Tools, APP Software Used etc.

arduino IDE

Description

Automated Model Railroad Layout Running Two Trains

I made an Automated Model Train Layout with Passing Siding a while back. Upon request from a fellow member, I made this project. This is somewhat similar to the project mentioned earlier. The layout accommodates two trains and runs them alternatively. So, without further ado, let's get started!

Step 1: Get All the Necessary Stuff!

For this project, here is the parts list:

An Arduino microcontroller board(UNO, MEGA, Leonardo, and similar ones are recommended).
An L298N dual H-bridge motor driver board.
4 male to female jumper wires(to connect the digital outputs of the Arduino board to the inputs of the motor driver board).
4 male to male jumper wires to connect the turnouts to the motor driver board.
2 male to male jumper wires to connect track power to the motor driver.
A 'sensored' track.

Step 2: Program the Arduino Board

If you don't have Arduino IDE on your computer, download it from here.

Make sure you go through the Arduino program before uploading it on your Arduino board. Since a large part of the operation is based on timing(that is why we managed it with a single sensor!). You may need to change some values since the size of the layout can affect how many trips the train will make around the layout, where the trains will stop, and so on. You will get an idea of how it works and you may even modify it to do whatever you can.

Step 3: Set Up the Layout

Step 4: Study the Circuit Schematic

Make sure you go through all of the details before proceeding.

Step 5: Make the Wiring Connections

Follow the circuit schematic from the previous step and make sure no wiring connections are loose.

Step 6: Place the Locomotives on the Tracks

Let's just use the locomotives for testing purposes. Make sure the tracks are cleaned properly before starting the test to prevent stalling of locomotives.

Step 7: Power Up the Setup

Connect the 12-volt DC adapter to the Arduino board's power input, plug in the adapter and turn the power on.

Step 8: It's Done!

Step 9: Have You Done?

If you have made this project and if you can, share yours below for others to see your work. Go ahead! All the best!

Code

Arduino Code

Arduino

/*Arduino program to run two trains alternatively on an automatd layout.
 *By Tech Build: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNy7DyfhSD9jsQEgNwETp9g?sub_confirmation=1 
 * 
 */
int i=0; //Integer to store the locomotive's speed at a scale from 0 to 255.
int a=4;// Integer to store the delay(in seconds) for halting the first train, needs to be varied depending upon the length of the track between the sensor and the required halting location of the train.
        // Increase the value of 'a' if the first train stops before reaching the starting position. Reduce it if the train stops too far ahead.
int b=11;// Integer to store the delay(in seconds) for halting the second train, needs to be varied depending upon the length of the track between the sensor and the required halting location of the train.
        // Increase the value of 'b' if the second train stops before reaching the starting position. Reduce it if the train stops too far ahead.

void switch_to_pass(){
  digitalWrite(11,LOW);
  digitalWrite(12,HIGH);  
  delay(200);
  digitalWrite(12,LOW);
}

void switch_to_main(){
  digitalWrite(12,LOW);
  digitalWrite(11,HIGH);     
  delay(200);
  digitalWrite(11,LOW);
}

void motor_go(){
  if(i>=1){
    analogWrite(10,0);
    analogWrite(9,i);
  }
  if(i<=-1){
    analogWrite(9,0);
    analogWrite(10,(i*-1));
  }
  if(i==0){
    analogWrite(9,0);
    analogWrite(10,0);
  }
}
void setup() {
  pinMode(A0,INPUT);
  pinMode(9,OUTPUT);
  pinMode(10,OUTPUT);
  pinMode(11,OUTPUT);
  pinMode(12,OUTPUT);
  
}

void loop() {
       
      switch_to_pass();//Switching turnouts to the siding since the train will start the journey fro there.
      
      for(i=0;i<=40;i++){//Increasing the speed of the first train to 40, at this speed the lights turn on but the train remains at rest.
        motor_go();
        delay(10);
      }

     delay(2000);//Waiting for 2000 milliseconds or 2 seconds(1000 milliseconds equals to 1 second).

      for(i=i;i<=90;i++){//Increasing the speed of the first train to 90.
        motor_go();
        delay(500);
      }
    
    delay(4000);
    
      for(i=i;i<=180;i++){//Increasing the speed of the first train to 180.
        motor_go();
        delay(250);
      }

    delay(3000);
    
      for(i=i;i!=90;i--){//Decreasing the speed of the first train back to 90.
        motor_go();
        delay(500);
      }

     delay(2000);

     while(digitalRead(A0)==LOW);//Waiting for the first train to cross the sensored track.
    
   
   delay(1000*a);//Waiting for the first train to enter the siding.

   
     for(i=i;i!=60;i--){//Reducing the speed of the first train gradually.
        motor_go();
        delay(500);
      }

      for(i=i;i!=40;i--){//Reducing the speed of the first train gradually, bringing it to a halt.
        motor_go();
        delay(250);
      }
     
      for(i=i;i!=0;i--){
        motor_go();
        delay(62);
      }
      delay(2000);
      /*
       * The first train has completed its loop and has stopped.
       * The second train will now prepare to start.
       */
      switch_to_main();//Switching turnouts to the second route since the second train will start the journey fro there.

      for(i=i;i!=-40;i--){//Increasing the speed of the second train to 40, at this speed the lights turn on but the train remains at rest.
        motor_go();
        delay(60);
      }
      for(i=i;i!=-90;i--){//Increasing the speed of the second train to 90.
        motor_go();
        delay(250);
      }
      delay(4000);

      for(i=i;i!=-180;i--){//Increasing the speed of the second train to 180.
        motor_go();
        delay(250);
      }
      delay(4000);

      for(i=i;i!=-90;i++){//Decreasing the speed of the second train back to 90.
        motor_go();
        delay(250);
      }
      delay(4000);

      while(digitalRead(A0)==LOW);//Waiting for the second train to cross the sensored track.

      delay(1000*b);
    
      for(i=i;i!=-80;i++){//Reducing the speed of the second train gradually.
        motor_go();
        delay(500);      
      }
      delay(2000);

      for(i=i;i!=-40;i++){//Reducing the speed of the first train gradually, bringing it to a halt.
        motor_go();
        delay(500);
      }
      delay(1000);

      for(i=i;i!=0;i++){
        motor_go();
        delay(60);
      }

      delay(2000);
      /*
       * The second train has completed its loop and has stopped.
       * The first train will now prepare to start.
       */
    }

Apr 02,2022

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