
> > black bricks facing length ways toward the track.
Studs on top?
> There are a myriad of small trackside buildings that can be used, as well as
> equipment cabinets etc which are used for prototype signalling/switching
> control. These are often grey or silver, so if your sensor bricks are grey
> they can be part of a cabinet quite easily.
That's what I was thinking. Dwarf switch signals come to mind, with rounded
tops perhaps. There's lots of others as Larry points out - the designs we
use will be directed by how diminutive we can make your sensors, and how and
where we apply the sensors. The audience side of a train layout can have a
front of a building, with track and sensor at the rear (for shows with
audience on one side, LTC on the other).
> > Any idea how to disguise all the wires that are going to appear. They could
> > look really ugly unless we hide them. Are there any parts that a model gas
> > pipeline could be built from to hide the wires inside perhaps? Of course,
> > I'd just make my own ;) Small radius castle arches clamping over some split
> > black or grey ABS tube might work.
>
> Other clubs run wires underneath baseplates, or in the case of modular,
> route them internally to the modules. Your ideas sound neat... I have not
> yet seen them in practice but they should work.
...or perhaps we make them obvious as strung around as telephone wires atop
poles on the town section...
*snip*
> >
> > LMKWYT
> >
> > JB
Ed
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