Any Info on this layout

[Blobby]

Hi all

 

I've just been watching some youtube videos of a superb little layout  called the Auto Electric Railway:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COJdEJVjZgw

 

Does anybody have any further info about this layout? eg size, construction etc

 

Cheers

 

Bob

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ToniBabelony]

This layout was made by Mr. Yoneta and hasn't attended this year's JAM actively as a participator. I figure he considers this project done, as he started on other projects.

 

The layout in itself is relatively simple, a double circle with a single passing loop for use in both directions and two staging tracks. The complex part is the electrical layout underneath and the software programming (DCC). Block detection, train influence by block detection, visual effects (signals and crossing), programmed operation schemes and additional sound effects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrgZIyeg7mA

 

The size and construction are relatively unimportant, as the track layout is made with KATO UniTrack. Below it the updated track layout with his new project incorporated:

 

 

Maybe in a few weeks I have the chance to meet Mr. Yoneta at a small and informal club meeting.

[velotrain]

The track diagram is missing two turnouts at the "left" end of the station platforms that allow a train on the inner loop to enter the passing (middle) track.

 

Your mention of "a single passing loop for use in both directions" made me realize that wasn't possible as drawn, and I noticed these at the start of the video.

 

 

[ToniBabelony]

So? It's an updated layout plan, so there could have been recent changes, like the removal of the points. I never said it was the original plan. What is your intention?

 

Anyway, here is a photograph of the base layout as it once was:

 

Source: http://smalltrain.blog129.fc2.com/blog-category-9.html

[JR 500系]

Amazing picture Toni!

 

What really interest me even further is the large amount of Kato book cases pictured... If they are empty that's fine but if they are all filled with cars then that definitely turns heads!

[velotrain]

What is your intention?

 

Just pointing out that the track plan doesn't show the "passing loop for use in both directions" you mention.

 

No more, no less.

[Blobby]

Thank you for the information

[kvp]

Apparently he is collecting Bandai btrain shorties, so those boxes might have those in them. A few years ago there was a talk about this layout and i remember mentioning that the amount of traffic seen on some of the videos is doable in analog with Tomix fully power routing turnouts and connecting 3 controllers to the 3 station tracks.

 

The layout is really impressive, both from a modelling and operational standpoint. The possible movement patterns with the 3 station tracks, the dual loop and the 2 track yard is really complex. The fact that it's made for shorties and still stays realistic only makes it more interesting. It's DCC-ed, meaning the tiny trains are also running digital.

[cteno4]

It is a stunning little layout! It's amazing how the compressed btrains can help compress the scenery as well. I like how he compressed the catenary pole distances to help with the Btrain visual distortion. Usually it's best to view the btrains at an angle and not full side on, I wonder how it looks full side on in the straight away sections, most of the camera angles were at oblique angled to the track.

 

Really want to do a Btrain layout like this!

 

Cheers

 

Jeff

[velotrain]

Jeff - based on what you've said many times about B-train viewing angles, I'm thinking maybe they'd work well in a densely urban setting, where the structures form a "canyon" for them to run in, and preventing any direct "full" side views.  Tight curves might also look more credible than they would in open countryside.

[cteno4]

Yes this is why I think nick yee's little Btrain layout works so well! I was just curious how the side on views in this little layout look, especially with the tight pole spacing. Now thinking there may be some other scene compression techniques might help with the btrains on the side view. The shortened platforms here also help in the side view situations. I just find it fun how the btrains can play with our minds eye, seems to bring in an element of fun to the mind's eye view. So far I've only played with my brains on full,sized layout designs and definitely looks peculiar there and does not work well with the mind's eye.

 

Jeff