Once you get comfortable with wiring and DCC, a whole world of automation opens up but what have you actually tried?
Have you wired a station for automatic train stops?
Set up working crossing gates with sensors?
Programmed sound effects to trigger when a loco passes?
Share the coolest, craziest, or most satisfying bit of automation you’ve added to your layout whether it’s DCC controlled lights, hidden track detectors, turnout sequencing, or something totally custom!
I’ve done was adding IR sensors at a small rural station to trigger both a station announcement and a brief passenger light sequence as a train arrived. I used a simple Arduino with a DCC interface, and honestly, it felt like magic the first time it worked seamlessly. I’ve also played around with occupancy detectors for block control and turnout routes triggered by a single push button—made operations feel way smoother.
Still figuring out crossing gates though those servo timings are a pain to dial in just right!
