Computer-controlled model railroad

Abstract

Model railroads are good test beds for several scientific experiments on Electromagnetism, Electronics, Automation, Control and Computer Science. Moreover, they are eye-catching structures very well suited for science-fair events. This paper describes a 2m x 1m model railroad layout and a user-friendly program, built with LabVIEW graphical language. The program is able to control train direction and speed, and also allows the control of thirteen switch-points, lights and a mountain funicular, all included in the layout. The interface between personal computer and railroad circuits is done with a standard multi-purpose data-acquisition board for the PCI bus.