In recent months, RHJ Rail has undergone extensive upgrades with the installation of a new Automated Operations Control Centre.

This project involved surveying the entire layout and naming locations which previously had no name associated with them. This resulted in the implementation of a new time table which was required for automation purposes and is useful for traditional operating methods as well.

The project necessitated that a train detection system be implemented and two choices were presented: either re-wire the entire layout into blocks or devise an effective alternative. After much investigation, it was determined that re-wiring would be expensive, time consuming and likely decrease reliability, particularly due to the number of gaps which would have to be cut on curved track.

An alternative system was designed to simulate a typical DCC block detection system by the use of sensors instead of actual track blocks. This was implemented without interrupting operations and the new control centre was brought on-line smoothly. The control centre is computer-based and uses JMRI software to run trains and control an expanded range of special effects including lighting, sound and animation. Details about how this was accomplished are available on request.

Manual operation is still possible and operating sessions are held from time-to-time.

Further information, including a detailed layout description and photos, is often available at http://members.shaw.ca/rhjrail

You can view earlier editions of this web site at:

• 2009

A recent clinic was presented to the Calgary Model Railway Society on the subject of

LAYOUT AUTOMATION
Using standard and custom components to achieve realistic (hands free) operation.

You can view information related to this clinic at: http://members.shaw.ca/rhjrail2/index.html