Figure one. two sizes of RFID tags installed on locomotives.
The 44 class locomotive has less clearance and so a small cylindrical shaped tag is used.
Automating Casino Part two – Train automation
In Part one of this article (AMRM issue No. 368 October 2024), I covered the principles and concepts of signal automation and how I implemented working signals on my layout ‘Casino’ (AMRM issue No. 367 August 2024).
In this instalment, I take a similar approach to explain and demonstrate train automation on Casino. Automation that does not necessarily require signal automation to work. Signals are for the human eye, and the automation could be achieved without visible signal posts, as the trains cannot see the signal post. However, it looks great when both types of automation are working, and train automation on Casino uses signal status to control trains.
Principles of Train automation
In Part one, signal automation was summarised as ‘inputs’, ‘logic’ and ‘control’, where inputs are sent to the computer where the script-based logic is executed, resulting in the control of signal posts with correct colour indication. With train automation there are also three main principles:
1. Events
2. Logic
3. Control
Events are different to inputs. Inputs in signal automation are continuous, and the signal automation logic runs continuously, and controls the signals. Events are triggered at a particular place by a known entity, such as a locomotive. The event triggers the logic to be processed by a computer program, and while the event is still active, sends commands to control locomotives and turnouts for the purposes of automation. Importantly the event runs for a finite amount of time, and when it is done, it is closed so that the event can be triggered by another locomotive.