Automatic station stop

FurkaSOCal · 21 Mar 2018

Hello all,

I have recently completed the basics of my first real LGB layout and now i am branching out into more controls and automation. I am interested in setting up a system that would automatically stop and hold a train at the station for a preset time, and then set it back into motion and off on its way. I was reading about the LGB 53750 which appears to be a timer that could accomplish this. can anyone advise how good it is or if there is a better alternative? I am running an analogue layout, considering a DCC switch in a few years.

playmofire · 21 Mar 2018

I would suggest something from Clive Heathcote at Heathcote Electronics. His SA8 allows you a choice of settings, any or ll of which can be used and can be used with more than on station on a layout. Here are links:

http://heathcote-electronics.co.uk/

http://heathcote-electronics.co.uk/station_stop_SA8_and_SA8-S.html

I have just bought an SA1 and SA8 from him, together with IR-dots and found him very helpful and approachable.

PhilP · 21 Mar 2018

I assume this is for indoors? - IR can be problematical outdoors, many of the detectors are designed to fit below the track (water!) and the electronics will need greater protection from the elements..

playmofire · 21 Mar 2018

PhilP said:
I assume this is for indoors? - IR can be problematical outdoors, many of the detectors are designed to fit below the track (water!) and the electronics will need greater protection from the elements..

A good point; I had assumed that the planned layout was indoors, which it may well not be. Inside or out, reed switches are an alternative..

ge_rik · 21 Mar 2018

Or alternatively, if you went for battery and radio control instead of DCC, you could use a Deltang Rx65b receiver which includes auto station stop or auto shuttle as standard

See also
https://riksrailway.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/how-i-programmed-deltang-rx65b-for-auto.html

Rik

NathanO · 21 Mar 2018

With DCC it depends on which system you use. Several of them have 'detectors' and smart boards that will allow you station stops one or both ways. There are also several software options if you like to work with computers.

Nathan

FurkaSOCal · 21 Mar 2018

The layout is in fact outdoors, so I would have to be creative in weather proofing the system. However it looks like based on the video that was posted it can be done?

James Day · 21 Mar 2018

FurkaSOCal said:
The layout is in fact outdoors, so I would have to be creative in weather proofing the system. However it looks like based on the video that was posted it can be done?

The LGB timer is great but sadly long out of production. They have an adjustable dwell that goes from a few seconds to around four minutes I think and are very reliable indoors and out.

They are triggered by a short burst which does not have to be from an LGB reed but can be if that is what you use. You will then need magnets on your locos but I fit those as standard.

They can also be used with the add on switches on LGB signals and points. So a train came come in and swap over to another but that will only depart when the timer had run out.

You can also switch them on and off remotely if you wish so not all trains have to stop.

I have around ten of them and love them! Secondhand ones turn up from time to time. I think my last one came from GrootSpoor a couple of years ago. It was sold as fully tested and working and has given good service.

I have had one go wrong once, but a clever chum fixed it easily.

I would not want to be without them!

James

playmofire · 21 Mar 2018

FurkaSOCal said:
The layout is in fact outdoors, so I would have to be creative in weather proofing the system. However it looks like based on the video that was posted it can be done?

But that video shows a battery powered, radio-controlled loco. Aren't you running a track-powered one?

James Day · 21 Mar 2018

James Day said:
The LGB timer is great but sadly long out of production. They have an adjustable dwell that goes from a few seconds to around four minutes I think and are very reliable indoors and out.

They are triggered by a short burst which does not have to be from an LGB reed but can be if that is what you use. You will then need magnets on your locos but I fit those as standard.

They can also be used with the add on switches on LGB signals and points. So a train came come in and swap over to another but that will only depart when the timer had run out.

You can also switch them on and off remotely if you wish so not all trains have to stop.

I have around ten of them and love them! Secondhand ones turn up from time to time. I think my last one came from GrootSpoor a couple of years ago. It was sold as fully tested and working and has given good service.

I have had one go wrong once, but a clever chum fixed it easily.

I would not want to be without them!

James

As Gordon says, it sounds like you are running good old track powered analogue DC....

If you are having any automated stopping feature it is a good idea to have a slow speed section just ahead, fed with a slightly lower voltage to allow the train to gently roll to a stop rather than lurch!

An old controller resistance mat is great for this and you can adjust it to suit what you are running. I have a number of the old LGB pre electronic 5012 control huts that I use for this outside.

You can also rig up a diode to allow full power into the slow speed section when the isolated part is switched on. This way trains pass at line speed when they are not stopping.

I have used this idea over many years on OO, HO and LGB layouts but the inspiration came from a 1980s LGB ideas/planning book!

James

playmofire · 22 Mar 2018

The Heathcote products have a slowing down function built in so before a stop you have an additional IR-dot or reed switch which, when triggered, slows the train down.

FurkaSOCal · 22 Mar 2018

Yes I am using track powered DC so it sounds like a slowing section in conjunction with the LGB timer might be my best option since the layout is outdoors.

Deleted member 4232 · 22 Mar 2018

Moved

Madman · 22 Mar 2018

Many years ago, when I was running track power, I used RR Concepts Stationmaster. I just clicked on his link in my bookmarks but was sent to some unknown place. However, here is a Youtube video showing the Stationmaster in action.

FurkaSOCal · 23 Mar 2018

Madman said:
Many years ago, when I was running track power, I used RR Concepts Stationmaster. I just clicked on his link in my bookmarks but was sent to some unknown place. However, here is a Youtube video showing the Stationmaster in action.

Do you think that it could be used outdoors? I imagine the device itself could be put in like a waterproof box and then just the wires would come out and connect to the track and such.

ge_rik · 23 Mar 2018

By coincidence, Dan, I came across this video, which shows the same system on an outdoor layout

Rik

Madman · 23 Mar 2018

Yes, it is for outdoors and indoors. But as you mentioned, the module itself must be protected from the weather.

Rik, thanks for your input.

FurkaSOCal · 23 Mar 2018

Thank you all for the input!

Bill Barnwell · 24 Mar 2018

FurkaSOCal said:
Hello all,

I have recently completed the basics of my first real LGB layout and now i am branching out into more controls and automation. I am interested in setting up a system that would automatically stop and hold a train at the station for a preset time, and then set it back into motion and off on its way. I was reading about the LGB 53750 which appears to be a timer that could accomplish this. can anyone advise how good it is or if there is a better alternative? I am running an analogue layout, considering a DCC switch in a few years.

Check into www.gscalegraphics.net they have what you are looking g for at very reasonable pricing, good stuff and people, Bill

Automatic station stop

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PhilP

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