Category Description: Various topics with regard to electronics.
A New Constant Lighting Circuit
Railroad Model Craftsman 1991-09 pg. 62 Scale: Author: G.R. Stillwell, Jr.
The author describes how he designed and built circuits using the LM317T IC chip to build constant lighting for cab numberboards, and single and dual headlamps. Includes circuit diagrams and parts list.
A Power Supply For Micro Lamps
N-Scale 2003-03/04 pg. 33 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
Two solutions to powering 1.5 Volt micro lamps. One uses a collection of diodes to reduce the voltage to the lamps (with support for a limited number of lamps), and a full-blown regulator supply that can handle a predetermined number of lamps.
Adventures in Computer Layout Control
Model Railroader 1996-09 pg. 106 Scale: Author: Keith Thompson
This article describes the various components needed to control train movement via a computer. It is not a detailed article, but it provides a nice overview, with a listing of addition research material.
An EOT for the Front Runner
Model Railroader 1990-02 pg. 78 Scale: HO Author: David A. Bontrager
The author describes how he built an end-of-train device for his piggyback train. Includes construction photos and electronics schematic.
Blinking Barricades
N-Scale 2000-07/08 pg. 50 Scale: N Author: Bob Kendall
This article shows, in great detail, how to construct a scale barricade with a blinking LED. Also includes information about making some changes to the circuit to obtain different results.
Build Your Own Signals
Model Railroader 2006-07 pg. 76 Scale: HO Author: Peter Pemberton
This article shows how, using some commercial parts, the author built the signal's head assembly, mast, electronics, and layout installation.
Build a Power Supply for Command Control Equipment Part 1
O Scale Trains Magazine 23 November 2005 pg. 53 Scale: Author: Ted Byrne
The first installment describes the 18-volt, 10-amp power supply the author is building. After the introduction, this installment concludes with the parts list.
Build a Working N-scale Crossing Signal
Model Railroader 1989-07 pg. 70 Scale: N Author: Ed Schultz & Brian King
This article describes the electronics necessary to make a working Bachmann crossing signal, including operating gates.
Build an Authentic Diesel Horn for Your Layout
Model Railroader 1989-02 pg. 106 Scale: (none) Author: Keith Gutierrez
The kit of all the parts were available (at the time of the article) from CVP Products (the author's company). The article describes how to build this professional-looking, programmable diesel horn.
Build the Blinker
Model Railroader 1978-02 pg. 102 Scale: Author: Keith Gutierrez
This article covers how to build a basic flasher circuit, includes printed circuit board diagram, and several ideas for application.
Building a Digital Fast Clock
Model Railroader 1978-11 pg. 76 Scale: Author: Keith Gutierrez
Using a Radio Shack four-digit clock module, the author shows how to build a fast clock (operating about 10 to 12 times faster than a normal clock). Includes schematic diagrams, circuit board designs, final wiring diagrams, and a parts list. The article then covers how to operate using a fast clock.
CTC80 Command Control
Model Railroader 1988-03 pg. 84 Scale: (none) Author: Richard C. Kamm
Keeler Rail Specialties produced this system that uses a home computer to provide throttle control. Though obsolete now, it does provide insight into the history of command control.
Cab Control for the Spokane Valley & Northern
Model Railroader 2002-11 pg. 47 Scale: (none) Author: Paul Schmidt
Placing electrical blocks on a small layout.
Coil Saver
N-Scale 2003-07/08 pg. 36 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
Building a circuit that will protect the coil switch machine from being fried by an operator who pushes the button too long. The article includes photos and schematic drawings.
Command Control Comes to the Sunset Valley
Model Railroader 1983-01 pg. 103 Scale: (none) Author: Bruce Chubb
The author chose CTC-16 and explains why. Includes photos of his installation, and a complete circuit diagram of his reconfigured receiver. Also included are diagrams and parts lists for a power station with pre-regulator and a negative power supply for the command station.
Components Part IIIa
N-Scale 2003-01/02 pg. 33 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
Covers various switches (toggle, slide, etc.), relays, SCR (also known as triacs), transformers, and optical devices (such photocells, IR LEDs). Includes a diagram for wiring up a DPDT toggle switch which can be used to reverse electricity, and a diagram for controlling relays using transistors.
Computers in Model Railroading
Model Railroader 1988-03 pg. 88 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Fink
This is the first in a long-running column discussing how computers can be used in model railroading. This article introduces some terminology.
Computers in Model Railroading
Model Railroader 1989-09 pg. 96 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Fink
This article presents a Basic computer program for printing a scale rule.
Computers in Model Railroading
Model Railroader 1990-03 pg. 124 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Fink
Creating a fastclock/timetable that runs on the computer. Includes the basic programming language code.
Computers in Model Railroading
Model Railroader 1990-06 pg. 104 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Fink
A Basic program for calculating plate girder bridge depth ratios.
Computers in Model Railroading
Model Railroader 1991-03 pg. 108 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Fink
Using the computer to generate traffic switch lists, and creating text of certain fonts to match your scale.
Conquering "Schematicophobia"
Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-08 pg. 81 Scale: (none) Author: Gerry Leone
While not fully understanding electronics, you can still build circuits that are found on the Web. This article covers a circuit that reports a train's presence on track via infrared components, and displayed via LED's on a control panel.
Constant-intensity Headlights for DC
Model Railroader 2006-08 pg. 62 Scale: HO Author: Bob Rivard
Using a few electronic components, the article describes how to install this into a locomotive.
Easy Block Detection and 2-Color Signals Part 2
Scale Rails 2005-02 pg. 18 Scale: (none) Author: Richard Schumacher
Design diagrams and assembly instructions for a full-featured block detector that works for both DC and DCC. The article also includes a section on railroad signals and how to mimic them in models. A basic circuit for driving those signals is discussed, as well as a final "putting it all together" section.
Easy Electrical Pickups
Railroad Model Craftsman 2007-03 pg. 89 Scale: HO Author: Harold Minkowitz
The author converts a Kadee No. 5 coupler center spring to an electrical pickup for an IHC 4-4-0.
Electricity
Model Railroader 2002-11 pg. 54 Scale: (none) Author: Jeff Wilson
The basics of electronics. Article contains some errors, but shows how to measure voltage and amperage, what the difference is between parallel and series, and how to wire up toggle switches.
Electronic Workshop
N-Scale 2006-07/08 pg. 52 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
Turnout position indicators. Various solutions to the same problem. Covers stall-motor switch machines. Lots of schematics, and a parts list.
Electronics For Model Railroaders 101 Part III
N-Scale 2002-10/11 pg. 60 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
Description of typical electronics projects components. Standard resistor value chart.
Electronics For Model Railroaders 101 Part IV
N-Scale 2003-05/06 pg. 34 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
Dealing with 110 volt components.
End-of-train Device
N-Scale 2000-09/10 pg. 38 Scale: N Author: Bob Kendall
This article shows how to install an end-of-train device in a boxcar. An on/off switch and battery power the LED.
Fred Without Limits
N-Scale 2003-07/08 pg. 28 Scale: N Author: Dean Daughenbaugh
Installing Richmond Controls' circuits in a materials handling car, a center beam flat car, and a well car.
Fusees: The Poor Man's Block Signal
Railroad Model Craftsman 2011-06 pg. 53 Scale: Author: Linn Moedinger
Using LEDs to simulate fusees to indicate trouble ahead. The author's fusees are tied into his block-system layout.
Getting Started: Tools of the Electrical Trade
Model Railroader 1990-06 pg. 120 Scale: (none) Author: Anthony R. Curtis
The article discusses the basics of using tools needed for electrical work.
How Fast? How Far?
Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-09 pg. 76 Scale: (none) Author: Gerry Leone
This article describes how to build a speedometer/odometer for your model trains. It involves a gondola, a bicycle speedometer, and some metal parts to make this device.
How Long is Your Railway?
Garden Railways 2005-12 pg. 76 Scale: G Author: David Bodnar
This article describes how to build an odometer to measure the length of your garden railway. An updated article is available online.
How To Simulate Flickering Fires
Model Railroader 1992-05 pg. 72 Scale: (none) Author: D. Derek Verner
Provides several ideas to solving the same problem, i.e. creating the illusion of flickering fires, be they in a trash barrel, a burning building, or a machine shop. All the circuits are very simple. They all use the idea of a small transistor radio that drives a lamp of some sorts. The lamps suggested are plain bulbs, LED's, and neon lights.
Installing an N Scale End-of-train Device
Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-12 pg. 89 Scale: N Author: Terry Pitts
Installing a Richmond Controls' EZ-26 kit in a Kato Amtrak MHC.
Kitbash a Fast Clock
Model Railroader 1987-11 pg. 86 Scale: (none) Author: Michael M. Dodd
This articles describes how to convert an inexpensive quartz clock to a variable-speed fast clock.
Layout Lighting
N-Scale 2002-07/08 pg. 56 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
The author describes how he built a control panel to control the structure lights on his layout.
Layouts Should Be Seen and Heard!
Model Railroader 2006-08 pg. 36 Scale: N Author: David Popp
This article covers self-contained sound systems, sound-effect CDs, interactive sound modules, under-layout sound decoders,
Locomotive Whistles on the Yosemite Valley RR
Model Railroader 1989-07 pg. 68 Scale: Author: Jack Burgess
Describes how to build an electronic circuit to reproduce a whistle.
Make Your Own PC Board Wiring Terminals
Model Railroader 1988-02 pg. 88 Scale: (none) Author: W. Robert Stobbe
The article describes the author's solution as an alternative to the rather expensive barrier strips for wiring switch machines. His strips are made from PC boards.
Modeling Mercury-vapor Lamps
Railroad Model Craftsman 2005-09 pg. 87 Scale: (none) Author: Fred Lagno
Making the blue-white LED's look like these lamps from the 1970's.
More on Realistic Passenger Car Lighting
O Scale Trains Magazine 33 July 2007 pg. 48 Scale: Author: Ted Byrne
Building a flicker-free electronic circuit to use LEDs to illuminate the passenger car interior.
New Life for an Old Power Pack
N-Scale 2002-03/04 pg. 40 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
Converting the AC output of an old hobby transformer into a quality 12-volt DC power supply with just a handful of parts.
Panel Lettering for a Throttle
Railroad Model Craftsman 1994-01 pg. 105 Scale: Author: Rex Beistle
This article describes how the author used a computer to layout the lettering for the throttle, and then covered it with protective covering sheet.
Preparing Structures for Interior Lighting
N-Scale 2002-11/12 pg. 53 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
Methods of lamps, installation, and leak detection.
S Gauge One Evening Project
NASG Dispatch 2009-04 pg. 30 Scale: S Author: Herb King
This half-page drawing-with-notes shows how to add a mars light to a passenger car.
SWAC/2 Part 1
Railroad Model Craftsman 1977-08 pg. 64 Scale: (none) Author: Don Fiehmann
This article covers the design and construction of walk-around throttles. The design centers around the fact that only two or three wires are needed to connect to the layout, which means standard headphone plugs and wires can be used. Article includes the schematic, construction photos, printed circuit board layout, and parts list.
Semaphore Animation
N-Scale 2000-09/10 pg. 64 Scale: (none) Author: Damian Kostron
Using a Basic Stamp and a RC servo to intelligently control a semaphore. Includes parts list, hook-up photos, and a Pbasic program needed to control one semaphore.
Sound Advice
Model Railroader 2005-02 pg. 58 Scale: HO Author: Terry Thompson
The author examines how manufacturers tackle the difficult issue of sound reproduction inside our small locomotives. Covers both steam and diesel engines. Includes a sidebar on the history of sound in model railroading.
Sound and Motion
Railroad Model Craftsman 2006-08 pg. 66 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Walker
The author discusses some ideas for adding sound and animation to the scenery, and how not to overdo it.
Sound for the Bachmann HO Climax
Model Railroading 2006-01 pg. 32 Scale: HO Author: Ray Kilcoyne
The author installed the SoundTraxx DSD-090LC Light Steam decoder into this locomotive's tender shell. Modifications were necessary. Also includes the parts list and how to program the decoder.
Structure Lighting
Model Railroader 1987-12 pg. 157 Scale: (none) Author: W. Robert Stobbe
Using cheap Christmas tree decoration lights to create interior lighting for structures. The article covers how to deal with the fragile light bulb wires
Symposium on Electronics
Model Railroader 1983-01 pg. 116 Scale: (none) Author: Don W. Hansen
Correction of the Jan. 1982 light-actuated action crossing circuit, and the Mar. 1982 pulse add-on throttle. New topics include: diesel sound generator, and onboard steam sound.
Symposium on Electronics
Model Railroader 1985-11 pg. 114 Scale: (none) Author: Don W. Hansen
The electronic schematic of an automatic switching circuit is covered. The idea is that an engine can be moved automatically from a point A to a point B, back again, and, with the turnout automatically flipped, on to point C and back to A. This might be good for an automatic Doodlebug passenger service on a layout.
Symposium on Electronics
Model Railroader 1987-11 pg. 135 Scale: (none) Author: Don W. Hansen
This article describes how to build a digital throttle. It is a very large project.
Symposium on Electronics
Model Railroader 1988-02 pg. 118 Scale: (none) Author: Don W. Hansen
This installment covers an infrared led/photo transistor automatic train control circuit to allow a train to move back and forth without operator intervention.
Symposium on Electronics
Model Railroader 1989-02 pg. 150 Scale: (none) Author: John S. Atkinson
This installment covers a reverse polarity detector, which can be used to indicate reverse polarity situations in a blocked layout, or to drive scale signals.
Symposium on Electronics
Model Railroader 1990-02 pg. 116 Scale: (none) Author: John S. Atkinson
Includes 12-volt lamp driver circuit, a 12-volt traffic light interface, a night flasher, audio amplifier and noise generator, a pseudo-random-sequence generator, and an oscillator circuit.
Symposium on Electronics
Model Railroader 1990-05 pg. 102 Scale: (none) Author: John S. Atkinson
This installment covers building repeater relays for throwing many points in complex tracks like double crossovers with one switch, creating a Mars light flasher, using the random-sequence generator from the February issue of this magazine to drive circuits for a telegraph sound module, a realistic flickering fire module, diesel sound, creating random on/off lights for residential homes, and traffic light synchronization.
Symposium on Electronics
Model Railroader 1992-05 pg. 100 Scale: (none) Author: John S. Atkinson
This month's column covers "snubber diode" (to prevent electronics from being damages by the switching of a relay), and full discussion of the now-extinct LM3909 integrate circuit chip that made building LED flasher trivial. There is also a full discussion of how Transistor-Transistor Logic works (TTL). IC codes are explained as well.
The C/MRI: A Computer/Model Railroad Interface Part 8
Model Railroader 1985-10 pg. 66 Scale: (none) Author: Bruce Chubb
This installment covers the hardware of the cab control. It includes digital and analog cab-assignment panels.
The C/MRI: A Computer/Model Railroad Interface Part 9
Model Railroader 1985-11 pg. 98 Scale: (none) Author: Bruce Chubb
This installment covers computer cab control, layout wiring, and I/O connections. It includes electronic schematics for 15VDC power supply.
The C/MRI: A Computer/Model Railroad Interface Part 10
Model Railroader 1985-12 pg. 114 Scale: (none) Author: Bruce Chubb
This installment covers the computer cab control software. The BASIC program design is discussed and the source code to listed in the article.
The CTC-16e: The Next Generation of Command Control Part 1
Model Railroader 1984-04 pg. 85 Scale: (none) Author: Keith Gutierrez
This installment starts the series that discusses how to build a 16-channel command control system. It talks about what command control is, how it works from a high-level point of view, what "CTC-16e" means, discusses the throttles, command power station, and auxiliary power stations. The article continues by discussing misconceptions about command control, the locomotive-installed receivers, sound, and building your own system. The article concludes with how to select a multi-meter and how to solder PC boards.
The Electronics Workshop
N-Scale 2006-05/06 pg. 23 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
When building a large number of identical electronic components, taking the time to build a tester is worth it. The author needed 44 capacitor-discharge controllers for his yard's turnouts, so he built this tester. Includes diagrams and parts list.
The Electronics Workshop Part 11
N-Scale 2005-11/12 pg. 25 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
This installment covers how to do troubleshooting.
The SDX-1, a Diesel Sound System You Can Build Part 2
Model Railroader 1991-03 pg. 126 Scale: (none) Author: Keith Gutierrez
This installment covers installing the components on the circuit board, a side bar on how to solder components correctly, and how to test the box.
The Trials of Installing a Signaling System
N Scale Railroading 2006-09/10 pg. 48 Scale: N Author: Phil Klein
Lessons learned "upgrading" Keith Schaber's UP Blue Mountains Railroad layout to using various signals and having them driven by computerized dispatcher's panel.
Three-Aspect Signal Driver
N-Scale 2005-11/12 pg. 63 Scale: (none) Author: Michael Yakubovsky
This article shows the design diagram and printed circuit board for making Automatic Block Signaling and Absolute-Permissive Block Signaling. Includes parts list and installation diagrams. Shows wiring for three- and two-aspect color light signal wiring, PRR and B&O position light signal wiring.
Track Tester
N-Scale 2005-07/08 pg. 22 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
A simple device that verifies track power, polarity, and whether or not there's a short. One light will light up indicating that the rail directly under it is the positive rail. Disconnecting power to the track, and flipping a switch on the device will allow it to test against a short. Another light will light up in the case of a short. Parts list and diagrams are included.
Turnout Testers
N-Scale 2005-10/11 pg. 22 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Kendall
The author describes how he built several testers for testing solenoid-operated turnouts. One is a switch machine tester, and the other is a turnout continuity tester. Schematics and parts lists are included.
Using Your Computer to Select Layout Grades
Model Railroader 1994-12 pg. 134 Scale: (none) Author: Bob Fink
This month's installment has a QBASIC programming listing for calculating how grades affect train performance. The article concludes with a review of new software programs useful to the model railroader.
Versatile Throttle-to-cab Connection Panel
Railroad Model Craftsman 1977-07 pg. 61 Scale: (none) Author: Don Ransom
Building a patch board for connecting throttles to cabs.
White LED Headlights - a Brighter Idea
Model Railroader 2000-04 pg. 82 Scale: (none) Author: Richard E. Napper
White LED's, driver circuit, and installation guide.
Wireless Cab Control for the Great Southern
Model Railroader 1990-01 pg. 92 Scale: (none) Author: Lorell Joiner, Rudy Tietze, Paul Zucchino
This is a thorough discussion of using TV remote control infrared technology to control movement of locomotives.
Wiring Tips
N-Scale 2000-05/06 pg. 35 Scale: (none) Author: Pete Kruimer
Covers block wiring, how to go about wiring a layout, sidings, wiring turnouts, wiring for DCC, and wiring accessories.
Working Ditch Lights for Modern Diesels
Model Railroader 1992-05 pg. 108 Scale: HO Author: Patrick Lawson
Using fiber optics to install ditch lights in an SD40-2 model.
You've Never Heard It So Good Part II
Railroad Model Craftsman 1991-11 pg. 94 Scale: Author: Dick Roberts
This installment continues with the discussion of the main integrated circuit chip by dividing it up into separate segments. It also briefly describes how the circuit can be used in a layout or on board an engine.
You've Never Heard it So Good Part 1
Railroad Model Craftsman 1991-10 pg. 89 Scale: Author: Dick Roberts
In this article the author describes how to build a scenic sound system. It includes a parts list, and many diagrams.