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In lugnet.trains, Larry Pieniazek wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, John Neal wrote:
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We used this show as a warm-up for the NMRA national convention is
Cincinnati in July, and it was very helpful. The Thomas section was a hit
with the kids, and Ross’ clever program to run 2 train in different
directions on 1 line worked out beautifully. I can elaborate for those who
might be interested.
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Please do.
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Okay. First off, we have a siding hidden underneath the Thomas modules, much
like the siding that appears in the front (without the spur):
So, he (Ross) starts out underneath the modules with Thomas on the siding and
Bill/Ben or Percy facing the opposite direction across from him on the main
line. The points are both set to the main loop, so no power is going to the
(hidden) siding. The RCX sends power to the mainline, and Bill/Ben or Percy
proceed clockwise. When they come back to around their original position, their
magnets trip another magnet that blocks light to a light sensor, and the power
is cut to the mainline. Next, the RCX simultaneously powers the points to
connect to the siding. Power is again supplied to the line, but in the opposite
direction. Thomas gets power and proceeds in a counter clockwise direction,
until his magnets trip another light sensor as he returns to the hidden siding
and power is cut to the track. The RCX switches the points back in the other
direction, restores power to the line and Bill/Ben or Percy begin again and the
cycle is complete.
That is how I understand it, but, mind you, I had absolutely nothing to do
with any of the construction or programming of the system; it was all Ross. I
was really impressed by how well it all worked. It was hilarious to see kids
watch one train appear from a tunnel and disappear into the other and wait for
the train to reappear in the first tunnel, only to find a different train
appearing from the other tunnel:-)
This was based on an idea John Gerlach of the GMLTC had a few years ago of
having a system like this, only with more tunnels and all of the trains being
exactly the same, so the confusion would be even greater!
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ALso can you post a closeup of how you ballasted/tied around your
switches? Thanks for sharing this with all of us. Spotlighted.
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Ah, I’ll have to snap some close-ups of that-- also Ross’ work.
JOHN
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