A Digitally Controlled Model Railway       

The model railway is situated in a roof loft approximately 6m * 3m and from the outset the intention was to take advantage of the developments for digital control.   I consider this approach offers the user an enhanced capability for control.

To see photos of the layout and a track plan click on 'Layout Views'. Do give your views by clicking on 'Feedback'.

The scale is "N" gauge and routes were originally set manually by 60 Seep point motors operated from a layout control panel with the direction indicated by 12 volt LED's. Over 300 coloured wires 6 for each point connected to the LED's and momentary point motor switches.   All of this heavy concentration on masses of wires has been changed as the operation is now achieved by the use of 15 digital accessory decoders.

It is such a pleasure to touch the screen of the ESU's ECOS DCC command station and see 15 points change to let a train through on the main line. Recently track sensors have been introduced so that the ECOS system can set the route for a train when it occupies the section of track that is being monitored.  In future each train being driven will set it's own route by this means.  When more track sensors have been installed it will be possible to introduce computer control using the RailRoad & Co software. Track sensors are essential to enable the computer to know the position of the trains.

The ECOS by ESU DCC command station is one of a new generation of systems using a touch screen with a built in PC interface with regular software updates from the manufacturer. It can also take the output from any existing DCC system to avoid making it redundant.

Version 3.0.0 of the update software has just been made available. This for the first time adds the ability to have up to 16 track plans with points and routes easily set by touching the screen. Track plans are connected by touch screen links. A track plan symbol is available for every type of digital accessory.

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