Automated standard gauge layout

wmcwoodOGR Forum Member

Years ago I purchased 2 very nicely restored restored 500 cars at a show. Having no standard gauge stuff, It took a while to figure out what I was going to do with them. I finally decided to try an alternating 72" layout under the tree.

Kirk from USA track sent me the track and I added the Lionel corp repro switches. The track radius was perfect to my template cut on CNC.

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I added small quarter turn connectors to allow the layout to reduce to 4 pcs

I painted the plywood, ran a jumper wire form switch to switch and attached the track.

I picked up a trolley and 4-4-0 steamer to pull the old cars

The test run took a bit of tweaking but finally worked the bugs out. (separate power supply to switches to get 14 volts) I would like to figure out how to slow down the trolley at some point.

The automation part uses 2 Lionel 153IR's with bridge diode and 12 volt relay. (article by Donald Miller)

I am very happy how it turned out so far, just hope everything works again when I set it up under the tree after the kids go to bed!!!

~Bill

New video added in post below.

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12/24/1512:47 AM

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MikenOGR Forum Member

How about using the relay to switch the power source to the second handle on the zw-l for the trolley. Have it set to a lower voltage to slow the trolley.

12/24/151:50 AM

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jcdiltsOGR Forum Member

Hi Bill, Could you point me in the right direction to find the article by Donald Miller you referenced. I did a forum search and didn't come up with it. Thanks --JCD

12/24/153:52 AM

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wmcwoodOGR Forum Member

JCD,

the article was in another train magazine Dec. 2012.

12/24/157:33 AM

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jcdiltsOGR Forum Member

Got it! Thank you

12/24/157:57 AM

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Phoebe Snow RouteOGR Forum Member

Fantastic layout for Christmas. Great concept, very clean and presentable. I'll admit it - I'm slightly jealous.

12/26/156:31 PM

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wmcwoodOGR Forum Member

Phoebe Snow Route posted:
Fantastic layout for Christmas. Great concept, very clean and presentable. I'll admit it - I'm slightly jealous.

Brian~

yes, I am happy with it BUT i had some major issues Christmas morning 3am.

During dry run it worked fine for 20 minutes. Set up in living room and had numerous problems. All new, stalling on switch, random stalling. Finally wore me down and set the trolley off to the side.

I work too hard at trying to totally surprise my kids and not have them see anything until Christmas morning.

Short video clip....minus trolley

~Bill

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12/26/156:52 PM

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Phoebe Snow RouteOGR Forum Member

Bill - You should still be very proud of yourself. Even though it didn't work out to your expectations, the overall effect and presentation is still tremendous. I still applaud you.

- Brian

12/27/1512:09 PM

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