Paddy Posted July 8, 2012 Hello Everybody Well, first something about me: I`m new here and I hope I´m welcome here :D My name is Partik, coming from Switzerland and i´m a great Lego Train fan. I have made a System with Trainmodules for my Lego trains. So it´s very useable and easy to store. I let speak the pictures to themself : Overview Traincontrol with a Digital DCC System, in the background a 9V Signal that operate with DCC (Like the 12V era) Controlstation, a selfmade "Opensource" DCC called OpenDCC Switch Point can remotecontrolled via DCC, under the Plate is a Servo. The modules have a high like 6 Lego stones, Bridges can be built (A prototype on the picture) I hope you enjoy this pictures, comments are welcome =) Patrik Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hrw-Amen Posted July 8, 2012 That is interesting especially for those who do not have the space to put a layout up all of the time. Do you have a lot of modules or are you just starting to build them? I was also wondering how you have managed to get the track fixed down as it appears that you have not used LEGO ballast between the tracks? Is the track fixed by plates we cannot see to the baseplates or have you used some other method? I do quite like the little rope bridge across the stream. I bet the man on it would get quite shaken up with the train rumbling past next to him!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rebelego Posted July 8, 2012 Controlstation, a selfmade "Opensource" DCC called OpenDCC Cool. Can you tell more about it? What is the track voltage you use? How many amps at the track? And what kind of decoders do you use in the trains? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roamingstop Posted July 9, 2012 Hallo Patrik Willkommen bei Eurobricks... Seems that there is now a small CH component here - with ZuriHB, and an honorary member by way of Steinkopf. I like the modular concept - makes the models much easier to display and rearrange. Perhaps a solution to my own issues of what to do with them all. The OpenDCC is a nice idea - is this hacked back into the models, or replaces the current IR receiver? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
domboy Posted July 9, 2012 Very interesting. My brother discovered a system of modular units for his model N gauge trains, and I've been wondering if I couldn't do something similar with Lego trains. I am curious, how did you fasten the baseplate to the wood on each module? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rail Co Posted July 9, 2012 (edited) That is interesting especially for those who do not have the space to put a layout up all of the time. Do you have a lot of modules or are you just starting to build them? I was also wondering how you have managed to get the track fixed down as it appears that you have not used LEGO ballast between the tracks? Is the track fixed by plates we cannot see to the baseplates or have you used some other method? I do quite like the little rope bridge across the stream. I bet the man on it would get quite shaken up with the train rumbling past next to him!! Well I at least figured out that his track is secured to the baseplates, I do not know how wide the are but they are something of ?x8. I assume they are 1x8 on each side of the track. If you would like to see yourself look at the second picture down behind the 7939 engine, at the end of that rail you can see the plate. Anyway that is a great module, I have never been big into them just because I like the biggest layout as possible in the amount of space I have , but this reminds me since its not a big layout you can put a lot of detail in without a lot of time! Looks great, Rail Co Edited July 9, 2012 by Rail Co Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
picardgk Posted July 27, 2012 Looks great and interesting! Could you share more details about your OpenDCC solution? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Blue Brick Posted July 28, 2012 I have no idea what DCC is, but your train and layout look great and compact. I would love to get back into trains and incorporate them into my layout once I find more space and get a new place. This seems like a good solution without taking up too much space. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paddy Posted September 30, 2012 Hello everybody I have made a little Video to demonstrate the functions of my train system. Greetings Patrik Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twenty6twelve Posted September 30, 2012 I have no idea what DCC is DCC, short for digital command control, is a universal standard digital control system in use over multiple model and toy train scales over the past 20 years. There is a AFOL variant for Mindstorms that dates clear back to 1999: http://home.surewest.net/markril/lego/dcc/ Your take on control is an interesting one, Patrik. I especially like your application of modules in a relatively small space, illustrating that not everyone needs a huge, LEGO dedicated room to have a train layout. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dhivael Posted September 30, 2012 After watching the video, I'm curious how you control the switch track? is the mechanism below the track/baseplate? Can you share any details or pictures? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twenty6twelve Posted October 1, 2012 After watching the video, I'm curious how you control the switch track? is the mechanism below the track/baseplate? Can you share any details or pictures? As he's using DCC, he's more than likely using an 'under the baseboard' solenoid switch machine, much like those used in non-LEGO model railways, like this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xris Posted March 29, 2013 Hi Patrik, I am currently planning my L-gauge layout and would like to use OpenDCC/BiDiB to control it. It would be nice to learn from your experience. I think you use standard LEGO motors inside the 9V train motor blocks. Which current is applied to the tracks? If more than say 10V, do you "reduce" it using the duty cycle restrictions fuctionality of the decoder via CVs settings? Regards Christian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paddy Posted March 30, 2013 Hi Patrik, I am currently planning my L-gauge layout and would like to use OpenDCC/BiDiB to control it. It would be nice to learn from your experience. I think you use standard LEGO motors inside the 9V train motor blocks. Which current is applied to the tracks? If more than say 10V, do you "reduce" it using the duty cycle restrictions fuctionality of the decoder via CVs settings? Regards Christian Hello Cristian I use a 12V Power Supply, so i have on the Track 10. max 11V. I made long tests with the Lego Motors, and i have no Problems with this Voltage. If you have questions, you can ask me, i also speak german so you can send me a Message :) I have actually finish my DCC Project, i have build a System that is flexible like Lego :) I have made three electronic Modules Bottom is the central unit of openDCC Middle a booster for powering up the DCC to 3Amps Upside are the track connections, i made 16x seperate Plugs, when it is connectet to the computer, i can see on which track is a train. Regards Patrik Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zephyr1934 Posted April 1, 2013 There are some neat features here I didn't notice the first time around, e.g., the custom power pickups on the Emerald Night in the video. The ballast is good too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xris Posted April 1, 2013 Hello Patrik, using OpenDCC this way is really a very nice approach for controlling a segmented/module based layout! I have obtained some OpenDCC DiBiB assembly sets from Fichtelbahn.de and am now in the progress of assembling them (and editing/improving the available manuals/documentation on that topic). When done with that, I will start testing them to assess their usability for my project. I chose OpenDCC DiBiB because it provides me with RailCom functionality and allows to identify the decoders' whereabouts on extensive layouts (I am planning a 2 level layout along the walls of a 11.5 x 1.9 m corridor). It might still take some time, but I'll definitively contact you in order to exchange experiences with the OpenDCC equipment and running the LEGO trains. I'll enjoy communication in German using private messages, but I thought It would be nice to draw the attention of some more Train Tech members. Perhaps there are some more fans of open projects hiding here... Best regards Christian Hello Cristian I use a 12V Power Supply, so i have on the Track 10. max 11V. I made long tests with the Lego Motors, and i have no Problems with this Voltage. If you have questions, you can ask me, i also speak german so you can send me a Message :) I have actually finish my DCC Project, i have build a System that is flexible like Lego :) I have made three electronic Modules Bottom is the central unit of openDCC Middle a booster for powering up the DCC to 3Amps Upside are the track connections, i made 16x seperate Plugs, when it is connectet to the computer, i can see on which track is a train. Regards Patrik Share this post Link to post Share on other sites