Nice project! For such big layout I would suggest controlling using a PC software such as Rocrail or TrainController instead of brake modules. This would provide better control, higher flexibility and less wiring.

Both (and others) are compatible with The ESU command station. Either of these look like they will work well, just another system to learn 👍🏻

One question, with RocRail or any other software, how does the software detect train location? In my early reading - I believe it stated something about using the speed tables?

Thank you Garben, sounds like I am following in your foot steps👍🏻. Originally, I thought I could use the ESU brake modules for the Märklin Lok‘s with ESU decoders and the Märklin brake Controller for the Marklin ICE sets. Giving the ICE-3 sets dedicated sidings. As you probably know, by Doing this:

1. the sidings with the ESU brake controllers, each Locomotive needs to have the CV‘s adjusted so the Loc stops at the signal, time consuming. The track occupancy and train identification still are displayed on the track plan, so that is good.

2. the sidings with the Märklin brake module work the same for all Märklin decoders in my experience, no need to change CV‘s. But I lose Track occupancy being displayed on the track plan via the ECoS in the sections that have the track power off at the signal.

Hope this explanation makes sense. Again thank you for posting and appreciate any advice.

I can save the brake modules for another. Location 👍🏻

Best regards,

Rich S.

Hi Rich
It is great to have you back and I wish you all the best for your new project.

The answer is Rocrail (RR) (and also the others) don't need to.
The principle is to enter the whole layout into RR so it knows what are the relations between all stop sections, track pieces and next it must know where each train, loco, car, wagon is located. Once you have entered these locations. Sensors help RR to update these locations so you do the entering once (it is fair to say very rarely).
I use Rocrail since 2013 and it is really on excellent piece of software

Here is a video on my layout. As you may see I am not a master in decoration and landscaping and my layout is cramped into a small room (4 x 4 meters) it has 3 layers and a Faller Car System


In my opinion, RR (or other train control s/w) is really indispensable to "multi-task" the operation and especially in non visible areas (approx 70% of my tracks are hidden)
Cheers
Jean

As it seems as if you are on C tracks, is there any specific reason why you haven’t considered the method used by probably >99 % of all C tracks users? You could still use ESU modules for detection (not having to use the Märklin S88 module shown in the clip below).



From the ESU ECoSDetector manual:

Individually. You can store in any folder, and tell Rocrail where to look for them. Beware of image dimensions 230x80 and format (may need crop).

Sorry for sounding cryptic. Save as 230x80 pixels to fit rocrail panel. Max dimensions.

Just an update and adding some info for my records if I need to refer back. Making progress now that I have become familiar with Rocrail and better understand how to make blocks & routes. Thank you all for all of your help.

One big change was to remove the ESU braking modules since they would only work with ESU decoders and I didn't want to have dedicated sidings for locomotives with Märklin decoders. So now I can have Rocrail take control of stopping any locomotive in a precise spot prior to the signal mast. I was able to use the already installed ESU Detectors as sensors in Rocrail and now have both track occupancy and locomotive identification showing in Rocrail and on the ESU Command station track plan. I'll save the ESU braking modules for other areas on the layout.






Thank you for all the technical advise & help, I would not have gotten this far without it. Now, it will take me some time to wire up the signal mast (lights only - not used to control track power) and use some Märklin K84's and the 1 ESU Signal Pilot I have. Rocrail is a very powerful & comprehensive train software program, still learning how to use the BBT (Block Brake Timer) and develop some more complicated routes. JohnJean & Martti gave me some great advice - start with simple, take good notes and add to the track plan like in the Wiki Demo. The demo plan & virtual mode is definitely the tool I should have spent more time with from the beginning. It would have saved me a lot of time and frustration. I am still able to control the locomotives manually with the ESU Command Station and the ESU Mobile controllers, each device reflects the speed and function changes that the other makes. Looking forward to getting this first level all wired up and start on the next sometime soon - I hope

setting switch addresses :

on the ECoS - navigate to signals & switches.
Select - edit/properties tool (wrench symbol bottom right of screen) then select the desired switch.

When in the "edit accessory" screen - it will show the address information needed by Rocrail - the address in brackets on the address line.

In the example below [5:4]

Rocrail address = 5, Port =4

Duration 150 ms seems to be enough to flip the switches, perhaps this will extend the life of the switch motors

Got the ESU Signal Pilot hooked up and programmed this weekend