|
|
Tom & Trinda Bishop's Garden CLICK ON ANY PICTURE In automatic mode, after being dispatched one train at a time, from each of 4 station lines this Garden Layout features twin main lines that traverse 300 feet across the garden and back as the trains approach a mountainous region where the main lines split into two spurs each. One Spur disappears through a tunnel, a second climbs the mountain via switchbacks, a third passes behind the mountains and the fourth line passes in front of a cliff like backdrop. After passing the mountains the trains enter a station on one of four lines. The first train to enter on a pair of lines is held at the station until the second train arrives. With the arrival of a second train the first train departs the station when the main line ahead is clear. After the first train has cleared the main line ahead the second train is released. The staging area and the crossovers are not part of the automatic mode. This Garden Layout is an adjunct to an extensive indoor layout that is accessed via a 3 tier helix that descends into the lower level of the Bishop home.
I have been extremely pleased with the performance, quality and reliability of the DCC-BitSwitch system that I recently purchased to support my LGB train layout. I designed and built my indoor layout over ten years ago with the traditional DC blocking system. When I expanded to the outdoors last summer, I was fortunate enough to be referred to Fred Hughes of DCC-BitSwitch who opened my eyes to the expanded world of DCC. Fred and I had a few sessions where I sketched out my dream garden layout and described my interest in multi-train operations, both manually and automatically. After all, I wanted to visit with my friends too during our patio parties, instead of concentrating on keeping my trains from crashing. It turns out, you can't pay Fred enough to help you organize, design and build an automatic multi-train DCC system. I did lay all 750 feet of double looping track and hooked up fourteen turnouts, and Fred was a resourceful advisor from beginning to end. Fred also made some follow-up calls because of my slow adaptation to the new system. Seven of my trains have been converted to DCC by the installation of decoders. When Fred loans me some of his engines we can get ten operations going at once and still enjoy a cocktail. Fred designed, sold and helped me install the numerous DCC-BitSwitch products necessary to get my fifteen blocks, two stations and two spurs functioning properly. I enjoy pressing my system to see how many operations it can accommodate and how long I can avoid manual intervention. I store my engines and rolling stock inside, but everything electrical was ready to go after the winter thaw as soon as I straightened out a few rails. This system that Fred has developed is incredible. Believe me, you can't do without DCC-BitSwitch if you are interested in converting to a DCC automatic system in your garden. Tom Bishop |
