Greetings all,

I’m looking to install a grade crossing on my HO Free-Mo module and am currently comparing the available optical detection systems. For the crossing itself I think I know which controller, grade crossing signal, and bell module I want to use; however, with regard to the detection hardware that will set the whole thing in motion, I’m stuck in analysis paralysis. 

Has anyone installed a backup light (rear headlight) on the tender of a BLI Mikado?  The models are accurate as USRA Mikados and they didn't have rear lights, but I want to add them anyway.

I've looked in the tenders (I have 6) and there is no obvious place to solder wires for a light.  I bought mine from 2 releases and the decoders are different.  Decoder Pro identifies one as QSI Steam and another as Paragon 2.

Can anyone help?

Jcopilot

Hello. I've got a question that arose from a presentation on speed matching done by a couple of our freemo club members for the rest of the group. My dad had asked them how the decoder regulates speed, in which he asked if it used variable DC or pulse width modulation. One of the presenters said that the decoder uses the former instead of the latter. My dad and myself included were skeptical of this answer since variable DC produces quite a lot of heat in comparison to pulse width modulation.

Hi all,

My Bradford Valley Lumber co. layout models a backwoods logging operation, with a single-track line, and only one train running at the one time.  As such, the layout is designed for one person to operate.

While I was figuring out exactly how the BVLC's operations would work, it struck me that I could use Arduino microcontrollers to simulate and semi-automate various functions related to operations.