Detection

[wm3798]

This is what I have in mind for the middle of Pinkerton tunnel.  Two separate detectors, one for each track.  The operating rule is right hand running, so each detector would be tied to the switch machine and signal ahead of it.  By angling them in this manner, it assures a clean "block" in the event of a flat car or an open auto rack being in the train.



Placing single detectors at the ends of the siding will establish the direction of the train in question.  If it hits the end before the middle, it's going one way, if it hits the middle before the end, well, you get the idea...

What say you to that?

Lee

[Bob Bufkin]

Lee

I know you want right hand running but there are times when left hand running may be required.  Suggest placing one on each end of your track just to add some variety during op sessions (one track out of order, etc).

[sizemore]

Placing single detectors at the ends of the siding will establish the direction of the train in question.  If it hits the end before the middle, it's going one way, if it hits the middle before the end, well, you get the idea...

What say you to that?

Lee

What happens when your train is not freight but a short 3 car passenger consist? Ultimately you would then need more detectors. But then that makes the panel really goofy with a babillion detectors for the tunnel. Instead of having a detector in the middle how about one 6 inches from the end as a "STOP NOW" for each right hand direction? If we're running trains at realistic paces a train should stop in 6-8 inches easily. I'd put two detectors at 3 and 5 inbound. If detectors 5-north and 6 are occupied then red signal until the westbound clears. Repeat for the trains eastbound, once 3-south and 2 are clear the westbound train gets the green.

The S.

[wm3798]

Tim,
Sounds good.  Let me know when you have the circuit boards done! ;D

[sizemore]

Tim,
Sounds good.  Let me know when you have the circuit boards done! ;D

Yeah after all 14 of Erics passenger cars are done...

The S.

[wm3798]

I need mine sooner.  Now SCHNELL!

[seusscaboose]

I need mine sooner.  Now SCHNELL!

wait your turn Weldon!
no Jumpsies
 ;D

[sizemore]

I need mine sooner.  Now SCHNELL!

Easy Tigre! I finished 1803's cab last week which means decaling is done!!!! I just have to paint the handrails and give her dullcoat and she'll be on her way to you! I woulda finished tonight but I have a killer headache and paintfumes won't make it better!

The S.

[davefoxx]

I need mine sooner.  Now SCHNELL!

wait your turn Weldon!
no Jumpsies
 ;D

Yeah, Lee!  Get in line behind my C&O RDCs!   ;D ;D ;D

[sizemore]

I need mine sooner.  Now SCHNELL!

wait your turn Weldon!
no Jumpsies
 ;D

Yeah, Lee!  Get in line behind my C&O RDCs!   ;D ;D ;D

Told you I'd make you decals, Dave!

The S.

[davefoxx]

I need mine sooner.  Now SCHNELL!

wait your turn Weldon!
no Jumpsies
 ;D

Yeah, Lee!  Get in line behind my C&O RDCs!   ;D ;D ;D

Told you I'd make you decals, Dave!

The S.

I know, I know.  But, I figured that if I kept saying it enough, I might confuse you.   ;D

The Dave

[wm3798]

Pressing on.  I've decided to use the Polish circuit breaker design, insulating the right rail (frog end) on both diverging tracks, with the power routed by the Tortoise.  This way, if the switch is thrown against the train as it approaches, the engine will stall well back of the collision point/short on the frog.  I think I'll test this on the Thomas Sub siding just to make sure I'm comfortable with the stall vs. momentum situation.

Lee

[m301]

 If you wire in an MRC reverser you can add detection with that.

[central.vermont]

Lee,
You will still have problems detecting with detectors in this position. The catcher should be placed between the rails with the pitcher above the rails at an angle from each other only inline with the track. What can happen with what you have drawn is if you stop the train at the point between the cars you will have a chance the IR will miss the car. Wished I could do a drawing like you but not that talented.  ;D
Jon

[cv_acr]

The biggest hole is that there could be a situation where you don't know if a train is in the tunnel.  Obviously there are ways to deal with that if need be.

Combine a current detector to detect an engine anywhere on the track with IR detectors to detect proximity to either end of the siding.



The current detection will detect any engines anywhere in the block, and the IR detectors will pick up the end of a train straddling the block boundaries. Pretty near foolproof.