I really like this approach...

I immediately think of another application area - randomized hidden stations (ladder yards)...

I want to be surprised about what train comes up from the dark...

Great idea!!

Joe , most good computer shops.

NN

I can definatly recommend including the random element. I have found that it keeps me almost hypnotized wathcing the trains run.
As I use a PLC, I just start a seconds-counter at the turn ON of the system. Then, when it´s the moement to start a train from one of the shaddow-stations, this counter determines which track is given green light.
I dont use random swtiching, but branchline-able train ARE "coded" with a magnet (for reeds), which will make the PLC switch it from the mainline (shadowstations are there) to the branchline... MAYBE (in reality; if branchline is free at the moment), otherwise the train just continues on the mainline. (Trains running the branchline loop, are eventually returned to the mainline again.)

Very nice idea John. The concept behind it isn't complicated, but getting the idea in the first place, is. I just hope you don't have any trains with an extra pickup-shoe (for lights), or you just might have an accident waiting to happen

And what holidays do you guys have in SA now while the rest of us are back at work

Hi can you stick some sought of diagram up with the parts neaded to make this item i very much like this item and will want something like it for the future cheers Dan.

That IC Chip is cool, I could use that to run my LGB rail bus as a shuttle train, does the timing go faster or slower with more resistance?

This is an update report for those of you who have followed the earlier thread. The content of this is written for Marklin Analog Control systems (eg, M Track, K Track and C Track but without Digital Turnouts or Signals), since Digital Routing and Memory systems can be purchased from Marklin.

My holiday project has been to develop Train Traffic Routing systems, using electronic circuits. It’s partly because I wanted to learn about electronics and micro-chips, but it’s also because it seems that watching trains go around and around could be made more interesting by random variations of routes, and because there is a Model Railway Convention in Cape Town in April 2011 and I have the idea that I would like to display this project at the Convention.

Since my earlier thread on this subject, I have been working on a new Router system which works as follows :

1. The new Router has six Routes which can be selected,
   
2. Each of the six Routes may contain several solenoid accessories, eg turnouts, signals, etc
   
3. The Router scrolls through the six Routes sequentially, selecting each one for a period of about 10 seconds, before scrolling to the following one, according to the flashing yellow light
   
4. When the train goes over the Contact Track section, it triggers the Router and selects whichever Route is lit up.
5. That ‘Route’ is then set for the train to follow.

It’s like rolling a Dice, and the Dice decides what the train should do next.

Here you can see the six ‘Routes’ which are indicated by the LED lights connected to Relays :



The yellow light flashes every 10 seconds to scroll through the six ‘Routes sequentially :



The approaching ICE train is about to make contact with the Contact Track to select its Route. The previous train has selected the inside branch line :



One train has selected the inside branch line, but the next train may select a different route. (Note : if it is less than 10 seconds behind the previous train, then it will follow the same route !)



A view of the router next to the track :



It’s quite interesting to watch, actually. It’s hard to predict which route each train will follow.

I had great fun experimenting with 2 trains on the track, and one train chasing the next one, and seeing when they switch routes, then I could have a breather while one train was stationary on a route while the other train was circulating away, but only until the next time that route was selected, then I’d have to go again !!

An application that may be interesting is for the six routes to be connected to six turnouts and signals in a marshalling yard of six lanes. The approaching train would randomly select which of the six lanes in the yard it wanted to route to, set the train in the yard to go, and then stop itself in the yard, to wait for another cycle to commence.

Cost : The entire Router cost me financially about 100 South African Rands (about 8 Pounds). Of course quite a lot of experimenting, and holiday time, but that is what hobbies are for !!

My next task is to build the layout with the Routers which I have been working on, and display it at the Model Railway Convention in April 2011. There might be some people who may be interested !

Regards,
John

Mark,

Thanks for the note here.

No, the randomised routing shown here was not used in the 3 oval layout .. I am using the Memory to plan traffic routing.

Regards,
John