Automatic Running Program.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi,

I was wondering if it was possible to program a locomotive to run automatically.

Example: Run down the tracks, stop, run back to where it started.

Thanks,

-S. Connor

2

Yes

3

A little more explanation here:

https://sites.google.com/site/markgurries/home/nce-info/nce-macros

This discusses NCE applications but others are similar.

Good Luck, Ed

4

This might be a solution for you. http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/trainshuttle.html

5

JMRI also offers ways to automate various functions, but you need to be somewhat comfortable with it before you get too far with it or any other computer-based automation system.

If you’re looking for a simple automation in DC, like back and forth, station stops, etc, Peerless Industries offers some modules that provide such capabilities. Ram-Track offers a “Station Stopper” that will offer delays up to one minute. They and other offer latching relays that could be used to trigger turnouts, etc.

6

I know BLI locomotives with Paragon2 decoders have a feature that allows you to “record” commands and play them sequentially - kinda like the A-B button on a CD player remote. I’m not sure, however, if it allows you to repeat the sequence ad nauseum though.

Tom

7

Thanks, I think I’ve found what I needed

I’m contemplating a display with a DC point-to-point layout, something that could be used to run back ad forth like that for a few hours.

-S. Connor