My interests are in modelling, electronics and computing... The electronics interest is the oldest and I have been applying it to the requirements of Railway Modelling. 

The following descriptions are of the electronics I have made to add to the joys of railway modelling.
I prefer to work on a specific job - that is, custom building to the requirements of a client.

RAILMODEL ELECTRONICS

is the outlet for my model railway electronic circuit designs. These designs have been taken from the original circuits and have been improved or redesigned for specific use. Others are of my own design, produced because there was nothing available to do the job. I have not manufactured anything in great quantity as the demand has been unknown, however there are some items that, with advertising could be put onto retail shelves. I prefer to be involved in CUSTOM BUILDING the devices, as this allows me to match them exactly to the customers application. Cost have not been shown as they will be set by agreement and when the exact requirements are known.

If any of these items interest you please e-mail, write or call and have a talk with me.
Here are descriptions of some of the items:-

This was designed for N scale size motors. It has worked up to '3 heading' and has now had considerable use on several layouts. The controller is a plug-able, walk-round, hand-held control with memory. The base unit contains the main electronics. Power supply can be a plug-pack transformer or a fixed unit with switch - at least 16v at 1.6amp. There is one adjustment, the minimum voltage, which can be set to suit the type of motor being used. Motor control is by filtered, frequency modulated pulses. Feedback is employed to smooth the operation at low revs. Features are:-

Speed control is by a stepped rotary knob - 41 steps for precise control.
Feedback maintains speed better - right down to very very slow.
Forward/Reverse on push button or toggle switch as desired.
Momentum rate is selectable - from none for shunting to maximum for big trains.
Braking by push-button - useful for train shows where the speed can be set to be constant and the brake used for slowing down and stopping at stations etc.
Emergency stop button - useful if you are using the momentum feature.
Short circuit protection is incorporated.

This is a fairly basic direction controller. For any length of track, it needs a diode isolated section at each end that is long enough to take the whole train. The shuttle control module is connected between the speed controller and the track, the speed is set, and the shuttle will reverse the direction each time it detects the loss of track circuit at the diodes. The restart time can be adjusted. There is no momentum effect for stopping or starting so the running speed would need to be set fairly slow for realistic start ups.

I have several circuits for the display of realistic NZR signal operation. A complete SingleLineAutomatic station/loop logic with 12 signal head drivers. Interlocking through the points with 4 block detectors for train control. For both Searchlight and three aspect types.

For use on modular layouts I have designed a signal logic that will return to green through yellow at a fixed time after a train goes past. Also the reverse train movement is detected and gives red for opposing traffic. Adjacent signals or points  can also control the red/yellow phases.
See Module Signalling System for more details.

Two colour stop & proceed intermediate type. Time delayed return to green.
Three colour intermediate, not interlocked - timed return to yellow/green
and interlocked - controlled by points and other signals
NZR Loop signal control. Home and Departure signals interlocked to the points.
Searchlight with 2 or 3 aspect lights.
Signal Head drivers for interlocked or computerized control.

For general signalling use, my Simple Signal System has been designed to suit the needs of a large layout with several operators who must run in accordance with the signals. Utilising block detection, CAB coincidence detection between adjacent blocks, turnout and local signal control this system allows safer model train operation on a large layout.

These control the operation of Radio Control Servo's to allow realistic layout movement. They are adjustable for limit of movement and speed of operation. Can be used for many things ie.
Road crossing barriers
Sawmill carriages
Points movement - good for 3 way points.
Many other moving items can be activated by servos.
Maximum movement up to 70mm. (3 inches) at controlled speeds.

Highly regarded on the internet rec.model.railroad news-group.
This has been modified for operation on New Zealand power. Has good low speed operation characteristics but is not feedback. It has a pluggable hand controller with memory and a Power pack transformer for AC input.

These are needed for interlocked automatic signal control or computer control operations.
Inductance Detectors have been developed and tested for use on digital command control layouts. DCC inductor types are also available at reasonable price from North Coast Engineering.
Twin-T, traditional circuit. Redesigned for single voltage supply and relay output.
Spot detection, Infra-red, optical, magnetic or track break detection.