Demo/Test Layout

(For testing my LocoNet Block Occupancy and DCC Signalling Accessory Decoder)

This is a small (1400mm x 800mm) N-Scale test/demo layout designed to test and demonstrate the various DIY elements needed to electronically control a LocoNet based, DCC layout including a fully operational signalling system.

To achieve all this I will be using the following:

• An internal MDF hollow-fill door
• Peco Code 80 Track with Peco Twin-Coil Snap motors
• A MERG ACC4 DCC Accessory Decoder to drive the Peco turnout motors more info...
• My new LocoNet 16-Way Block Occupancy Detector
• A new signalling DCC Accessory Decoder, based on Wolfgang Kufer's OpenDCC Accessory Decoder
• JMRI PanelPro will be used to drive the signalling logic

Below is a photo from above so you get some idea of the overall size and proportion.

Here's the view from overhead. The dimensaions are 1400mm x 810mm.

The length of the siding can accomodate about three locos.

I'm controlling the four turnouts with a MERG ACC4 Dcc Accessory Decoder kit. There are more details here

Here are some close-ups of the turnout motors. The little black box mounted under the veroboard is a 12V latching relay to switch the frog polarity when the turnout position is changed.