Fascinating Invention. Automated Analogue model railway.

[@rubybrown3905]

Notwithstanding the complexity of the electronics, the system is brilliant. In many ways it mirrors the full size railway. Perfect for people like me who likes it kept relatively simple. The model railway world is now your oyster!! Thanks

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks Ruby, I'm practically blushing! Lets see if I can get it to market.

[@johnjee1627]

exactly what im looking for cant wait , xmas is coming lol!

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks, We are now looking for people to Beta-test the production version. We have 6 systems available and would you be interested is receiving a kit to try and let us know how you get on so we can learn from real people?! You can email me via our www.modelrailwayautomation.co.uk website where you can download the manual. Phil

[@TheShredSteve]

Absolutely genius. If this comes to market, and I'm sure it will, it will make a lot of modellers very happy. Well done to yourselves and everyone involved!

[@ianallen8305]

This is a brilliant innovation. You can create scenarios and just watch, fantastic.

[@philwilliams899]

Exactly, Thanks. Gosh that's a famous name but different spelling, I still have my Comb Vol cost 11/6d!

[@FredWilbury]

Absolutely brilliant for a dc dinosaur like myself can’t wait to get this kit to my layout, your are a genius sir

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks for that! This is getting embarrassing! Good market research we will progress to market one way or another methinks.

[@007JHS]

Very interesting and innovative use of technology.

[@donniee1934]

Absolutely awesome. Can't wait for this system to be available. Ingenious.

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks, We are now looking for people to Beta-test the production version. We have 6 systems available and would you be interested is receiving a kit to try and let us know how you get on so we can learn from real people?! You can email me via our www.modelrailwayautomation.co.uk website where you can download the manual. Phil

[@MervynPartin]

That was really good. I can visualise exhibition layouts with this system, without needing a computer. Brilliant. Regarding the use of magnets, I use them on my Southern Railway layout to operate the signals and conductor rail flashes, but I have found that the magnetic field of some of the motors is also strong enough to activate the reed switches, so I have not needed the magnets on all the locos.

[@philwilliams899]

Nice thing about our checkpoints is that we can adjust the sensitivity to avoid the motor magnetic field, also if you happen to park on top of one it doesn't remain energised.

[@mynx_uk]

fantastic inovation, very well done.

[@AllensTrains]

Magnets have been in use on Model Railways for years. The drawback is that the system cannot distinguish between different locos, and of course every loco that is to be on the layout must have a magnet. An RFID system involves too much wiring, and I think Hornby has now abandoned their proposed system in favour of Bluetooth. This system you have devised is an alternative at lower cost, and I think you might have success with it. Thanks for uploading.

[@royston600]

Well done mate hope for us all doing the hobby

[@airshowvision]

Amazing work - congratulations!

[@andrewross3293]

Pure genius.

[@davidsheriff8989]

Very clever but at the same time very simple with the addition of a magnet...

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks David, yes it is simple. We are currently going through the lengthy process of turning it from a prototype in to a production version. One day it will hit the streets!

[@OOElectronics]

Very interesting. So many possibilities for this!

[@philwilliams899]

Hello, yes its one of those 'Simple ideas are often the best' examples.

[@OOElectronics]

@@philwilliams899 Indeed. The product is "simple" for the user but there is clearly some impressive engineering gone into this. I suspect there is a market for DC operators wanting a bit more but cannot (or will not) move to DCC. I am in that category.

[@ben222b]

Interesting DC analogue concept! Also nice to hear the Coronation Scot theme, and to see what the Hogwarts Castle does when it's not hauling the Hogwarts Express 😊

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks Benji, the bloke who wrote C.Scot also wrote 'Spread a little happiness' There's a YT clip of me playing that on the Concertina with my wife on the harp!

[@donlunn792]

Wow,things have really progressed since I had an 8x4 Triang layout for my Christmas present when I was Nine years old.( Now 77) Apparently they ( My Mum, Dad, Auntie,Uncle ) had been buying things for it for almost a year. It was amazing. But in my 20s I sold it. I regret that now. But! Hey that’s life.

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks Don, but clearly the interest never left you!

[@oldhick9047]

Wonderful !

[@ChaosXOtaku]

My dad has made his own automatic system for dc that allows multiple locomotives on one line but can regulate the speed for each locomotive so they don't run up the back of each other.

[@davidbarr9343]

Very clever! 👏😊

[@bazza3643]

So it’s still DC with all its limitations. You can’t control more than one locomotive on the same length of track unless the second locomotive is on an isolated section of track. My model railway layout was originally operated by a DC controller with isolated sections of track all over the layout, absolutely nothing like a prototype railway. When I changed over to DCC I found that I could independently control each locomotive instead of just controlling the track voltage.

[@philwilliams899]

Yes it's DC and it takes DC to a new level of precision automation record and playback.

[@rayshowsay1749]

If I understand the process correctly, then, with power-routing turnouts, after the reverse into the stub terminal control could have been transferred to the waiting passenger train by aligning the points for its route. Right?

[@philwilliams899]

Yes thats exactly right.

[@muir8009]

That's an awesome system, especially with the no wiring. The Tomix TNOS of course uses sensors for positioning and of course operates signals, points etc, but also allows multi train use when the system is learning, and again things like the old berliner tt used those little "shorters" for sending the dc pulse, but couldn't playback. So I'm guessing this is similar to the TNOS? But I do believe yours has that rather excellent ability for infinite recordings. The TNOS being entirely Japanese it's still not exactly clear how or what its learning. Great to see. Loved the demonstration, and the layout. Just great model railwaying. As it should be.

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks for you kind words, Ive never heard of the TNOS or the old Berliner until you mentioned it (I'm not a model railway person, amateur radio is my main hobby), we've just been working from my idea. It didn't come up in our patent search

[@muir8009]

@@philwilliams899 I think the patent search is probably fairly loose, both of the items mentioned being for either the Japanese home market or the former DDR, neither of which would be likely of intrinsic interest towards the UK intellectual property scene. Quick (loose) translation of the tnos: "Multiple vehicles run simultaneously! Automatic control of the vehicle with sensor built into the rail! TNOS (Tinos) is a simultaneous automatic driving system of multiple railway model vehicles. It is possible to operate the same as the real thing, and it is possible to operate multiple trains at the same time." The old DDR is a bit harder: the catalogue pages are all jpgs, but a quick look in the Zeuke 1972 catalogue theres the following track pieces involved: a rectifier section; a switching track (not a point/turnout); an adjustable timing switch section; and a relay section; these all being wired together in the correct East German practice for the best in boeorgeious automatic train control, the train axles 'shorting' the sensor tracks, tripping the relays that control various turnouts or timed stops. The relays also contain the facilities for reversing the current polarity as well, hence train would stop, wait for a time, reverse, and appropriate turnouts repositioned, all triggered by a track "switch" (this being a small piece of rail mounted just inwards from a running rail, the metal loco wheel and axle creating the switch, passing current from one opposing running rail to the short piece of rail, same principle as what the 3 rail automatic toy train control systems functioned on 100 years ago, just more reliably! (The timers operated by the heated wire trick start to lose their edge after 100 years; I don't really use them now, fortunately the designers did incorporate switches to operate the items manually or for automatic train control. The DDR items of course being infinitely variable by moving whatever fixtures around the layout, but didn't have a 'base' as such and wasn't programmable in any way, whereas the tnos system is. Everywhere I've looked has sold out of the tnos system so theres obviously a market for DC automation, so hoping you're in the ballpark with your timing and product

[@philwilliams899]

@@muir8009 Thanks for that, very comprehensive and quite different from what we are up to. Timing wise not ideal really as Hornby said they would have been interested but they are hugely up the wall with their bluetooth mesh. Phil Williams's search for his next business partner ................ cntinues.!

[@Beatlefan67]

What's the latest on this incredible invention Phil?

[@modelrailwayautomation-pc1bn]

Its now known as dc Co-pilot and in beta testing. We hope to have systems on ale in the autumn wand at the NEC Show kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqUZmd4mNNpjaM

[@barryfenwick609]

very nice .can you tell me what I will need to run marklin gauge1 trains in england central station 3 +60101 power box and what els do I need to get the power to the track? is there a special central station for gauge1? thanks barry

[@philwilliams899]

Hello Barry, I'm an electronics engineer and and not a model railway person, I suggest you ask the question on one of the facebook groups such as the Marklin Model Train group that has lots of members. Good luck - Phil

[@Rodeown]

Wow Amazingly simple, I do n gauge and use BLOCKsignalling modules to automate, your system is soooooo much better as you can control speed at different sections stop and reverse exactly when you want all with no isolated blocks!! Please keep us informed of any updates. Heres my wallet! :-D well done

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks, yes it's simple and very flexible and accurate. We will probably proceed to market and include N gauge. We will need some beta testers if you're interested Phil

[@Rodeown]

@@philwilliams899 Count me in! will set up a new layout especially for it. I am old school so am used to block systems but i love the versatility that could be acquired by your system.

[@Rodeown]

@@philwilliams899 Hi Phil, just a quick question, the underboard module that controls points and lights..... does it have a capacitor discharge in it for controlling the points or do the points require their own Cap Discharge unit? Thanks Phil. (yes I am called Phil also!)

[@philwilliams899]

@Rodeown yes it has capacitors on board, so you just supply 12v and connect the lights & points to it. There's a 4way dip switch to select its ID to distinguish itself from any other lights/points boards.

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks, We are now looking for people to Beta-test the production version. We have 6 systems available and would you be interested is receiving a kit to try and let us know how you get on so we can learn from real people?! You can email me via our www.modelrailwayautomation.co.uk website where you can download the manual. Phil

[@philwilliams899]

We are looking for people in UK to Beta test the pre-production sets we have here - any takers?

[@firetab6341]

I'm in Ireland but would love to give it a try I've a large analogue layout and was considering moving to digital before i saw this!

[@roberthocking9138]

Brilliant, will they be available via retailers or direct.?

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks, We are now looking for people to Beta-test the production version. We have 6 systems available and would you be interested is receiving a kit to try and let us know how you get on so we can learn from real people?! You can email me via our www.modelrailwayautomation.co.uk website where you can download the manual. Phil

[@andrewwilkes4362]

Nice little system where can we purchase this system

[@philwilliams899]

Hello Andrew, Thanks for that and yes it works very well. We've just completed it and only 2 have been built. We are looking for a company to take it on and turn it into a product. This clip is a bit of market research. Everyone loves it! Phil

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks, We are now looking for people to Beta-test the production version. We have 6 systems available and would you be interested is receiving a kit to try and let us know how you get on so we can learn from real people?! You can email me via our www.modelrailwayautomation.co.uk website where you can download the manual. Phil

[@monham5041]

Nice work. So in essence you've made the track DCC rather than the engine. 👍 Can it cope with multiple tracks/locos running at the same time? Mon from Monsville Railways

[@alanmusicman3385]

Exactly! When you think about it, could have been a good approach right from the start of digital model railways - it would certainly have been lower cost - but perhaps we would not have gained all the things that came later.

[@philwilliams899]

Thanks Mon, no its really dc techniques, ie one loco on one powered track. You can easily do a routine for 2 locos as long as you run one at a time with the other parked in a siding that gets switched off by the points.

[@philwilliams899]

@@alanmusicman3385 Thanks Alan, definitely lower cost but you cant get sound in the loco with this. I do like the sound in DCC.

[@stevenpeaketrainsandstuff3682]

I think this system is a goer. Well done mate. Steven.

[@johnjee1627]

Hi I would be more than interested to try out your system.

[@philwilliams899]

Hello John, excellent can you email me please [e-mail] to set this up.

[@Beatlefan67]

Well I never expected something better than DCC which I think is over-rated, hence me sticking with DC. This, I think will be more popular than DCC, so watch a major manufacturer make a bid for this system to 'develop' it, and then it will quietly 'lost'...

[@philwilliams899]

I let you know from St Lucia!! Who knows? Hornby are preoccupied with their Bluetooth Mesh otherwise they said they'd be interested. We are going to approach the others in the field, meanwhile thank you John for your positive words much appreciated after the years of development. The best ideas are often the simple ones. Cheers! Phil.

[@Beatlefan67]

@@philwilliams899 Yes indeed Phil. I got excited because I got hold of an old H&M hand-held slider-controller with inertia and brake. I had more fun with that on my *Grandson's layout than a mate who has DCC with so many bells and whistles it's difficult to run. Even HE doesn't like it particularly when running at an exhibition; it's too clever for its own good! *He loves it and so I won't see it again...

[@SuperJ333]

Yes, but what I didn't get was how you achieve very low speed without cogging, using this system?

[@philwilliams899]

Hello, it's the miracle of electronics! High frequency PWM with delayed armature feedback keeps the motor moving at all times albeit slowly. This way any backlash is never allowed to show up.

[@SuperJ333]

@@philwilliams899 OK thanks - sadly it's all Dutch to me, apart from "the miracle of electronics, which it obviously is! So, with so many poor runners coming out of the main manufacturers, why aren't they including whatever it is in their locos - that would be awesome - or is it all in the control box? Even so, if it is, then they could surely include it in their controllers - why not licence it to Hornby etc.?

[@philwilliams899]

@@SuperJ333 We are talking to Hornby etc

[@SuperJ333]

@@philwilliams899 Awesome - truly well done guys!

[@primaveranz]

This looks amazing, but can a recorded routine control more than one loco? And can you store more than one routine at a time, or only play back the current one?

[@philwilliams899]

It's a dc system so only one loco moves at a time but others can be driven and parked in sidings just as you do with dc the recording can then switch the points and get the next loco moving. Routines could be stored and recalled, but this is our first unit to prove the system so it plays back what you last recorded as many times as you like.

[@primaveranz]

Thanks @@philwilliams899 . I'm not knocking it at all; I think it is quite brilliant, and I hope it is a big success.

[@iant5645]

is there any update to this ?

[@modelrailwayautomation-pc1bn]

Hello Ian, Yes we are going into production and there are currently a few systems out being beta-tested. We will be at the NEC in Nov24 with a few systems for sale. We are trying to reduce the cost. Have a look at kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6LPkoCOmbxonM0 this is an N-gauge setup using it.

[@Rodeown]

After spending a month or so Beta Testing this amazing system here is a video of an N Gauge goods yard operated by the DC Co-Pilot System, it is so much better than I imagined and has exceeded all of my expectations. Well done Phil & Peter! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqUZmd4mNNpjaMsi=P_xonNcUR-acYMG9

[@mattandlisestevens]

im sure if hornby think its a good job they will soon be stealing the design

[@philwilliams899]

They'd probably have adopted it had they not been so busy with their Bluetooth mesh.