Waddon
From Grahamsoft Labs
Modular Railway Control
Waddon (Codename) is a project to intelligently control a model railway.
[edit] About
This project seeks to automate a model railway layout. In doing this it discovers the benefits of control abstraction by building a microcontroller based control system that operates a small demonstration layout. The project concludes with a solution to automating a model railway layout.
Detail is a goal for a model railway enthusiast. Lots of money can be spent on getting a railway layout looking scaled down and realistic. Most components to create the desired effect can be bought off the shelf. The majority of layouts however lack the most realistic effect of all, the appearance that the trains are being driven by individuals. Modellers still want a certain amount of control but it is unrealistic to have total control over the whole layout. Automation has always been possible but has normally relied on custom made circuitry that is costly to make and also is not adaptable if the layout grows. With the rapid reduction of the cost of computer equipment, the associated components that make up a computer system have also reduced. Microcontrollers have all the components of a basic computer, processor, ram and flash memory. These can be programmed for a desired effect but more importantly they can now be purchased for a couple of pounds. Ten years ago the same technology would have cost hundreds of pounds but because of their low cost they are often used for control purposes. It is therefore now more possible to create a model railway controller using microcontrollers as the main control technology.
The project will discover the benefits, if any, of using a modular control architecture when controlling a model railway layout.
[edit] FAQs
Why is it codenamed Waddon?
The project is named after Waddon hill in Dorset. It was also the name of the developer's form at school.
Who is the developer?
David Graham was a student of Bournemouth University, England who studied BSc (Hons) Computing. He now works as a professional software engineer. He is a member of the British Computer Society. This project covered his major project he had to to complete in year 4. Contact him via eMail
What is the state of the project currently?
Version 1 is now complete (March ’08) however this cannot be seen as releasable version as there are still a few design limitations that would need to be ironed out.
[edit] Gallery
 Prototyping |
|
 Underside of Demo Layout |
 Block Controller |
 Signal and Train |
 The final document |
 The PC Software |
[edit] Videos on YouTube
Main Videos
- The Introduction to the Project
- Overview of a Block Controller
- Uncoupling a railway carriage
- The Conclusion to the Waddon Project
- Demo of the final project
Prototyping
- Waddon Trails 1
- Railway Signal tests using PIC18F2550
- Waddon Trails 2 with PIC18F2550
- Fitting the Capacitor Discharge Units
[edit] Final Documents
[edit] Source Code
[edit] Developers Useful Links
[edit] Research
- Search Terms
- CRS Codes
- British Railway Signals
- British Absolute Block Signalling
- The Signal Box website
