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Track & Bridges
Simple Auto Switch Control - with Video
Jan 27, 2010
By Peter DeKeles |
Author
Bio
I wanted to address two issues before I get thawed out. First was the control of the new Aristocraft Large Radius Turnout installed just south of the Yard at Ranger Ridge. The second issue is being able to visualize from the Control Shed, the turnout at Ranger Ridge and the second new Large Radius Turnout installed at the interchange of the mainline and shortline. Come see the simple solution.
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Now that winter has arrived, any major construction on the Burbank & Kennewick (B&K) has been rescheduled for the spring thaw. This downtime has given me time to look at operating issues that have come up now that the shortline route has been completed. This isn't a step by step article as much of it is how I implemented a couple of ideas and hope it can spark an idea for your railroad. The construction can easily be figured out by looking at the pictures.  I wanted to address two issues before I get thawed out. First was the control of the new Aristocraft Large Radius Turnout installed just south of the Yard at Ranger Ridge. The second issue is being able to visualize from the Control Shed, the turnout at Ranger Ridge and the second new Large Radius Turnout installed at the interchange of the mainline and shortline.
Once the mainline is in operation all trains will be able to pass through the yard from the North. Current procedures require the trains to be backed into the yard from the south end when operations have been completed for the day. The procedure is to have the train clear the turnout, walk outside the Control Shed and throw the turnout, walk back in and reverse the train into the yard. This was fun the first time I did it and got old every time after that. This also brought up the other operational issue of having to walk to the window to see if the train had cleared the turnout. I first thought I needed to control the turnout at Ranger Ridge remotely. I installed a LGB switch motor on the Aristocraft turnout. I wasn't happy with the performance and decided to come up with a better solution. It was agreed by the Operations office, that the turnout at Ranger Ridge would always be turned toward the mainline until a short line train needed access to the shared track. 20% of the shortline trackage is shared with the mainline. So an "Automatic" turnout control was engineered to allow the turnout to give access to the short line as required.
 Click Image to Watch Video
I should point out that one of the K&B's Goal and Objectives (G/ O's) states; "Buy nothing new, we probably already have it." (This excludes Track). So off to the warehouse I went to find the parts I needed. I came back with a piece of aluminum, a metal tube, dental floss and fishing weights. As you can see by the pictures, it is a simple design that keeps tension on the switch until a short line train enters the turnout. The wheelsets push the turnout to the side and the weights bring it back to its original setting. Metal and plastic wheelsets negotiate the turnout without any problems.
   
The second issue now needed to be tackled, visualization of both Large Radius turnouts. I need visualization of the turnout at Ranger Ridge so I know that it is clear to have a train proceed out of the Yard and visualization at the interchange turnout, so I can tell when a shortline or mainline train has cleared so the turnout can be set appropriately for the next train. Back to the warehouse I went.  Now I know you probably won't have the next items "lying around" but another G/O of the K&B is "Throw nothing away, nothing". I didn't have a picture window in stock, but I did come back with a security camera and a birdhouse. I installed the camera in the birdhouse, covered up the other two access holes and ran the wires into the control shed.   
 Click Image to Watch Video
This setup works perfectly. It allows me to see when each train has cleared the Ranger Ridge turnout for backing into the yard and a perfect view of the interchange turnout. Now when I get done watching my short line go "Round and Round", I can go to my Control Shed and safely and easily return the trains to the yard.  
 There will be a second camera installed this spring that will give me a view of the mainline area when completed. This spring I will be able to operate both shortline and mainline operations from the Control Shed. When I get the two way radios installed, I can put my 12 year old behind the controls and call in the train movements. No worries, I also have a wireless shut down button installed.
| Live Picture Monitor |
| Good idea using the camera and monitor to keep tabs on a critical location on the layout. This idea could have many applications where remote monitoring will help enhance operations. But, can you also feed local TV programs to the system? Like maybe the Saturday morning cartoons? |
| JD Milller - 01/27/2010 - 05:59 |
| Cartoons |
| The Monitor has VHS built-in and with my laptop running I can stream in anything off the Internet. Found an old coffee maker too! |
| Peter De Keles - 01/27/2010 - 07:22 |
| Costs $$ |
| While the sprung turnout looks basically free from spare parts, what was the cost of the camera system? I can see where large layouts could use more than one if they have a central control area. |
| Rick Henderson - 01/27/2010 - 14:35 |
| Cost |
| The system I had was made by x10. If you go to their site you can get up to date prices. http://www.x10.com/homepage.htm If you install more than one camera you can auto scan between them. Using x10 system you can intergrate camera and power control Harbor Freight also had simliar cameras for $20 after Christmas |
| Peter De Keles - 01/27/2010 - 16:02 |
| Camera |
| I use a security system with wired cameras in various locations on both my house, and inside buildings throughout the layout. This way, I have video-taped security, when I'm not home; and can switch cameras when running trains in the rain, etc., and keep myself dry. The system also has an automatic setting that scans between all cameras continuously. |
| Gerard Bushel - 01/28/2010 - 15:09 |
| Direction |
| That's the direction I'm headed. Also want to intergrate cameras into web for remote viewing for friends and family |
| Peter De Keles - 01/28/2010 - 17:39 |
| semi automatic turnout |
| Great idea, but thinking the floss will wear quickly on the tubeing edge; a spring to the metal bracket would accomplish the same, and be more weather resistant & have less wear issues? I guess it comes down to what you have around the house. |
| Gerard Bushel - 01/29/2010 - 10:14 |
| spring switch |
| I did my spring switch with a piece of brass rod. I have been told that brass will loose its "memory" over time and no longer work as a spring but after a few years of doings its job it hasn't failed yet. As for the camera thing, I bought a camera from Harbour Freight for security, and then priced a 24 hour digital video recorder (ouch). So my security camera system is on hold for now. |
| David A. Maynard - 01/29/2010 - 15:02 |
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