DCC by Design

For the Prince William Model Railroad Club (PWMRC), we designed the DCC system. This is a large DCC system, designed for dispatcher control, heavy mainline running, future signalling, and future partial automation. 

 

Scale: N Size: 12' x 16' Controls: Digitrax DCC

Services: Design Assembly Control Panel Ro-Ro Remote

This client had selected the Kalmbach Clinchfield layout as the basis for his new layout; also he had selected RR&Co. Train Controller software to provide assisted and automated operation of the layout. He contacted DCC by Design to develop the DCC wiring system for the layout. The DCC design included occupancy detection, Transponding, and turnout control to support implementation of both Train Controller and Surroundtraxx. Also, the layout is configured to add signaling at a later date. During the design process, we collaborated on design revisions that resulted in adding a Ro-Ro Train Elevator for additional staging.

Follow on work included development of a local control panel for the Dante Yard and Ro-Ro Remote for control of the Train Elevator.

“DCC by Design is extremely competent in both their initial project development services as well as product delivery. I have contracted with Scott on several projects and in each case the project was delivered as expected and in the time frame discussed.  His attention to detail not only includes a first class product but also complete project documentation such as Statement of Work and Materials List as well as clear procedures for installation and usage.  I look forward to working with DCC by Design in the future.”

 

This is another example of a track power design that was completed for a client. In this case, the client was designing a new layout using a computer design package. We used the clients file and added the DCC system design as an overlay on the existing file.

The overlays identify the occupancy detection blocks, power districts, rail gaps, and DCC equipment locations.

This picture shows the completed Dante Yard Panel. It has momentary push buttons for turnout control and green LEDs to show the  direction of the turnout. The panel also includes a programming track switch and indicator LEDs.

 

Scale: HO Size: 18' x 28' Controls: Digitrax DCC Services: Design Assembly Control Panel On Site Installation The layout was originally design for operation by DC blocks; however, the DC system was undersized and could not handle the larger current draw of the newer sound equipped locomotives. The initial project was to design a DCC system for the layout that would allow all trains to operate the high current draw sound locomotives without power issues at startup or after a short. The project grew to include the component acquisition wiring and panel assembly.

The project also included installation of block occupancy and turnout control in preparation for signaling and animation such as grade crossings. A central control panel for turnout and occupancy display was constructed.

Onsite installation for all components was completed with each phase of work.

Have a question or interest about how we could help you, contact us and we can discuss your layout and your needs.

This is an example of a track power design that was completed for a client with an existing DC layout. Because the client's only track plan was out of date, the track plan was redone based solely on pictures of the existing layout. Once the track plan was complete, the occupancy detection blocks, power districts, rail gaps, and feeder wire locations were identified. Also, occupancy blocks and turnout locations were numbered. A table of occupancy detection blocks identifying the power sources and  wiring is combined with this type of drawing to create our a design documentation package. More documentation and step-by-step how to guidance can be provided as needed.

This is an example of a central control panel. It is approximately 18 x 24 inches and contains about 50 switches and 150 LEDs. The panel controls the turnouts, displays the turnout setting (green indications direction of turnout, red indicates track which turnout is thrown against). Also, amber lights are used to indication occopancy.The panel is designed so that it requires only a Loco Net connection to the Digitrax command station and power connections. The completed panel was assembled and tested prior to shipping. Once the layout panel arrived it needed only to be plugged into the Loco Net and the wall power to be operational.

Zooming in on one section of the panel, you can see the toggle switches to control the  turnouts. Note that the switches are aligned perpendicular to the track, so that one throws the switch towards the desired track. Between the two switches is the amber light which is lit when the block is occuplied. Beyond the two switches are their red and green lights indicating the direction setting of the turnout.

 

 

Layout View Panel

One of the principal offerings of DCC by Design is the computer-based dispatching tailored for your layout. In this example, rather than build a traditional Dispatcher schematic view, such as the US&S Example, we provided a Layout View which generally replicates the track arrangement of the actual layout. This panel provides: Turnout Control Turnout Feedback Block Occupancy This graphic provides turnout control in a simplified layout view. All turnout use green to show their normal (or closed) direction. When switched to the reversed (or thrown) direction, the turnout color changes to red.