My fully automated dream layout...

[AlmightyArjen]

Thanks for all the nice comments. I already designed the track before I built it so it took me only half an hour to build the whole track. Laying and connecting all the cables took me about 3 hours. After that I needed to optimize the programs (which I had already written): when the train passes the IR sensor, it takes some time before the track can be powered down when the train is at the station, that kind of stuff. This optimizing took me also 2 hours I guess.

The shot from the train: it was nice indeed but the wagon+camera was topheavy and kept on falling in the curves. I had built a special low wagon for the camera as well but this had the same problem. I could have adjusted the speed of the train by reprogramming the controller but I didn't feel like to do so. Now I regret it ;)

[hoeij]

Great work. Your work convinced me to keep my remaining cross tracks (I sold some of them because I had no way to use them in my layout without getting collisions. But with automation, they'll be great).

[Hrw-Amen]

It is good to see all this automated to know that it can be done and nice for a layout. Like you I have no real space so have to keep taking mine down every time I have finished playing. I would love to be able to get my switches/Points to change automatically and signals and all that. Maybe one day I will, I am looking at some signals on and off at the moment. However is not part of the fun of a layout, (especially one you have to take down and rebuild.) being able to control the trains yourself by starting and stopping them? I can see that this would be good at a display in a hall where it can be left running though. But I do like to maintain some control myself over what the trains actually do. Still it is very good that you can do it, as I said I am jealous of your level of performance.

[AlmightyArjen]

I like to automate things so I like to hand over the controls to "someone else" For me personal: I like it more to see the trains running and stopping by themselves rather than that I have to make a train stop. When I built it, I watched like half an hour how the trains were running: I loved it!