Configuring Model Train/Railway Wiring

Model trains and railroads enthusiasts understand that model railroad wiring is one of the most important aspect and an exciting part of controlling the stop and runs of the set. All trains need to halt at each station and need to decelerate on every tight corner and junction. In every station, there is a certain amount of time where trains can simulate the loading and unloading of passengers or cargo. In order to achieve an automatic function when running an analog model train set, you need to do add some accessories and change wirings.

To achieve this, you have to know where to isolate selected sections of the track and to configure the circuit board wirings that will control the speed and pace of the train when it passes a certain section of the track. One key component needed to be able to inform the circuit board when the train to stop is known as a photo sensor.

To slow down the train, you’ll need a circuit board type AS-1. From the circuit board, one wire should be connected to the isolated rail and another wire is connected to the powered rail on the same isolated track. A train with a flywheel works great with this feature as it can slow down and start up gradually. The train will regain its maximum velocity once it reaches a track that is not isolated.

For a train to stop, slow down, and start-up again a position sensor will be required along with a DT-4, TD-1 and AS-1 circuit boards. Connect the DT-4 and TD-1 boards with a single wire. One wire from the DT-4 connects to the isolated track and one wire from the TD-1 should connect to one rail on the isolated track. A third wire should link up TD-1 to AS-1 and one wire from the AS-1 should be connected to the non-isolated track.

The train will begin to slow down as it gets to the isolated track and will stop as it reaches the station where the photo sensor is placed. Depending on how long you set the duration for the train to stop on the circuit board, it will re-activate which will start the train again. As soon as it leaves the isolated track, it will pick up speed.

To reverse model trains, an AR-1 circuit board will do the job and two position sensors. Two individual cables from the AR-1 should connect to both rails on the track and one more couple of wires connects to the photo sensor.

If you find the idea of connecting wires tedious, going digital would be the answer by getting a Digital Command Control. DCC will let you command the train’s momentum and route without getting any additional components and wirings.