Controlling Trains

Since the advent of the computer into model railroad controls, choosing how to control your railroad is as much fun as all the rest of the planning. No longer limited to throttle controls and switch boxes, modern technology allows your railroads, operated on either an AC or DC current, access to full digital command centers. Computer software can work with off-the-shelf model trains to provide automatic support for the whole range of operations, and some are even able to slow or stop a train based on traffic down the tracks.

Like the rest of the model railroad projects, it is a good idea to start small and at a fairly low cost as you develop your particular taste and talents. Determine if you want a control box that can handle each cab, or just one where you can program the entire train route. A basic understanding of wiring will be invaluable in deciding which system fits best with your vision of your final system.

And don't forget the fun of designing a sound system to make the most of your sound effects, from the train whistle to the railroad crossing alarms. State of the art sound systems with embedded speakers can produce outstanding sound quality to make your display come to life.

You can chose a wireless model with duplex link controls and commands for all the lights, speeds, track switching and deceleration. Improvements on power sources include using DCC instead of the old DC system, and analog control boards offers instant response from your system. You can design controls that are so simple to use anyone visiting can run your trains! With easy command decoders complete with wire harnesses, putting together the ultimate control system is a real challenge with great rewards.