logo (11/19/82)
The standard model railroad throughout Europe uses 'automatic control'. This consists of sensing tracks in the layout and a set of relays connected to the sensing tracks and switchs, signals, power blocks, etc. The trains run through a 'fixed' pattern, or would if there were not speed and distance differences in the course each train travelled. Often in these layouts there is no manual control available. This is a fundementally different sort of endevour than model railroading in the US, where hand operation is the main thing. The Los Angeles Museum of Science and Industry has a relay controlled layout. There is also one at a German restaurant in Las Vegas called The Alpine (the beef fondue is quite good and there is a good organist on Mon and Tues). Marklin publishes several booklets in english that mention automatic control, give some indication about how to do it, and some description of the parts which they sell. There has been at least one article in BYTE magazine since it began publishing about computer controlling a model railroad. I have no idea what year or month though. David (Reisner) uucp : ...!ucbvax!sdcsvax!logo arpanet : sdcsvax!logo@nosc